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Monday, July 28th, 2008


Ace by Birdie Jo Swimwear
I don’t know if it’s a subconscious decision, but my last three Bikini of the Week selections have happened to be black, black and more black. It’s not surprising, I suppose, as you can never go wrong with a black bikini… nor have to many! While our last star was Crochet by Sauvage Swimwear, this week’s spotlight is given to the gorgeous, fun and flirtatious Ace by Birdie Jo.
I absolutely adore this swimsuit, it truly is special. But where to begin! I think first off, it’s the fabric. The bikini is made from an imported French circular knit, however it’s the luminance, or brilliance of the fabric that gives it its point of difference. If you look at the bikini up close, you’ll notice the fabric has a very slight shimmer to it, but it is by no means full-on or gaudy. Many shimmer or sparkly fabrics tend to be over the top and also, rough to the skin. But not here. I love the look - it’s a little bit playful, a little different - and it feels wonderfully soft to touch.
I’d have to say next up is the cut. This bikini is seriously cute. In many ways it reminds me of a black tuxedo. Or a black bow tie - particularly the bikini top with its tapered middle shape. The top style is actually one of Birdie Jo Swimwear’s signature cuts, the Ashley Bandeau, which has proven to be an incredibly popular seller. Why? Well there’s no denying it is absolutely adorable, but it also comes with a removable neck strap which makes it perfect for tanning.
As for the bikini bottom, it comes in another signature Birdie Jo cut, the Tatiana Hipster Brief. Again this cut is seriously gorgeous. It’s low rise, but it provides good coverage and it sits snuggly on the body. The cut is undeniably flattering, and when paired with the black fabric, the look is scintillating and sexy.
Surrounded by so many beautiful designer swimsuits day in day out, and seeing so many different swimsuit styles pass through our doors, you would think we have seen it all. But designer swimwear is continually evolving, and each season brings with it new surprises. I am constantly taken aback by the new swimwear designs I see, but there’s always a few special swimsuits each season that really grab your attention. I’d have to say that Ace by Birdie Jo Swimwear was one of those swimsuits this season. It’s simple, yet unique and striking. It’s a standout for me, and I have to admit, is already part of my personal collection!
Every girl needs a signature black bikini, so if you haven’t got one yet, make sure to grab one soon.
Click here for to more beautiful swimwear inspiration…
Tags: Birdie Jo Swimwear, Designer Swimwear, fashion swimwear, womens swimwear Posted in Bikini of the Week | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 10th, 2008
Bikini of the Week
Crochet by Sauvage Swimwear
We’re going back-to-back Sauvage with another beautiful swimsuit from the Californian designer making it to number one on this week’s Bikini of the Week. Last week saw Venezia in the hot spot, one of Sauvage’s most stunning one piece swimsuits, and also, our first one piece to be featured on Bikini of the Week. If you missed the post, make sure to read it here.This week, however, the two piece bikini is back and looking more beautiful than ever. It is Crochet by Sauvage Swimwear and it’s a little bohemian, a little chic, and very sexy.

