Bikini Buys » Reviews

Paul Frank Fly Julius Towel | Cute Monkey Terry Cloth Beach Blanket

LaurenK — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:37:01 +0000

Paul Frank's iconic monkey oozes cool from every simian pore on this Fly Julius beach towel.

The monkey's face floats on the sky blue signature patterned towel. He's decked out in sunglasses, which reflect that logo print, but those shades can't hide his identity. Fans could recognize this cheeky chimp anywhere!

As if the signature print and Julian's familiar face weren't enough to tip us off, Paul Frank's name is plastered beneath the monkey’s visage. I think all those logos are overkill, but if brand names matter you'll be glad for the repetition. Other beach goers will definitely know you're using a Paul Frank towel!

But the Fly Julius towel is more than just cute. Its terry cloth finish makes it more absorbent than many on the market, so it should dry you quickly and not become soggy once the job's done. That’s perfect for girls who enjoy dips in the ocean followed by time relaxing on the sand.

It does require a lot of maintenance to keep its vibrant colors and soft finish though. Paul Frank instructs us to only machine wash it on cold, tumble dry it on low, and avoid non-chlorine bleach when removing stains.

This towel is very picky about how you treat it, but it's also relatively affordable at $22.

Get this Paul Frank Fly Julius Beach Towel:

Available to buy at Amazon (limited stock)
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

Paul Frank Fly Julius Beach Towel 60x30 NWT
US $18.96
Auction Ends: 8d 49m
Make it yours...

2 PAUL FRANK FLY JULIUS BEACH TOWEL NWOT 30 X 60 RETAIL $23
US $15.00
Auction Ends: 6d 23h 36m
Make it yours...

Check the Owod's2008 Store eBay store to see if this beach towel is in stock

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Paul Frank Fly Julius Towel | Cute Monkey Terry Cloth Beach Blanket is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

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Roxy Hobo Surf Sand Flower Swim Pants | Feminine Hotpant Style Board Shorts

LaurenK — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:42:27 +0000

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 lovers, but it's perfect for girls who love to show off on the sand.

Board shorts are often pretty androgynous apparel items, so I'm thrilled to see a pair with a more feminine design. The dainty cut-outs make the scalloped hemline look a little like lace. However it's much sturdier than this popular accent. Just what you need when you're spending time in the waves! I also love the pop of color the striped waistband provides. If you want more color you can choose neon berry over basic black, but personally I think this saturated hue takes things a step too far.

There's not a lot of material here, so I think the Hobo Surf Sand Flower swim shorts are priced just right at $48. Is there a place for them in your summer wardrobe?

Get these Roxy Hobo Surf Sand Flower Board Shorts:

Available to buy at Amazon

Lucky Brand American Dream Tankini | Patchwork Print Bandeau Style Swim Top

LaurenK — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:12:46 +0000

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 off as retro chic; it's simply old fashioned.

Not everyone pays attention to the trends of course, but even aside from the print I think sun lovers could do better. It hangs loosely, which is great for hiding problem areas but not very figure flattering. However Lucky Brand doesn't offer it in the larger sizes that might appreciate the extra modesty.

The unusual strap configuration is eye-catching, but it also doesn't provide the security of a more traditional design. It won't worry you if you're spending time on the sand, but it's likely to be a concern for water babies.

Not even the price can convince me this American Dream Tankini is a good deal. At $78 it's not expensive, but there are many more stylish swim tops available for less.

Get this Lucky Brand American Dream Tankini:

Available to buy at Amazon

L*Space Au Natural Sliding Bikini | Earthy Striped Halter Swim Top

LaurenK — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:29:47 +0000

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 image altogether though. The 19-karat gold plated links on the straps are a luxurious complement to the more rustic triangle top.

I love the earthy coloring of the Au Natural, and the change of pace this swimsuit represents. But I feel L*Space is attempting to pull the wool over our eyes. Its name implies that this swimsuit is natural, yet it's crafted from a blend of manmade fibers. Hemp or bamboo would have been much kinder on the planet than this nylon and spandex concoction.

I'm not sure whether L*Space intended to deceive its customers, but this swimsuit leaves a bad taste in my mouth. What is an otherwise good looking bikini suddenly seems like a dishonest grab for green cash. A more appropriate name would have made all the difference.

Get this L*Space Au Natural Bikini Top:

Available to buy at Amazon

Nanette Lepore Riviera Stripe Tunic | Nautical Striped Beach Cover-Up

LaurenK — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:37:53 +0000

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 French sophistication.

But this Riviera Stripe Tunic isn't just about looking good. Its material is a lot thicker than many of the cover-ups on the market, and its cuffed sleeves longer, so it'll offer a lot more sun protection than the average. It's substantial but not too heavy to wear in the heat of a summer's day. I also appreciate those handy pockets at the sides. They're perfect for stashing coins when you're making the ice-cream run, or keeping your hands warm when the sun sets.

By choosing heavy fabric and a modest design Nanette Lepore's made the Riviera Stripe Tunic the kind of cover-up you can wear away from the waves. It wouldn't look out of place at any beachside café or bar, so while it's a little expensive at $104 I think we'll get our money's worth.

