Sparkles and Shoes

A Fashion, Travel, and Lifestyle Blog

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
  • Fashion
    • My Style
      • Spring Style
      • Summer Style
      • Fall Style
      • Winter Style
    • Really Love My …
    • Shop My Instagram
    • Style Icons
    • Trending
  • Travel
    • Africa
      • Egypt
      • Kenya
      • Morocco
      • Southern Africa
      • Tanzania
    • Asia
      • Indonesia
      • Qatar
      • Russia
      • Singapore
      • Turkey
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • England
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Iceland
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Monaco
      • Netherlands
      • Norway
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Romania
      • Russia
      • Scotland
      • Spain
      • Sweden
      • Turkey
      • Vatican City
    • North America
      • Canada
      • Caribbean
      • Central America
      • US: East Coast
      • US: West Coast
    • South America
  • Lily Harper
  • Favorites
    • Beauty
    • Delicious Eats
    • London
    • My Wedding
    • Sparkle Sessions

Swim Like You Mean It

02/06/13 | Nike, swimming

Two weeks ago there was an overwhelming response from all of you to the nostalgic post about how much my swimming teammates meant to me.  Many bloggers have expressed that they would love to swim and have heard it is great exercise but do not know where to start. In addition, many of the people on the swim team I practice with twice a week exert great effort into their swimming but are really held back by their lack of proper equipment.

I am going to highlight my favorite items, all from SwimOutlet.com, where I have found the best selection of items (no, not a sponsored post, just another one of my favorite companies).  For any female swimmer you NEED three things; a suit, a cap, and a pair of goggles, and then there is equipment that can help you get a better workout.  These are my favorites in each category:

SWIM SUITS

 I HIGHLY recommend polyester suits for swimming laps.  They do not stretch out even after years of use  and the color does not fade. Most swimmers are preferential to a thin strapped suit and all five of these are classified as Women’s Swimwear > Competitive Swimwear > One Piece and are definitely the way to go!  (I am partial to Nike but TYR and Speedo are also great brands) These colorful suits are the best investment pieces and regardless if you are an Olympic swimmer or someone who just wants to swim a few laps at your local YMCA once a month!

Nike / Speedo / Nike / TYR / Nike 

CAPS & GOGGLES

In my opinion, there is only one choice for goggles – Speedo Women’s Vanquishers.  After thousands of hours of swimming and dozens of different goggles these are the most comfortable and the least likely to leak and as an added bonus they are only $13,  on the more reasonable side as goggles go.  I have included a regular pair, the light blue, perfect for indoor swimming, and a mirrored pair for outside, think of them like sunglasses!  In opposition, caps are really up to you. I much prefer latex caps as they keep all of your hair inside and are non-slip but the brand really does not matter, $3 caps are sometimes the best!

Speedo Latex Swim Caps / Blue Goggles / Shaded Magenta Goggles
OTHER

If there is a demand I will go into all of the other pieces of swimming equipment that can really add to your wok out including pull bouys’, fins (flippers), paddles, and kick boards but for right now suit, cap and goggles are the three important things! Note: I actually own each item shown below 

I hope this unconventional post helps you to try my favorite sport! 
Let me know how it goes or if you have any questions!  

Signature

Subscribe

« Tuesday Trend: Touch Screen Gloves
Thursday Trend: Valentine’s Day Dress »

Related Posts

  • Ryan Lochte … He Was Mine First!
  • January PurchasesJanuary Purchases
  • Sparkles and Shoes Swimming Essentials 05Achieving Greatness
  • Kelly and Ryan - What Would Ryan Lochte DoWhat Would Ryan Lochte Do? Day

Comments

  1. rlallnutt2 says

    March 14, 2013 at 12:06 am

    I forgot how I found your blog exactly, but I’m glad I did! I was exploring it and found out that you were a swimmer! I was a swimmer from age 5 to 18 and there’s not a single day that I don’t miss it too! I haven’t been swimming in a while, but this post really makes me want to go get back in the water! Masters swimming, anyone?! ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. FierceandFashionable says

    February 7, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    I’ve been wanting to get back into swimming! My gym has a pool but I haven’t bought proper “swim attire” yet! Good tips!

    xx Michelle

    Fierce & Fashionable

  3. Fabrizia says

    February 7, 2013 at 6:44 am

    Can’t wait for summer and same amazing swim!Happy Thursday dear!
    Come back soon to visit me on Cosa Mi Metto???
    Win $80 gift card on Chicwish!!

  4. EMA says

    February 7, 2013 at 5:56 am

    Love these cute and colorful one pieces! Although I usually stock to my bikinis, I definitely would prefer one of these when I’m swimming in the ocean or sea!

    http://www.themirroronthewall.com/

  5. Diana Marks says

    February 7, 2013 at 4:53 am

    love this post. great swimsuit selection!

    LA By Diana Live Magazine

  6. Anonymous says

    February 6, 2013 at 11:18 pm

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

  7. Sunny & Star says

    February 6, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    For as much as I love the pool and the beach I have absolutely no clue how to swim. I love these sporty nike swimsuits.

    Tracy @ Sunny Days and Starry Nights

  8. Mรฉlo l'imparfaite says

    February 6, 2013 at 9:38 pm

    love the second one ๐Ÿ™‚ fun !

