Designer Swimwear, Bikinis & Beachwear Blog

5 Reasons to Love Seafolly

2012-01-26T02:55:00.000-08:00

Every girl should have some beachwear from Seafolly in her holiday wardrobe. With everything from sporty swimsuits to easy beach coverups, Australian swimwear designer Seafolly have it covered. Here we pick some of our favourites from the Spring 2012 collection.


Seafolly - La Vita Swimsuit

Turn heads by the pool in this super glamorous swimsuit. Gone are the days when the swimsuit was a boring option for beachwear. The La Vita swimsuit in black and white polka dots, has a feminine skirted bottom and bustier style top.

Seafolly - Coral Kiara Bikini

Add a splash of colour to your holiday wardrobe. Seafolly always use a rainbow of sun drenched colours, designed to enhance your holiday glow.


Seafolly - Chill Kaftan

Seafolly have a huge selection of easy beach coverups, all reasonably priced, starting at just £49. From simple white kaftans, to bold prints like the Chill Kaftan above, a Seafolly kaftan is a beach essential.


Sefolly - Pin Up Bikini

Release your inner goddess this summer in a 50s style bikini from Seafolly. One of the big swimwear trends for 2012 is the sweetheart pin up style, and this is one our favourites.

Seafolly Sorrento Bikini

Seafolly bikinis always offer great support, but never compromise on style. With many styles designed to fit up to an E cup, their bikinis and swimsuits have clever hidden padding, boning or underwiring, making you look and feel fabulous on the beach.

These are just a few of our favourites, there is a huge selection of gorgeous beachwear to choose from in the new Seafolly collection. www.beachcafe.com/designers/seafolly Enjoy!

NEW IN - Juliet Dunn Resort 2011

2011-12-12T02:29:00.001-08:00

The hotly anticipated Juliet Dunn Resort 2011 collection has arrived. Juliet never fails to produce an effortlessly chic collection of kaftans and beach dresses.

This season Juliet has delighted us with both her iconic styles in a laid -back beach look and new glamorous pieces in exotic shades of sapphire, green opal, sunset pink and flame red. Juliet has introduced a pretty pintuck detail to her super soft cotton kaftans for a more tailored look. Another new look is the luxe-hippy with ombre washed out sapphire and opal blending into white in Juliet's classic Gypsy dress and new chic Button Down Maxi Dress.

Take a look at Juliet Dunn Resort 2011 favourite pieces at Beach Cafe. We love her modern twists on the classic kaftan, and stunning new embroidered details. Whether you are sipping a Bellini in Capri, lunching at Club 55 in St Tropez or chilling out on your favourite Caribbean island you'll want to make a splash in Juliet Dunn's stunning collection.


Juliet Dunn - Cotton Pintuck Dress

Juliet Dunn - Sapphire Drawstring Dress

Juliet Dunn - Button Down Maxi Dress

Juliet Dunn - Aqua Gypsy Dress

This is just a selection of Juliet Dunn resort 2011 - have a look at ww.beachcafe.com/designers/juliet-dunn for full range of gorgeous beachwear.

Swimwear Trends - Resort 2011

2011-11-27T10:33:00.001-08:00

Colour is a Big Deal

Capture the season's mood and select from our hot parade of colour: cobalt, lipstick pink, flame orange and watermelon. We love Melissa Odabash Paris Bikini in apricot or celebrate a brilliant orange in Seafolly's Maxi Gladiator Dress at sundown on your favourite beach. Sing the Blues at your beach bar in Cuba in vibrant marine blue Coastal Swimsuit from JETS by Jessika Allen. Colour is here to stay for Spring 2012 and Beach Cafe have many more designs coming your way during the next few weeks.

ALOHA to floral - Big bold prints and tropical hothouse flowers

Transport yourself to Hawaii, watching the famous Waikiki sunset in JETS by Jessika Allen's Iconic Swimsuit, with overblown flowers in jewel tones. Capture this season's mood and pile on the flowers, we love the JETS by Jessika Allen Iconic Bikini.

Sporty Luxe

Tough it up with smooth, sleek zip up suits - keep the look edgy. This season we are introducing Lisa Marie Fernandez, innovator of the New Sports Cool. You no longer have to be riding the waves on a surf board to don one of these suits - look sleek poolside in Jets by Jessika Allen's Racer Swimsuit in fuchsia.

Bohemian Rhapsody
Return of the native and African inspired prints are big this season. Our favourite is Ondademar's St Tropez bikini in jungle tones. Sarongs make a come back and Ondademar's tie dye piece makes a boho statement over any bikini or suit. Wear it with the new Palm Beach Bag by the same designer. Juliet Dunn's Gypsy Dress in opal green and white is pure boho chic worn with a fabulous natural brown belt.

