Planting even a single tree can provide multiple benefits to earth and the more, the better. Trees planted by Maaji’s Planting an Ocean of Trees campaign are specifically placed in the Andean region of Colombia, the brand’s native country. This chosen area will protect watersheds that have been hit by violence and affected by the indiscriminate logging of forests. Located in the equatorial zone, this region will allow further growth of trees with potential high water and provide a greater contribution to the fight against climate change. In conjunction with regional environmental authorities, Maaji has chosen to plant the tree species of Cedar, Willow, Oak, and Myrtle. “Plantings will continuously be verified by the multinational Deloitte & Touche.”

Planting trees also provides a social impact among the inhabitants of the region and the world. These tree plantings bring additional resources to family farmers and improve their quality of life by protecting their drinking water. Additional Green Solutions implemented with this campaign include soil recovery and topsoil protection, improving soil porosity, promoting species to create native habitats, spreading tree species to fight against the danger of extinction, and reconnecting forest patches to build travel corridors for wildlife.

“As inhabitants of this wonderful world, we feel it is our responsibility to find different ways of contributing to the environment from the moment we wake up in the morning until we go to bed. Each one of us can be an agent of change.” –Maaji

What are your contributions to the planet? Purchase a swimsuit from Maaji’s Underwater Conquest collection and contribute to an eco-friendly campaign to protect our earth and its inhabitants.

#6. Kate Moss

Kate married beau Jamie Hince and fabulously vacationed on a yacht in Corsica. Her sleek and chic black bandeau bikini compliments her personality perfectly. This couple’s wedding cost a reported one million Euros and took place in Little Faringdon in the Cotswolds.

#5. Vanessa Minnillo

Vanessa married long-time boyfriend Nick Lachey and the couple honeymooned in lovely St. Barth’s. The couple sent plane tickets to guests and told them to dress in “island chic.” The wedding was a surprise to all 35 guests and took place on Neck Island, part of the British Virgin Islands. Vanessa and Nick enjoyed some extra time on St. Barth’s to enjoy for the honeymoon.  The couple was adorable (and extremely tan!) while riding bikes around the island.

#4. Molly Sims

Molly got hitched this year to producer Scott Stuber in rustic Napa Valley in a picture-perfect ceremony. He couple jetted off the Hawaii for their honeymoon under the sun. Molly got quite the attention from photographers for her ah-maz-ing bikini body in Hawaii.  Not sure why we’re any bit surprised by her out of this world body, Molly is a model, actress, host, extraordinaire with a luxury fashion sense.

#3. Brooke Burke

Brooke certainly vacationed in style and showed off some beyond-belief abs of steel on her honeymoon with David Charvet. The couple wed, and honeymooned, in St. Barth’s alongside their children the entire time. A family vacation turned special! This couple were both at the top of best beach body lists for 2011 and we love Brooke’s animal print and white combination bikini to showcase her abs.

#2. LeAnn Rimes

LeAnn may have been ridiculed for her weight this year, but we love her beach photos with hubby Eddie Cibrian.  This power couple married under a tree at sunset, how romantic! LeAnn and Eddie took off for Mexico for their honeymoon. LeAnn’s, also completely toned, bikini body shimmered with a beaded bikini…and Eddie isn’t too bad to look at either!  LeAnn and Eddie met on the set of their Lifetime movie.  We’re not surprised LeAnn looked stunning on her honeymoon, we know she has great choices in swimwear and we love to follow her style.  This newlywed is truly a beach gal at heart!

#1. Kim Kardashian

And of course…the most talked about honeymoon, and wedding, and divorce, of the year goes to Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. The reality TV stars aired their entire wedding on an E! special and posed for pictures on their honeymoon for tabloid magazines. The couple vacationed in Italy where Kim was able to flaunt her favorite asset in a string bikini. We have to admit we had some fun discussing this duo this year, but we’re just hoping there’s a Kardashian wedding in 2012 that lasts longer than 72 days.

Looking for a bag for the woman who has every style? This handbag is created utilizing multiple different prints and creating a collage effect. The Carnival Hobo Bag by Maui features a unique design which opens up to lay flat and zips straight down the middle. You’ll surely be able to carry everything you need in there. Two handles at each end are brought together to create a sleek hobo silhouette.

