Fashion Blog

Since when did Forever 21 start making cute swimsuits???  I mean, I can remember for the last few years seeing a bikini here or there when I would go shop, but they were definitely pretty flimsy looking with some sort of outdated design, improper fit, you know…no good.

The trendy bargain chain has definitely stepped it up a bit now as far as swimwear goes.  The website has an entire page of wild suits in bright, flashy prints.  The suits are actually quite sexy and modern looking.  Now, I have no idea what these bikinis and one-pieces look or feel like, whether they’re made with cheap nylon spandex lycra or what, BUT the just by the looks of it, the suits look better quality.  Some of the models they used are pretty curvy too so if you are a voluptuous type, you may be able to get some sort of an idea of whether certain tops would work or not.  There were about five or six different styles, but several different prints, some wild, some that were a little more on the plain side.  My eye of course was drawn to the bright, colorful, ethnic looking prints.  And at prices like $12.80 per piece, I picked a couple because it only made sense!  Independence Day is three days away and whether you’re going out of town for a weekend getaway, heading to the beach to lay around in the sand, or bouncing around to barbecues and pool parties…it’s always good to have a couple of swimsuit options.  A true fashion freak would agree. Here are my top picks and suggestions for where to wear what:

Waikiki Beaded Bandeau Top and Tie Belt Bottom $12.80 per piece.

This is a pretty sexy suit.  The top has removable pads and beaded detail on the necktie as well as on the belt that adorns the hips.  It’s fully lined.  This would be my choice to wear to a pool party…a grownup pool party though where you’d be drinking an adult beverage and mingling with cute boys in boardshorts!

The next one is a great choice for the beach.  It reminds me of a Roxy or Billabong bikin–a little more sporty.  The top seems to have more full coverage in case a big wave comes and knocks you down.

Contrast Leaf Halter Top and Side Tie Bottom: $12.80 per piece

Ready to set sail?!  I envy those of you out there who actually will be this weekend.  If I could, I would be wearing this suit…this is perfect for throwing in your weekender and taking off.

Nautical Stripe Triangle Top and Side Tie Bottom: $12.80 per piece

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more affordable bikinis.

Yes, it’s that time of the year again!- time to gather up your BFFs and raid the Victoria Secret Semi Annual sale.  Everyone needs a treat once in a while to cheer themselves up and VS almost always does the trick.  Here are some sweet pick-me-ups:

Push-up triangle top with double string bottom: top $22; bottom: $14.50

Halter cover up dress: $130

Plunge Demi Bra: $33.50

Organic Button-front romper: $22

Lace-trim silk teddy: $44

Ruffle neck top: $14.99 on clearance

Pyramid studded thong: $29

Body 3-In-1 Wash for Shower, Bubble Bath & Hair:  3/$25

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more bikinis, women’s cover-ups and women’s sandals.

Most women find that their boyfriend’s interest in swimwear begins and ends with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Not the case with Susien Chong, whose partner in life is Nic Briand, the other half of Australian label Lover. The couple have been together since 1996, launching Lover in 2001. This label has smart and feminine looks that quickly became a favorite of celebrities such as Kirsten Dunst. Lover’s summer collection is entitled Electric Ladyland, and the looks fall somewhere between 70’s rocker and eccentric artists.

String bikinis and one-piece halters are rendered in lace patterned neutrals and tie with wooden beads; striped bikinis and tanks are made in corals and ocean blues. These aren’t suits for going in the water.  They are suits you want to accessorize with an oversized floppy hat, some shades, a a glass of white wine….and they’re just right!

For more information, log onto loverthelabel.com.

Find at Smarter: Shop for more women’s swimwear.

Since summer is in full swing, I thought it was about time to feature some swimsuits already. One of my choices had to be a one-piece because it has made such a wonderful comeback recently; my second choice is on the skimpier side. As a former resident of the Aloha state…I admit, I did turn into a bit of a swimsuit freak while I was there, it was impossible not to though when I quickly realized that what you were wearing at the beach definitely took higher priority over your regular street clothes.

Thus, I chose two of my favorite suits for the summer; a Vix suit never failed me. The fit is pretty impressive considering the fact that swimsuit sizing can be tricky, plus my Vix suits always made me feel sexy…maybe it was in the name.

Vix Maria One Piece Halter: $145 vixswimwear.com

My second choice, from one of the swimsuit masters-Victoria’s Secret, is what I like to call a perfect poolside bikini…now all you need are some big sunglasses, a bottle of tanning oil, and a hunky beach boy serving you a Mai Tai. Aloha!

Victoria’s Secret Beach Sexy triangle top and low-rise bottom: $29 on sale! Victoriassecret.com

Recommended tanning oil:

Monoi Tiare Tahiti oil, $9.95 monoi.com

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more suntan oil & lotion.
Shop for more binikis.
Shop for more one piece swimsuits.