Swim Couture – a Swimwear Blog by The Orchid Boutique | Swim Couture – a Swimwear Blog by The Orchid Boutique

Our biggest news yet…brace yourself!

Katrina — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:39:27 +0000

This is something we’ve all been anticipating and we’re excited to share the news with you first. Make sure to set this address in your GPS: 224 8th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and label this location as ‘Favorite Boutique’ because we’re elated to announce the opening of our first brick-and-mortar location.

After five successful years online, we will be opening our first store location in South Beach, off of popular Collins Ave. This prime location features neighbors such as Armani Exchange, Adidas and DASH!.

Orchid Boutique on 8th St. in South Beach will feature our luxury swimwear, beachwear, and an expanded selection of accessories including bags, hats and jewelry.

Renovations are underway for the transformation of our newest venture. We’re excited to bring you some images of our location and the beginning stages of construction. Be sure to check back here every week for updates on the store’s progress.

We’ll be opening in March and we hope to see everyone there. Be sure to follow our blog for more details regarding our grand opening celebration.

Are you ready for some football…and bikinis? We know Maria Menounos was!

Katrina — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:58:47 +0000

Superbowl Sunday is now past us and we hope you didn’t over eat on delicious treats but we know you enjoyed the game (and of course those infamous commercials). Some fans are surely dedicated, and there were many celebrity bets out there, but none better than Extra’s Maria Menounos. A die-hard New England Patriots fan, Maria was so sure her team would win Superbowl XLVI that she agreed to wear a bikini during her show if the Patriots were defeated by the Giants.

Of course, Maria donned a New York Giants colored bikini for the challenge. We’re sure Maria didn’t lose much, and probably gained many new fans after showcasing her tanned and toned bikini body. Maria’s string bikini featured a solid white bottom and a sparkle triangle top. We know the Giants aren’t her team but we must admit, Maria looks great in the red, white and blue.

It’s all about the sparkle with Maria’s two piece swimsuit and we’re inspired to wear the Run the World Bikini from Beach Bunny next weekend. This bikini is full of sparkle and glamour: completely covered in sequins and featuring gold hardware details encrusted with rhinestones. We’re not sure where else you’d be able to find this sophisticated glitz. This bikini also features a triangle top and string bottom like Maria’s swimsuit. With Brazilian coverage and a flattering cinching detail at the rear, this suit’s sparkle isn’t the only thing that’s sure to get you noticed. This brilliant sapphire blue is a sure-fire hit for any girl.

Watch out Kellan Lutz, your girlfriend’s Sydney bikini is making us all swoon

Katrina — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:00:58 +0000

This Aussie native sure knows how to rock a bikini, being born and bred along the shores. Sharni Vinson is best known for her roles in the Australian soap opera Home and Away and from movies such as Step Up 3D and Blue Crush 2. Not only is this model, dancer and actress been landing some solid roles in film and tv series, but she’s been romantically linked to Twilight hunk Kellan Lutz since last September. Sharni, a young 28 years old, has been criticized for her thin figure but expresses that she doesn’t visit the gym regularly. Sharni tributes her sleek physique to being active and having a busy lifestyle.

Sharni was spotted in her native Sydney sporting a frilly suit from Seafolly, an Australian based designer and our newest addition here at The Orchid Boutique. Sharni’s bandeau bikini from Seafolly featured a floral print with coral tones. Black lace accents along the skirted bottom’s ruffle adds an extra feminine touch. The actress’s bandeau top is a simple version paired with the ruffle skirty bottom but we love the pairing with an underwire top.

Mirror Sharni’s style with the Tea Rose Skirty from Seafolly complete with lace accents at the bustline to match the hemline. This bandeau top not only features underwire and soft built-in cups, but it has adjustable straps and it an excellent option for busts of all sizes. This two piece swimsuit’s vintage style transforms your look with elegance and grace. It’s floral, flirty and a bustier…what more could you ask for!

She’s come a long way since Bend it Like Beckham – Keira’s retro look is extra glamorous

Katrina — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:31:04 +0000

GQ is known for some glamorous photo shoots and their latest one for British GQ with Keira Knightley is certainly no exception. The actress donned a dark pink lip for the cover and a short brunette bob. The 26 year old shared that ready a screenplay for Sense and Sensibility helped her to overcome dyslexia as a child. Keira, who received compliments upon compliments after her role in Pride and Prejudice, admits she was bothered by comments and criticism from children when she was younger. (We wonder what they’re all thinking now!) She’s come a long way from her breakout role in Bend it Like Beckham.

Keira’s glamorous spread featured a polka dot one piece with a boyshort silhouette. This retro design was paired with heels for the shoot. A belt at the center helps to create a cinched waist and the scoop neckline is a feminine touch. A short curly bob creates a vintage feel and her dark lip adds drama to the image. We can’t help but wonder how glamorous Keira felt at her boudoir shoot.

