Seea - Seeababes

Spot Check: Summers in California

2016-08-15T20:00:00-07:00

Seeababes in the van. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Everyone in the van! Follow along with us on the California coastal highways as we spot-checked the waves the old fashioned way. Before live surf spot cameras, to peek over the cliff or across the parking lot and see waves is like unwrapping a fun surprise.

Featuring: Lola Mignot, Karina Rozunko, Mele Saili, and Makala Smith.

All photos by Luki O'Keefe. Sunglasses by Raen. Backpack and beach towel by Loom Goods.

Makala wears the Lido One-Piece in Roma. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Anglet One-Piece in Selva.

Lola wears Loom Goods backpack. Makala wears the Lido One-Piece in Roma. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola wears the Belinda Bikini Top in Crochet and Raen sunglasses. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Mele wears the Capitola Bikini in Marble and Miramar Tee in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Lido One-Piece in Roma. Beach towel by Loom Goods. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Solanas Surf Suit in Paradiso. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Anglet One-Piece in Selva. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola wears "The Talby" cat eye sunglasses by Raen. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Anglet One-Piece in Selva. Beach towel by Loom Goods. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Mele goes fin first. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Adria Bikini in Dawn. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Anglet One-Piece in Selva. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

MORE BEACH LIFESTYLE:

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2016-06-13T13:38:00-07:00

Freya Gibbs wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet.

On a lazy Sunday passing like slow incense burn, these organic crochet textures fade into the wild Australian environment. Pull up a recliner on the porch and enjoy the garden views.

Special thanks to Cass Hurrell, model Freya Gibbs and Hair & Makeup by Phoebe Barrett.

All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Freya Gibbs wears the Belinda Top in Crochet.

Freya Gibbs wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet.

Freya Gibbs wears the Miramar Top and Belinda Bottoms in Crochet.

Freya Gibbs wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet.

Freya Gibbs wears the Leucadia Bikini in Navy Dot.

The Blue Lagoon

2016-05-31T09:12:00-07:00

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Australia’s organic formations slay us with its immaculate beauty. A moment of serenity for the otherworldy hue of this aquamarine pool, which we just can’t help but dive in, head first.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Splash! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala Smith wears the Zuma in Verano. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot wears the Tofino One-Piece in Crochet, Karina Rozunko wears the Belinda Bikini in Crochet. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Slow Ride: Beachside Campout in a Vintage Trailer

2016-02-08T13:54:00-08:00

Kaelen wears the Samara Bikini. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Our new doorstep for the week: the sand. The territory: any waves to the left, and right down the beach as far as our bare feet can take us. Park your tiny mobile home, unpack the logs and pull up a camp chair. We’re going to be here for a while.

Makala, Karina and Kaelen wear the Seea 2016 collection. All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Special thanks to Michelle Miller and family for letting us play in their lovingly restored 1965 Aloha trailer!

Makala wears the Tofino One-Piece. Kaelen wears the Leucadia Bikini Set. Karina wears the Tres Palmas Top and Samara Bottoms. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Tres Palmas Top and Samara Bottoms. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Tofino One-Piece. Karina wears the Tres Palmas Top and Samara Bottoms. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Tofino One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Miramar Top and Samara Bottoms. Kaelen wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Kaelen wears the Lido One-Piece. Karina wears the Anglet One Piece in Strands. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Kaelen wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Everyone's here! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Chia Top and Capitola Bottoms. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Kaelen wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Anglet One Piece in Strands. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Miramar Top and Samara Bottoms. Karina wears the Anglet One Piece in Strands. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Kaelen wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

MORE BEACH GETAWAYS:

California Golden Hour

2015-08-26T11:12:00-07:00

Lola Mignot wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Labor Day typically marks the end of summer — remember the old adage not to wear white after Labor Day? But in California, September feels like our hottest month all year. The SoCal shorelines are at the perfect balmy saltwater temperature for neoprene-free paddling and as the earth rotates around the sun into Fall, that sunset golden hour becomes even more magnificently sparkling.

