I love dressing up for the beach and styling swimsuits with that special combination of retro, boho, and elegance. They are hard to come across, but that just makes them all the more unique. Throughout this article, I’ll share my 10 favorite retro swimwear brands. I hope these nostalgic prints and playful shapes inspire you to hit the beach in style soon!
Before we begin, there’s something that I’d like to clarify, and confess in a way: I believe that all female bodies are beach-ready. The problem is that we’ve fallen prey to the idea that physical perfection is not only possible but desirable. False. Truth be told, every single woman I have ever met has had insecurities around the body parts you’d least expect! Some think their legs are too short, others think they’re too long; some feel like their belly isn’t flat enough, others complain because their chest is too flat. At the end of the day, your “bikini body” has more to do with confidence and comfort than it does with weight or muscles. Bottom line: nobody looks good in a swimsuit that isn’t the right fit for their body!
So, as you go through this list, please keep in mind that it’s the girl’s attitude what makes the swimwear and not the other way around 🙂
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1. Mara Hoffman
No one does prints like Mara Hoffman! This particular one-piece reminds me of retro technicolor movies.
Price: $225
2. Agua Bendita
If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you know that I’m a full-on #BenditaGirl. Everything about their fabrics and styling is a boho chic dream. Bendito Suiza, for example, combines charming blue stripes with a scalloped white eyelet fabric.
Price: $214
3. Seea
Seea’s unique touch is the brilliant combination of simple patterns like stripes and free-flowing objects from nature. Find their stunning bikinis at Anthropologie.
Price: $70 (bottom) and $80 (top)
4. Beach Riot
While this label sells many 2-piece swimsuits, I think their showstoppers are deep plunge one-pieces featuring retro patterns like this one.
Price: $175
5. She Made Me
Artisan handmade crochet. Need I say more? Again, if you follow my adventures on Instagram my love for crochet swimwear isn’t new to you. This Wrap Triangle Black Bikini is the perfect combination of retro and sexy, without looking vulgar.
Price: $121
6. Betsey Johnson
American designer Betsey Johnson needs no introduction. Her fresh perspective on color and prints comes together in lively, never boring pieces. I also find that her fabrics are comfortable and she thinks about different body sizes in creating swimsuits like this one-piece.
Price: $100
7. Maaji
Maaji creates bikinis for #RealMermaids. They recently got acquired by the fashion house that owns Louis Vuitton, meaning you can expect to see even more of their unique brand of bohemian elegance. This particular 2-piece features vintage-inspired lace details and a woven bandeau top.
Price: $69 (bottom) and $68 (top)
8. Reina Olga
Reina Olga’s Showpony Swimsuit evokes South Beach’s Art Deco era with a pastel colorblock and body-hugging shape.
Price: $195
9. Solid and Striped
The name says it all. This label has mastered the combination of solid colors and stripes in combinations I didn’t even know possible. The Anne-Marie is a great example of vibrant stripes.
Price: $168
10. Tommy Hilfiger
If there’s a brand that has truly embraced its roots and heritage this year, it’s Tommy Hilfiger. They’ve taken contemporary trends and combined them with Tommy’s classic aesthetic. This one-piece is a great example of that mix.
Price: $106
Know any other brands that are designing amazing retro swimsuits? Let me know in the comments below!
The perfect pair of shades can frame your face and bring out the very best of your unique features. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, retro sunglasses are a great addition to any closet or travel suitcase. While there are many retro styles to choose from, these are the 8 most popular frame shapes from the past that new brands are bringing back.
Popular Types of Retro Sunglasses
Butterfly: These resemble the shape of butterfly wings, with oversized frames with a gentle upsweep in the outer edges.
Aviator: Originally created by Ray-Ban in the 1930s, Aviators evoke pilots’ goggles and a sporty feel.
Cat-eye: Similar to Butterfly frames, but the upsweep is much more dramatic and sharp — as in a cat’s eyes.
Round: Circular lenses usually paired with thin, metallic rims and temples. John Lennon immortalized the small round sunglass look, reminiscent of reading spectacles.
Wayfarer:Â Wayfarers feature trapezoidal lenses with thick plastic frames, and were initially conceived by Ray Ban’s parent company as a mid-century classic in 1952.
Pantos: Pantos sunglasses look like round models with a slight elongation and tilt at the bottom of the eye. The top is flatter than in round lenses, and both bridges and temples are placed higher than usual.
Browline: The bold upper part of the frames frame the lenses in the same way that eyebrows frame the eyes — hence the name “browline”. They first emerged in the 50s and 60s. Clubmaster, by Ray-Ban, became one of the most popular browline models in the 1980s.
Pilot: Similar to Aviators. Pilot sunglasses, however, tend to be oversized and have a thicker bridge. The top bar and bridge are usually united to form a single piece, which makes these sunglasses look like goggles.
