Cupid-Approved Bikinis to Wear on Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day red bikinis

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

Mikoh Velzyland bottoms

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 Swimwear 2014

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!

Get Cheeky! Tone Up Your Buns for the Itsy Bitsy Brazilian Cut

Mara Hoffman Astrodreamer bikini

In the 2013 Surfing Magazine Swimsuit Issue, when asked what bathing suit trend will be hot next year, designer of Frankie’s Bikinis, Francesca Aiello, said, “Teeny bottoms! Nothing is hotter than a girl working those small bikinis with confidence.”  Oleema Miller, designer of MIKOH Swimwear, agreed, saying that if there’s one trend that WON’T make it to 2014, it’s “too much booty coverage.”

This is a swimwear evolution that has been developing over the past couple years: a subtle divergence away from the full butt “diaper sag” towards a cheekier, more shapely cut that exposes a bit more of your bum cheeks.  Or as it’s traditionally called: the Brazilian cut.  Although once a style known to be worn only by the most daring of girls – and only on exotic far-off beaches, where women run wild and free, completely devoid of inhibitions – this is no longer a style exclusive to the shores of Brazil and Hawaii.  The flirty “Brazilian cut” has become a mainstream beachwear staple, with brands such as Acacia, Lolli, Maaji, Mikoh, Luli Fama, Frankie’s Bikinis and ViX contributing to the popularity and acceptance of these head-turning styles.  Designers across the map swear by the fit, claiming that no matter what size your butt is, the less the fabric that covers it, the better.

Mikoh L*Space cheeky bikinis

If the words “cheeky bikini” have you cowering with fear and running for the closest beach towel, we totally get it.  We can be bashful about our butts too.  But if you’re feeling a rush of bravery, and you want to embrace the trend to feel extra sassy this summer, then there are a few things you can do to get your buns ready for some sun…

1)   Yoga. The warrior pose, locust pose, goddess pose, and almost every other static yoga pose will have you feeling the burn.

2)   Pilates.  On the mat, the pilates “side kick series” is especially effective at tightening your butt, hips and thighs.

3)   Barre Method.  Derived from ballet, the barre workout takes you through a series of challenging standing and seated movements that target women’s problem areas.

4)   Speed walking/Jogging.   One of the easiest and most ancient forms of exercise, speed walking or jogging for 30 minutes+ per day will help to slim, tighten and lift all the muscles of your legs and bottom.

5)   Swimming.  For mermaids who don’t like to sweat, hit the water and swim like a frog!  Swimming is a highly effective full-body workout that sculpts your entire body, especially your legs and glutes.

Pure Barre 30A

Need some more guidance?  Here are some of our favorite fitness friends/experts in the area:

1. Rachel Kennedy, Personal Trainer at Watercolor Workout. Rachel is know for making you do lots of lounges, squats & single leg dead lifts.  http://www.watercolorresort.com/florida-gulf-coast/fitness-center.asp

2. Laura Bailey, Owner of The Studio.  Laura teaches a Vinyasa yoga class that is not for sissies and will guarantee weight loss!  http://www.wwltv.com/news/Jazz-Fest-announces-2014-lineup-240118651.html

3. Kelli Precourt, instructor of the Core Fitness class at Balance Health Studio.  http://balance30a.com/core-fitness.php

4. Pure Barre 30A.  Go see Ashley Singleton to help you lift, tone & burn those buns with tiny, targeted movements.  https://www.facebook.com/PureBarre30A

So get moving girls! And here’s to Sun’s out Bun’s out 🙂

Modern Sophistication from Swimwear Designer Heidi Klein

If you’re feeling the winter blues, then prepare to be transported into a land of tranquil island serenity as you watch this alluring video from Heidi Klein’s Summer 2014 photo shoot in Antigua.  30-year-old American model, Le Call (who I could’ve sworn was Brazilian), moves languidly and dreamily through the video, becoming one with the elements, making every piece of the collection look perfectly sophisticated yet still young and fresh.

This swimwear collection encompasses everything from classic color combinations of navy and white to daring splashes of energetic hot orange and raspberry, inspired by Brazil & Istanbul.  Heidi’s signature nautical trend is present, as well as modern geometric prints, exotic snakeskin prints, stripes, and solid muted earth tones, while gold hardware bestows a sense of unspoken opulence and class.  But the collection would not complete our gypsy wanderlust souls without the white cotton Seville cover-up, a smidge of white crochet, and the braided/rope strings seen on several two-piece bikinis and dresses!  This is one of our favorite Heidi Klein collections to date, because the swimsuit shapes are truly perfect for any woman, and the sun dresses can lend an inner elegance to anyone’s beachside style.

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Heidi Klein Monterosso

Heidi Klein Persia bikini

Heidi Klein Vemizi bikini

Heidi Klein Saint Lucia 2

Heidi Klein Persia dress

Heidi Klein Istanbul

Heidi Klein Rio de Janeiro cover up dress

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For a fun read, check out the Heidi Klein blog to get some inside deets on this photo shoot, which took place in the gorgeous Jumby Bay, Antigua!  (Oh, and pst: you can shop pieces from this collection at our online store.)

xx,Ophelia

Ophelia's Best Moments of 2013

As we watch 2013 sail off into the sunset, we are reflecting on some of Ophelia’s best moments throughout the past year.  We’ve been to Miami, Brazil, and the mountains; we’ve held three fashion shows; walked the runway at South Walton Fashion Week; earned a title as the #1 place to buy swimwear on 30A by 30A.com; and countless other moments that shine in our memory as being filled with laughter and smiles.  🙂  We just want to thank all of the loyal ladies that shop at Ophelia Swimwear, and continue to help us grow and thrive…  We’re looking forward to seeing what 2014 brings, and wishing all of you a sunny and prosperous New Year!

