A lot of my friends call me The Enabler. No, it’s not because I mix them one more cocktail than they really need (although I do that too). It’s because I can justify almost any extravagant purchase. Especially when it’s not my own.
Today’s Enabling Moment: shopping for a justifiably expensive swim suit in Rome. (Sorry boys, I promise to follow up with a gender friendly post tomorrow).
Bathing suit shopping is rarely a happy experience. And believe me if you hated it when you were thirty, just wait. It only gets worse. I sort of start hoping the dressing rooms won’t have mirrors.
This is why I was very happy to discover Eres bathing suits. My first Eres moment came thanks to a strangely helpful salesperson in Rome. I say strangely only because Roman salespeople are known world wide for their rudeness. But I’ve come to find, over the years, that lingerie stores are different. And the two stores on Via Frattina in Rome, Tusseda and Brighenti, are charming, helpful and compassionate when it comes to trying things on.
And yes, you heard me right, in Italy you buy swimsuits in lingerie stores. 
Back to my moment. While dismally trying on about 20 suits I had picked out in my price range, the saleslady slipped in one, saying “it’s a bit more than you wanted to spend, but just try it. Trust me.” I did, and was immediately converted.
The Eres suits are made by a French company. Most of the designs are tastefully subtle. The colors saturated, but never too much. They don’t do patterns. They sometimes do clasps and things, but always elegant. And great wraps and cover ups. But where Eres suits really sing is in the cut and the material. I’m not sure what kind of stretchy miracle stuff they are using, but it really just sucks you in, and stays there. No wiggling. And the cuts are revealing enough to not feel like your grandmother, but never let odd bits work their way out.
Yes, that first year I was seduced and spent way too much on the suit. But then I learned that come mid-July they go on sale. At least here in Rome. So, each year I allow myself one new suit. I’m off to Via Frattina in Rome tomorrow, where two of my favorite lingerie stores are located. See you there?
Tusseda
Via Frattina 25
Brighenti
Via Frattina 7
Elizabeth’s Newsletter from Italy
Sign up here for my newsletter! It’s full of fun information, travel tips, links to what I’m reading and doing, advance notice of my culinary tours, and reading events. Premium subscribers also have access to my new podcast, online events, and discounts and offers for some of my favorite tableware.
I went to one of those stores with Elizabeth last year and everything in the store was beautiful. I bought a nice pair of jammies that are so comfy – and on sale. Can’t wait to go back next year when I’m in Rome.
I will have to check it out. The Genzanese are just plain rude in their stores, so I always wait to get to California to buy a suit. I like the west coast surfer girl look. THanks for the post. You can also go to Palatium for lunch after your shopping spree, it is on the same street.
I know we Americans are prudish and all, but I just can’t believe Europeans aren’t also a little, er, distressed by the sight of a flabby, middle-aged tum in a bikini. The suit pictured above? Absolutely lovely. But cut-off jeans and tube top — good Lord. This is why I advocate a system of bikini licensing. Anyone operating a bikini without a license, well, off they go to the Big House.
Thank you for stopping by my blog. I could stay here at your blog all day just looking at all the lovely photos!
Cheers,
Kristen
Bathing suit shopping terrifies me, and i”m only 17! I like these suits, though.
I’ve heard of a machine that scans your body and produces a custom swimsuit. A friend said his wife bought one and it was the best suit she ever had. I guess it was a little pricey though, and I can’t recall where they bought it.
that looks beuatiful!