Tula Gardener Hat
Wide Brimmed Woven Fiber Sunhat
Tula calls this wide brimmed beauty a Gardener Hat, but I imagine it'd be just as useful away from the flower bed, don't you?
After all, the Gardener Hat's wide brim would keep off sun no matter where you are, including your local break. Its styling is simple but classic, with a tightly woven finish, distinctive wide brim, and unisex feel.
I'm not so sure about the leather strap though.…No Comments
Jetpilot MVP Rash Guard
Pink Lycra Logo Surf T-Shirt
Jetpilot reminds us that rash guards aren't just for tiny tote with this MVP surf shirt.
I appreciate that the MVP was crafted especially for women. Jetpilot appreciates the differences between the genders, so it doesn't take the one style suits all approach of many surf labels. Its made from flexible lycra which hugs the figure and moves as you do. That makes it ideal for surfers, vo…Under Armour Eazy Breezy Cover-Up
Purple Hooded Terry Fabric Beach Dress
Under Armour makes sun protection simple with this Eazy Breezy Cover-Up.
The styling reminds me a lot of those cute shift dresses tennis playing women wear. The V-neck and empire waist certainly give the Eazy Breezy a sporty feel that's perfect for busy beachgoers.
However I'm not sure any tennis dresses are made from French terry cloth. While that fabric's not appropriate for the…Olukai Kumu Flip Flops
Classic Comfortable Leather Beach Shoes
Olukai puts comfort first with its Kumu flip flops.
That's not to say that the Kumus are ugly; they're just a bit ordinary. The pearlesque straps on this particular color combination make them feel a little more dressed up than the other Kumus, but they're still pretty simple. They're inoffensive enough, but I can't imagine anyone will buy them for their looks.
The Kumus really come…Mud Pie Coral Charm Flip Flops
Metallic Gold Beach Shoes
Mud Pie takes inspiration from the ocean with its Coral Charm Flip Flops. But are they perfect for the beach?
These are a really good looking pair of flip flops, with a bold coral design on a round medallion at the toes. The golden charm is complemented by the matching straps. The metallic finish makes them seem more sophisticated than your average pair of flip flops, so you could get aw…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…Grand Trunk Bamboo Towel
Green Organic Travel Beach Blanket
Grand Trunk creates a towel that's as green as it looks with this bamboo towel.
I concede that this towel looks pretty boring. It's plain, and not even a particularly fetching shade of green. But what it lacks in looks it makes up for with smarts.
This towel is crafted from a unique blend of cotton and organic bamboo viscose. The material feels silky soft against the skin, and is quick to…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…Despi Casablanca String Bikini
Blue Beaded Halter Neck Swim Top
Despi looks to Moroccan bazaars for inspiration with its Casablanca bikini.
At its heart this is a classic triangle string bikini, nice enough but ultimately overwhelming. It's saved from the doldrums by the intricate beading at the straps. The tiny earth toned beads create a chunky figure eight underneath the halter-neck tie. I'm not sure the gentle hues are the best match for th…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…Luxe by Lisa Vogel Cougarette Bandini
Blue Animal Print Swim Top
Lisa Vogel turns up the heat with this Cougarette Bandini from her Luxe swimwear line.
I worried that a swim top with such a brash name could be as tacky as cougars tend to be. However Lisa Vogel’s shown remarkable restraint here. Her Cougarette is sexy without being scandalous.
The animal print that so often covers the clothes of cougars is there, but its presence never takes over t…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 Borneo Bikini
Animal Print Plus-Sized Swim Top
Fantasie looks to the wilds of Africa for inspiration with this Borneo Bikini.
This swim top feels extra sassy thanks to the fierce animal print. The cheetah style pattern is a classic, but I really like the way Fantasie's created this one. It almost looks like there's a smattering of confetti amongst the irregular wild cat markings. The tan and gray undertones give the print some ex…Fantasie Madrid Bikini
Black & White Bamboo Print Balcony Swim Top
Fantasie claims it's influenced by Spain, but I think someone should buy the swimwear label a map. With its bold bamboo print, perhaps this bikini should be called Beijing or Shanghai!
No matter where it comes from, I like the way this pattern livens up this fairly simple bikini. I'm not always a fan of prints, as they tend to date swimsuits before their time. However in classic black a…Miraclesuit Camilla Bandeau Swimsuit
Ruffled Ruched Black One-Piece
Miraclesuit shows some uncharacteristic fashion forward flair with this Camilla Bandeau swimsuit.
I wouldn't say Miraclesuit typically ignores fashion, but it's always seemed to care more about flattering our figures. That's an admirable goal, but here the label does it with style. The Camilla's made from the same innovative Miratex material we see on the rest of the range. It…Montrail Molokini Flip Flops
Practical Synthetic Beach Shoes
We've seen bikinis, tankinis, monokinis, and even halterkinis. And now we meet the Molokini!
