Gwyneth Paltrow in Pucci at the 2011 Emmy Awards

The lovely Gwyneth Paltrow is known to push the envelope of avant garde fashion at red carpet events, and usually does so flawlessly. Last week at the 2011 Emmy Awards Gwyneth donned a midriff bearing dress by Pucci. Gwyneth won the Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for her appearances on Glee. She received mixed reviews for her red carpet choice but we think she’s the only one who could pull this look off with the sophistication and elegance as she did.

We love that Gwyneth chose to expose some tummy with her red carpet ensemble – if anyone can show off their abs at an award show, it’s surely Gwyneth Paltrow. The Pucci dress was complete with a mock cap-sleeved crop top and high-waisted maxi skirt with the perfect amount of train. The top and bottom were connected with a sheer panel at the waist to create a true dress. The red carpet stunner was intricately detailed with sequin beading along the ethnic inspired print.

Bendito Ica Top by Agua Bendita Swimwear

We see avant garde and ready to wear fashion trends emerged into swimwear everyday and the crop top is no exception. The 2012 Agua Bendita Swimwear Collection features the Bendito Ica Top, a cropped top with cap sleeves in a jewel toned ethnic print. This crop top features a scoop neckline and elastic band at bottom hem. This top is paired with the Bendito Ica bikini featuring a triangle top and string bottom in a sophisticated two-toned purple print.  Take some inspiration from fashion designers, and Ms. Gwyneth Paltrow, and pair your swimsuit with a crop top to create a second look.

Her glamorous photo shoot featured the brand’s iconic colorful styles and embellishments. The 26 year-old blonde bombshell has high volume hair and coordinating headbands. We bet Leo Di Caprio may reconsider the breakup when he sees his ex-girlfriend in these HOT pics. Check out the video from E! News below for a sneak peak at Bar’s high-fashion photos:

Watch E! News Video: Bar Refaeli makes a splash in Agua Bendita

Agua Bendita is known for their playful styles and color choices- they’re the brand for any woman who doesn’t want to go unnoticed! The brand features textures and prints galore for an exotic flavor.  Coveted for their avant-garde designs and luxury fabrics, Agua Bendita hand crafts each piece for exquisite detailing.  Not only are Agua Bendita swimsuits to die for, their social initiatives are admirable, selecting single mothers and women who are heads of households as their seamstresses. This brand has gained worldwide recognition for their couture swimsuits and has been featured in magazines such as Sports illustrated, Maxim, Los Angeles Times, Ocean Drive, and more.  Shop more Agua Bendita styles now and take a sneak peak at Bar’s sexy shots below for the Agua Bendita Swimwear 2012 collection.

One of the best parts about summer is not only the vacations, cruises and beach time, but also the fabulous pool parties. Pool parties area great time to meet with friends and enjoy food, fun, and good company. While some places aren’t as beach accessible, pools are nearly everywhere in cities and neighborhoods across the USA.

However, you must ensure that you have an amazing swimsuit when you head to pool parties (especially here in Miami, it’s extremely competitive, kind of exhausting). Every city seems to have their own style when it comes to choice of swimsuits and you must play the part. So if you are headed to a pool party locally, or are visiting a friend in a different city, we have swimsuit pool party choices that will suit you perfectly wherever you are.

If you are at a pool party in Miami…

The flashier the better! Miami does it big with literally everything they do. Whether it be cars, houses, yachts, or swimwear – especially swimwear (they take it very seriously down here). We suggest wearing an Agua Bendita swimsuit, particularly the Bendita Carosella. This swimsuit has exquisite beading and detailing, a halter top neckline, and rouching in the rear. It features beautiful colors and is perfect for a pool party at the Fountainebleau. We suggest pairing it with the Cream Callisto Jumper (left), an Elaine Turner beach bag, a pair of earrings, and some pumps.

If you are at a pool party in NYC…

The city that never sleeps. New Yorkers are chic trendsetters who love a little glamour but with a simplistic and effortless appeal. We suggest the Grey Risque Nikki Bikini by L*Space Swimwear for your NYC pool party. This bikini has mesh detailing, a triangle top and string bottom with moderate coverage. Pair it with the Hollywood Hoody cover-up, the Leblon Black Necklace by Lolindo, a pair of flats and a cute fedora hat.

