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Business Fashion Lifestyle NYC Uncategorized

New York-Based, Woman-Owned, Bay 2 Swimwear Sale Celebrates Int’l Women’s Day

Photo: Ally B. Martin

New Yorker Jillian Bardo recently her unveiled her Bay 2 Swimwear line at a pop up at The Rockaway Hotel.

A former lifeguard at Riis Park, Bardo sought to develop an elegant, minimalist style line of swimwear that is New York made. She launched Bay 2 Swimwear in Nov. 2021, offering both two piece and single piece suits, ranging XS-XL. Pieces can be mixed and matched.

Photo: Lourenso Ramautar

“The ocean has always been my happy place. I constantly found myself searching for the ideal swimsuit—one that looked great and stayed put in the waves. I love swimwear and was often disappointed by my purchases that turned out to be made of uncomfortable fabric, see through when wet, or just not conducive to activity. This search eventually led me to create Bay 2 Swimwear, a unique line inspired by my experiences living and working on the beaches of New York City and the East Coast.  All of the swimsuits are designed with double lined luxe fabrics that flatter and support all body types and inspire confidence without sacrificing comfort.  The suits are sustainably designed and produced in New York City.” 

For the week of March 7-March 13, in support of International Women’s Day, Bay 2 will be donating 20% of proceeds from sales to Girls Inc. Foundation.

In June, Bardo will unveil Bay 2’s Summer 2022 line, that will include environmentally-friendly suits, made from recycled fabrics.

For more information, visit bay2swimwear.com

Categories
Featured

DOWNTOWN’S Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2022

 
Let us endeavor to make 2022 the year of Love, for there has been no greater time when love is so very needed.
 
“Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments; Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove:
O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark,
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wandering bark,
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.
Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle’s compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom. 
If this be error and upon me prov’d,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.”
-William Shakespeare, Sonnet 116

 

 
 
 
 
We love Valentine’s Day, especially when we celebrate at Ladurée. This year, book take your sweetheart for a special breakfast for two, consisting of two rose lattes, two pains au chocolat, two boxes of three custom macarons, and a NEW heart-shaped rose croissant. This is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift to share with that special someone.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fly XO to Aspen and experience world-class skiing while staying at five-star resorts. Use the XO mobile app to book an entire charter or select individual seats on a private jet at a fraction of the cost.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Get you and your sweetheart back on the right track to fitness with a membership at Asphalt Green. Say ‘I love you’ with fitness for 2022. Their memberships offer top-notch fitness centers and pools. Book one of their instructional classes or programs for both children and adults. Throughout the year, winter, spring, summer, and fall, no excuse. Asphalt Green includes everything from infant swim, diving classes, youth basketball leagues, and private Pilates Reformer classes.
 
 
 
 
 
LIPS Embellished Throw by Jonathan Adler. Sexy, seductive, saucy—a kiss of glam in bold red and glittering gold to chic up your comfy spot. Hand-embroidered by artisans, their unbelievably soft and luxurious throws are just the accents your abode deserves.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dr. Amy Lewis  Give the gift she will love you all year, natural lip filler. Big is out, going back to the natural look Expertly done by Dr. Amy Lewis. 
 
 
Tokyo Totepack. This premium leather upgrade to our Tokyo Totepack adapts to your day, with two carry modes and surprisingly sorted storage.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flex Pro Denim Jacket GOOD MAN BRAND A classic-style denim jacket made from comfortable stretch denim is a surefire staple for your casual wardrobe.
 
 
 
 

 

Our CEO’s favorite everyday brand is PhilanthroBee’s®️ skincare. Bee Body Bar saved her from itchy skin. As a daily swimmer, chlorine eventually got to her angrily inflamed skin. Until she tired, PhilanthroBee’s®️ skincare. The last thing you want is to layer chemically treated thick creams on top of your skin. That’s why the BeeCause Body Bar works with your body heat to melt into your skin, using the power of natural bee products to soothe, replenish moisture, promote skin health, and protect against damage.

Another favorite of hers is the Bee-Ch Facial Clarifying Mask. Every week (sometimes more), she enjoys the BEE-ch facial mask cleanser. It gently draws out toxins and debris that accumulate in our pores throughout the week. Living in New York City, taking care of your skin is extremely important. 

