fffabulous

say bye bye to tan lines with bikinibands

What do Jennifer Aniston and Brooke Burke have in common? They should be using BikiniBands when out in the sun. Because BikiniBands is simply the most elegant way to never ever be caught with ugly tan lines, while still look fffabulous in your fffavorite swimsuit, of course. BikiniBands is discreet, easy to use, and holds your top securely in place so you can untie your straps and relax in the sun strap-free. Damn, I wish I had thought of this brilliant idea because this is the coolest accessory I've used this summer.

fffabulous sale: L*Space swimwear

I got this fffabulous L*Space swimsuit last summer, and to this day, it remains my fffavorite swimsuit. I get lots of compliments, stares, and 'where did you get it?' when I wear it. Because it's sexy, classic yet has a little something that makes it stand out from any other swimsuits, and it comes in a beautiful solid color. Well, today is your lucky day because the L*Space 2010 Swimwear Collection is on sale. Pick a top and a bottom you like, mix and match shapes and colors, and you're guaranteed to wow the crowd next time you wear it. My favorite colors are the Plum color for a very sophisticated look, and the Royal color for a fun bright look; check them out on Heidi Montag and Cameron Diaz. And, I have a thing for the Coco Halter top (pictured here) that Lindsay Lohan was wearing last summer. I love it that the gold chain hardware replaces the classic straps. So fffab! Now, I'm curious: which one(s) are you gonna get?

L*Space bikini

Summer is almost here, and even though I'm still purchasing cashmere sweaters (for chilly nights, that is), I went on a quest for the perfect bikini. And lucky me, I found it in this gorgeous L*Space "Slinky Solids" Twister Top and this Diva D-Ring Hipster Bottom. I love everything about it. The plum color is gorgeous and different from your classic black, brown or red swimsuits. The halter top is classic and flattering to any figure with its twister-style bust. But what I like the most about this suit is its matching hipster bottom. I love that it's low rise and features large, goldtone D-rings on the side for a very sophisticated James Bond-like look. I also love that you can buy the top and bottom separately for a perfffect fffit, so measure up and order the sizes that fit you best. All in all, it's the perfect bikini to sport on a yacht in Saint-Tropez this summer, or at your usual summer vacation spot. Just be ready to have all eyes on you!

And as if it couldn't get any better than that, Hautelook.com is having a sale on L*Space swimsuits starting tomorrow until Sunday, so stay tuned for the hottest deals. We'll be twittering about all our fffavorites then.

speedo hot lava swimsuit

I have three criteria for the swimsuits I buy for swim practice: 1. Limited coverage for minimal tan lines 2. Nice colors and patterns and 3. Resistance to wear and tear. While #1 is a prerequisite and #2 quite important for the fffashionista that I am (my swimsuits have to be blue to be in harmony with the pool environment/water), I am quite flexible on #3, because it means I will have to go swimsuit shopping more often if the swimsuits deteriorate more quickly. Well, I am lucky that my latest find meets all my criteria.

The Hot Lava Axcel Back Endurance+ swimsuit looks fffabulous with its fancy lava burst pattern; I just love its luminous blue color, and it is made of 50% Poly/50% PBT, which means serious competition for my almost 1-year old camo swimsuit...or I may have to retire it sooner than I thought I'd have to. Oh, and if you throw in a pair of goggles or a swim cap (we always need back-up ones just in case) to your order, you will get 20% off your entire purchase of $90 or more by entering coupon code SPDPROMO at checkout (offer valid through March 4th, 2009, 11:59pm ET.)

Happy swimming!

melissa odabash swimwear

It's been freezing outside, so I thought a post on fancy bikinis would warm us all up and raise our temperatures. How is that? Well, because the Melissa Odabash swimwear line is HOT HOT HOT! And it will surely get you in the mood to go bikini shopping, and to maybe even book the fancy winter gateway trip that goes with it!

I got this Melissa Odabash Sharita halter bikini on hautelook.com, and I love it. It is sexy and sophisticated, and I am a big fan of its green color (although you may prefer the equally fffabulous white version of it depending on your skin tone). I love the attention to details on the bandeau style top with the bead embellished halter neck and the ring detail, while the self-tie high leg briefs are just so perfectly simple. And did I already mention how sexy it looks? As for the sizing, the bottom is Brazilian-style tiny, so pick a size that fits your bust-line, and you're all set!

