Bathe in Style: A Swimsuit Style Guide

Now that the warm weather is finally here, it is time to head to the beaches and cottages for some fun in the sun. With a never-ending sea of bikinis, monokinis, speedos and surf shorts out there, it can be a daunting task to find the perfect stylish and functional piece. Fear not, as we at fave magazine have done you the favor and hand-picked some fantastic pieces that will look amazing on any body. But first:

For the ladies, there are two essential swimsuit styles that everyone should have in their dresser. First, a fun and  flirty bikini,and secondly, a stylish one-piece. Bonus points if they are reversible!

Bikini

Modern Ego Beach Bunny Bikini - $34.00

This bikini from Modern Ego is the epitome of girly and fun. The mix of floral and nautical prints kicks the look up a couple notches AND it is reversible! Perfect to take on vacation.

Salinas Isabella Bikini -Top, $29.00 & Bottom, $29.00 instyleswimwear.com

To continue with the blue theme, this bikini is classic but with a little bit of a girly touch to it to keep it interesting. The back of this is the kicker with the cheeky bow. Did I mention it is currently on sale?!

Clover Canyon Lotus Temple Bathing Suit, $151.0, clovercanyon.com

For a little bit of color, this preppy and graphic bikini is the perfect candidate. It matches with countless things and would look super cute for lounging on the beach with a floppy hat or for a casual game of beach volleyball.

One-Piece/Monokini

L-Space Sunsetter, $158.00, www.instyleswimwear.com

In my opinion, everyone should own a black monokini. This particular one by L-Space is simply, practical, and a little bit sexy with the deep halter plunge. This look flatters any and every shape and size and the frills add just a bit of a girly touch (but not too much).

Stella McCartney Cutout Printed Swimsuit, $665.00, shopstyle.com

This asymmetrical piece just screams Gwyneth Paltrow. The lines are uber-chic and the mix of patterns is quite fun. This look can work everywhere, on the beach or by the pool and again, with a floppy hat.

Miu Miu Swimsuit, $215.00 Miu Miu NYC

212.334.5156

You can't go wrong with a retro one-piece and this one hits the nail right on the head. The deep V cut paired with the white band accentuate killer curves for a sexy look that's bound to turn heads.

FOR THE MEN

Like the ladies, there are two essential styles that one should have in their dresser. The traditional trunk, for casual and functional wear, and the more European/sporty styles to stand out in the crowd.

Trunks

Loro Piana Swim Trunks, $345.00 www.loropiana.com

The modern board short is short, but not tight. Traditional surf shorts haven't disappeared, they've just been updated a little bit. This washed out blue shade keeps the look casual and versatile.

J. Crew 7" board shorts with anchor print,$48.65, jcrew.com

Very appropriate with the nautical anchor motif and in the perfect length. These would work great with boat shoes and a white tee for off-beach events.

Cadet Vintage Surf Short, $128.00, www.cadetusa.com

I am in love with these trunks. The vintage look is a classic look that will never be out of style. Perfect for hanging ten.

European/Sport Trunks

Orlebar Brown Pup II, $165.00 orlebarbrown.com

If you're feeling daring, and spent the winter in the gym, these shorts are the ones for you. Be prepared to turn heads, though.

American Apparel Swimsuit, $28.00, americanapparel.com

If you are a little bit on the conservative side for the sporty/European look, these trunks are the perfect gateway into this style. The burgundy color pairs well with the cut, making for a classic short that will last season after season.

Sauvage Classic Square Cut - Side Stripe, $42.00, sauvagewear.com

Sauvage is one of my new favorite swimwear designers. They really have the men's classics down, adding a little bit of modern edge. This blue square cut brings us back to the 70s in California and everyone should own a pair!

The Modern Man: Why Traditional Barbershops are Making a Comeback

It always seems that what's old is new again. Popular fashions tend to recycle over time, as though style is not linear but rather a revolving door. Of course, refurbished styles and fashions are updated with a bit of a modern edge, but the inspirations are still that of yore. Prime example - the traditional male looks of the 1920s and 1930s are back in full bloom with military cuts, thick rimmed glasses and Great Gatsby-esque fashions. I've especially noticed a lot more buzz about traditional male barbershops recently, and felt inclined to delve into this a bit deeper. I spoke with Jesse Alberto from House of Barons on Sussex to shed some light on what's in for the gents.

