Recommended: Nadia Two-Piece by OndaDeMar

You can say what you want about her romantic choices, but the girl know what looks good on her. To mirror this pinup swimwear look, opt for an underwire swimsuit that gives you the extra oomph and support. A great option we recommend is the Nadia Two-Piece by OndadeMar Swimwear.  This underwire swimsuit top helps to push up and lift as well as provide a sexy flair. The boyshorts style bottom has drawstrings at the sides to adjust your thigh coverage, and provides moderate rear coverage. Pick this suit if you’re looking to feel confident and perhaps a little bit of a bad girl. Just make sure the boys you attract in this swimsuit don’t have a ring on their finger.

Abbie, we can’t wait to see your new movie, but hopefully the bad girl ‘tude stays with your sense of style!

Katy Perry is the cover girl for the March issue of Elle Magazine (on newstands now), and she dishes to the mag about her journey to stardom, her sexy image, and more. We love that she is not shy about revealing her true self! The avant-garde pop star also loves to express her personality through her sense of fashion, and since that includes ‘pinup swimwear’ inspired outfits, we’re all for it.

Recommended: 'Adorable Nightmare' by Maaji

The spread features a vintagey circus theme, with Katy posing in a variety of designer swimsuit like pieces. We adore these two solid pieces and think they translate perfectly onto beach fashion. To spruce this style up with a bit of floral, try the less costume-y Adorable Nightmare by Maaji Swimwear. This one piece swimsuit features the same hipster style cut at the leg and vintage inspired feel. The pair of black lines down the shoulder line contour the torso, and match the removable straps that can be attached at your preference. Seemlessly flowing with Katy’s style.

Love that the girl makes no excuses and is as honest as Hollywood gets. Some other interesting quotes from the spread:

On her down-to-earth personality:  “It’s important to be relatable and normal. And I think that what helps with that, for me, is that I had the rug pulled out from underneath my feet so many times. It was like, ‘Listen up, bitch, you’re not going to get served this on a silver platter—you’ve got to work for it!’ I don’t feel like I can act like an entitled bitch yet! I still have so much to prove.

On whether she’s had any reservations about presenting a provocative image:  “We’re past that. I’m a sexy girl, so what? I never claimed I was a nun!”

Sara Ramirez for Latina Magazine (March 2011)

Marilyn Monroe’s legacy is alive and well based on the revived trend inspiring fashion publications this year: pinup. Grey’ Anatomy star Sara Ramirez posed for the cover of Latina Magazine in her undies and we happen to think she looks amazing. This look is very relatable to designer swimwear fashion, and we happen to applaud women who pay tribute to the pinup swimwear trend by donning the two features that make it so vintage:

- Underwire top

The great thing about an underwire swimsuit is that it’s almost a shoe-in style for the pinup flair. There’s something so about the push-up feature that was revolutionary during the 50s era, and therefore became a staple for the featured models in the two-page spread that men “pinned up” in their lockers. Apart from it’s vintage flair, this top usually comes with built-in cups that help to accentuate the breasts and provide a good amount of support.

- High waisted bottoms

Get the look: Black Joan Bikini by Despi

A high-waisted bikini was a thing of the past for the last two decades, UNTIL it became the new “it” thing a couple of years ago. Stars like Blake Lively and Kim Cattral (in the first Sex-n-theCity Movie) both flaunted this 50s trend, and all fashion mags from Vogue to Elle have applauded current designers recreating this look. We’ve talked about this bottom in previous blogs as of lately due to its relevance in the industry.

Not only is this bottom style perfect for fuller body types, but also for new mommies who’d like to conceal some excess flab. Just like a monokini swimsuit, a high waisted bottom helps to hide minor imperfections while still looking sexy, and that’s why heart it.

Today we’re gushing over Shakira’s princess –like dress with layers of tulle ruffles below the waistline. We’ve noticed this color in swimwear 2011 styles and other similar trends that exemplify some of the Colombian pop star’s dress features. For one, the bandeau bikini top translates flawlessly onto swim garments, and by adding underwire cups built into the bra the style accentuates in all the right places.

Case in point: the Blueberry Cake by Betsey Johnson Swimwear.

Blueberry Cake Bikini by Betsey Johnson

The great thing about this option is that the top comes with adjustable bra straps that can be worn over the shoulder as a second strap or near the neckline. Love the string bottom because it allows you to adjust your waist preference. The ruffles on this ruffled swimsuit mirror the flirtatiousness and feminity of Shak’s gown.

Another style to look out for if you’re wanting a more demure but still current option is the Malibu Virna by Despi Swimwear. This high waisted bikini features a pinup style with its sexy silhouette. The padded swimsuit top features shirring that adorn the cups and soft traps that don’t cut into the skin.

