Aah Spring, Sculptures and the Sea

Bondi to Tamarama coastline - has to be one of the world's most stunning outdoor art galleries.  Each year for three weeks in November, around half a million Sydneysiders and visitors get to view inspiring sculptures whilst getting a bit of fresh air and invigorating walk.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-04/sculpture-by-the-sea/3629036

A Lesson in Airbrushing

Airbrushing gets a reality check - from those as young as ten years old.

In London, pupils at Surrey Squary Primary School are taking part in body image lessons which are designed to improve confidence.  How airbrushing techniques enhances the images of celebrities and models is one thing they’re learning by looking at before and after pictures such as these of Britney Spears. 

See Michelle Clifford’s report:  http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16079902

Swimwear Trends - inspired by yesteryear

Sasha

One of our current range is Sasha featuring the flattering neckline reminiscent of the glamour of the fifties with cross-over, draped bustline and wide, soft halter. 

Retro-inspired with lots of fabric, high waists, feminine necklines, glamour cover-ups and totally gorgeous.  That's what we think about some of trends in swimwear on the international catwalks.  Check out this slide show.   http://www.stylebistro.com/Hot+Swimsuit+Trends+for+Summer+2011/articles/tUlnTHN-XJ4/Retro+Sweetheart

We used gingham in a similar way a couple of years ago with these swimsuits - we must have been ahead of the trend!

Body Image - Stories in the News

The subject keeps coming up - in mainstream press, blogs, on tv chat shows and online chat rooms.  A subject dear to our hearts - here are just some of the Body Image stories we've found interesting this week:


Positive Body Image Awards: even the Federal Government is on the bandwagon and will award. As Michelle Griffin wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald:  Bring on the Real Women photo spreads: Australia’s glossiest images can now vie for the federal Government’s Positive Body Image Awards. http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/real-magazines-to-get-tick-of-approval-20110909-1k0ij.html


Mirror, Mirror Off The Wall: A year without mirrors - why? Kjerstin Gruys has decided NOT to look into a mirror or reflection for a year.  The idea came from The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunats, about Italian nuns who lived with high regulation against vanity.  And they've been some unexpected benefits for Ms Gruys - dip into her blog and discover why: http://www.ayearwithoutmirrors.com/


Perfectly Unperfected: Healthy is the New Skinny is an outreach program to address concerns of the results of research conducted by the National Eating Disorders Association US.  Did you know:
• 91% of college women have attempted to control their weight through dieting.
• 81% of 10-year-old girls are afraid of being fat.
• 69% of girls in 5th-12th grade reported that magazine pictures influenced their idea of a perfect body shape.
• 41% of men are dissatisfied with their weight.
• 15% of people with anorexia or bulimia are male.
Find out more at: http://healthyisthenewskinny.com/

Bikinis and Beaches - Fun in Numbers

1947 - the year Paula Stafford is credited with becoming the first Australian

manufacturer of bikinis. 400 - stores sold her bikinis by 1952.

10,685 - the number of beaches in Australia, as counted by the Coastal Studies Unit of University of Sydney.  These beaches dot approximately 36,737 kilometres of coastline.

Number One – in the world for the beach with the whitest sand is Hyams’ Beach, south of Sydney.

40 – the number of solar cells in high-tech swimwear designed to charge your MP3 player and other small devises while you take in the sun.  The Solar Bikini is custom ordered and is 80 hours in the making. PS this is one for those who don't want to get their toes wet!  SolarCoterie.com.

Visit an art gallery in your swimsuit!

There's something uplifting about having art out and about.  There's something especially freeing about being able to appreciate art in your swimsuit! We find these inspiring, how about you?

Wendy Sharpe's multi-panelled mural of Australia's most famous 'mermaid' Annette Kellerman, poolside at Cook + Phillip Park in Sydney. 

Sculpture by the Sea - in Bondi on the East coast and Cottesloe on the West coast - not to be missed.     

And The Winner Is....

CONGRATULATIONS ANGELA!

READ HER STORY HERE...

I'm have to start this story by pointing out that I'm a rather large busted small woman.

After having baby number 2 and finally dropping most of my baby weight I decided that I deserved a little indulgence and spotted a bargain at one of the Sue Rice sales - a gorgeous tankini with a zip at the front.

Unfortunately it was the end of the swimming season when my tankini arrived so it lay unused in my drawer until my youngest started swimming classes a few months later.

About the same time my youngest started swimming he also developed some new talents, one that included a fascination with clothes, and removing them... He learnt how to unzip his sleeping bag, how to unzip his all in one pjs, how to unzip and remove his jackets... His carer at day care had also informed me that he would often sit on her lap and wiles away his time zipping and unzipping her hoodie... my son, it seems has a thing for zippers....

Fast forward to Saturday swim classes... Usually, being a Saturday class dear Dad has the pleasure of accompanying master 1 into the swimming pool, but on this particular day I had somehow drawn the short straw.

It wasn't until I was getting ready that I reached into my draw and realised that I had a fabulous, brand new, Sue Rice tankini to get myself into. I have to admit that everything else flew out of my mind as I pulled on my new flattering swimsuit and admired myself in the mirror....

I was a little excited at the thought of showing off my new swimsuit as I swept my bundle of joy into my arms, and joined the Saturday class that consisted mostly of Dads and their bubs.

Less than 60 seconds after getting into the pool master 1 discovers my zipper......
z
z
z
z
z
zzzzzzzzzzip
and out they float - to squeals of delight from my youngest.

I can even begin to describe the horror. I felt like a porn star let loose at nursery school!

My son still has a thing for zippers.

Me? Not so much anymore!

My lovely tankini is in retirement for the foreseeable future!