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.

I am overdue for a beach trip already, but summer has only begun so I won’t fret.  Instead, I’ll start fantasizing about what swimsuit I will be treating myself to as a reward for working long hard hours during these warm weekdays.  I’ve always worn two-piece bikinis, it’s my default style of suit to go to whenever I’m at a swimming pool or beach day.  Two-piece bikinis are super sexy, and you will ultimately get a better tan wearing one.  This year however, I am stuck on purchasing a cute one-piece, but it has to be the right one.  As I’ve mentioned in an previous posting, some one-pieces are difficult to wear and end up looking worse than what you may have envisioned.  But there are some styles that will overall be great, and probably suit many different body types including the two most common “shapes”: apple and pear.  A good swimsuit, whether it’s a bikini or one-piece, will range anywhere from $50 (if it’s on sale) to $250.  One-pieces are going to fall into the higher price bracket, especially if they are a higher end label…you know, like Michael Kors or something.  I found two that are definitely ranking pretty high on my list this month, and I just may have to splurge on one come payday!

This Cherry Grass Maillot ($248) caught my eye immediately…

I love this suit for its simplicity, including both the design and pattern.  The top has a sort of balconette look going which keeps it looking quite retro, and the strap is also removable for a flawless tan on your collar bone and shoulders.

My second favorite is this Essaouira One Piece ($178)

At first glance, this suit might look unflattering, but believe or not, the flouncy detail at the neckline is cute and totally sexy.  It’s very 70’s…

Find more cute one-piece swimwear at Smarter.com.

With the passing of Memorial Day this weekend, summer has unofficially begun!  Some of you may have had to already sport a swimsuit if you were at the beach or pool party this weekend, but here are some great finds for swimwear!  Bathing suits can be a little pricey depending on what brands or cuts you are choosing so its always as treat to find a cute, stylish one on sale.  A trendy swimsuit last season was definitely the one-piece.  The cuts were a little crazier and risque, but this was a difficult style to wear in my opinion.  I actually own this American Apparel Nylon Tricot Maillot-V Swimsuit ($45).  I bought it last summer and wore it a few times but never really got into it. It was a little hard to pull off.

I concluded that most of the American Apparel one-pieces definitely look best on the American Apparel models.  Not to say that these styles aren’t cute, but I am definitely pleased to see that the trend for one-pieces this summer are vintage inspired.  The Marilyn Monroe-esque, glamorous vintage suit is going to be big this summer, but I’ll save those details for another posting this week or next.  Today’s eye is on the bargain and there were several great deals found on women’s swim/beach/pool wear.
Right now, Neiman Marcus is taking 30% off of some swimwear styles including this Juicy Couture Ruffled Tankini (Top: $102 Now: $71.40/Bottom: $72 Now $21.60).  Made in Martinique Pink with gold butterfly detailing, the two tiered ruffle top is a great twist on traditional tankinis which are a little simpler.  The ruffles on this suit are different, I’ve actually never seen one like this and would definitely rock it seeing as how it’s covering part of the stomach without being so form-fitting. A genius idea…A swimsuit that isn’t form-fitting!

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more Juicy Couture swimwear.
Discounts on tankinis and other women’s swimsuits.

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.