Into The Blue - Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands (US and British) were unbelievably breathtaking. We woke up every morning to the most amazing views of St. Thomas from our room's balcony at Point Pleasant Resort. Swam in water everyday that felt like you were living in the water of a screen saver. Sipped rum punch, pain killers, and bushwackers daily. Basked in the rays of the beautiful sun. And even swam in torrential down pours that somehow still made the beaches and water perfectly beautiful. 

I can't wait to go back.

Acacia swim white bikini | Mikoh swim pink bikini

Bikini Shopping Tips and Tricks

It's no surprise I love bikinis. It's also no surprise that bikini shopping can be difficult, for various reasons. For me, it's difficult because none of the bikini companies I'd like to own are sold in stores around where I live. Most are in Hawaii, Australia, and maybe LA. One of the difficulties that stems from that, is how in the world am I supposed to figure out which size will be best for me. The size charts rarely reveal what the size really is like-- and if they only sell cheeky bottoms, how cheeky will they really be?! [I've learned, very cheeky...like Anastasia Ashley cheeky] 

So how does one who chooses to shop online get it right?

1. There are a lot of bikini selling companies out there. Most are great and very helpful with sizing. If you're really not sure about sizing, email them! See what the measurements are in inches. Tell them YOUR size and see what they recommend. Make sure you let them know if you want more coverage or less coverage. I promise, they will be helpful...and if they aren't, why would you want to give them your money? Move on to a better shop.
2. The cost of some bikinis can be very expensive. Remember that high quality suits are an investment. I've found that cheap suits only last me one summer. If I buy two or more new, but cheap, suits each summer and they literally only last two months, what's the point of that? To me, $80 and up is an investment. Keep these little tricks in mind when you are purchasing expensive swimwear:

• If I am purchasing a bikini [or anything online for that matter] I will do my best to not pay shipping. Find the shops that always offer free shipping [Zappos is amazing with that] or shops that offer free shipping if you spend a certain amount of money. 
• I also highly recommend free shipping for exchanging/return purposes. When it comes to online shopping, you have to come to terms that not everything will fit like you hoped. Free shipping makes it all better.
• Wait for sales. There's a sale for anything these days. First day of spring, Memorial Day Weekend, Groundhog Day..literally anything. So never settle for paying full price. When there are sales, be prepared to shop right away..sizes will run out.

My latest purchase is like my new baby. Mostly because I've been eyeing it for over a year or so, but also because I make the emoji heart eyed face every time I look at it. My new Mikoh Maui top in 'tropical' is the perfect addition to my collection [yes, I wanted to sound like Ariel there]. I ordered through Bikini.com and I will order from there again whenever I possibly can. Free shipping over $50, so basically any bikini I'd want. When it arrived, I've never seen such a beautifully colored package...they even sent it along with a hand-written thank you note. Something small, but so personal, makes all the difference. So thank you Bikini.com and to everyone else, make sure to check 'em out.

Mikoh Maui top in Tropical

Where is your favorite place to shop for bikinis??

Summertime Radness - Mikoh

While living in San Diego, I was lucky to peruse through a number of bikini warehouse sales. Which by the way, New Jersey is highly lacking of. Over a year ago, I came across a Mikoh warehouse sale -- I had seen them all over Instagram but never actually got to try one on. Once I did, I was hooked. Vibrant colors, creative designs, soft fabric...the list could go on and on.

You may have heard of or seen Mikoh more recently thanks to the uber fantastic Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition. [Yes, I love it because I get to see all the glorious kinis] I was pleasantly surprised when I saw one of my own bikinis, purchased over a year ago, sported by none other than Anastasia Ashley....I can't say I wore it better, but I can say I love it even more now. 

Check out more Mikoh summertime radness and see why they are such a favorite.

Summertime Radness

I truly love all 4 seasons, but there is just something extra special about summer. It's most likely because I'm a bikini addict, and I finally get to dust off my old bikinis or finally put on the new one [or 5] that I ordered while I was snowed in back in February. I'm also a beach addict, [like you didn't already know that] so I love the feeling of sticking my feet in the warm sand, jumping into 70+ degree water, tanning, riding my bike to the beach...gosh the list of summer beach things could go on and on!

My summertime radness mainly refers to all the amazing bikinis that are out there! Some personal favorites: L*Space, Acacia, and Mikoh. I'm pretty active when it comes to beach life, so I like a stylish suit yet one that can stay put while jumping in the water or getting pummeled by a wave.

For the rest of the summer, I'm happy to announce that I will post about my favorite bikini companies and let you all know why they should be your faves too :)