Maui is one of my favorite vacation destinations, especially the Ka’anapali area. I’ve spent quite a bit of time on this beautiful beach, as it was the locale of Swimco’s photoshoots for many years. We would arrive with our photographer, stylist, models, Swimco staff, and of course, my family. My two boys must have thought that every family traveled with such an entourage. They especially enjoyed the company of the beautiful models, who were quite a few years older than them!

As I survey the swimsuit styles around me, I see a bit of everything. For the guys, I see boardshorts in all lengths and colours. Particularly noticeable are a few very fit (thankfully) young gents in their snug “James Bond” style swim trunks that leave little to the imagination. The ladies are sporting everything from the eensy weensy string bikini to the full-coverage swim dress. And of course my personal favourite style, the tankini.

As I’ve expounded before, many of us stress about donning a swimsuit before we leave for vacation, only to realize upon arrival that there’s no need to worry. We’re all in the same boat, stripped down in order to soak up some much-needed sun or splash around in the tropical oceans and pools. We’re all too busy enjoying our Paradise to notice anyone else’s “wobbly bits”, so on your next vacation I challenge you to pull on your favourite swimsuit and salute the sun without a care in the world.

Aloha!

Angela has also allowed us to use the image of her painting on our new Swimco collectable beach bags. Every Swimco location is selling these bright, beautiful bags for $2, with all of the money going to Look Good Feel Better.

Thank you to all of the bidders who participated in our painting auction. It was fun to create such a buzz in the market, in support of a truly deserving organization.

Ps. Click here to read the press release for our painting auction and learn more about Look Good Feel Better.

Thanks to all our customers for your support over the past 36 years. Without you we couldn’t have reached for the stars. And thanks to my Mom, Corinne Forseth, for giving my brother Steve, my husband Dave and I the opportunity to “do our thing” and carry on the tradition of great customer service she started many years ago.

Thank you everyone!

I am sharing the below story because it is a perfect illustration of what we are trying to do with Swimco. We realize that our customers often dread coming to visit us because they don’t want to see themselves in a swimsuit (although we try to not take it personally!). This story is a testament to the fact that you can’t let the dread of trying on swimwear deter you from getting properly outfitted for your upcoming vacation. Swimwear shopping can be much easier than you think.

If you’re planning a warm-weather vacation, come have some fun with us and let us take care of you before the real fun begins in the tropical sunshine! And if you’ve already been in to see our Fit Experts, please share your story at http://www.swimco.com/the-swimco-experience/

Eagerly awaiting my next envelope of comment cards…

Submitted by K.L. on October 25, 2011:

A couple of weeks ago I quickly popped into the Swimco at Cross Iron Mills and asked Sarah a few questions regarding suits.  She was very helpful so I told her that I would be back someday when I had more time. 

Well… today was that day.  When I arrived Sarah was busy, but Jen quickly approached me and offered her help. She approached me with a big smile and was very welcoming.  She was very knowledgeable about the stock she carried and new exactly what I would like for my needs.  She loaded me up and showed me to the change room.  I was so impressed on how hard she worked, not just for me, but all the other customers that she was waiting on also.  I never had to wait for her, even though I told her not to run!!!  She did things in a very timely manner and was right back waiting to see the next bathing suit I tried on.  She was very helpful in sizing and adjusting also.  She also has a great way of making people feel comfortable, in what could be, a very uncomfortable time. 

I had such a good time in Swimco today and just had to write in and give Jen kudos for a job well done.  I just wanted to say that I had never had this kind of experience buying a bathing suit EVER. 

You are very lucky to have Jen, (and Sarah too) working at your store in Cross Iron.  They always had a smile and were so helpful.  I thank you again for all your help today and will definitely tell everyone I know all about the great experience and helpfulness at Swimco!!

NOTE: Names in testimonial have been changed to protect the privacy of Swimco’s Fit Experts.

Body-shaping swimwear technology is not new. Manufacturers have worked hard to design swimsuits that hide or hoist all the right body parts. The designers at Miraclesuit, however, have probably made the best name for themselves in this genre of swimwear. What is their formula for “10 Lbs Lighter”? Miraclesuit’s patented fabric, Miratex®, has an incredibly high concentration of Lycra spandex, giving you three times the built-in control as a regular swimsuit. Enough said!

Recently a friend asked me if she could shed 20 lbs by doubling up and wearing two Miraclesuits at once. Interesting question, but I don’t imagine all that comfy a solution. If you have yet to try on a Miraclesuit, I encourage you to do so. And if you’re already a fan, come by and try on our new 2012 arrivals. It’s never too early to find your Miracle!

Vancouver, B.C. – Kim Kardashian can put her stamp of approval on the 2012 Cruise swimwear collection at Swimco. The Western Canadian swimwear retailer is excited to unveil their line-up of curve-friendly retro styles, from international swimwear designers including Seafolly Australia. As a sign of where swimwear trends are headed, Seafolly brought Sarah Stephens, a natural D-cup model, onboard as a cover girl for their 2012 campaign.

“Retro styles leave more to the imagination than your standard bikini or high-cut 1-piece”, says Swimco’s President Lori Bacon. “This season’s will be one of the most flattering collections I’ve seen in my 30 years of buying swimwear”.

High-waists, skirted bottoms, bustier tops and thick-strapped halters are reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe era beach attire. Says Bacon: “The retro swimwear trend is unique in that it appeals to multiple generations of women. It has the runway appeal that our trendy shopper craves, plus the extra coverage that our contemporary customer appreciates.

