Karla Colletto Grommets Swimsuit
Classic Designer Black One-Piece with Hardware Decoration
Karla Colletto brings a classic black one-piece to the world of high-end fashion with this Grommets swimsuit.
There are no prizes for guessing where the Grommets got its name. Gleaming silver hoops pop against the classic black fabric. This is a blend of nylon and xtra life lycra spandex and elastane, an addition which helps the swimsuit last. As well it should for the price!
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Insight Dream Lover One-Piece
Floral Swimsuit with Plunging Neckline
Insight invites us to fall hard for its Dream Lover swimsuit.
The design is certainly romantic, with warm yellowy roses set against a dramatic black background. The plunging neckline brings some contemporary contrast to the classic print. Adding ruffles or lace would have been an obvious pairing for the feminine pattern, but by choosing a stronger neckline Insight's ensured it…
Roxy Sunray Flip Flops
Simple Black Bejeweled Beach Shoes
Roxy adds some feminine flair to its classic flip flops with these Sunray shoes.
Given its bright summery name, I expected this pair of flip flops to look a little livelier. But instead of rainbow colors these flip flops are available in basic black. It's a classic choice, easy to pair with any swimsuit you wish, but not very interesting. Only the pink Roxy heart on the footbed adds a bi…
Trina Turk Kuta Tunic Top
White Crochet Beach Cover-Up
Trina Turk offers a cover-up that values style over sun protection with the Kuta.
If you're looking for a cover-up to repel the sun's rays, this isn't it. Its soft sheer crochet exposes plenty of skin, and it's so light that anything covered isn't likely to block those harmful UVs. But it's meant to make a fashion statement rather than serve as a functional piece of summer apparel.
For…
Gottex Madagascar One-Piece
Blue Zebra Print Square Neck Swimsuit
Gottex shows its wild side with this African inspired Madagascar swimsuit.
This is one of Gottex's most dramatic swimsuits. If the label's mattes seem too tame for you, you’ll likely love the clash of stylized zebra print with tribal patterned trim. We've seen Gottex offer a few patterns before, but they were much more traditional than this bold design. Whether you think it's to…
Betsey Johnson Ship Shape Bikini
Retro Nautical Halter Swim Top
Betsey Johnson interprets nautical fashion with her signature feminine flair with this Ship Shape bikini.
As we see with much of the Betsey Johnson collection, there's nothing subtle about this swimsuit. The ruffles and bows at the straps are unashamedly girly. The diagonal blue stripes pop against the white background. By keeping the bust free of frills, Betsey Johnson ensure…
Guess Pin Me Down Bikini
Retro Pink Gingham Swim Top
Guess channels 50s fashion with this playful Pin Me Down Bikini.
This swim top's gingham print is timeless, yet as it's not overused in modern fashion it still feels fresh. In pink it's especially feminine, perhaps too feminine for some tastes. But if you embrace your girly side you'll be glad Guess has too. The jaunty white bow between the cups adds a final whimsical flourish.
The Pi…
Rip Curl Opens New Sydney Stores
Airport Outlets Bring Surf Goods to Australian Travelers
Australian surf company Rip Curl has opened the doors to two new flagship stores in Sydney Airport. The Australian outlets are located in the airport's domestic and international terminals.
The new stores look to engage shoppers in a snapshot of Australia's vibrant surfing culture. That's especially true of the boutique located in the international terminal, which features a…
Becca Network Swim Top
Asymmetrical Macramé Detailed Raspberry Bandeau
Becca shows a splash of kitsch can make a big impression with this Network swim top.
The Network's retro vibe comes from the macramé detailing that extends from the strap along the front of the bandeau top. It's a lovely nod to the 70s which doesn't dominate the design. Where the Mara Hoffman Macramé Swimsuit we saw recently came across as a bit of a fashion throwback, Becca keeps the…
Roxy Abstract Sky Angel Bikini
Pretty Pink Swim Top
Roxy serves up something sweet with its Abstract Sky Angel bikini.
