Beachwear

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 , beachwear

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 , beachwear

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 , beachwear

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 , beachwear

Bedazzled Bathing Suits To Bling Out Your Next Beach Day

Alex Gambardella on Jul 6, 2009 10:18 AM PDT

Sparkles, sequins, and studs -- oh my! If you're not built like Alessandra Ambrosio like I am (ha! I'm definitely kidding), finding the perfect swimsuit can be a task similar to finding a needle in a haystack... so you might as well make sure that the one suit you finally settle on is killer! Of course, confidence is the only thing you really need to get heads turning and all eyes on you as you strut your stuff on the sand, but let's face it -- sparkly embellishments adorning your scantily-clad bod definitely helps! Forget your basic black bandeau and opt for a tribal-inspired stone-studded bikini from Victoria's Secret, or even a wallet-friendly Charlotte Russe rhinestone monokini for added coverage with maximum sex appeal. We may be well into summer by now, but it's certainly not too late to add some shimmer to your swim style. Check out the slideshow for some of my favorite sparkling suits that'll be sure to amp up your next pool party or beach date!

Tags : xhilaration , vix , victoria's secret , tara matthews , beachwear

Beach Feet: Flip Into Something A Bit More Comfortable!

Amber Fijolek on Jul 1, 2009 10:23 AM PDT

Flip, flop, flip, flop. It's hard not to hear that summer's here! You know the sound -- the one that classifies an entire genre of footwear simply by the sound they make as you skip down the street. Since the middle of the last century, the fun thong sandals have made their mark as summer's top shoe choice. Famous for beating the heat, a pair of these make sun and sweat a breeze on those record-breaking hot days. Most important, however, is the signature impact they've had on swim-season fashion. If you're not barefoot on the beach, a pair of flip flops aren't too far out of sight, so matching your beachwear ensemble is top priority in picking your sand-safe kicks. They're the most basic of footwear, yet the most essential, as they're easy to throw on to get the job done, and with the right pair, you won't have to sacrifice comfort or sleek style. They're also lightweight and great for travel, so a pair that works for both a day at the beach and a night on the town is essential. To make them stand out from the Y straps of yesteryear, sling on a pair that boasts a little more edge for a flip that will make others flop! Here's a slideshow with some stylish picks to kick off this season's sound of summer.

Tags : thongs , swimwear , swim , sun , beachwear