Bathing Beauties

FROM UNIQUE INTERNATIONAL BRANDS TO MIRRORS IN THE DRESSING ROOMS, NIC DEL MAR ISN’T YOUR AVERAGE BATHING SUIT STORE

Tucked a bit off Miracle Mile on Biltmore Way, a half block from City Hall, is the brain child of two Coral Gables sisters who wanted to bring European-style bathing suits to a city renowned for its European influences.

With its name taken from the middle names of sisters Jeanette Roger and Lyanne Vidal, Nic del Mar opened as a swimwear boutique in March 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, the sisters never considered any other location to feature their “dream come true” shop. “Coral Gables is such a beautiful city with European influences, which is much of what you see in the clothing of our store,” says Jeanette.

Jeanette Roger, Co-owner

The sisters grew up traveling with their parents to different Caribbean islands over the years but found themselves drawn to one in particular: St Barts. “The tiny French island felt like home and we wanted to bring a piece of St. Barts back to Miami,” says Jeanette. So, they bought pieces from the posh island, hosted local trunk shows, created a shopping website, and 8 years ago opened their store.

Nic Del Mar is today a lifestyle resort and swimwear store catering to women from 15 to 60 years old. Although they do carry a small selection for men and children, the store really captures the woman living here for the summer or the gal who is globetrotting through the islands or Europe. They can dress you for the pool, the beach, the resort or your evenings out while on vacation.

The shop carries several popular brands, from Mara Hoffman and Indah to Cold Stone Fox and Zimmerman, but also a smattering of small international brands that can’t be found anywhere else in town. This summer look for trends such as high-waist 2 piece suits and a growing selection of the trending one-piece suit. The fashion pieces range from cute cover ups and one piece jumpsuits and rompers, to crop tops set with skirts and wide leg breezy pants.

When asked what sets Nic Del Mar apart from so many other bathing suit boutiques, Jeanette replies, “We understand that trying on bathing suits can be very uncomfortable, so we try to make the experience as easy and pleasant as possible.” One unique feature: Mirrors in the dressing rooms, a nice touch since many small boutiques offer only the proverbial large mirror outside the curtains, which can be intimidating for many women trying on bathing suits. They want their customers to feel comfortable with the process and happy with their purchases.