Makala Smith and Lola Mignot play in the warm California waters wearing the Black Porto collection. All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

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Lola Mignot wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Capitola Top and Calafia Leggings in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto and sunglasses by Raen. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Capitola Top and Calafia Leggings in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

MORE BEACH FASHION:

Seea in Hawaii: Party Waves in Waikiki

2015-08-10T09:42:00-07:00

Makala in the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Hallie in the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Waikiki. Historically, the beach was a vacation retreat for Hawaiian royalty, and in modern times, thousands of visitors catch their first feeling of the glide in these gentle waters. Vintage photographs of Waikiki display the ultimate party waves, in some cases the surfers on balsa wood planks are so close they could reach out and hold hands with their neighbors. In the spirit of party wave central, we joined in the fun.

All photos by Luki O'Keefe, Amber Mozo and Hallie Rohr.

Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Amber Mozo.

Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto.

Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Amber Mozo.

Hallie in the Doheny Rashguard. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala in the Tofino in Black Porto. Hallie in the Doheny in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala in the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor Nelson in the Doheny Rashguard exclusively for the Royal Hawaiian. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie in the San-O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Luki in the Martinique Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Hallie Rohr.

Taylor in the Chicama Bikini in Aquaflor. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Luki in the Martinique Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Amber Mozo.

Hallie in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Rosie in the Hermosa Surf Suit in Vintage Rose. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

MORE HAWAII:

Seea in Hawaii: Free Fall

2015-07-16T13:14:00-07:00

funtemplatesbabes jump! Hallie wears the Pavones Bikini and Luki wears the Martinique neoprene one-piece.

Nature is bigger than us. You can’t not feel butterflies looking down from this peak. It’s scary! And euphoric! On the map, the Hawaiian islands are nothing but dots in the great open ocean. But walking on the red volcanic soil, on the silky sand, submerged under the waterline, everything feel grand and alive. It snaps us into the present beauty of this panoramic view.

Scroll on to play with the Seeababes in the vast oceans, rocky cliffs and expansive beaches of Oahu.

Featuring: Luki O'Keefe, Makala Smith, Hallie Rohr, Taylor Nelson and Rosie Jaffurs wearing the Limited Edition Summer Collection. Shop the looks here!

All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Luki O'Keefe wears the Martinique neoprene one-piece.

Hallie wears the Capitola Top and Pavones bottom in Black Porto.

Makala wears the Pavones Top and Capitola Bottom in Black Porto.

Makala jumps in the Pavones Top and Capitola Bottom in Black Porto.

Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Hallie wears the Tunitas Tank and Solimar Bottoms in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palmas Surf Suit. Hallie wears the Tunitas Tank and Solimar Bottoms in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Sea turtles! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie in the Cardiff Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie wears the Cardiff Neoprene One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Underwater mood. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Tunitas Tank. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Luki wears the Moonlight Rashguard Top in Tiles.

Seeababes in the Black Porto collection. Photo by Luki O'Keefe

Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, and Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Background: Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece and Hallie in the Hermosa, all in Black Porto. Foreground: Makala in the Capitola in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, and Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece, Luki in the Pavones Bikini in Black Porto.

Taylor in the Capitola Bikini in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Taylor in the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom, Rosie in the Tofino One-Piece, Luki in the Pavones Bikini in Black Porto.

Click to Shop the Limited Edition collection!

MORE SEEABABE TRAVEL ADVENTURES:

Seea in Hawaii: Island of Youth

2015-06-29T10:30:00-07:00

Makala Smith wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Maybe it's the lush green jungles and tangled vines you can’t help but climb. It could be the clear blue waters that invite you refresh your soul. Or the absence of all the noise for your attention, and instead the tranquil sounds of nature singing to you.

There's something about Hawaii’s fresh air playground that makes us feel like young sprites, carefree and insanely happy. Take a trip to the islands with Seeababes Makala Smith, Luki O’Keefe and Hallie Rohr, wearing the summer limited edition collection. Click on any look to shop, or shop all styles HERE!

