Spring break is right around the corner and between studying for midterms (they’re coming, you know), finalizing beach plans and going on a last minute spring break diet, you haven’t found the perfect swimsuit. A bikini means strutting your stuff with confidence, while a monokini means watching those tan lines. Whatever your preference, you’re sure to find the perfect fit at Blue Glue Bikinis. Blue Glue Austin (now open at the Domain!) is not your typical dreaded swimsuit shopping experience. The store has an international vibe all its own and as soon as you see the first suit you know that you’ll be walking out with a totally unique beach look. We spoke with Blue Glue Austin owner Liz Stevenson to get a little insight on business and bikinis.
HC Texas: How did you get involved in the bikini business?
Liz Stevenson: I was in corporate America for 20 plus years and was making great money, but I wasn’t fulfilled. I went back and kind of searched deep inside and as a young woman I always wanted to own a bikini shop, so I just Googled bikini franchise and up came Blue Glue! I fell in love with her [the designer, Marie] and I fell in love with the designs and I just decided to move forward with my dream.
HCTX: Spring break is coming, do you have any suggestions for swimsuit shopping?
LS: We’re seeing a black and white invasion right now. In my store we just got a brand new inventory of black and white where we can mix and match different cuts- we have over 17 different cuts! Another trend is going very retro and vintage, so we have about 4 different suits representing that right now. I think you’ll be very unique because we’re the only shop in the entire United States, so you can pretty much be sure that when you buy a suit from Blue Glue, nobody else is going to have it.
HCTX: It can be scary to wear a bikini over spring break, do you have any suggestions on rocking your swimsuit?
LS: We have all kinds of pareos (wraps); we have one called the carolle and it’s $24, but you can wrap it 14 different ways and we can show you how to do that. You can create a new look everyday on the beach and still feel covered but stylish as well.
Check out photos from the Blue Glue Austin grand opening below, keep up with them on Facebook and visit their location at The Domain!