Coral: The Hottest Colour for 2012

2011-11-10T09:02:00.000-08:00

Nothing lifts us out of the winter blues than wearing a pop of color. Next summer, it's all about integrating hints of red-ish, pinky corals into your wardrobe. It's a beautiful meld of contrasts—classic but still fresh, girlish but still edgy, youthful but still sophisticated—that makes for an unforgettable statement. From maxi dresses to skimpy bikinis, we've got your only summer colour covered.

Coral adds warmth to all skin tones, making it the most versatile swimwear colour for your whole holiday - softening paleness on day 1 and enhancing your golden glow at the end of your trip. Follow the spring 2012 catwalks and add some sizzling coral to your holiday wardrobe. Swimwear designer, Melissa Odabash has designed a collection of elegant bikinis in flattering pinkish coral with the stunning Laura kaftan (above) to match. Both Seafolly and JETS by Jessika Allen have also have highlights of coral in their new collections, such as the stunning Gladiator Maxi Dress from Seafolly (below) and the sporty Bandeau Costal Bikini (above) from JETS.

Limited Edition ANIKA Bikinis

2011-11-02T04:12:00.000-07:00

Monika Hornbostel the designer behind Anika Brazil has designed an exclusive collection for Beach Cafe for Resort/Spring 2012. Each bikini is a unique limited edition of only 20 so indulge yourself to one of these exclusive designs before they fly out at www.beachcafe.com/designers/anika-brazil.

Monika is based herself in Rio since her love affair with Brazil began and the Anika collection once again is super chic with elaborate side pieces. Whether made from white quartz, green precious tone chips, mother of pearl or opal these embellishments are made to go in the water. Anika swimwear is beautifully handcrafted in Brazil and her swimwear is now flooding beaches and poolsides around the world.

Sip your favourite caipirinha with your brunch in Buzios wearing Anika's private label collection for Beach Cafe - Anika is famous for inventing the 4-way bikini as well as the details of the sliding hardware to ensure the fit is perfect. The colour palette is cobalt blue, white with graphite, rasberry pink and a fabulous sugar pink with sand coloured mother of pearl button detail. Anika has also designed for us an exclusive bird print in shades of graphite and slate against a white background. Anika will inspire you to make Brazil your next getaway destination!

This collection is exclusive to www.beachcafe.com with only 20 of each style available.

Year of the Swimsuit

2011-10-18T12:29:00.000-07:00

For several years the only beach attire considered by the fashion conscious has been the bikini. But in 2011 things have changed...the swimsuit has seen a huge comeback. Most luxury beachwear brands now have nearly as many swimsuits in their collections as they do bikinis. With everything from draped tummy control pieces to full on glamazon crystal-embellished cut away swimsuits. Gone is the day when the swimsuit was the shrinking violet option for the beach. Leading the way in the new wave of swimsuits are designers JETS by Jessika Allen, Seafolly and Melissa Odabash, with a huge range of glamorous, durable and athletic styles.

It is chilly October, with the shops full of dark colours, so the safest colour when buying a swimsuit may be black, but once you're in the sun you'll wish you'd chosen a bright blue or coral. White swimsuits also look fantastic once you are tanned. In terms of fit, a swimsuit should always feel snug, no baggy bottoms. So unless you are tall, buy a swimsuit a size smaller than normal for a flattering streamlined look. It is important you holiday swimsuit doesn't look like the one you wear to the gym at home. Choose a style in a bold print or with pretty details like a tie front or lace up.

We all love a bikini, but this year add a swimsuit to your holiday wardrobe.

Animal Print Swimwear

2011-06-20T07:13:00.000-07:00

Take walk on the wild side this summer in some bold animal print swimwear.   Love it or hate it, animal prints never seem to go out of fashion and this season the animal print trend is wilder than ever.   Melissa Odabash uses snake and leopard print for her bikinis for a subtle, chic effect.   Caffe Swimwear turns up the volume, with sexy snake bikinis adorned with turquoise beading.

     Snake Bikini £165     St Kitts Bikini £149     Cheetah Bikini £175

Many designers have made bold statements for 2011 combining zebra and snake prints with bright infusions of colour, gorgeously fused together with oriental inspired touches. So there's no need to stick to neutral tones with Caffe's pink and turquoise zebra print dress or the turquoise print Salahit swimsuit from Ondademar.

      Zebra Dress £345 Salahit Swimsuit £138    Salahit Kaftan £155

To view the Beach Cafe selection of animal print bikinis, swimsuits and kaftans go to:
www.beachcafe.com/hot-trends/animal-print

Celebrity Swimwear Spotting

2011-05-05T02:09:00.000-07:00

We have spotted several celebrities looking fabulous in designer swimwear from Beach Cafe...which look will you choose this summer?

