I realize it’s somewhat late in the summer to be doing a post on swimwear, but better late than never. This season’s bathing suits have been retro-inspired, glamorous and a bit more modest. One swimwear company that blows the competition out of the water is Brazilian label, Rosa Cha. Not only are designer Alexandre Herchcovitch’s suits sexy and high quality, they are also high fashion in a way never quite seen before. The label manages to embody drama, bright and splashy color and a playful as well as exotic feel, much like Brazil itself and the label’s clientele list, which includes Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum.

The line was launched in 1990 by Slama, a former history professor and his wife. After taking home a Brazilian Designer of the Year award twelve years later, Slama opened the first Rosa Cha store in NYC in 2008. A year ago, Alexandre Herchcovitch took the reigns from Slama and hasn’t looked back. His newest collection is lovely, a bit old-school, soft and even a bit tame but still with Rosa Cha’s signature bold femininity.

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As you may know, I was featured on KXAN Austin’s Style Saturday with the lovely Kendra Scott a couple of weeks ago. Not only did we suggest some great colorful summer styles while on air, I got to hang out with my friend, Kendra, and talk about what I love most, beauty and style. Kendra is a well-known jewelry designer whose work has been seen in the pages of Life & Style Weekly, O, Allure, Town & Country, Self and In Style magazines, among others, and whose charitable works make her not only a style sensation on the jewelry circuit, but also a great role model.

Kendra started the company in 2002 with the simple idea that family, fashion and philanthropy come first. She carried out the dream to fruition, building a successful business focused on flexibility and fun while also a busy mother of two and giving back to the community by working with at-risk youth, the homeless and their families. She is also co-founder of LEAP, an organization dedicated to helping business owners who also want to aid those in need in addition to being a passionate keynote speaker for the American Heart Association’s Go Red Campaign for Women.

Kendra’s designs are colorful, feminine and ethnically inspired with a touch of whimsy. Her collections usually include ornate, dangly earrings and brightly colored studs, beautiful cocktail rings, attention-grabbing necklaces and sophisticated cuffs that are sure to make you feel like the belle of the ball. Her web site is equally aesthetically pleasing, with a simple, user-friendly look and detailed pictures of the merchandise. Two innovative features of the site are the Color Bar, where browsers can affordably and easily create their own color scheme for several jewelry designs and the Bridal section which is chock full of ideas on how to add a splash of color to the ultimate LWD (check out my post on the LWD, then snatch up some of Kendra’s jewelry to add some spice to your dress).  Need further proof that Kendra’s work is amazing? Check out the “Buzz” section where press is featured. The site also offers a Jewelry of the Month Club membership as well as a style guide to help you select the perfect piece and keep you up to date on trends. Be sure to check out her fun blog, which not only details the company news, but also has cute pictures of real customers looking stunning in their Kendra Scott pieces posted.

Though Kendra is an Austin girl at heart, she also has a popular NYC showroom for those interested in carrying or featuring her line. Her work can be purchased online and at select boutiques and fine department stores, such as Henri Bendel and Lord & Taylor, across the country.

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