Sexy Swimwear Revolution

If you are searching for sun, fun and beautiful scenery for your next vacation, it’s hard to beat Hawaii. Waikiki Beach, Oahu Hawaii Whether it’s great weather, numerous sandy beaches or popular outdoor activities such as swimming, surfing or luaus, it’s not surprising that a trip to Hawaii is on most people’s bucket list. Of all the Hawaiian islands, Oahu is the most populated and also the most popular with tourists. In 2018, over 9.9 million people visited Hawaii with 5.9 million choosing Oahu (Maui was next at 2.9 million). One of our Sun Vixen ambassadors just returned from a vacation in Honolulu and highlighted a series of swimwear and accessories that we offer that would be ideal for a future trip. Swimwear From iconic Waikiki Beach (pictured above) to the North Shore, there are plenty of options when it comes to beaches. It all depends on where you’re staying and whether you are looking to mix a day at the beach with shopping (Waikiki is your best bet) or somewhere quieter such as Lanikai Beach, which ranked 23rd on Flightnetwork’s list of best beaches in the world in 2018. In either case, you can’t go wrong with swimwear that is colourful such as Agua Bandita’s Skyflower bikini top and bottoms or the One Piece Exotic Blooms swimsuit from Sea Level Australia. Agua Bendita’s One Piece Tina Reversible swimsuit is also a solid choice if you are looking to widen your wardrobe options to stretch the length of your trip while saving on pesky baggage fees. Aloha Swim Shorts | Sauvage For guys, Sauvage’s Aloha Swim Shorts or Portofino Italia Swim Shorts are perfect for the beach or poolside. Both can also be combined with a T-shirt and sneakers for walking around the city. Coverups Following a day at the beach – or when the tradewinds pick up – beach cover ups such as the Wild Orchid Ashlyn Dress or Naya Dress are great options and ideal for attending a luau or watching one of the many free performances that are held at venues such as the Royal Hawaiian Center (pictured) or Kuhio Beach. A pair of Lanai Sassy Shorts packaged a T-shirt or hoodie can also adjust your look while meshing with the casual local vibe. Another entertainment option worth investigating: The Blue Note Hawaii. Opened in January 2016, it offers live shows by local performers such as Henry Kapono, Jake Shimabukuro and Raiatea while stars such as Kenny G, Dionne Warwick and Vanessa Williams have also appeared as special guests. Royal Hawaiian Center Show Waikiki Accessories The sun in Hawaii can be intense so along with sunscreen, a pair of shades – such as our Classic Black or Gold and Tortoise sunglasses – are essential. Combine them with a Fedora Hat to enjoy your day at the beach while remaining comfortable and safe. A pair of sandals – such as Journey or Scout Metallics from Third Oak – can take you comfortably from your hotel to the beach to shopping on Kalakaua Ave. and back to your hotel. We have you covered If Hawaii is on your list of next vacation destinations – or an option you are now considering after reading this post – Sun Vixen has you covered with a wide range of swimwear, coverups, accessories and sandals. And check out some of our past blog posts for other travel tips.

Shop Reversible Swimwear I recently got married in Jamaica and had a lot to pack. After many months of searching for the perfect bathing suit to accompany me on our ten day tropical vacation, I found such joy and convenience in having a reversible bathing suit. On the beach in Jamaica Instead of packing one for each day, I cut down four of those days into two bathing suits. Everyone loves to have a new bathing suit look every day, and it made everything so much easier and fashionable by having four different looks with only 2 suits. If you got really creative and wanted to mix and match, you actually could make 16 different looks with two reversible bathing suits. The suits I got were the Gold Feather Reversible bikini from Arrow & Eve and the Seamless Wave Reversible Bikini from PilyQ. Both incredibly flattering and the colours are so easy to mix and match. Gold Feather Reversible Bikini | Arrow & Eve The Gold Feather reversible bikini is such an easy suit to mix and match since it is black and we all know black matches with everything. Even the gold feathers and black on the reversible side makes it elegant and easy to match with many different looks. You can look effortlessly chic in the all black, or glam it up with the gold feather. I absolutely love the ruffled bottoms, they make any shape look cute and sexy at the same time, and cheeky too! ;) Gold Feather Reversible Bikini Bottoms | Arrow & Eve A new favourite to my collection is the Wave Reversible Bikini. I got so many compliments on this one as it is fun and shimmery, and the seamless material is really different and not something you usually see in bathing suit material. I found this suit to be really easy to wear under other clothing, and since it was seamless, you didn’t get those bulky string lines under your shorts or dress. It was perfect. Seamless Wave Reversible Bikini | PilyQ In a few weeks we are headed away again to escape the cold and off to Antigua. This time we are super strapped with luggage, so I again will have to hold back on packing seven different bathing suits, and I will definitely be putting my theory to the test and only bringing these two bathing suits with me to stand the test of mixing and matching. See you on the beach! xo Written by: Lindsay Dent Lindsay is the founder of Pink Crown Creative in Vancouver, BC