Colleen Rooney wears the fashionista's brand of choice CAFFE. Her bright blue bikini has Caffe's signature gold accessories and plaited side details, showing off her golden tan. Caffe swimwear is from Columbia and stocked in exclusive boutiques around the world.
View CAFFE swimwear>


Featured in the May edition of Cosmopolitan magazine is Kim Kardashian looking every inch the hollywood goddess in this stunning bikini from JETS by Jessika Allen. The new JETS collection takes its inspiration from Bardot in the 60s, made to make girls of every shape and size to feel like a goddess. View JETS by Jessika Allen>

Melissa Odabash has long been the celebrity brand of choice but now she has the royal seal of approval with future princess Kate Middleton choosing swimwear for her honeymoon. With elegant kaftans and well cut bikinis, Odabash is the perfect choice for a chic honeymoon wardrobe.   View Melissa Odabash>

Designer Focus: Tomas Maier Swimwear

2011-01-27T03:21:00.000-08:00

Beach Cafe is delighted to become a stockist for the iconic swimwear designer Tomas Maier. The collection of elegantly designed and luxurious made separates, swimwear and accessories. a timeless wardrobe envisioned for lounging at home or traveling under the sun at any time of the year.

Tomas Maier has trained and worked with some of the most prestigious luxury fashion houses in France, Italy and Germany. In addition to overseeing his own line, tomas maier is currently the creative director of the Italian luxury leather-goods house, Bottega Veneta. The Tomas Maier label was established in 1997. Since then, two self-named stores have opened in Miami and one in the Hamptons.

Tank Swimsuit in Violet

Tomas Maier's spring collection includes stunning iridescent swimsuits and bikinis in teal, violet and black. From the sporty Tank Swimsuit to the timeless Twist Bandeau Bikini, Tomas Maier swimwear is guaranteed to make you look and feel fabulous on the beach.

Tomas Maier designer swimwear is available at www.beachcafe.com.

Baring all after Baby

2011-01-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

Baring all on the beach after having a baby can be quite a traumatic thought. Suddenly all those old photos of yourself in a bikini don't look quite so bad after all! Buying swimwear used to be so easy but suddenly you have lots of different body issues to contend with, from big breastfeeding boobs to a saggy mummy tummy. However with a well fitting swimsuit you can look just a fabulous on the beach as you did pre-baby.

If you are still a bit bigger, a swimsuit is often the best option. Choose a style with a ruched front which will minimize your tummy, and create some curves. If you are between sizes, go for the smaller size as it will be more supportive - a swimsuit generally looks better if it is a really snug fit. Contrast edging or details such as a bow in the pieces above from JETS by Jessika Allen and Seafolly, will help to draw the eye away from any lumps and bumps.

Most designer swimwear brands have a good selection of bikinis that can enhance your figure after a baby. If you are still breastfeeding, choose a ruched top with side boning like the Melissa Odabash style above. It will still look good if you go up or down a bra size, and with no underwire it will be comfortable. If your boobs have all but disappeared, opt for a style with soft moulded cups, which will add definition to your bust (see the white Anika bikini above). When buying a bikini, ask for the bottoms in a size bigger than your would normally buy as they will sit a bit higher and cover up any cesarean scars.

If you need help speak to one of the helpful advisors at www.beachcafe.com who will help to find the best suit for you.

Sienna Miller in Anika Swimwear

2010-09-23T03:13:00.000-07:00

Sienna Miller spotted on the beach in Apulia in Italy in a beautiful cobra print bikini from Anika Swimwear. The bikini was a hit with Jude Law who wrapped his arms around her as they sat in the sand together.

This beautiful halter bikini Sienna is wearing from swimwear designer Anika is in a faded coral snake print. The wide halter top ties at the back and neck, with gold accessories. The medium coverage bottoms have resin stone accessories at the sides. It is made from super soft fabric that's fully lined to give extra support - not that Sienna needs it as she always looks fabulous in swimwear.

Other celebrities recently spotted wearing Anika include Nicky Hilton and Lindsey Lohan.

To view more bikinis from Anika at Beach Cafe click here.

Designer Swimwear at Beach Cafe

2010-08-01T08:02:00.000-07:00

This is our first blog for www.beachcafe.com. Beach Cafe is an online boutique selling exclusive designer swimwear and bikinis, as well as kaftans, sunglasses and sandals. We are a one stop holiday shop for everything you need to complete your holiday wardrobe....all to try in the comfort of your own home so no more meltdowns in unflattering dressing rooms! We stock brands from around the world such as Seafolly, Letarte, Juliet Dunn, Norma Kamali, Anika and Caffe. Beach Cafe was launched in May 2009, and has already been named by the Sunday Times Style magazine as the place to buy swimwear online 2 years in a row.

We have built up a loyal customer base with most clients coming back to shop with us again and again. We offer a prompt next day delivery service that seems to be very popular, as well as chic gift boxes and a free returns service. We also have a wide range of price points, with swimsuits starting at £65 going up to £345 for the most expensive, so we appeal to many different customers. One lady spent £5000 in one go earlier this year!

We will have more news from Beach Cafe to come soon. Happy holidays!