#AskBarbie: Bikini-shy? What to wear to the beach

Q: I don’t want to wear a 2-piece bikini. What do I wear to the beach?

Pinays are still a bit shy. Even if they have the body to flaunt, many are still uncomfortable wearing a two-piece bikini. For the love of Aphrodite, please do not wear your underwear, shorts and white shirt to swim! Here are some style tips for every summer activity – from swimming, partying and sight-seeing – we’ve got you covered to ensure a chic and happy getaway.

Here are five alternatives to a two-piece bikini depending on your shyness level.

Swimming

1. Rashguard

Rashguards is an athletic wear made of stretch material. They are not only chic, but they can also protect you from sunburn and rashes from strong waves and abrasion from activity. They are either long sleeves, short sleeves and even sleeveless. This is one is easy to wear because it is zip-up style.

2. Tankini 

Tankini is a bathing suit best paired with a bikini bottom or shorts. It’s made of stretch material that is easy to wear. A great alternative to the sando or tank top.

3. Graphic one-piece maillot

The maillot, or a tanksuit one-piece swimwear is a classic design that won’t go out of style over decades. But this piece with graphic design gives a slimming optical illusion, perfect for those with a slightly wider waist.

4. Deep-V one-piece maillot

Deep-V one-piece are so in this summer. It gives you a little skin exposure and lengthens your look thereby giving you a slimmer silhouette. But you still are pretty much covered.

5. Peek-a-boo one-piece

The peek-a-boo swimsuits are for those who are a bit more daring. They like showing skin, and being trendy. It’s sexy, flirty, and really hot for this season.

Cover-ups

1. Long chiffon kimono

Chiffon kimonos are summer favorites because they give you coverage but the light material keeps you cool. The kimono style also makes it easy to wear and take off for a spontaneous dip by the pool.

2. White lace coverup

White laces are just as useful for summer as chiffon pieces. It is cool and chic for the weather. And it’s very classy too.

Cocktails and beach party

1. Floral body con

If you are going somewhere a little bit more formal than a bikini party, go for a body-hugging contouring dress. Pick it floral design to match the season.

2. Maxi dress

Attending a beach wedding party? You might want to go for maxi dresses for your perfect beach formal look.

Sight-seeing

1. Rompers

Again, chiffon is your best friend this summer. And rompers are the trendiest thing you can get. It gives you the girly feel of a dress, but it also allows you to be more active. You can choose a cross-over style to have a lengthened look and show off a bit of cleavage. Or you can opt for a tube type to show more skin. But best to choose either hot vivid colors or white which complement your summer tan.

CREDITS:

Photos are care of zalora.com.ph. Availability of products and prices are as of posting time.
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About the author: Filipina beauty queen, writer and media personality Barbie Salvador believes that fashion, fitness and lifestyle are vital life aspects that are not only fun and enjoyable, but are tools every Filipino needs to reach one’s peak potential.
Got a fashion, fitness or lifestyle question? #AskBArbie
Twitter:@barbiesalvador Facebook: fb.com/askbarbiesalvador
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source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

No bikinis for Megan, Miss World beauties

MANILA -- For the first time in years, Miss World contestants will not wear bikinis in favor of less-revealing attire as the annual pageant is set to hold its culminating night in Muslim-majority Indonesia.

The Philippines' delegate, Megan Young, is ready for the challenge.

Before leaving for Indonesia on Tuesday night, the 23-year-old actress said she welcomes the change in the beach fashion competition, and even expressed excitement in taking part in a unique iteration of the long-running pageant.

Noting there will still be a "beach body" segment, where contestants take turns in a parade of swimwear, Young said, "This time, we will be wearing a one-piece bathing suit with a full sarong, and you know, I'm excited actually for that."

The Miss World Organization, which is based in the United Kingdom, earlier announced the attire change, with chairwoman Julia Morley telling the Associated Press the move is to avoid "being disrespectful" considering the coronation night's venue.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Islamic country, is hosting the beauty competition for the first time.

As international contestants arrived there Tuesday for the pageant's kickoff in Bali, Muslim groups reportedly staged protests hitting the supposed "exploitation, insult and humiliation of women" by Miss World.


'Come what may'

Addressing calls for the cancellation of the pageant in Indonesia, Miss World Philippines director Cory Quirino said the international competition is pushing through "come what may," citing the UK-based organizers' decision on the matter.

Referring to the move to tweak Miss World's swimwear section due to cultural sensitivity, Young said, "It's the first time in history in Miss World that that's ever happened, and it's exciting to be part of that mark."

Speaking with reporters during a recent media gathering for her send-off to the September 28 finals night, Young added she is excited to "see how these ladies (fellow contestants) can actually work the beach without showcasing their figures."

"I mean, how can you be sexy and flaunt those abs that people can't see? I think it all boils down to confidence at the end of the day, how you work the stage, and how you show them that, 'Hey, I'm wearing a sarong but I'm going to work the stage,'" she said.

