Live the Sumarie Lifestyle

OWN YOUR SUMMER: BE A FEMME FATALE 

What To Put Into Your Beach Bag

We are women. Therefore, we need a bag, especially when we are at the beach for hours and we need to take care of our minds and bodies. Don't forget to pack a large tote bag when preparing your suitcase for the holidays, because let me tell you... You'll need it!
Everybody has their special needs, but there are certainly a number of things that you really can't do without when lying by the pool, and these are certainly among them:

1. Sunscreen cream
Always! Even though you are probably eager to get a beautiful tan, forgetting to put on some cream won't speed up the process, but just increase the chances of sunburn and skin diseases... So be patient and put some cream on. At the end of the holiday you'll be happy not to look like a lobster.

2. Beach towel
Obvious, I know. Remember: the thinner, the better. It's light and takes little space in your bag.

3. Reading material
There's no better place than the beach to catch up with the books and magazines you've kept the whole year without ever finding the time to read them. Enjoy!

4. Sunglasses
Good for health and chic: sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV and give a glamorous touch to your beach outfit.

5. Music
This is not fundamental for everyone, but still, very pleasant when you have it. You can listen to your favourite tracks privately and get lost into your thoughts or put the speakers on and start a little party.

6. A light cotton scarf
Extremely versatile: it can protect you from the wind and the sun when they're too strong, and it can easily be converted into a pareo. Even though you're not quite sure why you're packing it into your beach bag, do it anyway, it will be useful at some point.

7. A few key hair products
There's one thing we can be sure about: after sun, sand, wind and salty water exposure, your hair will become an unmanageable tangled mess. A small brush, hairclips and a sun-recovering conditioner will help you to control the uncontrollable. 

8. Lots of water and fruit
When exposed to the sun your body should be constantly hydrated. Plus, fruit will give you the vitamins you need and really boost your energy. 

How to Travel Light: Key Tips For Holiday Packing!

We all know that last-minute holiday panic that consists of ten bikinis, six pairs of shoes and a drawer full of make-up versus one, modest-sized suitcase. But while many of us would love to breezily skip through customs with nothing more than fake tan weighing us down, travelling light is harder than it looks...

•  Divide and Rule

One rule to ensure everything fits is when you have your selection laid out on your bed, just cut it in half. Drastic, but it forces you to focus and just remember all the items you have taken on holiday before and never worn. You feel different on holiday and being comfortable and feeling special are what's important: concentrate on items that help you do this.

• Think what and where

Consider everything you might be doing (tennis? posh dinners? hiking? swimming? city explorations?). Anything that doesn't have a specific use doesn't need to come without you.

•  Colour code your clothes

Look at everything and choose items based on the fact they will work with lots of other items. 

• Dress for success

Dresses are very hard-working and also scream "holiday glamour" - a good choice for slimming down that suitcase. In the day, wear with flats, beach with flip flops and sunglasses, then use the same piece by night with heels and lipstick. Easy travelling = sorted.

• Slip in some scarves

Scarves add very little to your load and will multi-task on holiday like a pro. Use to double over as a mini skirt on the beach, as a cover up over a bikini en-route to the bar, turban style on your head to protect hair during serious sun bathing and, of course, conventionally around your neck to brighten up a plain top or protect shoulders from sun during lunchtime.

• Say yes to swimwear!

Ideally take a costume if you want to seriously swim, dive or snorkel - and as many bikinis as you love: after all, they only take up a tiny bit of space!

*Source: http://www.stylist.co.uk/

The best beaches on earth according to TripAdvisor

Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor said: ‘For those fed up with the long cold winter, there’s really no better cure than an escape to one of these award-winning beaches."

Breathtaking beach: Baia do Sancho in Brazil has been named the best stretch of sand in the world by TripAdvisor

Postcard-pretty: Grace Bay, in Turks and Caicos.

Popular destination: Rabbit Beach, in Lampedusa, Italy. 

Spanish delight: Playa de ses Illetes, in Formentera.

And relax... Chill out on Playa Norte beach in Mexico.

*Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Chase the Sun Shoot: Sneak Peek

Sumarie means life style. Sumarie means strong women, striving to succeed. Sumarie means being functional, but very, very chic. This is the story behind our brand, the same story as the one told in the stunning "Follow The Sun" shoot, that took place last month in New York City.

