Anything that was a free sample. Yes, we said it… and it’s true. Believe it or not some people actually give samples they’ve received for free throughout the year as a Christmas gift come December. Talk about tacky, impersonal, and cheap. A home-made card or handwritten, well-thought note is much better.

Large amounts of souvenirs. Souvenirs are great gifts for friends and family when you return from a trip, or if the person loves a particular location, or if it’s a joke gift…but for Christmas try to avoid gifting outrageously unnecessary or large amounts of souvenirs. We’d prefer a postcard that doesn’t take up space and collect dust in the corner of our closet.

Re-gifting to the same person. If I purchased a well-thought out gift for you, please don’t re-gift it back to me, especially if it’s still wrapped in the same way I gave it to you or even worse…personalized! If you’re going to be brave and re-gift, be careful you don’t re-gift to anyone who knows the original sender.

Gifts that “hint” to something personal. This category includes deodorant, self-help books, subscriptions to dating websites, or hair removal products. Unless this is a joke gift, just don’t give it! Why embarrass someone in this way? If you think they have a problem and/or need some help, offer some advice…not a gift.

If you’ve received some of these bad gifts and you’re super bummed about it…never fear! The days following Christmas are the perfect time for you to buy yourself something you’ve been wanting but perhaps were waiting to see if you received it as a gift. Didn’t receive that Agua Bendita you’ve been drooling over…even after you’ve had it as your desktop on your computer for half of the month of December? No worries, buy it for yourself now! Or maybe someone gifted you a fabulous vacation to the Caribbean…you know what you’ll need: a little bit of lovely L*Space swimwear to accompany you.

For that special someone in your life:

She’s planning something really special for you this year, and you’re prepared to do the same. Start with a glamorous suit by Agua Bendita: the Bendita Mecca…the holy grail of bikinis. Luxurious embroidery and beaded details for pure opulence. A classic triangle top with flutter ruffle detail combines the perfect shades of pink, purple and aqua. The coordinating hipster bottom provides a Brazilian-cut, almost thong-like style at the rear with central ruching detail for a purely flattering fit.

For your best friend:

She’s vibrant and fun. The two of you know each other inside and out, including your dress size! Perhaps she has a fabulous trip planned, with or without you, or maybe she’s just worthy of something new for her pool lounging days with you. Either way, the Purple Posh Sq Halter by Orchid Label is an excellent choice. This vibrant purple creates a breathtaking two piece, ready for some serious vacation glamour and gorgeous on any skin tone and hair color. Unique square gold hardware adds a new twist on a classic style. The moderate coverage bottom features shirred sides to prevent digging and is the perfect style for your gal pal.

For the most important woman in your life…your mom!

She probably gave you the best gifts growing up, and let’s face it…she probably still does! Now it’s your turn to re-pay her and what better way than with the luxurious Tangier Tankini by Badgley Mischka. This classic black style has a glamorous touch with a jeweled embellishment that creates a Moroccan feel. The bandeau style tankini top features padding for shape and support and unique straps that begin from the center of the bust. The bottom provides full coverage, just as your mom likes.

Stay tuned for further gift guides to help you finish your holiday shopping early!

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.

Number 5: South Padre Island, Texas

South Padre Island, Texas is one of the most popular beaches in Texas because of it’s pristine water and natural beauty. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico and features great nightlife and amazing restaurants. It is located just miles from the Mexican border where you can soak up the culture and festivities. If you’re heading to South Padre Island this summer, we suggest the Rodeo Drive One-Piece by Sabz Swimwear. This swimsuit parallels the Texas culture and is a great piece for a day on the beach or with a cover-up for the evening.

Number 4: Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach is the perfect  destination for families to travel this summer. Northeasterners flock to this location because of the soft sand and exciting atmosphere. Enjoy a day on the boardwalk eating pizza and Italian ice, shopping, and spotting dolphins from your hotel room. The Kiss Eva Bikini by Despi Swimwear is the perfect bikini for Virginia Beach because of it’s bandeau top (perfect for tanning) and full coverage bottom to wear while walking to your favorite shops.