If you are at a pool party in Los Angeles…

The city of angels has a little more relaxed vibe than Miami and NYC. The cool hipsters in LA are laid back and need a swimsuit with glamour appeal (hey you could be at a famous person’s pool!) but with a relaxed feel. We suggest the Stella Catwalk Bikini by L*Space. This bikini has gold hardware detailing for a special look, removable padding, and moderate coverage in the rear. Pair it with an Terah Navy Bag, Azure earrings, wedges and a floppy hat.

Every swimsuit is unique in how it showcases specific parts of your body. Some accentuate your breasts, while others help lift your bum. Well, we’ve gathered a list of a few styles that may help to highlight your favorite part of you.

If you love your rear:

Opt for something with cinching in the back and has the “flutter” affect along the edges. These swimsuits are super flattering and will definitely make the fellas do a double take (watch out Kim Kardashian!).

1. Madrid Ripple Bikini by Vix Swimwear 2. Coral Pina Bikini by Salinas Swimwear 3. Amber Brazilian Cut Bikini by Sofia by Vix

Hello girls:

For all of you perfectly stacked women, I hate you. But if you don’t care how I feel and are looking to show off the girls, these swimsuits are the perfect choice.

1. Rocker Girl Bikini by Sabz Luxury 2. Jeanius Halter Bikini by True Religion 3. Sea Serpent Monokini by OndadeMar Swimwear

Toned and tanned legs:

If you’re one of the girls doing squats, lunges and you are the least bit athletic, you probably love your legs. If your legs are toned and fit, try one of these swimsuits that are sure to emphasize all the hard work you put in the gym.

1. Adventure Two-Piece by Paradizia Swimwear 2. Iluminada Tunic by Maui Swimwear  3. Malibu Virna Bikini by Despi Swimwear

Six-pack ladies:

Now for all you women who live and die by Pilates, Yoga and the ab cruncher, your stomach is probably phenomenal. And of course you want to show that off right? Great stomachs come a dime a dozen so be proud! Here are some options you can consider when trying to show off your favorite asset.

1. Bendito Peacock by Agua Bendita Swimwear 2. Pink Poison by Maaji Swimwear 3. Swanky Red Monokini by L*Space Swimwear

So go ahead ladies, love your body! If there’s a part of yourself you are proud of, don’t be afraid to show it off. Maybe it’ll give others the motivation to step their game up!

One of our fashion obsessions, Kate Middleton, was recently seen in this beautiful Jenny Packham sequined gown headed to the Ark Charity Gala at Kensington Palace. Just like everyone else, we fashion stalk Kate Middleton because she’s absolutely fabulous. She honestly can do no wrong.

Another beauty rocking the sequin trend is Leighton Meester. She wore this show-stopping Balmain piece at the MTV Movie Awards a few weekends ago. The Gossip Girl star looked elegant and chic in the mini-dress on the red carpet.

Sequins is being worn by everyone (if you don’t believe me, go to South Beach on a Saturday night, you’ll be in sequin heaven). Not only that, head to South Beach during the day and you’ll see beautiful sequin swimsuits adorned with  lining the sand.

We have great options if you are looking for something to put some sparkle in your wardrobe. The Adventure Bikini by Paradizia Swimwear is a great option if you are going for full, frontal sequin. This swimsuit features a triangle top with cutouts at the neckline. The bottom has a tie around the waist and is a Brazilian cut bikini at the rear.

The Cocktail Natalie by Despi Swimwear is the perfect one-piece option full of embroidered sequin. It features a sweetheart neckline, padded cups, and full bottom coverage in the rear. It was also featured in the June 2011 issue of People StyleWatch magazine!

And If you’re a flower child and want your fix of sequin as well, the Bendita Realeza by Agua Bendita Swimwear is the perfect option. It features embroidered sequin on the triangle top, flower embellishment on the bottom, and a Brazilian cut in the rear. It also has cinching on the back to flatter your rear.

Don’t forget to add a little glamour to your swimsuit wardrobe this summer with your sequin bathing suits that are sure to stand out!