Sumarie Red Fringed Bikini looks great on Top Model Traci!

Must Have: Sumarie Kaftan

Sumarie Kaftans are a must-have in every woman's wardrobe. Made in France with the highest quality silk georgette, they're timeless, light and extremely versatile. You'll find yourself using them more than any other garment in your summer luggage!

Swimwear Color Tips

A couple of weeks ago we gave you some detailed advice on how to choose your bikinis depending of your body shape. But another hugely important factor is your skin tone and what colors, among the hundreds of options, make you stand out and look smokin' hot! Here are our tips:

Skin Tone: pale or ivory skin with black or chestnut brown hair
Do: white, black
Don't: beige, orange, gold and pastels

http://www.sumarie.com/spring.php

Skin Tone: medium to dark brown skin with dark eyes and hair
Do: bold colors like turquoise, emerald greens, ruby reds and amethyst purples
Don't: earth tones and pastels

http://www.sumarie.com/high.php

Skin Tone: pale or pinkish skin with natural blonde or light brown hair and light-colored eyes
Do: sorbet (e.g. Fruit colors), cinnamon, silver and baby blue shades
Don't: black and orange

http://www.bluefly.com/Red-Carter-light-blue-solid-hipster-bikini-bottom/p/319056901/detail.fly

Skin Tone: peach or freckled creamy white skin with golden or light red hair and blue or green eyes.
Do: lime or apple greens, mocha or cinnamon browns or melontones
Don't: darker, duller hues.

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/shoshanna-neon-green-halter-bikini-top-neon-green-trim-bikini-bottom?ID=697608

How to Choose the Perfect Bikini

Marie Su, the creative brains behind SUMARIE couture swimwear has a wealth of fashion knowledge, especially when it comes to bikinis and swimsuits! Here is some advice from Marie Su on finding your perfect swimwear.

Looking fabulous and feeling confident in a bikini is not about having the perfect figure, but having the perfect bikini for your body.

Tip 1: Know your body

1. STRAIGHT- TUBE shape. Okay, you don't have curves. No problem. Choose a bathing suit that adds emphasis to your hip and bust area. A bathing suit with ruffles, ties or other embellishments will work perfectly.
2. HOURGLASS-CURVE shape. You have a curvy upper and lower body. Look for swimsuits with adjustable straps and halter-tops. Wear a bikini with matching top and bottoms or solid colours. One-piece swimwear is also a flattering option.
3. APPLE- BUSTY shape. If you have this body, you have a larger upper-body and fuller breasts. Buy swimwear with straps and patterns. Also consider a halter-top style swimsuit. Make sure the swimsuit provides added breast support.
4. PEAR-BIGGER HIPS shape. In this instance, you carry more weight in the hips, thighs and legs. What you want to do is draw attention above the waist. Buy a swimsuit with a lower neckline. Also look for bright colours on the top of the swimsuit.

Tip 2: Find a bikini or swimsuit that accentuates your best assets

What are your best assets? Do you love your curvaceous hips? Or possibly your slim midriff? How about your large breasts? Be truthful with yourself, although we all find it difficult at times, we should all love our bodies. Which is your favourite part?

Now, do you have a 'problem' area? A tummy that you would rather not have on show, or possibly a bigger bottom than you would like? We all have areas that we are self-conscious of and they need to also be included in the criteria for our swimwear search.

There are many elements to the perfect bikini or swimsuit, the cut and style are both very important, however let's not forget the following key elements:

Colour

Bright colours will draw attention; use these to cover your best assets.

Dark solid colours if you have part of your body you are self-conscious about; then use dark solid colours for this area.

Pattern

Large pattern designs create a fantastic visual illusion making something look larger than it actually is. For example, they would be the perfect solution to if you want to make smaller breasts look larger. Of course, large pattern designs should be avoided if you would like to make something look smaller.

Small pattern designs are very subtle and be used to 'hide' small problem areas by detracting attention from them {such as your midriff}.

Style

Bikini Bras for smaller breasts – padded bikini bras will add volume to your chest area should you wish. Or for a simple look, opt for small bikini bras with less 'coverage' so not to swamp a small chest.

Bikini bras for bigger breasts – a supportive structure and wider straps to ensure that you feel comfortable and secure in your bikini. Avoid string bikinis unless you are sufficiently firm across the chest.

