Browsing Tag

bikini

fashion

Swimming in Luxury With Lasya

Nothing frustrates me more than putting on a new bra or swimsuit in the morning and half way through the day, something just doesn’t feel right… half the time we buy our intimates based on either looks, comfort or functionality, but I do feel we often sacrifice on at least one of these.  Introducing Lasya Intimates, a Dubai based e-tailor that curates lingerie, swimwear and even bridal lingerie too. You won’t have to worry about parking with their concierge delivery service either, one-to-one fittings ensure totally private experiences, so that you can find the right fit every time.

Whether it’s a pool party, or a weekend away, their swimwear features luxuriously gold plated detailing that’s almost too good to get wet. We caught up with the founder of Lasya Intimates Dubai, Rachel, who handpicks all of the swimwear on her site. “I love what I do and I hope it shows in the products that have been chosen.”

“…I started the business in 2017, and yes, alone. It’s been an adventure and a roller-coaster, but I have really found my passion, along with the creativity running your own business entails, and the sheer pleasure in finding beautiful pieces for our collection.  There is something immensely rewarding knowing that I am delivering a service and product that injects confidence and a sprinkling of happiness to every one of my clients.

Our name is something that took us a while to decide on. Lots of research was done to ensure that it was something that truly fit with our brand. The term ‘Lasya’ in the context of Hindu mythology, describes the dance performed by a Goddess – it expresses happiness and is filled with grace and beauty. Our aim with our collections is just that, we want to make each woman feel beautiful and the whole experience with us to feel special, right from the packaging to the product.

I strive to find pieces for my collection that truly stand out, everything I include in my collections are hand picked by me, be it for their beauty, uniqueness or because it helps to give someone confidence in what they are wearing. Our luxury swimwear collection is something we are especially proud of, we have some really unique, high-fashion pieces that stand out from the swimwear you’ll see on the high street, some with gold plated embellishments and hand finishing – the quality of the swimwear is evident as soon as you touch it and they are all super flattering.

What sets any business apart from another is the person behind it, when you run your own business it is inevitable that it will project some of your own values and ethos. I want to deliver beautiful items coupled with great service and make women feel amazing in the process, we are more than an online boutique, we give a unique touch by offering a really personal one-to-one service and we are proud of that. If you’re buying online, there is always someone around to help guide you in to making the right choice for you – we also offer a home shopping service as well as private shopping evenings and get involved in collaborative events too.

Being in the Middle East for any significant period of time changes your general perception of life. It’s a melting pot of nationalities, backgrounds and religions. I am grateful that my experiences and learnings here have added to how I think about life and naturally, my creativity.”

And finally… we want to know… one piece or bikini?

“The shapes and cut-outs that can be achieved with a one-piece are far greater than a bikini, so there is room for more variations, designs and experimental shapes. It’s also been a popular choice for celebrities and influencers, so naturally it filters through to everyone else. I personally love the one piece, I find them so flattering.”

fashion

Shopsandia: The New Online Beachwear Boutique

We don’t really need another excuse to do some boutique shopping online do we? The ease of it all, the beautiful imagery that reels us in, the lack of changing rooms and mall traffic… so when a new site launches, especially one designed to get me in the water, i’m the first to start ‘adding to cart’.

Enter Shopsandia.com

Stocking some of the most beautiful designs from around the world, by brands you’ve probably never heard of and pieces that certainly aren’t seen sitting poolside around Nikki Beach; Mimi a la Mer, Themis, Cali Dreaming, Frescobol Carioca and Isole and Vulcani to name but a few.

But I love it when there’s a summary of the top picks, or favourites as I get overwhelmed sifting through the pages… so I’ve done the dirty work and I thought i’d help you out with my edit for the summer. From bikini’s to one pieces, there’s plenty of choices online and this boutique does not disappoint.

Here’s my top 5 pics from this gorgeous boutique swimsite:

Amuse Society
Emma Bralette Top

 

CALi DREAMiNG
SOMBRERO TOP

 

SoloBlu
Claudine

 

Mimi a la mer
Lolita – Green Print

 

SoloBlu
LADY DIVA FOLK MEDITERRANEO

 

Mimi a la mer
Mia – Sky Blue Koi

…oh and this one’s reversible too! 😉

fashion Recommended

Summer’s Here with Black Coral XO

As the weather heats up at home, you get the feeling that we’ve missed out on a season or two… after all it’s in the early 40’s already. We’re all in the mood for summer, but not ready to face the scorching sunshine that goes with it. If like me, you were looking for a little escape from the sun, that relieves some of the heat-shock with somewhat cooler currents, then I would highly recommend a weekend away in Sri Lanka. Without a doubt it’s the easiest place to pack for too, I only bring with me swimwear and flip-flops! I absolutely love Aussie online boutique Black Coral XO for their summer-personified collections, beachwear and resort wear.

