Vix Betsey Bandeau Bikini
Classic Black & White Swim Top
Minimalist styling makes a big impression with this Betsey bandeau bikini top from Vix.
Some girls may find the Betsey's simple styling boring, but I think it's refreshing. Rather than blending into the background, this unpatterned, unruffled, unadorned swim top really stands out.
The bandeau has clean lines, with just a little pleating around the bust to add interest. The bold…No Comments
Teva Olowahu Sandals
Unusual Casual Strappy Beach Shoes
Don't let all those straps scare you. This unusual pair of Teva Olowahu Sandals is surprisingly comfortable!
All those straps hold your foot in place more securely than the pair we get on the average set of flip flops. That security makes the Olowahu perfect for a run along the sand or a game of beach volleyball. Comfort isn't compromised either. You don't feel trapped in these shoes t…Speedo Deluxe Mesh Equipment Bag
Practical Ventilated Beach Backpack
Speedo helps us carry our beach essentials to the shore with a minimum of fuss with this Deluxe Mesh Equipment.
The label's always been about getting the job done rather than looking good, so it should be no surprise that functionality comes first here. It has large mesh panels which help our soggy swimwear dry, even while it's stashed away. These sections are complemented by tough d…Rip Curl Echo Watch
White Silicone Women’s Surf Wristwatch
Rip Curl takes us from the office to the waves with this conservative Echo Watch.
Most surf watches tend to be a lot bulkier and more colorful than this Rip Curl time piece. Its subtlety may cause many beachgoers to overlook it, but they'd miss out on a very versatile watch.
The restrained design means it suits any occasion. Who really wants a watch for everyday and another one for the be…Roxy Hobo Surf Sand Flower Swim Pants
Feminine Hotpant Style Board Shorts
Roxy embraces its feminine side with these Hobo Surf Sand Flower boardshorts.
Its name is complicated and a real mouthful, but there's little to these swim shorts, literally! These shorts certainly live up to their name. They show a whole lot of leg, so I hope yours are toned, tanned, and not still carrying any extra Christmas kilos! The skimpy design won't suit self conscious sun lo…Lucky Brand American Dream Tankini
Patchwork Print Bandeau Style Swim Top
Lucky Brand calls this tankini an American Dream, but I can't imagine it becoming the stuff fantasies are made of.
I wouldn't say this tankini top is a nightmare, but it does appear very dated. Patchwork prints like this haven't been popular since the 80s, and they weren't one of the trends to resurface when the decade recently enjoyed a revival. So we can't even pass this vintage look…L*Space Au Natural Sliding Bikini
Earthy Striped Halter Swim Top
L*Space takes a more rustic approach to design than usual with this Au Natural Sliding Bikini.
I'm used to bold colors and fashion forward designs from L*Space, so this more bohemian bikini comes from left of field. I'm not sure what the labels fans will make of it, but I expect it might encourage hippie chicks to see the brand in a new light. L*Space hasn't abandoned its high class imag…Nanette Lepore Riviera Stripe Tunic
Nautical Striped Beach Cover-Up
Nanette Lepore channels French chic with this Riviera Stripe Tunic.
While it takes inspiration from the coastal resorts of the French Riviera, its classic design wouldn't look out of place in any beach setting. The navy and white vertical stripes give the cover-up a traditional nautical feel, while the contemporary red grommets near the neckline bring just the right amount of Fr…Seafolly Goddess Eva Skirted Pants
Pleated Navy Bikini Briefs
Seafolly serves up an itsy bitsy teeny weeny pair of bikini bottoms with these Goddess Eva Skirted Pants.
The term "pants" seems like a bit of a misnomer when we're dealing with such a small scrap of fabric. They're barely more than briefs! We certainly don't enjoy the modesty that swim pants generally provide, so I hope you feel comfortable about your body!
If you do want to flaunt it t…Volcom Flower Affair Bikini
Feminine Rosette Decorated Pink Bandeau Swim Top
Volcom embraces its feminine side with this Flower Affair swim top.
This melon colored bandeau bikini top is exceptionally girly. The soft ruffle only runs along one side, but that's probably enough frills for most tastes. The large floral rosette in the center is another feminine touch. And of course, nothing says girly girl like a shock of sugary pink. The feminine effect is temp…La Blanca Ruff Stuff Bandeau
Classic Striped One-Piece Swimsuit
Don't let the vertical stripes scare you; this Ruff Stuff swimsuit from La Blanca is remarkably slimming.