Choose the Honey Pendant by Artisan Jewelry for your glamorous sophisticate. She’ll be able to pair this beautiful agate stone necklace with large pendant with a sun dress, an evening gown, or simply her swimsuit while lounging in the sun. Meticulously crafted, each of these necklaces takes several hours to weave. This rare find is simply trendy and complimented perfectly by the Agate Stone Earrings. These earrings will help complete the stone studded look with a beaded string and stone cluster at the end. Aritsan Jewelry is made by artisans in South America, who earn their living by using natural materials to create art; a prime example of how fashion can also contribute to a good cause.

When traveling it’s important for your style to be effortless, you’re supposed to be relaxing for this travel time. The easiest way to ooze some effortless chic is the perfect print and we’ve found it with the Ibiza Fancy Bandeau (2.) from L*Space Swimwear. It is essential that you stay cool under the sun so we’re continuing the effortless style with the Salvador White Tunic (3.) by Despi. The white crochet fabric exudes elegance and relaxation and the beaded detailing brings this swimsuit cover-up into sophistication.

Choose the perfect accessories for this ensemble with jewelry from Maaji. The Underwater Charm Bracelet (1.) and the Teal Starfish Necklace (5.) have colors that compliment the L*Space suit magnificently. The Purple Floral Crochet Bag by Malai pulls in another pop of purple and is constructed to be the perfect carry-on for the airport and beach bag for the shores.

Weighted Bicycle

Lay on your back with both knees bent. Place your left arm behind your head and extend your right arm straight. Extend your left left straight and place your right foot against your left leg inner thigh. Lift your right shoulder off the ground while lifting both legs to a 45 degree angle. Lower to starting position. Switch arms and legs for the other side and complete 15 reps for each side.

Plank Pikes

Begin by kneeling on your hands and knees, then extend your legs out straight, keeping your legs and back in a straight line. Maintain your position with your shoulders over your hands as you jump both feet towards your hands, bending your knees and landing only on the balls of your feet. Jump your feet back into the original position. Repeat 20 reps.

Side Plank with Knee Circle

Lay on your right side, propping your body with your arm. Make sure your elbow is planting directly under your shoulder. Extend your left are straight up and bend your right knee. Bring your hips off the ground. Drag your right foot up the straight line of your left leg until it reaches your left knee. Trace 10 circles with your right knee, keeping foot in place. Switch to the other side and repeat up to 10 reps.

Seated Leg U’s

Begin in a seated position with your knees bent. Place your hands on the floor behind your hips. Be sure to keep your feet off the floor and knees bent as tight as you can. Learn back with your elbows nearing the floor and extend your legs slightly away while tracing a U shape with your bent knees. As your knees reach the bottom of the U try to place your elbows to the floor. Repeat 20 reps.

These four simple ab exercises are sure to help you keep your swimsuit figure through the holidays. To read all of the exercises featured from SHAPE visit here.

Disney

It’s definitely a guilty pleasure to follow celebrity fashions from magazine covers to paparazzi pictures and we’re not the least bit ashamed of it because it gives us some style motivation. Ashley was snapped outside of Trader Joes shopping for her weekly grocery list in Toluca Lake, California and she wasn’t alone.  Ashley was accompanied by Maui, her adorable 3 year old Maltese/poodle puppy. Donned in her casual and care free style, Ashley still looks superb running her errand in a breezy black dress, fedora hat and sunglasses. Ashley’s cap sleeve dress is slightly sheer and features a fringe detail hemline at mid-thigh for the perfect sway as she walks with too-cute Maui in hand.

We love Ashley’s casual and chic California sun style and we’ve found the perfect poncho with the same ethnic flair. The Ava Black Beach Poncho by L*Space Swimwear is great to cover your swimsuit of choice, be it black or any other color, at the pool and chic enough to do some shopping in. This poncho style swimsuit cover-up features a slightly sheer fabric like Ashley’s and fringe detailing along the hemline and sides. L*Space Swimwear’s signature fringe is sophisticated and adds an additional dimension to your beach wear. Pair this poncho with a classic hat for your time in the sun and bring your furry pal along like Ashley.

If you’re looking for a cooler color for the hot shoreline sun, the Ava Beach Poncho is also available in white!

Lady Gaga Surfs in LBB

She’s known for her outrageous fashion choices on stage, on the runway, and in her “real life,” but Lady Gaga has bouts of normalcy sometimes. A woman who’s no stranger to wearing body suits inspired by one-piece swimsuits out ON THE STREET, we are all shocked to see Gaga out of her egg and surfing in a simple and chic black bikini.