 

 

Maybe a little self-love this year try Ascention, a blend of red currants and strawberries, laced with delicious vanilla and musk. Infused with an authentic, fair-trade Rose Quartz crystal. Ascent to Love with the perfect gift for those in need of some self-love this Valentine’s Day.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Full of Mediterranean character, Corvo is produced with the use of modern technology, to preserve the integrity and naturalness of the ingredients, always ready to offer a simply perfect tasting experience. Corvo Grillo Sicilia DOC and, Corvo Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC. Both restyled clean, with a harmonious design delivering the freshness and fruity aromas of Sicily to the table. Be sure to give the first wines bottled in Sicily in 1824, and now one of the most appreciated wines.
 
 
 
 
One of our favorite places downtown to relax and take in the views, The Greens invites you to cozy up with your loved ones in your own private and cozy winter cabin. Enjoy a menu of regional delicacies and hand-crafted cocktails, along with a complimentary bottle of Rosé and a Valentine-themed dessert included with your reservation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scapegrace Black is the world’s first naturally black, color-changing gin by The New Zealand-based Scapegrace Distillery. Scapegrace Black begins, like all quality gins, with intense juniper and the addition of premium, exotic botanicals. The master distiller used a combination of local sweet potato, aronia berries, pineapple, and saffron, as well as Butterfly pea flower, which they sourced from Southeast Asia
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Give her the gift from Christian Lacroix For Swiminista, a sarong in Josephine print, then whisk her away on an impromptu holiday to her favorite sunny locale. 

 
 
ICON Roland Sands Signature 2254 Chronograph. 43mm 316L Stainless Steel Case and Fixed Bezel with IP Antique Gold Plating, Stainless Steel Push Crown, and Screw-In Caseback. K1 Flat Hardened Mineral Crystal. Japan Quartz (Miyota 6S21) 2 Eye Chronograph with Date Movement.
 
Larroudé Vail Boot is a brand to add to your wardrobe. Marrying the comfort of Montana with the functionality of a lace-up boot to give us the Vail. Ready for the mountains, the faux shearling interior is super soft-to-the-touch while the all-weather exterior is all about function.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Larroudè and Her Highness – Valentine’s Day, customers will be gifted with a “highly orgasmic” pleasure oil as a gift with purchase (while supplies last). We are excited to have our clients treat themselves to the perfect pair (shoes + pleasure oil) this Valentine’s Day! 
 
 
 
 
 
 

For the side sleeper, this Scrumptious Side Sleeper Pillow is unique, with a curve that supports your neck and shoulders whether you are on your side or your back. Their design is meticulously from the degree of its curvature to the height and firmness of the fill inside it.  The perfect give for your side sleeper.

 

Take your sweetheart on one of New York’s historical treasures, with a memorable horse-drawn carriage tour of Central Park. The tour includes a bottle of sparkling wine, a bucket of roses, and photographs.

 
 
 
 
 
Wish your love off to Las Catalinas is a new beach town on the Guanacaste coast of Costa Rica. Its purpose is to create a way of life that is healthy, sustainable, fulfilling, and fun. Las Catalinas consists of houses, shops, restaurants, small hotels and inns, plazas, parks, and recreational facilities. Las Catalinas in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Check out the new outdoor beachfront gym there, CORE by Chakfitness, and sign up for a week of personal training and unlimited gym and class access — including a personalized take-home program designed by owner Chakiris Menafacio.
 

 

Categories
Fashion Featured Lifestyle

TRENDY SWIMSUITS YOU NEED THIS SUMMER

    It’s a hot summer day, your beach bag is all packed, you’ve applied your SPF and your ride will be outside to pick you up soon. It’s time to get dressed and you realize that all of your swimsuits either don’t fit you anymore, look worn out, or are straight up out of style at this point! What better way to avoid this crisis than to splurge on a couple of cute new TRENDY SWIMSUITS for the season? Well, Downtowners, we’ve got you covered. Ladies, if you’re looking for some fashion inspo, or some new brands to try out, Beach Bunny Swimwear just released two new limited edition collections in collaboration with models Chanel Iman and Shanina Shaik, and they are to die for. Whether you like to flaunt your figure in a bikini, or you prefer to keep it cute and conservative in a one piece, these two collections will have something for everyone, with each piece having its own unique twist. And for the guys, this year is all about bright summery colors and funky patterns. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite pieces for this summer.