Its name is a bit of a mouthful, but it explains a little about this sweet top's print. I initially saw it as a floral pattern, but on noting the moniker I wonder whether it shows white clouds floating in a rosy pink sky. It's a little hard to tell, which is why Roxy calls the pattern abstract I suppose! That ambiguity works…
Mara Hoffman Beaded Bandeau Bikini
Peacock Blue Native American Inspired Swimsuit
A little beading makes this blue swimsuit from Mara Hoffman something special.
The beaded panels at the bust and the sides of the briefs really are this swimsuit's crowning glories. The work is expertly done, with tiny colored beads that make an impression much larger than their size. I can't help worrying about their longevity though. No matter how well they're stitched, I can't i…
Kenneth Cole Flor-e-scent Swimsuit
Flower Decorated Asymmetrical One-Piece
Kenneth Cole has fun with flowers with this Flor-e-scent Swimsuit.
Its name suggests this swimsuit might blind you, but that's a bit misleading. It's available in a bright passionfruit purple hue, but in black it's almost sedate. Rather than referring to neon colors, its name pays tribute to the soft flowers that decorate the swimsuit's top.
The color you choose is so important he…
Tori Praver Jess Bikini
White Long Line Swim Top
Tori Praver offers a longer line swim top than the average with the Jess Bikini.
It's amazing what a difference a few inches make. Rather than stopping this bikini top just below the bust, Tori Praver extends the suit down the torso. It's a very flattering style, which streamlines the body and offers a bit more modesty. The strategic seaming further defines the body without compromi…
Hurley Puerto Rico Rashguard
Classic Black Surf Tee
Hurley plays it safe with this Puerto Rico Rashguard.
I thought Hurley might have injected some of the spice of the Caribbean region into this surf top, but it's taken a different route. This rashguard is as pedestrian as they come, with a bold white logo popping against the basic black fabric.
While its styling may leave a bit to be desired, it's hard to fault the Puerto Rico on a functi…
Mara Hoffman Macrame Swimsuit
Green Retro One-Piece Bathers
Mara Hoffman takes us back to the 70s with this playful Macrame Swimsuit.
Despite the decade's fashion enjoying a style resurgence, the market hasn't been flooded with macramé. That’s to this swimsuit's advantage, because it appears fresh rather than a fashion follower. Its unusual looks will probably deter girls who like to play it safe though. It shows an awful lot of skin, a…
Tori Praver Luna Swimsuit
Green Fringed One-Piece Swimwear
Tori Praver brings a little Navaho flair to a classic one piece with this Luna swimsuit.
The Luna takes its cues from the label's Kelly swimsuit, but its long fringing sets it apart. I love the way this decoration emphasizes the curve of the plunging neckline. The detail draws attention to the area, which is probably just what you want when you're wearing such a low-cut swimsuit!
The d…
Hurley Ole Halter Neck Bikini
Striped Red Swim Top
Hurley injects a little Latin flavor in to its swimwear line with this Ole bikini.
The Ole's thin horizontal stripes are its crowning glory. I love the way Hurley's played with warm reds and oranges here. Its finish reminds me of a sunset, all fiery and romantic.
The print is a showstopper, so it makes sense that Hurley's kept the rest of the Ole very simple. Its lines are ultra clean, an…
Mara Hoffman Poncho
Long Mayan Print Beach Cover-Up
Mara Hoffman helps us stay sun safe on the beach with this Mayan Printed Poncho.
Mara Hoffman tends to push the fashion envelope, but she doesn't forget functionality here. The hemline reaches well past the knees, and the sleeves also stretch almost to the elbow. There's plenty of fabric in it to keep us covered up.
Mara Hoffman doesn't provide any sun protective guarantees, but I wo…
Mara Hoffman Beaded Rays Swimsuit
Bold Cut-Out Black One-Piece
Mara Hoffman makes a strong style statement with this Beaded Rays swimsuit.
The swimsuit designer needed to do something to elevate a black one-piece above the pack, and she's certainly delivered. The Aztec inspired cut-out panel underneath the bust is very bold. The intricate beadwork draws the eye and makes the swimsuit feel especially indulgent. I worry whether the tiny bead…
Tori Praver Marilyn One Piece
Colorblocked Ruched Swimsuit
Tori Praver's jumped on the colorblock bandwagon and delivered this on trend Marilyn swimsuit.
