Vitamin A 2014

Sneak peek of Amahlia Stevens styling her model for the 2014 collection photo shoot.  Looks like some more Vitamin A hotness is in the works!

www.vitaminaswim.com

Erica Courtney + Claudia Lobao Trunk Show

I know that I primarily discuss bathing suits and "bikini life" around here, but every once in a while, a girl must get dressed, put on real clothes, and venture out into the world dressed to impress.  And sometimes, the best way to take your look from bland and boring to stunning and head-turning is to add a simple statement piece, like a sparkling pair of earrings or a single glistening diamond bracelet.  This is when it helps to have some fancy shmancy accessories waiting on standby.  

A couple weeks ago, I was introduced to a designer named Erica Courtney, who creates dazzling jewels worn by celebrities like Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth, Julia Roberts, and Audrina Patridge.  If you've never heard of her, Erica is a Los Angeles-based designer who discovered her passion for jewelry design over twenty years ago when she began making sterling silver jewelry engraved with love notes, and embellishing sunglasses & watches with Swarovski crystals.  Her current collection, titled Drop Dead Gorgeous, has now evolved into a line of fine jewelry that exudes all the glitz and glamour of high-profile Hollywood celebs.  Additionally, she has a spinoff collection called "Gorgeous and Engaged," which was designed for the modern bride, and has been featured on TheKnot.com.  I included two of my favorite engagement rings from this collection in the picture above.  (Not that I'm thinking about destination weddings or anything... on the beach... in Barbados... in a Vera Wang gown... with white candlelit tables.  La dee da dee da.)

One admirable quality worth noting is that Erica always strives to use socially and environmentally responsible manufacturing processes, choosing recycled metals, eco-friendly mining processes, and ethically obtained gems -- which is important for our socially-conscious generation (and anyone who values brand integrity).  

If any of you ladies are located along the Emerald Coast area of Florida, Ms. Erica Courtney will be having a jewelry trunk show this week that you don't want to miss!  The event will be held this Thursday-Saturday, May 16-18th, from 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at: McCaskill & Company, located at: 13390 Hwy 98 West in Destin, FL.  On the same day, there will also be a trunk show held next door for Brazilian jewelry designer, Claudia Lobao.  If you're in the area, come stop by to meet me or the accessory creators themselves! 

A Sunny Day in Sofia by ViX

If you haven't already heard of Sofia by ViX Swimwear, let me introduce you to their newest collection -- a line of younger, edgier, boho-chic bikinis that still retain the inherent sophistication and luxury of ViX.  Drawing inspiration from the hippie-like free spirit of recent music festivals like Coachella and Stagecoach, the Summer 2013 collection is all about music, energy, and bohemian styling... and that wild, carefree vibe meant to awaken your freedom-loving summer spirit!  

I have to admit: I felt a little bit edgier and more energetic as soon as I slipped this Sofia bikini on.  I have a thing for snakeskin prints, (which doesn't make sense, considering that I hate snakes), and fell in love with this Sofia print the moment that I saw it.  The one that I'm wearing here is called the "Santa Fe" bikini, which comes in a snakeskin print with copper undertones and bursts of berry... a combo that will look great when I finally get a summer tan!  I think my favorite part of wearing this bikini, though, is the touch of vintage luxe added by the vintage gold coins.  Every time I run, skip, jump, or do a running plop onto my bed in this bikini, the coins that dangle from the strings on my hips shake like a little tambourine, making a subtle clinking sound as I move-- a quality that seems very fitting for a music-inspired collection.  

There are a bunch of other cute bathing suits in the Sofia by ViX line, so check them out, and sign up for email updates to be the first to view all the latest bikinis!  I will also be hosting a bikini giveaway May 22-24th, and taking over Sofia's Instagram account next weekend!  So be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram to participate, and follow the Sofia IG account to catch all my never-before-seen shots.

Surfing Mag Swimsuit Issue: Behind the Scenes

Sometimes behind-the-scenes shots are better than the professional-looking ones you see in the mag.  Here are a few I was able to track down!

Picture 1) White strapless one-piece by Ani Bikinis.  2) Lime bottoms by Body Glove.  3) Pink swimsuit by Eidon.  4) Zambia print bikini by ViX.  5) Acacia Swimwear Haiku top and Mumbai bottoms in "melona."

Inside the 2013 Surfing Magazine Swimsuit Issue

I still remember the first ever Surfing Magazine "Swimsuit Special."  The issue came inside of a standard monthly copy of Surfing, which I promptly stole from my boyfriend's stack of bathroom pooping mags after seeing Marisa Miller's gorgeous self on the cover.  She was donned in a Cia Maritima string bikini, with her blonde hair perfectly curled into tousled beachy waves, and her back arched in a way that caught both my attention and all the boys'.  

Since that first Marisa-graced issue in 2008, the Surfing Magazine Swimsuit Issue has become its own stand-alone annual publication, with as much hype and press generated for swimwear brands as Sports Illustrated.  This year, the mag was filled with all of my faves, and some newer names that I've only recently heard of, like Frankie's Bikinis, a Malibu-based brand of ultra-skimpy bikinis, and Kate Swim, a Maui-born brand of customizable swimwear designed by Kathleen Bruening.  Scroll down for some of my favorite looks from the inside the issue... and a few of the hottest bathing suits you'll be seeing on the beach! 

Picture 1) "Bordeaux" one-piece in vintage aloha print by Acacia Swimwear.  2) White one-piece by Ani Bikinis; black one-piece by B. Swim.  3) and 4)  Purple bikini by Kate Swim; cheetah monokini by Salt.  5) Pink "Xavier" one-piece by Mikoh Swimwear.  6) The L*Space strap-back halter top and Ooh La La Bottoms in cream.  7) Leopard print one-piece by Billabong.  8) Bikini by Tavik; armband by Cleobella.  9) Purple fringe bikini by Luli Fama.  10) High-waisted bottoms by Tori Praver.  11) Zambia print bikini by ViX Swimwear.  

Read the designer interviews at SurfingMagazine.com!