Hot on the Highstreet Week 52

Summer is fast approaching, and in a few days time I’m going for my first fix of sunshine. For the late May Bank Holiday I am off to Gran Canaria to lap up the rays. Hopefully my skin will get a bit of much needed colour, and my head some necessary rest. Sorting through my stored bags labelled “summer clothes 2010” depressingly confirmed to me that I have no suitable bikinis for a glamorous weekend away, and with a tight budget it seems that D&G leopard print swimwear is well out of reach. H&M have some great patterned two-piece outfits but from experience I know these fade fast, and become unflattering within minutes of splashing around by the pool.

I had never heard of TAVIK Swimwear before I saw other bloggers mention this designer’s range. After a bit of internet searching I found that they are a California based label making surf and swim beachwear for men, and launched their women’s swimwear collection last Spring. There is a flashback feel to their summer 2011 range of bikinis and costumes, with psychedelic patterns reminiscent of the 60s and 70s. In the garments I’ve seen, striking prints and wacky colours dominate, both of which flatter and accentuate a glowing tan, and stand out on the beach.

Being a US make, it is hard to find TAVIK stockists in the UK, and they are certainly more expensive over here. After a bit of research, I found you can buy pieces from the range on both the ASOS and the Urban Outfitters UK websites, and better still ASOS have some of the pieces reduced.

With the sale bikini sets coming in at around £60 I think TAVIK is still a bit out of my budget unfortunately, but definitely a step in the right direction. If you need a highstreet bikini that will last, TAVIK may just be the answer to your prayers.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 32

I want to share one of my stocking presents with you. Father Christmas was clever enough to get me some seriously stylish socks this year.

I've been aware of crazy designer Betsey Johnson for a while and seen one of her fashion shows on TV – her vision is all about fun, quirky patterns and outlandish colour combinations. Betsey’s clothing lines are characterised by her outrageous prom type dresses, lots of netting, sequins and studs, evening dresses, mini dresses, day dresses and of course, little black dresses.

Along with the frocks Betsey offers some spectacular jewellery and accessories, many of which are now in the whopping sale. I was given three pairs of the Betsey Johnson socks for Christmas, all completely different but equally brilliant. A spotted pair with a rose sewn on to each, a funky neon leopard print pair, and a psychedelic pink and black Marilyn Monroe design pair. The website shows just a few from the extensive range you can see in the Covent Garden shop.

These socks are made from soft cotton, and are warm to wear. Prices vary depending on the style, from £10-£15. They are too pretty to hide under trousers – I am looking forward to spring when I will be trying out the bare legs, socks and heels look, showing them off for the world to admire.

You can buy Betsey’s socks online at Urban Outfitters, or visit the Covent Garden shop where you can pick and choose your favourite pair.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 7

A wild bikini from Urban Outfitters

It’s holiday time once again. If you’re anything like me (ie: a girl), you’ll want a new bikini every summer to show off around the pool.

From past experience I have found that often my most treasured bikinis are the cheapest from Primark or Topshop. The problem with these though is that everyone tends to have them, and there is nothing worse than turning up by the pool in the same swimwear as someone else.

This week’s Hot on the Highstreet goes to Urban Outfitter’s Leopard Zip Front Bandeau bikini. A print particularly used by designers Dolce and Gabbana. I like to stand out from the crowd and Urban Outfitter’s bold two-piece helps me do just that. The shape is sturdy, allowing you to jump in and out of the sea without any embarrassing accidents. The vintage style and pattern is sure to flatter most body shapes. My favourite thing about this bikini is the versatility, with a removable halter neck strap it can be worn in two ways.

Urban Outfitters can be pricey, so I was glad to find this little bikini will only set you back £28.

Buy here.