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).

Favorite Sweater Colours Fall 2022

It would be much harder to give up the breezy fashions of summer if we didn't have a love for sweater weather to look forward to, so why not embrace some of these new earthy tones this season. Say hello to more is more texture, bold colour and elaborate accessories.

As noted by Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “As we move forward into an environment filled with contradiction, hues for Autumn/Winter 2022/2023 enable consumers to move fluidly between a range of contrasting shades, allowing them to spontaneously express who they are and how they feel on any given day.”

Fall Palette 2022 for sale online **

Embrace the varied shades this season by starting with the colours of falling leaves.

• Lava Falls, an impassioned orange red with a captivating presence.

• Cheerful Samoan Sun enlightens and illuminates.

• Gregarious Orange Tiger, a high vis orange with whimsicality.

Bold colours look fabulous with the right skin tone: Rose Violet, Amazon, Nosegay or Waterspout. Or save them for accessories.

Earthy tones become your new base, and work well layered head to toe as well.

• Caramel Café, a delicious brown hue that tastefully tempts.

• Midnight, a hypnotic deep blue evocative of the evening sky.

• Martini Olive, a fruit inspired green tone with a touch of brine.

  
  

The entire collection is rounded with wonderful neutrals that are anything but boring. From the softest Arctic Wolf or Autumn Blond, a solid navy Polar Night, to gentle hues Lodon Frost or Chiseled Stone.

Trends you will see include colour blocking (especially with bolder statement colours), fringes, wearing shades of the same colour head to toe (and yes that includes your shoes), denim, and leather is not just for belts this season ... dare to shop outside your comfort zone.

We are here to help your fashion adventure this fall. Looking towards the holiday season, expect to see metallic materials, sequins and sparkling embellishments.

** dress for sale here

Springing into Summer Colours

Why is it so much easier to shed layers than to add them in the fall? maybe it's also about the brighter colours, shorter lengths and possibilities.

"Spring/Summer 2021 underscores our desire for flexible color that works year-round. Infused with a genuine authenticity that continues to be increasingly important, colors for Spring/Summer 2021 combine a level of comfort and relaxation with sparks of energy that encourage and uplift our moods,” said Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute.

While this fresh pallet will certainly brighten your outlook, and it is easy to imagine your favorite clothing styles in them, what about your swimwear?

Bikinis, tankinis and onepiece suits are easy to wear in these colours, just pick one that suits your skin tone. And while the colours will inspire your confidence, getting the shape that flatters you is also key, but one step at a time.

colour ...

For warm tones (golden or olive) try orange, yellow, or gold, mix with natural earth tones such as browns, deep tonal reds, and rich shades of green. Hair colour is in the mid-range from dark brown to dark blonde.

Cooler skin tones have a bluish undertone and can range from very fair to very dark, with hair in very dark blue-black or brown to light blonde. Colour recommendations range from pastel blues and pinks, soft yellow, or green to bold looks in charcoal, cool blues, and violet.

Still can't see yourself, maybe you are neutral. Blonde hair with ashy streaks or brown with warmer tones. neutral people look great in neutral colors, so shades that fall in the middle of the color spectrum. That does not equate boring, spice up your wardrobe with light peach, dusty pinks, soft rose, peony pink, placid blue, even jade green.

 As always, fashion is fun, wear what makes you happy.

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

#WomenTalkTravel about Packing Cubes

Do you have trouble getting everything you need into your suitcase? Do you travel between locations, and struggle to find what you need to wear? then packing cubes will help you  ...

Fall travel is especially hard to pack for, temperatures switch daily and fitting the right pieces into your luggage is harder than ever. We'll chat about that, packing cubes and other travel solutions. Fall air also makes me think of apple cider, cozy layers and delicious soups - we'll have some interesting tastes for you to sample as well.

Designed to compress, organize, and pack clothing as well as other items, packing cubes fit perfectly into most carry-on suitcases, tote bags, backpacks and even duffel bags. 

 What goes in ... depends ...

• If your making several stops on trip, try 1 cube for each stop or activity. 
• If your sharing your suitcase with someone else, use colour coded packing cubes to easily find your outfits. (note; when traveling with others, best practice is to mix clothing between 2 suitcases so that if 1 gets delayed, you still have something to wear).
• If your trip requires clothes for different temperatures, use 1 cube for lightweight clothing, layering pieces, and heaviest pieces at bottom.
• Just consider what will help make your life easier on the road, and at your destination.

What to buy ...

• you can still add clothing under & around the cubes, just lay bulkiest clothing at the bottom of your suitcase, and roll pieces to fit between cubes.
• cost is relative, stay low if is this a one time adventure, invest in better quality if you are a repeat traveler, always test the zippers for durability.
• some styles are breathable fabric or water repellent.
• start with 2 or 3, you can always add more.