Bikinis for a smaller bottom – a Brazilian cut bikini bottom is a fabulous option for a smaller bottom. They cut higher across the bottoms giving you more shape. Horizontal stripes are also a good option to give the visual illusion of width and depth to your bottom.

Bikinis for a larger bottom – a stylish and chic look, opt for French knicker cut bottoms which offer coverage without drawing attention to the area. Please do not opt for bottoms with attached skirts as the extra fabric adds inches.

Other things to consider

Embellishments, bows and brooches will draw attention to the area that they are place. A beautiful bow at the centre of a bikini top will highlight your stunning cleavage, or maybe you are proud of your slim hips? A bow placed on the hip with draw attention to them.

Still not sure if a bikini is for you? SUMARIE offers an exciting range of swimsuits and monokinis, all of which offer you the subtle coverage you wish for, whilst ensuring that you remain irresistibly chic beside the pool.

The joy of finding your perfect bikini or swimsuit; is choosing a few key accessories to enhance it. This may be a beautiful beach bag to hold your lotion and books, or possibly a fashionable kaftan that will see you move from the beach to the beach bar with stylish ease.

European Summer Destinations: Sicily!

If you're more like a road-trip kind of girl, who enjoys the travel just as much as the destination, Sicily is definitely the must-go place for you this summer. Take a plane, go to Palermo, rent a car and get lost in this beautiful island, hit by hot African winds. The dry vegetation and the crystal clear sea will enchant you, the delicious food and the rich culture will make you fall in love with this Mediterranean jewel. To give you an idea, we selected 10 must-dos that you really cannot miss. 

1. Excursion to Mount Etna

The wonderful looming spectre of Mount Etna, rising dramatically above Catania and the towns on the eastern coast, is also a fantastic playground for those that like adventure activities. If you have time, taste some of the wine that is produced on its slopes. If you are not the adventurous or sporty type go by cable car and volcano SUV to main crater area at 2.900 m.

2. Marvel at the mosaics of Monreale

Sicily is dotted with wonderful remnants of the craftsmanship of the Normans. But the ones at the at Cathedral of Monreale are simply breathtaking. The mosaics here are also particularly important in the Christian world and depict scenes from the life of Jesus Christ.

3. Visit the Valley of the Temples

One of Sicily’s most popular sights, the Greek temples in  Agrigento on the western coast should be on your travel wish list of Sicily. The massive archaeological site features enormous columns, altars, statues and chunks of stone to explore.

4. Feast on the wonderful Sicilian dish Pasta alla Norma

Pasta alla Norma is a popular dish, particularly in Catania, and is a rather divine combination of aubergines, tomatoes and smoked ricotta cheese - heavenly indeed.

5. Bathe at San Vito lo Capo

Splash into the waters on one of Sicily’s most beautiful coastlines. San Vito Lo Capo has a superb arc of sand with a backdrop of spectacular mountains and it’s small enough to be intimate and enjoyable. The local food specialty here is couscous – make sure you try it while in town.

6. Stay in an ancient tonnara

In Sicily fishermen once used fixed-net systems a few kilometers long with associated plants for processing the tuna catch - these were called the tonnare. Today there are very few of these left given new rules about fishing and the diminishing number of the tuna fish themselves. There are several left in the Mediterranean, and some of the best in Sicily include those at Bonagia and Favignana. If you wish to stay in one consider visiting the tiny town of Scopello and its associated tonnara right by the sea.

7. Indulge in the foods of Sicily

Sicilian food is worth mentioning in this list as an item on its own as there are simply so many good drinks, snacks and meals to be had here. Some things to make sure you try while you’re on the island include the refreshing ice drink granita sold in summer, wonderful arancini - rice balls stuffed with cheese and meat, pizzas dripping with tasty toppings, great Marsala wine and sweets such as cannoli - tubular pastries stuffed with sweet ricotta. Buon appetito!

8. Gole dell'Alcantara

For those basing on the east coast near Catania or Taormina, this wonderful gorge is a fantastic place to beat the summer heat. With fantastic swimming holes and lots of shady waterside spots it’s a good place to bring a picnic and relax for the day. You can also join tours venturing past the waterfalls and boulders.