It's ironic that its name recalls one of our most iconic beauties of yesteryear, because its styling screams 2012. Personally I'd prefer a more vintage approach. The green body and purple bandeau style bust clash a little too loudly for me, although it's a matter of preference. I also wo…
Hurley Moana Bikini
White Floral Halter Cross-Back Swimsuit
Hurley serves up a modern take on classic floral with the Moana bikini.
The lifestyle brand modernizes the flowery print by rendering it with minimalist line drawings colored casually with soft feminine pastels. The effect stands out against the Moana's white background, but it doesn't hit you in the face. It's feminine but not fussy, striking but not garish. I think Hurley's bal…
Tori Praver Kelly Swimsuit
Smocked Plunging Teal One-Piece
One-pieces have a reputation for being a safe swimsuit option. But Tori Praver shakes things up with her sexy Kelly.
There's nothing pedestrian about the Kelly. From its plunging neckline to its Brazilian style bottom, it's designed to show plenty of skin. While nothing too scandalous is revealed, you'll need to feel confident about your body to pull it off. It also looks its best i…
Sofia by Vix Sassy Ruffle Bikini
Leopard Print Triangle Swim Top
Sofia by Vix walks on the wild side with this appropriately named Sassy Ruffle Bikini.
Few patterns scream sass like animal print. The leopard print might be a lazy way to make a swimsuit feel flirty, but it's also effective. The delicate ruffles around the edge of the classic triangle top soften the style.
I only wish Vix's Sofia line had stopped there though. While the teal string po…
Tori Praver Shyla Bikini
Striking Burgundy Braided Swim Top
Turn heads on the beach wearing this striking Shyla Bikini from Tori Praver.
Tori Praver's added some interesting details which help separate the Shyla from run-of-the-mill triangle bikini tops. Trios of cords on each side run up to form the single braided straps. Tori Praver knows these unusual straps are the Shyla's crowning glory, so she keeps the rest of the bikini top simple.…
Mara Hoffman Ruffle Bustier Bikini
Frilly Psychedelic Print Swimsuit
There's no risk of blending into the background when you’re wearing this Ruffle Bustier bikini from Mara Hoffman.
I barely know where to look first. The bold psychedelic print demands attention, while the feminine ruffles running along the top of the bustier bikini add another layer. Personally I think Mara Hoffman's added too much here. The frills get lost in the pattern, alth…
L*Space Dolly Bandeau
Black Fringe Swim Top
Somewhere in amongst all that fringing, L*Space has hidden a swim top. Meet the Dolly!
The Dolly is a lot like the label's Audrey, except it's missing the strap. This little design detail brings its advantages and disadvantages. The look is a little bit sexier. Who would have thought that removing a scrap of fabric could make such a difference?
But by taking away the strap, the swim to…
Athleta Vital Board Shorts
Classic Blue Swim Trunks
Athleta keeps it simple with these Vital board shorts.
I'm not sure they're as essential as their name suggests, but they're a great example of classic design. There's nothing fancy about them, no patterns or any real embellishments. I suppose we could call the pair of small buttons at the fly decorative, but they're as much about practicality as looks.
The teal colored fabric has m…
Tommy Bahama Twilight Stripe Swimsuit
Nautical Striped Shirred Bandeau One-Piece
Its name might make us think of vampires and werewolves, but the Twilight Stripe is no passing fad. The nautical stripes of this Tommy Bahama swimsuit are instead likely to stand the test of time.
This swimsuit isn't just about longevity though. The sweet blue and white striped finish is fun and flirty. We've all been told that horizontal stripes make us appear wider, but by keeping t…
Miraclesuit So Faux Swimsuit
Colorblocked Tankini Style One-Piece
It’s called the So Faux, but there's nothing fake about this one-piece from Miraclesuit.
The So Faux gets its name because its colorblocked design makes it appear like a tankini and briefs. However this is actually an optical illusion; it's just a simple one-piece.
The tankini styling is a bit of a gimmick that I don't think adds much to the design. But it's a conversation starter,…
Carve Designs Montecito Swimsuit
Simple Blue Purple One-Piece
We've admired Carve Designs bikinis and board shorts, but with the Montecito we see what the label can do with a one-piece. The classic design we've come to associate with the brand is still there, but something doesn't sit quite right me.