Get this Nanette Lepore Riviera Stripe Tunic:

Available to buy at Amazon

Seafolly Goddess Eva Skirted Pants | Pleated Navy Bikini Briefs

LaurenK — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:24:04 +0000

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 though, these Goddess Eva Skirted Pants are a pretty cute way to do it. The tight box pleats are a darling way to dress up the dark blue briefs. Those pleats offer a little extra coverage in the rear, but not enough to hide a few extra winter pounds!

Anyone who does have the figure for it will enjoy the quality of these briefs. Seafolly is one of Australia's leading swimwear brands, and anyone working in that country knows a thing of two about the beach. The dash of elastane in the fabric makes it flexible and comfortable, while the meryl nylon base is made to last.

It will require hand washing to keep its shape and colors true, but it's worth the effort to protect your $81 investment. That's quite expensive for a pair of bikini bottoms, but their timeless style of makes them worth the splurge.

Get these Seafolly Goddess Eva Bikini Briefs:

Available to buy at Amazon

NRS Kern Board Shorts | Budget Basic Tan Womens Swim Pants

LaurenK — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 02:01:19 +0000

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 pink drawstring tie gives it a little pop, but it's not enough to draw admiring glances. I love the contrast, but the Kern is also available in a gentle gray tan, with a matching tie, if you prefer a more unified look.

The fabric's sueded finish makes these board shorts softer than the average pair of polyester microfiber swim pants. The material is a smart choice too, as it'll move with you in the water and dry quickly once you emerge from the waves.

However you do get what you pay for, and in this case it's a fairly thin pair of board shorts. The Kern's flimsy finish means it might not last as long as you'd hope a pair of classically styled swim pants would. However at just $39.95, it won't cost too much to get another pair once they're worn through!

Get these NRS Kern Board Shorts:

Capelli Terry Cloth Cover-Up | Strapless Pink Polyester Dress

LaurenK — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:27:26 +0000

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 probably just throw it over your damp swimsuit once you step out of the waves!

However it is quite heavy, which is both a blessing and a curse. Its thickness will become cloying on sweltering summer days, but you'll be glad for the extra warmth if you're swimming at sunset or out of season.

The styling is simple but quite cute, with a bandeau style top accented with a flirty bow. I also really like the pink color, although I concede that such a vivid shade won't find favor with everyone. And while the strapless design isn't very secure, especially if you don't have the curves to hold it up, it does allow for line-free tanning.

This casual dress isn't the kind of cover-up that will work too far away from the shore, but for a mere $20 I expect you'll still see value.

Get This Capelli Terry Cover-Up:

Available to buy on Amazon (limited stock)

Volcom Flower Affair Bikini | Feminine Rosette Decorated Pink Bandeau Swim Top

LaurenK — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:42:32 +0000

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 tempered a little in the aqua color, but only slightly. So I figure, why not go to extremes and make a real statement of girl power?

It's just a shame that Volcom's focused so much on the Flower Affair's surface appeal. Underneath that this bikini top is as basic as they come. There's no underwire beneath the bust, and no padding in the cups. You'll need to feel comfortable in your own skin to wear this swim top, because it'll do nothing to enhance your figure.

However perhaps we shouldn't expect too much. This bikini top is only $47.95 after all. That's a bargain for swimwear, especially when it's as well made as this Volcom bikini top. Its only frills are on the surface, but they'll be enough to impress girly girls with tight purse strings.

Get this Volcom Flower Affair Bikini Top:

Available to buy at Amazon

La Blanca Ruff Stuff Bandeau | Classic Striped One-Piece Swimsuit

LaurenK — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:11:22 +0000

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 Ruff Stuff in sizes 4 to 16.

But the stripes don't just add interest to the simple bandeau-style design. The curved stripes around the bust enhance your shape, which is a real blessing for anyone on the petite side. The modern enamel buckle at the bust caps off the timeless nautical design.

The shoestring halter-neck strap offers the security we need in the surf, but the Ruff Stuff looks its sexiest without it. Just unclip it once you hit the sand and enjoy line-free tanning, and the admiring glances that will come your way.

That buckle and the blend of polyester and spandex have their limitations though. Both are a bit fragile so you'll need to wash the Ruff Stuff by hand to keep it looking its best. However if you do make the effort your $109 will pay for several summers of fun.

Get this La Blanca Ruff Stuff Swimsuit:

Available to buy at Amazon
Available to buy on eBay (see listings below):

NEW La Blanca Womens Ruff Stuff 1 Piece Cup Bandeau Black 16
US $155.82
Auction Ends: 27d 1h 35m
Make it yours...

NEW La Blanca Womens Ruff Stuff 1 Piece Cup Bandeau Black 6
US $155.82
Auction Ends: 20h 37m
Make it yours...

Check the Male Seahorse eBay store to see if this swimsuit is in stock

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La Blanca Ruff Stuff Bandeau | Classic Striped One-Piece Swimsuit is a post from Bikini Buys. A site on Beach Clothing, Beach Sports, and Beach Fashion for women.

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