A Summer Must Have: One-piece Suits

There is a common misconception when it comes to one-piece bathing suits. The school of thought is, that they are solely reserved for people who are older, shy, timid, or those trying to hide their imperfections. This couldn't be further from the truth. The best way to prove our point is to look towards some of the most beautiful celebrity ladies and see how they have worn a one-piece suit. Each of these glamorous women have chosen to wear a one-piece suit and we all know it isn't because they are shy or don't look amazing in a bikini.

With so many bikinis out there today a great way to break from the norm and really stand out is by trying a one-piece bathing suit. They are figure flattering and come in a variety of styles and colors to fit anyone's shape. If you are looking for something with a retro vibe look for a style like the suit Kirsten Dunst is wearing. With a checked pattern and a 50's style cut this is a great modern way to try a vintage inspired suit. Are you more of a romantic girl at heart? Look to Beyonce for your style inspiration for a great one-piece with long modest coverage on the bottom. This works great for pear and hourglass shapes by providing additional thigh coverage. Do you prefer to stand out? Try a red hot color like Penelope Cruz. This suit is definitely not for those looking to hide. Lastly we have one of America's sweetheart's Reese Witherspoon. She is a great example of a classic apple shape. She has selected a black one-piece with a ruched midsection. This is a great style for those looking to draw attention away from their stomach.

With so many great one-piece styles to choose from, fear of  being boring on the beach this summer definitely won't be a problem.

Shop one-piece swimsuits and more HERE

Red, White, and Blue Celebrity Style

With the 4th of July holiday coming to an end, we are taking a look back through some of our favorite patriotic inspired celebrity bikinis! From Charlize to Candice each of these fabulous ladies has picked a style and color that works for them. With so many options to choose from you can wear red, white and blue year round.

RED

Charlize Theron and Kate Hudson both look amazing in these red bikinis. Charlize is rocking a bright triangle top bikini. This classic suit is great for those with a fuller bust because it provides more support. Are you more of a pear shape? Try a suit like Kate Hudson's. The bandeau top is flattering on pears because it draws the attention up to your top and helps to create a more hourglass figure.

Looking to sizzle in a red bikini? Shop the look with the below styles and more.

WHITE

Do you enjoy the clean crisp look of white? No color shows off a tan better than a white bathing suit. Kim Kardashian is one of our favorite bikini clad examples of how flattering white can be on sun kissed skin. She often opts for a white suit while having fun in the sun. She also chooses styles that accentuate her hourglass figure. Kate Upton also sticks to similar suit styles as an apple she 

wants to find suits that are supportive on the top to keep any unnecessary attention away from her midsection. 

Ready to try a white hot suit of your own shop these suits and more below!

 BLUE

Are you inspired by the ocean or the sky? Then blue is more your color. Paris Hilton and Candice Swanepoel both look amazing in varying shades of this calming color. If you're looking for something sexy and fun try a suit like Paris' with cut outs all over. This suit can be flattering on a variety of body shapes depending on where the cut outs are. Candice is wearing a suit that is great for apples and hourglass shapes. The top has underwire which is great for providing additional support. The multi string bottom is a great way to add detail and still keep the bottom simple and classic.

Dive into these blue suits and more below!

It's a 4th of July Celebration!

What better way to celebrate our independence this 4th of July than by spending time with friends and family. The 4th is the quintessential summer time holiday. As one of the Senior Editors here at AWB I am more than excited to be heading off to the lake to celebrate. There is nothing more classic than celebrating the holiday floating in a lake, barbecuing, having a few beers, and enjoying some fireworks.

But like all of our editors I am constantly plagued by the thought that I will get there only to find out that I forgot to pack one of my essential items. So this year I created a checklist to ensure that my vacation goes off without a hitch. I plan to spend every moment I can hanging out in the sun, which makes light weight essentials that easily fit in my bag key.

1.) First, and most importantly, don't forget a bathing suit. If you remember nothing else remember this. Have fun with your suit this 4th of July. Wear a patriotic color, or try out a fun, fresh print.

