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…No Comments
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…NRS Kern Board Shorts
Budget Basic Tan Womens Swim Pants
NRS opts for classic good looks over fashion forward flair with these Kern board shorts.
There's not a lot to get excited about here, but women who don't bow to trends will appreciate the Kern's classic styling. The shorts are mid-length to avoid being too flashy and made from traditionally toned tan polyester microfiber. The conservative color is classic but a bit pedestrian. The…Capelli Terry Cloth Cover-Up
Strapless Pink Polyester Dress
Capelli helps us cover up on the beach for less with this cute terry cloth dress.
Terry cloth isn't a material we often see in cover-ups, but like everything it has its advantages and disadvantages. It's dirt cheap, yet it feels as soft as more expensive fabrics against our skin. It's also absorbent, so it'll soak up any moisture your beach towel hasn't caught. In fact, you could proba…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…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…Raviya Chiffon Tunic
Sheer Black Beaded Beach Cover-Up
Raviya's created a cover-up for middle-aged sun lovers with this Chiffon Tunic.
It's clear that Raviya understands its target market. The black color and loose fit won't appeal to young beachgoers, but they're just what the older demographic will admire. The classic hue is decorated with a soft foliage print. Personally I think the pattern is a bit dated, but if you don't care abou…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…Bikini Lab Love Story Bandeau
Handkerchief Style Floral Swim Top
Bikini Lab gets girly with this Love Story Bandeau bikini top.
We've seen many bandeau style bikini tops before, but never one quite like this. Bikini Lab calls it a handkerchief, and I can easily imagine that it's made with a large one! The floral printed fabric swatch appears to be casually wrapped around the body, yet its pretty pleats manage to fall just so. Some pretty ruching alo…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…It Figures! Batiki Swim Top
Supportive Plus-Sized Floral Tankini
It Figures! puts practicality first with this Batiki swim top.
This tankini is far from fashion forward, but its vivid floral print has a certain charm. The brightly colored blooms are complemented by a rainbow hued beaded tie. It's all pulled together with bold black trim.
It Figures! has a solid base here, but it hasn't done a lot with it. Its shoestring straps are classic, but not e…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…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…House of Harlow 1960 Willow Sunglasses
Nicole Richie Round Black Shades
For many years Nicole Richie's look was defined by her oversized sunglasses. So it makes sense that the socialite turned designer has offered some new shades via her House of Harlow 1960 fashion label.
These Willow sunglasses are a real departure from the enormous ones that Nicole herself used to sport. They're large but not massive, with a classic round frame and protective gradi…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…Six-Week Bikini Countdown Book
Fitness Guide to Getting Your Best Beach Body
As the mercury drops it becomes increasingly harder to drag yourself out of bed and pound the pavement. But summer will be here before you know it, whether your body is ready for it or not. Thankfully Karon Karter says we can get a hot bikini body in just six weeks using her handy guide.
Karter is a Pilates specialist based in Dallas, Texas. She written numerous books and been featured on…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…Adidas Calculator Surf Watch
Red Water Resistant Unisex Wristwatch
Solve equations on the run with this quirky Calculator Surf Watch from Adidas.
This unusual watch features a complete calculator right on the face of its digital dial. That makes the watch a bit bulkier than the average, but its fun red-pink color and polka dot finish gives it a bit of feminine flair.
This calculator watch looks gimmicky, and to some degree it is. However it's also got…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…Comodynes Self-Tanning Towelettes
Convenient 30-Pack Bronzing Wipes
Comodynes does away with messy lotions and costly salon visits with this pack of self-tanning towelettes.
The concept of tanning in a towelette is pretty exciting. The towels are easily portable, without the fear of leaks that comes with traditional self-tanning creams and sprays. Each towelette is self wrapped, and safe to use around sensitive areas like the eyes. They also com…Molten BV-5000 Beach Volleyball
Professional Standard Outdoor Ball
Molten serves up a beach volleyball to rival the pros' equipment with the BV-5000.
This ball is the same size and weight as the ones that professional athletes use. It's also made from tough polyurethane panels that are hand-stitched together to ensure their quality. And finally it's approved by the International Federation of Volleyball, a credential that most commercial ball…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…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'…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…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.…L*Space Fringe Benefits Audrey Halter Bikini Top
Flirty White Fringed Swimsuit
L*Space serves up a healthy dose of fringe with this Fringe Benefits Audrey bikini top.
If there are any fringe benefits for wearing fringe, anyone indulging in this swimsuit is bound to enjoy a streak of good luck. There's nothing subtle about the long fringe embellishment, but that's precisely why I like it. L*Space has committed to the accent, and it pays dividends on what is othe…Jessica Simpson Crochet Patterned Floppy Hat
Stylish Paper Straw Sunhat
Jessica Simpson puts style first with this floppy hat from her fashion collection.
At first glance this crochet hat looks like the ideal combination of sophistication and sun smarts. However when it comes to the latter, we're sadly let down. I love the look of the crocheted paper straw, but its distinctive holes will let in UV rays. On a cover-up or swimsuit we could simply lather on t…Luli Fama Copa Cabana Tunic
Feather Patterned Blue Cover-Up Shirt
It might be patterned with feather graphics, but I can't imagine any showgirls called Lola wearing this Coba Cabana Tunic
The biggest problem is that this cover-up favors sun protection over sizzle. That's not entirely a bad thing in this day of dangerous UV rays and skin cancers, but a tunic called the Copa Cabana should have more sex appeal. Not even the tie beneath the V-shaped nec…