By using packing cubes, you can pack what you want & save space. Enjoy everything about your trip - for business or vacation - as much as possible by cleaning up your packing. Planning what goes in the cubes, whether it is for a long weekend or for week-long vacation overseas, will help all your  packing go easier and faster.

Quick tip

- on a longer trip reducing the pieces of underwear you carry will save space! We love Hanky Panky lace, recommended by our customers, take only 2 pair! One to wear & wash at night, its dry to pack the next morning and you've a fresh pair on. We stock regular and curve sizes ... 

hanky panky styles will flatter anybody

 

Love these Shades of Fall

Isn't it always the way, just when you are ready to change seasons, mother nature plays with the schedule. This year September feels like summer, but we know fall will arrive in all it's glorious colour one day.

This fall the Pantone Institue has embraced the warmth of your favorite sweater in shades that will flatter every skintone. Pull the deeper tones into bottoms that demonstrate your love of the season, or mix them on top with black bottoms. This is the season to embrace colour, and wear less black.

#WomenTalkTravel about Itineraries

when life gives you ice - make an addendum  ...

let's talk about how to arrange a holiday with your favorite girlfriends, inspired by Debbie Morgan from MaritimeTravel and guest traveller Norah Langdon.

Let's face it, travel comes with delays and unexpected detours, why not embrace them and enjoy the experience (if nothing else, you'll have a great story when you get home.)

#WomenTalkTravel and Packing Tips

Women Talk Travel informative chat

Thanks to the lovely ladies who braved the elements for our first L&A Women Talking Travel - Ellena won the great travel basket donated by Debbie Maritime Travel Napanee and Debbie Lloyd led the chat on travel tips & destinations.

My fav 5 tips;

1. Take a photocopy of your passport

2. Take Ziplock bags, they have 101 uses

meet Debbie Lloyd and share travel tips

Sharing Thankfulness

It is a sad statement on humanity that we need to be reminded to be thankful, but having said that, it is nice to take time to share  ...

we are sooo thankful for
family, friends, & customers!

I rarely have time to volunteer for the many worthwhile charities and organizations that help take care of our community, but am also thankful that over the past 6 years we've supported;

Aboriginal Bible Academy
Amhurst Island Radio

Breast Cancer Action Kingston

Canadians for Women in Afghanistan

Down Syndrome Assoc. Of Kingston

Dress for Success

Grace United Church

Greater Napanee Fire Dept.

Greater Napanee Riverfront Festival

Hospice Lennox & Addington

If Wishes Were Dresses

L&A 4H Assoc.

L&A Cornerstone Christian Academy

L&A County General Hospital Volunteer Services

L&A Hospital Foundation

L&A Interval House

L&A SPCA

Limestone Learning Foundation

Motorcycle Ride for Dad

Movember support of Men's Health

Napanee District Community Foundation
Napanee Rod & Gun Club

Quest for the Breast – Chimo Fundraising

Quinte Conservation

St.Patrick's Catholic Women's League
Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre

& numerous fundraisers for children and schools.

Volunteering is often the backbone of support in our communities, and I've always gotten back more than I've given, so at this time of year - consider paying your thankfulness forward in either time or financial support.  Ellen

Anatomy of a Sports Bra

From soft flowing yoga to a high impact workout, when you are active you need to protect the girls accordingly.

Your sports bra must control;

• upward bounce
• downward sag
• natural shape
• allow for upper body flexibility

to allow you to achieve your personal best in every activity you love.

Reminder - Add Colour this Fall!

Whether you have browsed the boutiques or played online with pinterest -
you can't have missed the infusion of colour this fall. Clean out your closet, relegate dark and dull pieces to base layers, and fall in love with colour.

Designers are fascinated with the beauty of the past and the spirit of the present—recreating it with color, fabric and style this fall season. Retro shapes and fabrics have been updated for today's lifestyle.

“This is a season of untypical colors—more reflective of the imagination and ingenuity, which makes for an artful collection of colors and combinations not bound by the usual hues for fall,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "There is a feminine mystique that is reflected throughout the palette, inspired by the increasing need for women everywhere to create an individual imprint."

These colours are easy to live with, and layer well. Try a tunic top over a fitted dress or flared skirt to add a fresh dimension. Textures and prints are seen everywhere and can be a girls best friend (forgiving our less than perfect bits). While dresses are still in vogue, have you tried a coatdress yet? A versatile solution for travelers this fall.

While Pantone is the leader in colour trend forecasting, it is interesting to see what else is available. The jewel tones from csi provide a stronger pallet to choose from, and the teal is popping up everywhere.

 

Summer Requires Strapless Bras!

