Cassey Ho's Blog, page 23

How to Pack A Travel Capsule Wardrobe

One of the biggest challenges with traveling is balancing feeling comfortable and feeling like you’re putting your best self forward into the world. We want to be relaxed, but presentable. Cozy, but beautiful. 

After all, how we dress reflects how we feel and how we want the world to see us. And when you’re restricted to one checked bag (or maybe just a carry-on), it’s hard to imagine how to be all of these things when your luggage space is so limited.

Enter, the Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule wardrobes have been around since the 70s, but the trend circled back around in recent years. This term to describes the act of building a wardrobe full of a limited number of versatile, quality items that can be mixed and matched to make a plethora of outfit options. 

Not only is a capsule wardrobe a sustainable and affordable approach to fashion, but it also saves space! This is why the capsule wardrobe approach is not only a great mindset for your everyday closet (goodbye, overconsumption!) but also the perfect method for packing your travel essentials.

Why it Works

When you’re limited to a certain amount of space, the key is versatility. Pieces that you can layer, wear again and again, and dress up or down. 

The capsule wardrobe method encourages choosing items that can be mixed and matched, meaning the colors and materials of each item complement each other. Creativity is key when it comes to making new, exciting outfit combinations. 

This approach will help you see your closet in a whole new light. From the airport to sightseeing to nightlife, building a capsule wardrobe will take you wherever your heart desires during your travels.

Travel Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

How you build your travel capsule is up to you! Of course, it will depend on your destination, the time of year that you travel, and what activities you plan to do once you arrive. This guide will help you get started. Don’t feel like you need to follow it to a T, but use it as a reference point for pieces to include in your packing list.

Corset Bra | SuperShort | Cloud Hoodie | Crisscross Hourglass Bell Bottoms

Travel Set

Limited luggage space often means you’re tempted to leave the sweatpants at home. I’m a firm believer in function over fashion for travel days, especially if you’re in for a long car ride or hours-long layovers.

My recommendation is to bring a travel set, a pair of comfortable leggings or shorts with a sports bra, layered under your favorite sweatshirt. (I find that my personal favorite option is a one-piece.) Make sure to use pieces that are thin (i.e., no bulky sweatpants) and can be rolled up small to fit in your luggage later. Bonus points if your travel set can double as a workout set if you feel the need to get physical and do some vacation-friendly workouts during your trip!

Neutral T-Shirt

When you hear “t-shirt”, your mind might immediately think “boring”. But that’s not the case! Including a basic shirt in a neutral color means that you can mix and match it with almost anything, including any extra statement pieces you plan to bring with you (if you have the room, of course). You can layer it over your travel set or pair with any other bottoms you bring with you. Choose the silhouette that works best for you, whether you like a short, cropped look or a loose, boxy fit.

Romance Ruffle Bra | Crisscross Hourglass Bike Shorts | Button Down Shirt | Shirt Dress

Oversized Button-Down

Even if you cringe at the term “oversized”, trust me on this! Bringing a shirt that fits just a little looser than normal means that you can wear it in multiple ways. Use it as a swimsuit cover-up at the beach or as a jacket-style layer over your travel set for a hike. At night, button it up and pair it with your favorite pants. The possibilities are endless.

Elevated Top

Having one fancy top for a night out is always a good idea. You can wear it with your skirt or dress or with jeans, depending on how formal or informal you want to be.

Another fun idea if you’re headed for warm weather: Double your fav one-piece swimsuit as a bodysuit.

Black Denim Jacket | Supersculpt Twirl Skort | Corset Bra | Perfect Tee

Versatile Skirt or Dress

 If you love adding a feminine flare to your outfit, bringing a skirt or dress can help you seamlessly switch between your day-to-night looks. The POPFLEX skorts are a great piece for this element because they are comfortable and elegant. You can wear them to a fancy restaurant and even as a part of your travel set (Yes, they’re that comfortable).

Denim Jacket

Jean jackets are seriously my ride-or-die. I never travel without one and highly recommend including one in your travel capsule. They seriously go with everything. If you’re not a blue jean type of girl, black denim is a fantastic alternative.

Your Favorite Pair of Pants or Jeans

The great thing about jeans is that they’re durable. Blue jeans are a classic. You can wear them multiple times before they need a wash and they go with a lot of different tops. If you’re not short on space, you can also incorporate a pair of black jeans for an elevated look.

Classic & Comfy Shoes

While I’m just outlining essentials and not going into detail about accessories (I’ll leave that up to you, dear reader!), it’s important to talk about the elephant in the room; footwear. When you’re traveling, you’re probably walking three or four times your usual daily step count. There’s a lot to see and do! And if you’ve only got room for one pair of shoes, you need something that will be comfortable and versatile. I recommend a classic low-rise and neutral-colored sneaker. My personal favorite is the Nike Air Force One, but there are plenty of options out there. 

If you’re headed somewhere where sandals are a must, these comfy slides won’t take up much room.

Putting It All Together

Now that we’ve given you the formula for building your travel capsule wardrobe, we hope you’ll take inspiration from the following outfit combinations. 

What are your travel essentials?

Let us know in the comments!

 

 

*These travel capsule ideas may contain referral links for products we love, and all opinions are our own. We earn a small commission from these links, at no additional cost to you.

