Recently in Swimwear Category

You can check-out the first Tracy James Resort collection when it hits Satine Boutique and Diavolina next month! Prices range from $220 to $250.

I know everyone is shopping Fall now, but it is still hot and I am still in need of my vacation wardrobe. August, after all, is the vacation month of the year (just ask your European buddies). This tunic is just the perfect thing for beach and pool. Use it as a cover up or walk around town for lunch and shopping. The pockets add a wee bit of formality so pull on skinny jeans and this can make it into the evening. I love the rope details around the neckline, you won't have to bother with a necklace. Comes in various colors but this is by far the best, at Calypso for $165.

I went to Madrid a few months ago to visit a friend who moved there for work. While the gorgeous city has got every designer brand you could think of (and many of them are conveniently close to the city's major museums!), the best discovery I made while I was there was Bimba & Lola. I keep meaning to start a Facebook group "Bring Bimba & Lola to the US!". The store has an amazing selection of affordable (think about double the price of Zara), ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, and jewelry. They have a slew of boutiques around Spain and recently expanded to Asia (they have locations in Portugal, France, and a few other countries as well...). If you're traveling to Europe or Asia I urge you to look at their site to see if there's a Bimba & Lola boutique in the city where you'll be! The boutique targets 20 to 40-somethings and they've got a slew of original pieces that will take you from the office to the bar. The over-all aesthetic is feminine, but understated and most of the designs come in both neutral as well as popping colors.

I don't typically opt for one-piece swimsuits, because my diminutive chest tends to look better in bikini tops, but I can't help but want to make an exception when it comes to We Are Handsome (and not only because I love the brand name!). The Australian label exclusively makes handmade-to-order, limited edition, pop-art, one-piece swimsuits all of which are made from Italian polyester lycra and printed with high density inks. They retail for about $230 and have deep-scoop necks. The current collection is inspired by various destinations around the world - above is the "Africa" and below is "Miami." I love the simplicity of the classic shape, which keeps the focus on the original prints. Crossing my fingers that the Africa isn't sold out in my size at Opening Ceremony!

Norma Kamali's swimwear is timeless - proof? She's found success selling the same styles for years! Kamali is always at the for-front of technology: she uses Skype to allow shoppers to ask questions via her website, you can order as much as you want from her site and only pay for what you keep, and Kamali was one of the first designers to do a lower priced line. The suit on the left is from her main line and retails for $385 (it comes in a variety of colors). Its got a great retro sexiness (Miranda wore it in the Sex and the City movie). For those that aren't looking to splurge, the designer has a Walmart version that retails for only $15! It's not exactly the same design (the Walmart version is a two piece), but the price is unbelievable! You can shop her Walmart swim collection here and the main Jersey collection here. 

Call me Madonna but I'm obsessed with Agent Provocateur, I saw the complete line (insanely hot!) at People's Revolution press office and wanted to run off with all the racks!  For Summer 2010 the brand presents a bold swimwear collection in punchy tones and figure flattering styles. 

Zahra (above right) is one of Agent Provocateur's most seductive silhouettes.  The laced corsetry down the front of the swimsuit reveals a ferocious flash of red underlining- vampy and sexy! Cleavage enhancing collar-style bust cups add further drama to the boned structure. There is a back zip so you don't have to worry about lacing yourself into it.  I don't know if I should wear this to the pool or to bed!!!

The Tatum (above center and left) cut-out matte black swimsuit is tailored and sculpted, with a waist belt that cinches to emphasis an hour-glass illusion. Loving the gold ring detailing, so glamorous!  And it's so Bond girl.  A Tatum Bikini version is also available in shocking cerise pink (which is what I'm ordering!).

Risa (below right), in matte black has a plunge- line bikini top and hipster hotpant that together make it a figure-fixing classic. Risa is softened with pink stitching and gold Agent Provocateur buttons.

Hinting at the 1970s glamour, the Portia (below left) swimsuit and bikini glimmer poolside in a slinky black and silver wet- look snakeprint. The Chic bandeau bikini top has a halterneck rouleau that can be tied under the bust or around the neck and is paired with a neat- fitting ruched hipster brief. Both the bikini and one-piece feature inner wiring to create and enhance shape.

No matter which style you choose, I guarantee you will make a splash poolside and bedside ;)  Check out Agent Provocateur swimwear here!

From Left: Milly Anguilla Drawstring Cover-Up, Tibi Poolside Tunic Cover-Up, Mara Hoffman French Terry Kimono Pullover Cover-Up

I'm on the beach right now with one of my many beach cover ups, they're so great to travel with-- super light weight and goes with just about everything.  You can throw one of these babies on and go off to lunch or dinner or cocktails without having to run in to your hotel or beach house to change.  And it's the one top you can wear without pants and not look ridiculous.  I love glamorous swimwear, since I don't really swim (except to hold my son up while he kicks water in my face) and hate getting my hair wet, it's more important for me to look cute.  And what could be more cute than a chic cover up with a fabulous (fake) tan!?!?  My idea of a good time is sitting under an umbrella on the beach or poolside, with a glass of fruity smoothie (spiked of course) and a stack of gossip magazines.  Wait, that's what I'm doing right now!  Enjoy your weekend all.  If you're near Malibu beach, look for me-- the girl with the cowboy hat and bikini.  Jump to see Eva Mendes in her gauzy leopard cover up in Portofino!

From Left: Milly Trivelli Keyhole Cover-Up, Marc Crosstown Stripe Bandeau Cover-Up, Melissa Odabash Robin Cover-Up Dress

Call Mindy or email her today to reserve your size (check Couture Snob later today for must have shoes and dresses!) and the bags you crave.  214-346-0400 She is happy to ship internationally as well!  (Jump for complete list of US boutiques)