Stay (and look) cool this summer with Jeanne Beker’s vintage-inspired swimwear picks from Toronto boutiques that would even get Bettie Page’s approval
WINNER:
SHAN,
38 Avenue Rd., $345
“Shan is not only the best swimsuit designer in the country, she is one of the best in the world. Her stuff is so beautifully made and so on-trend, yet there’s a classic shape. You always feel like you’re a glamorous beach diva when you wear one!”
Black ’n’ white belle
MELMIRA,
3319 Yonge St., $173
“It’s a halter — it dips pretty low in the back, so that’s sexy — and it’s got these nice little legs, almost like a little boy short. You never go wrong with black and white.”
Flirty florals
BEACHWEAR UNLIMITED,
5867 Leslie St., $240
“This looks like something they wore on Miami Beach back in the ’50s. If you’re one of those girls who needs a lot of support, this could be a great suit for you with the extra ruching in the back.”
Sophisticated silhouette
AVEC PLAISIR,
136 Cumberland St., $229
“I really, really like this suit — it really shows that less is more. If you talk about a beautiful classic, almost a tailored bathing suit, this is what this has the appeal of.”
Animal instinct
VICTORIA’S SECRET,
Yorkdale Shopping Centre, $87
“We love our animal prints! It’s a great mix-and-match look and looks like something Bettie Page could have worn.”
Seeing spots
FRAGOLA,
Bayview Village, $105
“I really love the graphic feel of these polka dots. It’s reversible — you don’t see that very often. It’s almost like the kind of bathing suit Minnie Mouse would wear!”
Hip pick
LINEA INTIMA,
1925 Avenue Rd., $249
“It’s cute and has a really great cut for people who want support. This front would probably really hold you in.”
Whirl of a swirl
LIFE OF MANEK,
1504 Dundas St. W., $285
“This is another really interesting print — a little more fashion-forward from a new swimwear line, Bathing Belle. It’s sexy.”
At the yacht club
TOMMY HILFIGER,
Yorkdale Shopping Centre, $128
“I can see myself hanging out at the yacht club with this one. It’s cutesy, and for those who can pull it off — great! If you’re a little self-conscious about your upper thighs this could help.”
Haute Hawaiian
SANDPIPERS,
2580 Yonge St., $230
“I really love this — it’s got a great retro print. Sometimes people feel florals are too girly for them, but this black and white one is very graphically appealing.”
Refined ruching
HOLT RENFREW,
50 Bloor St. W., $152
“This is Badgley Mischka. The ruching is very forgiving, and it will really camouflage a lot. It’s a beautiful cut.”
