Jun

15

Mix and Match Your Bikini!

Every bikini lover’s worst dream is to show up to the beach and see three other women wandering around in the exact same bikini.  Who wants to be just “one of the crowd” after spending the time to pick out the perfect bikini?  There are a few different ways to make sure your bikini is unique, but one of the simplest is to mix and match pieces.  By selecting a top and bottom in different colors, or a coordinating pattern and color, it allows you to create a look that is all your own.  To draw attention to the upper half, try a bright color or a top that works to enhance curves such as a Sweetheart top for larger busts, or an Enhanced Cut Triangle top for smaller busts.  If you want to accentuate your hips and rear, a low-rise bottom in a bright color or pattern will go a long way in drawing attention where you want it.  By playing around with colors, patterns and different cuts, the possibilities are nearly endless.  Don’t be afraid to buy bikini pieces individually to get the best and most unique look for you!

Mix and Match Bikinis

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Apr

19

Puckered Stitching Adds Backside Definition

Bikini Fitting Advice

Puckered stitching is a hot, new trend seen more and more these days.  Often called a “scrunch” bikini, it gets its name from placement of strategic puckered stitching which can enhance particular areas by creating more dramatic curves.  For example, in the bikini seen above the puckered stitch down the backside of the bikini bottom helps the fabric to nicely hug her natural curves.  The contour detailing gives the appearance of lift and definition to the rear while the high-cut back show off your sexy cheeks, too.

With a bikini bottom that fits this closely, take extra care to follow sizing instructions from the designer.  Improper fit can ruin even the best bikini designs!  Too big, and it will slide around on you.  Too small, and it will pinch into you creating unsightly little bulges.  Ensuring the fabric lays nicely flat against your skin will help alleviate both of these pesky problems.

Nov

08

Bikini Abs

OK, nowhere does it say you should have washboard abs, but if you want to tone up your midsection to jazz up your physique, here are some basic abs workouts to try.

Exercise Ball Crunch

If you don’t already have one of these wonderfully fun and versatile exercise balls, you’;re going to have to get one and see what you’ve been missing. Since you have to work to keep the ball stable, you engage more of your core while using it. Plus it makes for a great chair.

Lie down with the ball under your lower back. Plant your feet about hip width apart and either cross your arms over your chest or behind your head. Keeping the ball stable, contract and curl your torso up while moving your ribcage down. Slowly lower back down to complete one rep.
Vertical Leg Crunch

Another effective ab workout is a crunch involving the legs. This move helps to target both your abs and your obliques.

Lie down with your legs extended vertically and bent at the knees. With your hands under your head or across your chest, contract your abs as you roll your shoulder blades up off the floor, then slowly lower back down.

Oct

18

Tone the Tush

Want a shapelier looking bikini butt? In addition to doing some regular cardio, here are some tried and true tush toning exercises.

The Lunge


The most common mistake made with doing the lunge is using the wrong muscles. If your form isn’t correct, you’ll end up working out your legs instead of your butt. The trick is, after you lunge forward with your leg, to lower your body straight down. Your weight should be on the heel of your lunging foot and your knee should not be past your ankle.

Squats

I don’t know anyone who likes squats, but they definitely work. Throw in a few reps during commercial breaks, while you’re nuking something in the microwave, on hold on the phone or whenever you have a few minutes to yourself. You’ll notice a difference.

With feet hip-width apart, bend at the knees to slowly lower your butt down as if to sit in a chair.  Knees should be behind the toes and your upper body should be upright. If you feel off balance, extend your arms in front of you. After you lower into the squat, press with your heels to stand back up. If you want to add more intensity, add weights. You can hold them at your sides or up at your shoulders.

Oct

04

Un-jiggle those arms!

Arms. They jiggle. It happens. If you want to firm them up a bit more and look more svelte in your bikini, here are some exercises that'll tone you up.

Bicep curls


It’s not a big surprise that the basic curl is on here: this move works! You'll need weights so start with something in the 3-5lb range. Standing with feet shoulder-width apart and wrists facing outwards, slowly curl your arm upwards letting your bicep do the work. Your elbow should remain by your side and there should be no swinging. Swinging creates momentum that cheats your arm out of a good workout. Slowly lower your arm back down and do the same move with the other arm. You can curl with both arms are the same time if you like. Do about 8-12 reps and complete 2-3 sets.

Tricep kickbacks


To do a tricep kickback, start with the weight in your right hand. If you have a flat bench, place your right knee and left hand on the bench and keep your back flat. With your elbow tucked into your side and arm at a 90 degree angle with palm facing inward, raise the dumbbell straight back until your arm is almost straight. Lower your arm slowly back to the start position to complete one rep. The work should be done in the elbow and the shoulder shouldn't be moving. Do 8-12 reps and 2-3 sets, then switch sides.

Lateral Raise

To start, stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend slightly at the knees and keep your abs engaged. Weights should be in both hands with palms facing each other. With elbows slightly bent, raise your arms straight out to the sides and up to shoulder height. Hold then slowly lower back down to the start position. Repeat for 12 reps.

Sep

29

Skin Care

It's a no brainer that bikinis show off a lot of skin. It's also a no brainer that bikinis attract a lot of attention. So do yourself a favor and not only put your best face forward, but also the best skin as well. Skin is the largest organ in the body, so take care of it by cleansing it, exfoliating dry patches, moisturizing it and protecting it from the sun.