Number 3: Huntington Beach, California

Huntington Beach in Orange County, California is also known as “Surf City” where tourists and locals alike can enjoy a day on the beach with shattering waves and lots of sun. It’s located near Disneyland, and is a popular location for celebrities to enjoy their days off. Take your Audrina Coral Monokini by L*Space with you to enjoy the surf and the sand. L*Space is super popular with celebrities in California, as seen on Lindsay Lohan and Gwen Stefani.

Number 2: Hawaii

Every year honeymooners and adults flock to the islands of Hawaii to get away from reality.  The Hawaiian islands are incorporated by eight large islands and various smaller ones. There are a numerous amount of locations to choose from to enjoy luxury hotels, the native Hawaiian culture, and great food. Take your Amalfi Jewel Berry Bikini by Badgley Mischka to relax on the resort and enjoy the beaches and cultures throughout the day.

Number 1: Miami Beach, Florida

Rounding off our top five favorite beach locations is our hometown of Miami Beach, Florida. Miami offers a variety of cultures, foods, and festivities. You can enjoy a day on South Beach with clear skies and limitless restaurants along Ocean Drive. While you tan you can watch the cruise ships go by and listen to the music from the various beachgoers around you. The evening brings the city to life where you can enjoy the Latin culture.  The lively Latin culture is also seen through the swimsuit options along the beach. We suggest the Bendita Santa Monica by Agua Bendita Swimwear. This swimsuit is fun, vibrant, and sexy with a Brazilian cut in the rear.

Enjoy your next vacation this summer and don’t forget to pack your favorite  swimsuit from The Orchid Boutique!

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.

Bendito Caballo Bikini by Agua Bendita Swimwear 2011

The first suit that caught our eye is the delicate looking Bendito Caballo Bikini. If you’re a sucker for classically cut triangle tops and string bottoms, stay put – because we’re just getting started. The colorfully majestic print is the backdrop to Agua Benditas finely crafted beading and embellishments. From a white bead border to a maroon ruffle hemline, all we can say is love love love!

Bendito Cavallier Two Piece by Agua Bendita Swimwear 2011

Our next majestic pick is the Bendito Cavallier Two Piece. Not only is this suit unique to any suit we’ve ever seen, but the horse print on the  bottom is reminiscent of one of our favorite childhood memories: riding the carousel.  This two piece gives off the illusion of a covered up bikini, but in reality is a one piece, with a string top separate.

The Majestic Majesty is a woman with imagination and creativity. She loves to have fun and dives deep into adventure. Are you a Majestic Majesty?

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.

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

Bar Refaeli in Agua Bendita

The brand Agua Bendita started as a small brand headed by two creative geniuses with a passion for sewing embellishments onto bikinis. In the short three years since we introduced it to the U.S. ecommerce market, Agua Bendita has become one of the most coveted swimwear brands in the industry, known for the quality, luxury, and intricate detail.

For their new 2011 collection, the designers behind the buzzed-about brand have recruited two of the biggest “it” models of today: Bar Refaeli and Candice Swanepoel.

Bar Refaeli – a curvaceous bombshell

Bar Refaeli is not only known for her gorgeous body, fabulous poses, and drop dead girl-next-door face, she’s also infamously known for dating a little guy known as Leo Di Caprio. Agua Bendita selected Bar Refaeli as their main swimsuit model because she exemplifies a woman with a bit of curves who is not afraid to flaunt them. And we dig that about her!

Candice Swanepoel in Agua Bendita

Candice Swanepoel – the sexy new “doll face”

This South African beauty with exotic features has captivated eyeballs worldwide with her full lips, girly smile, blonde locks, and sexy figure. ‘Candy,’ as some of her fellow models refer to her, has made the rounds of designer bikini shoots and is most recently the face of a large lingerie brand. However, she first debuted her swimsuit body in the 2010 collection of Agua Bendita swimwear, which did so well in our store we had to re-stock before the collection debuted.

Growing from less than a hundred pieces per style to a large enterprise with recognition in several fashion magazines, the intricacy in the styles now include laser cut innovation, handmade embellishments, and luxury beading. And we are proud to be the worldwide leader in online sales.

Shop the 2011 collection in-stock now at: theorchidboutique.com/agua-bendita-swimwear.