Good bust support is common in retro style tops, which are often constructed to accommodate up to a double D-cup. Retro 1-pieces have gathered fabric in the midsection to act as a tummy tamer, and skirted retro bottoms are an easy hip slimmer. “It’s encouraging to see swimwear designers celebrating a woman’s curves by offering beautiful styles that will make her look and feel her best on the beach”, says Bacon.

More swimwear trends to watch for in 2012:

• Sophisticated, rich tones of Indigo and Navy
• Fun floral prints in every size and colour
• Funky safari prints that will appeal to all ages (think “chocolate zebra”)

More retro style images available at http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/swimco-2012-swimwear-collections-embrace-feminine-curves-1574015.htm

Although I enjoyed many wonderful swims in the lake this summer, nothing quite compares to my conditioning swim sessions at Calgary’s Glenmore Aquatic Centre. I trade my meandering swims in the lake (no lane lines!) for a posted workout and a coach that keeps us “on the clock”.

Many in our workout group swam competitively as kids and/or are currently training for triathlons. Others have simply discovered the joy of swimming, the camaraderie of a (gasping) group, and the benefits of having a coach challenge you to perfect that butterfly stroke.

When I don my suit, cap, and goggles, I am taken back in time to my childhood years as a swimmer. In fact, as soon as I walk through the door and smell the familiar aroma of chlorine, I somehow become the same person I was over 40 years ago. Swimming makes me feel youthful. I can’t hear my knees clicking, but I can feel my muscles working. I’m challenged and breathing hard. Age no longer matters (a larger style of goggle can cover facial lines!), and we all become just a bunch of 9-year-olds swimming our hearts out for our coach.

If you haven’t done so already, take the plunge into your local pool. Learn the basics with private swim lessons, or if you can swim a couple lengths, you too can join a conditioning swim group. The great thing about swimming is that everyone can learn to do it, and there is no expiry date. You can swim until the day you “cash in”. At least that’s what I’ll be doing.

Hoping to see you in the water,

Here are some of the products I use to enhance my pool workouts: http://www.swimco.com/swimwear/fitness/aquatic-workout

Check out fun pool accessories for the kids at: http://www.swimco.com/swimwear/kids/accessories

The Buyers and I pick and choose where to spend our limited time, to get the best possible overview of trends and emerging brands for the coming year. We take copious amounts of notes and photos to help us remember all that we see and hear at our many appointments. Once back in our Calgary office we start the planning and selection process, and order only the best of the best for our stores.

Here are a few of my favourite 2012 swimwear trends, straight off the Miami runways:

• Retro Styles. Vintage boy-legs, high-waist fuller bottoms, and underwire tops. I like the feel of these styles for customers of every age. So fun, so wearable, and so new (again!).
• Animal Prints. Although animal-inspired prints occur every year in swimwear, this year we’re seeing a new take on the trend. I expect many young gals will don an animal print swimsuit for the first time. The “new” animal prints are done in youthful, often retro styling, making them popular with both Junior and Contemporary categories. Meow!
• Florals. Imagine blossoms of every size and color. We’re seeing florals in virtually every line, across all age groups. I love that several designers are offering fun, youthful floral prints for the more mature customer. Finally no more “Grandma prints” (that Grandma herself wouldn’t even wear)!

Also, watch for the continuation of embellishments, bandeaus, ruching, frills, and skirted styles in the upcoming Cruise season. I’ll keep you posted throughout the year as we see more exciting developments in world of swimwear!

Til next time,

We’ve just released a feature called “Swimco and Seafolly Present: A Bikini at Any Age”. Five women aged 23-61 are featured looking and feeling great in a Seafolly bikini. Together with Seafolly (founded in Australia, where women are much more liberal at the beach), we’re promoting the fact that women are beautiful at every age.

Feeling confident in a bikini is about finding a style you feel comfortable in, and for those who think bikinis are all string and no fabric, I’ve got good news! Seafolly has mix and match styles in a full range of coverage and support (we even have a DD/E cup bikini top). Check out our “Bikini at Any Age” photos to see what I mean: http://www.swimco.com/the-swimco-experience/bikini-at-any-age/

So go for it ladies! Show off that bod of yours and have some fun. Find a bikini style that suits your body type and lifestyle. And as for me, I may just “go for it” too and add a bikini to my collection of tankinis and one-pieces…

We were on the lookout for bears, as a mommy bear and her three cubs had been seen in the area. Our fearless leader had brought several bear bangers (a projectile device that flares and makes a sharp bang sound, presumably to frighten the bear away) and some bear spray (which he assured us was just the last line of defense, for the slowest person in the group), so I wasn’t worried. Okay, maybe I was a little nervous.

We had a grand old time riding the back roads and trails. When we reached their small cabin and lake, the sight took my breath away. Tucked within the hills was this indescribable, pristine setting. The lake was man-made in the early 1920′s, to be used as an irrigation source. It’s still in use today, capturing the mountainside runoff. The water is clear, clean, and deep. What an amazing experience it would be to swim that lake, in such a beautiful setting!

Instead of swimming (no suit!), we tucked into our well-earned lunches and imbibed in some delicious chilled wine from the Tinhorn Creek winery in Oliver, B.C. To be there on such a beautiful day, enjoying delicious wine and food with friends is what Summertime is all about. Incredible sights, sounds, and adventures to be remembered and treasured.

FYI, we did run across a black bear, and did use the bear bangers (to no avail!), but thankfully did not use the bear spray. We simply turned around and went another route. During our 6-hour trip, we only rode for two hours (thanks to a handy biking app) and spent the rest of the time chatting, drinking and eating. What a great day!

Wishing you many safe and happy Summer adventures,

Ps. See more pics of the beautiful scenery from our biking adventure at www.facebook.com/swimco