spruced by marlene

Strolling to the ice cream parlor at half nine in the evening. Waking up with the sunlight, smiling, because you don’t even mind that it’s only seven o’clock. Sleeping under thin sheets, because anything more would be much too warm. Feeling the fabric of a dress against bare legs for the first time. Thinking, as you’re leaving the apartment: Am I forgetting something? Nope, I don’t need a jumper or a jacket, not even socks. That dizzy feeling as you step out of the sun and sit down in the shade. Freckles that spread over your face like a starry sky, more of them appearing every day. Playing frisbee and eating cherries, hanging out and swimming in the lake. It’s summer.

It’s supposed to hit 30 degrees in Berlin this week. Since I’ve been waiting for this for so long, I thought I’d share one piece every day this week that will accompany me through the next couple of months. It’ll be more fun if you share your essentials, too. The things that belong to your summer like strawberry ice cream stains and the scent of sunscreen.

I’ll start with: the bikini. Because I prefer to spend as little time as possible trying on bikinis and as much time as possible going swimming in them, I always head to Princesse TamTam first. I find their cuts unfussy and flattering, their fabrics wear like cotton and, in the Berlin shop at least, the light in the changing rooms doesn’t remind you of an interrogation chamber. Which helps avoid the nervous breakdown when you discover: it’s June – why does my behind still look like a „before“ picture?

| I’ve loved wearing the „Evasione” bikini, but it was time for a new one this year. I went for the „Mimi”, paired with the matching boxer shorts (although the French are hilarious. Boxer shorts? They fit me like regular bottoms).

| I’m a bikini girl, but I could change sides for the „Xecle” bathing suit from, of course, Princesse TamTam.

| The „Polka-Dot” bikini from J. Crew is just darling. I’d wear the top with these bottoms.

| Blue like the Mediterranean: the „Elektra” bikini from Violet Lake.

| Lisa Marie Fernandez’ swimwear collection is first class and so are the prices. But bikinis like the „Arden” fit perfectly and, as my friend Alexa has tested, stay in place even when you’re surfing. They’re in the Sale, so the price won’t hurt quite as much.

| Simple, beautiful and also in the Sale: the „Positano” bikini from Prism.

| Perfect for covering up on the beach: the super easy summer collection from Ace & Jig.

So, is it bikini or bathing suit for you? And which brand do you prefer?