Or perhaps it doesn't sit quite right on the model. And if it doesn't look good on the model Carve's chosen to show off its wares, whatever will it loo…
Carve Designs Bondi Bikini
Reversible Apricot Swim Top
Carve Designs takes inspiration from one of Australia's favorite beaches with the Bondi. But has it captured the charm of the Down Under break?
As an Aussie, this design feels a bit flat to me. The muted colors are a far cry from the vibrant ones we see at the Sydney shore, and the designs do little to evoke the country. I'm not suggesting Carve Designs should have stooped to obvious moti…
Banana Republic Release Dog Advertisement for Trina Turk Collection
Cute ASPCA Clip
Speedo UV Sensor Watch
Sun Smart Waterproof Wristwatch
Take the guesswork out of sun protection with this clever UV Sensor Watch from Speedo.
This clever gadget detects the sun's UV index and displays it right there on your wrist. It's also got a handy UV alarm which ensures you don't spend too much time under the sun's harmful rays.
Those UV features are great for sun lovers, but there are a few other handy additions which make it perfect fo…
Reef Uptown Girl Flip Flops
Fun Zebra Print Beach Shoes
Reef shows us its wild side with these playful Uptown Girl flip flops.
The zebra print decorating the delicate synthetic straps gives these flip flops their flirty sense of style. It's not the only pattern on offer though. Reef's designed three more bold yet feminine prints, including a pink croc, pink and silver snake, and retro purple and gold finish. All the straps pop against th…
Juicy Couture Live for Love Tote
Reversible Canvas Velour Beach Bag
Juicy Couture offers us two cute looks for one low price with this Live for Love beach bag.
The canvas side features the bold Live for Love slogan emblazoned across the gentle pink colored front. The interior is cleverly lined with velour, which should soak up some of the moisture from damp beach towels and swimming costumes. There's plenty of space for these items and other seaside e…
Miraclesuit Fantastic Faux Swimsuit
Loose Fitting Black Tankini Style One-Piece
Miraclesuit fakes us out with this clever Fantastic Faux Swimsuit. It appears like a tankini with a matching pair of briefs, but it’s actually a one-piece!
The Fantastic Faux is really a swimsuit for girls that want to cover up. If you're self-conscious about carrying some extra weight you might appreciate the loose-fitting tankini style top. It skims problem areas rather than…
Miraclesuit Flamenco Swimsuit
Red Ruffled One-Piece Bandeau Bathers
Miraclesuit adds a splash of Spanish flair to a classic bandeau swimsuit with the Flamenco.
Soft rows of ruffles criss-cross across the top of this swimsuit, highlighting its familiar sweetheart neckline. The frills make the Flamenco feel very feminine, as well as enhancing the bust. If you're petite the ruffles will add volume, and if you're curvy they'll draw attention to thos…
Gottex Jungle Fever Kimono
Colorful Silk Beach Cover-Up
Gottex helps us cover up on the beach in style with this Jungle Fever Kimono.
This is a truly luxurious cover-up made in Morocco entirely from silk. The rich jewel toned design is inspired by the wilds of the jungle. It's like a modern take on floral, with vibrant green foliage dotted with small red blooms. The print appears a little more abstract on the soft draped fabric, which should…
Hermanny by Vix Nepal Bikini
Earth Toned Triangle Swim Top
Vix takes inspiration from the wilds of Africa with this Nepal bikini from its Hermanny collection.
I appreciate that Vix has rejected obvious African motifs like animal prints and tribal markings. Instead its Nepal is much more subtle, with graduated earthy tones recalling the continent's desolate plains.
The African inspired print is paired with Western influenced details…
Gottex Delaunay Swimsuit
Kaleidoscope Print Black One-Piece
A splash of color ensures this basic black Delaunay swimsuit from Gottex stands out in a crowd.
Warm pink, violet, and fuschia hues burst from the side of this one-piece like a fractured kaleidoscope. It's really striking, although like so many prints I wonder whether it'll date after a few seasons.
I'm hopeful it may endure though, as it goes its own way rather than following trends…
Ujena Le Cabaret Lace Bikini
Daring Pink & Black Micro Swimsuit
Ujena brings drama to the beach with this daring Le Cabaret Lace Bikini.