How a Backpacking Trip Shifted My Body Image

Until last spring, I had never been backpacking — and never felt a strong desire to hit the trail with all of my belongings strapped on my back (yes, even after reading Wild by Cheryl Strayed!). 

But, come last March, things changed. Like many of us post-pandemic, I was in a rough spot. I was struggling to find my “new normal” and feeling a bit cooped up. So, in a moment of sheer spontaneity, I booked a solo backpacking trip. 

Great Expectations

Ahead of the trip, I didn’t know what to expect. I consulted a friend who had taken on the trail months before, and I explored a few blogs for insight on what to pack and what route to take. I was nervous about the weight of my pack, and I was unsure if I had enough actual hiking training since I booked the trip just a few weeks out. 

Regardless of my nerves, I was excited to be out in nature and to unplug from daily stressors, work, and social media. I was looking forward to listening to podcasts and my favorite Spotify playlists while checking out the beautiful scenery. 

And, while I expected that the trip would have an impact on my life, I didn’t expect the type of impact this backpacking journey would have on me.

Let’s Back Up

As many women do, I’ve struggled with body image for most of my life. I grew up in the era of thin-bodied models gracing the covers of fashion magazines, crash diets, and low-calorie/low-fat labels dominating shelves. 

In tune with the culture of the time, I was teased relentlessly about my thick ankles and lack of thigh gap in high school. I stopped wearing shorts for years and instead, I obsessed over everything I wore and everything I ate. While I’ve learned and grown from my 16-year-old self through hard work, the memories have a hard time fading, and it still felt like an ongoing mental battle more than fifteen years later. 

And, with the uncertainty of the pandemic and with months of endless social media scrolling, I felt myself returning back to the unhealthy obsession, wondering why my body didn’t look like my friends’ bodies, wondering if I was strong or skinny “enough” and wondering why I couldn’t meet my own warped expectations. 

I was unhappy in my body and felt like it never felt “right” no matter what I tried. 

Off We Go

With all of this in mind, I set off on my journey, stepping onto the dirt trail with my new backpack in tow. 

With each double-digit, heavy elevation day on the trail, I felt my legs screaming as I took on steep hills and felt my feet aching with fresh blisters. My shoulders were sore from a pack I wasn’t used to toting around, and my knees and ankles braced in anticipation of each scary-looking downgrade. But, with each new vista I reached, I started to realize — I was doing it. I was backpacking, and my body was indeed strong enough to meet the challenge. 

Nearly forty miles on my feet later, I wrapped up my final day. When I reached the trail end sign, I broke down in happy, proud tears. I took on what had turned into a bucket list item and could check it off the list. 

Surprise!

As far as expectations go, I did enjoy the incredible scenery that’s only accessible with backpacking. I loved having time to unplug and be with myself. I enjoyed listening to interviews and learning with hours of podcasts.

What I didn’t expect: my body image shifted on the trail — and so did my self-talk.

As I soaked up every breathtaking trail view, I started to realize: bodies are made for living, not looking. My body was able to get me to each view and each summit, and my body was the driving force behind this trip that inspired me to unplug more in the future. My body facilitated a life-changing experience — and it didn’t matter what it looked like. By removing thoughts about how I looked on the trail or if I was fit enough to wear the shorts, I was able to use my energy to live more fully and experience the activities that fulfilled me. 

I also realized that bodies are meant to change in size and shape.

If I was the same size I was in high school, I wouldn’t be able to have conquered the steep hills. My legs and shoulders couldn’t have supported me without some extra muscle. Our personalities and interests grow and expand and shift and narrow with life, so why can’t our bodies too? They are meant to adapt and grow with different seasons of life.

Mostly, this trip taught me how to be proud of and thankful for my body.

I cried at the end because I wasn’t just proud of my mental capacity to survive on a trail alone for a few days despite some tough situations, I was also proud of my body. It supported me along the way, and it felt good. For that, I am thankful and will continue to be thankful for my body, rather than shaming it. I won’t take for granted the things my body is capable of — whether that is backpacking a challenging trail or supporting me while standing over the stove cooking a meal or helping me jump and down at a concert with my favorite band.

Do you have a pivotal moment that shifted your body image?

Say Hello to The Perfect Bikini Top!

Hey guys!

Here’s why this is the most PERFECT bikini top. I know that’s bold to declare but I stand fully behind what I’m saying.

The issue

Most bikini tops either provide no support, or if there’s underwire, it doesn’t fit right, and if there’s padding, my bbs get exposed from the gapping!

The fix

Create something that molds to the natural shape of your bbs while offering support and infinite adjustability.

The solution

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)

The Boardwalk Bombshell Bikini Top

This is my first ever POPFLEX underwire bra! It took 2 years but I needed every moment of it to get this right. Making bras is not easy! I’ve still got a lot to learn but this is a pretty solid start.

What I love about this design:

🩵 Balconette cups
🩵 Contoured cup pattern to mold to the natural shape of your bbs
🩵 XXS-3X + 2 cup capacities to choose from so 18 different sizes!
🩵 Infinite Adjustability with the corset-inspired lace-up back feature. Seriously, this is a game-changer for fit!!
🩵 Silicone grip on ergonomic underbust
🩵 Non-slip: I mean it! The lace-up back paired with the grippies = ultimate security
🩵 Wide and stretchy straps for support
🩵 Wide and low neckline (so flattering!)
🩵 No padding (so I can still feel like myself)
🩵 Double-lined so no see-through scares
Gold hardware bc we elegant around here

Shop Boardwalk Bombshell Top

The perfect bikini top is still a work in progress!