2.) Next up, grab a bright and colorful towel. It will help you to stand out on the sand and you will be able to easily locate where you are when coming back out of the water.

3.) SUNSCREEN! Yes I am yelling because it is so important for a long weekend in the sun to make sure you are constantly applying sunscreen. Don't let a sunburn get in the way of your fun.

4.) Sunglasses are a must. Besides allowing you to people watch without being caught, they protect your eyes from the suns harmful rays. They also make reading out on the beach so much easier.

5.) Reading materials. Whether you are an old school traditionalist and prefer the comforts of books and magazines, or you are high tech and love the endless library of your tablet, bringing something to read is always a great idea.

6.) Water, water, water. It's important to stay hydrated while spending the day at the beach. That is not to say that having a few beers in between isn't an awesome plan, because it is, but just be sure to drink plenty of water while having fun in the sun.

7.) A great shade of nail polish. I don't generally carry my nail polish to the beach with me but I do count it as an essential because nothing says summer fun like a bright bold nail! So change up your regular nail polish before your trip and see what a great color can really do for you!

8.) Last but certainly not least is a beach bag. Find something that you love and make sure it is large enough to carry all of your essential items.

No matter what you decide to bring on your trip this holiday weekend, we here at AWB want to wish you a Happy 4th of July and look forward to hearing how you spent your holiday!

Shop for the 4th of July HERE!

Burning Up Red Hot: Color Alert

Looking to attract some attention this summer? Then have every eye on the beach drawn to you in your little red bikini. Red is the color of confidence, passion and romance. So it is no surprise that stepping out in an all red bikini or outfit isn't for the faint of heart. Looking to try the trend but need to take a baby step? Try starting with a bright red nail to add a bold accent to any look. Other great ways to rock red this season are by adding in accessories. A statement necklace or a great bag in your favorite shade of red is an easy go to whenever your outfit needs a little pop of color. Ready for the full length look? Red shorts and a tank top are the perfect combination for a day out. Swap out for a sexy red dress and heels for night time fun! However you choose to wear this color you are sure to get the attention you are looking for.

Ready to sizzle on the beach in a red bikini? Shop the look and more HERE

The Many Bikinis of Lauren Conrad

Lauren Conrad first stepped into the spotlight when she was cast in the reality TV show Laguna Beach and later in the spin-off series The Hills. As of late, however Lauren has quickly become known as a major heavy weight in the fashion industry. One of her first steps into the world of fashion was working with Kohl's to launch the clothing line LC Lauren Conrad in 2009. In 2011 she went on to create her Paper Crown line which caters towards a more upscale fashion forward audience.

From writing books to making guest appearances she does it all. But what impresses us, here at AWB, most of all is how she can juggle her growing career and still find time to keep herself in bikini ready shape everyday. LC is known for her amazing body and she isn't afraid to show it. When she isn't hard at work she finds time to enjoy herself out in the sun. What does a fashionable sun worshiper such as herself need plenty of…bikinis! And she sure has a collection. She knows exactly what styles work for her and sticks with them. Since she is a pear shape, bandeau tops look great on her by creating a larger bust and balancing out her bottom half. Her other go to suit is the triangle top bikini. This works for her because the top provides support and the string bottoms allow for adjustability but don't draw any extra attention to the lower half. Leave it to LC to look fresh and fashionable even at the beach.

Shop for your favorite LC inspired looks and more HERE

Trend Alert: High-Waisted Bikini

Get yourself pin up ready with these amazing high-waisted bikinis straight from the runway. High-waisted suits are figure flattering and help to give women the hourglass figure they are striving for. By providing a little extra coverage these suits are sexy and feminine and leave a little air of mystery. Like all great trends the high-waisted bikini is not new to the fashion world. The beautiful women of the 40's will forever be immortalized in summer in the numerous photos and ads showcasing one of our all time favorite looks. Today this same style is back and better than ever. To keep the look young and modern today's designers take the classic elements and reinvision it for the modern woman. By keeping a more traditional shape to the bottom and adding in cutouts, hardware, and color blocking it all helps to bring this look into the current decade. With so many versions of this suit there is a style that works for nearly all body types. Hourglasses can wear practically all styles as the high-waist helps to accentuate your already existing curves. Apples, look for bottoms with solid colors and paneling on the bottom for a slimming effect and to hide your midsection. So take a cue from the past and look great in the future with any of these amazing high-waisted options.

