Last week was a pretty exciting one around Orange County – our own “Swim Week” – as the Swim Collective trade show took place in Huntington Beach. I LOVE going to this show – previewing all the new swim lines coming out, seeing old friends, and meeting new ones. In the past, I’ve worked the show as a model, but this year I decided to cover the event both for my blog and my agency, No Ties Management. (Check out the Instagram takeover I did for them here.)
A few of my favorite notable trends:
- SO many reversible suits! Because who doesn’t want that – it’s like two suits (or more) for the price of one!
- Cheeky bottoms (to tan those buns when the time is right!)
- Rad one-pieces that can also double as body suits (yep, body suits! Remember those?)
- GOOD fabrics…like guys, they are just getting better and better. Buttery, soft, no-pinch kind of fabrics.
- Crochet and macrame – always beautiful when done right!
Brands That Never Disappoint (My go-to favorites!)
L*Space
I literally headed straight to the L*Space booth when we got there! Monica Wise is truly talented, and understands swimwear like no one else! I love seeing how she’ll mix new prints with her classic cuts, and what new cuts she comes up with. Scroll below for a few sneak peeks of what you’ll find next spring, and for my favorites you can still shop now ( some on sale!!).
MY FAVORITES YOU CAN SHOP NOW:
Vitamin A
I ran into Amahlia (the “A” in Vitamin A!) as we were waiting for our valet, and I’m so happy I got to see her! We chatted a bit about the new line. I love how much attention she pays to flattering fits and her modern aesthetic. I also ran into Lizann, a fellow No Ties model, who was working at their booth. So fun to see her!
MY FAVORITES YOU CAN SHOP NOW:
Amuse Society
Where do I start with Amuse Society? It’s been so fun to watch this brand blow up so quickly, and I love the ladies behind it. The best kind of people, who also happen to be really really good at what they do. Amuse is so much more than swim – the ready-to-wear coming out is so good! I had to try on this neoprene laser-cut one piece – Amuse was the first brand to laser cut neoprene and they do it right.
MY FAVORITES YOU CAN SHOP NOW:
Wildfox
Because Wildfox is always cute, and to me always just screams California.
MY FAVORITES YOU CAN SHOP NOW:
Brands to Watch (My favorite new ones!)
Ayra Swimwear
I loved getting to know Genesis, the designer for Ayra Swimwear. First of all, I’m not quite sure why she hires models, because she should probably just model everything herself! She’s strikingly beautiful! And she has a beautiful accent that I loved hearing as she told us that all of her pieces are made from finest Italian fabrics and they are all seamless. She has a passion for using crochet and macrame in the best ways. This was her first show in the US and she’s bringing the brand here, and I can’t wait to see what she does with it!
S.TORY STANDARDS
I love the story behind S.TORY ;). Designer Sandra Tory (who I instantly wanted to be friends with!) grew up in Hawaii, where she was constantly around swimwear. She wasn’t satisfied with the swimwear out there, so she started sewing her own, unique pieces. So many people expressed interest in her suits that she knew she needed to start making them available, and S.TORY was born. For Sandra, it’s all about the structure and cut of the suits. That being said, I also obsessed over her fabrics – we laughed because I couldn’t stop picking up my favorites and feeling them. I love that her pieces are made to go from beach to dinner to a night out, in true Hawaiian style. The one-pieces double as body suits, and common themes run through her swim and ready-to-wear pieces, making them fun to mix and match.
Cami and Jax
Guys, the sisters that design/own this Malibu-based line are incredible! And they understand women and swimwear, from poolside lunging to playing in the water. Designer Jackie Brady and her sister, former pro-surfer Camille Brady, have been water babies since before they could walk. I love that their pieces look good and are so functional. I’m really excited to see where these girls go! I wish I had pictures from the show, but check out their site here.
Ok guys, this heat wave and all this swim talk has me dying to get to the pool. I’ll be out there answering emails for the next couple hours ;). Happy Monday!
xo
Jen
Monrow Jumpsuit | DV Sandals | Cleobella Purse | James Michelle Gold Bar Necklace
OOTD
