Color Me Happy… The Oaks Apparel x Hello Happiness | A Swim Capsule

More than a year in the making… yes, that’s how long I’ve been itching to tell you about this incredible collaboration that I’ve been working on behind-the-scenes with the wonderful team at The Oaks Apparel.

It’s no secret I have a love affair of fashion, adore the world of wholesale–especially when it comes to children’s styles from my days of owning a retail store –and of course I get giddy with excitement when someone allows me to take the reins and design something completely colorful and happy for the entire family. Have I piqued your interest yet??

Jennifer Kennedy, the owner and boss lady behind the brand, first reached out to me in spring 2021, chatting about how she’d love to work with me to design a swim collection for women, kids and men, too. From that initial email, we spent hours working through my initial design inspiration, hand crafting patterns that packed a punch and were made for summer sun and fun.

Thankfully, she fell in love with the two patterns I had created [a HUGE thanks to my Aunt Pattie = the best graphic designer for bringing my ideas to life!] and then we started the manufacturing process. Through samples to get just the right fit and make sure the colors were exactly what I was wanting… it’s taken a lot of time end energy and I am ELATED with the final products that launch today exclusively online at The Oaks and in select retail stores including Gigi’s Kids, Plaid Rabbit and Vann & Liv. Without further adieu, introducing the most fun for the entire family collection I’ve ever created:

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Ready to dive a bit deeper into the colorful goodness of these sweet swimmers?? Here are few things to note before we break down the details of each and every style:

Girl’s One Piece | Priced at $46, this ruffled one piece comes in sizes 12 months through 14 years… The flutter straps are perfectly feminine and fun with subtle ruffles at the leg opening for sweet styling and feature snaps for baby/toddler sizes for easy swim diaper changes. They run TTS and Carson is wearing a size 8

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Girl’s Two Piece | When I started working on a two piece bikini style for the little ladies, I knew I wanted something remiscent of a vintage style bathing suit… let’s be honest, I want to have them looking age appropriate, yet totally fashionable and I think this all new silhouette is perfect! It ranges in sizes from 12 Months through 14 Year and features higher waisted bottoms that offer ample coverage as well. At $46, you’re going to want both prints…. Kaiser is wearing a size 12 and Caroline is wearing a size 10 for reference/these also run TTS.

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Boys Trunks | $44 Now this is where I had to solicit many of my friends… also known as the boy mamas!! I know we all have those painpoints as parents where our kids are extremely particular about what they wear and swim is no exception. We designed these adorable boys trunks to be comfy, yet practical and that’s why we included chafeless trunk liners in both the boys AND mens styles. They feature 4-way stretch with ultra soft compression = meaning no more scratchy mesh. We also added in a back zipper pocket for storing treasures and the perfect inseam length for active guys! [James is wearing a size 5, though they run more fitted in the leg so if in between sizes, size up]

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The Women’s One Piece | As a woman, we wear many hats… wife, daughter, sister, friend, and so many others, but when it comes to our kids, supermom has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?? I know in my family the kids swimwear gets selected first [because goodness they are the cutest to style] but we shouldn’t take a backseat to the fun and that’s why I created two distinct styles of swimwear you’re going to feel good in AND actually want to wear!

First up, the Cuties in Clementines Ruffled One Shoulder Swimsuit. Ranging in sizes from XS to XL [I’m wearing a size small for reference], it features built in bra support, plenty of coverage for the booty, and of course I just had to throw in an all around ruffle detail for good measure. At $64, it’s absolutely fantastic in terms of how it fits and totally makes you want to be out there in the pool and ocean with your kids, not just sitting back on the sidelines watching them have all the fun.

Next in line is the cheeky, yet classic Say it with Stripes Tie One Piece Swimsuit. With a superb pricepoint of $64, it’s safe to say you’re going to want to match your kiddos all summer long. The all over vertical watercolor stripe is absolutely gorg with built in bra cups and features a subtle faux bow strap detail for good measure. The deep v-neck front is oh so flattering and the low back detail is a way to wow them from the back as well! [wearing size small for reference… available in sizes XS to XL]

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The Men’s Trunk | Saved the best for last?? I think I know who stole the show and Jeff was absolutely the inspiration behind this design. He likes some bold colors when it comes to swimwear [shocking I know], but even he couldn’t say no to both of these pastel prints. Again, we made sure to incorporate the chafeless trunk liner as well as the rear + front pockets for keeping things safe or storing the treasures your kids find on the beach walk. They are $58 and run a tad small [Jeff is sporting the Large for reference]. One thing to note is that these are in production and will ship in April, while all other styles are ready to ship!

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So there you have it… the full debut!! I can’t help but get emotional that just a little more than a year ago this was only a big dream and now here it is and it’s even better than I could’ve imagined. I always say it takes a village and that is even more true when it comes to big endeavors like this one.

Thanks just isn’t enough for The Oaks team for trusting me and giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity, for my aunt Pattie for using her graphical expertise to help me create these prints, for my incredible photographer Chelsea Roc for always giving me 110%, for Wendy at Sprayed Nash for the best faux glow for my girls and I, for Catherine the ultimate balcony friend, Blanc Studio West for the perfect location and Autumn at Cavender and Co for the most beautiful balloon backdrop I’ve ever seen.

But most importantly, I have to thank my daughters for constantly giving me all the inspiration in life to dream big and always cheering me on… everything I do I do it for you. And of course, to my darling devoted husband = thank you for putting up with me through good and bad, for encouraging my crazy plans and telling me to go big or go home and for being my best friend in the entire world. I love you all.