  9. Sarah-Louise Bailey says

    February 6, 2013 at 8:24 pm

    I used to love swimming! I really hope I can get back into it one day – definitely one of the best sports ever ๐Ÿ™‚

    Sarah
    Life in a Break Down
    xx

  10. Frank Vinyl says

    February 6, 2013 at 6:29 pm

    hi k! thanks for the comment. great post btw

    http://www.frankvinyl.com

  11. Rumela says

    February 6, 2013 at 5:01 pm

    Nice post thanks for visiting my blog . I am following your blog hope you follow back mine.
    http://rumelatheshopaholic.blogspot.com

  12. Sofia Donatelli says

    February 6, 2013 at 3:27 pm

    Love these picks.

    If you get a sec, check out my latest look ‘Structured Stripes’.

    Stay beautiful,

    Sofia

    Be featured on Stylishly In Love: If you would like a chance to be featured on my fashion blog, then email me ([email protected]) a picture of your go-to outfit for Valentine’s Day. In honor of Valentine’s day I will be featuring 14 bloggers. Make sure to email me by February 11th.
    Thank you.

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

  13. Nina Rachel says

    February 6, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    awesome post! the name is sooo perfect ๐Ÿ˜‰
    lots and lots of love
    xxx
    http://fromarmanitozurich.blogspot.ch

  14. Jill J @ Classy with a Kick says

    February 6, 2013 at 2:49 pm

    I am the worst swimmer ever but I was always envious of my swim team friends. I just took a job at the snack bar so we could hang out all day at the country club. They swam and I sold (and ate) pizza & candy. Great gig! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Jill
    Classy with a Kick

  15. Helene says

    February 6, 2013 at 2:39 pm

    um i love love love this post.
    I broke my ankle (about 4 months ago) so I am going to try and swim more! This is awesome and I am so excited to get back into it! And I was just thinking how I have no idea really how to start (not how to start swimming but ya know) so thanks for this greatness!

  16. Rachel Lynne says

    February 6, 2013 at 11:51 am

    AHHH! LOVE THIS POST! Last night after working out I was seriously thinking to myself… man I would love to get back to swimming… for a work out ๐Ÿ™‚ Where the heck do a I get a cute one piece and goggles, etc. Thanks for sharing!

    Rachel’s Lookbook

  17. The Little Stuff Matters says

    February 6, 2013 at 11:45 am

    Hey there Kelly! Love your blog too! I thought I would check out your blog! Good stuff!! I am a new follower!!

    Rebekah

  18. Always Maylee says

    February 6, 2013 at 11:42 am

    I always had trouble with swim caps. I think my head is too big. Or I have way too much hair that it didn’t all fit under that tiny cap! ๐Ÿ™‚

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

  19. McKenna Ryan says

    February 6, 2013 at 11:28 am

    I am trying to get into swimming because running has been hurting my knees. I am so glad you posted about this. xx. McKenna Lou
    http://www.lynnandlou.com

  20. Bhushavali - Indian Fashion n Travel Blogger! says

    February 6, 2013 at 10:08 am

    I have the Speedo Swim caps and goggles. I bought those few years back and somehow never felt like going back to swimming! Guess I should hit the pool again this summer, atleast to use my swim outfit…
    Do stop by my blog too sometime doll!
    FASHION PANACHE BLOG

  21. Bex Doctor says

    February 6, 2013 at 10:03 am

    This post is very inspiring, I have been wanting to learn swimming. I might hunt a local trainer. Thanks!

    xoxo

    http://www.thebexdoctorproject.com

  22. Beth Dunn says

    February 6, 2013 at 9:12 am

    I wish I loved to swim for exercise. It’s so good for you!!!!
    xoxo
    SC

  23. aree1997 says

    February 6, 2013 at 9:06 am

    Can’t wait for summer. It’s so sad that we only can see these accessories now ๐Ÿ˜›

    Aree With Umbrella

  24. two birds says

    February 6, 2013 at 8:32 am

    i have always wished i was a strong swimmer. we are trying to get our kids to be at an early age!

  25. Fabiola Tinelli says

    February 6, 2013 at 8:23 am

    I want summer!!
    Fabiola

    wildflowergirl

Hi, I am Kelly and welcome to Sparkles and Shoes, a fashion, travel, and lifestyle blog founded in 2012.ย  After six years of living in London I am back in New York with my husband and two littles!ย 

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

Newsletter

WHERE I SHOP

Amazon

Anthropologie

J. Crew

Mintedย 

Sephora

Target

Walmart

Zappos

Archives

  • 2025
  • 2024
  • 2023
  • 2022
  • 2021
  • 2020
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012

Fine Print

Sparkles and Shoes is a part of several affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links on this site or any related social media platforms (including Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest), I may make a commission from that click and/or purchase. All opinions are my own.

ยฉ Kelly Donlin and Sparkles and Shoes, 2012-2022 Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this siteโ€™s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kelly Donlin and Sparkles and Shoes with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Get the latest

Receive Sparkles and Shoes right to your inbox!

Connect with me

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 · Designed by High Note Designs, LLC

Copyright © 2025 ยท Tasteful Theme on Genesis Framework