Long Live The One Piece
On what feels good, my favorite outdoor dining in NY, and white blouses.
For most of my life, I dreamed of wearing a bikini. Landlocked in Iowa, I loved reading books about surfer girls and their leather-clad boyfriends. I watched Aquamarine a lot. And I idolized my older cousins and babysitters who slipped into the lazy river or down the water park slide in what I called “a two piece.” What could be more carefree and grown up?
Everything would change at my fifteenth birthday party. In a true “to thine own self be true moment,” I elected to spend my birthday at the outlet mall three hours away with my mom and my best friend. On the way, I opened a card from my crush’s family, which included a $100 gift card to the outlet. That, plus the Auntie Anne’s pretzels we grabbed after parking the car—I was elated. At Target, after a full day of scrutinizing sale racks and convincing each other of weird patterns and unmatched seams, we found ourselves in the hallowed halls of the swimsuit section. There were brash monokinis, loud swim skirts, and one pieces with ruching across the waist.
But there it was, the bikini of my dreams. Strapless, but with a removable strap!!, ideal for tanning, just enough coverage on the bum to get my mom’s approval, and in the timeless color palette of teal polka dots—I felt I’d met my match. Not even the harsh lights of the fitting room could dim my pride. This was the one. $32.99 later, and I was officially a bikini girl.
The issue was, when it came time to actually swim, I found myself reaching for the one pieces I kept in the back of my underwear drawer. They were more comfortable. I wasn’t afraid of cannon balling too hard in them. After four years of off-and-on-bikini- wearing, I commited. I was not like the teenage heartthrobs of yore. I was a one piece girl, through and through.
It’s been nice to cement my identity and streamline the dreaded swimsuit shopping process. Realistically, I don’t don swimsuits enough to garner owning more than three or four. I’ve built a collection of true blue one pieces—a black strappy one from J. Crew, a sporty one from DVF, a cheeky brown floral one from OOKIOH, and a navy one piece from Staud.
Here are my personal rules: no padded cups, nothing that ties, and no underwire. I’d break almost all of these for the right one, but keeping things simple is easy. J. Crew makes fab suits, and has always. Try Poshmark for unworn styles from past seasons. I love Youswim, and plan on purchasing for my honeymoon. All this to say, find what works for you and stick to it.
Archived Outfit
This might make me a bad newsletter writer, but I couldn’t find the name of the very chic woman pictured above. She used to write these fabulous pieces for Man Repeller on styling one piece multiple ways. Her outfit pictured here seems to be exact answer to the question of what to wear in the heat. Here’s my sportier take, though the wedge espadrilles are to die for.
The look starts with a breathable, white cotton blouse. Sometimes, vintage pieces can be restrictive or too precious to wear out when it’s hot. Here are a few options for those looking to recreate the look.
Let’s say you’re less into puff. This Rachel Comey top is very breathable and feels elevated for $150.
I’m not saying it’s giving Bode, but for $20, it’s not not.
This is for my people. Can you see the sailor collar in the back? So cute with shorts for $20.
The description reads, “Fresh, crisp, no issues.” At $19, I agree.
Honorable Mentions
Summer’s happening in a big way in New York. While I cannot commit to plans before 6 pm, due to the heat, I love a late outdoor dinner. Here are my top five spots if you’re visiting, or just in the market for something new.
Colonia Verde—lots of tables tucked away in the back with very solid menu.
Cafe Gitane—classic NY moment. I love it for a late lunch, weather permitting.
Rhodora—neighborhood spot! Ideal for a glass of wine and little snack.
Red Hook Tavern—chic date night and worth the trek to Red Hook.
La Lou—sneaky garden in the back and a few tables in the front makes this the perfect place to catch up with a friend.
Thank you so much for reading. This week, I wrote about silk pillowcases and a great Craigslist find. See you next Thursday! x