Africa Remixed

You'd love to pick up a new bikini for that upcoming trip to the beach, but you're feeling a little guilty about all the shopping you've been doing lately. Weren't you planing on doing more for those less fortunate this year? Enter Bantu. The Bantu swimwear line is made entirely in Africa, providing jobs, sustainable improvements and a sense of empowerment to poor African communities -- and the styles are amazing...

Using traditional African wax cloth prints on modern, versatile Lycra, the suits are a beautiful, modern twist on African tradition. The folks at Bantu call it "Africa remixed."

All photos from Bantu Women's Swimwear via bantuwax.com

Chic and Shady

Several people have commented (privately and publicly) on the parasol in my last post.  As the lovely Miss Eve from Absolutely Ladylike pointed out, parasols are all the rage among Asian women overseas.  But what if you want to rock a little chic portable shade in the U.S.?    

The creator of Carasol Parasols, a young NYC resident by the name of Carol, developed her company after getting multiple compliments stateside when she trotted around Manhattan carrying a parasol her aunt brought back from Japan.  A few years later, Carol is providing elegant, sturdy parasols to the masses, each with a protective UV coating that blocks 85-99% of UV rays.  They come in a variety of styles and colors (I have the Grace in taupe), and they're lightweight, so they're super easy to throw in a suitcase.

Also check out Carol's blog, I'd Rather Carry a Parasol, for more great health and skin-related tips.

Wear it Well

I think I've found it: the perfect uniform for the glamorous global jet setter. The silk chiffon dresses and blouses in Austin Jade's new resort wear collection fold-up easily (more room in that suitcase for shoes!) and they're super lightweight. Even better, the signature looks are reversible! Each piece can be worn up to three different ways. But these beautiful clothes are sooooo much more than practical -- they're absolutely gorgeous....

High functionality and high style...I'm in!

Environmental Chic

Looking for a few comfy yet stylish frocks to hit the beach in this summer? I love these dresses from Toggery by Kate D'Acry. All are available at luxgreenliving.com, a new site dedicated to fashion-forward pieces that are also environmentally friendly.

Right now, they're having a pre-Earth Day sale with 50% off everything on the entire site -- nothing is over $100! I think I know where I'm getting my summer wardrobe...

Kenyan Couture

After more than a decade of collecting African textiles, Max Osterweis didn't want to keep his colorful Kenyan kangas all cooped up anymore. So, he took to the streets and created SUNO, an amazingly modern fashion line -- all one-of-a-kind pieces -- that blends traditional Kenyan fabrics with urban style.

Max says the inspiration for his very first collection (spring/summer 2009) comes from both the women of coastal East Africa and the women of downtown New York. The real catalyst for starting the line, though, was his worry that post-election turmoil in Kenya would keep foreigners from visiting or investing there. He sees SUNO as a highly-visible way to showcase Kenyan artistry, employ local talent and, hopefully, promote some positive social and economic change.

Wondering how it works? All the design and development happens in New York. Then, they take the patterns and samples to Kenya, where the garments are produced by skilled artisans in small workshops.

Beautiful designs that are glamorous and globally conscious -- couldn't love this more!

Photos by Tina Tyrell

Take Me Away...

This sweet sun dress by Zimmermann is the perfect little frock to run away in this spring and it's on SALE right now over at Gilt. Also up for grabs, this sexy Rosa Cha bikini...

Makes me wanna hit the beach ASAP. The sale is on till tomorrow night. Don't have a Gilt membership yet? Leave your e-mail and we'll hook you up.