Focusing on weakness

Among the various competitions within the pageant, however, Young has devoted more preparation for the sports event, saying she has "never really been a sporty person."

"I had no sports growing up, but I as I grew up I started going to the gym, I started doing boxing, I started getting more active. That is what engaged, what got my healthy lifestyle on track.

"Even though I don't have a sport like swimming, basketball, or badminton, I'm confident enough to say that I am physically fit and ready for the sports challenge in Indonesia," she said.

Young added: "Iyon talaga 'yung pinaghandaan ko, because, you know, your weaknesses, you should always work on them. Even before Miss World Philippines, I was already working on that."

'Bringing prayers'

Despite expressing confidence in her chances in the competition, Young admitted feeling pressured as she is representing the Philippines after its recent successes in international pageants.

Her predecessors, Queneerich Rehman and Gwendoline Ruais, finished in the Top 15 and first runner-up, respectively, in 2011 and 2012.

Since 2011, Philippine delegates to major international pageants including Miss Universe, Miss International and Miss Earth have consistently entered the semifinals.

Crediting the "overwhelming support" for her mixed emotions, Young said, "Iba pala 'yung pakiramdam when you're representing the country, it's pressure... It's so nerve-wracking. But I'm so excited and I'm so happy."

Asked what she will be bringing as a "lucky charm" to Miss World, the actress only said, "I'm bringing my prayers, the prayers from other people. That everybody else is smiling along with me, that's what I'm bringing with me."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Brazilian bikini wows the world with cheekiness

RIO DE JANEIRO - Much like football, played on beaches with passion and flamboyance, the Brazilian bikini captures the essence of the country, with its colorful designs, cheeky cut and undoubtedly sexy style.

The best of Brazil's bikinis and swimwear was on display this week at the summer edition of Fashion Rio, attracting a growing number of foreign clients.

From micro, string mini to maxi and pieces that can be worn day or night, there was enough to satisfy all tastes.

"There are changes in the model to cater to the foreign market, which finds the Brazilian bikini small," said Thomaz Azulay, creative director of Blue Man, a popular Brazilian brand founded in the 1970s.

Vibrant colors, joyful prints combining flowers, birds and typically Brazilian landscapes, and high quality materials, are the trademarks of Blue Man's swimsuits.

"The entire swimwear production became more sophisticated and can be used off the beach, as body," said Azulay.

Brazil's bikini queen, Lenny Niemeyer, meanwhile showcased her elegant lines of swimwear, with minimalist shapes and a less daring cut.

"For this season, the most used fabrics were lycra, vinyl, tulle, silk, and metallic tubes of various sizes, adorned with gold and silver," said Maria Isabel Fioravanti, a partner in the Triya brand, which presented digital prints with vibrant colors and graphic shapes.

To survive in a highly competitive market, Brazilian brands count on innovation, in terms of shapes as well as fabric and metal.

"What we admire is the way in which the Brazilian woman uses the bikini and the pride she has in her body," said Simona Martinez, fashion editor of Harper's Bazaar Argentina.

"I think this gave designers the inspiration to create and develop a more interesting concept, which for us is rather admirable."

Alejandra Montaner, owner of the Spanish boutique with the same name, came to do business at Fashion Rio for the second time. She said she was attracted by the cut of the materials and their bright colors.

On the sidelines of Fashion Rio, new local brand Casa Mosquito also boasted its female and male swimwear collection -- in a variety of colors and material in Copacabana's Cantagalo favela.

The collection was designed by ModaFusion, a Franco-Brazilian association, and put together by seamstresses from another shantytown in northern Rio.

To boost exports and promote the image of national brands, the Brazilian Association of Stylists last year launched "Beach Brazil," a project to promote 24 beachwear brands abroad, with advertising campaigns, research, events and business fairs.

"With globalization, we cannot just be a Brazilian brand. We have to be a brand made in Brazil but which speaks with the world," said Blue Man's Azulay.

For Triya, exports -- amounting to 5,000 pieces a year -- represent 20 percent of sales.

"We have a showroom in New York, a distributor in Japan and take part in international shows," said Triya's Fioravanti.

Brazilian Association of Textile and Garment Industry (ABIT) chief Fernando Pimentel highlighted the challenge the industry faces in exporting its products.

"The Brazilian company has to face not only international competitors. It must also contend with the Chinese state, with its subsidies deemed illegal," he explained.

Poor infrastructure, an abundance of red tape and a prohibitive tax burden also stifle business, he explained.

Brazilian beachwear grosses $1.9 billion annually, according to ABIT. Exports totaled $10.4 million, mainly to the United States, Portugal and Italy.

But why is the tiny bikini so much more expensive than other garments?

"The making of the bikini is as complex as that of a piece of silk. And a beachwear brand has the same structure as a ready-to-wear brand," said Azulay.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com