Sorry folks for the delay in writing. We here at Amy Antonio Designs are deep in our annual sideline of 3 Days of Aloha planning. It's a great event filled with a ton of hula and other Hawaiian related activities and I recommend that you check it out as the end of this month.
Meanwhile, we've been enjoying the hot days of sunshine and summer with the joining of "Hike Club" whose purpose is to get outdoors to exercise in the beautiful region of ours, commune with fellow friends, all with the reward of swimmng (and when available, root beer floats). Last week Hike Club ventured into the ancient forests and abandoned mining camp near Opal Creek, Oregon. This seven mile loop hike took us to an amazing oasis of turquoise (and freezing cold) water and passed old rusted out mining carts and cars. It was a 97 degree day, and yet the water was still a chilly 60, which felt like negative 60.
The always stylish Layla appeared in an adorable polka doted one peice ensemble from Popina which reminded me that I really needed to update the black, oppresive Cold War era suit I'd been donning for the last few years.
Popina Swimwear is one of the hidden Portland gems that you'd drive by everyday without ever stopping. Except for the fancy sign out front, this unassuming shop which shares it's front with a Foot Clinic and Dentist, I tell you - is a woman's best friend when it comes to bathing suits. They offer a huge selection of quality vintage inspired suits from Jantzen and Tommy Bahama but more importlantly, their own line of custom designs for the rest of us who are tired of squeezing our womanly shapes into teenage cuts. They still have string bikinis should you be graced with such a figure to warrent one, but the majority of the suits seem to be tankinis, hipster bottoms, and a variety of stylish top styles to fit every body shape. You can mix and match patterns and sizes since Popina's custom line follow the same fabric patterns: polka dots, solid, Hawaiian postcard, and a few 70s prints.
(I went with the flirty polka dotted skirt/boy shorts two peice suit)
Their tops generally range from $25-$40 dollars and bottoms from $25-$50. One pieces are from $60 -$100 and are open six days a week. For those not in the area, they offer their suits online as well. A size chart is listed should you be wary of ordering the right size online.