We've all been told to steer clear of outfits decorated with such stripes, but you needn't have the model's figure to look good wearing them. The Ruff Stuff's stripes are relatively narrow, so they don't tend to add extra pounds. La Blanca knows this so it generously offers the R…Juicy Couture Miss Divine Bandeau
Navy Blue Gold Buttons Swim Top
Juicy Couture sets the style standard with this Miss Divine bandeau swim top.
The label's come a long way since its heady pink velour-loving heyday. These days the American fashion house is experimenting with more timeless colors and more fashion forward designs, and it's better for it. I love the restraint shown here, something we'd never have associated with Juicy Couture in th…Trina Turk’s New Banana Republic Line
Californian Designer’s Summer Capsule Collection
The capsule collections from Trina Turk just keep on coming. Hot on the heels of her Trina Turks and Caicos Collection for the Grace Bay Club Resort comes news of her latest line, a collaborative range designed with American leisurewear leader Banana Republic.
The 60-piece collection includes swimwear separates, beach towels and tote bags, and maxi-dresses and cut-off shorts f…Trina Turks’ and Caicos Swim Collection
Capsule Line for Grace Bay Club Resort
Trina Turk has created a summery new capsule collection exclusively for the Turks and Caicos resort, the Grace Bay Club.
The new line, cleverly dubbed the Trina Turks' and Caicos Collection, features mix-and-match bikini separates, a plunging one-piece swimsuit, an ankle-length maxi dress, and a kimono-sleeved tunic cover-up. There are nine items in all, including halter-n…Luli Fama Mariposa Traicionera Bikini
Skimpy Purple Butterfly Decorated String Swim Top
Luli Fama's created an itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikini with some extra flair with this Mariposa Tracionera swim top.
It's up to you to decide whether this bikini has too much flair. The pretty frills are a lovely way to soften the traditional bikini triangles. With a name like the Mariposa Tracionera, we probably expected the large butterflies that have landed at the top of those trian…Becca Get Together Swimsuit
Sexy Black & White Cut Out One-Piece
Becca's created one of the sexiest one-piece swimsuits I've ever seen with the Get Together.
This modern swimsuit obviously takes its cues from the monokini, but its asymmetrical style makes it much more eye-catching. The white stripes draw the eye, encouraging onlookers to admire this swimsuit, and the body in it, from top to toe. It's also just as eye-catching from behind, wher…Jantzen Pretty Pin Dot Tank Swimsuit
Retro Red Spotted One-Piece
Jantzen helps us be pretty in pin dots with this sexy retro-inspired swimsuit.
I can imagine Mad Men's Joan Holloway wearing this one-piece on a Californian getaway. The swirling bandeau style bust, spotted finish, and cute ruffled hemline give it a real pin-up girl vibe. I love the eye-catching appeal of this red suit, but traditionalists may prefer it in black.
It looks like you n…Guess On Thin Ice Bikini
White Gemstone Encrusted Triangle Swim Top
Guess seems to have taken a bedazzler to a classic white bikini with this On Thin Ice swim top.
At its heart, this is your stock standard triangle style string bikini. All of its flash comes from the assortment of gems and studs. The application of the scattered metal discs and jewels seems a little heavy handed at first. However by restricting the accents to the lines along the cups, I t…Guess She’s Ditsy Bikini
Black Floral Modest Underwire Swim Top
I’m not sure what "she's" wearing on the beach, but according to Guess if she's not wearing its black floral bikini, She's Ditsy!
I'm not really in favor of tearing down the fashion choices of other girls on the beach, so Guess' cheeky moniker doesn't impress me. But I do like what the irreverent label's done with this classic underwire bikini.
In many ways this is a very traditional…Lucky Brand Love Child Tankini
Ruffled Tie Dyed Bandeau Swim Top
Lucky Brand takes us back to the swinging sixties with this Love Child tankini.
Tankinis are often the choice of girls conscious about their figures. They tend to offer plenty of coverage but they're rarely fashion forward. Lucky Brand bucks the trend by with the Love Child. Perhaps it'll even win over the sun lovers who normally favor bikinis!