Refaeli and DiCaprio had been dating on and off for the past six years, and recently hit a rough patch. A source close to the couple stated:

“It was amicable, they’re still friends and they are still talking.”

Regardless if they are together or not, Refaeli is undoubtedly beautiful. And if she looks a tad bit familiar to any of you Swim Couture readers and swimwear lovers, it’s because she’s the amazing model for Agua Bendita Swimwear. They are one of our most popular brands and I definitely think it’s because of the craftsmanship, the unique patterns of each and every swimsuit, and of course, the amazing model rocking the pieces.

We definitely have a girl crush on Bar and think she represents Agua Bendita so well. I mean who really needs a man when you look like that! She looks absolutely in stunning the Bendita Carosella (love!) and don’t you wish your backside looked as good as hers in the Bendito Festival? Here are a few other style’s Bar is rockin’ by Agua Bendita. To check out more Agua Bendita swimwear, and other fabulous swimsuits, head over to our two-piece swimsuits!

Eat your heart out, Leo! This woman is H-O-T and she works it!

Visit the Agua Bendita page to view the hi res images of these styles.

Bendita Francia by Agua Bendita Swimwear

The Bendita Francia bikini by Agua Bendita, while not as pink as Katy’s dress, has little floral appliqués all over the top and bottom of the suit. This black swimsuit with a hint of lace showing through ties at the neck and back, and ties at both sides on the bottom. The bottom also provides moderate coverage at the rear. Did we mention it was also featured in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2011 edition? This string bottom with little flower embellishment is such a cute pinupy look. Kind of like Katy!

Katy Perry is ready for spring, are you?

Giuliana Rancic, Camila Alves, Julianne Hough

Red has a classic factor that serves to enhance and embellish outfits even with little added detail. The romance of red has been illustrated in books and special holidays, and the passion it elicites delights us to no end. At the Heart Truth Red Dress Fashion Show earlier this month, celebrites like Julianne Hough, Giuliana Rancic, and Camila Alves posed in different designers creations in the name of heart health. From Marchesa to Zac Posen, the brains behind these red showstoppers established red as a classicly chic look that never goes out of style.

To us, red swimsuits serve the same purpose as a red carpet gown for beach lovers. There’s no need to feel like a ‘plain jane’ just because you’re going swimming. With designer swimwear, boring is never the word of the day. The great thing about red is that it looks great on women of all skin types. Take a look at our top red swimsuit picks:

Bendito Festival by Agua Bendita. This gorge number incorporates leopard print, black embellishments, and a string bottom to match.

Bendito Montecarlo by Agua Bendita Swimwear. The sexy laser-cut print and ribbon detail create a floral embellished look that finished off with gold accenting fabric.

Bendito Versailles by Agua Bendita 2011. The beauty of this suit is not only the ethnic embroidered fringe down the straps and waistline, but the jaw-dropping brazilian cut bottom.

There you go gals, if you want to dress up to hit the beach in style, a pop of passion wouldn’t do you harm.

Cintia Dicker in OndadeMar

Hilary Rhoda in Agua Bendita

This year, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue went all out with their spread! With shoots in Fiji, Singapore, Hawaii, Anguilla, and the Philippines, the photos sizzled. The drop dead gorgeous models who posed this year for the shoot don’t hurt the case either. Some of our favorite picks for 2011:

Enter Cintia Dicker. We told you this girl was one hot contender! Even though she didn’t make the shoot she posed in a crazy cool OndadeMar Swimwear number (the Kalah Bar Bikini). With it underwire top feature and detailed gold embellishments along the bustline, the girl was flawless. A perfect way to highlight her freckles and red hair was with the animal print suit, which comes with soft molded cups and moderate coverage at the rear.

Hilary Rhoda didn’t disappoint either in a sexy yet sporty shoot off the coast of an exotic island. Unafraid of the deep ocean wildlife, the girl dove right in there for a water session and even got her surf on in one of our favorite designers, Agua Bendita Swimwear. Donning the Bendita Francia bikini she shows us that functionality and fashion can go hand in hand and do not need to eliminate each other. This meticulously embroidered suit features tiny flowers over a solid black print and the string bottom is just the icing on the cake of fit.

