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 13

Forget Breton stripes this season’s hottest new pattern is Bricks. This funky brick design can be seen in Olivia Rubin’s chic t-shirt.

Olivia Rubin is one of the most promising emerging female designers in London, most known for her graphic prints and her fun party frocks. This season she introduces some tempting tees too, with patterns quite unlike any other. After graduating from Central Saint Martins College in London, Olivia worked for Alexander McQueen and John Galliano before starting her own label six seasons ago.

This cotton t-shirt is £81, okay so it’s quite expensive, but I doubt you’ll see anyone else wearing such a fashion forward print. This is one of Olivia’s signature patterns and creates a refined but feminine look. It is a beautiful fit and made from top quality material. Great with skinny jeans or tucked into a high waisted skirt.

If you can’t stretch to this number, then watch out for Olivia’s more affordable diffusion collection for ASOS. She also did a range for popular e-tailer oli.co.uk called ‘Oli Fusion by Olivia Rubin’.

Set to be the tee of the season - get yours online before they sell out.