My happy place is by the water. Some people crave getting lost in the mountains, relaxing in the desert, or heck, sitting in their backyards and taking it all in. For me: give me some sun, sand and a body of water and all is well in the world. Not going to lie, I think 31 has been the best year of my life for many reasons especially that a lot of the past 7 months has been spent by the ocean. What's your happy place? 

All you need is a good dose of vitamin sea!

We just finished a few days in Sorrento, Sicily, and Malta and now we're off to France! Among the 16 bathing suits I brought (I know, it's kind of ridiculous but a girl needs options) - this Mara Hoffman one is probably my favorite. Mara just KNOWS prints (I've never met a Mara print I didn't like - ie. this all time fave from '15) AND her new high-waisted styles are PERFECTO! Scroll down to see more styles I'm loving from her. 

get this look

Mara Hoffman Banded Bikini via Everything But Water  | Crap Eyewear Tuff Patrol Glasses

We shot this in Taormina, Sicily at what I called a "boat graveyard" after spending the day on the umbrella lined beach. There's something I love so much about walking up to a European beach and seeing the rows and rows of matching umbrellas; always makes me feel like I'm in a movie. They really get you with the rental prices, though. You have to rent the umbrella and the lounge chairs separately and typically in sets of two. When in Europe you just got to do it! 

About this 'kini: Mara Hoffman styles typically run true to size. I know the price may seem a little much but for the quality and longevity of her prints/styles, I truly think it's worth it. I have styles from 2015 that I still wear today and they a) have kept their shape and elastic b) don't feel dated at all! She just launched her resort collection and the newest prints are AMAZING:

high-waist Mara Hoffman faves

Beach bound? More 'kinis right this way: