5 Essential Bra Styles!

For most of us, bras not only help to prevent sagging as we age, they also prevent various neck and back problems, especially if you have bigger breasts. 

We enjoy different fashions and activities, and need different styles of bras to provide a better fit which plays a key role in enhancing the look of your tops, shirts, and dresses. The right bra will make your older clothes hang better, let you appear like you've lost weight, and boost your confidence.

These essential styles will round out your wardrobe.

1. a nude ... a bra that matches your skin tone — from delicate lace, smooth fabric, or full-coverage cups, and the straps will almost disappear too. If you love lighwieght t-shirts, cups molded out of thin foam which eliminate nipple show-through, come in styles from light spacer fabric to memory foam. 

2. a black bra ... an absolute staple - this colour works under anything dark and and saves your nude bra from getting discoloured. Coverage varies from balconette to full cup, and fabric options start with lace, to half lined or fully lined. For others a black t-shirt bra is first on the list.

3. a relaxation bra ... if you’re hanging around the house, traveling, or running errands, find a comfy bra to lend just enough support on easy days. Think wire-free styles in super-soft fabrics, bralette styles, and tank-top cuts. For larger busted women, this bra style is also recommended as a sleep bra for better muscle health.

4. simply beautiful ... a pieced bra will always be the most supportive bra in your collection. Delicate lace and flat seams are perfectly placed to lift and support "the girls" creating a shape that balances you. Want to look like you just lost 10 lbs? switch from a minimizer that compresses breast tissue to a lace bra, and know that even under a sweatshirt you are looking beautiful.

5. a sport bra ... even when you don't participate in in high impact sports, your yoga class, backyard gardening or riding lesson requires extra support. Breasts are supported by the non-elastic Cooper's ligaments - sport bras stop unwanted bounce which breaks these ligaments down and causes permanent sagging. 

Whether you're an A or a K, they're non-negotiable for all bust sizes.

Why do you need more than one bra? 

You've invested in a great bra - and you want it to last! Even if you are not sweating, body heat wears down your bra fibres. Rotate your bras, so the cups and straps can relax, keeping their shape and elasticity. Wash after 2 or 3 wears: fasten clips, use a laundry bag, hand wash or use gentle cycle on cold, air dry only, and store flat (twisting your favourite t-shirt bra with one cup inside the other will break down the fabrics).

Help to Love Yourself in Swim Today!

 

We are surrounded by summer all year round—at least in the fashion sense - fashion is about understanding how best to layer, which fabrics breathe, and what you will be comfortable in whether you. Your lifestyle keeps you running, and summer is the highlight, you deserve to enjoy it!

 

It is so much fun and so rewarding to help someone discover the swimsuit that creates the “aha” moment, when you can say, “I look good in this one—I love the colour and the fit and I’m going to have a great holiday!” 

If you are planning a pool party, visiting a friend at the cottage, or dreaming of a vacation, no one looks forward to buying a swimsuit. At Sand'n'Sea we understand that a swimsuit threatens to bare many of your perceived flaws making it difficult to have a great time if you’re self-conscious and uncomfortable. But we have solutions!

No one comes in a cookie-cutter shape and fitting the shape you are today is key. Our goal is to help you love that shape and to wear it comfortably. 

It’s not magic; it’s about our selection. We offer mix-and- match fitting which allows us to customize a look for you by handpicking pieces from over 20 brands. Beyond the dizzy-ing array of hues, we have top pieces that enhance a small bust or support a generous one. There are styles to fit a short or a long torso and suits with varying degrees of tummy control or side ruching. 

We can help you find a strategically placed print to minimize or even disguise the bits that we don’t want noticed. 

Bottoms also need to fit well and range from tiny tie sides and high-cut legs to high-waisted control skirts and boy shorts—you can be as modest or as flirty as your personality calls into play. But no-one wants to loose their bottom as they come out of the water.

Once the fit is fabulous, then it’s all about your favourite colours. Whether you are a poolside fashionista, a beach vol- leyball champion or a snorkelling aficionado, we have suits from which you can choose.

Life is also about savoring the ride ... trains, planes and automobiles are all more enjoyable in clothes that still look fabulous when you arrive. We understand how fabric moves with you and our selection of lifestyle fashions and travel attire in trendy basics and colours will get you through your busy day or destination in comfort and style. 

We invite you to come and immerse your-self in summer colours, take your mind to a happy place and know that you can find all that you need for your busy lifestyle at Sand'n'Sea Boutique, in downtown Napanee, Ontario.