To mirror Keira’s look we’ve chosen the La Vita One Piece from Seafolly, one of our newest designers. This boyshort one piece is full of retro inspiration with the silhouette, ruching across the center, a twisted design at the cups, and of course…polka dots! This one piece swimsuit features a shelf bra and soft cups. The top ties at the neck and beautiful white piping throughout makes this piece simply stand out. The boyshorts provide full coverage at the rear. We love this suit for a pool party or your next glamorous escape on a luxury yacht.

White off the runway and onto the red carpet: Kaley Cuoco’s divine style done simple

Katrina — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:38:53 +0000

White off the runway Kaley Cuoco chose a stunning white gown for the SAG Awards red carpet. Clearly, this dress is wedding inspired, which is fitting for the newly engaged Big Bang Theory actress, but it’s a knock-out on the carpet. It’s a dress fit for a fairytale and Kaley has chosen to accessorize it with only some braided locks and a charming smile. Simplicity is key with this look so as to showcase the beautiful gown. Although Big Bang Theory fans may dream that Penny and Leonard are dating in real-life, these actors off-screen relationship ended after two-years. Kaley announced last October that she was engaged to boyfriend Josh Resnik, an addiction specialist and former musician. Kaley’s fun-loving character on the Big Bang Theory allows us all to believe she’s truly is the “girl next-door” and could be our best friend and waitress tonight at The Cheesecake Factory.

Kaley’s red carpet ensemble is glamorous and divine without being over-done. Her feather-like tulle skirt gives some air to the heavy skirt and a sweetheart neckline looks great on Kaley (we hope she chooses one for her wedding gown!) Inspired by Kaley’s gown we’re ready to wear the Shera Ruffle Bikini by Orchid Label. This white swimsuit also focuses on the bottom and features a skirty ruffle. This clean-cut two piece swimsuit features an underwire top and comes with soft built-in cups for shape and support. Silver hardware detail add a touch of class without over embellishing. Not only is this white bikini inspired by Kaley’s gown but we suggest it as a great choice for any honeymoon escape, especially for Kaley.

Introducing retro-glam and feminine designs from Seafolly

Katrina — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:04:05 +0000

Introducing The Orchid Boutique’s newest designer Seafolly. Hailing from glorious Australia, this brand is not only loved by the Australians but it’s an iconic brand for the country. Seafolly’s 2012 swimwear collection exudes high glamour and sophistication. Filled with high-waisted bottoms and underwire tops, the collection provides multiple pinup inspired styles. With an overall retro glam look, this newest collection boasts floral prints, and dainty accents to enhance the truly feminine style. Design embellishments include ruffles and rouching.

Seafolly Swimwear offers ultimate support with desirable push-up in one pieces and bikinis. The collection also offers styles in solids, fabric cutouts or contrasting fabric detailing. The 2012 swimwear collection from Seafolly provides strong feminine styles flattering for every woman. Seafolly designer, Genelle Walkom, says she strives to create designs which suit customer needs. The designer takes her inspiration from the Australian lifestyle, the busy and vibrant beach life. The brand’s unique philosophy is based on its key design traits including bold statement prints, contrasting textures, and injections of electric color. Seafolly focuses on the fun in life and living life to its potential, their personality can be summed up in the company’s mission statement: “Live Life with Seafolly.”

An excellent example of Seafolly’s 2012 collection is the Tea Rose Skirty; a little bit of flirt and a whole lot of retro style. An underwire top features lace trim for extra feminine detailing and the entire suit boasts a floral print. Soft built-in cups and adjustable straps allow for the perfect amount of shape and support. A skirted bottom gives this suit a kick of fun and provides full coverage at the rear.

Nicole Scherzinger loves long walks on the beach and …horseback rides?

Katrina — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:34:21 +0000

The extremely talented and very lovely singer and judge from The X-Factor, Nicole Scherzinger enjoyed a little rest, relaxation and pure fun south of the border earlier this month in Mexico. Nicole recently wrapped up the first season of The X-Factor in the United States. The lead singer from the all-girl group Pussycat Dolls departed the group to pursue a solo career back in 2010. (We love all her songs!) Although we agree she may have had an unfair advantage with her talented career, Nicole won the tenth season of Dancing with the Stars in 2010. We only wish we could sing, dance, and of course look as hot at her.

Nicole seems to enjoy long walks on the beach and horseback riding along the shores…sounds like a dating profile, but it’s true. Nicole was spotted horseback riding along the beach and even gave a sweet wave to the crowd. For her Beachside escapades Nicole chose to wear some black leggings and an L*Space swimwear bikini top. We love how Nicole paired this dainty apricot colored triangle top with a sporty pair of leggings for her horseback ride.

Nicole wore the Monaco Apricot Bikini from L*Space Swimwear featuring a triangle top with colored enamel and gold hardware details. This triangle top ties at the neck and back for complete adjustability. Removable padding in this top provides shape and support. The matching apricot bottom for this two piece swimsuit features matching hardware detail and provides moderate coverage at the rear. This apricot color looks great on tanned skin and shimmers under the sun. Be sure to choose the Monaco Apricot Bikini for your next spa day, exotic escape, or even a horseback ride.

