June cover swimwear face-off: Vogue Deutsch vs. Vogue US
TFS

Yesterday American Vogue released their June cover and editorial centred around the London Olympics. Hope Solo, Ryan Lochte and Serena Williams shot by Annie Leibovitz jog on the beach for 'Team USA'. Vogue Germany also released their June cover featuring the beautiful CArolyn Murphy shot by Alexi Lubomirski.

I don't even know where to begin with the American Vogue cover... The picture is so gimmicky and unnatural i just can't deal. It's almost like the conservative version of a Men's Health cover. I just don't understand how it was so difficult to come up with a fun and clever concept for a sports issue, especially if you consider that so many of the new collections are so heavy with sportswear elements. The colours are also a bit dull (even the sea!) and the swimsuits (very Michael Kors) are super dated.

Vogue Deutsch, however, celebrates their love for summer, curves, fashion and stars with a stunning shot, great styling and amazing colours that really evoke the new season.

From left: Phillip Lim, Matthew Williamson Escape, Hervé Léger, La Perla, Diane von Furstemberg

As I've mentioned before I've recently become quite a big fan of the editorial work of Elle Ukraine. I haven't been able to get an actual copy but thanks to the Internet I can follow.

I really liked the 'Sleek Swim' story from their June issue because rather than showing crazy poses on the sand in unrealistic beach looks they have picked fashionable swimsuits that are still wearable. Two of them, one by Hervé Léger and one by Diane von Furstemberg, feature cut-out details, which I love. I've always preferred full swimsuits to bikinis and I've always hated trikinis because they look rubbish and the term not only sounds like a joke but it doesn't make sense.

I find these choices with cut-outs on the stomach super sexy and extremely elegant. That's why I had a look at the options Net-a-Porter is selling this summer. I understand that they are not the best for tanning but I'm hoping some stylish women give it a try...

Would you wear one?

[FashionGoneRogue]

take me to the beach

I know everybody is getting ready for the beach these days. That's why I decided to put together a few simple outfits to look great while tanning but also when you're grabbing a bite with the girls or just hanging out in the shade. I tried to include some of the season's trends (i.e. khaki, leopard, nude) in some of the outfits and I have also added my personal touches of jewellery. Some people hate taking jewels to the beach but I disagree. A necklace here or a bracelet there never hurt anyone.

Current/Elliot shirt and shorts, Minnetonka shoes, Missoni bag, DVF swimsuit, Monica Vinder necklace.

If you wanna go ethnic in a sophisticated way wear some khaki and gold and add a little leopard print, but not to much. I am in love with those suede loafers. They can look a little too hippy but if you style them like this and add a cool bag (LOVE it, btw) you get the effect you were going for.

Melissa Obadash kaftan, Balenciaga sunglasses, Pucci swuimsuit, Belle by Sigerson Morrison sandals.

If you happen to be going somewhere where even at the beach there's a bit of a dress code you have to remember that less is more and everything is in the details. I chose a nude one-shoulder swimsuit that lets you move and forget about anything popping out but it's super chic. I think a tunic, camisole or caftan is the best option in this case. Remember, it has to be simple yet well detailed. Then, a nice pair or sandals that look awesome but are comfortable. Havaianas won't do in this case. Finish the outfit off with classic glasses in a not so classic colour and a headband. I am loving this spiked one!

Alexander Wang tank top, True Religion shorts, Zimmermann swimsuit, Belle by Sigerson Morrison sandals, Marni bag.

These two last outfits are my favourite ones. During the winter the most colour I wear is a pink or nude thing here and there but it's mostly black and grey. That's why I like to get funkier in the summer. The best colour combinations are the ones where colours compliment each other. Which is why I chose yellow, green and purple and sandals and shorts including the same colours. It all works and the white top lets every single piece stand out.

Missoni swimsuit, Miu Miu sandals, Pippa Small necklace, Chloé blouse, Matthew Williamson skirt, Eugenia Kim hat.

If you remember my last post you know by now I am a sucker for pink, and Missoni. I love combined pink and white because, first of all, they're so me and because they feel fresh and feminine. This season I have a bit of a thing for yellow as well. I love the fact that it looks like a difficult colour but it actually works with so many things! And then, of course, a cool, slightly boho necklace. I don't go anywhere without some jewellery!

Giuls xx

[Pictures: Net-a-Porter.com, Minnetonka.co.uk, MatthewWilliamson.com, Colette.fr, Matchesfashion.com]

Collage Sunday, 13.06.10

Summer is here (only some days if you live in London) and it's time to make your swimwear picks. I am tired of the good old triangular bikinis, which is why I have tried to give a bit of a contemporary-meets-vintage feel to today's Collage Sunday. Think 70's with a touch of 20's brought to today. Avoid pink and go for orange and choose interesting shapes and prints for your swimsuits. Happy Sunday!

I'm off.

[Pictures: CoutequeCoute.blogspot.com, Net-a-Porter.com, Hermes.com, Demarchelier.net, StevenKlein.com, Mariotestino.com]