Blog | Ophelia Swimwear

Countdown to Shark Week with Boys and Arrows

June 14, 2016

Shark Week will be here before you know it. If you’re unfamiliar with Shark Week, let us share a little bit about it.

Shark Week: Shark Week is an annual, week-long TV programming block created by Tom Golden at the Discovery Channel, which features shark-based programming. Shark Week originally premiered on July 17, 1988. (Thanks, Google)

We are currently twenty days away from Shark Week. If you need a more accurate update, just click here: http://whenissharkweek.com/shark-week-countdown/

To accurately celebrateShark Week, we have decided to wear our favorite style this year from Boys + Arrows:meet the Shark Print. We vow to wear this bikini every day of shark week, not cheating with any of our other favorite suits. Join us?

Pictured: Alden Easter in Boys and Arrows Shark top and Mikoh bottoms from Ophelia

Photography: Will Easter

Ophelia x Womanista’s Cassie Kelley

June 13, 2016

Meet Cassie Kelley: the first and original Womanista, wife to Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum and now new mother to sweet baby Kelley. Cassie spends almost as much time on 30a as a local, at least as much as possible in between being a new mother and an on-the-road, always on-the-go cause my husband is in a major country band, wife. Cassie started Womanista back in 2012 as a platform to share things she was passionate about with women around the world. Now Womanista is home to an incredible group of bloggers and contributors with the same vision: women helping women.

So as if she wasn’t adorable enough, she rocks this Mara Hoffman bright romper from Ophelia like it was hand-made for her. And she’s got us convinced that it was. Cheers to cocktail hour!

Charles and Cassie’s first family vacation with their precious son was spent on 30a, soaking up the sun and relaxing on the beautiful gulf.

Being a first time mother comes with a handful of new realities: little to no sleep, the responsibility of having a newborn completely dependent on you for life, new hurdles and obstacles (especially owning your own business) and so much more. The thought of finding your way to the beach in a bikini can be terrifying.. BUT it doesn’t have to be! You can dress your new body (which is so strong and amazing) without compromising your style (and by that we mean settling for a semi-horrifying “mom” tankini). Cassie enjoyed her first family vacay in this timeless Clover Canyon one piece and couldn’t have looked any more chic and supermom-y if she tried.

Cassie, here’s to you. You’re an incredible new Mom, total girl boss, amazing wife and someone who sets a beautiful example of how being a new mother doesn’t cramp your style, only amplifies it.

Behind the Scenes with Oui We Girl

May 23, 2016

We recently had the honor to join with Andi of Oui We Girl and shoot for her newest book, A Wanderful Life, that is being published in 2017. Andi is a creative that currently calls New Orleans home. Named one of the south’s 75 Most Stylish Southerners, Andi’s experience ranges from Southern Living to Refinery 29. We were thrilled when we were asked to work together with her on shooting for her new book and had an incredible time working alongside one of the most creative and go-getter girl bosses in the south! We had a chance to ask Andi some questions to get to know more about her passion and what makes Andi, well, so “Andi!”

We are big fans of your Insta and blog! What inspired you to create OuiWeGirl?

Andi: I started the blog several years ago – I had a tumblr page, I shared things I loved, visuals that were inspiring me. It transitioned into a personal style blog, however what it is today is a serious departure from that. I’m a serious romantic and It’s become my story of bon vivants collecting perspective from around the globe. There’s a bit of self exploration that happens in the travels and the writing I do – and hopefully the reader can identify with that.

We’re so excited about your upcoming book project and we were super honored to play a small part via our recent shoot collab. Can you tell us a bit about it and when/where it will be available?

Andi: The past few years my travels have been the most extensive they’ve ever been. In that, the idea for the book was born. It’s titled “A Wanderful Life: A Modern Gypsy’s Guide to the Infinitely Stylish Road Trip.” It will feature 9 road trips and the creative muses that have the notion of gypsy traveling down to a science. It’ll be released in Spring of next year (’17) and I’m hoping you’ll see it at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie and of course all of my favorite boutiques like Ophelia!

What inspired you to shoot in our backyard of Scenic Highway 30-A?

Andi: I’ve spent quite a bit of time down on 30A and I find it to be such a beautiful and artistic little hideaway.

How would you describe your personal style?

Andi: Presently, as someone who travels so much I’m becoming more of a minimalist, however I love vintage pieces and things that tell a story… I saw a sign today that said “If Jimi Hendrix and Chanel had a daughter”… well, if they did, I’d be her and that describes my style perfectly.

Do you have any favorite go-to swimwear designers?

Andi: I love Mara Hoffman and Mink Pink, and Wildfox Couture has been a favorite forever.

Our founder Tori Von Pickren is a ‘New Orleans girl at heart’ like you. What is it about the Big Easy that you hold so dear?
Andi: My nomadic self finds the European, African and Caribbean blended city to be one of the most enriching in the world. The music, soul, style and general good nature of the locals – I’ll come back for all of that every time.