The cups currently come in A-C capacity and D-DD capacity and I plan on extending my range for launch next summer. Just need time to study larger cups and get it right for you!

Hope you love. Any questions, just ask!

 

Swim Journey Pt. 3: Launch Day!

The final part of the swim journey…Launch Day!!

You guys, for real, I did not think we’d make it here. The struggles still aren’t over (the morning of launch I found out about a NEW problem ) but the items that did make it out I 100% stand behind with so much pride. Everything is made to feel like luxury, from the silky fabrics down to the gold hardware.

And the fit.

Oh you guys. The fit.

THIS is what I needed 2 years for. The never-ending pattern adjustments and the constant fittings resulted in some of the best-fitting swimwear you’ll ever put in your body. And trust, I own hundreds of bikinis from $17 Amazon no name brands to $250 one pieces from luxury swim boutiques.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)

Noteworthy mentions:

Boardwalk Bombshell Bikini Top: My first ever underwire bra with a cup size for A-C and a cup size for D-DD! I’m very happy with the way the balconette bra lifts my boobs, it’s just SO FLATTERING! Plus the adjustable lace-up back allows you to customize your fit to PERFECTION. I know there are many of you with larger cups, but this is where we are starting as I need time to research. Thank you for your patience.

Crisscross Hourglass Cheeky Bikini Bottoms: Basically took the waistband from my most viral legging and stuck it on a bottom with high cut legs (hello long legs), a V booty seam, and a cheeky backside to lift and shape your butt. Don’t be scared of this cut. Trust me. Just try it.

Sandbar Strapless Top: The only strapless bikini top you won’t have to keep pulling up. This one DOES NOT fall off. Even if the lace-up back accidentally gets untied. I’ll explain more in a video. But again. TRUST ME.

 

Shop POPFLEX Swim

Ok now go check the POPFLEX site and have fun browsing! Look at the pics, read the model measurements, and come back here if you have any questions on fit!

Thank you for asking me to design a swim line for you. I had so much fun (and so many sleepless nights) – but all worth it if you can find something you truly love.

PS – I wrote more about the swim journey in Part 1 and Part 2 if you want to know everything that went on behind the scenes!

Check out the POPFLEX Swim Lookbook too!

 

Swim Journey Pt.2

Go here for Part 1 of the swim journey!

As I was losing time, I had no choice but to sacrifice the weak.

Crinkle fabric did not make it. He had to be dropped because we did not have enough time to figure out how to use him properly.

Several styles were dropped last minute as the fit was not working and I knew would take several more months to lock down.

However, there was one thing I COULD NOT sacrifice: the fit of our hero bra.

One of my favorite pieces is the POPFLEX Boardwalk Bombshell Bra that you see in the video. It was the first time I had ever worked with underwire and I was honestly so happy with our results. If fit me perfect. However, when my friend came over, I asked her to try on this bra and her D’s were dangerously bursting out of the cups.

In that moment I made the decision to DELAY our timeline on purpose.

There was absolutely NO WAY I could release this bra without having multiple cup options for you guys. Sacrificing fit is not an option.

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Cassey Ho (@blogilates)

 

Shop POPFLEX Swim

When we finally finished developing the second underwire size, it was already June. WE WERE SO LATE. I had originally wanted to launch in April! We rushed straight into production, booked our photographer, booked out models, booked our venue, and then –

2 days before we shoot, I had nothing in my hands.

To be continued…

 

10 Ready-to-Drink Mocktails I’m Sipping This Summer

*This list of ready-to-drink mocktails may contain referral links for products we love, and all opinions are our own. Blogilates.com earns a small commission from these links, at no additional cost to you.

It’s officially summer, AKA time to soak up the sun somewhere with a cold drink to sip on. I’ll admit that most of the time I’m either a water or iced coffee girl, but summer activities call for something more…whether that activity is a beach day, a cookout, or lizard time in your backyard.

In the past, my special summer drink always contained alcohol. While I still love a spicy marg every now and then, I feel A LOT better going the mocktail route. Non-alcoholic cocktails still feel special and taste great, so it’s a win-win!

These are the mocktails I’m packing in my cooler this summer.

If I’m headed to the lake, the beach, or to hang out with friends, I’m not packing a mocktail that requires effort. These ready-to-drink mocktails are as convenient as it gets.

1. Recess

Image: Recess

Recess Zero Proof Craft Mocktails

We love a cocktail in a can…but without alcohol! These look like the same style as Cutwater or High Noon, so if you’re worried about anyone judging or giving you a hard time for not drinking (which is totally none of their business, btw), these mocktails won’t attract any judgy attention.

I love the variety of options Recess offers with these! There’s something for everyone.

2. Vybes

Image: Vybes

Vybes Mixed Pack

I am a huge fan of Vybes CBD beverages. They contain small amounts of CBD and magnesium to help calm your mind, and I find them super refreshing on a hot day.

They’re on the pricey side (around $6 per bottle), but I love the Blood Orange Lime and Watermelon Lime (which I am still anxiously awaiting for summer!).

