Get ready.

Get set.

Go!

Pack your bags and join us for the first installment of our series Vacation Love as we take a journey to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. From the exotic and untouched beaches of the Philippines to the art deco glamour of France, Lifestyle Azura has scoured the earth in search of the perfect holiday destination… So all you need to do is choose your designer swimsuit and you’re ready to go! This week, we take a look at beaches a little off the common track, and in case you needed a little swimsuit inspiration, we’ve chosen the perfect bikini to match the lush surroundings…

Ain’t life wonderful?!

Byron Bay, Australia

Surrounded by glorious golden coastline as far as the eye can see, Australia is indeed home to many of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Throw in the Aussies and their laid back lifestyle, and you have a beach destination that’s hard to beat. Byron Bay, on Australia’s Pacific Coast, is one of the country’s best examples, blending the best that Australia has to offer, from great surf to bohemian chic and city savoir faire.

The look: Jade Mountain 2 by Sauvage Swimwear/ Ace by Birdie Jo Swimwear

You could go a couple of different ways here: 1) Choose designer bikinis that are feminine but not too sweet, like the Jade Mountain 2 by Sauvage Swimwear; or 2) Choose designer swimsuits that are funky and fun, like the Ace by Birdie Jo Swimwear. Don’t go for gaudy or over the top, women’s swimwear Byron Bay style is all about relaxed effort and unaffected cool. 

Boracay, Philippines

A land of close to 8000 islands, the Philippines certainly has its fair share of stunning beach destinations. But for pristine, crystal blue waters, tropical palm trees and a night life to match, Boracay appeals in more ways than one. Cruise around the islands by day and frolic in the warm waters by night… and don’t forget your cocktails!

The look: Hanky Panky by Beach Bunny Swimwear/ Kenya by Red Carter

Island holidays are always a little sexy, so meet the mood with designer swimwear to match. Think sultry and fun, like the black studded Hanky Panky by Beach Bunny Swimwear or the exotic with sexy swimwear like Kenya by Red Carter.

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

The Pacific Coast of Mexico is known worldwide for its stunning beaches and beautiful backdrops - from Los Cabos to Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. But when it comes to big waves and bohemian cool, nothing beats Puerto Escondido. Here, lazy days are spent sipping cervezas, relaxing in the cool breeze and watching the day turn to night over crashing waves…

The look: Chains by Sauvage Swimwear/ White Ruffle by Maya Swimwear

To match the chilled out vibe, choose a simple, unadorned designer swimsuit. Bright whites and bold blacks, like the Chains by Sauvage Swimwear and White Ruffle by Maya Swimwear, are a great choice for these types of designer bikinis - you’ll look radiant and dazzling without looking you like you put thought into it at all. 

Biarritz, France

Set in the Basque region, a gorgeous coast line land straddling northern Spain and France, Biarritz was the holiday destination du jour in the first half of the 20^th century. Lined with gorgeous art deco buildings and decorated walkways along the beach, an indefinable elegance still floats in the air. Indeed, Biarritz is still one of France’s most sophisticated beach destinations, but modern times and the discovery of some of Europe’s best surfing waves have attracted a younger crowd too, creating an electric vibe of old-world charm and youthful vibrancy.

The look: Venezia by Sauvage Swimwear / Spellbound by Beach Bunny

A touch of class is the call of the day in Biarritz. But a little fun and flirting is always on the agenda! Choose designer swimsuits, like the Venezia by Sauvage Swimwear or Spellbound by Beach Bunny, with beaded detailing or enamel adornments for a high class touch. But remember, for sophisticated yet sexy designer bikinis, less is more - don’t go overboard with lots of colors. Stick to one color swimsuits and let the detailing work their magic.

While we’ve enjoyed the black bikini bonanza we’ve had here at Azura Swimwear the last couple of weeks, we felt maybe it was time for a change.

But with such a wonderful lineup of black Bikinis of the Week, it was going to have to be a truly standout swimsuit to match the grade.But when our eyes fell on this swimsuit, the Cardozo by Maya Swimwear, the decision was made.  There was no doubt about it.

Cardozo by Maya Swimwear

When talking about Maya Swimwear, we’ve always felt compelled to talk about the Maya Swimwear signature cut. And there’s good reason for it. This sexy swimwear label knows what it’s doing when it comes to the female figure. In fact, it has mastered it - Maya Swimwear really only has a couple of different styles, with a few variations to the bikini tops and bottoms thrown in here and there. But with such strong signatures, they don’t have much need to experiment! And the Cardozo bikini, in all its Ruffle Cut glory, is no different…

Typically, we see Maya Swimwear in their stunning block colors, but they also do incredible prints, with the Cardozo bikini being a standout example. I think what I love most about Maya Swimwear’s choice of prints is that they really match the bikini they’re placed with. I know that sounds like something that is a given, but when you’re working with signature cuts, it’s easier said than done. For less quality and designer driven women’s swimwear labels, I’ve definitely seen the easy road taken, with both the signature cut and swimwear print design being great, but the two not matching up. Maya Swimwear always does a great job of creating a symbiosis between the two, and again the Cardozo serves as a shinning example of this.

