“In the tapestry of seasons, summer weaves the threads of joy and adventure.”
—Luna Brightwater
Lush landscapes, salty air and blue skies surround us as we enjoy everything Florida has to offer. With summer being almost year round, many of us spend as much time as possible cooling off by the pool or at the beach. With so many ways to enjoy outdoor activities, the need for multiple swimsuit options is also a necessity. In this issue, we highlight a style option for every ‘fun in the sun’ location.
#1 Retro Revisited
A classic makes a comeback-warm, fun and playful. A stylish string bikini is a beach lover’s staple. reminiscent of a simpler time, this 1970s favorite has become as popular as distressed jeans and a band t-shirt. Its youthful and effortlessly cool style makes it as epic today as it was decades ago. Add a straw hat with some leather detail for a ‘ride into the sunset’ kind of moment.
Dippin Daisys bikini, $90, Wet Products, Beach cowboy hat, $20 — Reno Beach Surf Shop; Stack of bracelets of brown agates, electroplated stainless steel beads and mustard tassels open cuff, $30 each — Erika Williner Designs
#2 High Saturation
For those who love to shine as bright as the sun-mixing every color under the rainbow is a fun choice. A streamlined one-piece swimsuit that features pink, plum, orange, turquoise and yellow is a confident collaboration. Mix it back to a coral necklace and straw clutch to complete this color combo.
O’Neil, Reina Tropical Monsoon one-piece swimsuit, $100 — Reno Beach Surf Shop; Straw clutch with coral embellishment, $95, Stack of various agate bracelets, $30 each, Blue coral necklace with baroque pearls and electroplated stainless steel chain from Coral Reef Collection, $155 — Erika Williner Designs
Vitamin A, yellow bikini set, $200 – Reno Beach Surf Shop; Embroidered summer tote, $125 — RareHues; White magnesite wire wrapped open cuff bracelet, $30 — Erika Williner Designs
#3 Art Meets Fashion
Traditional swim cover-ups have been replaced by more interesting options such as chunky sweaters, blazers and ‘one-of-a-kind’ denim jackets. Our love of art and fashion meet in this Frida Kahlo inspired designer cropped jacket. Any solid color swimsuit worn with a piece like this would ensure you’d be turning heads.
O’Neill Saltwater solid bikini set, $94.95 — Reno Beach Surf Shop; Frida cropped denim jacket, $88 — RareHues
#4 Monochrome Muse
A sporty take on the classic ‘black & white’ stripe — this look never goes out of style. Mixing a multiple of striped textures in one composition is as chic as it gets. The best way is to pair a bold, wide stripe (scarf), is back to a delicate stripe (swimsuit). This keeps things interesting. Adding some denim (shorts) or shell bangles will pull the look together effortlessly.
Vitamin A, striped bikini set, $225.88; Vitamin A, black cover-up, $138.00 — Reno Beach Surf Shop. Striped silk scarf with tassles, $45 — RareHues. Stack of bracelets, agates, $30; Shells and coral, $45 — Erika Williner Designs.
#5 Wild & Fabulous
A bold perspective on a swimwear trend-this combo definitely sets you apart from the pack. This mix of texture and pattern emphasizes your attraction and desire to lead. Break free of conventional norms and explore your sense of adventure pairing unexpected pieces like a swimsuit and structured jacket. Keeping accessories to a minimum here makes sense as the swimsuit and jacket are dominant pieces.
Kendall and Kylie, leopard one-piece swimsuit, $89.95 — Reno Beach Surf Shop; Moschino jacket, price upon request — Repeat Performance Boutique; Black baguette necklace, $75; White baguette necklace, $75; Stack of bracelets of tiger eye, $30; Stainless steel electroplated beads, $30 and pyrite, $30 — Erika Williner Designs; Sunglasses, (model’s own).
#6 Metallic Metamorphosis
Who doesn’t love a little shimmer? This season we are obsessed with a warm, neutral two piece set that is the perfect canvas for any color palette, especially a beachy blue kimono that reflects ‘all things nature’ like clouds, butterflies and florals. Delicate details such as shell earrings and necklace craft this combination.
Vitamin A, Good Shimmer Swimsuit Set, $195.95 — Reno Beach Surf Shop; Cropped Bamboo Kimono, $135 — RareHues; Genuine shell gold dipped pendant, $55, Shell hoops, $25 — Erika Williner Designs; Sunglasses (model’s own)
BY VALERIE ROMAS
PHOTOGRAPHER: Brian James, Brian James Gallery, @brianjamesphoto – 727-744-2254 | WARDROBE STYLIST: Valerie Romas, @valerieromas – 813-335-9974
MAKEUP & HAIR: Monique McLaughlin, @moemakeup – Moemakeup.com | MODEL: Mimi, @mimimermaid | ASSISTANT: Mia Sessums
CONTRIBUTING BOUTIQUES & DESIGNERS: Reno Beach Surf Shop – 1031 4th St. North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, 727-510-1921; RareHues – 718 South Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, FL 33609, 813-313-6540; Erika Williner Williamson, Erika Williner Designs – 813-965-1946, erikawilliner@me.com
