Something Lost Along The Way

This weekend I had the chance to catch up with some old friends. Due to time and geographical distances we don't get to see each other as much as we would like but we try to keep in touch and current on what is going on in each other's lives as much as possible. It's hard to believe but within the blink of an eye I realized that we have been friends for nearly 10 years. It seems like we just met and here we are 10 years later. So we finally made plans to meet up so that I can meet her new baby. We met at a little place right near the ocean to chat and reminisce about the past (the good old days if you will). So after a quick bite to eat we walked across the street to the beach. Unknown to me at the time but this was her baby's first trip to the beach. As a baby, it isn't that unrealistic to imagine that she has never seen the ocean but as someone who doesn't have children the fact that everything is a first to her never crossed my mind.

 So as we approached the sand and water I was fascinated to watch her approach this unknown experience with such wonder and excitement. As she dug in the sand and watched the waves crash upon the shore her carefree attitude and complete joy at such a simple occurrence made me long for a time when I felt that way. As adults we lose this childish sense of excitement and adventure. As we spent the day building castles and just enjoying our time in the sun and sand I thought how amazing it must feel to experience the ocean for the first time. So with that thought in mind I challenge each and every one of you to try an activity you have never done before or to reacquaint yourself with something you do all the time, such as going to the beach. Look to the simple pleasures of your experience and try to view it through your inner child's eyes. How does it affect your mood, your perspective, your fun? Let us know what you did to reconnect with your youth?

Heading back to the beach for the first time? Click HERE for all your swimwear needs!

Editor's Pick: 3 Ways to Get Back On Track

I don't know about you but I had a great Labor Day weekend! I spent time with family and friends, relaxed out by the beach, and enjoyed some great food and drinks. Probably a little too much if I'm being completely honest. So with summer coming to a close it seems like no better time than now to take some much needed time to focus on recharging and cleansing from such an amazing weekend. Like all things, moderation is the key to success and since I strayed away from that concept this weekend I asked our editors for their top 3 favorite ways to stay healthy and get back on track.  Just a little help so that I can stay swimsuit ready all year round. 

1.) Flavored water - We aren't talking about your regular run of the mill, store bought version. We are talking about home made flavored water infused with your favorite fresh flavors. Try watermelon mint water, it's definitely one of our favorites but try out any combination of fruits and herbs you like. Your personal preferences determine on how much flavor you want. Gently muddle watermelon and mint and add in water, ice and stir. The combinations are endless and the results are delicious, refreshing and good for you. Without all of the added sugar and flavorings from pre made drinks these homemade options will keep you hydrated and guilt free as you drink up.  

2.) Walking - As the heat starts to break, you now have one less excuse to keep you from getting in your daily dose of exercise. Try as little as 30 mins a day to keep year heart healthy and not to mention your waist line. 

3.) Breakfast - They always say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and they aren't lying. Starting your day off with a healthy breakfast will help provide you with fuel to get you through and keep you on track. Our personal favorite is oatmeal loaded up with all of our favorite berries. Oatmeal is a great way to stave off hunger. Is oatmeal a little bland and flavorless for you? Turn it into a tasty treat by adding fresh blueberries and strawberries and turn you morning breakfast into a meal packed full with vitamins and antioxidants. 

How do you recover after a long weekend? Send us some of your favorite ideas!

Not giving up on summer just yet? Shop great new styles HERE

FUN IN THE SUN IN...

 

O'ahu, Hawaii

O'ahu, Hawaii, also known as "The Gathering Place" is destination to approximately 4.5 million people annually. As an island, the beach is never too far away and provides a variety of activities to suit anyone's specific desires. From Waikiki's city like beach environment to the North Shore's many secluded hideaways, O'ahu has it all. What makes this particular Hawaiian island so different from the others? It has everything anyone could ever want all in one location. It is the home to the University of Hawaii, Pearl Harbor, and Honolulu, the state capital. It provides a plethora of shopping, from gift stores to luxury boutiques. You want more? They give it to you...surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, fine dining, nightlife, music and so much more! We have selected our top 4 must see things to do in O'ahu.