Only four hours away with FlyDubai or Emirates, this Indian Ocean hotspot is the ideal weekend escape. Hop on a late night Thursday flight and be sipping coconuts by breakfast. There are plenty of boutique hotels to choose from along the coastline, but I would definitely recommend heading south to Galle as a base. Unawatuna, Mirissa, Welligama are all great places to look at, especially if surfing is on your list.

Here’s my top 5 favourite swimsuits for your weekend away:

Sweet Disposition One Piece

 

Lazy Palms One Piece

 

Summer Safari One Piece

 

Malibu One Piece

Long Island One Piece

Recommended

Strip Off This Winter

Because it isn’t always cold in December. If you’re from the southern hemisphere you’ll probably be preparing to hit the beach rather than the slopes this winter, so if you’re looking for something with a little less fabric, we’ve spotted some gorgeous new swimwear for you to strip off for.

Creatively driven, with a touch more soul, & Other Stories is a one-stop styling destination filled with collections from three design ateliers in Paris, Stockholm and Los Angeles. Open at The Dubai Mall, it’s a H&M affiliate that’s just as addictive with both summer and winter collections.

With a bit more heart than your average store too, it’s great to see how brands are jumping aboard the eco-train and getting with the laundry program. Fashion is a high water-consuming industry and most fabrics end up as wastage, so with & Other Stories, you can bring your old clothes to one of their stores and they’ll give them a new life… (not currently in the U.A.E. but stay tuned.)

Here’s five gorgeous pieces from & Other Stories that’ll help persuade you strip off for our southern summer’s… it’s what we’re here for after all. Skip the clothes and adorn “spirited-hues and confidently feminine frills in figure-defining swimsuits”.

Because stripes are always a solid option.

Swimsuit aed 249

Baywatch eat your heart out.

Swimsuit aed 189

Butter wouldn’t melt.

Swimsuit aed 189

The little black swimsuit.

Swimsuit aed 189

Feeling a little more tropical…

Swimsuit aed 299

fashion

Loving AA Sisters Swimwear

Because it’s always bikini season here in Dubai, we like to keep our water wear interesting. I’m a big believer too in homegrown brands, passion projects created by the love of life. So AA Sisters Swimwear is a brand i’m wearing loving now. Created by two sisters Ayşıl Aybaba Dilmen and Aynil Aybaba, based in Turkey, their unique pieces have made it across to our shores to help brighten up our beaches.
AA Sisters Swimwear
Made with the weekend warrior in mind, AA Sisters Swimwear is a combination of functional, fun and flirty, featuring both traditional and unique one-piece and bikini designs, as well as knitted swimwear for the more adventurous beachgoer. Their resort wear brings an easy beach-to-bar aesthetic that’s light enough to withstand even for our summer sun.

Check out some of their key pieces:
AA Sisters Swimwear

AA Sisters Swimwear

AA Sisters Swimwear

AA Sisters Swimwear

AA Sisters Swimwear

AA Sisters Swimwear

Recommended

Body Alteration: Pros and Cons by Claire Hastings

A personal piece by Claire Hastings, Australia

Body alteration or body modification – these are the two names used to describe a process of changing one’s appearance. For some, it is seen as a form of rebellion, for others it’s pure art, an expression of individuality. The act of altering/changing/modifying one’s appearance has a lot of possibilities, but the most popular ones are piercings, tattoos, and cosmetic procedures. You can alter your body in less drastic ways, too: by applying makeup, dyeing your hair, and working out.

Makeup

It’s enough to spend a brief period of time browsing various makeup video tutorials online to conclude that makeup truly is art. Still, there are those who overdo it and wear too much makeup all the time, which not only makes them look fake, but it also hides their natural beauty. At the end of the day, if you let yourself become obsessed with it, and not let yourself go out sometimes without any makeup on, it will become more like an obligation and less like fun. And our only obligation should be saving our health, and enjoying our lives. So, forget about that boring contouring today, and try out that bold marsala lipstick.