3. Ritual Aperitif

Image: Ritual

Ritual Aperitif Alternative

If you’ve seen any of my mocktail recipes or other non-alcoholic drink roundups, you know my love for Ritual. I’ve used their zero-proof spirits for a ton of homemade mocktails, but their newest product is ready to drink straight from the bottle.

This aperitif alternative is delicious on its own, but if you are feeling a little ambitious you can mix in some bubbles, like sparkling water.

4. Kin

Image: Boisson

Skin Spritz

Kin was one of the first alcohol alternatives I tried. I was totally new to the world of functional beverages, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I wouldn’t say this tastes like a cocktail, but it was sweet, bubbly, and refreshing. Plus it did seem to work as a little “pick me up,” maybe thanks to functional ingredients like 5-HTP and GABA?

5. Parch Prickly Paloma

Image: Boisson

Parch Prickly Paloma

Parch’s prickly pear version of a Paloma is just as yummy as it sounds. It’s bright and citrusy and features adaptogens like ashwagandha, L-theanine, and American ginseng. What do these do? These plants can improve how your body responds to stress. In other words, this mocktail might help you chill out, without the alcohol.

If a Paloma isn’t your drink of choice, Parch also offers a Spiced Piñarita flavor. I really don’t think you can go wrong.

6. Avec

Image: Avec

Shop Avec

If you haven’t caught on, I’m very into spicy drinks and citrus. So this Jalapeño Blood Orange flavor called my name immediately. There are a lot of flavors to choose from though, like Grapefruit and Pomelo, Hibiscus and Pomegranate, and Yuzu and Lime. Want to try them all? Go for the sample pack!

When you bring one of these cute cans along, you and your friends can drink the delicious mocktail as-is, or add alcohol and use it as a mixer.

7. Proxies

Image: Proxies

Shop Proxies

 

If you were around for my non-alcoholic wine review, you know about my feelings for Proxies Red Ember. This isn’t a 1:1 replacement for wine, but it’s just as fun to sip on sitting poolside or at a bonfire with friends. The Red Ember is spicy, but there are other flavor options like Blanc Slate, Tart, and Pink Salt. Want to try them all? Get the New Tasting Set.

8. Trader Joe’s Sparkling Watermelon Juice

Yes, this one is just juice. But hear me out. I poured this Trader Joe’s Sparkling Watermelon Juice over ice with Tajín on the glass a few days ago, and it was surprisingly good. Like, I’m craving it again now. Another plus – there’s NO added sugar or artificial sweeteners in this!

All I’m saying is, it doesn’t get easier (or more affordable) than this.

9. Trader Joe’s Jalapeño Limeade

While we’re on the subject of Trader Joe’s, we have to include my favorite summer mocktail (and sometimes cocktail mixer) of all time – the Jalapeño Limeade. I stock up every year – it’s that good.

10. Athletic Brewing

Image: Athletic Brewing

Athletic Brewing Non-Alcoholic Beer

 

I’m not a beer drinker, but I like this (at least the Golden Brew anyway). And my friends who ARE beer drinkers like this. Athletic Brewing has a ton of non-alcoholic flavors to cater to your beer preference, from sours to IPAs to dark varieties.

What’s your favorite summer mocktail?

Drop your faves in the comments!

If you’re trying to grow your non-alcoholic drink cart, check out my reviews of zero-proof beverages and non-alcoholic wines.

Looking for a summer mocktail recipe? Check out this Strawberry Sangria.

Take A Dip Into My First Ever Swim Collection!

Hey guys!

When I decided it was time to take a shot at swimwear, I thought it would be easy. It couldn’t be much different than designing activewear, right? Wrong. 

I was so naive. 

To get the ball rolling, I posted a few polls on Instagram asking for your swimwear desires. I kept it simple: High-waisted or low-waisted? Cheeky or full coverage? Do we like sleeves? When the results rolled in, my only takeaway was this: There would be no one swimsuit to make everyone happy.

As UNhelpful as that may sound, it actually led to a crucial realization of the “why” behind this collection. Swimwear is deeply personal. 

Take me as an example: I’ve always struggled to find the perfect swimsuit for my body because 

I want something that lifts my small chest with little coverage (so tired of saggy fabric, the uni-boob, and looking like a little kid ugh).I need bottoms that hide my #nobuttlife and accentuate my waist. So cheekier, with no pinching.

It’s a complicated, frustrating situation that has driven me to the point of hating swimsuit shopping at times. And that’s just MY struggle! We all have different bodies, different styles, and different needs. DUH there can’t be one single swimsuit that makes everyone happy. 

So began the journey to design a collection with options for everyone.

 

I started thinking of your swimwear woes as my own. How could this collection meet as many needs as possible?

We met as a team and talked through ALL of our swim fit frustrations, which led to a deeper, much more intense conversation about our #SwimSecrets – the moment in our lives when swimwear lost its joy.

This convo was HEAVY. But we came out the other side on a mission. A mission to reclaim our joy (and YOUR joy) in swimwear. Three words came to mind to fulfill this mission:

Adjustability
Feminine
Powerful

Here’s where things got complicated.

We ran into literally every hurdle possible. First, we chose the wrong fabric, and then the wrong print. We had issues finding the right manufacturing partner and patternmaker. And then, we ran into fit issues. 

