Show Your Best Assets

Make a statement with perfectly fitted swimwear and stylish accessories.

Michelle Roe Shopping

Pool parties, barbecues, vacays, and staycays: Summer’s here, and it’s all about keeping it simple and sharing fun in the sun. The Coachella Valley beckons with luxurious lounge spots, heat-friendly festivities, plenty of sparkling pools, and thirst-quenching venues.

Whatever your idea of idle recreation, you can shine in swimwear and comfortable, chic clothing to keep you looking hot. Look for bright, bold neon accents to give a pop of color to traditional black and white picks. Whether you seek a body-baring bikini or modest one-piece, the area’s swimwear shops have you covered (or not).

Make a splash in a fun, retro suit from Chelsea Lane, available at Raymond | Lawrence and The Saguaro Hotel. With both vintage and contemporary vibes, the boutique also offers fun, colorful patterns and a suite of high-quality swimwear for men and women. The Esther Williams, Bettie Page, and Girl Howdy lines offer both one- and two-piece cuts to flatter the female form and are made for any age. Guys get double duty from the In/Out water shorts: They’re made for swimming and fashioned to look like regular shorts.

• Raymond | Lawrence, 830 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs;
• The Saguaro Hotel, 1800 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs

It’s all about finding the proper fit at 4 Seasons Swimwear, where stylists are poised to assist you in finding the perfect bathing suit or cover-up. With sizes to fit children to adult size 24, you’re sure to find a brand name or Euro-style bikini, tankini, or one-piece to take a dip in — or dazzle out of — the water. In addition to casual apparel including maxi dresses and sarongs, the store also carries accessories such as flip-flops and sun hats to complete your outfit.

73400 El Paseo, Ste. 4, Palm Desert. 760-340-2490

With three locations throughout the valley, Diane’s Beachwear is a one-stop experience with swim and resortwear, sportswear, dresses, shoes, accessories, and gift items geared to summer frolicking. From full-coverage pieces to skimpy suits, this hip retailer carries trending brands such as L*Space for great basics that are chic and flattering. Check out the Maaji line’s vibrant mix-and-match reversible choices to personalize your look.

• 71800 Hwy. 111, Ste. B106, Rancho Mirage, 760-340-9990;
• 73580 El Paseo, Ste. B, Palm Desert, 760-341-5617;
• 155 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760-318-6464;
www.dianes beachwear.com

This season, Trina Turk has created a celebration of sophisticated summerwear with its Festival Folkloric Swim and Spa Collection. Lush fabrics, colorful patterns, and intricate designs are featured in swimsuits, cover-ups, loungewear, and dresses that are akin to wearable art. Pair the Carnaval patterned bandeau one-piece with the Carnaval tunic or slip into multicolored wide-legged pants to make a chic impression at your next affair.

891 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. 760-416-2856;
www.trinaturk.com

The Tommy Bahama women’s swimwear collection is recognized for its innovative design and construction, engineered to accentuate the feminine form. Silhouette takes center stage with long, lean, retro-inspired styles. Color and prints are paramount to the women’s swim collection and this season brings various shades of blue, along with pops of pink and white, to prints such as the graphic medallion and scenic motifs that range from kitschy to sophisticated, while preppy, rugby, and menswear-inspired stripes add a sporty edge.

73595 El Paseo, Ste. B2200, Palm Desert. 760-836-0188;
www.tommybahama.com

 

Good Hat-itude

By Michelle Roe

Hats offer wonderful sun protection, and they no longer have to be an afterthought as a fashion accessory. Men and women can merge form and function as blossoming trends “pour le chapeau” offer statement options beyond the basic ball cap or sun visor.

For the past 29 years, Dani C Boutique has been a desert go-to, showcasing outside-the-box hats. In addition to carrying designer clothing to suit all occasions, this shop offers a collection of hand-selected, finely crafted millinery at reasonable prices. From pool deck fancies to garden affair creations, you’ll find an assortment of floppies, sun hats, and dress hats — including the chic cocktail “fascinator” — perfect for the summer social scene.

73400 El Paseo, Palm Desert. 760-674-9299

With two desert locations, Hats Unlimited has something for everyone. Specializing in headwear for men, women, and children, you’ll find a variety of hats to shade you from the sun and satisfy your fashion tastes. While fedoras, wide-brimmed hats, boho floppies, and Panama hats rule this summer, this hat lover’s heaven also carries Western and safari styles, driver caps, top hats, and more. Looking for a flower knit beanie or an animal hat for the kids? This is the place.

• 71800 Hwy. 111, Ste. A218, Rancho Mirage, 760-836-0601;
• 155 S.  Palm Canyon Dr.,  Palm Springs, 760-416-8588;
www.hatsunlimited.com