Sun Vixen Swimwear Pop Up Shop | North Shore Winter Club There are many benefits to being an online retailer. You don’t have to worry about sky-high rent, set hours of operation or the dependence on a single, geographic market. The world is our universe even though we’re based in Canada. There are some drawbacks, though. It can be a challenge to build a brand without a fancy storefront and walk-up traffic. And being in the fashion apparel business, there is also the absence of receiving instant feedback as customers examine items from the swimwear lines that we offer. For two days in January, though, we had an opportunity to introduce the Sun Vixen brand directly to the public with a pop-up shop that was hosted at the North Shore Winter Club in North Vancouver. It was a great event at an excellent venue as guests enjoyed champagne kept cold by one of our favourite new companies, Bevefresco, and had an opportunity to mingle and learn more about some of the brands we carry (what better way to see first-hand the beading detail on an Agua Bendita bikini top or feel the velvet texture of an Elizabeth Jane bathing suit!). Python Lolita Beaded Bikini Top | Agua Bendita I enjoyed the opportunity to chat with guests about the quality and value of the brands we carry – many of which aren’t available at Canadian chains. As I said in a previous post, swimwear is a very personal item and it was interesting to learn how fit, fashion and/or function varied in importance depending on who I spoke to. Human connection One thing you can't replicate in operating as an online retailer vs. a physical store is witnessing the emotional reaction to the brands and styles we carry. I was delighted to see eyes light up and guests get excited as they viewed and examined the swimwear we had on display, including the Elizabeth Jane lagoon velvet bikini or the Amazonia Strapless bikini top. It’s clear based on this experience that we carry many unique and distinctive designs which is very gratifying because Sun Vixen is not your average swimwear retailer. We even received inquiries from some men who were searching for fashionable swimwear. Stay tuned for future news about our test market of men’s swimwear. For those who continue to support us online, don’t hesitate to provide your feedback by email or through our social media channels (Facebook and Instagram). It’s only through this input that we will not only meet but exceed your expectations. Meanwhile, based on the response we received, we plan to hold additional pop-ups in the future to complement our online business as this is a great way to build awareness of our brand while widening our reach. To learn about future events, make sure to sign up for email updates and also continue to follow this blog.

