Dreaming of Swimsuit Season

When the temperature is 10 degrees and dropping, it's oh-so-pleasant to daydream about swimsuits season. That is, until you imagine wedging your wintery body into your summery swimsuit — or, worse yet, buying a new suit. Shopping for swimsuits for many women is right up there with getting a root canal while listing to Nickelback’s “Photograph” on repeat.

But for any of us who have stood in front of a three-way mirror, cursing store lighting while sucking in our stomachs, a hero awaits in the form of Lori Coulter.

Since 2005, Coulter of Lori Coulter Made-to-Order Swimwear has turned the dreaded swimsuit hunt into an enjoyable encounter by allowing women to customize swimwear that complements both their personalities and body types. “Shopping for swimsuits ‘off the rack’ can be a frustrating experience,” said Coulter, herself a mom to a 5-year-old and 3-month-old, via e-mail. “Customers have told us they have tried on as many as 25 suits to settle on just one ‘acceptable’ suit for a trip.”

At most stores, thirty-something moms like me are limited to two options – the cheerleader or the octogenarian. And if there happens to be one swimsuit that lifts both our bust and our butt, its pattern rivals our grandma’s sofa in terms of gaudiness.

At Lori Coulter, however, you can choose from a million possible swimsuit combinations.

During a consultation with the Lori Coulter team, you’ll step inside the company’s TrueTailor Digital body scanner which captures 140 measurements of your body, from your waist to your height, in less than one minute.

With these measurements in hand, your personal consultant will brainstorm with you on your style preference and how you plan to wear the suit before helping you pick a one- or two-piece, colors and embellishments. The suit is then made to your measurements with high-quality materials.

Coulter’s swimwear enterprise began when she was a student in grad school. She had been researching another made-to-order apparel project, and when her mother casually mentioned the lack of options she faced while on the swimsuit search for an upcoming trip, the idea for custom swimwear clicked.  “I still love the thrill of making each swimsuit from start to finish and seeing the delighted expression on each customer’s face,” she said. “We have a unique opportunity to help women embrace not only their bodies but also their authentic personal style.”

As long as you're daydreaming, imagine yourself in one of the hot styles for spring: asymmetrical designs, variegated knit dresses, watercolor prints and Swarovski crystal bikinis. The hot colors for this year? Turquoise and plum. If you want to go one step further and take the plunge, schedule a consultation at the Lori Coulter studio on Delmar or at the Macy’s in Chesterfield. To learn more, check out the website at www.loricoulter.com or contact the team directly at 314-727-9879.

But if you want to go on a cheeseburger-and-milkshake embargo first, we understand.

By Nicole Plegge, Lifestyle Blogger for SmartParenting