Those "kini" styles tend to refer to the items you wear on your body at the beach, but the Molokinis are meant for your feet. It's a good thing that Montrail went with such a quirky moniker, because such a simple pair of flip flops could otherwise be overlooked. The colored straps add a bit of pe…Fantasie Bahamas Swimsuit
Plus-Sized One-Piece Underwire Black Bathers
Fantasie ascribe to the theory that the simplest things in life are often the best with this Bahamas swimsuit.
At first glance it appears like so many other black bathing suits, classic but unremarkable. There's a little pleating around the bust and some ties at the brief section, but they do little to really excite us. However it's what Fantasie does with this traditional swimsuit…Island Escape Board Shorts
Affordable Aqua Swimming Trunks
You might not be able to afford an island getaway this summer, but a trip to your local beach can feel like the next best thing when you're wearing these Island Board Shorts by Island Escape.
There's nothing fancy about these swimming trunks, but their simple design is timeless. The aqua body and wide waist band give it a kind of color-blocked look, but with just a simple tie to add inter…Tommy Hilfiger Striped Swimsuit
Green Stripe Keyhole One Piece
Tommy Hilfiger delivers a clever trompe l'oeil with this Striped Swimsuit.
It seems like this swimsuit is made up of a tankini and pair of navy blue briefs. However it's actually all one piece. The tankini style top is attached to the bottoms underneath, so you needn't worry about coordinating your outfit. Tommy Hilfiger's done all the hard work for you.
Fashion purists say blue and…Ralph Lauren Paradise Island Skirt
Silk Multicolored Striped Sarong
Ralph Lauren reminds us that a sarong need not be just a scrap of material. The American fashion house takes this beach staple to the next level with its Paradise Island skirt.
This skirt is truly luxurious, from its 100% silk body to its cosmopolitan multicolored stripes. Its style looks like a wrap-around, but this is actually a very clever illusion. Instead the Paradise Island is…Becca Hawaiian Print Reversible Bikini Top
Hula Dancers Graphic Swimsuit
Becca offers us twice the value with this Hawaiian Print reversible bikini top.
One side features a kitschy Hawaiian scene, with hip swivelling hula dancers and tropical flowers. While it's a bit of a novelty design prints like it have been around for decades, so I don't expect this one to date any time soon. If you'd rather something simpler you can simply flip the bikini over and enj…Tommy Bahama Oxford Stripe Boyfriend Shirt
Striped Blue & White Beach Cover-Up
Why should the lads have all the fun? Tommy Bahama channels masculine style for the ladies with this Oxford Stripe Boyfriend Shirt.
This striped shirt can work double duty as a cover-up on the beach or a regular collared shirt with jeans. It's well made from 100% woven cotton, so you needn't worry about it falling apart with regular use.
While the style is versatile I think I'd use it mo…Texsport Calypso Cabana Sun Shelter
Durable Beach Umbrella Alternative
Texsport offers an alternative to a traditional beach umbrella with its Calypso Cabana.
This three-sided cabana works like a small tent, offering shade and protection from UV rays and the wind. It's made from tough polyurethane coated taffeta, which is flame-retardant and strong enough to withstand forceful gusts and time out in the salty coastal air. The mesh windows offer gre…Park & Sun Rally Bocce Set
Family Friendly Bean Bag Beach Game
The whole family can have fun in the sun with this cute Rally Bocce set from Park & Sun.
This set is far from authentic, but that makes it more family friendly. Park & Sun's colorful bean-filled balls will be much easier for children to lift than the classic metal variety. And they also won't hurt so much if passers-by get in the way of the game, or if anyone has a tantrum when they l…Miraclesuit Avanti Swimsuit
Black Figure Flattering Pleated One-Piece
Miraclesuit thinks you'll believe in miracles after you try its Avanti swimsuit. The label claims you'll appear to drop ten pounds just by slipping it on!
On the surface this looks like a fairly unremarkable swimsuit. There are no prints, no applique, and its black color is as basic as you can get. The pleating adds a bit of interest, but it's still not enough to really elevate this swi…Roxy Morning Session Board Shorts
Lace Front Black Polyester Swim Pants
Roxy celebrates timeless style with these Morning Session Board Shorts.
There are no frills or design risks taken here, but that's not entirely a bad thing. The Morning Session shorts are the kind of swimming trunks you can wear for season after season without seeing them date. And as they're machine washable, you can enjoy the rewards of your purchase with minimal effort.
I really…Rip Curl Planet Rashguard
Eco-Friendly Short Sleeved Rash Shirt
Rip Curl does its bit for the globe's environment with this Rip Curl Planet Rashguard.
This clever surf shirt looks like it's made from traditional polyester. However its fabric's actually woven from old plastic bottles. The clever material keeps these soda containers out of landfill, and out of the world's ocean ways. It's also every bit as soft as more wasteful alternatives! It…Juicy Couture Be Silly Aviator Sunglasses
Classic Black & White Designer Shades
They've got a playful name, but Juicy Couture's Be Silly sunglasses show off the brand's more reserved side.