I really love the way the Love Child fla…Robin Piccone Penelope Bikini
Modern Black Banded Halter-Neck Swim Top
Robin Piccone challenges the notion that black bikinis are basic and boring with this Penelope swim top.
There's an awful lot going on here. The triangle shaped cups are overlaid with crocheted fabric, which extends down to create a narrow band underneath. I love the subtle texture the crocheted finish creates, and the way our skin peeks out from beneath the fabric band. Abalone sh…Freya Supernova Bandeau Swimsuit
Sexy Belted Black One Piece
Freya looks to make the dreams of comic books nerds everywhere come true with this Supernova Bandeau Swimsuit.
I can't help thinking of the costume of a kick ass female superhero, or perhaps even a super villain, when I look at this bold swimsuit. We've got the clean lines, the obligatory belted accent, and the flashes of gleaming gold. All we're missing is some thigh high boots and pe…Becca Down to Earth Tunic
White Crochet Cover-Up Top
With fashion celebrating all things seventies, this crocheted Down to Earth Tunic from Becca is right on trend.
The intricate weave features a modern geometric pattern to ensure it's never confused with something your nanna might knit. The blend of nylon and spandex is also much more contemporary than the original crocheted cover-ups. The fabric makes sure you can ball it up and p…Miraclesuit Isabella Swimsuit
Figure Flattering Ruffled Navy Blue One-Piece
Turning water into wine, feeding a crowd of people with only a few fishes and loaves of bread, and reviving people declared clinically dead are all miracles. Creating a slimming swimsuit doesn't quite seem to be in the same league, but the folks from Miraclesuit are just as proud of their Isabella swimsuit.
I'm not sure whether this swimsuit will really make anyone look ten pounds li…Freya Pier Bikini
Polka Dotted Black Halter-Neck Swim Top
Freya makes the most of curves with this cute Pier Bikini Top.
All too often plus sized labels look to dress their target audience in tents, so it's refreshing to see Freya offering something much sexier.
The Pier isn't skimpy but it sure is sizzling with its playful polka dots and feminine ruffles. The halter-neck style is flattering for any figure, but I think it works particularly…Vix Ubud Bia Bikini
Sexy Tribal Printed Swim Top
Vix shows off a little more skin than usual with this sexy Ubud Bia Bikini.
The Bia style is one of Vix's most revealing, but I've never seen it decorated quite as attractively as this. The Ubud tribal print is right on trend and its colors perfect for summer. The purple and teal hues might not be very traditional but they're ideal for time spent on the beach. I love the way modern Western s…Robin Piccone Saline Bandeau Tankini
Nautical Striped Swim Top
What do you get when you cross a bandeau style swim top with a tankini? A bandini perhaps? Whatever you call it, it'll probably look something like this distinctive Saline top from Robin Piccone.
The nautical inspired stripes make this bandeau swim top something special. I love the bold contrast of the navy and white bands, and their unusual angular configuration. The pattern is se…Splendid Rainbow Stripe String Bikini
Triangle Halter Neck Gray Swimsuit
Splendid shows us that wearing a rainbow doesn't require sunglasses with this muted string bikini.
Marle gray fabric and narrow navy and sky blue stripes create the mellowest rainbow I've seen. That subtlety might disappoint some girls, but with so many labels creating bright swimsuits I appreciate its unique approach. By opting for more gentle hues Splendid ensures this swims…Vix Cambra Bikini
Leather Accented Black String Swim Top
Vix puts fashion first with this luxurious looking Cambra bikini top.
Snakeskin embossed leather tabs liven up not just the straps, but the entire bikini. Without them this black swim top would look like so many others. But they really add personality to the design while making it feel that much more luxurious. However we've always been told to keep our leather goods away from water…Athleta Kali Kurta
Conservative Black Tunic Cover-Up Dress
Athleta takes its cues from the east with this conservative Kali Kurta.
People in Afghanistan, Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and other eastern nations have been wearing kurtas for centuries. The loose-fitting tops are comfortable and conservative, which makes them perfect for beach cover-ups.
