SwimTalk with Fashion Blogger Lindsey Cheney

We always try to stay on the front lines of the women’s swimwear fashion industry. So we love to collaborate and learn from the best and brightest in the glamorous world of fashion. We call these creative individuals fashion leaders.  You can learn an incredible amount about the latest styles and trends from these fashion leaders. They’re always coming up with new ways to look at the way we wear clothes. SwimsuitsDirect.com wanted to highlight some of these fashion leaders and get their opinions on the best women’s beachwear for Swim-Talk, our ongoing interview series.

Today’s fashion leader is Lindsey Cheney. She’s a sophisticated  married woman with an incredibly supportive husband and is mom to 3 kids under the age of 10. (2 daughters and 1 son). She’s the creator of the shop and personal style blog The Pleated Poppy. She’s a DIY homemade arts and crafts maven.  Her style can best be described as mom-chic. Her modern style is sure to impress any fashion and design blog lover.

1) What attracted you to the world of fashion and design?  

Several years ago, when my 3 kids were still tiny, I was at an all time fashion low.  I somehow was able to see that and decided to force myself into a change.  I started “what I wore Wednesday” to share my weekly outfits – the good, the bad, and the yoga pants.  Posting my pictures to my community kept me accountable to putting a little bit of effort into myself.  Over the years, I have moved from “just getting dressed” to pushing myself out of my comfort zone and trying new things, fashion-wise.

2) As a mother of three, how do you manage to stay at the top of the latest trends?

Pinterest is my quick, go-to inspiration for outfits, but I don’t necessarily hop on the trend bandwagon.  I tend to watch trends for a bit until I feel comfortable with them, and then try them subtly.  I also feel like I can take greater risks since I tend to shop at inexpensive stores like target and forever 21 – if I don’t love my choices, it wasn’t a huge investment!

3) Your home is absolutely gorgeous. Do the designs of your home influence your fashion style?  

Thank you!  Actually, it tends to be the other way around:  my house tends to be influenced by my fashion style!  Sometimes I’m in a neutral mood, sometimes I like more color.  Other times I love a splash of sparkle or animal print!

4) What do you think about apparel shopping online vs. shopping in an actual store?

I actually like them both!  I love getting to try things on before purchasing them, but the speed of online shopping is a plus (and free shipping always helps!).

5) What is your favorite style of bathing suit?  

Being small busted, finding suits to fit me well is really tricky.  I like suits that are modest yet flattering.  If I wear a bikini, the French style top is my favorite, and anything with ruffles is a plus!

6) Now that you have kids, how has your swimwear styles changed since you were younger? 

After my 3rd baby, I pretty much have stuck with one-piece suits due to, well, having 3 kids!  But I have finally decided that my body is not going to be perfect and I’m ok with it, so bikinis have been making a few appearances lately!

 7) How many swimsuits do you own?

Probably 3 one-piece suits and 4 bikinis.

8) How often do you get a new swimsuit? And how often do you recommend getting new pieces?

Most of my suits are several years old and desperately need to be replaced!  I tend to get a new suit every year or 2.  Depending on how well you take care of your suits and how often you wear them, you may need a new one every year.  Besides, my body tends to change a bit each year, so that’s excuse enough to get a new one!

9) When shopping for your daughters’ bathing suits what do you look for? 

We have our girls wear one-piece suits or tankinis.  They are slender so fit and modesty are our top priorities for them.

10) What is the hardest part about shopping for young girl’s swimwear? What do you think is easiest? 

I think the hardest part is finding age-appropriate suits.  so often little girl’s suits are designed as mini adult suits.  But I like my little girls to dress like little girls, not little adults.  The easiest part of shopping for them?  There are so many cute choices!

11) Who is your favorite swimsuit designer and why?

I love Seafolly for their retro style and Maaji for their unique styles I don’t see anywhere else!

12) Describe your perfect outfit for a day at the beach with your family.

A comfy suit to wear all day, lightweight linen pants and a cardigan to throw on for the cool breezes.  I’m always sporting sunglasses and a hat for extra sun protection.

13) Does your swimwear change if you’re with the whole family as opposed to just being with your husband? 

Not so much, but definitely when I’m with friends or just family.  With family I feel more comfortable in a bikini than I do with friends.

14) What advice do you have for finding the ideal swimwear? 

Try on lots of styles until you find the style that suits your figure best.  Then search for several designs of that style!

You can check out our previous SwimTalk  interview with fashion blogger Sharon Wong creator of the blog A Girl’s Point of View