Seriously, it was a challenge every step of the way, even down to getting the samples for our photoshoot! Omg the STRESS. Never had I been 1 day away from a shoot – Models booked, location booked, hair and makeup booked, photographer booked, team flights booked – and we didn’t even have anything to shoot in hand. It was so scary.

It took TWO YEARS to get it right.

Remember when I said I thought this would be just like designing activewear? Yeah, that normally takes 9 to 12 months. 

This took two years. The longest development for me ever.

Because of the setbacks I listed and more, we missed the target launch date MULTIPLE times. We wanted to launch in April for Spring Break, and then in May to prep for summer vacation…and missed them both. 

But I’ve learned one very important thing over the years: Never. Rush. Anything. 

I’d rather be late than launch a product on time with a bad fit and sloppy execution. So we took a deep breath (lots of deep breaths) and took our time. And the universe decided that launching in June would be best.

Creating the perfect fit

I cannot stress enough that timing was EVERYTHING for this collection. Over the past 2 years, the team grew as the business grew. During that time, we built a technical design team and product development team made up of women formerly from Spanx and Reebok. I still pinch myself about this… how lucky am I to be surrounded by such experience and knowledge?! 

Coming together with our ideas…omg it felt like a FORCE.

We worked late into the night and into the weekend for several months straight to get your swimsuits ready for launch. Every single person cares soo much! I am so fortunate to be surrounded by their talent and skill and I’m convinced that they’re the reason we were able to pull this off at all.

Then it came time to test on REAL customers

Throughout the entire POPFLEX Swim journey, we tested every design on the people we created them for: The customers! We gathered a group of women of all different body types, as well as different cup and band sizes, to observe them wearing each piece. Then we asked for their feedback. 

Design.
Test.
Feedback.
Fix.
Develop…over and over again.

We repeated this process over and over until we got it right. Until finally…

WE DID IT!

June 21, the first day of summer became our official launch day! It was perfect.

But first, I needed to revisit those polls that started it all. I reposted the same questions on my IG again, two years later. 

The response was…interesting. There were THOUSANDS of comments from people fighting hardcore for what they loved, and fighting hardcore against what they hated. The debate was heated and getting really intense. Like I said…swimwear is personal! 

In the end, I saw some people be like “Cassey, just do what you want – we trust you.”

Good news, I did.

Everything in this collection is something I would wear. But I also get that swim is basically like public lingerie – it’s intimate and on display at the same time. So you gotta have the right pieces for your body! 

With your input, I created options so you can find a swimsuit made for YOU. Ready to see them?

 

The POPFLEX Swim ’23 Lookbook

Let’s take a dip and talk about each piece in the collection, okay?! It will be like we’re shopping together! I’ll tell you what I love about everything, and you can visualize yourself on the beach, rocking your new ‘suit.

A moment for the location of our photoshoot. Isn’t it stunning?! Okay let’s talk about bikini tops first!

Shop Swim

 

The Boardwalk Bombshell One-Piece

Shop Boardwalk Bombshell One-Piece

One-piece swimsuits always make me look like I’m either on the high school swim team… or they’re super impractical where one wrong move = disaster.

This was the first mission for Swim: Create a super feminine one-piece that feels sexy, without feeling like something might pop out if I actually get in the water. It’s possible to feel secure while still showing off your best features!

Here’s how we made it happen with the Boardwalk Bombshell One-Piece while making sure the fit is perfect too!

A balconette underwire cup (choose from 2 different cup sizes!) for lift and supportContoured side panels to enhance your figureHigh-cut leg (this helps to elongate!)Wide straps for extra support and comfortA corset-inspired lace-up back to customize your fitClean finish edge so nothing is digging in or pinching youDouble-lined (no see-through moments like little Cassey experienced!)

 

No more tugging where your suit doesn’t fit well, or constantly fixing that strap that keeps falling down. No more feeling just overall uncomfortable in a one-piece.

I could stare at her allll day. She’s perfect.

 

The Boardwalk Bombshell Bikini Top

Shop Boardwalk Bombshell Bikini Top

If you love the look of the one-piece but you’re more of a bikini girl, go for the Boardwalk Bombshell Bikini Top! She has the same balconette underwire cup, with a little more coverage.

Let’s talk about the corset-style back for a sec. I know a lot of us have been traumatized by a swimsuit that ties (), but we put some serious thought into this so that will NEVER HAPPEN. With the lace-up design, the tension isn’t all on the tie itself. It’s evenly distributed along the back, which means if it does come untied…your suit is going to stay put!

 

The Sandbar Strapless Bikini Top

Shop Sandbar Strapless Bikini Top

Introducing… a strapless top that actually stays on. WHY are strapless swimsuits always so flimsy?! To give maximum peace of mind in the Sandbar Strapless Bikini Top, we crafted her with two layers of security:

A dual-layer inner shelf to prevent slippage.A corset-style lace-up back so you can get the perfect fit.

There are also removable straps if you need even more protection! We all have an experience that makes it hard to trust a strapless top so I get it!

 

The Siren Sweetheart Bikini Top

Shop Siren Sweetheart Bikini Top

I went into this like okay…a bikini with sleeves won’t be for everyone. But LOOK AT HER. I love how the Siren Sweetheart is sporty, but also makes me feel like a mermaid.