There's a hint of hippie chic about this cover-up, although I wouldn't call it fashion fo…Miraclesuit Utopia Swimsuit
Figure-Flattering Pin-Dot One-Piece Black Bathers
This Miraclesuit Utopia one-piece has a name that's tough to live up to, but the figure-flattering label does its best to deliver.
I rarely believe in miracles, especially in the consumer world, but this swimsuit is very flattering. I'm not sure whether it really gives the illusion of dropping ten pounds, as Miraclesuit claims, but its Miratex fabric does a great job of smoothing y…Ujena Sicilian Shaper Bikini
Red Figure-Flattering Two-Piece Swimsuit
Ujena helps your body look its best on the beach with this Sicilian Shaper Bikini.
Ujena's always brought the sizzle, but it's refreshing to see the label taking care of our problem areas. After all, most of us have flaws, so why should we miss out on Ujena's style?
The swim top is lightly padded to help enhance curves. The halter-neck style also gives your bust a boost, although it migh…Ujena Rockstar Cover Up
Sexy Red Beach Dress
We're used to seeing Ujena helping us strip down rather than cover up. However here we see the beach label taking a break from its sexy swimsuits with the Rockstar Cover-Up.
Honestly this cover-up isn't too dramatic a departure. While it has more fabric than the average Ujena outfit, it's still smoking. It's a little shorter than the average cover-up, and the cut-out holes in the sle…Volcom Charger Board Shorts
Sexy Skimpy Pink Boardies
Volcom proves that board shorts can be sexy with these skimpy Chargers.
These aren't the board shorts to wear if you're self conscious about your thighs or ample derriere. While many swimming trunks cover these problem areas, the Charger lets them all hang out. Its short cut invites stares, so I hope your pins are tanned and toned!
The youthful style is a lot of fun though, with its hot…Freya Flamingo Bandeau Bikini
Modern Floral & Polka Dot Curvy Swim Top
Freya makes floral prints funky with this Flamingo bikini top.
Its name is a bit confusing, as there's not a flamingo to be seen. Not even a lone pink feather graces this swim top. Instead we get a vibrant posy of poppies and sunflowers decorating the bust. The bold colored print clashes delightfully with the black and white spotted trim. It's a risky choice, and one that probably won'…Profile by Gottex Tutti Fruti Tankini
Figure Flattering Shirred Blue Swim Top
Figure flattering shirring help this Tutti Fruti tankini from Gottex stand out from the crowd.
I must admit, this tankini isn't what I expected when I saw its name. The Tutti Fruti moniker conjures up images of flamboyant accents and wild rainbow colors. However this Tutti Fruti is quite subdued, with its subtle all-over shirring and elegant cobalt blue color.
The soft pleats are f…Tommy Bahama Pearl Swimsuit
V-Neck Halter Style Black One-Piece
Just like the gemstone that inspired its name, this Pearl swimsuit has the kind of classic styling that promises to endure season after season.
Tommy Bahama's taken a traditional black one-piece and given it a few fashionable and functional tweaks. A rhinestone studded metal O-ring near the bust adds just the right amount of sparkle.
That black fabric isn't as basic as it seems at f…Robin Piccone Ikat Bandini
Tribal Printed Twist Bandeau Tankini Swim Top
What do you get if you cross a bandeau top with a tankini? In the best circumstances you'll find something like this bandini from Robin Piccone.
This bandini takes the best aspects from both swimsuit styles and makes them look fresh. The bandeau twist around the bust is figure flattering and modern, while the long cut of the tankini helps to hide those extra winter pounds.
The ikat pri…Tommy Bahama Aquarelli Tankini
Watercolor Floral White Swim Top
Tommy Bahama takes a classic approach to floral with this Aquarelli tankini.
This swim top looks like it might have been handpainted by a watercolor master like Renoir or Cezanne. Its floral print is dreamy if a little bit dated. I imagine the pattern will appeal to mature beachgoers, but young things may prefer something more vibrant and modern. Personally I'm glad to see Tommy Bah…Teva Zilch Sandal
Flexible Gray Sports Beach Shoes
Teva puts functionality first with these Zilch Sandals. Their name means zero, but these shoes enjoy a coveted five-star customer rating on eBay.
