Retro has always been huge in the fashion world, but this year more than ever. The last few years have seen a real resurgence in everything retro since the slick and stylish Mad Men first appeared on our screens. Now this year, with the release of the hotly anticipated Great Gatsby remake the fash pack have gone retro mad. Peplums are huge as are 1920s-style flatter dresses with deco details. It’s all about tassels, beading and feathers.
So, retro is everywhere. Even in swimwear, where 1950s esque pin-up style is once again playing a major part in summer fashion for 2012.

Picking your retro swimwear

High waists

It’s all about the high waist. Whether you opt for a bikini or tankini, to keep it retro make sure your bottoms are high up. It wasn’t that long ago where you couldn’t move for low slung bikini bottoms, but things have started to shift. High-waisted bottoms are not only right on trend, they also offer a little more coverage, giving a bit more support around the waist. Not only that, they can also lengthen your legs. Colour clashing is hot this year, but it’s definitely more of a modern trend. To keep things retro make sure you team with a matching top. Do that and you’ll get a stylish and sexy look with just a little touch of sophistication.

Halter necks

One of the most universal techniques to make stylish swimsuits great for all silhouettes is the halter neck. They’re perfect for drawing the attention to the sophisticated proportions of the body, with just a little nod to the past.

Ruffles

Bikinis with ruffle detailing offer a playful retro feel. Whether strapless or halter neck, they’re the ideal accompaniment to a flawless tan.

Going for the one-piece

Retro one pieces have been doing their thing for a couple of years now and show no signs of leaving us anytime soon. You’ll get all the coverage you need, perfect for a figure flattering style.

Choosing your accessories

As is the case with any specific look, you have to complete it with the retro accessories. Throw in a floppy hat, sarongs and big sunglasses and you’ll look perfect.

I have officially lost 30 pounds.

The 30 pound mark was the first big goal that I set for myself for two reasons. 1.) I’ve observed that when other people lose weight it becomes super noticeable around 30 pounds. 2.) I know that I can lose 10-15 pounds by crash dieting but 30 pounds would require a real lifestyle change.

There were some unexpected things that came with losing 30 pounds:

-I can do jumping jacks now (before, I used to march in place while pumping my arms)

-I no longer do push-ups on my knees (aka “girl push ups”) I do them in a full plank position

-When I climb the subway steps I don’t have to hold on the the hand rails for stability/assistance

-I can do laps in the pool for 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes

-My skin is clearer (perhaps from sweating out toxins regularly?)

-My knees are rarely sore

As you can see, a lot of the changes I’ve noticed are more fitness related. I will admit that the bulk of my weight loss happened in the gym. Getting my eating right is still my main struggle, but I’m working on it.

As I push towards my next goal of 50 pounds, I’m trying to remind myself of the popular saying “you get fit in the gym and thin kitchen”… not that I’m trying to get “thin” but at the end of the day, healthy eating habits are easier to maintain that a heavy gym schedule.

Anyway, I’ve lost 30 pounds!!!

I’m going home to California tomorrow, so I just need to make sure I don’t eat myself into an In-N-Out and Mexican food induced coma haha….