The drama of this top is everything. The wide, sweetheart neckline, the bow in the back…ugh. It’s STUNNING.

And you know we didn’t forget about function. The Siren’s sleeves have thumbholes for ultimate sun protection and the fabric is double-lined so there’s never a risk of a see-through moment. The bow makes it super easy to adjust the fit, but we also added a silicone band to really hold the top in place.

One thing to note! The Black Rib color is a little more compressive.

 

For bottoms, we needed OPTIONS

Have you noticed a trend here? Options were soooo important for these designs because it’s the closest we can get to literally making custom swimsuits.

Since bottoms are a little more difficult to make adjustable, you have three cuts to choose from!

The Crisscross Hourglass Cheeky Bottom

Shop Crisscross Hourglass Cheeky Bottoms

DUH we brought the Crisscross Hourglass waistband to Swim! This is my favorite waistline to give the ultimate hourglass effect. It has a dramatic V that dips down in the front and then comes up high on the sides. Helloooo curves!

These bottoms are cheeky but not TOO cheeky – just enough with a high-cut leg and V-seam in the back to really shape the booty. This was a must for me because #nobuttlife.

 

Low Tide Super Cheeky Bikini Bottom

Shop Low Tide Super Cheeky Bottoms

Give me cheeeeky! Like I said, I need all the help I can get with my butt. A cheekier bottom gives the illusion that I’ve got more curve back there!

The Low Tide has a V-back waist to shape the booty, a high-cut leg to elongate, and a low waist to show off you curves. Like everything else, this is double-lined and crafted with a clean finish so there is ZERO pinching or digging.

This bottom has the least amount of coverage out of the three options!

 

High Tide Cheeky Bikini Bottom

Shop High Tide Cheeky Bikini Bottom

If you’re looking for something with a little more coverage, go for the High Tide. When I designed these bottoms, I wanted them to be the ultimate high-waisted option – more coverage, without looking frumpy…or like you’re wearing a diaper.

Challenge accepted.

The High Tide has a subtle swoop in the front to keep you feeling secure without sacrificing your shape! That swoop will still bring out your curves. In the back, we kept things a little cheeky to shape the booty, with the same V-back waist and a high-cut leg.

 

Cover-Up Perfection

Shop I Need a Vacation Shirt Dress

This coverup. OMG.

The I Need A Vacation Shirt Dress is the ultimate resort wear staple. It’s light and flowy, but so flattering whether you’re wearing it open over your swimsuit, or tying it up like a cute lil’ dress.

Fun fact: I wanted a belt on this to accentuate the waist, but HATE those annoying belt loops that just look ugly when you don’t want to use the belt! So no belt loops on this shirt dress! Just tie the belt on when you want to use it and leave it when you don’t.

Oh, and did you spot the Big Beach Carryall Bag?! 

I have an obsession with giant tote bags right now, which is soo necessary for the beach or a pool day! It carries everything – your towel, sunscreen, snacks, you name it! You know I added lots of pockets… even an insulated compartment on the bottom to keep things cold and a detachable accessory case for small necessities! This bag comes in Blue Palm and Black (see below!).

 

The Mini-Moon and Honeymoon Ruffle Sarongs

Shop Sarongs

I love to tie on a flowy sarong when I’m headed to the beach! And now you have a short and a long option.

The Mini-Moon Short Sarong is light and airy and I love how you can have a matching moment with the Blue Palm print. This sarong is size-inclusive and ultra-adjustable.

The Honeymoon Ruffle Long Sarong is long and romantic and will flow behind you as you walk the beach like a goddess. Look closely at the subtle palm leaf print detail! GORGEOUS.

Shop POPFLEX Swim

There you go! POPFLEX Swim ’23!!!

AHHH okay so what do you think?! Tell me what you’re getting in the comments!

 

Here it is…my swim secret

My Swim Secret

It was the summer after 1st grade and the first week of Farm Camp. I loved learning about the animals…but that was about it. I hated being around the other kids because when you’re not cool, the ones that are make sure you know.

It was Friday, Pool Day, the most exciting day of the week! I had packed my brand new 2-piece bikini that I begged my mom to buy me. My first bikini ever. I was so excited and ready to show it off! As we filed into the locker room, I felt 2 of the cool girls kind of looking at me. Then when we got out to the pool, they tapped my shoulder and said they wanted to tell me something.

I thought maybe they’d tell me they liked my swimsuit and then we could be friends! But instead, they loudly announced in front of the whole group of girls AND boys – “Your swimsuit is see through.”

Everyone laughed.

I looked down, trying to hide my body like I was hiding my shame.

That day, I sat alone.

***
One day when I was talking to the POPFLEX team about how we should go about launching Swim, I went off on a tangent about the memory around my first bikini – the story that you just read above. After an uncomfortable silence, one by one the other women on the team started sharing their stories too. It became pretty clear that when it comes to swimsuits, there’s a defining moment when a bathing suit is no longer just a thing you wear to the beach…it becomes a thing that is associated with insecurity, judgment, and shame.

Although these experiences were from so long ago, it never really faded from any of our memories. Swimsuits come with so much baggage that I wish we didn’t have to still carry.