We’re also seeing a lot of bikinis this season (and next season too… but I’ll tell you more about that another time!) come in the ‘mismatched’ bikini top and bottom print design. In our opinion, the look is incredibly hot! It also has a bohemian feel to it and came about when the whole trend of buying separate bikini tops and bottoms first came into fashion. And while it can look great doing it yourself, when you see a bikini like the Carodzo by Maya Swimwear, you understand why these swimwear designers are the experts!  The Cardozo bikini, in it tones of white, black and steel grey, is sizzling both upstairs and down…

The Cardozo bikini comes with a sliding triangle top with ties at both the neck and back. And let’s not forget the adorable ruffle trim, which you’ll also find on the bikini bottoms. Speaking of which, the bottoms also have an alluring hipster shape at the front along with Maya Swimwear’s gorgeous, and ulter-flattering, ruched inner seam at the back.

So until next week, we leave you with this beautiful bikini, the Cardozo by Maya Swimwear. It’s a hot number this season, so if you’re looking for something with a bohemian temperament, but is still sleek and sexy, than the Cardozo is definitely the bikini for you…

  Click here now to purchase Cardozo by Maya Swimwear!

Ok, I’m not going to deny it. We are indeed in the midst of a black bikini frenzy here at Azura Swimwear! But with so many beautiful offerings, and each so unique, it was hard to pass them by. While we’ve seen some stunning black numbers by Sauvage Swimwear and Birdie Jo, this week is all about Beach Bunny Swimwear and a little Hanky Panky…

Hanky Panky by Beach Bunny Swimwear

You have to give it to Beach Bunny and designer Angela Chittenden - not only are the swimsuits gorgeous, but they come with such creative, and fitting, names. With silver nail-head detailing, reminiscent of a biker’s jacket, highlighting the ultra sexy keyhole sides, this black bikini can’t help but evoke images of a little Hanky Panky. But in true Beach Bunny style, this bikini is all class, perfectly straddling that fine mix of sophistication and sex appeal.

I might also even be tempted to describe the bikini as a little girly. Bandeau tops always ooze femininity, and with large tie sides, the school girl look is complete. No wonder she called it Hanky Panky…

But while this designer swimsuit follows the Beach Bunny mould - bikinis that are super sexy and one of a kind - it’s definitely one that you could wear more regularly. Like anything black - your favorite black shoes or your little black dress - you can wear black bikinis on any occasion.

Hanky Panky comes fully lined, but unlike most bandeau style bikinis, the top has adjustable eyehooks ensuring a perfect fit and superior shape for the bust. On the bottom, the bikini is Brazilian cut at the back and low rise hipster shaped at the front. There are also fixed side ties which elongate the figure and create a more flattering look for the body. When it comes to swimwear, those added touches can mean a world of difference.

And while I may have already mentioned the silver nail-head detailing, it’s worth bringing it up again. These make the swimsuit. When combined with the hint of skin seen through the striking keyhole sides and the black of the fabric, the look is seriously smouldering.

So if you’re on the search for a beautiful black bikini, or a bikini in general, then take a look at the Hanky Panky. It’s sexy, sweet and rock ‘n’ roll at its very best!

  Click here now to buy Hanky Panky by Beach Bunny Swimwear!

Spotted: Audrina Patridge in Birdie Jo Swimwear!

There’s nothing like a celebrity sighting, and even more so when it comes sizzling hot. If you haven’t seen recent copies of your favorite tabloids, then you have certainly missed out on one of this year’s best. Luckily, Azura Swimwear is here to bring you an insider’s look…

Audrina Patridge, sexy reality TV star of The Hills, was recently spotted at the DKNY Jeans Malibu Beach House… and in none other than a Birdie Jo bikini! Spotted, I think, would be an understatement, with Audrina Patrdige (and her to die for bod), being splashed across every magazine, from Ok to In Touch and Life & Style.

And why wouldn’t editors want to highlight Audrina? Audrina looks absolutely incredible, as does her Birdie Jo bikini. Known as the Color Block bikini, this Birdie Jo swimsuit has been a huge hit this season, with its first public appearance debuting as early as March of this year. And did we mention that was in Vogue? The Color Block is definitely an editor’s favorite, and as we’re clearly seeing, a favorite with hot young celebrities too.

As seen on Audrina Patridge, this Color Block comes in a striking black and pink combo, but it also comes in a stunning pink and 14k (gold) combination too. And while you probably can’t tell from the lift outs shown here, the fabric has a slight brilliance, or luminescence, to it which gives this sexy bikini yet another reason to shine.

Color Block has been selling through the roof here at Azura Swimwear, and has been a favorite from the start.  And while we’re disappointed to say that we have only one suit left (quick, don’t miss out! Even the manufacturer has sold out!), Birdie Jo has such an incredible range of designer swimsuit styles that we’re sure you’ll find one equally as scintillating. In fact, if you’re a fan of the one Audrina Patridge is wearing, we’d like to recommend the Ace by Birdie Jo Swimwear. It’s made with the same luminescent fabric for that one-of-a-kind sexy shimmer and also comes with the same style bottom as the Color Block.

It looked, might we add, pretty good on Audrina…

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…