If you don’t have travel plans but yen for sunny days, come in
and soak up our warm atmosphere. The staff and I would love to meet you and help you to release your inner diva!

 

 

Simplify Your Christmas Shopping

'Tis the Season to show those you love just a little something extra, it doesn't have to be expensive, it just needs to be inspired ...

Under $20, protect their skin

SunBum skin protection is healthy for your skin, 

start with tanning towels, use SPF50 or SPF30 sunscreen in cream or spray, or try SPF15 tanning lotion. 

For sensitive skin there is SunBum Baby skin care, and the cooling lotion is great for wind dried skin or if you forgot to re-apply your sunscreen. 

One of our favorites is their collection of hair care products.

Under $30, just a little something extra

Something casual or something very personal

From fashion jewellery, a light pashmina wrap or swimsuit pareo, to coconut wash 

or our best selling one size bamboo leggings (in 4 colours).

To one size panties from Chantelle or thongs from HankyPanky, to sized control from Spanx.

Under $50, something special

A little something extra

Starts with a soft fall scarf or gloves, mens or ladies belt, Kuma sunglasses with bamboo arms 

or a Simbi bracelet that supports clean drinking water in Haiti.

Thinking of your traveler, a hat, flip flops or SPF30 rashguard 

(Body Glove, Beach House, Reef, Tommy Bahama) is always appreciated. 

Gift our best selling personal up a level in the  one size fits all retro thong from HankyPanky.

Still don't know what to get?

Our Gift Certificates are on everyone's Christmas List.

#WomenTalkTravel about River Cruises

This is a hot topic - with so many trips to choose from - it works for every age group. You can link this more intimate form of cruising with fine dining, historical tours, biking cross country or international shopping excursions.

River Cruising is the top of many bucket lists because it offers such a diverse experience.

Can you imagine - drifting through picturesque villages, floating by resplendent castles and awe-inspiring cathedrals? That’s what you get with European river cruises. They’re multi-generational, safe, no fuss and filled with beauty.

Aline Lamere has worked in tourism all her life and traveled the world from Thailand to Mexico, from The Caribbean to Bali, Hong Kong and Japan. As someone who’s worked for a Greek cruise line and taken many European River Cruises, Aline will shared her knowledge of travel and cruising with us on Nov 21. 

All the benefits of a large ocean cruise, in a more private intimate setting ...

1. Unpack just once

Forget about lugging bags from one lobby to the next – river cruises allow you to really get comfortable. Unpack just once and keep your home comforts close by in your private cabin

2. A new destination every day

Rivers were the first highways, river crossings the beginning of cities. Greet each new day in a new city, stopping at each port for several hours at a time. Tick off a few bucket-list destinations at once, like France, Spain and Portugal, or maybe about Moscow and St.Petersburg, visit Vietnam, China and Cambodia without worrying about language challenges.

3. On-shore activities for active or passive people

Depending on your cruise itinerary, you will have the opportunity to explore several ports either independently or on a pre-arranged guided tour. Often partnering with local guides to customize intimate adventures ashore, from tours of ancient castles to bustling markets and other cultural hubs.

4. Indulgent wining, dining & VIP service

On board you can expect fine dining matched with premium beer and wine. Some meals are matched to the countryside, so you can glide through Bordeaux with a full-bodied red or bask in Bavarian fare in southern Germany. Add the indulgence of Concierge services to take care of an extra blanket or to plan activities for your next docking. Modern ships are also full of amenities, such as fitness centres, spas, bars and pools.

5. Inclusive extras

Be sure to ask what is included, and which costs are extra when booking. There are added extras already worked into the cost, making it much more budget-friendly than you might imagine. Your meals and beverages on board are almost always complimentary, with more all-inclusive cruises taking care of airport transfers, gratuities and even on-shore tours. Others will let you opt in to only the excursions that interest you the most, and schedule free days in between.

 What's on your bucket list?

Unplug For A Mini-Vacation

How long can you go without checking your phone? We're addicted to keeping up with news bites from friends, family and the world, and work is always just a click away. When is the last time you took a technology break?