I've noticed a resurgence of traditional male barbershops in the city over the past couple of years. Why do you think that is?

Men are recognizing that taking care of there looks can not only benefit how they look, but also how they feel on a day too day basis.  By taking care of themselves  and having a proper cut or shave in a traditional atmosphere is reminding men that mens grooming is not a lost art.  

What spectrum of services do you offer?

We try to keep things as simple and traditional as we can, we have a cut, a shave, and a clean up.  We  wanted to stay away from having a large menu of options.  Simplicity without over complicating things allows us to ensure that our quality will never suffer

What is the most popular style you are seeing requests for?

As I mentioned in my earlier response men are really back in touch with the traditional, we are seeing lots of the clean professional side parts,  pompadours evolve but never go out of style, recently we have been playing with some really detailed fades, the military cut.  Its all been done so its just finding a new way to break down the traditional and modernizing it in a new way. 

What do you think will be the popular hair styles for spring and summer? What about facial hair?

The warmer weather always brings shorter cuts, higher fades, more drastic lines, but i think we will be moving into more playful flows, a controlled mess I like to call it. Beards are in right now, I'm seeing them on all my clients, but i think men are going to me learning more and more how to groom them and how to make there facial hair match there whole look, if I had to guess I would say its going to be all about the details this year.

What are the benefits of getting a professional straight razor shave as opposed to shaving at home?

A single blade for sure, leaves less room for irritation, having the hot towel service is great  for the skin as well as the man.  A barber shop shave is a treat as well as a service, its a great once a week thing for men to do!

What styling and skin care products do you recommend for men?

That is really a case by case question, what people don't realize is how many skin and hair types there are.  We really took a lot time and testing in selecting the brands we carry to make sure that we cover the entire spectrum. We use the Crown shaving co.  for all of our shaves, they are a great company out of Toronto, we have a local beard oil from right here in Ottawa called Dapper, for the hair products we work mostly with TIGI and Layrite.  We also have a mens grooming corner that we bring in all kinds of unique, artisan brands and products, that also has a good portion of the Baxter of California line.

HOUSE OF BARONS

• 481 Sussex Dr
• Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6Z5
• (613) 241-2427
  http://www.houseofbarons.ca/

An Après Ski Style Guide

The days are certainly not getting warmer any time soon. While we may be tempted to hunker in and hibernate all winter, the best thing to do is to just go out there and make the best of it. What's not to love about spending a sunny winter day out on the slopes and relaxing in the hot tub afterwards with a hot toddy in hand? I have one memory watching the original Pink Panther movie as a child and being so fascinated by the fur hats and smoking jackets donned on the bottom of the Swiss Alps. With inspiration from this movie, here are some stylish-yet-functional pieces to don at the ski lodge this weekend.

The Fair Isle Sweater
I cannot think of a better time to don the fair isle jumper than at the chalet. This was the most essential piece of the 70s ski lodge and J. Crew has perfected the modern version of this classic.

J. Crew Shawl-collar Fair Isle Cardigan - $252.00

The Puffer Vest

On especially chilly nights, a puffer vest is the perfect option. There’s little better than a vest for that transitional style quandary as it works so well over shirts, rugby tops and knits.

J. Crew Alpine Goosedown Puffer Vest - $138.00

Manly Boots
A cornerstone of the après ski look. Boots need to be casual and warm, preferably waterproof. Too dressy and you'll look way out of place. If you want to go authentic après ski check out versions by North Face or Sorel for heavy-duty, yet fashionable picks.

Sorel - Men's Caribou II Boot - $140.00

Pants

Anything casual works here. I like the look of khakis and wool dress pants paired with a cozy cable knit sweater and vest. You also cannot go wrong with a great pair of chinos.

Scotch & Soda Slim Fit Chino - $73.00

Long Johns

Uniqlo makes a fantastic variety of long johns to keep you warm all day at the slopes and all night at the chalet. These camo print ones are awesome.

Uniqlo Heattech Waffle Long Johns - $14.90

Classic Shades

Last but certainly not least, this is your chance to rock the 70s cool without looking like a raver. Persol has great classic shades in a variety of colors. Thanks to the casual, neutral tones of the typical ski lodge outfit, you can be a bit daring with a bold color.

Persol Suprema - $480.00

Now all you need is an open fire and a beverage in-hand and you'll be all set to enjoy your weekend at the slopes in style.