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Get Some Lolli! Sexy Swimsuits Built on Sweet Childhood Memories

May 28, 2014

Can we just relive the Lolli fashion show from last year’s Miami Swim Week for a second?! These girls killed it on the runway, captivating the audience with their playful sashaying, baby pink balloons, rainbow candy bracelets, teddy bears, cotton candy, glitter fairy dust and ultra-cheeky boyshort bottoms. They did a great job of bringing a sexy, flirtatious vibe to a brand that’s so fundamentally sweet, girly and puerile.

Best known for their famous bow bikini bottoms, Lolli’s 2014 swimwear collection was inspired by carnival influences — a throwback to the designer’s childhood, when her family used to take trips to the fair consisting of “rides, prizes, food, and fun!” The bows are a little bigger and the bottoms are a little cheekier this year, which are complemented by bustier styles, triangle tops emblazoned with hearts, and original off-the-shoulder tops.

Shop some of our fave Lolli pieces at Ophelia’s online store — or come by one of our two shops to see how flattering this cheeky fit is for yourself!

Video credit: FashionChannel.it. Photo credit: Zimbio.

L*Space in the 2014 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

May 24, 2014

One of L*Space Swimwear’s best-selling bathing suits made an appearance in the 2014 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue! We spotted the exotic beauty, Jessica Gomes, wearing the Strap Back Top and Low Down Bottoms in hot pink while on location on the island of Madagascar, against a beautiful backdrop of printed African scarves. This is a bikini that hugs your curves, shows a little bit of hip, and provides a supportive, uplifting halter fit. The top has contrasting solid black strings around the neck and back, which gives you the option of wearing it with solid black bikini bottoms, too. (We like to mix and match; that’s why all of our suits are sold as separates. A girl’s gotta have options!)

Photography by Derek Kettela.

Introducing: The Bralette Bikini Top

May 19, 2014

Ladies,

Today we would like to introduce you to what may become your new best friend this summer: the Vitamin A Neutra Bralette Bikini Top. This brand new silhouette was unveiled at last year’s Swim Show in Miami, and we were instantly wowed by its sexy, modern shape, and impeccable fit. With thicker shoulder straps, a secure underbust band, two bands around the back, and sleek triangles that flatter your natural shape without sliding around, this is a no-fuss bikini top perfect for surfing, swimming, laying out, wearing fashionably beneath tank tops, and every summer activity you can possibly think of. This is every girl’s dream.

Order yours now in black, red, or blue (July 4th is coming up!), or stop by our Seacrest shop to try on this gorgeous new bikini creation!

xo,

Ophelia Swimwear

Bubbly and Bikinis: Ophelia's S/S 2014 L*Space Fashion Show

May 19, 2014

Ophelia Bellinis and Bikinis fashion show Spring 2014 2

Models strut the catwalk at Ophelia Swimwear’s Spring/Summer 2014 Bellinis & Bikinis fashion show! Swimsuits by L*Space. Hair by Mindy Norris. Makeup by Jamie Gummere.

What’s better than a happy hour consisting of bubbly, fruity drinks, and girls strutting by in brand new bikinis against a pristine palm tree-lined sunset? Umm, nothing that we can think of. 🙂

We welcomed the warmer weather this Spring by hosting another Bellinis & Bikinis event at the swanky V Restaurant in Seagrove, Florida (one of our favorite beach spots in the entire world). Our courageous models helped us showcase some of the newest bathing suits that we’ve gotten in stock so far this season by walking the hardwood runway wearing heels, racerback bikinis, lace-up bandeaus, denim-inspired two-pieces, striped nautical suits, hot one-pieces, elegant sun dresses, and an assortment of accessories to complete their beach-chic looks. Hair was curled into perfectly wavy tousled tresses by local hair stylist, Mindy Norris.

The entire line-up of swimwear was from the Spring/Summer 2014 L*Space collection– one of everyone’s favorite Southern California-based brands. L*Space has become well-known in the industry as the go-to brand for functional, comfortable separates for the lady who is “active, on trend, and loves traveling.” Fit and quality are at the core of L*Space’s designs, which are durable enough to be worn from season to season, and trendy enough to keep you looking young and fresh (no matter how old you are).

You can shop the pieces shown above at our online boutique, or stop by one our two locations on 30A to peruse the full collection and find a suit that’s perfect for you!

More photos from the event can be viewed on 30A.com. A huge thanks to everyone who collaborated to make this show possible. We can’t wait to do it again!

xo,

The Ophelia Swimwear team

Melissa Odabash Defines Glamourous, Sophisticated Beachwear

March 20, 2014

Melissa Odabash Bex Cover Up

When we think of timeless, sophisticated, refined swimwear, there’s one name that comes to mind: Melissa Odabash. Melissa Odabash has established herself in the industry over the past 10 years as the ultimate luxury holiday lifestyle brand— the go-to name for classy beachwear imbued with implicit glamour and undeniable style.

