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Why Did You Wear That: Dive In

By |March 6th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

kirsten smithEveryone knows I love lingerie, a good cocktail, and my maltipoo, Smitty.  Something else I love more than the average juice fasting female is swimwear.  Some girls are all about bags, some about shoes and while I love both, a bikini is always certain to catch my attention as well as my paycheck.  I even consider myself a bit of a bathing suit expert.  I mean, I spent two years having the pleasure of filling Bendel’s with barely there beachwear.

I love bathing suits so much there are times when I wonder why I don’t just move to an island and live in a bikini whilst sipping on fresh coconuts, but then I get bored even imagining it and continue on in my concrete jungle.

Sure, this took me the greater portion of a day to pull together, but because I love swimwear so much, I enjoyed every moment of it.  Whether you love a one piece or the teeniest of itsy bitsy bikinis, I’ve rounded up a suit in almost all of this spring’s biggest trends that should tickle your fancy or at least your fanny.  So, here it is.  The most elaborate swimsuit guide you’ll see and ever need to get you beach bum and poolside ready.

bikinis summer

 

  1. Peekaboo Panels: Indah Slam Mesh Patches Top and BottomsT by Alexander Wang Mesh Paneled SwimsuitUNIF Relic SuitLee + Lani The Rio one PieceNorma Kamali Spliced Bandeau One Piece,
  2. Dirty Pop: Beach Riot Ay Papi Freemont Bikini Top and Colada Bikini BottomsCynthia Rowley Underwire BikiniSalinas Ocean Print Racerback SwimsuitGiejo Abstract Plaid Bra Top and Mixed Boy Briefs
  3. Global Graphics:  Zimmerman Instinct Paneled One Piece, Cecilia Prado Optico Triangle Top and Tie Side BottomsMara Hoffman Laser Cut Bandeau Top and BottomsKushcush Bali Bikini Top and Bikini BottomsTori Praver Cabazon Top and Bottoms
  4. Team Spirit: Minimale Animale Calamity Jane BikiniLisa Marie Fernandez The Lisa Marie Two Tone BikiniLisa Marie Fernandez The Farrah Neoprene SwimsuitT by Alexander Wang Mesh Combo Halter Top and Bottoms
  5. Black (and White) To Basics: Clover Canyon Torqued Walls Bikini Top and Bikini BottomsZinke Emmi Reversible Bikini Top and Reversible BottomsBeach Bunny Laser Cut Top and Skimpy BottomRachel Pally Gia MaillotJason Wu Bandeau Bikini
  6. Fresh Blooms: Red Carter Floriculture Peplum One PieceNanette Lepore Fleur de la Mer Bikini Top and BottomsMinimale Animale Work It BikiniMiu Miu Floral Print Ruched BikiniDolce & Gabban Zaraga Blossom Print SwimsuitShimmi Stevie Embroidered Wrap Bikini
  7. On the Fringe: Indah Sports Illustrated Marley Crochet One PieceL*Space Skinnie Minnie Bikini Top and Blake Bikini BottomsIndah Havana Bikini Top and Santiago Bikini Bottoms,  Indah Patron Fringe BandeauLuli FamaCosta Buena Fringe Plunge Bikini Top
  8. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Croptops: Maaji Crop Top and Bikini BottomsBeach Riot Coral Gables Bandeau Top and Bikini BottomsMara Hoffman Naga Cropped Bikini Top and Tie Side Bottom,  Thayer Ruffle Bralette Bikini TopElla Moss Belle Floral Ruffle Bandeau Top and Tunnel BottomsWildfox Couture Tankini Top and Reve Crisscross Brazilian Bottoms
  9. Perfect Pastels: Nookie Beach Hermosas Bandeau BikiniZimmerman Verano Layered Frill BikiniMIKOH Swimwear Banyans String Racerback Top and Lanai Multi String BottomsZinke Weekender One Piece
  10. Heavy Metal: Zimmerman Scout High Triangle String BikiniVix Swimwear Solid Copper Triangle Top and Bikini BottomsLisa Marie Fernandez Genevieve BikiniAgent Provocateur Zonia Sequined Triangle Top and Bikini Briefs, Zimmerman Scout Balcony One Piece

 

Why Did You Wear That: One Piece of Advice

By |June 11th, 2013|Why Did You Wear That?|

Often times, a one piece bathing suit is something that conjures up nostalgic thoughts of Annette Funicello the Big Kahuna, and well, the Golden Girls.  But the one piece has come a long way, baby.  Once the modest uniform of the swim team, the one piece has become sometimes sexier than your skimpiest of itsy bitsy bikinis.  With plunging v-necks, racy cutouts, and all but there backs, there is a one piece to enhance and disguise just about any figure.  So, whether you are simply parading poolside before a sunset swim (because the only downside of a singular suit is the tan lines) or you happen to be hiding a trouble spot, a one piece bathing suit is a must for every beach bound babe this summer.