Former adult star Jenna Jameson glitters in a bikini…did we mention she’s a mother of twins!

Katrina — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:25:19 +0000

Even though we don’t condone her previous profession, we must admit her body is amazing. Jenna Jameson has been titled the world’s most famous adult-entertainment performer. Born in Las Vegas, Jenna’s mother was a showgirl who danced at the famous Tropicana Resort & Casino. This 37 year-old is mother to twin boys Jesse Jameson and Journey Jette, almost 3 years old, whose father is mixed martial artist Tito Ortiz. With a hot body like that at 37 and after giving birth to twins, we surely want to know who Jenna’s personal trainer is so we can follow the same work-out routine.

Jenna was spotted with her beau Tito in a fabulous bikini that was made for a bombshell. This sequined two piece swimsuit by Beach Bunny Swimwear is even named Everything the Glitters. This suit features an adjustable triangle top that ties at the neck and back. Sequined beading cover the entire suit and a central cinching detail at the rear adds to the Brazilian cut coverage and provides a purely flattering fit. Finish the sentence to this bikini’s name and you know it wouldn’t be complete without some gold; the suit features gold chain link detail at the neck and the hips. A cascading chain effect at each hip offers a unique look. Beach Bunny Swimsuits like this one capture the California lifestyle of the designer and appeal to glamorous girls who are daring and fun, and we’re sure Jenna fits into this category.

A sexy boudoir shoot – Michelle Williams channeling Marilyn Monroe, what more could we ask for!

Katrina — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:56:48 +0000

It’s no wonder the dazzling actress mentioned during her Golden Globe acceptance speech that she’s a mother first and an actress second, Michelle Williams is one of the most down-to-earth stars among Hollywood. She may lead a very different life than the famed Marilyn Monroe, but after the end of her career with television drama Dawson’s Creek Michelle has been striving to find radically different roles. She believes her role on Dawson’s Creek attracted much negative attention to her because of her character and she’s hoping to separate herself from Jen Lindley. We see no better way to do that than being transformed into a major sex symbol of the 1950s with a story to tell. Michelle was chosen to star in My Week with Marilyn over actresses Kate Hudson and Scarlett Johansson. Now, we’re being treated to even more Marilyn Monroe channeling by Michelle Williams with her spread in GQ Magazine full off voluminous hair and eye-catching boudoir sets that simply leave us saying, ‘va va Voom!’

With a coral lip and some truly Marilyn-blonde hair, Michelle is stunning in the shoot full of bedroom ready matching sets. Our favorite is paired with a simple sweater in cream. The chosen underwire top features fabric paneling to include neutral shades of white, cream, and taupe. We love the overall style of this look choosing neutral shades and pairing a slightly colored lip for a little ‘pop’.

To mirror this look, we’re excited to pick the Aquagold two piece swimsuit by Simply Maaji. This suit is a triangle top but features similar fabric paneling as Michelle’s boudoir shoot look. The Aquagold bikini also sports neutral tones combining cream, taupe, and gold. A hipster bottom with moderate coverage at the rear provides a low-rise style tailored for the beach.

Watch out world, she may be petite but Mila Kunis’ Golden Globe dress is causing a big style sensation

Katrina — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 19:14:57 +0000

We’re rounding out our Golden Globe style watch week with an actress with a hidden side (or so we like to believe!). Mila Kunis’s roles have widely varied in Hollywood but by far our favorite was from Black Swan. Her outgoing, party all-night long (while excelling at ballet) personality made us want to be best friends with her. And let’s admit it, we loved to laugh at her stereotypical character on That 70’s Show. We have the utmost respect for this actress who graciously accepted an offer to attend the United States Marine Corps Ball in November 2011 after Sgt. Scott Moore posted a You Tube video requesting her to accompany him. We can’t get over how sweet this was and wish we could have been along for a ride (hello, reality TV special!)

We’re not so sure why photog’s couldn’t seem to catch a picture of Mila smiling on the red carpet, especially because her dress was stunning. Mila’s floor length black gown featured light layers for the skirt with varying lengths for the hemline to create a longer look and draw attention to the dress’s length. But for this dress, the bodice “stole the show” so-to-say. This unique bodice has shirred vertical fabric throughout with shirred horizontal fabric across the bust cups and a twisted one-shoulder strap. This a-symmetrical silhouette favors petite statures like Mila’s and helps elongate your look.

We can’t get past how similar Mila’s Golden Globe dress is to our high-waisted bikini, Galiah Bikini by Doppia Swimwear. This bandeau style top features a twisted fabric a-symmetrical strap just like Mila’s dress. The top ties at the back and features cinching at the center bust for a flattering appeal. This one-shouldered beauty also features removable padding for shape and support. High-waisted bottoms are still trending throughout swimwear design and this style sits just below the belly button. Some added features of this high-waisted bottom include full coverage at the rear, and it reverses to purple.