 

TRENDY SUITS FOR WOMEN

CHANEL IMAN X BEACH BUNNY WRAP TOP & SKIMPY BOTTOM BLACK

 

This sleek, black bikini set takes a trendiest swimsuit twist on a classic look. We’ve been seeing cut-out style bathing suits all over the place lately, including on celebs like Kourtney Kardashian and Olivia Culpo. What’s unique about this suit is that it gives the visual effect of a cut-out suit, whilst also being a two piece. This suit shows some skin but still leaves a little bit more to the imagination than the average bikini – which is why we love it. You’ll be sure to dazzle the sands in this suit this season.

 

Chanel Iman x Beach Bunny Off Shoulder Top & Tieside Bottom – Denim Blue

 

Okay – what’s not to love about this trendy suit? It features a tie-up top which is so on trend at the moment, along with an off-the-shoulder look which makes this suit look extra fashionable. The bow ties on the top and bottom make this suit appear super feminine and chic. The denim blue shade of this suit is what really caught our eye – it’s not every day that you see a bathing suit inspired by denim, and we think that’s pretty unique and special. To get the most bang for your buck, pair this top with a pair of denim or white shorts and you have the perfect summery vacation outfit. If you’re looking for a fun, feminine, trendy, and unique look this season, this suit is just right for you.

 

 

Shanina Shaik x Beach Bunny Wrap Top & Tango Bottom Berry Stripe

 

 

If you’re looking for a flirty, feminine look to hit the beach in, look no further. This suit designed by Shanina Shaik is to die for; with a trendy ruffle detailing on the top and bottoms, and the also super trendy cross tie on the top, it doesn’t get much cuter than this. The berry color of the suit flatters all skin tones, and the stripe pattern is so in right now. Our favorite feature of these summer 2018 trendy swimsuits has to be the ruffle sleeves which connect to form a deep-V neckline. This suit is so fun and stylish; you really can’t go wrong with it.

 

 Shanina Shaik x Beach Bunny Ruffle One-Piece – Berry

 

Calling all girly-girls – this suit was made for you. Featuring a ruffle-top detail and the most charming berry pink color, this suit is so classic, with its own little unique features. Perhaps one of the best and most practical reasons to love this suit is that it has adjustable straps (!!), which is surprisingly so hard to find in a bathing suit these days! The high cut of the bathing suit will show off your legs in the best way. Not to mention that one-piece bathing suits are the biggest trend in swimwear right now; celebs like Kim Kardashian, Bella Hadid, and Kylie Jenner have all been spotted wearing the cutest one pieces lately, similar to this one. If you’d like to stay on trend while also investing in a classic, good quality piece, this bathing suit is perfect for you.

  

TRENDY SWIMSUITS FOR MEN

 

PALM PRINT SWIM TRUNKS – TOM AND TEDDY https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/tom-teddy-palm-print-swim-trunks

 

You know what they say: real men wear pink. We believe that that couldn’t be truer, and what better way to show it than to wear the nicest pastel pink pair of swim trunks? This pair by Tom and Teddy is so on trend with its pastel colors, and the blue palm tree pattern makes this suit so fun. The pastel pink color would look good on all skin tones, as well. This is the perfect men’s trendy swim suit for a tropical getaway or even just a trip to your local beach.

 

 

Nautica Anchor All Over Print Swim Trunks – https://www.dillards.com/p/nautica-anchor-all-over-print-swim- 

Nothing says summer quite like the combination of navy blue, white, and an anchor pattern. This Nautica suit has the classic, quintessential summer look you might be looking for this season. This 2018 trendy swimsuit would surely flatter all who wear it, and the price can’t be beat. Channel your inner sailor and give this suit a try! 

 

 

Original Penguin – Floral Printed Swim Trunks https://www.saksfifthavenue.com

 

 

Floral patterns are so on trend for both girls and guys right now, and we’re loving it. This pair of swim trendy swim trunks by Original Penguin is so fun and on trend, whilst giving a masculine, tropical vibe with its deep blue hue and hibiscus flower pattern as well. If you’d like something classic with a pop of color, this suit is perfect for you.

 

Categories
Fashion Living

Trend Report Tuesday: Summer Swimwear Trends

Trend Report Tuesday is here, so channel your inner fashionista.