Pearl Harbor is the site of a National Historical landmark that commemorates the attack on the United States naval base on December 7, 1941. This series of events is what led the US into WWII. Today you can remember the past and pay tribute by visiting the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center. Make sure you plan ahead because there is plenty to see and do and the waits can be lengthy. 

Looking to refuel on the go? Stop by for some of O'ahu's famous food trucks for a quick bite that is anything but fast food.  Keep an eye out for Giovanni's Shrimp Truck featuring shrimp scampi, lemon butter shrimp and of course the jumbo garlic hot dog. Now I'm hungry!

Trying to find a great place to snorkel? Look no further than Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Park. Prior to gaining access to the beach visitors must watch a short video to educate them on the preserve. It is well worth the time and entrance fee as the bay is filled with an exotic assortment of marine life. There is no shortage of colorful fish and coral in this underwater paradise.

 What trip to Hawaii would be complete without a Luau? Featuring traditional Hawaiian fare and of course Hula dancing! While the dancing styles can vary from Polynesian, Tahitian, and Samoan, one thing is for sure, whichever you see will be sure to entertain. My personal favorite is the fire dancing!

With so many activities to choose from there is never a dull moment. So whether you prefer to hang up your hammock and relax or are looking for an adventure filled getaway, O'ahu is the place for you. Aloha! 

Are you ready for your trip? Click HERE to start packing.

The “Time for Us” is Now!

Agua Bendita Time for Us Collection

We are loving this behind-the-scenes Agua Bendita Time for Us collection video with the newest AB face, Kendall Jenner!

Best part of the video: it introduces four of the newest offerings from All Wet Beachwear! Read about each one below and see if you can spot them in the video.

•  Bendito Trendy: Stay ahead of the trends with this beaded, pastel snake print suit with extra curve appeal on the scallop edges for top and bottom.
•  Bendito Tribal One Piece: Criss cross backing makes this one-piece stand out in the crowd. The lace and beading detail on the bust line doesn’t hurt, either. ;)
•  Bendito Orquidea: From the racerback top to the strappy cutout and ruffle- accented bottom, it’s all about the details in this flirty bikini.
• Bendito Camomila: What makes this citrus, floral and stripes printed two-piece even better? Cut-outs on the bandeau top and hipster bottom that add a little extra skin. We officially love this one.

Did we mention all of Agua Bendita’s swimwear is hand-crafted in Colombia? Win-win. 

Fab Flats to match our New Swim Styles

It is surprisingly tricky to find the perfect flat sandal. Beach flats have to be easy to slip on, comfortable and cute. They also have to be constructed with quality materials that are durable enough to withstand the wet and sanding conditions. We scoped out a few hot new pairs that would be the perfect accent to some of our new swim styles.

Our Luli Fama Comparsita Crystallized Bikini + a pink and yellow thong sandal from TKEES

The LSpace Dolly White Fringe Bandeau + Mystique Turquoise Beaded Sandal

 

Caffe Rivera Bead-Embellished Bikini + Tory Burch White Flat Sandal

Luli Fama Aquanile Bikini + Stewart Weitzman Color Block Sandal

Poko Pano Bunny Bandeau White Bikini + Alexander Wang Annette Sandals

Get more styling tips for your beach look... email us at style@allwetbeachwear.com

Luli Fama 2011 Collection Now In Stock

Luli Fama Baila Luli Baila Sea Twist Bandeau and Scrunch Bottom

The 2011 collection from Luli Fama is now available on All Wet Beachwear.

Designers Lourdes “Luli” Hanimian and Augusto Hanimian channeled all the fun of a Caribbean vacation into their vibrant Luli Fama 2011 collection entitled "Dance the Luli Dance." The bikinis, inspired by a jaunt to the Caribbean, reflect the upbeat energy of a holiday filled with partying, dancing and ample beach time. The show at Mercedes Benz fashion week in Miami even opened with a lively musical performance. 