It's very strange that a pair of shades called Be Silly isn't really very silly at all. Its aviator style is classic, as is the color combination of contrasting black and white. Even the gray tinted lenses are subdued. I suppose pairing black eye frames with white arms is a bit d…Lucky Brand Vinyl Sunglasses
Classic Black Shades with Purple Lenses
Lucky Brand refuses to bow to fads with its classic pair of Vinyl Sunglasses.
Despite its name, these shades aren't made with vinyl at all. Instead they're crafted from zylonite, a plastic prized for its durability. While it's strong it doesn't look quite as smart as a metal frame. However that material compromise sees these sunglasses priced at just $88, far less than their luxury…Jantzen Lace Cover Up
Long Sleeved Jacquard Beach Tunic
Jantzen offers a cover up that's more substantial than many on the market with this lace variety.
While many cover ups simply conceal a swimsuit, this one goes the extra mile with its long sleeves and generous length. However it's got more femininity than a neck-to-knee garment, so we never feel we're sacrificing sun smarts for style.
In this regard, perhaps Jantzen has gone too far…Seafolly Portofino Bandeau Bikini
Colorful Retro Swim Top
Bright colors and an eye-popping cut help this Portofino bikini from Seafolly stand out from the pack.
I was instantly struck by the combination of pink, purple, and black stripes. The hot pink hue is bold, especially as it's placed beside strong black. However the muted purple shade tempers both stripes somewhat, ensuring the Portofino is head-turning without seeming overdone…Oakley Comber Board Shorts
Yellow Microsuede Swim Pants
Spring has sprung, and we can cast off those drab neutrals and bask in bright rainbow hues. And they don't come much brighter than the vivid yellow used on this Comber Board Shorts from Oakley.
The Comber has a really simple style, but that's ideal for such a brave color choice. However that means all Combers aren't quite equal. While the teal and coral pink versions are pretty, the bla…Rip Curl Cindy Warhol Rash Guard
White Short Sleeved Surf Cover-Up Top
It might not be as eye-catching as an Andy Warhol original, but the print on this Cindy Warhol Rash Guard has its own sense of style.
The stylized pink Rip Curl logo really pops against this surf top's nylon-spandex body. And in case you missed it the first time, the Rip Curl signature is printed at the shirt's bottom corner. The double-shot of brandings really isn't necessary, but as t…Sunsets Twist Tankini
Pink Loose Fitting Swim Top
Sunsets serves us a swim top for curvy girls with this Twist Tankini.
This free-flowing tankini bucks the trend of tight fitting swim tops, and plus-sized girls love it. While its loose-fitting design doesn't enhance a figure, it accommodates an ample bust more easily than most of its competitors. And what's more, it does it for far less than the tankinis that most plus-sized label…Dolfin Chloroban Swimsuit
Sporty Green Team Swimming One-Piece
Dolfin's created a swimsuit for serious athletes with its Chloroban swimsuit.
Chloroban is an advanced type of polyester renowned for its flexibility, soft, comfortable fit, and endurance. It holds it shape over several seasons wear, and its colors stay true, even if you're swimming in chlorinated water during the off-season. That longevity is a real advantage for water babie…Mikasa VSG Glow in the Dark Volleyball
Novelty Glowing Sports Ball
Sports brand Mikasa shows it’s not above a gimmick with this glow in the dark volleyball.
The manufacturer claims this ball allows you to enjoy a game of beach volleyball any time, during the day or night. It all sounds good in theory, but sadly this retro styled ball doesn't live up to that hype. Many customers complain the glowing effect lasts for only a few minutes. Some shoppers s…Nanette Lepore Madison Avenue Swim Dress
Ruffled Floral Print One-Piece
Indulge in New York City style on the beach this summer with this Madison Avenue Swim Dress from Nanette Lepore.
There's an awful lot going on here, perhaps too much. Yet Nanette Lepore's conviction and commitment to her design vision somehow makes this overembellished style work. The ruffles and rosettes along the bustline and shirring across the body may not impress minimalist…Lucky Brand Batik Rose Bikini
Pink & Green Triangle Swim Top
Lucky Brand takes its cues from the East with this Batik Rose bikini.
Real batik sees artisans dripping hot wax over their cloths before coloring them. The dye doesn't penetrate the wax covered spaces, and so we're left with pale markings once the substance is removed. Lucky Brand has taken some shortcuts here and used a print rather than the traditional wax. That's unsurprising fo…Jantzen Heritage Bandeau Bikini
Red Ruffled Swim Top
Ruffled bikinis are a dime a dozen, but the unusual placement of its frills helps Jantzen's Heritage Bandeau Bikini stand out.
I love what Jantzen has done with its soft ruffles. By restricting the flouncy fabric to just one side of the bandeau top, Jantzen's made its Heritage feel very modern. I expected a more traditional approach from a swimsuit with such a classic moniker, but I'…