Post by Ophelia Swimwear.

Celeb Style: Kim Kardashian Steps Out Post-Baby in L*Space Bikini

Kim Kardashian bikini US Weekly

If you’re sick of hearing about the Kardashians, then we apologize ahead of time.  But when we saw this US Weekly cover, we just had to mention that we like her beach style!  The reality TV star emerged on the beach in a bikini this week, for the first time since giving birth to her first baby, North West, six months ago.  Looking prepared for her beach body debut, Kim was wearing the L*Space Katmandu Top & tie-side Ooh La La Bottoms— a very simplistic, chic string bikini in one of our absolute favorite colors of the moment: shell.

L*Space Katmandu Top

How dreamy is this shade of powder/shell pink?!  We think it looks amazing on anyone — especially warm skin tones that have been kissed by the sun (…or spray tan bottle).  The Katmandu Top is basically a classic triangle halter bikini top, but with an extra set of strings over the shoulders for extra bust support up top.  If you like the look of this, but prefer bottoms with more coverage, consider wearing the “Monique” Bottoms in shell or the skirted “Hanki Panki” bottoms (shown above).

This is the great thing about swimwear: while we know that Kim’s daily wardrobe consists of $10,000 dresses and blazers, and unattainable handbags that we could probably never afford, on the beach, we’re all the same, and celebs wear the same suits that we do.  It all comes down to the basics: what looks good on your body, what feels comfortable, what allows you to move and swim in the water, and enjoy the sunshine.  And we applaud Kim not only for her bikini of choice, but for allowing herself to enjoy a day at the beach amid a storm of scrutinizing paparazzi.  Having the right bathing suit will give you the courage to do that! 🙂

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Lingerie-Inspired Swimwear Looks from the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2013 Tori Praver cabazon

While watching the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show last night, captivated by all of the super-long, super-skinny legs, (and mentally planning our future cardio sessions), we couldn’t help but notice some of the similarities between the bras and panties coming down the runway, and some of the bikinis on the market today.  Swimwear designers have pulled a lot of inspiration from lingerie in recent years, adding lace, ruffles, underwire cups, and corset ties, with bustier styles that imitate your everyday bra becoming more and more popular.  This is a trend that we can totally get on board with!  After all, bras with molded cups offer the most bust support, and nothing can make you feel cuter than a little bit of lace or a strategically placed ruffle.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2013 6

Here are a few of our top lingerie-inspired bikini picks that we have left in stock at Ophelia:

1) The Marysia Swim Wailea bikini.

2) Melissa Odabash Formentera bikini in black.

3) Zinke Raigan Ruffle Bottom in black.

4) Zinke Luella Bandeau Top & Bottom in black/white.

5) Matthew Williamson Peacock Print Underwire bikini.

6) Matthew Williamson Leopard Underwire bikini.

7) Melissa Odabash Tortola Bikini in navy.

8) OndadeMar Ania Bandeau Top in orange.

Stop by one of our shops in Grayton Beach or Seacrest to peruse an even bigger selection of swimwear, and find something that’s sure to look cute from the bedroom to the beach. 🙂

Kendall Jenner Models ViX Swimwear

Kendall Jenner in ViX SwimwearOne of the youngest members of the Kardashian clan, Miss Kendall Jenner, has definitely come into her own as both a style icon, and a legitimate up-and-coming model — particularly in the swimwear industry.  She has emerged in the world of swimwear throughout the past couple years, appearing in campaigns for White Sands, Agua Bendita, and now: modeling ViX Swimwear on a recent shoot with photographer, Greg Kadel.

In these shots, Kendall wears the ViX Dakar One Piece in Black: a solid black one-piece swimsuit made from high-quality fabric, designed to highlight your curves in all the right places!  A gathered band of fabric wraps around the waist, and a hint of coastal-inspired rope adorns each shoulder strap.  Get the look by scooping up this one-piece at our online boutique!

Ophelia Featured in VIE Magazine September/October 2013

In case you haven’t seen it yet, Ophelia was featured in the fall issue of VIE Magazine, where we discussed some of the most notable trends we saw at Fashion Week in Miami this summer, and how we plan to bring those evolving swimwear styles to the shelves of 30A.  Be sure to pick up a copy on news stands before they’re all sold out!  (Or steal one from the waiting room at your doctor’s office.  We won’t tell.)

Vie Magazine September October 2013

A model wears the L*Space Strap Back Bikini Top with Wendy Mignot pearl necklaces.

Vie Magazine 3

Top picture: a model wears a swimsuit by Mara Hoffman on the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami. Bottom: the models from our Bellinis & Bikinis fashion show at V Restaurant, wearing 2014 bathing suits and cover-ups by L*Space, Zinke, Mara Hoffman, and more.

You can also flip through the issue online!

xx,

Ophelia Swimwear

Vitamin A Swim in Harper's Bazaar Mexico

Harper's Bazaar Mexico Barbara Fialho 2

(Photography by: Danny Cardozo)

One of our most-loved Vitamin A bikini tops was featured in this sunny spread in Harper’s Bazaar Mexico, titled “The Colors of Summer.”   Brazilian model, Barbara Fialho, wears the Bel Air Bandeau Top, which offers great support for a strapless top, and twists elegantly in the front; paired with the Supermodel Cheeky Ring Bottoms, which feature a single hoop accessory on each hip.  This strapless bandeau set is simple and comfortable with a touch of silky sheen, which is exactly what Vitamin A does best.  We also love this mustard yellow  color, called “saffron” — it transitions perfectly from the brilliance of summer to the warm burnt colors of changing leaves in autumn.

Shop our online boutique for more bandeau tops like this one, and other bikini options from the Laguna Beach-based brand, Vitamin A.