Styling Tip: a one piece bathing suit doubles as a super chic body suit with jeans or denim shorts and heels for post pool dinner and dancing.

one piece swimsuits1. Tori Praver Cactus One Piece, 2. Peixoto T-Back One Piece, 3. Charlie by Matthew Zink Paulina Animal Print One Piece, 4. Lisa Maree The Poetic License Cutout Crochet Swimsuit, 5. Mara Hoffman Pow Wow Cutout One Piece, 6. Forever 21 Knotted Monokini, 7. Forever 21 Tribal Print Cutout One Piece, 8. Red Carter Rainbow Brights One Piece, 9. Alexander Wang Cutout One Piece, 10. Mikoh Santorini Swimsuit

One: not necessarily the loneliest number.

xx,

WhyDid

 

Image via Naila

Why Did You Wear That: Summer Suit

By |May 27th, 2011|Why Did You Wear That?|

I love bikinis. I’d spend my life in a bikini if I could.  Can I?  It was a real blessing to buy swimwear at Bendel’s… well, not so much a blessing for my wallet, but I enjoyed doing it so much that at one point started to consider designing my own line… til I realized I’d really just rather wear them and write about how much I love them.  So, here I am. Loving bikinis and writing about how much so.

I write about them whenever I can… like here… and here… and here… you get the point.  I wish I could take a picture of my extensive swimwear collection, but alas, it is somewhere in a box in Pennsylvania or West Virginia… hard to tell.

Moving right along.  Memorial Day is what most people consider the “official” summer kick off  although the first day of summer is really June 21- aka summer solstice- aka my favorite woman on earth’s birthday- mom.  Whether you live somewhere warm and sunny or your weekends will now be spent in the Hamptons or Malibu, you’re going to need some sexy suits to keep you looking lovely pool/beachside.  From simple and classic to preferring all eyes on YOU (and why wouldn’t you?), I’ve found and assortment of babe worthy bikinis that will keep you on trend all summer long.

Light Bright

1. Trina Turk French Riviera Bikini: top, $91, bottom: $75, 2. Acacia Charlee Bikini, $187, 3. Bantu String Bikini, $143, 4. Luli FamaDelirio Bikini, $152

Wild Woman

1. Peonie Orange Candy Bikini, $159, 2. Eberjey Phoebe Jungle Love Bikini: top, $74, bottom, $61, 3. L*Space Lompopo Reversible Bikini, $149, 4. Lady Lux Love Game Bikini, $228

Fringe Benefits

1. Indah Fringe Bikini, $99, 2. L*Space Fringe Bikini, $145, 3. Acacia Quinn Bikini, $176, 4. Beach Bunny Cradle of Love Bikini: top, $180, bottom, $89

LBS (Little Black Suit)

1. Poko Pano Rock Candy Push Up Bikini, $136, 2. Red Carter Jefferson Airplane Bikini: top, $70, bottom, $52.50,  3. Beach Bunny Everything That Glitters Bikini, $329, 4. Sass & Bide Fast Forward Bikini, $126

One for the Money

1. Mikoh Santorini One Piece, $190, 2. Vitamin A Runway Wrap Maillot, $199, 3. Beauty & the Beach Monokini, $104, 4. SABZ Eclectico Triangle Monokini, $144

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Cha Cha Chicken

By |August 9th, 2010|Los Angeles, Why Did You Eat That?|
chacha_1
What does one need more after a grueling day at the beach than some delicious food and serious refreshment? Okay, maybe some aloe, but probably much more of the former. I was delighted to be introduced to Cha Cha Chicken in Santa Monica a couple of weekends ago. Not only is it totally adorable, the food is a refreshing change from your average beach eats.
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It is true to the beach feel serving up Caribbean fare, so there is no need to gussy up or make a reservation. Just stroll up, take a gander at the menu, order, and find a table to enjoy. I am partial to the jerk chicken enchiladas with beans and rice and fried plantains. It’s just spicy enough without needing to call the fire department.
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You can not forget to wash it down with their fresh juices. I am a huge fan of the watermelon or strawberry ginger lemonade. We actually ended up combining both for an even more delightful drink.
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Cha Cha Chicken
1906 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-581-1684
Dress Code:
This is a beach crowd, so easy, breezy, beautiful would be my suggestion. Feel free to toss on a cute cover up over your ‘kini.

Why Did You Wear That: Fully Illustrated

By |March 12th, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

bar-refaeli-bikini

Okay, now that we’ve determined your body type and your swimsuit needs, it’s time to go find that special suit. Where is the best place to look for sexy bikinis? Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, of course! I buy the swimsuit issue every year because- um, hello, I’m bikini obsessed and it makes for a great motivator to get your lazy butt up and to the gym, specially when you see those amazing pieces from https://thehermoza.com/collections/swimwear. Something about gazing at Bar Rafaeli’s rump just seems to do the trick. Anyway, I’ve gone ahead and compiled some of my favorites from this year’s issue and found exactly where you can buy them. I know, I really am too kind.

1992

Susan Holmes Silver Studded bikini, $184

(page 21)

12645La Blanca triangle top, $59, string bottom, $49

(page 119)

10_daniellasarahyba_behind_07Maui Girl O Romeo bikini, $180

(page 111)

12641Sauvage Sliding Triangle top, $94, hipster, $92

(page 149)

12635Luli Fama triangle top, $73, string Brazilian bottom, $73

(page 133)

irissinger_2098_196064627Mara Hoffman 3 strap bikini, $175

(page 74)

10_julieordon_27Maui Girl Emerald Peacock bikini, $200

(Reebok foldout)

itsy1Beauty and the Beach itsy crochet shimmer bikini, $92

(page 107)

1265937635Becca Animal Magnetism bikini, $285

(page 108)

skyler2_largeMikoh Skyler one piece, $185

(page 110)

si_Primary Large_452Agua Bendita Bendito Biscuit bikini, $198

(page 161)

10_genevieve-morton_28Ana Kosturova Beach Goddess bikini, $145

(page 177)

Now, get to shopping. It’s time to hit the beach.

xx,

WhyDid