the perfect cover-up

Before we dive too much into winter stuff (and I do have a lot to feature already, and it's gonna hurt more than one fffashionista's wallet. Aaaaah!), I still need to talk about a few of my summer fffavorites...just because it's never too late to grab a few 'keepers' for next summer. One of them is the Michelle Jonas Short Hippie Dress that I got on sale at the BellaRosa boutique in Los Gatos. I hesitated to get it, but now I think it's probably the best buy of the summer; this dress or cover-up is practical, totally adorable and different from any cover-ups I have seen lately with the lace inset and drawstring at waist, beaded ties woven through neckline, a lace hem, and a plunging keyhole at front. Now, that's hot! Plus, it doesn't hurt that the first time I wore it, a couple of ladies that were lounging by the pool asked me where I got it, and if they could take a closer look at it. So I did give them a 'tour' of this dress, and explained the different ways it can be worn: keep the plunging hole on the front and wear it 'as is' on top of a fffabulous swimsuit to hang out by the pool; or wear a white tank top underneath to wear it as an everyday dress or, wear the plunging hole in the back to wear it at night...sexy! Oh, and get a size larger than you usually wear as this dress looks better if it's a little loose. I usually wear a size XS or S, and I got a M in this dress.

Although I haven't tried it on, I also suggest the equally adorable Michelle Jonas Lace Jumper. Hot hot hot!

fabiola molina workout bikinis

If you've been watching the Beijing Olympics as much as I have, you must be dreaming of swimming, swimming, and more swimming; in addition to fantasizing about sleeping, sleeping, and even more sleeping (Personally, I am totally sleep deprived. Argh!). You might also consider getting a fancy swimsuit that is made for swimming, while looking fashionable and sexy. Now, no one wants maxi tan lines while getting in great shape, because that would totally defeat the purpose of being extra fffabulous! Well, since the day I met Miss Erica, she's been raving about the Fabiola Molina swimsuits, and I may just have to get one already! Here is why:

"We all know that the best bikinis come from Brazilian brands, right? Well, make sure you add Fabiola Molina to the list, too. What I love about Fabiolina Molina is the range of versatility this brand has to offer. I used to train for hours on end when I was a competitive swimmer, and the last thing you want is an unsightly swimsuit tan. But of course, I would never train in something that I fear would fall off every time I flip turned or pushed off the wall. So that's why the Sunkini line was so popular among my teammates and I; they minimized tan lines yet magically stayed on us, even at sprinting speeds or off the diving blocks! Plus, they are super cute, too. I prefer the Polyamide Sunkini suits for training because they are highly chlorine resistant, therefore they don't fade easily or go thin.

However, for those who don't spend hours in the pool each day and who just want a hot and sexy suit, Fabiola Molina also offers a bikini line, which features countless combinations of different swim suit styles, colors, and patterns. The possibilities are endless! Oh, and it doesn't hurt that these suits are super affordable...about 50 bucks or less for a bikini!"

the saint tropez way

I bought one Kiwi bikini about two years ago: I was checking out bikinis in a store in the South of France that was selling only bikinis (and I remember being totally overwhelmed by it) when I came across the Kiwi brand for the first time. I had found one bikini that not only suited me perfectly, but it was also red (yay for the Baywatch look!) and on sale, too. And it doesn't hurt that Kiwi is a Saint Tropez brand. Since then, I always check for new models from this brand and never get disappointed. I love their tops' triangle shape the best; it is classic yet sexy, while providing great coverage. Some also have discreet Swarovski crystals ornaments, which adds a nice touch on a plain colored bikini. This year, I got this very new chocolate brown/savane marron kiwi bikini and I love it!

charlotte wears eres

I am currently vacationing in Nice, and what to do while on vacation in Nice? Go to the beach and soak up the sun like no other of course! Lucky me! There is also the option to pay a visit to the Brangelina twins; that may come later during my stay. Ha!

So I haven't bought a swimsuit in 2 years, and it is about time I get a new one. I still have yet to buy a Salinas swimsuit or Rosa Cha bikini that my Brazilian girlfriends recommended to me; but when in Rome, do like the Romans do. Plus, I am French, so it's another good reason to shop French! One of the most famous brands for swimwear here is Eres. I have long fantasized about owning one of their legendary bikinis but never bought one. The fact that Charlotte wears the Niko Milla Bandeau swimsuit from the Eres Swimwear 2008 line in the Sex and the City movie makes it even more tempting to splurge on a nice swimsuit that looks like candy (I love the pinkish-mauve Idole color). I am usually not that into one-piece swimsuits, but this one is too adorable to pass up. Plus, I love the lacing on the front and the fact that this bandeau suit comes with a removable strap. Hooray for minimal tan lines!

sexy bikinis

I am getting addicted to Brazilian bikinis. Ooooh! Ms G. recommended I also check the Rosa Cha swimsuits, and Luciana, another Brazilian friend of mine, confirmed that these swimsuits are indeed totally fffabulous: "Rosa Cha swimsuits are made of excellent fabric and the designs are fffantastic. They are not the most cost effective bikinis you can buy, but the quality totally makes every dollar you pay worth it. And who's to pay attention to the price when you're sure to get compliments???"