Hilary Rhoda in Maaji Swimwear

Hilary also donned a fringe bikini by Maaji Swimwear with a fun and flirty flair, the Turquoise Barricades suit. This vociferous print features zig zags of turquoise and yellow and uses fringe to create a ruffle air. Love.

Irina Shayk in Vix

This year’s cover model Irina Shayk (which we predicted by the way) flaunted a very sexy string bikini by Vix Swimwear. Also in acqua and turquoise colors, this brazilian hottie shows us the versatility of the Batik Ripple fit. A simple style with removable padding and strings at the sides does the trick. The real gem in this design is of course the jaw dropping brazilian cut bottom, which features a scruch-like cinching down mid rear. Not only helps to enhance but provides a heart shape that’s just irresistible.

Another red hot shoot involves none other than Andy Roddick’s girl, Brooklyn Decker. The “Just go with it” star and former SI cover model graces the pages of the mag in a shoot worth drooling over. In a sexy roll-around-the-sand scenario, Brooklyn flaunts the very sexy Rainforest Bikini by Paradizia Swimwear, and we are just gaga for it. The detailed embroidery and sequins give this luxury swimsuit an extra touch of specialness, that put together with a hottie like her, it’s like gold.

Brooklyn Decker in the Rainforest Bikini by Paradizia 2011

Update: We called it! Check out the sexy picks fresh off the shoot in our As Seen in section!

The big cover reveal will be announced on the David Letterman show this Monday Feb 14th (Valentine’s Day), followed by newstands sales the following day. We can’t wait to see WHO made the cover with so many sizzling models in the run. Who will be the lucky lady this year? Here are some of our favorite contenders:

Bar Refaeli

She not only graced the cover last year, she’s one of our favorite girls. Apart from being Leo Di Caprio’s girlfriend, the girl’s got herself a pretty nice behind. She’s posed in SI before for brands such as OndadeMar Swimwear, and this year she was featured in some sizzling luxury swimsuit pics from Agua Bendita Swimwear. If you’re wondering what her bum looks like in a brazilian cut bikini, it’s your lucky day.

Left: Bar Refaeli in SI 2010: Right: In Agua Bendita Swimwear 2011

Cintia Dicker

This red-headed kitten is one of the top contenders. With her freckled face, pale skin, and auburn hair, she’s a cute and sexy package. Would you have guessed she’s from Campo Bom, Brazil? Not exactly! A Brazilian red-head with some girl-next-door features. The land of the beautiful sure knows how to make ‘em. She was shot frolicking in the sand in Maaji Swimwear for the 2010 shoot.

Cintia Dicker in Maaji Swimwear for SI 2010

Hilary Rhoda

This Maryland native is a sporty yet sexy option that would parallel SI’s previous choices. With her brunette hair and deep blue eyes, she’s sure to be a hit covergirl. Oh, and that smile wouldn’t hurt her chances either. She’s been featured in the past in Agua Bendita and Vix Swimwear. She is also dating Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez which will add star power to this year’s issue.

Hilary Rhoda in Vix Swimwear for SI 2010

Daniella Sarahyba

Is it us, or does she have an air of Keri Russell in her? This is another brazilian hottie who broke out in the Sports lllustrated seen back in 2005. Her sweet come hither look and upbeat poses really want to make you like her and lust over her. And whatever else comes to your mind. We pulled out a 2008 vintage SI pic of her in Maaji Swimsuit in Italy. Want a ride in a Vespa, anyone?

Daniella Sarahyba in Maaji Swimwear for SI 2009

Irina Shayk

Secretly, we think Irina will take the crown this year. This Russian ‘Adriana Lima’ look-alike has gotten widespread recognition since she was shot in Sports Illustrated back in 2007. She’s been featured in the swimsuit issue ever since, and boasts a wrap sheet of A-list gigs such as starring in Kanye West’s 2010 Power video, among others. She’s been on the cover of other magazines like Maxim and Elle, and we think this year will be her year. She’s posed for one of our sexy OndadeMar Swimwear styles and has been a hit among industry insiders worldwide. If she makes it, we called it.

Irina Shayk in OndadeMar Swimwear