Piege Bra of the Year $68

There is nothing cooler to wear in the summer than a dress - short & flirty, casual natural fibers, or elegant maxi - they all have various necklines, thin straps, or the classic bandeau. Keep life simple and invest in a strapless bra this year. You don't have to break the bank to get good support.

The Carry-On Dilemma

see full article pg.7 ABM Fall 2014

Have you been the person struggling with their bags on the way to check-in at the airport?

For some people lists work, or packing bags earlier, allowing time to refine wardrobe selections. Inevitably, we forget something.
Hoping no one is watching? A spouse has, at one time or another, teased us about our deficiency at being able to “travel light.” Sound familiar?

Every Woman is Beautiful - sometimes she just doesn't see it

I was reminded of this earlier in the week when I came across a repeat of tv's "How to Look Good Naked - Canada" a show about learning to love yourself and working with what you’ve got  (currently on the OWN network).    I think we all need to be reminded of it more often!

Host Zain Meghji asked shoppers walking by how they supported their friends ... two friends made a point of giving an honest complement  ... some reminded a friend about what they loved about her look  ... another turned her friends' self-criticism with a focus on her best features. Most of us are all too aware about what we don't like about ourselves ... sometimes it takes a friend to remind you of all the great bits. Do you have friends who are good for your self-esteem?

Be Brave - ask your friends and lovers what they see. 

You may be surprised at the answers. 

Accept the compliments and

-  listen to them -  hold them close to your heart - remember them. 

Real women don't look like Barbie - thank goodness - you need to accept who are are today (love the best parts) and know that your attitude is everything.  None of us look like we did 15 years ago, so dress to highlight your best features, then smile and help your friend feel her best. As one of the show participants said  " I hope that is the message women get from watching the show that they can learn to love who they are. Make an effort every day; make an investment in you.”

There is also the original British version, and more clips from both are on youtube, such as ...

• meet Lorraine and Maureen
• meet Theresa  
• with British host  Gok Wan (he's definitely a bit more outrageous)

You Are Beautiful !!!

Travel Tips

In planning your winter getaway, consider the following travel tips and links;

where will your travel plans take you?

No matter where your dream vacation calls you, consider the 101 advantages  ;) of booking through a travel agent. We have great local people at

Marlin Travel and

Maritime Travel (prev.ClelandTravel)

They will work tirelessly to ensure you have the vacation you dreamed of, and save you hours spent on the internet trying to find the best deal, unless of course, that is what you like to do with your time.

I found these packing tips to be helpful for cruising north or south, or if just off to one fabulous destination. If you are planning a more extreme vacation, your packing will include your favorite sport activities as well.

Supporting Your Resolution

Did you make a New Year's Resolution?  Are you still following through? Amazingly 90% of resolutions have fallen by the wayside already.  Sometimes you just need a new outlook to turn your resolution into a success.

5 Days of Christmas

One of our very excellent sales reps wrote the following for us - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did ...

On the 5^th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 5 blackberries, 4 laptops, 3 GPS, 2 iPods, and a cell phone & big screenTV! On the 6^th day of Christm – hold on, this is crazy! As technology races into a new year & we line up like sheep, 3 & 4 deep at 4am to purchase the latest gadget at top dollar that will be obsolete in 2 months and complicate our lives even further (aahhh take a breath), I ask “REALLY? All I want for Christmas is a gift certificate from Sand'n Sea!

Now you can understand why we have such respect for the people who work so hard behind the scenes to bring you the really great products we carry, and they are fun to work with.

We wish you and yours, a Christmas spent with loved ones.

Saving your Lingerie

You have invested in a quality bra which helps you look and feel fabulous. Your wardrobe will thank you, and these care tips will help your new bra look and fit beautifully for a long as possible.

every day or two ...

• Give your bra a rest. Your body heat stretches the micro fibres which need a day to cool off, allowing the fabric to recover. So switch bras everyday.
• Store your bra with care.  Hook up the backs of unlined bras which may be folded in the drawer.  Lined t-shirt bras on the other hand, should never be stored cup in cup as this will cause wrinkles to develop in the cup, instead lay them flat, one bra over the other.

Flattering your Figure

so many styles to choose from, there is a tankini for every body shape

Whether a size 4 or 24, every woman can tell you in the blink of an eye which area she wants to improve, and for every woman it is different. But, if someone asks What is your best feature?  can you name it?  Take a moment and define your best feature, if it is taking too long, just ask your best friend - she already knows.

now lets find a swimsuit that celebrates your assets

Care for your Swimsuit

You spent a lot of time and effort finding the perfect swimsuit.  To keep it looking like new, for as long as possible, you should follow these few simple steps ...

be kind 

• after each use, rinse your suit in cool water and a swimsuit cleaner
• let your suit dry naturally, out of the sun ... never use a dryer
• gently squeeze out the excess water, never store it in a towel or plastic bag