Recent Posts

Showing posts with label post-mastectomy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label post-mastectomy. Show all posts

Friday, February 10, 2023

5 Essential Bra Styles!

Essential Bras for everyday

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).

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Best Swimwear for Pools.

When shopping for your perfect swimsuit, you want to ensure it lasts, so consider how you will use it. If you are an ocean or lake swimmer, you don't need to worry about this, neither does someone who sits poolside and enjoys the party.

But, if you spend most of your time in pools or spas, it is worth considering how long your swimwear will last. Chlorine is a necessary for pools and spas, as it helps to kill bacteria and stops the growth of algae in the water. Unfortunately it causes irreversible damage to fabric. Salt water pools are much better, but still not chemical free: the process forces salty water across a special metal cell that is charged with an electrical current creating chlorine at a reduced level, good for those with a chlorine sensitivity, and not as harsh on fabrics.

So what do you choose? How do you find a swimsuit that looks fabulous, and lasts as long as possible? It's all in the fabric. There are two leading fabrics in swimwear design: Lycra blends and chlorine resistant 100% polyester. So, who are you?

Occassional Swimmer or Deck Diva?

Lycra offers the ideal stretch, fit and resilience to be used as a swimwear material, which gives a fashionable fit that hugs your body for a ‘second skin’ feeling and offers the boldest colour choices and patterns. Some of these suits also contain tummy control. When exposed for prolonged periods in the pool, Lycra fabric can deteriorate faster, but you will look fabulous!

Growing Pool Addict?

extra life lycra
Lycra Xtra Life provides the same fashion features as regular Lycra, such as the soft, luxurious feeling and superb fit but also gives your swimsuit extended wear, resistance to fading and ensures the 'saggy bottom' is a thing of the past!

Lycra Xtra Life is 5-10 times more resistant to chlorine and pool chemicals than regular Lycra. This makes it an excellent choice for chlorine resistant swimwear, giving you the perfect combination of comfort and long-lasting swimwear.

 

Gabar Aquafit Chlorine Resistant Swimwear

Water Nymph, can't live without your pool time?

Polyester is a durable material, even when exposed to pool chemicals, which is what makes it ‘chlorine-resistant’. Swimsuits made of 100% polyester should retain their color for at least a year of regular use, and as much as 2 years depending on frequency of wear and washing. Although not as soft as Lycra based fabrics, Polyester blends are undoubtedly an ideal choice if you want to purchase extra long-lasting swimwear. 

Our Gabar swim are produced with innovative Hydrofinity fabric that includes features such as UPF 50+ protection, chlorine resistance, quick dry technology, light tummy control, and a stay put leg. 

 

final notes ...

How about the best of both worlds? Some swimwear manufacturers use a high polyester content but blend in a little bit of Lycra® for an easier fit.

Swimsuits do have rubber and elastic around leg, neck and arm openings and these will likely be damaged by chlorine before the fabric. Rash shirts will last considerably longer as they are made without any elastic. Stitching will also deteriorate over time.

While we all love to sit in front of hot tub jets and soak in the mini-massage, remember you have the chemically treated water pushing through your swim fabric ... this is the quickest way to destroy your favorite swimsuit. Hard as it is to do, use your older suits in the hot tub, and rinse them as soon as possible when you get out.


Monday, July 8, 2019

Swimsuit 101

The hardest item for a woman to buy is a swimsuit - we feel vulnerable, we all wish our bodies were 10 years younger - but at Sand'n'Sea we excell at helping you find the right bikini, tankini or onepiece that will make you feel confident, look great, and get your perfect fit. Confidence is sexy, and these are some of our favorite tips to get there.

reversible bikinis flatter small bustline
maaji reversible swimwear
Small bust?
Choose a style that is bust enhancing, such as twist or tied bandeau, sweetheart neckline, halter tankini, or cheat a bit with a push-up bra style. Focus colour and prints to accentuate on the bust. A simple triangle is also a great option.

cup size swimwear fits best
Skye flatters women of all sizes
Large bust? 
A v-neck will help you look your best as it has a bust minimizing effect, halter tankinis or one-piece suits, flared tankinis and simple bandeau tankinis. Make sure the bra and cup sizes are a perfect fit! A swimsuit with underwire can also offer great lift and support so you can enjoy all your favorite activities without worrying about spilling out.


