Sophisticated Swim

Photos by Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop

When you’re hitting the waves with your family or are spending some kiddie time at Neptune Park, you generally need to do nothing more than throw on a tankini and a tee. However, a power pool date with your most stylish girlfriends requires well-accessorized, statementmaking sophistication. Nothing short of drop-dead glamour will do, dahling. These looks are polished, yet practical, for the perfectly posh poolside gathering. (continues)

Yoga does a body good!

Even a hat can’t keep Patricia incognito as she lounges by the water. This well-known island fitness instructor absolutely rocks this citron and white twist bandeau top and ring bikini bottom by Caffé, gorgeously accessorized with a gold lion medallion cuff and turquoise and gold cuff from Planters Exchange and a long gold necklace from Cloister Collection.

Gretchen throws convention to the wind in this Basta Surf blue/citron reversible bikini from Cloth + Label, colorfully complemented by a Lilly Pullitzer Sienna wrap, oversized print scarf with tassel trim from Cloister Collection. With necklaces from Two Friends and sunglasses from Coastal Eye Care, the look is quintessential beach chic!

Fierce yet feminine,

the tribe of Woman is well represented by Tannis and Ginny in bright geometric patterned tribal bikinis by Hobie Swim from Love & Sweat. Necklaces and bracelet are from Cloister Collection. Tannis’ delicate gold dangle earrings are from Planter’s Exchange. Ginny wears gold earrings from Two Friends.

Gretchen and Amanda don cover-ups

from Two Friends to enjoy Happy Hour at the hacienda. Whether postsiesta or pre-fiesta, style should always be a priority. Hammered gold disc earrings and a bold necklace from Two Friends complete Gretchen’s look, while Amanda sports gold triangle earrings from Planters Exchange and bracelets from Two Friends.

Tannis channels her inner goddess in this aptly named blue indigo paisley Goddess one piece by Nanette Lepore from Love & Sweat. Leather cuffs with stones and shells from Two Friends and silver hoop earrings from Planters Exchange add a touch of elegance to her already graceful lines.

Elena is the epitome of coquettish kitten

in a black maillot with braided back by Agua de Coco from Cloth + Label. She peers playfully through Tom Ford tortoiseshell aviators from Coastal Eye Care; her stunning jeweled gold cuff bracelet is from Planters Exchange.

The classic trio of blonde, brunette, and redhead

call to mind three muses to inspire the spirit of summer fun. Erica is the picture of catlike repose in a blue and white toile bikini by Caffé with a gold medallion from Two Friends. Color Amanda amused and artfully decorated in this white bikini with blue crochet trim by Caffé, gold collar from Cloister Collection, blue enamel and pearl drop earrings from Two Friends, and sunglasses from Coastal Eye Care. Elena covers up with a linen button-front maxi from Two Friends, accessorized with gold cuffs from Cloister Collection, and circle pendant from Two Friends. Bathing suits are from Cloth + Label.

THANK YOU TO:

OUR MODELS Tannis Allen, Elena Harrison, Gretchen Johnson, Erica Pearce, Patricia Ploeger, Amanda Tate, and Ginny Walker, with a special shout-out to Patricia for helping us find “willing subjects” and holding a hat over her pretty face in the name of artistic expression. We appreciate you all taking time out of your schedules to spend the day with us.

THE STUDIO PIXEL POP TEAM - Mollie Taylor, photographer’s assistant extraordinaire who stepped up to the plate to take on hair and makeup duty, and Annaliese Kondo, who, despite giving up her extra pair of hands, stayed calm and patient behind the lens. SALLY BARNES of Studio Bleu Salon who did her best to move mountains to get to us as early as she possibly could and for her expert styling services.

AL BROWN COMPANY and the homeowners for allowing us the use of the gorgeous poolside and waterfront grounds of the property located at 504 Forest Road in Ocean Forest. This elegant 5-bedroom townhome offers stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean & Hampton River as well as a deep water dock, pool, loggia, and pool bath. It was the perfect setting for a swimsuit issue and it is for sale! For more details on this home, see listing #1574265 at albrowncompany.com under the Sea Island/Ocean Forest links.

SPECIAL APPRECIATION to Al’s daughter, Jordan Brown, and Rob Kjellander of Cottage Concierge for lending their assistance to us during the shoot over and above the call of their duties. Jordan, we WILL take you up on that offer to help again in the future … don’t think we won’t!