My favorite is the Rosa Cha Matrix Bikini in white. A lady always needs to own a white bikini, as it looks classy and enhances a nice glowing tan. I'd also go with the Rosa Cha Ring Top Bikini in red and just pretend I just got out of the Baywatch movie. Ha!

salinas swimwear

I always get so excited when my Brazilian girlfriends share their very favorite Brazilian swimsuit brands, because who's better equipped in the bathing suit department than them? Brazilian brands always offer the most sexy yet most comfortable styles around, and my dear friend, Miss G., revealed that she loves Salinas swimsuits the most. And honestly, judging by the designs they have on their website, I don't need much persuasion...I'm already tempted to click on multiple 'order' buttons. They are just sooo hot! But According to Miss G., Salinas swimsuits offer much more than just a pretty bikini:

"I really love their bathing suits because they are fashionable, flattering and durable. They are small indeed, after all you're dealing with a Brazilian brand here, but they are not scandalous and they do stay in place. I actually used to wear Salinas bikinis when I swam in the Masters Class. Even with constant use the colors don't fade and the seams don't fray. Salinas always comes up with new things, whether it's a new cut, print or hardware. All you need to do is pair them with a cute pair of Havaianas and you're all set! Not to mention that they make the most adorable bathing suits for men, so I get stuff for my hubby while I'm at it ;-)"

And may I add that you can find some of these fffabulous swimsuits on sale? I want them all!

be beach fffabulous

It's officially summer, and with it comes the daunting task of searching for the perfect swimsuit. My friend Mia mentioned that she gets hers custom made, and it this made me really curious because for one, I have never heard of such thing, and for two, this is a genius idea! Here is Mia's blurb on it:

"Zoe Bikini has just come out with a sassy, sexy and glamorous line for summer! The new collection is made in delicious and trendy colors such as fushia, bright cobalt, soft yellow and glamorous black and gold. A lot of the pieces you can mix and match as you please. And, if you don't happen to find anything on the rack, Zoe can custom-make a bikini for you. Hot pink (fushia) is just that – Hot! This summer, I love the details of the straps of the bikinis and the little metal details - just the right thing to dot the i and make it more than any plain old bikini. Prices are reasonable, more than what you are used to paying at H&M but it is worth it; having a bikini that you feel totally comfortable and sexy in!”

sexy back

I hate shopping for swimsuits in general and even more so when it comes to workout swimsuits. Although most brands offer a large range of suits with cute patterns, I have never seen a swimsuit at swim practice that has blown me away with a 'wow, I HAVE to buy this suit!'. Okay, I know the point is to get a good workout and not to look like a pin-up at swim practice, but still, I like to look fffabulous wherever I go and at whatever I do.

I recently came across this really cute Speedo swimsuit, the Camo Axcel Back Endurance+ swimsuit. I love the camo inspired design (it's my next favorite print after any animal print), and I especially love the open back with the thin straps. One of my male friends mentioned to me the other day that a woman's back is one of her sexiest features—especially at the pool in a swimsuit—so anything that makes my back look sexier while minimizing tan lines is a win-win situation. In terms of sizing, I always get confused by the swimsuit charts, so I recommend you go to a sports store and try on a few swimsuits to figure out your size (tip: if you can easily bring the straps to your ears, the size is good). Note that this swimsuit is 50% Poly/50% PBT, which makes it 20 times more fade resistant and chlorine resistant than other lycra swimsuits, therefore it won't be as stretchy as you are used to. Oh, and I bought this suit in blue because it's like water!

And keep in mind that you can also get a 15% off on this swimsuit with coupon code SP177SUM at checkout (offer valid through June 4, 2008, 11:59pm ET). And for more fantastic coupon codes on your favorite brands, check out CouponCowGirl.com.

out of a Bond movie

Oh my! I found the swimsuit of my dreams, the Trina Turk Swimwear Monokini, and I am dying to try it out. Imagine yourself wearing it and getting out of the water towards James Bond himself. Wouldn’t it be super cool? Of course, I would probably wear it after 5pm or wear SPF 100 all day long (but that’s so not me), to avoid the huge tan line on my belly, but that’s another story all together…