The Monokini That Changed My Mind
I keep seeing and hearing about the “monokini” or “trikini” trend. It certainly isn’t new this season, but I’ve recently been feeling a strange force toward trying them on, similar to what happens when I’m drawn to odd, sometimes even ugly, shoes. On top of that, I’ve been living under the “rule” I’m supposed to wear solid colors to minimize attention to areas I’m insecure about…aka, my butt.
Above: My new monokini (photo credit: OndadeMar)
Christina Silva of Tininha, a beach/swimwear boutique in Fremont, helped give me the confidence to try on the Under the Sea monokini by OndadeMar, even though I was almost certain it would be a disaster. She’s from Brazil, aka bikini paradise, and totally knows her stuff when it comes to swimwear and body types. After coaxing me out of the dressing room and having me do a few embarrassing twirls, I realized it fit me perfectly and had to have it.
At a $219 price tag, I definitely needed to sleep on it and I couldn’t resist checking to see if there were any deals online, which there were. I took my boyfriend with me for his input the next day and to my surprise, he loved it! I asked Christina if she’d be willing to match the price I found online for $194, and she generously accomodated.
I was thinking about capturing some of Christina’s tips on video in her store…would this be helpful? If so, let me know what kinds of questions you want me to ask!
I think they look cute but watch out for awkward tan lines! If you are laying out at the pool or something it is best if you switch up your suit every once in awhile so that you don’t get a mysterious white line down your tummy! Just a suggestion.
That’s a hot look– why not have a little fashion fun with your swimwear, too? I’m searching for the perfect two piece myself…
That’s def. hot looking! Can’t say i’ve ever seen one of these one anyone lately…although, haven’t been out by the beach yet
hope you get some great responses when you wear it!
Totally hot!! I LOVE Tiniha, and would love to see her tips on your blog
She is the bikini genius, and I totally love her store 
You have to check out her “I love Orla” site if you like Orla Kiely too 
http://www.iloveorla.com/index.html
They are cute and style-ish but I dont think I can pull that off.
I tried one or two and they made me look stout or even worse FAT, maybe I should give another try but I think if I ever invest on one… it has to be altered. I dont even know if my tailot would do that, lol
Caitlin – Totally agree about the tan lines – as long as you switch it up, you should be okay. I’m a little unpolished anyway (chipped nails, roots showing, etc), but I think this would be a bigger issue for perfectionistas.
dreamsequins – Any questions you want me to ask the bikini expert??
J. Money – LOL, thanks! I hope I get good responses, and by that I mean, I’m hoping not to stand out.
Michelle Moore – Thanks so much for reminding me on Twitter! She showed me the I Love Orla site too! Any specific Q’s for the bikini genius?
Anne – I think that’s what held me back before. I think it totally depends on your shape and the cut of the monokini. This one fits exactly like a bikini, it’s just connected. Others look more like a one piece with holes and I could see how that would make you look shorter (it would for my never ending torso).
Jordana, Thank you so much for the lovely post!
Michelle, I love you too. So good to hear from you!
Enjoy the sun everyone!
T.
It just seems easier to wear a bikini! But I bet you’ll look cute!
Tininha!!!!
Jordana, be sure to have her talk about how women with curves (AKA ME!) can still find CUTE & amazing suits at her shop!! My favorite is Salinas with a Brazilian bottom. Oh LALA!
oh wow, that monokini is one hot issue, girl!
I like your pick, i think it’d make a gorgeous entry in the pool/beach ^__^
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This print is fab and I salute anyone who is willing to push the boundaries of what they’re comfortable with when it comes to their curves – tastefully that is! Are those embellishments I see? It’s a beautiful suit! And, yes to the video.
This post is pretty much the answer to my prayers! I’m one of those people who used to buy several new suits every season, but after becoming a mommy and losing my “figure”, I’m affraid to shop for swimsuits again. The main issue I have is my tummy area. I am looking for a suit that covers the side of my tummy as I seem to carry fat more on the sides rather than the middle section. Obviously the suit above is my worst nightmare but I love suits that have a little something extra to offer. Thanks a lot for doing this Jordana and for introducing me to Tininha!
I’m scared my tummy isn’t toned enough for one :\
OHHH I have a question… I have tried on a couple of these monokinis & they never seem to look right because I’m long-waisted (the boob part is always lower than it should be).. is there a certain brand that especially makes them for long-waisted gals or is there a certain style that would fit my body best? I was thinking of getting a ‘Vitamin A’ monokini; do these fit long-waisted gals? THANKS
I wasn’t too big on monokinis either but a saleswoman at a swimsuit boutique coaxed me into one last week as well. I was shocked at how sexy it looked. Only goes to show you shouldn’t knock something until you’ve tried it! (Well, in most cases, ha).
The one you got by the way is absolutely gorgeous. Good choice!
Love the monokini but have never tried it on. I guess i’m just not brave enough. however I think your post has convinced me to try it!
I love the color and the print of the one you got. Will have to stop by Tininha soon!
Soooooooooooo adorable! Bold and colorful monokinis are super hot right now…this one is a perfect example, albeit at a pretty steep price. I’d seriously consider it though!
Love that! Such a pretty print and love the shell details! I used to love bikinis when I was skinnier but find that one-pieces work better now. However, I’m thinking I could do a monokini. Absolutely love the one you picked!
I love this suit. I hate buying swimsuits but this one is super cute. I am worried about the tan lines though. It might be best to just have a one-piece that completely covers. I love this one though. The print is awesome!
Oh wow, it’s gorgeous! I love it. And I want it. *makes grabby hands*
This Monokini is beautiful. Please, could you tell me where can I buy this monikini?