Recently in Swimwear Category

Who else but Charlize Theron can wear a casual dress from a swimwear brand and make it look like it cost a thousand bucks? She attended the LAFC World Football Challenge last month looking cool and chic in a Black Drape Dress by ViX (Retail $154). She proves our theory that money can not buy you style (or that body for that matter) and that you don't have to always go to a 5 figure designer outfit to look amazing (Beyonce should take note, she wears the latest Balmain but somehow always looks like she's been at the swap meet). I'm also obsessed with ViX swimwear, it's hard to find cute bikinis that fit well, are chic not cheesy and that don't fall apart the minute you jump in the water. Check out the ViX swimwear line 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

Get your credit cards out girls, Oscar de la Renta is going 50% off tomorrow!  I don't think I need to tell you how sexy hot the one piece bathing suit is-- you can also throw it on over a skirt or skinny jeans!  The bright blue tunic was a piece on my list the minute I saw it on the runway, there is a pair of skinny white pants in my closet that would like to meet it!

I am obsessed with the pale gray crackle leather platform shoes-- so neutral and goes with many colors!  They are also tres comfortable, the 4.5" stacked heel feel like nothing with the platform!
 

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)

Guest blog by -- Julia DiNardo , the founder/editor of Fashion Pulse

The one piece is back, and I couldn't be more happy. The monokini is even so last summer, there revisit those classic halter and tank shapes in swimwear that actually end up looking more flattering on a variety of figures. A slew of designers went in the solid once piece direction in their spring/summer 2009 collections, leaving more to the imagination which in my opinion, far exceeds a plethora of belly exposure and swimsuit cut-outs. Byblos, Cynthia Steffe went for classic one-pieces, while Michale Kors took us back to the 50s with a little excess fabric overlayed around the thighs and polka dots to boot. Hermes and Rosa Cha actually belted their one-piece swimsuits, while Abaete perfected executed a 50s-inspired bandeau. The weather will hopefully warm up soon, so that you can look forward to beach-filled weekends with the perfect suit in tow. We've found some incredibly cute, shockingly affordable suits that you'll by dying to wear this season, and we have a feeling that you can look forward to wearing it to the pool or beach for many summers to come.

Let's start with the 50s inspired retro looks seen on the runways -- save your money for those Havianas by trying the Solid Boy Short One-Piece ($39-$44, delias, and you can choose from short or long torso), or the Plaid Boy Short One-Piece ($39.50, also delias), instead. (jump for more!)

Who would know what the perfect bikini is better than Sport Illustrated Bikini Cover model, Bar Rafaeli. She goes from model to designer for Hurley of what she considers is "the classic, sexy bikini with just the right cut". Show off that body you've been working so hard on with a simple black bikini that does just that. For a limited time, Hurley is selling this Little Black Bikini with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Boarding for Breast Cancer, a youth-focused non-profit that promotes early detection and an active lifestyle as the best prevention for breast cancer. It is $120 at Hurley.com and will be available at Victoria's Secret stores June 2.

Left: Elie Tahari; Right: Emilio Pucci, photos from Vogue.UK

Hotel pools are for lounging, no adults actually go swimming in there and certainly not female adults with full hair and make up done. I just booked a hotel that has a lap pool that is barely deep enough to do water aerobics in. But the cushiony loungers, cabanas and pool bar are fantastic!! That's where this trend comes in. Who cares that it isn't hot enough to swim? And it really doesn't make a difference that you are wearing something that cannot get wet. Kaftans and coverups are for the townies, the chic pool loungers this season will be wearing blazers. OK, I stop at the leather jacket, but I love the idea of wearing street clothes at the pool. I can almost skip the gym! But I won't =) The runway showed black blazers and leather but come on, let's be honest, isn't white much more realistic? The Elie Tahari Gladys Boyfriend Jacket at Neiman Marcus for $448, perfect with the Pucci Bandeau print swimsuit, at Net-a-Porter for $625.

I'm perplexed by this ruffle bikini. It is beautifully made and the colors are stunning but the top looks like it's made for a 5 year old because a woman with curves will not be able to carry the ruffle off. It almost looks like lingerie without the sex appeal and what's the point of that? What do you think of the ruffle bikini? Snob or Slob?

Shay Todd Contrast two-piece bikini $210 at Net-a-porter.com