The comments center on the sandals' practical nature rather than their pizzazz. If I wasn't so intrigued by the five-star rating I probably would have passed them by. I guess the pop of blue-green is fun, but the Zilch will still never win…Athleta Bolinas Bikini
Printed Brown Halter-Neck Swim Top
Athleta takes its inspiration from a popular Northern Californian surf spot with this Bolinas Bikini.
I really like the casual, tribal feel of the Bolinas' print, and the way its teal and lemon hues pop against the earthy brown blend of nylon and spandex. This material is a smart choice as it as a UPF rating of 50+, the equivalent of most high quality sunscreens. It's also breathable f…Reef Fold and Go Sandal
Lightweight Fabric Flip Flops with Carry Case
Reef makes it easy to dress down and head to the beach with its portable Fold and Go Sandals.
These fun flip flops come with their own cute carry pouch, which can be conveniently stashed inside your briefcase or chic everyday tote. If the day's getting you down it's no trouble to simply slip off your stilettos and slide into these more comfortable sandals.
The Fold and Go flip flops don'…Vix Odette Bikini
Striped Triangle Leather Accented Swim Top
Vix puts a modern twist on the classic black and white color combination with this contemporary Odette Bikini.
This traditional white triangle bikini is adorned with skinny black horizontal stripes. The casual stripes are complemented by leather details at the shoulders. I love the luxurious look these calfskin swatches bring, but I'm concerned about them on a practical level…Juicy Couture Pixie Sunglasses
Rectangular Coral Pink Shades
Juicy Couture abandons its usual flash for a more classic look with these Pixie sunglasses.
Their name sounds playful, but these sunglasses are really pretty straight laced, especially by Juicy Couture standards. That's actually why I think this pale coral pink is the pick of the bunch. Such a sedate style really needs an unexpected shade to liven things up. In the other colors, wh…Gottex Katalist Swimsuit
Red Asymmetrical One-Piece Bathers
Gottex makes a dramatic shoreside style statement with this Katalist swimsuit.
I first admired Gottex's asymmetrical one-shoulder designs with the Rhythm, and I'm every bit as impressed with this new swimsuit. While the two styles are similar, the Katalist is much cleaner than its stable mate. The pleating across the bust is gone, replaced with a much smoother finish. The strap…Betsey Johnson Duchess Bandeau Bikini Top
Houndstooth Swimsuit with Ribbon Flower
Betsey Johnson's created a swimsuit fit for royalty with this Duchess Bandeau Bikini.
I can certainly imagine Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, swanning about the Seychelles wearing this demure swimsuit, her dashing Prince William at her side. Its gray houndstooth pattern is classic, and the perfect foil for the regal teal ribbon flower accent. Glittering rhinestones and…Guess Smell the Roses Bikini Top
Feminine Floral Bow Swimsuit
Guess has created a swimsuit for the girly girls with the Smell the Roses.
Floral prints are common, but few are quite as feminine as this one. Guess has traded in the bold tropical colors and abstract blooms for a print that's much softer in pastel hues. The pretty rose pattern is complemented by a soft bow at the bust. Modern misses might think the accent is overkill, but let's remembe…Becca Color Code Triangle Swim Top
Kim Kardashian’s Favorite Purple Bikini
All too often celebrity style comes at a high price. But with the Becca Color Code swimsuit we can emulate Kim Kardashian's bikini body without putting ourselves in a financial hole.
You might remember seeing Kim K wearing this bikini on the cover of Shape magazine. She showed us that even a simple bikini like this can look amazing if you've got the right body. It's that simplicity tha…La Blanca Brighten-Up Tankini
Wire-Free Floral Halter Style Swim Top
La Blanca offers us support without the pesky wires with this Brighten-Up Tankini.
Typically we rely on underwires beneath the bust and boning along the sides to hold us in and keep us in place. These additions are effective, but more than a little uncomfortable. So I was impressed to see La Blanca's offered the same amount of support without the ouch factor. Instead it relies on foam…Tommy Bahama Santa Margarita Halter Top
Conservative Orange Floral Print Bikini
Tommy Bahama's created a bikini for self-conscious sun lovers with this Santa Margarita halter top.
Most girls who don't feel confident in their skin tend to steer clear of bikinis. However as this one offers more coverage than the average, I predict it might just win them over. The top doesn't plunge quite as dramatically as most, and the wide band beneath the bust covers a bit more.…