Crochet by Sauvage Swimwear
I must admit I have a soft spot for this bikini - it is actually one of the first swimsuits I picked up this season and I wear it regularly. It’s fantastic when you’re able to get good mileage out of a swimsuit. While designer swimsuits are indeed beautiful, it must be said that some are a little less practical than others. A male friend of mine likes to call this type of swimsuit a ‘toe-dipper’, which I find to be a cutely humorous description! True, some women’s swimsuits are made to be admired out of the water, while others are made for swimming in the waves. However, there does exist those few, rare swimsuits that are able to be both - beautiful and practical - and Crochet by Sauvage Swimwear is one of those swimsuits. Surprising as it may be, it’s actually a difficult combination to pull off.
Crochet by Sauvage Swimwear, as I mentioned above, has a definite boho feel to it - crocheted fabrics have always been associated with this style and this swimsuit is no different. Well, that’s not entirely true. The Crochet bikini is actually quite unique - like it’s ability to be sexy yet functional, it is also has the ability to be both bohemian and sophisticated, giving it a huge point of difference. The main body of the bikini top and bottom is made from an imported Italian nylon, and is also fully lined, while the circular detailing at the hips and bust is made from a high quality crocheted thread. So instead of constructing the entire bikini out of a crocheted fabric, which can be hard to dry, can give an unflattering shape and can also be a little too hippie-looking, the swimsuit strikes a perfect balance with just a hint of bohemian crocheted flair. It’s a great idea and works an absoulte charm.
I wear this swimsuit both by the pool and at the beach, and while I’m a black swimsuit lover making me a little-black biased, it is a great color for this bikini. One, it doesn’t get dirty, which could be a problem for the crocheted detailing if it was a lighter shade. But secondly, it really sets off the circular pattern and aesthetic look of the crocheted detailing - from a distance, the contrast of the black shapes against the flesh immediately catches your eye. The look is soft and feminine, but show-stopping at the same time.
Sauvage Swimwear is synonymous for its quality swimsuits and I have found this to be 100% the case with the Crochet bikini. There’s nothing worse than buying a swimsuit for its details, be it jewels, shells, bead or strings, and have them fall off or break soon after you’ve purchased it. But the crochet detailing on this bikini is surprisngly sturdy - and I’ve certainly taken it for a tumble in the waves! It also gives great, and adjustable, support at the bust and the coverage at the back is moderate.
So if you’re looking for a great all-rounder kind of a swimsuit, that also has a point of difference, then I highly recommend the Crochet bikini by Sauvage. Soft, yet sophisticated, practical, yet feminine, what more could you want?!
If you’d like to purchase the Crochet bikini by Sauvage, click here to start shopping now!
Tags: fashion swimwear, Sauvage Swimwear, womens bikinis, womens swimwear Posted in Bikini of the Week | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008
Bikini of the Week
Venezia by Sauvage Swimwear
No more summer is on it’s way – summer is, finally, here! And what better way to ring in the hot days and sultry nights than with a swimsuit to match the heat…
Introducing Venezia by Sauvage Swimwear - now this is definitely a swimsuit hot enough to match summer’s sizzle! Venezia is this week’s Bikini of the Week, and along with being of the highest calibre of women’s swimwear, it also has quite a few first place claims to its name.
Firstly, it’s summer’s first official Bikini of the Week. It’s also its first one piece swimsuit. In fact, it’s our first ever one piece swimsuit to be featured on Bikini of the Week. (In case you were wondering, while our series is entitled ‘Bikini of the Week’, it’s just a general term to refer to all our beautiful designer swimsuits. And, speaking of terms, if you’re not familiar with one piece swimsuits, they are often refered to as ‘tankinis’ or’ monokinis’. Some designer swimsuit labels make distinctions between the terms, but loosely speaking, they are all one piece swimsuits.)
Sauvage Swimwear have an incredible range of two piece swimsuits, and their line of one piece swimsuits is no different. If you’ve never owned, or tried on, a one piece swimsuit, then I highly recommend you do… and with the Venezia. It’s the perfect one piece swimsuit to show you all the benefits that the one piece brings. But, if you’re a two piece lover beware, the Venezia by Sauvage Swimwear will have you converted before you’ve known what has hit you!

Venezia by Sauvage Swimwear
So, what is it that makes the one piece swimsuit so special? Well, the one piece swimsuit is nothing new – if the story be told correctly, the one piece actually predates the two piece bikini. Luckily, however, times have changed a great deal, and what we once associated with one pieces – frumpy, unflattering, and certainly not sexy – is, now, quite the opposite. One piece swimsuits have become hugely popular in recent years, and while many women still choose the one piece swimsuit for its coverage, many choose it over the bikini for its style.
Looking at the Venezia one piece by Sauvage, it’s not hard to understand why – Venezia, like its namesake city, is stunning. And while you mightn’t think so by looking at it, it is also extremely flattering. The upper torso of the swimsuit is designed in a halter-esque style providing support at the bust, while the bottom has alluring curved lines for a sexy, yet flattering finish. And, let us not skip past the string detailing at the hips with its enameled zebra print countoured ring, it’s what truly gives this swimsuit its point of difference. One piece or not, this is a very special swimsuit…
So, if you’re looking to ring in summer in true style, go for a statement of style with the Venezia one piece by Sauvage Swimwear. First-time one piecers will be more than pleasantly surprised, and those with a couple in their wardrobe can always do with a couple more!
If you’d like to buy the Venezia by Sauvage Swimwear, click here to start shopping now!
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Monday, April 21st, 2008
Bikini of the Week
White Ruffle Bikini by Maya Swimwear