My goal with the launch of POPFLEX’s first swim collection is to allow us all to rewrite our stories and get a second chance at healing our relationship with our bodies and our swimsuits.

For the past 2 years, I’ve become even more obsessed with perfecting the fit of my designs because when it comes to swim, there’s no room for error. I want these pieces to embrace your body and make you go DAAAANGGGG when you look in the mirror. I want you to be able to actually swim, snorkel and slide without worrying about your top falling off…because…

True story: I was at Raging Waters wearing a string bikini and after I went down the slide, my bottoms completely fell off.

THIS CANNOT HAPPEN EVER TO ANYONE WEARING MY SWIMSUITS EVERRRRR!!!

Anyway…do YOU have any mortifying or defining #swimsecrets you want to share? How about we leave our trauma in the comments and move on from here? Sound good?

 

Find the Perfect Beach Read with Our BookTok Faves

Whether you’re new to #BookTok or a seasoned veteran, you’ll want to save these accounts to find your next summer read.

Image: @FictionandFrizzante

Calling all bookworms! Maybe you’re looking for a poolside beach read, or something to keep yourself busy when the summer sun isn’t shining. What can we say? We’re in our ~reading era~.

We know how difficult it can be to find the perfect book, so we’ve enlisted the help of BookTok. If you aren’t already familiar, “BookTok” is a community of creators on the TikTok platform that are passionate about literature. Their videos include discussions, reviews, recommendations, and other book-related content. There are some really great accounts out there that foster an inclusive, exciting environment for book lovers everywhere. They may even help you find your new favorite read! 

Our favorite BookTok accounts

Since BookTok is one of the largest online book communities, we’ve done a deep dive and come up with some of our top account recommendations for you.

1. Sayde_Reads

@sayde_reads Comment ur favorite Greek myth retelling #booktok #bookrecommendations #percyjackson #songofachilles ♬ ecoute cherie – &lt3

 

@Sayde_Reads gives her honest opinion on popular BookTok recommendations, telling you which are worth your time and what to skip. Her account also includes critiques, insightful discussions, and books to read based on your favorite books or genres. 

 

2. Bibliobooze

@bibliobooze Regret Me drink aka a whiskey sour inspired by @daisyjonesandthesix #daisyjones #drinkrecipe #booktok #70saesthetic #reesesbookclub ♬ Regret Me – Daisy Jones & The Six

 

BiblioBooze is exactly what it sounds like; an account that makes cocktails inspired by BookTok’s favorite reads. As described by their bio, they feature “top shelf lit & liquor pairings.” It’s truly a match made in heaven! 

 

3. Moongirlreads

@moongirlreads_ audiobooks are a GAME CHANGER @Spotify #booksonspotify #spotifypartner #bookrecommendations #moongirlreads #audiobooks ♬ original sound – selene

Moongirlreads_ is an account run by Selene, a 20-year-old avid reader who makes videos about anything literary. What we love is that she has recs that cater to every audience. If you’re more of an audiobook fan, she’s got you covered with her Spotify audiobook recs! Short on time? Take a look at her favorite books under 240 pages. 

 

4. Dakotabossard

@dakotabossard a couple of these movies/shows are already books – check those out too #bookrecs #ifyoulikethistrythat #severance #lingma #thelastofus #whenwelostourheads #marieantoinette #sophiacoppola #sharpobjects #scorchedgrace #womentalking #bookreleases2023 ♬ Paris, Texas – Lana Del Rey

 

Dakota Bossard is a reader, writer, and BookTok gem. She guides you through novels to read based on certain subjects, such as “novels on feeling young and lost” and “novels containing complicated mother-daughter dynamics.” In addition to other great videos, she has a “dinner series” with insight into her bookish diner parties (not gonna lie, we’re getting FOMO from it!).

 

5. KierraLewis75

@kierralewis75 2 months too long #booktok #bookbuyingban ♬ Beyonce x My Husband x Casa Di Remix – CasaDi

 

Kierra Lewis is the queen of relatable book-lover content. Her videos are guaranteed to make you nod in agreement, laugh hysterically, and wonder, “Where has she been all my life?” Watching her videos is just like having a book talk with your bestie.

 

6. Bookswithcam

@bookswithcam part two! #BookTok #bookish #reading #books #bookrecs #bookrecommendations #readthis #enemiestolovers #yabooks ♬ You’re Somebody Else – flora cash

If you’ve got high standards, @bookswithcam can help you sort through the chaos. A self-proclaimed “harsh book rater,” Campbell creates content telling you which popular books are worth the hype. She also has a series judging books by their covers and shares her book hauls.

 

7. Sofiaxaguilar

@sofiaxaguilar let’s dress up like iconic book characters throughout history! which outfit was your fave? #booktok #booktoker #readersoftiktok #bookworm #fyp ♬ slide – ✿

 

Sofia Aguilar turns fiction into fashion with their popular video showing outfits inspired by iconic book characters. From recommending books by BIPOC and queer authors, to showing their women’s history month picks, this content creator makes sure to highlight authors of all backgrounds (and helps you expand your readership, too). 

 

8. Bookbooklady

@bigbooklady ♬ Sweet Sunset – Tollan Kim & dulai

 

If you love books but don’t love what BookTok has recommended you so far, give @bigbooklady a visit. Lauren Louise has great, unique videos showing books they’ve never seen on BookTok, book sale vlogs, and even books they regret reading. 