Lady Gaga was photographed taking surfing lessons in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico a few days before she is scheduled to open for the MTV VMA’s – perhaps she is preparing for the multi-million dollar mansion she’s building in Chappaquiddick, an island off of Matha’s Vineyard.

Gaga’s sexy little black bikini, LBB as we like to call them, is a staple piece for every woman’s wardrobe – just like LBD’s (little black dress). Each year designers innovate the LBB and this year is no exception! Gaga’s swimsuit looks very similar to the new L*SPACE Swimwear we’re obsessing over, the Chic Nouveau Black Bikini. This LBB is fresh off the L*SPACE’s 2012 collection and features sliding gold hardware details on the bikini’s top and bottom.

The Chic Nouveau Black Bikini has a classic triangle top, a popular style since it flatters every woman’s bust. This particular top features double straps, providing added support, as well as removable padding. This LBB’s features a moderate coverage bottom with adjustable open side detailing at the hips to flatter any woman’s curves.

Let’s face it, few people can wear a meat dress and pull it off like Gaga can, and when it comes to little black bikinis, she’s a grade A egg as well! Lesson: even outrageous fashion lovers know that a little black bikini is a must-have in every wardrobe.

Starting today we are offering an extra 10% everything on the site. Yep everything. Swimsuits, handbags, jewelry, full-priced items , and clearance items are all an extra 10% off. All you have to do is enter extra10 at checkout.

We have a huge amount of items currently up to 30% off, and now with an extra 10% off, how can you resist this deal? Full offer details below.

>START SHOPPING

The EXTRA10 sale is valid starting today until midnight Wednesday, July 20, 2011. So whether you need a swimsuit for your final summer vacation, or just want another fabulous bikini for weekend pool days, be sure to take part in the exclusive sale.

Don’t say we never did anything for our customers!

OFFER DETAILS:

10% off all merchandise on the site. Enter extra10 at checkout. The promotional code must be entered at the time of check out to be valid, it cannot be credited once the order is placed. Only valid on new orders, not exchanges or store credit redemptions. Offer valid for orders placed from July 14th to midnight EST on July 20th, 2011. Valid on national and international orders. This offer is subject to adjustments due to returns.

>START SHOPPING

We are teaming up with the amazing Refinery 29 and doing a HUGE giveaway on a complete beach outfit for one lucky girl. We’re giving away one designer swimsuit, one beach cover-up, and one beach handbag valued up to $500. And the best part? You can choose any swimsuit, any cover-up, and any handbag from our broad selection. So whether you are a monokini type of girl, or if you love your Brazilian cut bikinis, we have an outfit for you. The contest begins today and lasts until July 15th, 2011. So hurry and enter to win your complete beach look for the summer!

It’s super simple to enter:

1. Go to refinery29.com/orchid-boutique-giveaway and enter your email

2. Subscribe to our newsletter at the top right corner at TheOrchidBoutique.com

These two steps will automatically sign you up to win!

Contest Rules:

One (1) winner(s) will receive a complete beach look (swimsuit, cover-up, and beach bag) valued at $500 provided by The Orchid Boutique. The winner(s) will be selected in a random drawing from all valid entries. Prizes are not transferable, exchangeable, or redeemable for cash. Winner(s) will be notified by e-mail within 10 business days of drawing. Entries must be received by 11:59 PM EST on July 15, 2011. Eligible winner(s) must sign-up for Refinery29 and Orchid Boutique promotional newsletters to be eligible for prizing.

Good luck!

Supermodel Cindy Crawford was recently spotted looking absolutely stunning on the beach in a blue printed tunic. Even in a cover-up, the 40-something year old mother still has the body of a goddess, with strikingly toned legs and beautifully bronzed skin.

Cover-ups are the perfect option for women who want a little extra coverage when stepping out on the beach, or who want a little more protection from the sun (skin cancer is no joke!). Many women who purchase a swimsuit feel as though a cover-up is a necessary addition to their swim wardrobe and we definitely agree.

If you want a similar look to Cindy Crawford’s blue printed tunic, we suggest the Erupcion Tunic by Maui Swimwear. The Erupcion is a v-neck cover-up with beautifully embroidered and beaded detailing along the bust. It has full length sleeves, as well as small slits on both sides. The tunic also has a paisley print in pink, orange, yellow, and brown.

This is definitely a great option when heading on vacation this summer to have a little coverage but with a fun and flirty appeal. They are also great after the beach, when you are headed for a few drinks with friends. To see more cover-ups, head over to our cover-up’s section.