9. See a concert at the wonderful Greek theatre in Taormina

The famous theatre of Taormina has a superb vista of Mount Etna and is also one of Sicily’s most celebrated ruins - dating to Roman times but of Greek design. While you can visit during the day, it's worth coming back in the evening, too, for an open air concert or opera. These are usually held during the summer months and are an amazing experience.

10. Explore Sicily’s wonderful National Parks

Sicily has a number of fantastic wilderness areas including Parco Regionale delle Madonie, Parco dei Nebrodi and Parco Regionale dell'Etna. These are great places to walk, ski and enjoy the wildlife and each is significantly different from the rest.

European Summer Destinations: Ibiza!

Ibiza is not only one of the most popular beach destinations in Europe, it is also Marie's favorite! 

Our boss is literally in love with this beautiful Mediterranean island and runs away there at every good occasion.
Ibiza means, for many, endless partying in macro-clubs. But it's much more than that: large portions of the island are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are protected from the development and commercialization of the main cities. The unique white sand, clear water
 and beautiful woods will make you feel like never going back home. 

Here's a short list of the island's must-dos:

1. Watch the sunset at Cafe Del Mar.

At the far end of San Antonio Bay lies the world-famous sunset strip and the bar that launched all those chill-out compilations you find in record stores all over the planet – The Café Del Mar. Get here before sunset and grab a long cool drink in readiness for one of the most memorable sights you will ever witness.

2. Visit the Hippie Market in Es Cana.

Catch a bus, taxi or ferry to the resort of Es Cana on the east side of the island. Just outside of town you’ll find a hillside covered with stalls selling all manner of hippy related goodies. The market has undergone a pinch of commercialization in more recent years, but the spirit lives on or, to paraphrase, the song remains the same!

3. Clubbing – Amnesia , Pacha , Space and Privilege

There is nothing to compare to the super clubs of Ibiza. Frankly, the rest of the world is the runner-up. Privilege alone has a capacity of around 10,000 people, Pacha is the year-round club, and a favorite of the locals as well as the tourists, while Space invented the concept of the day-club, kicking off their parties when the other clubs are kicking you out of the door at sunrise. In Ibiza, you can literally party until you drop from exhaustion. And you wouldn’t be the first!

4. Visit Cala D’Hort to see the famous rock of Es Vedra.

This imposing creation of nature wouldn’t look out of place as the villain’s hideout in a Bond film. Some 400 meters high, Es Vedra simply dominates the view out to sea. It’s an official nature reserve, and lies some 3km off the coast. Visit the area of Cala D’Hort at any time of day and you’ll be impressed, but it is at sunset that the rock truly comes into its own. 

5. Visit Benirras beach for the Sunday drumming party.

Go see the hippies in all their natural glory at Benirras beach (just around the corner from Port de San Miguel). At sunset each Sunday, the drums and bongos begin, and you can dance around the fires until the sun comes up again. Step back in time to the Summer of Love, live and not remotely exclusive.

European Summer Destinations: Santorini

Santorini is surely one of the most romantic and suggestive Greek islands. Located in the Cyclades island group, in the southern Aegean Sea, its gleaming white-washed villages, with blue-domed churches and cobbled streets, build a romantic picture, while cliffs and dark sands add drama. 
If you're still not sure about where to go for the next holidays, Santorini is definitely a very good option: affordable, easy to reach and with much to discover. 

Here's a list of the 10 must-dos in this beautiful island: 

1. Discover Ammoudi's nature (and stop by the tavern!) 

Walk along the dust road to reach the small beach with the cliffs, dive into the deep waters and swim below the caldera, above the sea bottom chaos. Then go to the taverna with the yellowish colours on the walls for fish and sea dishes and wait for the sunset. The sun vanishes behind Thirasia and from this spot you have the sunset with the longest duration!

2. Enjoy amazing sunsets

Although the sunset at the Oia Castle is the most famous on the island, it is surely not the only one –and not necessarily always the best! You can admire a spectacular sunset at Fira, Firostefani and Imerovigli! In order to get a different angle of the sunset, having the whole of Santorini in the frame, you should go to Faros in Akrotiri, where you will be almost alone. Another option is to choose Profitis Ilias (Pyrgos), one of the highest spots of the island, or Vlihada beach, where you will be fascinated with the volcanic scenery changing colour nuances as the sun sets.