Malibu Virna by Despi

Speaking of skin, this cobalt blue tone works on dark or light skin tones but tends to highlight brunette hair colors best. There you have it, if you can’t move your hips like Shakira, at least you can’t flaunt this hot color!

Sofia Vergara at the Golden Globes 2011

Not that she was a winner of a statue, just of millions of hearts (of both men and women) with a vociferously likeable personality and well, a sizzling body in Modern Family. Evidently, Sofia Vergara is not one to shy away from flaunting curves, and as sexy swimwear enthusiasts, we are glad to see a Hollywood woman that stands behind this theme. This year at the Golden Globes, the laugh-out-loud Colombian selected a delicious reddish dress with a black sash by Vera Wang.

Similarly to Sofia, the effect of a red swimsuit with black highlights has the wow factor. And for all those fashionable beach lovers looking to leverage that, we have a great recommendation for you: the Kiss Eva Bikini by Despi Swimwear.

This bandeau swimsuit top features soft molded cups for shape and support as well as black flower-shaped buttons down mid bust. The cherry red skirted bottom also features matching black buttons and ruffles at the hemline.

Kiss Eva Bikini by Despi

With its pinup swimwear flair, this suit by brazilian designer Despina Filios provides a bit of flirty chic. A one-piece swimsuit version of this suit is also available in black with the Kate One Piece. So if you’re looking to fill up suits like Sofia and still look sexy at the beach, pick up one of these styles here.

Lou Lou String Bikini (on sale now)

Let’s be honest, as much as shopping online has its unbeatable advantages (as discussed in previous posts), selecting the right swimsuit size without trying it on can sometimes be challenging. That’s why we’ve recruited a fabulous team of fashion specialists to help you find the right suit for your body type. You can contact one of our stylists by clicking on the “Email our Fashion Advisor” link in any product page.

So we asked our fashion advisors about the common questions from swimsuit shoppers out there. And here’s a couple of tips we found to be useful when shopping for a swimsuit online:

1. Take the guessing game (and the muffin top) out of the picture. Get a string bikini.

One thing that women wonder when choosing the right size is, will it be tight on my waistline? Nobody wants a muffin top. Or a droopy bottom either. The best way to assure a great fit is to get a string bikini. The tie sides allow you to adjust your waist coverage while keeping your bum coverage at a comfortable level. Generally, if you’re usually a 0-2, choosing the smallest size (generally an XS or a Small) is the best option for you. If you’re more like a 2-4 you may want to go with a Medium, and a 6-8 usually fits a Large. Popular latin brands like Maaji, Agua Bendita, Sabz, and OndadeMar are soundproof designers who’d tailor a string bikini to fit these measurements.

2. Follow the bra size rule

If you know and usually fit into a specific bra size, the best way to lift up your girls is choosing an underwire top. Underwire swimsuits are an amazing way to spice up a regular two piece. If you’re a solid 32-34A, your best bet if to go with a size Small for underwire top. 32-34B usually fit great into a Medium, and 32D-34Cs usually fit into a Large. Even though those of us outside of those ranges would need additional style specific advise, fitting into one of these sizes is a fireproof way to look pinupy at the pool.

3. Love your curves (and Hips)

For those of us bootylicious ladies, choosing a bikini bottom can be quite an endeavor. However, hipster bottoms have time and time again proven to be the most flattering style for apple bottom type of women. The low rise cut provides a sexy factor, but the boyshorts style allows for enough coverage. We absolutely adore hipster bottoms and value the designer fit they give to Beyonce-type ladies.

There you have it! Stay tuned for more tips coming soon. In the meantime, for style specific questions, shoot us an email at customerservice@theorchidboutique.com.

Tinsley Mortimer

A favorite childhood games has taken a sexy turn and one of our fashion icons is getting in on it! New York Socialite-and style guru Tinsley Mortimer was spotted rocking a skirty swimsuit from the Patty Cakes collection by Betsey Johnson Swimwear at a recent appearance at Tao Beach in Las Vegas. Tinsley is looking svelte in her fashion-forward poolside look, as she dishes to People StyleWatch about her secrets to staying fit for bikini season-you’d certainly never believe she indulges in cupcakes and pizza!

Patty Cakes Bikini by Betsey Johnson

This black-and-white line lends a fun 50s vibe to swimwear, totally in accordance with Betsey’s usual pin-up feel. A skirted swimsuit is always ideal for doing the pinup look and also for curvier women. To jump in on this trend too, check out the Patty Cakes storyline from the now-reduced 2010 collection (it’s part of our swimwear sale!). We adore Tinsley’s style and we’re so excited to see her in one of the most fun collections from this season!

