Style [+] Life [+] Fashion by [@kwest1908]
Are you ready for the 4th of July holiday weekend? Ann Taylor has just what you need – regardless if the weather is going to hold up for beach weather or not.
From a flattering bikini and shorts and tops that are an easy transition from day-to-night to grab-and-go dresses for the weekend bash – all the essentials fit right in your favorite weekend tote.
Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview the owner and designer of Shalaja Swimwear. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, Shaquoya Jackson decided to stop searching for the ‘sexy, flirty yet sophisticated’ swimwear she desired and create it herself.
1. When did you realize you wanted to become a swimwear designer?
Well I have always loved fashion, modeling, and entertainment, and I always wanted to be a commercial model and be involved in the entertainment industry (Hosting or interviewing.)
I realized I wanted to become a designer in 2011 after I prayed to God to show me my purpose in life. When he showed me my purpose thats when it became my passion!
2. How long does it usually take to construct a swimsuit? And what’s your favorite piece from the collection?
To actually create a sketch design only takes about 5-15 mins depending on if I already have an idea in mind. Sometimes I sketch images that I’ve pictured in my mind and sometimes I sketch and design as I go. To get the swimsuit made takes around 2 1/2 weeks. I have a few favorite pieces from the collection so this will be hard! I guess I would have to say Black Chic Monokini is my favorite because black looks nice on everyone, and the high fashion look/design plus the mesh cut outs makes me feel sexy!
3. What was the first article of clothing you ever designed? What’s your inspiration?
My first article of clothing I ever designed was probably a skirt and top when I was in middle school. My first designed piece that was made was a swimsuit. My inspiration for my designs are everything that I like. If I see a print that I like on anything it may inspire me to use those colors or print. If I see a beautiful piece of clothing item it may inspire me to design a swimsuit a certain way. If I see a funky hairstyle it may inspire me to create a wild and crazy piece that would coordinate with the style. What inspires me in life is the fact that I am surrounded by striving, successful, and supportive people who works to achieve the best out of life and I want to do the same!
4. What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?
Actually just making it to the point where I am now is an accomplishment for me. I started a business completely on my own; researching and gaining all of the knowledge that I can to make all of this happen! I was involved in Miami International Fashion Week 2013 as well as Alabama Fashion Week 2013. I will be showcasing new pieces in Hollywood, Ca for Facet Fashion Week 2014. I have been featured in Epok Online Magazine, and Life on The Water Magazine which is sold in barnes and nobles, yachts, etc. I have also had the opportunity to supply my alumni school, ASU, with suits for ballet dancers and their performance.
5. Who are some of your favorite clothing brands?
I don’t have a favorite clothing brand. I wear everything and anything that I like. I mainly shop online at various stores, but I do love Versace and the luxurious prints used for their clothing.
6. What’s in the future for ShaLaJa Swimwear?
In the future ShaLaJa Swimwear will have a men’s line, kids line, exotic wear, beach lounge, and cover ups.
About Shalaja Swimwear:
The collections feature different ranges of pieces in an array of prints, styles, textures, colors and embellishments – from simple to space age, and everything in between. All collection highlights include creative monokinis, twisted two-pieces and one-pieces that cinch your figure into svelte mode. Future plans for ShaLaJa’ include exotic wear, beach wraps, lounge wear, hats, t-shirts and a children’s line.
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Shopping for maternity clothes can be a nightmare. In fact, shopping for anything baby-related can be a pretty trying experience. From the day you find out you’re expecting, your house will gradually become full of scraps of paper on which you have listed the next ten things you need to buy. Your partner will watch in slow-mo horror as the balance in the joint bank account rapidly plummets from ‘acceptable’ to ‘getting slightly worried’. The spare room will be piled high with prams, Moses baskets, baby-grows donated by well-meaning friends and family and all sorts of other paraphernalia.
Not that I’m trying to put you off, rather I want to help you during such a busy time. Take a leaf out my book: don’t sweat the small stuff. For example, I spent a great deal of time trying on maternity swimming costumes and bikinis in the shops when I was expecting, only to realise that I could have found one on line. The Internet is a fantastic tool to use when you are pregnant, as there are loads of handy hints about what you need to do and lots of blogs which you can read.
I also felt under quite a lot of pressure to do a sufficient amount of exercise whilst pregnant. At first, I carried on with my normal light jogging routine, but after a while I found running was too much to contend with. Going for long walks sounded like an attractive option, but unfortunately I worked full time up until 8 months so I could not devote time to doing this. Then I found out that swimming was a viable alternative.
In terms of exercise, for example, swimming is one of the best ways a Mum-to-be can get the exercise she needs without overstretching. In terms of swimwear, fashion lines are much more au fait with flattering a pregnant wearer than a decade ago, hence there is a much wider choice of cossies to choose from. Comfort and flexibility make for a comfortable bikini or swim suit.
Here’s how to choose a swim suit to suit you:
-Pick a bikini or costume with adjustable straps to support your bust, should you need additional support in this area
– If you are feeling smaller on top, a halter neck bikini top will enhance your bust. Bright colours or ruffles will also help draw attention to the bust
-As many women are blessed with large hips, a heavily detailed swimsuit or a halter neck style works well to draw attention from this area. Should you opt for a bikini, wearing darker bottom halves will focus the eyes on the top
-If you have a boyish figure, choosing a low-leg swimsuit will make your body appear longer
So, grab a swimming costume and get rid of all that pregnancy stress by going for a swim. It can’t be that bad, as people do it again and again! In fact, I’m currently pregnant with baby number two! Better start writing some more lists…
Author Bio:
Sally Neal is busy trying to find a maternity bikini for her holiday this July!
Tori Spelling looking great pregnant wearing a two piece swimsuit
Ladies we have a treat for you! For everyone who’s a “Beyonce fan” and frequent shopper of H&M, we are offering (you) the opportunity to wear the hottest style. In honor of our loyal readers, we are hosting a giveaway from the Beyonce in H&M Summer Collection 2013.
One lucky winner will receive a bandeau bikini (top/bottom) and beaded embroidered dress for summer! Details on how to enter the giveaway are below:
GIVEAWAY REQUIRED ENTRY:
1. “Like” Style Life Fashion Facebook and Twitter Page.
2. Return to my blog (HERE) and leave a comment sharing your favorite clothing item or accessory from H&M.
3. Share our Beyonce in H&M Summer Collection 2013 giveaway on one of your social networking sites (either Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.)
Giveaway will end at midnight on June 18, 2013 EST. The winner will be notified (via email) and announced on June19, 2013.
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