Makala wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie wears the Capitola Top and Pavones Bottom in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie wears the Doheny Rashguard in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie wears the Capitola Top and Pavones Bottom in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Hallie wears the San O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Luki O'Keefe wears the Chicama Bikini in Aquaflor. Photo by Hallie Rohr.

Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Hallie wears the San O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie wears the San O in Daisy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Makala wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Seea in Italy: Stylist Elisabetta Dal Bello Masters the Mix of Italian Elegance + Salty Vibes

2015-05-27T17:23:00-07:00

Its no coincidence that these golden swimsuits shimmer in the golden light. Elisabetta Dal Bello styles Mele in the Leucadia Bikini in Luna, and Jenayl wears the Tofino One-Piece in Geogold. Hat by Borsalino. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Elegance comes naturally to Seea's resident stylist for our Italian photo shoot, Elisabetta Dal Bello. The style maven shares with us her philosophy of self confidence and how she elevates Seea to ready-to-wear status.

By Johnie Gall

Fashion week in Milan is a big deal. Models, designers, bloggers and the editors of some of the most prestigious magazines in Italy all converge on the city in a flurry of well-tailored pants and effortlessly tousled hair (the kind that actually takes an hour to achieve). Then there’s fashion stylist Elisabetta Dal Bello.

“My editor at Vanity Fair sometimes pokes fun at me because I always look like I’ve arrived straight from the beach,” says the sun-bleached blonde. “Even during fashion week in Milan!”

Elisabetta Dal Bello in vintage cut-offs with her signature tanned skin and naturally blonde hair. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Elisabetta, a renowned stylist who’s contributed her innate eye for fashion to magazines like Italian Elle and Vanity Fair Italy, is living proof that style isn’t what you wear, but how what you wear fits who you are. It’s an instinct bred into her through her deep Italian heritage. “It’s hard to explain what Italian style is,” she begins. “It’s much more than the actual clothing. It’s the art of putting things together, of using unusual elements to create something amazing and unique.”

That can mean mixing a classic, well-tailored shirt from a small Italian design studio with something that’s more specific to the season, like a pair of surf leggings and a piece of bohemian jewelry. “Italian style a legacy of knowhow,” she says. “It’s a country with an old and important tradition, but we are also travelers. It is all about mixing something classic with something eccentric and out of the blue.”

The bright colors of Mele in the Leucadia bikini in Purple Sail and Jenayl in the Riviera One-Piece in Geogold shine in the Mediterranean's blue waters. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Wearing Seea on the street. Jenayl wears the Balboa Leggings in Geogold and Mele wears the Jalama Top in Geo Gold and Avalon Overalls in Prarie. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

To style the Seea collection, Betta was inspired both by traditional Italian architecture and the Mediterranean Sea, marrying beautiful, structured pieces from her favorite Italian designers with the softer, earth-toned and pastel swimwear for adaptable beach-to-street looks that feel perfect for any moment of the day. “I followed my motto,” she explains. “If it makes you feel wonderful in the water, it will be perfect in the street because elegance fits with everything.”

Seea in Italy also features handmade Atelier VM jewelry, Super handmade sunglasses, Ines Susaeta jewelry inspired by natural sea discoveries, Alberto Biani which follows the traditions of bespoke menswear tailoring and Borsalino hats which has been molding headwear for 150 years.

Tailored pants are juxtaposed with body-hugging swimwear. Jenayl wears the San-O in Luna. Mele wears the Mundaka Tie Top in Earth Waves. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

A lesson in proportions. Mele wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Luna with tailored, yet casual pants. Jenayl wears the Nosara Top in Verde and Laguna Pant in Deco Waves with a sophisticated top. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

A clever mix of billowing shirts and neoprene. Jenayl wears the Capitola in Geogold (reversed), Windansea shirt in Deco Waves an Marina Neoprene pant. Mele wears the Chicama bikini in Porto and Rincon Neoprene jacket. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Mele wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Burgundy with an easy button-up top evoking warm spicy colors. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Natalia Resmini wears the Hermosa Surf Suit in Earth Waves with tailored, cropped pants. We are so all about the cropped pants. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Have you tried on a hat lately? We are super into hats, as you may notice. Mele wears the Belmont Romper in Deco Waves with a structured jacket. Jenayl wears the Maderas Shorts in Prarie with a loose blouse. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Jenayl wears the Maderas shorts in Prarie. Cleo makes a bold statement with a menswear vest worn over the Palmas Surf Suit in Verde — no pants. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Cleo wears the Palmas Surf Suit in Verde. Photo by Cristian Corradin.