This sizzling collection features alluring cuts done in bright tropical prints in high pigment pinks, greens and blues. The Baila Luli Baila Sea Twist Bandeau and Scrunch Bottom, a classic bandeau in turquoise, green and lemon yellow, echoes the shades of sun and sea. The Mojitos y Mares Bandeau and Scrunch Bottom is done in deeper greens and blues. A playful string bikini in a coral reef print, the Estella y Fama Crystal Wavy Triangle Top and Tie Side, is accented with charming gold hardware in the shape of starfish. 

Luli Fama Estrella y Fama Crystal Wavy Triangle Top and Tie Side

The Toque Divino Triangle Top and Wavy Tie Side, in an abstracted aquatic print, features a jewelry element as well, a decorative gold hoop that connects the cups. The Balia Luli Balia Crystal Triangle Top and Wavy Tie Side  pops in fuchsia and violet fabric with glittery details. While the Timbales Crystalized Triangle Top and Ring Tie Side bikini is lined with coral, fuchsia and rich brown bands like a golden sunset.

Luli Fama Timbales Crystal Triangle Top and Ring Tie Side

Like all our brands on AWB, Luli Fama swimwear is made from high quality materials so these electric brights will not fade. In true Luli Fama fashion this new collection is feminine, sexy and playfully flirty guaranteed to get noticed on any beach.

Take a trip with Luli Fama 2011. Watch exclusive footage of the 2011 runway show now on the AWB homepage and shop the collection here. 

Beach Beauty Tips from Celebrity Makeup Artist Lonz

AWB keeps you stocked with all of the fashionable swimwear, cover-ups and accessories you need to make the maximum impact on the beach. Being fashion obsessed, naturally we are makeup lovers. We are always looking for new tips to keep us on trend. So this weekend we consulted the expertise of Loni Jones, known as Lonz, a talented NARS makeup artist who has done makeup for fashion and television in Jamaica and Grand Cayman. She was lead makeup artist at Caribbean Fashion week 2007 – 2009, works with Ocean Style TV and has groomed and beautified celebrities including: M.I.A., Sean Paul, Tanya Stevens, Tami Chin, Yendi Phillips, Marcia Griffiths, Etana, Brick and Lace, Jovi Rockwell, and Timeka. 

Loni Jones MUA

We asked her for her thoughts on beach beauty….

AWB - There are many women who will not wear makeup to the beach. I like to wear a little something. What is your opinion on makeup at the beach?

Lonz - Nothing's wrong with wearing a bit of makeup to the beach! The amount worn also depends on the occasion. So lets say it’s a beach party that starts in the evening, then by all means look glamorous. But if it’s a regular day and your intention is to get a little tan going and chill, minus the boy scoping, then keep it minimal.


AWB - What are 5 key products for beach beauty?

Lonz - SPF, lip-balm, bronzer, waterproof mascara and waterproof liner

Sephora Flashy Liner Waterproof 

AWB - What about after a day at the beach? Say someone is going out to a dinner or party after having spent some time at the beach and they are looking beautifully bronzed. Are there any ways to enhance and compliment a sun-kissed look?

Lonz - Using a self-tanner is one way. Also using products that illuminate the skin.
 

Clarins Paris After Sun Moisturizer Self-Tanning

Nars Multiple in Malaysia

AWB - One fabulous thing about the Caribbean is the frequency of the beach parties! Do you have any tips for people on what to do to prep for a beach party the night before before?

Lonz - Waxing is a must if you plan to expose your bikini line or legs...hairy legs are so 1990! But to prep, I’d suggest drinking a lot of water to hydrate the body and skin.

AWB – Jamaica’s Heroes' Weekend recently past, did you see any cool beach party makeup looks over the weekend?

Lonz - Yes. I saw a girl who did a light and simple purple smoky eye with bronzed cheeks and lots of mascara. 

Purple smoky eye from the Luli Fama 2011 Collection

Luli Fama 2011 Collection Makeup Look

AWB - Anything else you think should be added about beach beauty?

Lonz - Beach beauty is fun and sexy. It doesn't have to be over the top or excessive...

Check out Loni’s blog for more beauty tips: http://made-up-makeup.tumblr.com/.