ready for a swim? (part 1: girls)

How the world has changed!  And as someone with painfully pale children, I am incredibly relieved to see it.  Finding a cute bathing suit is not terribly difficult, so I won't dwell on that.  Suffice it to say, if you haven't checked out H&M's children's bathing suit selection, it's worth a try.  They have adorable swimwear at very friendly prices.  But until recently, finding cute and fashionable swimwear that covered and protected your children, was difficult.  Parents have become increasingly aware of a need to protect their children's skin from the sun.  In response, the rash guard shirt and other protective swimwear have come a long way.  It is now possible to find swimwear that protects that delicate skin, while meeting the approval of the skeptical eight year old eye.  

I think one of the best sources of girls' swimwear (tune in next week for boys' swimwear) is Garnet Hill, either through the "growing up with Garnet Hill" catalog, or on their website at www.garnethill.com.  They have a fabulous selection of mix and match swimwear.  Best of all, it includes rash guard shirts, swim skirts, ... , the whole shebang.  So you can get your daughter a fun little suit, but also a matching rash guard shirt and cover-up so that she can easily transition.  And if you act fast, everything is on sale.  The Ruffled Halter One-Piece (SO CUTE, you really have to check it out), the Classic Ruffled Tank One-Piece, the Rashguard and the A-Line One Piece are all just $28 each.  The Boy-short Bikini is $24 and the Swim Skirt is $18.  You can also score last seasons styles of similar suits at even lower prices.  If you don't want to have to buy a suit and a cover-up, Garnet Hill carries Sun Buster's Rashguard and Bikini Bottom set on sale for $42 which is absolutely precious (and your daughter will love it).

Another good option for mix and match pieces is Mini Boden (www.bodenusa.com).  With the Hotchpotch Bikini, Applique Kaftan and Hotchpotch Surf Short, you are truly ready for anything.  And she can transition easily from beach to lunch and back again without missing a fashion beat.  And I have to admit, while I think at times that I have tired of Baby Lulu clothes, I can hardly resist their Makala - Forties Orange and White Stripe Swimsuit with matching cover-up (www.oliebollen.com).

If you don't feel the need to go the full nine yards in terms of sun protection, or you child agrees to wear the occassional white tshirt over a swimsuit, and you're simply looking for a more modest (but still absolutely stylish) swimwear style, I am all about the boyshort (or 50's) cut suit.  Submarine has some of the most gorgeous options around.  Some of their bikinis can be a little racy, but they have a number of fabulous styles, and their prints are truly stunning.  They do also making making dresses.  These suits can be a little pricier, but if you love them as much as I do, they may be worth it.  At full price, the 50's ruffle cut suits range from$59 to $69.  A good selection can be found at www.achildscloset.com.  Currently www.littlefashionsboutique.com has some on sale for as low as $45, as well as www.abellaboutique.com, www.girlygaloreboutique.com (try to ignore the coyly posing models) and www.izzyandash.com.  You can also contact Submarine directly through their website to find a store near you at www.submarinekids.com.br (again, don't say I didn't warn you, try to disregard the phenomenally sexy presentation of small girls on their website ... if you can look past it, they have some great suits). 

Now, if only I could look nearly as cute in my swimsuit ....