FabSugar

Lara, Eres, Work It, Own It

FabSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:00:22 -0700

She's not super tan. She's no Barbie. She is, the official Eres lingerie and now swim muse. You weren't all convinced Lara was the best choice for the luxury brand before. But Eres has released an arsenal of lovely shots of the Dutch model in demure lingerie, and bright, sporty, sharp swimsuits. Soft and sandy, Lara in Eres is more dreamy than steamy. Source

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Look Book Love: Zimmermann, Resort '09

FabSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 09:00:22 -0700

After checking out its yummy resort presentation in NYC, I've been smitten with all things Zimmermann. Yes, the live show was amazing, but there's something about this look book that pulls me in even deeper. The dank, gritty lighting and hotel backdrop reminds me of humid Summer nights in Costa Rica and the swimwear is beyond amazing. I don't know any girl who could deny the brand's sexy cuts and tropical prints. I'm particularly taken with this batik-print bikini top - the charms are irresistibly fresh. Keep clicking for more scintillating swimwear from Zimmermann!

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Behind the Seams: Zimmermann Resort Presentation

FabSugar — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:29:06 -0700

I got a little treat trip to NYC this week and you know what that means - take full advantage of the fashion fetes. I attended Australian swim and RTW brand Zimmermann's Resort collection on the roof of the Empire Hotel and it was nothing short of fabulous. Put me next to crazy-fun exotic clothes overlooking the skyline and I'm stoked. I chatted with the sister design duo, Nicky and Simone - Fab cameo! - and was left with a visit to Syndey at the top of my travel queue. And I am convinced Australians do beach better. Just look at the foxy silhouettes and vivid prints. A garden-print bustier top is on my Zimmermann wish list . . . check out the fun!

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2010 Miami Swim: Mara Hoffman

FabSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:00:22 -0700

If there's one designer whose prints put me in a tizzy, it's Mara Hoffman. And when Mara ventured into swimwear last year it made complete sense - her exotic aesthetic perfectly translates to the beach. Her show at Miami swim, where Whitney Port attended in an adorable op-art print dress, was beyond sizzling. Cuts were experimental and prints were psychedelic. Fun details like neon fringe, chain belts, turbans, cut outs, and braids kept things interesting. Not to be overlooked are flowy, sexy caftans and cover-ups, in funky tribal prints. Colors spanned the spectrum. How you feeling? Hot, hot, hot.

To see more of Mara's sizzling swim, read more.

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Fashion Week Swim Scorches Miami

FabSugar — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:22 -0700

This week kicked off the most sizzling fashion week yet - the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Miami, Spring 2010. Prominent swimwear lines like Tibi returned, while newcomers like Caffe Swimwear and Marysia splashed around for the first time. Celebs Olivia Palermo, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, and Perry Reeves were there to partake in the sexy fun. Expect Spring '10 swimwear and resort to be characterized by leather, one-shoulders, loud prints, swim caps, and exotic cover-ups. Sounds and looks muy caliente to me!

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Jessica Simpson Makes a (Bigger) Splash

FabSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 03:00:22 -0700

Jessica Simpson has just signed a deal promising a bigger and better swimwear collection. With the help of bathing suit guru, Red Carter, the duo plan to unveil a zesty line of bikinis and cover-ups ranging from $35 to $120. Not bad. There's something for everyone with styles ranging from sexy animal prints to cute gingham patterns. Her last collection was a bit too all-American for my taste but this one looks more promising boasting modern cuts and designs. Jessica's new and improved collection will launch in December in major department and specialty stores. Are you interested?

Swimming With Shoshanna

FabSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:50:22 -0700

Um, isn't Shoshanna hot? And buff? Just had to point that out before we continue swimming with Shoshanna. I don't know about you, but I'll take swimwear advice from a successful designer, mom, and hottie. Here, Shoshanna answers our questions about how revealing a swimsuit should be, what it was like collaborating with Charlotte Ronson on their swim collection, and the best beach coverups.

How revealing should a swimsuit actually be?

Bust coverage test: Three-fourths of the bust should be covered, leaving only a swath of cleavage. The thicker the strap that attaches the bust to the rest of the suit, the more likely it'll stay in place as the day goes on. If you opt for a bandeau top, which is often strapless, nothing should be squeezing out the top or the bottom. Boy shorts offer great coverage on the bottom if you're active, but they're far from being a universally flattering style.

What was your favorite part of collaborating with Charlotte Ronson on Made With Love?

Getting to spend some time together was the best part. We have always played nicely together and get along great. It was very satisfying for both of us to see everything come together and to love everything!

What was the biggest challenge?

Finding time - we are both so busy!

Will this be an ongoing collection?

I know it will be, we have already finished the second collection.

To keep swimming and to see some of my favorite Shoshanna items, read more.

What’s your favorite swimsuit cut?

I love our string bikini!

Are you a prints or solids girl?

I'm a print girl. I love all our prints! Once in a while I'll throw on a black bikini, nothing sexier!