 

9. Bryanhoardsbooks

@bryanhoardsbooks The last one happens to me ALL THE TIME #Booktok #BooktokPH #BookwormThings #Bookworm #BookClub #YABooktok #BookRecommendations #FYP #ForYou #Stay ♬ STAY – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber

 

Finally, we couldn’t finish off the article without more relatable bookworm content. Bryan from @bryanhoardsbooks has an entire playlist of “just bookworm things” videos plus a whole lot of queer love story recs, which are consistently overlooked in the literary world.  

Have a favorite we forgot to mention?

Share your favorite BookTok accounts and your summer reading book recs in the comments below!

If you’re more into podcasts, check out this list of our favorite listens.

Trying the Viral Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bites

I couldn’t try these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Bites fast enough. Does this TikTok viral recipe live up to the hype?

 

I laid eyes upon this viral snack idea for the first time in a Slack message. I immediately ran to my kitchen because I knew I had the ingredients. Like…could not try this fast enough.

It wasn’t long before I started seeing it all over my FYP. Most people raved, but some others were calling this recipe a catfish. Here’s what I thought, and how I made it my own.

@blogilates.com Basically our new go-to summer snack – 1c strawberries (chopped) – 1c plain greek yogurt – 1 scoop of Blogilates Sweet Cream protein powder @cassey – ½c chocolate chips – Flaky salt (totally optional) #strawberryclusters #strawberrybites #summersnack #proteinrecipe #recipe #easyrecipe ♬ girls like me don’t cry (sped up)

PrintChocolate Covered Strawberry Bites#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }The TikTok viral chocolate covered strawberry frozen yogurt bites, with added proteinCourse Dessert, snacksKeyword chocolate, protein, yogurt, strawberries, viralPrep Time 10 minutesFreeze Time 4 hoursTotal Time 4 hours 10 minutesServings 3 bitesCalories 160kcalIngredients1 cup strawberries chopped1 cup plain Greek yogurt or yogurt of choice1 scoop Blogilates Sculpt + Debloat Sweet Cream Protein Powder1/2 cup chocolate chips melted* I used Lily's Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Baking ChipsFlaky salt optional, for sprinkling on topInstructionsCombine strawberries, yogurt, and protein powder in a bowl. Dollop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 2 hours.Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each interval and making sure not to overcook. You can also use a double boiler. *Option to add 1 tsp of coconut oil.Once the strawberry yogurt bites are frozen, dip them into the melted chocolate and return each bite to the baking sheet. *I found it easier to simply spoon the chocolate over each bite, so do whatever works for you! Sprinkle with salt and freeze for another 2-3 hours. Enjoy! NotesFeel free to measure with your heart with these - they're pretty foolproof! I found them easier to eat when I let them thaw for a few minutes first.NutritionServing: 1bite | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 8gAn extra punch of protein

I made one small change to the “original” recipe. I added a scoop of protein powder to the yogurt – Specifically, Sweet Cream Sculpt & Debloat. My original intent was to bulk up the protein, but in the end, that was just a bonus! The protein added sweetness and flavor and thickened it up just a little.

If you’re using dairy-free yogurt, definitely give this a shot with added protein powder! DF yogurt is sometimes low in protein and a little runny, so the powder will help both of those things.

As tempted as I was to eat the yogurt and strawberries on their own, I remembered that it was only going to get better because we were adding chocolate.

So I tried a bite and moved on.

Are strawberry bites a healthy snack?

You know I don’t like to label snacks as healthy or not healthy, so here’s what you should know. These are a great source of protein! They also have some fiber, thanks to the strawberries, protein powder, and chocolate.

If you want to be mindful of added sugar, I would either use sugar-free chocolate chips (I like Lily’s) or just drizzle the melted chocolate over the top instead of coating the entire thing. Don’t stress too much about this – live your life and enjoy the chocolate however you like!

How much protein?

This recipe made 3 “bites” (mine were def larger than bite-sized). There are around 11 grams of protein per bite!

How I would add to these strawberry bites

I love how these are like a blank canvas. You can do so much with these bites to add nutrition or change up the flavor.

I use plain, 2% fat Greek yogurt – that fat is going to make these bites even more satiating (it’s not ALL about protein!). If I were using non-fat yogurt or just wanted to bulk these up a little more, I would swirl some peanut butter into the yogurt, or top the chocolate with slivered almonds before freezing.

The Review: Delish or Catfish?

I can see why these strawberry bites went viral. They’re easy to make and decadent. Bonus points for the ability to store them in the freezer all summer.

The downside for me was how messy they are to eat, especially when I handed one over to my kids. Chocolate was crumbling all over the place, and melting onto their hands. That’s not a deal breaker for me, but something to consider.

One common complaint I saw on other videos was that the yogurt was either too runny and didn’t freeze well, or was too solid after it froze. I think this really depends on the yogurt you use! If yours is too solid, let it thaw for a few minutes before you eat it. I have really sensitive teeth so I had to be pretty careful here.

Overall, I think these are good! But I also think this would work as a yogurt bark situation too, with chocolate drizzled on top.

Have you tried strawberry bites? What did you think?!

Drop your thoughts in the comments!

If you loved this recipe, check out some of our other favorite high-protein faves!