Get a closer look at all of the stunning Italian scenery and more outfits for surfing (because we love selecting our surf suits for the day as much as our real clothes) in the full length Seea in Italy film!

MORE ITALIAN FASHION:

Seea in Sayulita: The CasaLove

2015-05-14T21:05:00-07:00

Karina Rozunko in the Zuma in Rose Petal and Lola Mignot in the Ensenada Bikini in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

In the hot midday sun, decompress from the glassy morning revelries, and the vibrating energy of the city below. Yeah, in this Mexico bohemian artist and surfer’s utopian retreat, every day here is the best day.

Chill out with Karina Rozunko and Lola Mignot out in our favorite little CasaLove nook in Mexico.

All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot in the Zuma in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina Rozunko in the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

On the boat. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina Rozunko in the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot in the Zuma in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina wears the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Shady spot for sunny people. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Welcome to the CasaLove! Karina in the Zuma in Rose Petal and Lola in the Ensenada in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Seize the Day! Karina in the Zuma in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

View from the top. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Zuma in Rose Petal and Lola in the Ensenada in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Roof dance party. Karina in the Zuma in Rose Petal and Lola in the Ensenada in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola in the Ensenada in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola in the Chicama in Aquaflor top and Capitola Bottom in Aquaflor. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

MORE BEACH FASHION:

Edges of Paradise: Seeababe Ashley Johnston in Kauai

2015-04-29T20:08:00-07:00

Ashley Johnston wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

The Hawaiian island chain is pretty incredible if you think about it. From California, you fly across the open ocean further than the coast-to-coast length of the United States, and touch soil that’s basically the tip of a volcano spike sprouting from the depths of the sea.

On the island of Kauai — renowned as the garden island — you get the sense that inhabitants live amphibiously on the edge of endless blue water and lush jungle of rainforest. Here is where Seeababe Ashley Johnston calls home, playing on waves that break over coral reefs swarming with fish, and rinsing off in the waterfalls nestled in vines. Plunge into a few days in the life on this Eden of Kauai.

All photos of Ashley Johnston by Bryce Johnson

The road less traveled. Ashley Johnston wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Hanging around. Ashley Johnston wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Spot check. Ashley Johnston wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Ashley Johnston wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Fun little lefts. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Paddling into the sunset. Ashley Johnston wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Practicing her cross-step. Ashley Johnston wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Never get tired of these sunsets. Ashley Johnston wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Pink skies! Ashley Johnston wears the Tofino in Blue Tide. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Rinsing off in the waterfalls. Ashley Johnston wears the Cambria Top in Black Stripe. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Sunny skies are back. Ashley Johnston wears the Leucadia Bikini Top in Purple Sail and the Solimar Bikini Bottom in Black Stripe.

Peekaboo. Ashley Johnston wears the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Ashley Johnston stoked on her new fin by Island Fin Co, wearing the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

View from under the surface. Ashley Johnston wears the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

To the next set... Ashley Johnston wears the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

MORE BEACH FASHION:

Crystal Cove: Vintage Summers in the Wild California Shore

2015-03-24T20:53:00-07:00

Emily Sanders wears the Tofino in Blue Tide at Crystal Cove. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

Imagine discovering the wild California coastline. No PCH, no suburbs — just endless land meeting the raw sea. Pitch your tent on any flat patch of earth in the shade of ancient trees, sleep on the sand, and camp out until the wind changed. In the early years of California’s development, the history of Crystal Cove located between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach began as a free-spirited community of beach bums, mixed with the halo of Hollywood.