How do you cover up on the beach or at the pool?

I'll usually wear a Mexican embroidered tunic, with a cute pair of Anlo denim cutoffs.

And which is preferred - beach or pool?

I'm totally a beach girl! I love the ocean, and beach combing, and of course making sandcastles with my little girl.

What are the best colors for every skin tone?

Navy and black are universally good for every skin tone. Both colors are flattering and look good against the lightest skin tones and the darkest.

How do you take your beach look from day to night?

Find a versatile cover-up that can take your bikini beach look to a casual dinner. A crochet cover with three-quarter sleeves is great because you can throw it over a bikini with cute shorts or jeans and be ready for a night out.

What is the best way to care for swimwear?

Don't put bathing suits in the washing machine, this will weaken the elastic. Instead, wash in cold water with a delicate cleanser such as Woolite.

Swimming With Shoshanna

FabSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 13:00:22 -0700

It's bikini season and you know what that means . . . it's time to decide on your Summer '09 swimwear look. I've been really into prints lately - loud, bright, saucy prints. What's your style du jour? If you need any enlightening or encouraging, we've got swim pro designer Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss to deliver some Fab swimsuit tips. Also, if you're in NYC, head over to 231 W. 39th Street, Suite 422, to find 75 percent off Shoshanna Collection and Swimwear. Sale ends Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Now, let's dive into Shoshanna's swim tips!

How many swimsuits do you own?

I own way too many swimsuits to count!!! All Shoshanna, of course!!!

What are the key swim trends to look for this Summer?

Look for bright pop colors like neon pink, orange, and green. Tribal prints are popular as well as ditsy floral prints, big bohemian florals, and graphic black and white.

How do you prevent swimsuit wedgies?

Prevent wedgies by wearing the right size. Not too big and not too small. Should be snug, but not tight.

What advice do you have for a girl who isn’t comfortable with her beach body?

A bathing suit is a bathing suit, it’s never going to cover that much! You can do lots of things to cover up area’s you are insecure about. Throw on an Elizabeth and James button down, Anlo jean shorts, or a Mexican embroidered dress. If you are insecure about your bottom, thrown on a cute skirt. If you want to cover up your arms, a 3/4 sleeve tunic will do just the trick. Also, accessorize your outfit with some beachy jewelry, like gold necklaces or bangles to look super chic.

To read more of Shoshanna's tips, read more.

How do you find a swimsuit that flatters your shape?

Big Busted: Look for halters which offer the most support. Also look for boning and underwire which will act like a bra and securely hold you in place. Curvy: Look for one pieces with ruching to slim your middle. When shopping for bikini's stick to bottoms with tie strings so they are easily adjustable. Flat Chested: Strings are most flattering. If you want to enhance your chest, look for ruffles or ruching which will create the illusion of a bigger chest.

Do you think it’s worth buying an expensive bathing suit (yours) versus a cheap one (H&M)? Does it make a difference?

There are two factors to think about: quality and fit/sizing issues. H&M is very generic and sold as sets. Our collection offers 13 different sizes and are sold as separates so we give customers more options. Shoshanna bathing suits are also constructed with the highest quality materials. We use a special boning and underwire that provides amazing support.

What are some general tips for purchasing swimwear?

Cotton bathing suits are more for show. They will take a long time to dry compared to a polyester/Spandex blend. Accept that sizes will vary, even from the same label.

Look Book Love: Swell Summer Swim

FabSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 05:50:22 -0700

You already know Swell is my treasure trove for beachy duds. Allow me to take you on a tour of its Summer look book. Not sure what new bikini style to frolic in this Summer? All the trends are covered: neon, exotic, tie-dye, graphic prints, mismatching. I guess the only thing missing is one-pieces, but skimpy is the way of the surfer girl. Be sure to take a gander at Swell's dresses look book, too.

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Look Book Love: Seafolly, Summer '09

FabSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:00:08 -0700

Catherine McNeil never looked so good. Maybe it's because she's modeling Seafolly's Summer delights in her native Australia. Maybe it's the sharp-cut suits and breezy cover ups. Either way, it's a match made in Summer heaven. If the name sounds familiar, it's because many a celeb beach body has sported these sturdy yet stylish suits - babes Mila Kunis and Lauren Conrad to name a couple. Flip through for Summer swim inspiration, and if you must know (I did), this was shot at the Lizard Island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Excuse me while I melt . . .

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Shoshanna Serrapi Smocked Top - $295.00	Shoshanna - $125.00
Shoshanna Zebra Triangle Top - $75.00	Shoshanna Lace Cover-Up - $185.00
Shoshanna purple paisley nylon string bikini top - $41.00	Shoshanna purple paisley string bikini bottom - $41.00
Shoshanna Metallic Rope Ring Halter - $95.00	Shoshanna Ikat Print Cover-Up - $175.00
Shoshanna Tulum Floral Triangle Bikini Top - $64.00	Shoshanna 'Poolside Paisley' CoverUp - $175.00