Fashion Blog

Leave it to Audrina Patridge to make a one piece bathing suit even sexier than the two piece. But the major holes on the sides and overall revealing design hardly categorizes this as a modest one piece bathing suit. Instead, this in-between has been termed the “monokini“–a one piece bikini.

Needless to say, the stretchy, skintight material leaves little to the imagination–so I’d say that a rock hard body, much like Audrina’s, is definitely necessary before you attempt this new hot trend. On the bright side, this hot new look is definitely an incentive to hit the gym this summer.

In addition to the skintight material, the strategically placed holes and cuts on the monikini creates a modern and fun look at the beach, which outshines the used-to-be-hot normal bikinis. Unlike the typical bikini, which leaves the midsection completely vulnerable and exposed, this monikini actually forms a sexier cut around the waist that’s much more appealing than the bikini. But once again, a flat tummy is a must-have prerequisite.

But there are a ton of pros and cons about this new trend. Sure it looks hot,  but I wonder how comfortable it would be to relax poolside in this rubber band tight swimsuit? I’ve never tried this on but from the looks of this photograph, Audrina looks pretty weighed down by the water.

But, as the saying goes, “beauty is pain.”

 Photo credit: Showhype.com 

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for women’s one piece swimsuits.

As a European in the US, I am finding out more and more about the fashion scene, new designers, new “it” girls, and for this summer new bikini lines, and SHIMMI is one of them.

Sandy beaches, exotic locales, glamorous pool parties or just relaxing with friends… what does a girl crave most? Scarlett Chorvat and Alison Renner desired the look and feel of a simple but stylish bikini.

Shimmi is created from the notion that swimwear has no rules. Scarlett and Alison have artistically designed their collection with cutting edge style, modernism and comfort. An appreciation for sexy chanteuse Jane Birkin, The French Mediterranean and rock n’ roll are just some of the influences that have inspired their first collection. The collection consists of unique, lightweight fabrics, playful patterns and vibrant colors that compliment skin tones. Beautiful fabrics are innovatively cut and designed to fit the everyday woman and the girl that is not afraid to be the center of attention, but actually loves it!

Raised in the Midwest and now living in L.A. both Scarlett and Alison left their hometowns to pursue successful modeling careers in the Big Apple. Their paths eventually crossed in Los Angeles years later. Combined, they have worked with notable photographers including Helmut Newton, Francesco Scavullo, Mario Testino, Walter Chin… Both have graced the covers of magazines as well as the campaigns and editorials inside of them.

Together they are determined to create swim wear for the girl that is always looking for that “perfect suit”.

Image Source: shimmicollection.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop through a variety of bikinis.

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.