Revival of the Retro Bikini

The bikini as we know it first appeared on the beaches of France in 1947. The word "bikini" creates a different image in everyone's mind, the majority probably being of 3 small triangles strung together to cover the essentials. Far from the visual of the beaches of France 65 years ago. The bikini was made popular in the 20th century by pin-up girls such as Esther Williams, Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth and Lana Turner, carrying on through the 60's with Marilyn Monroe and Brigitte Bardot.

There are so many different styles of swimsuits, one piece, two piece, tankini, trikini, halternecks, bandeau, surf shorts... By the 2000's, bikinis had become a multi-million pound business annually. 2013 sees the return of the vintage bikini, they are featured on catwalks all over the world and iconic high-street fashion store Topshop have named the high-waisted bikini "this year's must-have item". Numerous celebrities including Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon and Kim Kardashian have also been seen rocking the vintage vibe.

The girls who originally wore this style of bikini were not a size 0, nor a size 6. That was, however, irrelevant because they were stylish, glamorous and their clothing flattered their figures. High-waisted bikinis look great on any body shape and are very feminine, suggesting anyone can be confident in a two-piece this summer. Team with a head scarf and a slick of black eyeliner (make sure it's waterproof ladies if you're actually going to go in the pool!) to emulate that classic Hollywood starlet look.

Advances in fabric technology means that we have so much more choice when it comes to bold colours and prints from the high-street to high-end fashion. This year Kelly Brook has done her second collection for New Look, predominantly featuring styling from the 50's. Every fashion retailer from River Island and Urban Outfitters to the designers such as Ted Baker and Alexander Wang seem to have at least one maxi-bottom in their summer collection. Old-style bathing suits still look fresh and modern and designers are consistently coming up with new creations.

Whatever you choose this summer, I'm sure most of us will have our own version of a retro bikini packed in our holiday suitcase. I've got more than one in my wardrobe already!

Published in Vista Magazine June/July 2013

When Are Shorts Too Short?

If you've got it, flaunt it, right? Well maybe not always...

Summer is fast approaching, we're currently at a daily average of 30°C here in Spain and as the spring wear is being flung to the back of the wardrobe, summer attire is a necessity. As ever, every girl's staple summer piece is a pair of denim shorts. High-waisted, patterned, vintage and distressed are just a few of the styles out there. This year, however, "short shorts" are the ones I'm seeing the most of.

"Short shorts" are basically hot pants made acceptable as day-wear because somebody cleverly named them "shorts". These kind of shorts don't stand out as being quite so short during the winter (or all year round in the UK) because they are worn with tights, usually thick and black. However, during the summer or when on holiday, legs, and the rest, are on full display with no tights to shield modesty.

Every other teenager owns a pair of shorts shorter, I'm sure, than their parents would like. Yes, celebrities wear them and yes, all major retailers are selling them but does that make them okay for the everyday high street customer? Where do we draw the line between fashion and indecency? Clothes shouldn't matter and how much respect you're given shouldn't depend on how much, or how little, flesh is on show... but it does. It is difficult to take someone seriously when parts of their body are in full view to anyone and everyone.

Let's be honest, how many people actually look like Rihanna or Miley Cyrus? Better to look gorgeous in some pretty longer shorts rather than mediocre or too short butt huggers? Save the hot pant shorts for clubbing/on the beach and try wearing actual clothes during the daytime.

8 Telling Signs your shorts are too short...
1. There is a visible crease where your legs stop and your bum begins.
2. You can feel a cool breeze on your buttocks.
3. Your shorts appear non-existent if worn with anything longer than a crop top.
4. People frequently say to you, "gosh, your shorts are quite short".
5. Your knickers show underneath your shorts hem.
6. You constantly find yourself pulling your shorts down from the bottom.
7. When you sit down, it looks as if you forgot the bottom half of your outfit.
8. Your Dad refuses to leave the house with you unless you put on something a little more "respectable".

Published in Vista Magazine May/June 2013