It’s FINALLY summertime (well, tomorrow technically) and we already know the temperatures are rising fast. It’s time to fill your wardrobe with those summer necessities; hats, sandals, sunglasses, bright colors, you know the drill.

Most importantly, it’s time to hit the pool or the nearest beach, and we at Downtown are here to keep you looking stylish. The swimwear trend, one-piece bathing suits, has gradually made a comeback over the past few years, but this year they’re at an all-time high, coming in all different styles and giving you many different options.

For your benefit, Downtown has put together a list of 10 one-piece bathing suits for all different types of women in a fashionable manner.

Camilla – “Patch Me Up Reversible One Piece”

Photo courtesy of Camilla 

For the bohemian fashionistas.

Tory Burch – “Lipsi One-Piece”

Photo courtesy of Tory Burch 

For the chic fashionistas. 

Zimmermann – “Divinity Motif One Piece” 

Photo courtesy of Zimmermann 

For those elegant fashionistas.

Flagpole – “Hudson”

Photo courtesy of Flagpole

For vibrant fashionistas.

Trina Turk – “Jakarta Embroidery High Neck One Piece”

Photo courtesy of Trina Turk

For those fun fashionistas.

Laundry By Shelli Segal – “Bold Cut-Out One Piece”

Photo courtesy of Laundry By Shelli Segal 

For the exotic fashionistas.

Kaohs – “Rio One Piece”

 

Photo courtesy of Kaohs

For those confident fashionistas.

Beach Riot – “Bridget One Piece”

Photo courtesy of Beach Riot

For festive fashionistas.

Stella McCartney – “Swimsuit”

Photo courtesy of Stella McCartney

For those sporty fashionistas.

Lisa Marie Fernandez – “Mira Black Flounce Maillot”

Photo courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue

For the trendy fashionistas.

Now that you’ve got your swimsuit fix, it’s time to show it off. Downtown Magazine wishes you a happy summer!

Categories
Fashion

New Trend Alert: The Dauntless Swimsuit

Photo courtesy of rosegal.com, zazumi.com, and sundancebeach.com

 

– by Haylie Born, Krissy Lewis and Summer Weiss 

Categories
Fashion Miami

Bollare Preview of Miami Swim Week 2015

PreMiami1

bikini.com Swimsuits

Miami Swim Week 2015 is right around the corner, and the top swimsuit designers are preparing to debut their trendy and chic designs.

DOWNTOWN had the opportunity to attend the Pre Miami Swim Week Summer Social, where we took a sneak peak at the swimsuits to be modeled at this year’s Miami Swim Week on July 17. The event, hosted by Bollare, took place in the Mondrian Hotel in SoHo. The Summer Social featured collections from swimsuit lines Tori Praver, Rachel Pally Swim and Bikini.com. Besides admiring the swimwear, guests admired breathtaking views from the rooftop pent house overlooking Midtown Manhattan. Games were also part of the night; champagne ping pong in particular was a hit for the evening, where the winner received a gift card to shop at bikiniswim.com.

PreMiami1-Online

Tori Praver Swim Wear 

Tori Praver had fab designs on display for Miami Swim Week 2015, presenting an array of  colors and patterns perfect for wearing under the sun’s rays. The swimwear designer created the brand to encourage confidence and sexiness in women, and was inspired by international destinations such as Morocco and India. “The Resort 2015 collection takes the senses on a spellbinding ride through its silhouettes, unique color palette, and motifs,” said a Bollare representative.

PreMiami4-Online

Champagne ping pong 

Rachel Pally has a knack for creating beautiful designs that are simple and flattering for everyone, and her line of swimsuits embody simplicity and glamour. The Rachel Pally swimsuit collection is great to wear while you strut your stuff along Miami beach in 2015.

PreMiami8-crop-Online

Bloggers and writers mixing and mingling 

Bikini.com was up-to-speed in the style department with their featured designs at the event. Their online boutique website is known for having unique bathing suits from emerging talented designers. Perfect for finding exclusive swimwear that’s stunning and super stylish, while encompassing  swimsuit culture gracefully with its presentation. The collections on display from Bikini.com were Frankies BikinisMikoh Swimwear and Lula Fami Miami

The swimsuits were exciting and fashionable. With the enticing designs featured at the Bollare event, Miami Swim Week 2015 is sure to be a unparalleled success with full-of-life, kaleidoscopic designs.

Written by Mariah Brown