5 Plans to Inspire Your Escape

1. Love to Cook? - pick a country - try a new dish or two, play traditional music (if it's a hot country, crank the heat and dress the part). Spend the day immersed in the taste and sounds of the country that inspires you. If your dishes test well, invite friends to enjoy them with you, with one simple rule - check your phone at the door. If your dishes flop, invite friends to laugh with, and challenge them for next weekend. Talk, make memories.
2. Road Trip - I love a roadtrip. The destination is secondary, and you have options in your mode of travel. Have you ever rented a bike? taken a train? Leave technology behind and focus on the view, talk to people when you stop, and discover something new.
3. Go Outside - whether you are an urbanite or naturalist - go out and explore your neighborhood. Listen to the sounds of daily life, watch the people or the squirrels, act like a tourist. Other people find reasons to visit your community, walk in their footsteps.
4. Create a Spa Day - it's easy when you can afford to splurge, just leave your phone in the car. On a budget, grab your girlfriends and make your own treatments, add a yoga lesson and spend a day testing treatments. Add a spa inspired menu, laugh, cry and plan to do it again.
5. Read a Book - whether you love fiction, or want to learn a new language, use a book to escape, inspire or reflect on where you want to go next. Do it, uninterrupted!

Need more inspiration?  look up


I was inspired last year by a radio story to actually think about our need to disconnect in order to rejuvenate. Weekends used to be a time to relax, hang out with friends, try new experiences and get away from work. This weekend challenge yourself to unplug, and if you can only take it for one day, that is progress! Make a plan.

Protect your Kisser - and the rest!

WE are sooo excited that this brand has finally made it into Canada :)  We first tested it on our Cuban vacation 2 years ago, and loved the results! UVA/UVB protection that's water resistant for 80 minutes plus ...

• paraben free - that chemical we are all trying to avoid
• PABA/oil free - doesn't clog pores, even if you have oily skin like me
• retinyl palmitate free - which some studies linked to skin tumors
• vegan & gluten free
• tested, approved and recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation
• sprays contain No CFCs - we need that ozone layer!
• not tested on monkeys (or any other animals)

Providing a range of products to keep you safe at work or play, the SunBum team "created a new high quality lifestyle brand of sun care products specifically formulated for people who live and love in the sun ... captures the essence of the outdoor lifestyle while protecting ourselves, and the ones we love, from the harmful dangers of the sun."

Soft scents won't offend your finickiest friends, so protect yourself after your morning shower, skipping only those nasty rain days.

Prepare your skin with lotion or spray befor you go out daily, and if you forgot,  soothe and moisturize with this aloe vera & vitamin E blend designed to restore your stupidly sunburned skin.

Our Favorite Products;

1. Face Stick (SPF30) for no mess application that you can apply to the squirmiest child

2. delicious flavors of the SPF30 lip balm. (have to admit, I'm not normally a fan of chap sticks, but I have this one in 3 flavors so it's never out of reach - one each for my desk, purse & makeup drawer)

Thanks to the SunBum team that worked diligently to ensure their sun protective products met all Canadian standards. We are looking forward to the additions in your line :)

SunSense Tips  from the Canadian Cancer Society;

1. cover up with loose clothing and a wide brimmed hat
2. wear sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection
3. use sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF15 or higher, water resistant when required & apply generously at least 20 minutes befor going outside

Love the outdoors safely!

The Unplanned Escape.

Travel is on everyone's mind this year. With busy lives and hectic schedules, so many of us are seeking a moment to escape, unwind and regenerate befor the next ???. Although a grand adventure might be a lifelong dream, the travel state of mind can be gleaned on a small scale as well.

Foundations for your Holiday Wardrobe

from our Fall 2013 article in Artisan's Bay Magazine Fall 2013 pg.8 - the importance of good underpinnings (you know those bra and panty sets you love/hate)  ...

You will always feel more festive in clothing that is comfortable and helps you feel beautiful!

Being at ease in your holiday fashions starts with the first layer you put on. You cannot enjoy a fabulous event if you are constantly tugging at ill-fitting underpinnings, trying to relieve that waistband that digs into your skin or the old bra that pulls on your shoulders.

a Bit about Greens

I am still surprised when someone hasn't heard of adding "greens" to their diet.

Many articles (by doctors and health experts) talk about the health benefits of adding green super foods to your diet, those extra minerals and vitamins have such a positive impact to your overall health. Studies have proven this. Variety in greens is key. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is best, but when you are not eating enough of them, "greens" are a great boost.

Summer Skin Event

Summer Skin Event Thurs. July 11, 2013

Water is such a vital part of your summer health. It refreshes, hydrates and cleanses us - so why not go for the best water you can!

Join us Thursday for a fun look at water, sample the Flavour Essences to find your favorite. You might discover something you've been missing.