To help you visualize these shapes, I paired them with chic examples from 10 affordable brands that are doing an amazing job at reviving these timeless frames. None of the sunglasses listed below are above and the cheapest pair starts at $9.99.
I hope these 8 retro sunglasses and the brands behind them have gotten you excited about trying something new. I know just putting this roundup together turned out to be more expensive than I expected — sorry, credit card! What are your favorite retro sunglass brands these days? Let me know in the comments section below.
I LOVE hand painted signs, and I feel that with so many fonts, graphic tools and apps out there people have forgotten this gorgeous form of art. The romanticism of a hand-written note, the nostalgic air around chalk signs inside stores, invitations with your name in script (as in “someone took the time” script)… I miss it all! So, considering I have no clue about calligraphy (would love to learn!), I decided to go at it with a bit of DIY and instinct. At the end, I think it looks a bit naive, but because the quote I used is naive too, I actually think it works! Though this is obviously a Beatles’ quote, I was actually inspired by the way Dakota Fanning says it in I am Sam. Best use of “All You Need is Love” ever!
Anyway, I hope you like it and feel inspired to do it on your own. I also created 2 desktop background freebies that you can download at the bottom of this post.
Finding online vintage clothing stores with great taste can be a hassle. To begin with, you’ll find many different types of shops that range from those who sell new items that look vintage to those who offer genuine, pre-owned actually vintage pieces that have been repaired, refurbished, or modernized. Both types of stores will help you add a retro touch to your wardrobe, but you need to be careful in that too much of a vintage look can quickly cross the line to costume. There’s a delicate and fun balance in mixing modern garments with vintage accessories or a retro pair of jeans with an edgy new shirt. Mix and match!
I’ll share a list of my go-to online vintage clothing stores in three categories: those that sell new garments with a vintage style, those that sell affordable pre-owned vintage pieces, and those that handle the more luxe end of the spectrum: valuable designer pieces whose value has increased over the years.
I’m actually part of the crazy group of brides that got #MarriedinModcloth. This online store carries everything from retro chic sundresses to cute peep toe shoes. What they’re best at, in my opinion, is formalwear. If you like lace, embroidery, and embellishments, this is the site for you. While we’re at it, here’s a shot of that time I eloped at San Francisco City Hall. The dress, called Gilded Grace, is still available at Modcloth and is one of their most popular garments by far.
Anthropologie is the type of store where you go in thinking you’ll buy one, maybe two, things and end up praying the credit card will pass for your absolutely-necessary 560 items. Like Modcloth, Anthropologie conveys a cute chic vibe: the type of retro outfit that gets you compliments from every woman around. They are not shops where you’ll find more rebellious looks with a grunge feel, for example. Anthropologie makes retro chic feel effortless. Take this easygoing floral top:
They also carry Mara Hoffman, one of my absolute favorite swimwear designers. She does other things, but it’s in swimwear where her magic textile design skills really shine.
Free People is for the boho chic vintage lovers that need something a little more laid back. Light cottons and raw details is what they’re most known for, but they cover a wide range of styles these days. In my opinion, no one competes with their loose beachwear that still makes you look like you own the place. It’s gypsy meets fancy resort in ways that I can’t explain. See for yourself and you’ll understand.
I’ll admit that I only learned about Madewell very recently. I had heard about the brand, mostly from people living in the US West Coast, but had never felt intrigued to learn more about it. A few months ago I started looking for a pair of jeans that would really last. I guess I was just exhausted to see my favorite pair look unusable just when the fit and wear had reached that awesome point. You know what I’m talking about: the point where it’s basically an extension of your body. And that’s how I found Madewell, and their incredibly well-produced garments, and fell in love.
Another brand I learned about not so long ago. (In hindsight, how on Earth had I not bumped into them before?!). Planet Blue is similar to Free People in that it caters to us gypsies who prefer something loose and only subtly revealing in the right places. Comfort and style go hand in hand with a retro bohemian piece like the Rorey Romper.
6. Nasty Gal
While no longer owned by the original Nasty Gal, Sofia Amoruso, we have every reason to believe that the brand will preserve its loud, confident 1990s voice. Nasty Gal is not for the faint of heart: there are transparencies, bold necklines, and utter defiance to be found in every single outfit. It’s what you wear when you’re feeling daring and feminine, excited and powered up. If you’re anything like me, and like the delicate/bold mix, this is the kind of Nasty Gal dress you might fall for.
Where to find affordable pre-owned vintage clothing
7. Etsy
Etsy is a fantastic place to find repaired vintage clothing at an accessible price. Because it is home to many global sellers, you will find fashion geniuses transforming vintage denim in places as remote as Russia. I say transforming because these artisans really do breathe new life into these pieces. Sometimes they end up looking better than the original! Here’s a pair of high-waist Levis from a shop I love and have ordered from before.