This unusual swimsuit is one of the most striking I've seen in some time. Its pretty pale pink lace panels are undeniably feminine, and an unusual contrast to the bolder black nylon section. The skimpy top and daringly cut briefs only add to the Le Cabaret's sugar and spice appeal.
While the Le Cabaret is a little b…
Ujena Red Hot Zebra Bikini
Banded Black Swimsuit
Ujena shows that sometimes less really is more with this Red Hot Zebra bikini top.
The label has many zebra printed swimsuits, but in my opinion this one makes the greatest impact. That might surprise you, as it's also the one that uses the classic animal print sparingly. It forms the wide band underneath the bust, and we see another flash around the shoulder straps. The briefs also fe…
Jantzen Moroccan Mosaic Skirted Bottom
Ruffled Swim Skirt with Briefs
Jantzen offers sex appeal without the scandal with these Moroccan Mosaic Skirted Briefs.
This skirted pair of briefs is very, well, brief! It's like the swimwear equivalent of a miniskirt, a mere strip of spandex-blended nylon that covers up the vital areas while showing plenty of leg. I'd hesitate to wear it if it weren't for the attached briefs. These bottoms maintain our modest…
Robin Piccone Matiz Bikini
Black Banded Halter Neck Swim Top
There's nothing basic about this black Matiz bikini top from Robin Piccone.
Black is generally a conservative color, but it's used to devastating effect here. Tonal black stripes emphasize the bikini’s sexy plunging design. The gentle contrast of black on black is sophisticated, and that elegance ensures the swim top is scintillating but not scandalous. A jaunty bow at the fr…
Tommy Bahama Seville Swimsuit
Blue Paisley Printed One-Piece
Tommy Bahama serves up all the glamour of Spain with this figure-flattering Seville swimsuit.
Its paisley print might not be authentically Spanish, but it makes this simply designed one-piece so eye-catching. In bold blues and green the pattern attracts attention, but unlike so many loud prints this one shouldn't date. Paisley has been around since the 1880s after all, so I woul…
Fantasie San Jose Tunic
Red Floral Beach Cover-Up
Fantasie helps us stay safe on the shore with this San Jose Tunic.
This is one of those rare cover-ups which manages to be as functional as it is fashion forward. All too often it seems we lose style in the pursuit of sun protection, so I'm impressed with what Fantasie's done here. The tropical floral print is a summer classic, although in black and red Fantasie's made the pattern feel fr…
Becca On the Prowl Bikini
Banded Spotted Halter-Neck Swim Top
Becca offers a contemporary take on animal print with its On the Prowl bikini.
Its name makes us think of sensuous big cats stalking their prey in the jungle, or perhaps bar hopping cougars with their eyes on cute young things. Pairing this imagery with a traditional animal print would have been simple, but instead Becca takes the path less traveled. The spots that decorate this swim…
Kenneth Cole Once a Cheeta Swimsuit
Figure-Flattering Ruched One-Piece
Kenneth Cole flatters our figures without compromising on style with this Once a Cheeta swimsuit.
This one-piece cuts a striking figure with its ruched front and cheeky cut-out back. The saturated turquoise color is fun and youthful, although it's also available in black or purple. Either way, the swimsuit helps girls with a variety of body types look their best.
The ruched finis…
Jantzen Sheer Me Up Swimsuit
Retro Glam Convertible One-Piece
Jantzen's swimsuits regularly strike a chord with sun lovers, but even esteemed fashion houses can make a misstep. If the customer feedback is any indication, that's what's happened with the label's Sheer Me Up swimsuit.
It's disappointing to hear the Sheer Me Up isn't up to Jantzen's usual standard, because its styling is amongst the label's most striking. The shirred body is so…
Fantasie Puerto Rico Tankini
Colorful Pink Bandeau Style Swim Top
Fantasie delivers all the color of South America with this feminine Puerto Rico bandeau tankini.
The pink-heavy pattern is tailor made for girly girls. While it'll probably polarize opinion, I love the vibrant mix of animal prints and florals. It's so playful, and as it's a reinterpretation of some classic patterns it shouldn't date either.
This tankini is much more conservativ…