The 1930s and 1940s was the golden era of Crystal Cove as a summer haven, making it a perfect location for a vintage-inspired Seea photo shoot. With photographer Gabe Sullivan, we sought to capture the natural California seascape and neighborhood, as it was decades ago.

Crystal Cove. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

Behinds the scenes of Crystal Cove photo shoot. Gabe Sullivan shoots in front of the expansive cliffs. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Surrounded by cliffs and agriculture farms, Crystal Cove was part of the huge 125,000-acre Irvine Company Ranch — yes, that’s the same Irvine family that the city of Irvine is named after. Around the 1920s and 1930s, the Irvine Co. was riding the tinsel town swell and hired a Hollywood technical director to manage camping, beach access and filming production. Moviegoers thought they were seeing Hawaii or Tahiti on the big screen, when in fact it the thatched huts and long-fronded palms were in Crystal Cove!

The film crews started setting up tents along the beach, and legend goes that the shacks (which would later become the Crystal Cove Cottages) were built with scraps from shipwrecks that floated ashore. The blossoming beach community thought living at the beach for free was amazing so they stayed.

The Irvine Company wasn’t one to break up the party, so they just started charging rent and formalizing the camping leases. Kicking off on Memorial Day, families would return year after year to their leased spots for the duration of the summer. These glory days lasted up until the mid-1960s, and then in 1979, the land was sold to the state of California.

With the help of the Alliance to save Crystal Cove, the area was preserved from being turned into luxury resorts. Instead, the cottages were restored to the nostalgic glow of 1930s to 1950s era of Crystal Cove, and made available to rent for visitors to experience vintage California. Step back in time with us to these historic decades.

Photography: Gabe Sullivan
Models: Sierra Sullivan, Emily Sanders, Ashley Leines, and Michelle Miller
Makeup: Elizabeth Root
Hair: Cassie Bowerman

The Zuma Surf Suit in Black Stripe. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

From left, the San O One-Piece in Coral, Tofino One-Piece in Geo Gold and Leucadia Bikini Top and Skirted Bottom in Luna. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

The Palmas Surf Suit in Nautique. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

The Tofino in Geo Gold. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

The Zuma Surf Suit in Burgundy. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

The Mundaka Wrap Top in Earth Waves and Palisades High Waist neoprene shorts in Black Smoothie. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

The Belmont Romper in Prarie. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

The Hermosa in Earth Waves. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

From left, the Chicama Top in Rosa worn with the Avalon Overalls in Deco Waves, the Lima Romper in Purple Sail; and Mundaka Wrap Top in Luna worn with the Nosara Bottom in Verde.

Vintage cameras in the cottage. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

The Chicama Top and Balboa Leggings in Porto. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

From left, the Cambria Top in Black Stripe worn with the Chicama Bottom in Porto; the Chicama bikini in Rosa; and the Tofino One-Piece in Blue Tide. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

Behind the scenes. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

The vintage-esque "bathing resort" of Crystal Cove today. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

The Riviera One-Piece in Rosa. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

Crystal Cove. Photo by Gabe Sullivan.

MORE SURF HERITAGE & FASHION:

Seea in Sayulita: Before Sunset

2015-02-03T14:02:00-08:00

Day in the life of Lola Mignot, wearing the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Being on vacation, the passing days move slow and fast in the same instant. Punctuated by the shifting tides, wind, the next meal, the sun’s place in the sky — every moment is the best moment and then evaporates in a blink by the time a week is through.

Take a peek into the lazy days of the Seeababes during their last trip to Sayulita, Mexico for the MexiLogFest. From sunrise to sunset, we lounged around Lola Mignot’s home base, cooled off in the ocean, napped on the hot sand, and reveled in watching the sunset like it was our last night on vacay.

Featuring Seeababes Lola Mignot, Karina Rozunko, Luki O'Keefe, Hallie Rohr, and Makala Smith. Photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Look out for these new Seea suits dropping right around the corner in March! SIGN UP to be in the know.

