Where does she get those bikinis?

I often get asked by my friends and family two questions. The first, where do you get all of your bikinis, and the second how many do you have? I am happy to share with everyone the answer to the first question but as for the second...I'll never tell. 

I have been obsessed with swimwear for as long as I can remember. Luckily, I didn't discover the beautiful and expensive world of designer bikinis until a few years ago. One of my best friends and boe babes Chloe first tagged me in a Frankie's bikini post four years ago, and from then I was hooked. I started following every beautiful bikini Instagram I could find. To this day, I am always on the hunt for the cutest and tiniest suits on the market. I no longer waste time buying from the mall or boutiques because, I have discovered the best of the best and I am about to share them with you.

My first designer bikini purchase was inspired by a cut out one piece suit that I saw on the popular Bravo tv show Below Deck. I saw that crazy lovable and cringeworthy stew jumping off the boat during a charter in none other than an Acacia original. From that moment I knew I had to have that suit. I quickly jumped online and tried to find the best deal as I had just started my first yachting job and didn't have a savings. I was lucky enough to happen across the brilliant Vida Soleil site. Vida Soleil is constantly offering discounts for the best brands and offers  fast and affordable shipping...most of the time its free! After my first Acacia arrived I knew there was no turning back.

From then, I started amassing my collection. Fortunately, Black Friday was around the corner and all of the best brands were offering impressive discounts on last season's suits. I spent a beautiful Saturday morning and afternoon in the crew mess perusing all of these sites for the best buys. Knowing your size is crucial. If you are unsure about your size don't buy. The reason I am able to have such great success with ordering online is that I have tried these brands on and know their sizing discrepancies. Not every bikini is made equally. That being said, at this very early stage in my bikini game I did not know my sizes. So, I made the rookiest mistake of all time and ordered 4 or 5 pieces from Frankie's. I soon discovered that I had my sizes all wrong. The tops are tiny. The bottoms are tiny. They are designed for these beautiful tiny creatures in Southern California who have been blessed by the gods with 30 inch busts and 23 inch waists. I managed to make the tops work but were disappointed with the bottoms. Don't get me wrong I love Frankie's bikinis but, I do suggest trying them on in person or ordering a size up. Luckily for you, these situations can be avoided by visiting one of the many chic boutiques that carry these brands. If you are a South Florida Local like myself there are two options that I recommend. 

First, if you live within walking, driving, or even flying distance of Miami I highly recommend going to the Ishine365 store. The store is spacious, has amazing dressing rooms with flattering mirrors/lighting and THE most impressive selection of designer bikinis that I have ever seen in person. I first visited Ishine a few years ago and was over the moon. Now, I finally have a local place to try on new designers and styles. I was thrilled! There are so many reasons to shop at Ishine365 Miami. One of my favorite reasons are the warehouse sales. Yes, they are as amazing as they sound. Do you ever get jealous when you see that Mikoh or Beach Riot are having sample sales on some super cool sounding Southern Californian street? Well Ishine365 Miami is here for you. You and about 20-100 other bikini lovers will be rifling through bins chock full of designer deliciousness. The discounts are incredible, the experience is incredible, and the cause is admirable. This super cool shop donates and gives aid to a number of local and international causes. Ishine365 hosts events for local animal shelters, hurricane relief, and children in need just to name a few. What more could you ask for? You are getting unbelievable deals and you are helping people and doggos in need. Ishine365 Miami is my first stop for any bikini related business. Visit Ishine365 Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 6pm and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

 

My other favorite bikini destination is a bit closer for you Palm Beach county babes. Love Shack in  Delray Beach isn't a swingers retirement home...its an amazing boho chic beach boutiuqe. First of all, their location is too good. They are on the corner of Atlantic ave in Delray Beach right across from a delicious brunch spot but, thats for another blog post. We're here to talk bikinis. So, Love Shack has so many cute things that your head might explode. All of those Australian brands you've been oggling on Instagram...they've got em and more. I first discovered this palace of chicness on a Sunday Funday with my friends. We immediately lost our mimosa buzz, because of how seriously drool worthy Love Shack is. We shopped around the Wildfox, Beach Riot, Flynn Skye, and Dolce Vita before deciding that we need to come back when we are ready to shop. I returned a girl on a mission. I was prepping for an upcoming summer trip to Central America and knew exactly where I wanted to start my shopping. The Love Shack employees were helpful and knowledgeable about the brands they carried. I encourage any fashionista in the South Florida area to check out this adorable shop! They are open Monday-Saturday 10 am-10 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm. 

I hope this post inspires you to get out there and experience the wonderful world of designer swimwear. Follow my tips and check out the boutiques mentioned here for the best bikini brands. Follow Bikinis Over Everything and all of our babe's Instagrams for more bikini Inspo. 

Courtney Wilkins