Melissa Odabash Kate Martin black bikini

Growing up in London, Melissa acquired an interest in fashion as a child, cultivating her sense of style from her mother’s impeccable taste, and learning how to sew at the mere age of 10. Her love for fashion resurfaced when she later became a high-fashion swimwear model, sashaying down the catwalks of Italy and Paris, where she was forced to wear bathing suits that she felt were not only uncomfortable to wear, but kind of tacky, too. The young model dreamt of swimwear that was simpler and more chic—designs that would be built on solid colors, perfect cuts, timeless elegance, and superior fabrics that offer women endless comfort. Fueled by this newfound passion, she began creating her first handmade bikinis and presenting them to little boutiques around Milan — and wa la! The brand was born.

“I started when I was living in Rome, so my style is much more Italian than American, and I still produce there. Americans are much more conservative, where Europeans are much more glam. Europeans love long kaftans and the all over look. They want the runway look…to go from the beach to the boat, and then straight into town,” Melissa recalls. This all-over glamorous, exotic look is precisely what the brand has become known for, appealing to A-list celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Heidi Klum, and Kate Moss.

The brand now includes everything you need for a complete head-to-toe elegant jet-setter look, from swimsuits to embroidered kaftans, dresses, jewelry, crochet shorts, sunglasses and sun hats! We’ve had a long-time love for Melissa Odabash at Ophelia, because her pieces make us feel more refined and cultured… less like frumpy soccer Moms, and more like self-confident, stylish sun goddesses. 🙂 To get a taste of her European-influenced beachside style, browse our selection of Melissa Odabash pieces in one of our stores, or shop online!

Melissa Odabash Milly Top

Cupid-Approved Bikinis to Wear on Valentine's Day

February 4, 2014

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and while some of you may be rolling your eyes at the excess of romance and heart-shaped Godiva chocolates lining the stores, other lovebirds may be looking forward to celebrating this day with their doting boyfriends and hubbies. Instead of going out to dinner at a fancy restaurant, though, we have another idea: why don’t you stay home, sprinkle some rose petals on the floor, cook your man his favorite meal, and cozy up next to the fireplace wearing a bold red bikini? (What guy wouldn’t want to see their lady walking around in a little red bathing suit while cooking in the kitchen? 🙂 Yeah. That’s what we thought.)

Here are a few of our top Cupid-approved picks, if you want to make this a V-day he won’t forget.

1) The Zinke Katie Bustier in Rio Red. A strapless bustier top with underwire cups from the lingerie-inspired brand, Zinke.

2) The Zinke Emmi Reversible Bottoms in Rio print/Rio Red. These cute red bikini bottoms also flip over to reveal a printed side, so you can wear them in two different ways!

3 & 4) The Melissa Odabash Cyprus Bikini in red. A sophisticated set with a gold U-barat the center bust that dresses it up.

5) Melissa Odabash Ischia one-piece swimsuit in red. A halterneck one-piece bathing suit with slenderizing ruching down the sides.

6) The Zinke Penny Top & Raigan Ruffle Bottoms in Rio Red. Tapping into the new crop top trend, this bikini top is like a flirty tank top that you can also wear in the water. The matching Raigan bottoms have a sleek finish and a tiny ruffled trim around the waistband– just enough to bring out your feminine playful side.

So, there you go! Break out the champagne, slip into a new bathing suit, and enjoy your flowers, jewelry and chocolates. (That goes for you too, single ladies!) 😉

New Brand at Ophelia: MIKOH

January 31, 2014

We could not be more excited to be carrying suits from MIKOH Swimwear this year! Mikoh is a brand led by the super friendly sister duo, Oleema Miller, a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, and Kalani Miller, who may be best known for traveling the world on the ASP Tour alongside her legendary pro surfer boyfriend, Kelly Slater.

Born and raised in a creative household, these Southern California native beach girls have a truly special gift for creating innovative swimwear designs, playing with strings, straps, and silhouettes in a way that no brand ever has before. There’s a certain modernity to Mikoh’s bathing suits, which are completely seamless and hardware-free — a signature move that the brand never strays from, to ensure that your bikini will be smooth and functional in and out of the water. Instead of using metal hardware, beads, sequins, and other potentially fussy embellishments, Mikoh relies on the creative use of multiple strings to accent their suits, paired with fashion-forward cuts that will leave you ahead of the curve with your beach style.

Mikoh is synonymous with femininity, beauty and strength, and wearing a Mikoh bikini will evoke these beautiful qualities in all of you. 🙂 Stop by one of our stores to check out our newest additions from Mikoh’s 2014 “Into the Sea” collection!