Catching dreams. Lola Mignot on the left wearing the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Karina Rozunko on the right wearing the Capitola Top and Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot on the left wearing the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Karina Rozunko on the right wearing the Capitola Top and Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

We woke up like this. Lola Mignot in the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Let loose. Lola Mignot in the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photographer Luki O'Keefe in the Chicama Top in Cable Knit.

Through the woods. Lola Mignot in the Zuma One-Piece in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Spot check. Lola Mignot in the Zuma One-Piece in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina Rozunko in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Beach relaxing. Lola in the Zuma in Burgundy, Karina in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Dude time. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Yeww! Small wave fun. Lola in the Zuma One-Piece in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola in the Zuma One-Piece in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

All day long. Karina in the Palmas in Nautique. Lola in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Palmas in Nautique. Lola in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hippie paradise. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie in the Capitola Top in Blue Tide and Maderas shorts in Deco Waves. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

BFFS. Lola wears the Palmas One-Piece in Nautique. Karina wears The Capitola Top and Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Sunset dance. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Capitola Top and the Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Lola in the Pacifica in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Splash! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Capitola Top and Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Lola in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Yay! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Double Yay! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Reunited! Makala Smith (in the Tofino One-Piece in Blue Tide) booked her ticket to Mexico and arrived in 24 hours. It's not a party without her! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

MORE TRAVEL & BEACH FASHION:

Seea in Sayulita: Point Break

2015-01-29T10:16:00-08:00

Hallie Rohr in Mexico, wearing the Seea Mundaka Wrap Top and Leucadia Bottom in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

We may have come to Sayulita for the Mexi LogFest contest, but what we remember the most are the down days off — scrambling barefoot through the jungle, the salty hot wind as we zipped on a panga boat to find point breaks in the nooks and crannies of the vast Mexico coastline, and the waves. Oh, the perfect rights all to ourselves until the sun sank into the horizon.

funtemplatesbabes rolled 10+ deep with friends to the Festival Sayulita in the Riviera Nayarit area of Mexico, held Jan 14-18, 2015. Rules stated: “Judging is based on traditional longboarding with heavy emphasis on style."

When we weren't roasting on the beach to cheer on our frends during the contest — Congrats to Seeababes Hallie Rohr and Mele Saili who placed third and fourth, respectively in the Women’s Division! — we filling up on glassy point break stoke. Hop on the panga boat with us the rhythm of dark water flowing into whitewash curls.

All photos by Luki O'Keefe.

Feels good to be back! Not our first time around this block, and we couldn't be happier. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Enjoy the journey. Hallie Rohr wears the Seea Mundaka and Leucadia in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Boat life. Karina Rozunko in the Chicama Top and bottom in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Surfing is better with friends. Karina in Chicama in Rosa and Hallie in the Mundaka Top in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Jump in! Karina wears the Tofino One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Karina in the Chicama in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Underwater view. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Our fearless tour guide, unofficial mayor of Sayulita, and connector Israel Preciado. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Flying! Hallie Rohr wears the Palomar Crop top and Leucadia bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Lola Mignot is right at home, wearing the Zuma. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Rare break from behind the camera, Luki O'Keefe in a new neoprene suit, coming soon! Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Our resident guy pal on the trip, Nathan Strom winner of MexiLog Fest. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Yeww soul arch! Nathan Strom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Luki tests out the new neoprene. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Water break. Karina wears the Tofino. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Feels like slow motion. Karina wears the Chicama Top and Bottom in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Hallie wears the Mundaka Top and Leucadia bottom in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

MORE TRAVEL AND BEACH FASHION

The Perfect Travel Accessory: Mayde Beach Towels

2015-01-07T08:28:00-08:00

Seea Hermosa in Limestone with Mayde towel. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Swimsuits and towels are like a surfboard and fin, two complementary parts that pretty much always travel to the beach together. We loved Mayde’s Turkish towels in vibrant stripe designs and the more we got to know the adorable couple behind the company, it was a match made in beach paradise to put our two styles together.