Update: the brand new Betsey Johnson Swimwear 2011 is debuting in November! Take advantage of the sale going on now and stay tuned for the gorgeous looks coming soon.

Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and her baby in Hawaii

As a swimwear blog, we are always on the hunt for new post-baby bikini pictures. We are inspired by moms who are able to get their pre baby figure back, and be confident in themselves enough to flaunt a luxury bikini! As is the case with Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, recently spotted with son Bronx Wentz at the beach in Hawaii.

Recommended: Maritimum Gray by Maaji

What a lovely sight it was to see Ashlee’s healthy slender figure back on track. A true example of how women can have it all… a career, a baby, and a hot bod. Style-wise though, we think Ashlee could’ve done a bit better on the color area. Because her skin is pale and her hair jett black, a black and white gingham bikini can make her a appear a bit paler and faded.

We dig her retro pinup feel, being pinup swimwear one of our favorite trends. However, if you’re considering a similar look, we’d recommend the Maritimum Gray by Maaji Swimwear. With the same silhouette as Ashlee’s black and white number, this swimsuit features a mix n match array of designer fabrics. The top cinching at mid bust emphasizes the cleavage area while the ruffled bottom gives the flirty 50s look a contemporary kick. The back features special double ties and keyhole at mid-back, and the gray and yellow stripes are totally on trend for this season.

Maritimum Gray back view

Thumbs up on your new shape Ashlee! Take it from us, color suits you!

Get this look here.

Layer Cake Underwire by Betsey Johnson

Trend Alert! The pinup look is back in style. It looks great on dresses, dressy tops, and swimwear. Which makes the underwire bikini so relevant to the trend. Reminiscent of the 50s centerfold, the style is almost synonymous with push up underwire tops.

Now that pinup swimwear has swung back to center stage, designers are creating styles that incorporate the look with ruffles, removable straps, and sexy prints. A style to look at if you’re thinking contemporary pinup is the Layer Cake Underwire by Betsey Johnson Swimwear. This delicious frosting inspired number features three of the top trends for 2010 swimwear: ruffles, underwire, and the color fuchsia.

A great thing about this bikini is that the top features a couple of look options with the double straps. The style allows a gal to wear the top as an ‘off the shoulder’ look or a more conventional strap top. The straps can stack up on top of each other to make the ruffles the emphasis on the neckline. This flirty top can be paired with any of the Layer Cake bottom options, whether the ruffle skirty or the Layer Cake string bottom. Pushing up the girls while looking fashionable and swim-ready? Gotta love that.

Bendita Fantasia by Agua Bendita Swimwear

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Weren’t we just wishing our closest friends a Happy New Year like 5 minutes ago? Time certainly flies. Now we’re approaching the most romantic time of the year!

Valentine’s Day may sometimes be known as the lingerie holiday, but a lot of swimwear paraphernalia is also essential to those jetting off to a romantic getaway, or who live beachside and want to show off their hot bod in something other than underwear. Our top picks for the best Valentine’s Day bikinis this year, we’ve decided, will not just be the usual pantone color that would typically cross your mind when you think of Valentine’s, which let’s face it, is mainly solid red. We think 2010 is a different type of year for swimwear, a new era where women show their unique side, where sequins, ruffles, and nautical themes shine.

Layer Cake Tankini by Betsey Johnson

So here are our favorite must-haves for Valentine’s Day Bikinis:

1. Bendita Fantasia by Agua Bendita: This gorgeous bikini is worth a gawk or two. Rows of sequins and embroidery adorn the top’s front, and the ruffled skirty bottom is full of them as well. A sash-like ruffle comes down the bust line in kind of a romantic way. Perfect for the occasion. A fantasy suit for sure.

2. Layer Cake Tankini by Betsey Johnson: As tasty as a cake is this delicious tankini (which can be camouflaged as a sexy top with some leggings by the way). Rows of ruffles and yummy fuchsia envelope this sexy number. Top it off with removable padding and a shelf bra for your girls, and you got one sexy swimsuit. Not a bad one for the occasion.

Sea Shore Pinup by Lady Lux

3. Seashore Pinup by Lady Lux: A hint of red for those in the spirit of Valentine’s, but not your typical bikini. A little bit pinup swimwear, a little bit nautical, and a lot of sexy. This style features a brazilian cut bottom (meaning narrow and sexy) in the rear and comes with gold button details. Another must-have for lovers day.

There you have it. We cherry-pick the hottest designer swimwear and hand it off in a golden plate, so you can celebrate with your girlfriend, or wife (hint hint!), and have a whole lot of fun on Valentine’s Day.