3. Stay in a cave house

The Santorinian architecture is really unique. Yposkafo (cave house) was the type of house built by the poor society class of Santorini in order to stay protected by the gusty winds. Nowadays, famous architects have turned these cave houses in modern and luxurious holiday resorts. It is worth to experience (even for one night) the claustrophobic feeling you get when you stay in a cave house, its characteristic smell and the direct access to caldera.

4. Visit Akrotiri

Nowhere in the world is there anything similar -and this year it opens to the public for the first time after six years. Visiting Akrotiri is like travelling in time. Walk around the streets and squares of a pre-historic city of 30.000 inhabitants(!), admire the elegant mansions and high finesse of the 17th century B.C.

5. Have a romantic dinner on the rim of the caldera

The feelings you get from the beautiful sceneries, the atmosphere and the view should be completed with a delicious and elegant meal. Let alone if you decide to eat in one of the most beautiful places  in the world: on the rim of the caldera. Even though Santorini has numerous remarkable restaurants outside caldera, a romantic evening there is worth spending.

6. Try the local cuisine with Santorini products

And how is it possible to feel the power of this land, unless you sense its aromas through the products of its earth, cooked by a chef who really loves it? 

7. The gastronomic Destination

Probably the most gastronomic island of the Aegean with a wide range of exceptional  local products and  restaurants attributing another dimension to the Greek cuisine. You will not have a full experience of the island if you omit trying dishes prepared by the distinguished and awarded chefs of the island, who cook with passion and give soul to local products.

8. Experience the Santorinian scuba diving

Only scuba diving lovers can really appreciate the unique experience of the underwater world. In Santorini this feeling will be greater, as you get the chance to see the distinctiveness of the bottom of this sea: the volcanic stones and the bottomless depth of the caldera. Take a chance to live this experience!

9. Go on an excursion!

Choose packages that include visiting the Volcano and Thermal Springs. Spend some time in Thirasia to explore Potamos and Manolas settlements, which are not touristically developed, and have a swim in Korfos (old harbour), where you can enjoy your meal at one of the picturesque tavernas. Having the view of Santorini while on board is surely an experience that you should no way miss!

10. Visit the village of Emporio

Emporio village is located in the heart of the island of Santorini and very close to the beaches of Perivolos and Perissa. In the village of Emporio take a stroll through the streets of the most well preserved Kasteli (Castle City)  of Santorini, admire the tall steeples of churches and take unique photographs. It is also worth visiting the church of Panagia Mesiani, the second most important church of the island. It is dedicated to the Annunciation of Virgin Mary and has a lovely wooden temple.

Best Holiday Destinations: Get Inspired!

Finally, Spring! After long months of work in the (quite depressing) London weather, the time to start planning next summer holidays has, at last, come! Before you start searching the Internet looking for the beach of your dreams, let us offer you a little help. Sumarie selected some pieces of heaven on earth for you to discover. Whether you prefer pure relax or exciting adventures, we’re sure you’ll be able to find in the list below some good inspiration. Enjoy!

Rincón, Puerto Rico

Known as “the town of beautiful sunsets”, Rincón is Puerto Rico's best beach town, where emerald hills overlook golden Caribbean beaches and crystal waters. Rincon offers the best beaches for your preferred activities, as well as the best vacation rentals, villas, hotels and restaurants, all in a seaside setting, with lots to see and do.

Palm Springs, California

Rich in history and blessed with gorgeous weather, Palm Springs is a preferred destination of travelers from all over the world. Nestled at the base of the Mount San Jacinto Mountains, Palm Springs is known for its crystal blue skies, year-round sunshine, stunning landscape, palm tree lined streets and starry nights.

Florianópolis, Brazil

Florianópolis, Affectionately known as Floripa has been attracting surfers and sun worshippers for years. It has become one of Brazil’s most popular beach destinations and is famous for its massive beach parties. Floripa is the ideal beach destination, offering visitors an endless array of beaches, excellent seafood, quaint Azorean fishing villages and awesome nightlife.

Palm Beach, Florida

The Palm Beach area certainly has earned its designation as "The Gold Coast." Combined with the salt air of the Atlantic and a longstanding reputation as a playground for the wealthy, Palm Beach has a way of making any visitor feel privileged. Theaters, museums and galleries create an aura of high-brow culture that continues onto the mainland at nearby West Palm Beach. But... Wait. Could this be called The Gold Coast because of the golden sands that line miles and miles of serene beach?