In the shower, use a moisturizing body wash. For areas that need extra attention like the elbows, knees and heels, there are a few different methods to slough off the dead skin. There are exfoliating scrubs and loofahs are the two best means to get your skin fresh and bright. For heels, try using a pumice stone. If you use it towards the end of your shower, your feet will have had some time to soften up and the skin will slough right off.

The best time to moisturize is right after your shower. Pat yourself dry and while your skin is still damp and warm, apply a moisturizing lotion. Doing this daily helps to keep the skin hydrated and looking its best. If your feet need extra care, try slathering on some extra lotion and putting on cotton socks. The warmth helps the lotion to seep into the skin and, by the time you take your socks off, your feet will be super soft. Finding a good lotion can be tricky, but once you do and you apply daily, you'll notice how lovely your skin looks in the light.

The only way to protect your skin and keep it looking young is to either stay out of the sun or wear sunscreen. If you like to play at the beach, sunscreen is a must. Unless you want to look wrinkled and brick-colored a few years down the line, slather and reapply often.

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Sep

20

How to Avoid Looking Cold

Sometimes, when you're in a wet bikini, a breeze may come along and whip your nips to a point. If you hate it when this happens and turn red from the pointing, there are suits designed to help avoid the embarrassment.

The first line of defense is simply a lined suit. This can be a liner like what you'd find in a dress or jacket and works the same way. Or it can be a double-sided or reversible suit with another layer of swimsuit fabric. Simply looking for a swimsuit with an extra layer of material will help provide a bit of a shield.

Another suggestion is to find a suit with some padding. It works the same magic that a padded bra does and helps to maintain a smooth look. Some suits are lightly lined while others have some push-up padding. How much you want is up to you.

If you don't like the extra heft that comes with a padded bikini, wearing a print is also a great option. A busy pattern helps to camouflage any unwanted pointing. Darker colors are also helpful as well.

Aug

30

Grooming

Unless you've decided to never wear a bathing suit or have a condition where you have zero hair growth anywhere on the body, grooming the bikini area has become a necessity. There is a third possibility which is just not caring if you have hairs peeking out, but most likely that's not the case.

When it comes to hair removal, bikini waxing has become the popular option. This relatively painless procedure is quick way to get rid of hair and generally much more convenient than constantly shaving, plus the results last longer. If you're new to waxing, here are some tips on how to have the most pain-free experience possible.

The first step is to find a spa that you like. Make sure it's an established place with a good reputation, clean and has a friendly staff you're comfortable with. Go ahead and ask for a tour if you're not sure. You're going to be in a vulnerable state while you get waxed so feeling at ease with the facilities and the waxing specialist goes a long way towards calming anxiety. When you do make an appointment, make sure there's enough hair growth to work with (about 1/4 inch) and that it's not before or during your period. Why? Well there's the obvious reason and also that you're more sensitive during that time and waxing could be more unpleasant.

On the day of your scheduled wax, take a shower. It's common sense and courtesy, plus the wax works best on clean and dry skin. To avoid cross-contamination, make sure there's a fresh jar of wax waiting for you. Test the temperature of the wax on the inside of your wrist – it should be warm, not hot. After the procedure is done, a soothing lotion or oil is applied and goes a long way in reducing irritation. Avoiding hot showers and baths is advisable as well since you'll be sensitive immediately afterward. If you're planning to head to the beach or pool, it's best to get waxed a day or two beforehand so you'll have time to let things return to normal. Sand and chemicals can really irritate freshly waxed skin so keep that in mind if you're planning an outing. Remember to exfoliate with a washcloth or loofah as this helps to avoid ingrown hairs from forming.

Aug

23

Add some shine!

If you want to wear a bikini that stands out but don't want to go for all the obvious embellishments suggested in the previous post, there are still other options! Metallic bikinis are becoming popular styles on the beach and it's clear to see why. These metallic styles pack some serious shine and attract attention in a more subtle way. You can stick to wearing a simple style like a string bikini but forgo the textured trims and accents – lots of style without the fuss and muss.

If you want an even shinier look, there are hologram bikinis. The fabric on these create a super glossy, lacquered look that really shines in the sunlight. If you want to go for a mega-shine look, check out a hologram bikini.

Aug

16

Embellish a little!

Have some fun with your bikini! Put away your basic bikini and try a new look, one with more flair and fun to it. Many bikinis now have delightful embellishments, trims and adornments that really capture everyone's attention. Some have sparkling details like rhinestones and sequins, others have wooden trims or metal decor. These little accents add so much more style and personality to a suit that you really can't go wrong wearing one.

Some suits like this red triangle top bikini have patterns made by different color beads. Sure they could have just used thread to make the pattern, but aren't the beads just so much better?

If you have a sparkling personality and want a bikini to match, consider a bikini with sequins. Some have a few here and there, while others have them all over.

Instead of a bikini made completely out of fabric, opt for something with fun trims like braided ties or funky connectors made out of wood, metal, crystal, bamboo, etc.

There are so many more styles of embellished bikinis out there and hopefully this generate some inspiration to find something unique. Have fun shopping!