Bikini body

We all want to look good in our bikinis, but lean legs, tight abs, and toned arms don’t just appear overnight. We have to work hard to shape our bodies the way we want. We should do our best to keep our bodies healthy by going to the gym a couple of times a week, eating healthy, and drinking plenty of water. On the other hand, there are those who take it to extremes. I had a period of life when I was obsessed with over every calorie I have eaten during the day and spent hours in the gym without eating properly. After some time I realised that I have endangered my health and turned my life into a hell. A boring hell. So I have decided to stop it, start eating healthy and have some cheat days from time to time. I must say I have a lot more self-aware now than ever.

Cosmetic surgery

There are some things that we cannot change naturally, no matter how hard we want to, like the shape of our face and nose, or the size of our lips. This is where plastic surgery steps in and saves the day. Cosmetic surgery can help you get rid of imperfections that have been bothering you your entire life, and it can also improve your confidence. On the other hand, there are also extreme cases of people becoming addicted to cosmetic surgery: they pursue their dreams but end up with irreparable damage done to their bodies instead. Make sure you do your homework and visit only reputable surgeons or cosmetologists and make sure the consultation is thorough. It’s could be that it’s not your body that needs a quick fix, but your attitude towards it.

Piercings and tattoos

Piercings and tattoos have become commonplace amongst today’s many societies. Seen as a way for people to express themselves and be unique. Since they are not a taboo anymore, people sometimes don’t think too long before deciding they want one or the other. In case they change their minds, it’s easy to remove piercings and let the body heal naturally, but with tattoos, it’s a bit more difficult as they are permanent. My best friend once made the terrible decision to tattoo his girlfriend’s name, so after their nasty breakup, he had to remove it. He travelled across the land to find a reliable tattoo removal option, and opted for tattoo removal in Parramatta, but he was satisfied with the results. This way, he made a fresh start. Luckily, technology and medicine have come a long way; so, today we have different medical and laser tattoo removal options. This way, people can have a fresh canvas.

Whatever your attitude may be concerning body alterations, before you decide to do anything, you should think about it for a while and always act on your beliefs. By today’s standards, we follow what we see on tv and in magazines… following trends, do some research as you could get into trouble or perhaps even regret your decision later on in life. Whatever you decide to do, make sure your choice is right, it’s for you, or postpone making the final decision until you are completely sure that’s what you want.

Recommended

How to Look Good in a Bikini at Any Age

Relaxing travels, lounging on a beach and enjoying life in general is something we all appreciate regardless of age. Still, social and aesthetic norms can sometimes create an unjustified obstacle when it comes to your desire to soak up the sun, while reading a good book under a palm tree. Your physical appearance may make you feel uncomfortable in such surroundings. In order to avoid that, take a look at the following tips – with a few healthy habits, your age won’t stop you in having great beach body and attractive confidence while rocking a bikini.
Claire Hastings
Skin care
It’s essential that you step up your beauty and skin care routine. Your skin’s elasticity and texture change as you age, which is why products that worked for you in your 20s and 30s won’t do much good later on. Using the right products regularly, will surely improve your skin and prevent dryness. What’s more, sunscreen should be a staple in your routine. Even during winter months, sun can damage your skin, which makes an effective sunscreen an important part of your skin care. You can also experience various beauty benefits by using DIY face masks. Half an avocado and one tablespoon of honey effectively moisturize, rejuvenate and brighten the skin.
Claire Hastings
Light exercise
You don’t have to engage in challenging exercises if that’s not something appropriate for your age. Still, regular physical activity is essential for your health as well as muscle strengthening and body toning. In that respect, you can take up walking as a daily habit, discover the benefits of swimming or try some aerobic exercises. These workouts will boost blood circulation, release toxins, brighten up the skin and make you fitter without putting too much strain on your joints.
Sapia Simone SS17
Choose the right swimwear
Your age is not the factor that you need to consider for choosing the right swimsuit – your body shape is. Regardless of age, you should always strive to wear garments that flatter your body type. For example, high-waisted bikini bottoms are perfect for people who want to hide lower tummy, while low-cut bikini bottoms are great choice if you have wider hips. Moreover, strapless bikini tops would look fabulous on smaller bust. On the other hand, bra-like fitted tops would offer proper support for big-busted ladies.
Claire Hastings
Great beach look
There’s a lot more to your beach look than the right choice of swimsuit. If you want to draw attention to your face, wear your hair down and style it in a way that suits your face shape the best. On the other hand, wearing your hair up will accentuate other areas such as your shoulders and bust. What’s more, accessories such as sunglasses and sarongs can complete your look in a flattering and interesting manner. Therefore, let yourself enjoy the process of getting ready for a lovely beach day.
Sapia Simone SS17
Boost your confidence
If you find certain aspects of your body straight up bothersome and you’re positive that you can’t hide these shortcomings with effective swimwear and exercise, there’s nothing wrong with opting for plastic surgery. For example, undergoing abdominoplasty, also known as tummy tuck, will effectively remove and tone your sagging skin in the stomach area. If this is what you need to retrieve your self-esteem, feel free to go for it. You can also engage in some confidence-boosting exercises that include self-encouraging mantras. As you meditate, say sentences such as I’m beautiful, I’m strong, I love myself out loud and let them sink in.

