Beach Chic

Cruise Through Summer In A Chic Caftan!

Ida Hsiang on Jul 31, 2009 2:21 PM PDT

I think it's safe to say that seventies glam is back in full-force this summer! With jumpsuits gracing the pages of pretty much every magazine and big hair and bold minis making a comeback, one could easily feel like they just stepped out of a modernized version of that decade. The next big throwback trend that designers are putting out? Caftans! These are not to be confused with those oversized floral print muumuus that hide and distort the body and should really just be left as a bed sheet or burned! Caftans are luxurious, flowing, and oh-so-comfortable. They are reminiscent of Greek draping and remind on-lookers of rich nonchalance and effortless elegance. They're popping up in bright colors and prints and, although usually on the sheer side, designers and retailers have been coming out with caftans that can be worn at the beach or pool party, or as a unique and beautiful dress for all those summer events! The right caftan can be a very versatile piece that can be worn over and over in numerous ways. Try one with cork wedges, a belt, and some layered jewelry for a tasteful look, or throw it over your bikini and pop on a pair of sandals for the perfect carefree chic summer outfit! Check out the slideshow for more great caftan finds and add one to your closet today!

Tags : summer trends , summer trend , summer style , summer fashion , beach chic

CollegeCandy Wish List: Roxy Dandy Lion Bag

Alex Gambardella on Jul 31, 2009 5:23 AM PDT

Cute bathing suit? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Awesomely colorful beach bag? Hmm... maybe not yet. Well, Roxy is here to save the day with its cleverly named bag, Dandy Lion. The bag is made of durable cotton canvas, and its wide platform bottom makes storing your large beach towels a breeze. It has a back wall zip pocket and a slip pocket for your small items (so your cell phone and iPod don't get lost in the shuffle) and a magnetic snap closure to keep everything secure. The bag is lightweight and big enough to carry your sunglasses, wallet, change of clothing, and all your other beach essentials (like, I don't know, snacks?). Personally, I'm all about the animal print bag in black. It's bright, striking, and screams "have fun with fashion " It also screams "don't worry about spilling sunscreen/margaritas all over me, because I'm totally affordable and you can throw me right into the washing machine." More great beach days, here I come! Check out the CollegeCandy blog for more of the season's must-have shopping picks!

Tags : totes , tote bags , tote bag , tote , beach chic

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM Runway: Poko Pano

Ida Hsiang on Jul 24, 2009 2:20 PM PDT

Summer is the perfect season to show off sweet and sexy styles and what better way to do it than in a Poko Pano swimsuit! At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM in Miami, Poko Pano showcased their slightly whimsical, borderline quirky and definitely provocative line of swim and beachwear. From light, bright colors perfect for a sunny day to patterns like fun florals and pretty polka-dots, Poko Pano promised a fun-in-the-sun feel to their daring bikinis and monokinis. Strapless tops and plunging halters oozed feminine sensuality while interesting details and deliberate mixing and matching made each piece unique and eye-catching! To see more flirty and fiery designs by Poko Pano, check out the slideshow of their runway collection! Photo credit: Getty Images

Tags : two-piece , two piece , swimwear line , swimwear design , beach chic

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM Runway: Red Carter

Ida Hsiang on Jul 23, 2009 2:19 PM PDT

A swimsuit is a swimsuit is a swimsuit, right? Not if it's a Red Carter design! They challenge your idea of a conventional one-piece or bikini and have you lusting after the interesting and daring details of their suits. Red Carter isn't tentative or apologetic about their extreme and avant-garde outlook. There are, of course, colorful and lively patterns that stimulate the eye, but it is the space-age metallic leggings or edgy hardware that garner the most attention. It's the optical illusion patterns and the oversized, brightly colored, Lolita-like details that make you sit up a little straighter and stare a little longer. The strapless tops and wild animal prints earned more than a few double-takes... and possibly neck injuries! Beach coverings were elegant and luxurious. Men in speedos and barely-there briefs have never been my thing, but if all men looked like the male models did in Red Carter's bold and edgy "trunks," then I may just have to rethink my stance! For more crazy, but completely wearable and desirable swim looks, check out our slideshow! Photo credit: Getty Images

Tags : swimwear line , swimwear design , swimwear collection , swimwear , beach chic

Rock Your Work-Out With Roxy Athletix!

Ida Hsiang on Jul 9, 2009 4:24 PM PDT

Roxy has long been the staple for casual and flirty beachwear. The look stays young and fresh with basic pieces like stretch tees and swimwear featured in bright colors and hip graphics. Roxy has always kept up with the latest trends and translate them into their signature "Roxy" style that is comfortable and feminine and makes the wearer seem effortlessly and fashionable and laid-back chic! Be it their tanks, shorts, dresses or jeans, Roxy has always had a healthy and energetic vibe. They are now branching out with the next logical step and introducing activewear for working-out and other high intensity sports and activities! Roxy presents the Roxy Athletix line, new for this summer! All the classic Roxy features are still there: bright colors, fun patterns, comfortable and versatile fabrics and most importantly, flattering shapes. The line includes cute and practical sports bras, yoga pants and stretch cycling shorts embellished with bows and buttons and brightly colored shirts and tops that are appropriate for numerous types of exercise and weather! Summer is the perfect season for brisk morning walks and runs, and a great time to meet a friend at the gym or for an impromptu volleyball match at the beach! Whatever your workout of choice may be, Roxy Athletix has something that you'll love ! Check out the slideshow to see some of my favorites from the new Roxy Athletix line.

Tags : workout gear , workout , work out , tees , beach chic

Get Beachy Waves And Sun-Safe Locks With Summer's Must-Have ...

Alex Gambardella on Jul 7, 2009 8:25 AM PDT

While your carefree summer attitude may be easy and breezy, your unruly sun-stroked hair may be whistling a different tune (if hair could whistle, of course). The cloudless skies, high temperatures, and overall perfect beach weather unfortunately also brings harmful UV rays, frizzing humidity, and fried follicles... not to mention heat-induced laziness that'll have you feeling "blah" towards your regular hairdo but not motivated enough to put an hour's worth of effort into your style. The solution? Summer's best sun-fighting hair products, of course, from hydrating heat-screening serum to sea salt spray for effortlessly perfect beachy waves. If your hair's super hopeless, you can try them all and collect an entire arsenal of summer haircare... or just tackle your hair's heat woes one at a time and check out the slideshow for the best summer coif pick-me-ups, protectants, and detoxes!

Tags : summer trends , summer hair , summer beauty , summer , beach chic