White Ruffle Bikini, Maya Swimwear
It’s all about the white bikini this week at Azura Swimwear with the White Ruffle Bikini by Maya Swimwear. And in true Maya Swimwear style, this bikini is elegant, feminine and ultra-flattering to the tee.
The last time we featured a white bikini as our Bikini of the Week was with the Jade Mountain 2 by Sauvage Swimwear. And I said the same thing then that I’m about to say now – there really is just something so special, and unique, about white bikinis.
I think there was a time when women, despite how beautiful white bikinis could be, were afraid of buying one, fearful that it would go see-through. Luckily those days have past, with swimwear fabrics being of extremely high quality, and swimsuits often lined, particularly in the case of designer swimwear. Unsurprisingly, the White Ruffle bikini by Maya Swimwear also comes fully lined, so there’s no chance of any unsightly appearances with this beautiful bikini…
Maya Swimwear is without a doubt a top favorite with celebrities, and can be seen on the bodies of actresses Jennifer Anniston, TV presenters Vanessa Minnillo and singers Fergie. The ruffle bikini cut in particular is favored by Lindsay Lohan, and as we understand it she has a number of different colors in her collection… just in case!
In terms of styling, the White Ruffle Bikini comes with a sliding triangle top with ties at the neck and at the back, and also Brazilian cut bikini bottoms. As for the ‘ruffle’ part of the ruffle bikini, there’s a gorgeous ruffle overlay on the bust and playful shirring at the hips. The result is utterly cute, but also really stylish.
And I can’t end off without again saying something about the Maya Swimwear fit. Maya Swimwear is, no questions asked, made for women. The bikinis are always flattering, and seem to enhance (or hide!) all the right things. Lindsay Lohan may have a couple in her collection, but I know she’s not the only one…
For all you white bikini lovers, I hope you have enjoyed this week’s Bikini of the Week. As you can see, the White Ruffle Bikini by Maya Swimwear is an absolute gem and a must-have for this summer.
If you’d like to buy the White Ruffle Bikini by Maya Swimwear, make sure to click here and start shopping now!
And don’t forget about our offer of FREE priority shipping!
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Tuesday, April 8th, 2008
Bikini of the Week
Calypso by Birdie Jo Swimwear
As you know, this month we’re celebrating the gorgeous swimwear designs and creative talent of Birdie Jo Swimwear designers Rebecca Fink and Kate Richter. So, it’s only natural that we would want to choose a Birdie Jo bikini to feature in this week’s Bikini of the Week. That being said, we would never feature a swimsuit or bikini that didn’t deserve the title! And this beautiful two piece swimsuit number certainly does…
I’ve been meaning to feature this swimsuit for some time now, which makes it rather perfect timing that it can coincide with the Designer of the Month series we’re running on Birdie Jo.
So after a long-winded introduction and much anticipation, Calypso is the bikini, and very cool it is. I love this bikini, from the signature Birdie Jo Swimwear cut to the geometric print and bold look. In case you can’t tell from the picture, the swimsuit print is actually black on ivory (not black on white) which gives the swimsuit a touch of difference and plays into the retro feel you get from it too.
The Calypso bikini by Birdie Jo Swimwear has a ‘trixie’ moveable triangle top with ties at the neck and the back. It also has cute little gold plating details on the end of the ties and at the top of the bust, and the fabric is adorably soft. It’s made from a top quality imported Spanish fabric they tell me – only the best for Birdie Jo Swimwear!
As for the swimsuit bottoms, they are hipster brief in style and have keyhole detailing at the sides – it’s a little sexy with just a hint of skin, but it’s also extremely flattering to the figure. And as with all Birdie Jo swimsuits, there’s a Birdie Jo Swimwear embroidered ‘B’ on the upper right hand backside. I love small details like that, I find it makes all the difference between a nice swimsuit and an incredible one.

Click here to see more product details about Calypso by Birdie Jo
However, what most blows me away about the Calypso bikini, and in fact all Birdie Jo swimsuits, is its price. Seriously amazing value. But it’s not just the price in comparison to other designer swimsuits or designer swimwear collections, it’s what you get for that price. Other swimwear designers sell their swimsuits at double the price, and you don’t get half the quality, not to mention the superior design. Same goes for similarly priced designer swimsuits. From my experience with Birdie Jo Swimwear, they have always been about providing the best quality product, and you can see it in all aspects of their swimsuits, from the fabric to the fit to the designs.
So if you’re after a playful, beautifully fitting swimsuit number this summer, you can’t really go past the Calypso bikini by Birdie Jo Swimwear. I think it’s crazy-sexy-cool… even the name is a lot of fun!
If you love the Calypso bikini by Birdie Jo Swimwear as much as we do, click here to start shopping now!
For the entire Birdie Jo Swimwear collection or other Birdie Jo bikinis, click here.
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