In my 2018 year-end message, I discussed how I conduct a lot of research to hand-pick the swimwear, coverups and accessories that Sun Vixen offers. One of the swimwear brands that I am proud of carrying is Maylana, which was launched by Mayra Jimenez and Ivan Rincon following years of operating a swimwear ecommerce website. Besides being fashionable, the Maylana line provides exceptional function and value by offering a series of reversible swimwear. I had an opportunity recently to learn more about the line from Mayra that I hope you find just as fascinating as I did. Inspiration for label (left to right): Mila, Mayra, Ivan and Arianna “The brand grew out of a deep desire to fill a void in the market for quality designer swim at fair prices,” Mayra explained. “During our years as swimwear website owners, we received feedback from customers who were looking for designer swimwear that was both versatile and longlasting. “The label’s name is a play on my name (MAY) mixed with our twin daughters’ names – Mila (LA) and Arianna (NA). The name gives way to a legacy that I would like to hand over to our offspring one day should they be interested in succeeding us.” Attention to detail – Exceptional value When you purchase Maylana swimwear, you can be confident that quality is just as important a consideration as design. “There is great pride in what we do,” Mayra said. “Every seam, every pattern, every thread is overseen and approved by Ivan and I. You can create fashionable items that are also functional, comfortable and longlasting. You don’t have to compromise quality to create chic, sophisticated swimwear.” Just as important is value. “Designer swimwear customers are savvy,” Mayra observed. “They want a premium item but they also want to get the biggest bang for their buck. So, that’s where the reversible idea came in. Today, every Maylana print reverses to a solid color, allowing customers to get two looks for the price of one.” Eloise Bikini Top with Marly High Waisted Bikini Bottoms | Designed by Maylana Creative process “Inspiration can come in the middle of the night – quickly and passionately – and an item can be created in record time. Or, it can take months to get something right,” Mayra explained. “We can get meticulous with things that look simple but are actually complicated. There are also ideas that never enter production because we simply didn’t feel the samples that came out had the right fit or construction.” Mayra added that input from customers over the years has helped shape the line. “Art is important, but usability is just as important. Hearing feedback from customers on different brands over the years helped me approach design from a business perspective as well. We always think about what the customer needs/wants as well as what would be fashionable.” Mayra noted that Ivan also has a key role in determining the swimwear that is offered to the public. “Ivan will analyze data and then tell you what would make sense statistically for any collection,” she said. “At that point, we have conversations on what has the potential to sell well and also how we will continue to innovate and grow the brand.” Link to roots – and Shakira! Mayra noted that all items from the Maylana swimwear line are manufactured in Barranquilla, Colombia which is a birthplace they both share with singer Shakira. “We were raised there until our late teens in the coastal cities of Colombia so it was natural for us to source our production facility there,” Mayra said. “The Colombia textile and manufacturing production – especially when it comes to swimwear and lingerie – is excellent as evidenced by the numerous Colombian brands leading the designer swimwear market in the United States.” Designer’s choice Asked to pick one of her favourites from the Maylana line, Mayra selected the Stasia one-piece. Stasia One Piece Swimsuit | Designed by Maylana Stasia One Piece Swimsuit Reversed to Navy | Designed by Maylana “I have seen a size small as well as a plus size woman wear this piece and be thrilled with how it looks,” she said. “It’s one of those versatile silhouettes that allows you to adjust your cleavage and fit via the back corset. The reversible function flatters any imperfections and prevents the fabric from cutting into the skin. It’s easy to wear and very cool as an outfit piece.” The fact that the Stasia one-piece swimsuit and other items from the Maylana line are available on Sun Vixen’s website gives Mayra great joy. “We are honored that you (Sun Vixen founder Opal Hurteau) believed in our brand vision and decided to add Maylana to your repertoire,” Mayra said. “I think gratitude is one of the most important things any designer – at any point in their growth process – can have. We appreciate your support – and the support of your customers.” Exciting future ahead Mayra revealed that the Spring 2019 collection of the Maylana line will be launching shortly and will be even more functional and fashionable. “It’s going to feature matching family options,” she disclosed. “You will be able to match with your husband, daughter or son, without losing style or compromising functionality. “In our utopia, mothers are fashionable, youthful and magnetic. Men are open-minded gentlemen who are good partners. And kids are sand-loving, free souls. We wander together, through our experiences, vacations, getaways and life.” Sounds like utopia to me. To see the full line that we offer, just type in “Maylana” using our search function.

As 2018 draws to a close, I have a special message for all of the supporters of Sun Vixen. Thank you! photo credit: rawpixel Since launching the company this past March, I’ve been amazed at the level of support that we’ve received. Not only have we generated orders and inquiries from our home base in Canada but also the United States and as far away as Sweden and the United Kingdom. That is very gratifying because I’m aware that the swimwear space is very large and competitive and there are a lot of options out there. That’s why since Day One, I’ve tried to differentiate Sun Vixen from other online retailers by carrying a wide range of fresh, distinctive brands in swimwear, coverups and accessories. Maxam One Piece Swimsuit in Baywatch Red Swimwear is a big part of my own lifestyle. As a result, I realize it is much more than simply a commodity. It’s personal and a unique way to express your personality and flair based on colours and designs. I’m proud to tell you that a lot of time and research goes into the brands we carry. My team meets personally with each designer to understand their story and inspiration. It’s precisely why many of the designs and colours we stock are unique and simply can’t be found elsewhere. Just as important in our selection process are quality and value. The material and the manufacturing process can have a big impact on how women feel in their swimsuits and coverups. We also strategically carry numerous reversible swimwear which come in handy for longer trips. We were honoured early into our launch to be featured in the Vancouver Sun and Vancouver Province, helping raise awareness of our unique line. Bright future ahead Based on your ongoing orders and feedback, Sun Vixen will continue to grow and evolve. You can expect to see even more styles and brands in the future, including the addition of plus-sizes so we are able to appeal to all women. Candice Off Shoulder Bikini Top & Reversible Bikini Bottoms I encourage you to continue to visit our website regularly to view our growing selection. And stay connected through our Facebook and Instagram accounts. For breaking announcements about offers – and special events, such as a pop-up planned for January 4-5 in North Vancouver, BC – subscribe to our emails on the home page of our website. In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you again for being a strong supporter of Sun Vixen. While 2018 was indeed a year to celebrate, I’m confident next year will be even more successful.