At SwimsuitsDirect.com we always try to stay on the front lines of the fashion industry. So we try to collaborate and learn from the best and brightest in the fashion world. We like to call these individuals fashion leaders. The knowledge you can extract from these fashion leaders is astounding. They always think up new ways to look at the clothing we wear everyday. We at SwimsuitsDirect.com wanted to highlight some of these fashion leaders and get their opinions on women’s swimwear fashion for an ongoing interview series called Swim-Talk.
This week’s fashion leader is Sharon Wong of the blog A Girls Point of View.
1) What drew you to the world of fashion?
Honestly, as a little girl I was never the most fashionable or prettiest girl in school, but when I began high school, there were a lot people wearing beautiful outfits, and that really made me want to fit in with everyone else. That’s where I began studying about fashion through the internet and magazines. That was also the same time where I discovered a fashion blogger named Jessica a.k.a Hapatime. She was one of my biggest inspirations, so I wanted to say thank you to her, if she happens to read this. She was also the one who made me want to start my own fashion blog.
2) What does being fashion forward mean to you?
Well, there really isn’t one way I can describe it. I think fashion is universal for everyone and everyone has their own defined style. Fashion isn’t something we can all define, it’s pretty much something we become over time when we discover our own self and who we ourselves want to become.
3) Where is your favorite beach?
This is a pretty tough question considering that I’m a huge beach person. I’m going to have to go with the beach closest to my home which is Crab Cove in Alameda, CA because I have lived here pretty much my whole life, and it’s the one place I feel at ease.
4) What do you think about apparel shopping online vs. shopping in an actual store?
I think shopping online has a lot more variety and the great thing about it is, you can get clothes from all around the world whereas, shopping in stores, you get a very limited selection because not every store sells the same items, but shopping in stores still has its good points. Shopping in stores, allows you to try on outfits before you buy it, so you know you will fit the clothing, while online can be tricky when finding the right size. Not every country has the same exact measurements. You sometimes end up getting something twice your size.
5) What advice can you give online swimwear shoppers?
I would say, make sure you really like the item and think it’s affordable for your budget. Also, don’t try to get a size that is smaller than what you really are. Nothing’s wrong with getting a plus sized swim suite, that’s why we have plus sized stores. Also, make sure you read the measurements for the stores clothing because not all sizes are the same for each store.
6) How many swimsuits do you own and how often do you get a new swimsuit? And how often do you recommend getting new pieces?
I own about 5 swimsuits. Whenever I find a really cute one with an affordable price, I would snatch it off the rack. Literally. Sometimes, I think I go overboard with my swimsuits. I would say, buy a new one whenever you feel like it! You can never have enough swimsuits.
7) What bathing suit styles and colors will be in this summer?
I’m thinking more symmetrical and asymmetrical pattern this season with lots of exotic colors. I also notice a lot of post 60′s, 70′s fashion are making big comebacks, so maybe more high waisted bikini bottoms this season. I’m crazy for high waisted bottoms!
8) how much do you think the rest of the fashion world influences swimwear? How does it influence swimwear trends?
I think fashion makes such a huge impact on everyone today, that around the world, every designer is trying to create styles that are currently trending and the most popular. I think these designers try to incorporate certain styles to fit with the trends, as I have noticed that exotic colors were all over the spring fashion shows this year, that now, it is most likely that swimwear this season, designers will try to incorporate that same idea since that’s what’s trending now.
9) What is your favorite style of bathing suit?
High waisted bikini bottoms without a doubt! I am a sucker for 60′s fashion and all things retro or vintage.
10) A question I’m sure is on everyone’s mind, stripes or spots which do you prefer and why?
Spots! Spots! Spots! I love the vintage feel that spotted bikinis give.
11) Who is your favorite swimsuit designer and why?
Seafolly, their designs are really cute because I am fan of floral patterns and high waisted shorts(for the 3rd time..). They sell some really cute swimwear and I like that their styles are really simple yet compelling.
12) Does where you are headed determine what swim outfit you would wear? Would beach wear be different from pool wear be different from resort/cruise wear? How would it change what you where?
When I’m at the beach, I like to wear solid colored swimwear whereas pool parties, I typically wear more abstract designs with more bright colors because you dress to impress right? For somewhere more refined and quiet like on a cruise ship or resort, I would definitely wear my high waisted bikini. They just make me look more sophisticated and its comfortable to wear throughout the day.
13) What are your favorite beach or poolside accessories?
When I’m at the beach or a pool party, I don’t particularly think of wearing any accessories except for a sunhat and sunglasses. I couldn’t imagine going into the water wearing earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.
14) Describe your perfect poolside outfit.
Something with a floral design and matching high waisted bikini bottoms.
15)What advice do you have for finding the ideal swimwear?
Find something that you think suites you and makes you feel comfortable in. I can’t tell anyone to get a specific swimwear, but as long as it suits your style and you think you would enjoy wearing it.
16) Many women and young girls often feel insecure when it comes to wearing a swimsuit. What advice do you have for them to strut their stuff and put on their swimwear with confidence?
I often feel insecure, but you know what? No one can judge you for who you are and my advice would be to feel proud of your appearance and let people know that you are happy to be who you are. Don’t feel too overwhelmed by everyone staring at you, It happens every time, so just keep walking and feel great about yourself.
You can check out our previous Swim-Talk Interview with fashion blogger Erin Cannon of The Fashion Canvas