Time to suit up: Swimsuits for the post-baby body
There comes a time in every mom’s life when she has to wear a swimsuit post-baby...whether it be one month or one year. No matter who you are, your post-baby body is different. Your way of thinking is different. Your capacity to function on intermittent sleep is different. Who are we kidding... EVERYTHING is different!
Words + Styling: Danielle Smith @freshfettle
Pics: Carissa Hawkins Photography@carissahawkinsphoto
Model Momma: Hannah Curtis@awwdacity
We’ve crossed the threshold into motherhood and there’s no going back. With so many changes at hand, do we have to sacrifice our style just because we’re moms? Nope! You can still look great and knock ‘em dead at the beach or pool toting your bundle of joy or keeping up with a swift-footed toddler. Sheesh! (Wiping sweat from brow). Embrace this new you in order to truly be present in the moment. Chic can come easy when we keep the silhouette simple and the accessories in touch with the flirty girl that’s inside all of us. In other words: #LoveWhereYouAre
1. READY, SET, RETRO Okay, let's just address this right off the bat: Banish those inhibitions! You can rock a bikini. Yes, you! Momma Hannah wasn't sure what to expect when she arrived at the photo shoot this month, but she did just that: Banished the inhibitions, tossed on a bikini in a bright shade, and channeled her inner Bridget Bardot. Here are tips for rocking your own 'kini: First, try on suits that provide the support and coverage you need. Next, have fun and try a classic style that nods to the past. Finally, finish your look with modern details that brings the lookup to date. #Timeless
Pictured: Swimsuit: Bleu By Rod Beattie c/o Macy’s @BlueRodBeattie @Macys. Sunglasses + Earrings: Boomerang Boutique @BoomerangBtq. Hat: Calvin Klein c/o Macy’s @CalvinKlein @Macys
2. PATTERN ON PATTERN Are you avoiding patterns? Don't. Here's the hot tip: Understanding scale is key. I mean, we get that picking a pattern can be daunting: Florals? Stripes? Dots? Colorblock? So start by looking at prints you actually like, both large and small. Novel idea, right? That will help you scan the swimwear department. Then, pick up what catches your eye first. Once you have some lovelies in hand, try on a variety of styles in that pattern. And it probably goes without saying but keep the suits that make you feel the most comfortable and confident. #TakeRisksHere, we heart that Hannah so confidently rocks her gorgeous body art as an accessory to this pop of pattern.
Pictured: Swimsuit: Calvin Klein c/o Macy’s @Calvin Klein @Macys Necklace: Boomerang Boutique @BoomerangBtq
3. THE LITTLE THINGS Functional doesn't have to mean foreclosure on fun: Go ahead and add in some extra details to make your swim look special! For example: Choose a suit with a simple design in the front but interest in the back. Sweep hair off your face and add a colorful bandana or headband. Or add a sweet braid if the heat is too much. Don't be afraid to accessorize it up. Sunglasses. A summer-y scarf. Your go-to necklace. And of course, a smile that glows like Hannah's always helps. #FunAndFunction
Pictured: Swimsuit: Miraclesuit c/o Macy’s@MiraclesuitSwim@Macys Earrings: Boomerang Boutique@BoomerangBtq Bandana: I.N.C.@InternationalConcepts @Macys Bracelets: Michelle Maroccco @MMMarocco
4. TOUCHY FEELY Want to add some texture to your life? Go right ahead! Texture is an awesome alternative if you’re not crazy about a bold pattern. Plus, it’s a bit more durable over the long run and disguises fabric wrinkles if you've gained a few during the drying process or your swimsuit has sat in the pool bag a little too long. If you have any aren't-my-favorite-to-show-off-in-a-swimsuit areas, textures can also help conceal them for a more confident you. So let that soft, tactile fabric cozy up on your skin. #GetCloser (We spy that smile again Hannah!)
Pictured: Swimsuit: Penbrooke c/o Beach Baby Surf & Swim Shop @BeachBabySwimShop
5. TOUGHER THAN LEATHER You’re one hot momma! And black suits don't have to be anywhere in the stratosphere of boring. Look for options like this one-piece style which make it above-basic: The faux leather trim gives it a hint of sexy. And a killer attitude definitely kicks the look up a notch. Throw on a pair of dope sunglasses and you’re good to go at the pool or beach. #MomsRock
Pictured: Swimsuit: Magicsuit c/o Beach Baby Surf & Swim Shop @MagicsuitSwim @Macys Sunglasses: Boomerang Boutique @BoomerangBtq
You've got the tips, you've got the look, so tell us: Which of these suits pictured was your favorite and why? Hey Hannah, give us a fierce look as we head out to the pool, k?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Danielle Smith is a momma of 2, wife, and incredibly talented stylist. You'll find her masking as Fresh Fettle Fashion Events and Creative Consulting and we've loved working with her since Day 1 when she dragged and encouraged some of our mamas on-camera with Sherman Burdette, Fox59, and Macy's Greenwood Mall. Danielle will be gracing thecitymoms.org on a regular basis with styling tips, suggestions, and articles.
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Man alive we loved working with Carissa Hawkins, a local Indy mom who wasn't afraid to pump Beyonce during our swimsuit shoot and had her 2 kiddos scooting around as helpers. She opened her gorgeous home to us for this month's project and has a great eye behind the lens. Find her work on her website and stay tuned for last-minute openings via her Facebook page. Oh, and please tell her we said hi!
ABOUT THE MODEL:
ABOUT THE MODEL: Where to start? You know when you meet someone and immediately you're just like YES! That was us with Hannah Curtis. Her confidence and spirit make us think she'd kill it at a full-time modeling gig, and her personal story was even more fun: A musical theater major, married to a minister, originally from Georgia, and mama to 2 (Shepherd and Thaddeus.) We're mom-crushin' on Hannah for sure. Track her down on Instagram.