Loving the look? Shop these styles and more HERE!

Bikini Outfit of the Day: Little Black Bikini

It has been a well known secret of women that black makes us look thinner, and for all intents and purposes this is true. The concept that all black, or all dark colors, makes us appear thinner is for a multitude of reasons. It creates a monochromatic streamline for the eye which isn't broken up by other colors, making you appear longer and thinner. Dark colors also help to hide any bunching or curves in the fabric which would be more visible in lighter colors. When wearing black these imperfections are more difficult to see and therefore creates a more slimming look. The same is true when it comes to a Little Black Bikini (LBB). It helps to hide some of our flaws and always creates a sophisticated, put together look. Below we have selected our favorite LBB for each body shape. By selecting a style that flatters your body type and adds in the slimming effect of dark solid colors, these looks are sure to become your go to LBB.   

Hourglass

Apple

Pear

Rectangle

Find your perfect Little Black Bikini and more HERE

Straight From the Runway: Monokini Madness

Caitlin Kelly Swimwear, Aquarella Swimwear, Gottex, Aquaclara

One of our favorite runway trends at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014 in Miami were monokinis. The monokini was originally designed as a topless one piece suit with a wide array of cutouts. Some styles have side or front cutouts or a combination of both. Others have sheer fabric connecting the top piece to the bottom, and some even wrap the fabric around in a unique design to create gaps and openings. Another great feature we loved seeing on the runway was all of the vivid colors, fresh prints, and amazing hardware.

There is a monokini for practically all body shapes. Most are best suited for hourglass figures as they provide additional support at the bust and show off a slim waist with cutouts along the side. Apples and fuller figured shapes may want to look for styles with more coverage around the waist and look more for plunging neckline cutouts. Pears want to look for suits with more detailing along the top half to draw the eye up and create a more proportionate appearance. Lastly, rectangles want to look for styles that create a well defined waist line. Look for suits with side cutouts or ones that have wrap around detailing around the waist. With so many options it's no surprise that the monokini has quickly become the perfect summer must have!

Shop the look and more HERE

Fanatical for Fringe!

Here at AWB we are absolutely crazy about all things fringe. From shoes to bags we can't get enough of it. So it is no surprise that when it comes to swimwear we are no different. Some of our favorite celebrities such as Rihanna, Ashley Tisdale and Hayden Panettiere have been seen sporting fringe bikinis.

Try mixing and matching with bright colored solids and fun and festive prints.

Fringe adds a fresh twist to a classic solid colored bikini.

Not ready for a fringe bikini? Try one of these amazing fringe skirts. This is a sexy way to implement this trend into your beach wardrobe!

Shop fringe and more trends HERE!

A Blast From the Past: Retro Style Swimwear

 Retro bathing suits are back in a big way. No matter if it's the 40's, 50's or 60's styles that appeal to you, AWB has all the vintage inspired suits you are looking for. What makes these modern suits so great is the way they have seamlessly merged the old in with the new.

 

One-piece suits once were the standard in fashionable swimwear. The addition of thin straps or a halter strap as seen above were popular of the times. These suits are given a modern twist with their high cuts and ruched detailing.

   

Looking for something a little more wild, look for one-pieces with great prints. It's all about the animal, floral and geometric patterns. Sweetheart, bandeau, and plunging necklines all add retro inspired touches.

Are bikinis more your thing? Well we have plenty of great options for you as well. From classic florals to funky prints these bikinis are anything but old. What gives these suits that old time feel is all in the details. Look for suits with ruffles, ties, and structure. Boning and support were all the rage back then so look to suits that can create that illusion. Try out this high waisted geometric print bandeau bikini above. This definitely isn't your grandmother's suit!

Check out all of these styles and more HERE