flattering onepiece tummy control
Miracle Suit "loose 10 lbs in 10 seconds"
Need to slim your waist?
Tummy control styles are perfectly comfortable, and when you mix technical fit with well placed prints, the difference is amazing, and our suits offer different levels of control. If you prefer lighter fabrics, a waist minimizing look comes from crossover or blouson onepiece, or flared tankinis, and tankinis with side shirring or drawstrings.
Curve size tankini flatters bust and hips
Sunsets Curve sizes always fit and flatter
Need to minimize your hips?
While a swimdress or skirted bottoms work for some, a tie side bikini bottom will visually divide your widest bits, and the ties bring focus away from your hips.  Just make sure that your bottom is one solid color while the top is printed and bright, to attract the eyes up.

Mix and Match your Fit!
Some of us struggle to fit swim tops, others work just as hard to get great fitting bottoms. The answer to your perfect fit is a mix and match selection to flatter your shape. Sand'n'Sea Boutique fitting experts will help you always look your best: beautiful and confident!



Thursday, January 10, 2019

Swimsuits & Sleeves

This trend is definitely gaining ground, especially with our sporty customers. Combining protection against UV radiation with a simply stylish design that incorporates a light and comfortable material durable enough to endure the worst punishment nature can inflict.

Styles range from high fashion to sporty, all helping to protect you from sun damage.
this Australian AquaBlu suit inspired love
one piece swimsuit w sleeves can be sexy!


zip front long sleeve swimsuit comes in a variety of colours


These are great for paddling, surfing or just hanging out at the beach or the pool. Also an alternative to wearing a rash guard over your bikini. Some of these suits come with bodice lining or support, for others you can wear your favorite bikini top underneath.


Be sure to try one on at your next visit to Sand'n'Sea Boutique, downtown Napanee.

Monday, November 27, 2017

Cruise Season at Sand'n'Sea Napanee

just a peek at what we have for you ...

Cruise season runs from mid-November till mid-March 
and to help you set off on your vacation totally prepared, we are OPEN daily :)

Lingerie Dept.
Swimwear mix and match for a perfect fit.
Coverups, beach bags and sandals.
Ladies Travel Fashion & layers for changing climates.
Natural Fibres so your skin can breathe.
Mens Dept. with shirts, shorts & pants, swim and sandals.
Sunscreen and bottled sunshine :)

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Sand N Sea Sidewalk Sale Summer 2017

Friday, June 14, 2013

Swimsuit Advice for your Pear Body Shape

guest blog from our favorite Style Guru 

The Owl and the Peacock: Shop your shape: Pear: Shop you shape: Pear You are a pear
shape if you carry your weight around your hips and bottom. You have a beautifully defined waist and ...

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Swimsuit Advice for your Apple Body Shape

 guest blog from our favorite Style Guru 

The Owl and the Peacock: Shop your shape: Apple: Shop you shape: Apple You are an apple shape if you carry your weight around your middle have no defined waist but lovely slim legs and ar...

Friday, May 10, 2013

5 Tips for Post-mastectomy Swimsuit Shopping

Anita post-mastectomy
We've said it befor - swimsuit shopping is daunting for women - all women, not just you. The basic
principles for finding one that helps you feel fantastic, and as confident as you can be heading to the pool or beach, don't change when you are ready to purchase a new swimsuit in the years after a mastectomy.

1. take your time - expect to try on numerous suits to find the shape and colour that flatters your current shape. Don't worry about the size number, it will change depending on the designer, pay attention to the fit and comfort. If you are not comfortable in the shop, it will not get better after hours of wear.
 ....

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Welcome to Sand'n Sea


a new face in downtown Napanee, Ontario

Sand'n Sea Swim & Cruise Boutique is your year round destination to 
"Dress for Your Vacation State of Mind". 
This is more than a motto – it is the feeling evoked when you enter the shop.

From a notion begun at Sand'n Sea in Thunder Bay, to a new sister store in Napanee, our focus is on personalized service. Each shop is owned by one of the sisters, and we are excited to take a dreaded shopping experience (Swimsuits? Oh No!), and turn it into a fun event with fabulous results.