Bathing Beauties

Whether you’re sunbathing (avec SPF, naturally!) or swimming, you want to look the part!

Some photographic inspiration and shopping suggestions, darlings!
Ava Gardner, courtesy Keith of The Dino Lounge.
Numero editorial, May 2008
Italian Flair, May 2008
Italian Vogue, August 2005
Italian Vogue June 2005
Vogue, April 2008
Blackbook, March 2007
Italian Flair, August 2004

Be a bikini babe!
Confetti dot bikini, at jcrew.com.
Beach Sexy color block bandeau bikini, at victoriassecret.com.
Emilio Pucci Miri leaf print bikini; this and next two at net-a-porter.com.
Michael Kors zebra print bikini.
Zimmerman Blue Lagoon bandeau bikini.
Red Carter Champagne Bubbles bandeau bikini; this and next at shopbop.com.
Anna & Boy Brushstrokes bikini.
Bantu bikini, at Barneys New York; pictured via nytimes.com.
Printed triangle bikini, at forever21.com.

Indah green string bikini, at shopplanetblue.com.

CC loves this Retro Swimsuit ~ with halter top and matching draw cord bottom from popinaswimwear.com. Pamela from Portland Swimwear was kind enough to send CC one to try out, and it is even more lovely in person, with a lightly padded top and ultra-flattering bottom. This Boy Short Swimwear suit comes in 16 different mix-and-match colors and patterns, and the quality is fantastic! Can’t wait to hit the beach in this baby!

And guess what? All CC readers get 10% off any purchase from Popina Swimwear with the coupon code “Carrie”. Shop here!

xoxox,
CC

IN THE NAVY

YO (NO) SOY MARINERO . . .

The summer is officially upon us, and Couture Carrie simply can't hit the beach without providing her dear readers (who all surely toted their iPhones and blackberries to the pool today so they could stay abreast of fashion's goings-on . . . ) with some seasonal sustenance!

If you only take one lesson away from this prep school class, it should be the following: every girl must have in her repertoire an adorable navy boy blazer, like the one pictured at left, by AKA New York. Go to http://www.ronherman.com.

For the office, a conservative dark blue dress like David Szeto’s puff sleeve frock, for purchase at Barneys New York, could be paired with a fanciful pair of stockings, like the anchor-emblazoned hosiery donned by the runway models at Jean Paul Gaultier’s spring Couture show (detail photo at right via style.com)!

Universally flattering and a versatile day-to-night transitional piece is Proenza Schouler’s petticoat tank, pictured at right, and also at Ron Herman’s sassy Los Angeles boutique.

The best in blue for shoes? Of course, Manolo Blahnik! This cleverly perforated open-toe Gloria pump can be found at barneys.com.

Sonia Vera’s Canne striped string bikini (pictured at the top of today's Couture Carrie post, in signature Molly Brown mirror-image photographic style!) is the perfect way to wear the navy trend. Go to http://www.mollybrownsswimwear.com.

In conclusion, let us all take a cue from Gossip Girl’s Blair, played by the lovely Leighton Meester, by donning (ironically, please! i.e., paired with something outré and decidedly un-preppy!) this Stacey Lapidus crystal & chain headband. Visit http://staceylapidus.com.

BEACHY UNDERPINNINGS & EXTRAS

LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE!

Darlings, be sure you have all the accoutrement for proper enjoyment of your "beach weekend" getaway [even if you're just going to Central Park!].
First, lacquer those nails with one (or more!) of these amazing limited edition brights from Chanel.

Second, bust out that skimpy bikini (don't forget to slather on the self-tanner beforehand, remembering to exfoliate prior to application, of course!). At right, French Connection bikini, via VOGUE online.

Lastly, get your picnic gear in order, and if necessary, pop by Brooks Brothers to pick up this luxe Country Club Picnic Basket!