In essence, you will find the confidence that you need within yourself. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t use other means to help you find it. Taking proper care of yourself and loving your body enough to make levelheaded decisions about plastic surgeries will put you at the top of the world. And rocking a bikini will be both natural and comfortable.

Written by: Claire Hastings

fashion Recommended travel

Vitamin Sea with Sapia Simone

In there like swimwear… I just cannot get enough of this brand. Not only is its founder, whose long-steeped history with fashion design, Sapia Simone a lovely human being, she launched her first collection at only 23, so she’s a total inspiration to me. With vitamin sea vibes, Sapia Simone was born and her SS17 collection is now officially live.
Sapia Simone
It’s more than just swimwear though, her resort collection features some gorgeous trousers and shirts that’ll make you feel totally tropical. Her pieces can be found in over 12 stores globally, but she’s based in Dubai now. Not so far a cry from having originated the brand where else, but the original sunshine society, Miami!
Sapia Simone
With an Italian background and education at Instituto Marangoni, (where D&G and many more hail from) Italian born Sapia Simone herself knew from a young age where her passion for fashion was taking her, and one incredible adventure in Zanzibar brought the dream to life.
Sapia Simone
Making it her aim to encourage and inspire a fresh perspective on ‘beach chic’. Her mission is to make playful and beautiful swimwear silhouettes, styles and resort wear that celebrate the active and adventurous female living across the world in a variety of sunshine societies.

I’m sold.

fashion

6 Swimsuits We’re Coveting This Summer

Summer means swimwear! Everyone right now seems to be in Greece/Spain or the South of Italy soaking up the (normal) sunshine, but even though it’s actually too hot to go outside in Dubai, i’m still scouring the shops for one pieces to wear round the pools as I test out my Privilee card!

Shopping online is a lot easier for me, but I’m not your average body shape – smaller ribs, wider hips and a bum that my mum isn’t even sure where it came from, means two things – I have to work harder to keep it all together AND I do not suit these high riding bikini bottom styles that are everywhere right now… nor for that matter do I look particularly symmetrical in the harry high-pants either.

Swimsuits are my ultimate piece of summer apparel. When I go shopping, their stylish simplicity means I’m not fighting the crowds looking for two different sized pieces that match! Also, with the bodysuit making a resurgence this season, I’m perfectly on trend pairing my one piece with a pair of high waisted shorts too.

Here’s my current covets from some of my favourite brands:

Acacia Swimwear
Acacia Swimwear
Sapia.Kang
Sapia.Kang
H&M
H&M
Billabong
Billabong
Vitamin A by Amahlia Stevens
Vitamin A by Amahlia Stevens
L*Space
L*Space

fashion Recommended

In love with… SAPIA•KANG

There’s nothing I love more than beautiful resort wear. I work hard to try and ensure that my body looks half way decent in it, so it makes sense to reward those efforts occasionally and right on time… along came SAPIA•KANG.

Sapia Kang

It’s the brainchild of founders Sapia Simone and Ellen Kang who met in Dubai and started working together back in June. The brand is a true result of their explorations and adventures, living this sunny expat lifestyle that we all share and love.

SAPIA•KANG

If you’re as desperate to get your hands on one of these gorgeous pieces as I am, wait no longer… on January 28, SAPIA•KANG’s e-store, will be unveiling its very first collection, ‘Fantasy Island’. With wild inspirations, it’s a collection perfect for future globetrotting… swimwear to be seen in!

SAPIA•KANG