Again, another incredible marketplace where you’ll find global sellers hunting and refurbishing vintage garments. Asos classifies the vintage pieces by brand, so it is really easy to find what you’re looking for. Unlike regular, new Asos items, products in the marketplace are sold and fulfilled directly by sellers. Stella Blasi’s Collection, for example, is all about handmade reconstructed jackets like this one.
Look no further than Rue La La for dreamy designer garments from decades ago that have now become 10 times more valuable. Here’s the catch: vintage clothing is sold in exclusive, time-limited events. That means you need to sign up as a member and stay on top of their emails to catch the right piece just in time.
Because Vestiaire allows direct peer-to-peer selling of pre-owned items, it is the perfect marketplace to get that special designer piece you fell in love with from an old collection. Vestiaire Collective is in the luxury resale business, so you’ll find brands as exclusive as Dior, Fendi, and Gucci. This site is particularly great to grab luxury vintage accessories like purses and jewelry — items that are timeless and age well.
Know and love any other vintage clothing stores?
I’d love to take a look. Leave a note in the comments below.
Food in Tulum combines the best of Mexican flavors and international cuisine. I found amazing fusions between traditional spices and wood-fired pizzas, black beans and everyday breakfast items, spicy salsa and a Mediterranean octopus. I created this list to help you figure out which are the best restaurants in Tulum, where to eat at a fair price, and whether you should make any preparations beforehand. You will find that Latin American culture tends to forego the formalities involved in table reservations, but highly popular restaurants must still do so given their traffic.
On to the list:
Posada Margherita
Incredibly photogenic and full of personality, Posada Margherita is an oddity in the middle of so many tacos and tortillas. It is primarily an Italian restaurant, but there’s something about its flair that feels extremely local to Tulum. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love its casual vintage feel, the tiny candle workshops upon entering, the wild vegetation carefully grown along the sides.
Posada Margherita in Tulum
The entrance
La Eufemia
I’ll admit that I found La Eufemia 100% by accident. I’ll also admit that this is exactly how I’ve found some of the best restaurants I’ve been to in my life. La Eufemia is where you’ll have cheap flavorful tacos to the sound of upbeat beach music, surrounded by a lively crowd. There’s a hut where you can sit at a table or you can go the beach route and sit directly in front of the ocean. Either way, this casual spot deserves a visit — at least once. One quick fun fact before you go: La Eufemia is actually the name of the place’s beloved dog, and she’s just telling me everything about it in the photo below. We’re BFFs now.
Eufemia the dog
Juanita Diavola
You’ll find this incredible brick oven place right next to Posada Margherita, as a part of hotel Coco Tulum. Since I stayed at the hotel, I thought it couldn’t hurt to try what had already been ranked as one of the best pizzas in Tulum. It didn’t disappoint! Crunchy crust, fresh ingredients (including local seafood!), and live music on the weekends? You had me at crunchy, but everything else is also stellar.
Pizza and live music at Juanita Diavola
Mur Mur
Go straight to the bar. What a mysterious and totally charming ambiance! They’ve elevated that genuine patio feel with fancy drinks and carefully curated music. Mur Mur is where I found a bartender that finally explained to me what it was about Tulum that made it magical. Flavors are there, and you can’t leave without trying the octopus or a drink of premium Mezcal — grasshoppers (chapulines) included! Fun fact: ChapulĂn, the word Mexicans use for certain insects in the cricket family, is where the world-famous “ChapulĂn Colorado” got its superhero name. ChapulĂn Colorado is a fictional character created by Roberto GĂłmez Bolaños (Chespirito), undoubtedly the most famous Mexican comedian of all time.
Octopus at Mur Mur in Tulum
Ziggy’s
Breakfast is served. This is where you start the day with more than just a sunny side up. Even a “simple” meal of fried eggs is turned into a fascinating fusion by adding a mix of tomatoes, tortilla, and spices. Ziggy Beach, which is mainly a hotel, also offers lunch, dinner, and drinks open to non-guests. Check out their menu and get a taste for the type of surprises you’re in for.
Breakfast at Ziggy’s
Gitano
Ambiance is everything in this bespoke tropical gem. Succulents, candles, and palm trees surrounding you, there’s very little a place can do to disappoint you. Gitano offers an amazing selection of Mezcals, cocktails, and small bites. You can´t go wrong with the fire-roasted tomato flatbread and the Shrimp al Pil-Pil tacos. For a detailed explanation of Mexican taco types, check out this guide.
A night at Gitano in Tulum
Others
Coco Beach Bar: A hip resto-bar inside the Coco Tulum hotel. Great seafood and cocktails for a quick afternoon meal watching the sunset. Swings are a plus.
What is it about beachside food that makes it taste SO much better?
Hartwood: Call before you go. I cannot overstate this. There is virtually no chance of getting in unless you make a reservation with enough time. Considered by many as one of the best restaurants in Tulum, Hartwood features Mayan flavors cooked in a wood-burning oven and grill.