Mayde was founded by husband and wife team, Sylvia and Tim Hill in the Gold Coast of Australia. Sylvia had given up work at the time to raise their newborn son Duke, but was feeling itchy feet to start a project during his naptimes. It hit them to revive an old idea Tim had to start a towel business. Who doesn’t need towels and even more tempting if they're stylish?

They put their creative minds together (Tim’s background in apparel and retail, and Sylvia’s in fashion and music/entertainment) and reinvigorated historic Turkish towels (peshtemals) that date all the way back to the Ottoman Empire and were traditionally used in the hammams (Turkish bath houses). Because the woven fabric texture of Turkish towels appears more similar to a luxe cotton dishtowel than a terrycloth towel, they are lighter weight, faster drying and roll up in a smaller space, not to mention could be turned into a wrap or scarf — a single multipurpose accessory that a busy mom, or any vagabond beach girl would love.

Seea Jalama Bikini in Sea Glass. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Sylvia swears by them from first hand experience. “They were a God-send when I was last in Istanbul — giving me warmth when I was travelling in the cold wind on open top buses and ferries, the perfect blanket on flights and airport layovers, and even as a scarf on the cooler days. I was also able to use it as a cover when I visited any mosques and was the perfect thing to sit on whenever I stopped for a while to rest (and being pregnant on that trip meant I took LOTS of rest stops!). It was my go-to item everyday whilst I was travelling,” she says.

“When you buy a Turkish towel, you're not even really buying just a towel. You're purchasing something that spans the seasons, can be used from room to room or can even be a fashion statement. The way you use it is up to you,” she says.

Case in point: “I definitely got a kick out of seeing the young son of a photographer using one of our towels to hang off a tree on a beach, like a little monkey. Even kids get creative with the way they use these towels!”

Check out all the colors of Mayde Turkish towels, blankets and bath towels (including some terry versions) seen in their photoshoot here and more at their website: Mayde.com.au!

Seea Hermosa in Limestone. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Seea Chicama in Cable Knit. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Seea Monterey in Black Diamond. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Seea Pacifica Legging in Purple Shell. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Seea Chicama in Cable Knit. Photo by Chris Cooney for Mayde.

Thanks to Mayde Australia @mayde_australia and crew!

Photographer: Chris Cooney @chrisscooneyphotography
Hair/makeup: Tara Wheatley @mercer_makeupandstyling
Photographer and styling Assistant: Dajana Cahill @dajanabanana
Model: Tegan Dermek @tegaan

MORE FASHION:

Make it Your Own! Mixing & Matching Seea

2014-11-25T10:56:00-08:00

Clockwise from top left: Natalia Resmini in the Capitola Top and Chicama bottom; Jenayl Peters in Rincon Jacket and Pavones bottom photo by San Diego photographer; Chrystal Fitzgerald in Hermosa and jean shorts photo by Ming Nomchong. Mele Saili in the Palomar Crop Top and Jalama bottom photo by Aaron Kim.

Once Seea suits leave our hands and into your swimsuit quivers, we love seeing all the different ways that you wear Seea with your own style! From mixing and matching prints and color blocking with different tops and bottoms to go surfing, to wearing Seea for hitting the trail, we rounded up a few of the creative ways that our Seeababes and cool customers add their own flair.

Get inspired and head to the On Sale section on theSeea.com where you'll find many of these styled featured on sale now!

The Palomar, with every bottom imaginable

The Palomar Crop Top proves to be one of the most versatile rashguard tops and a favorite of our Seeababes. It pairs easily with any bottom: high-waisted shorts, regular rise bikini bottoms and leggings. The basic Black Diamond color offers textural depth, plus is a natural go-to for the most UPF sun protection on the shoulders, or try the Palomar in Sea Glass to be a shining beacon of color in the line-up. Whichever way you wear it, it's undeniably stylish.

Love this color combo! Mele in the Palomar in Sea Glass and Leucadia Skirted Bottom in Limestone. Photo by Nick LaVecchia.

Mix and match your prints. The Palomar in Tea leaf worn with the Leucadia in Blue Fossil. Photo by Nick LaVecchia.

This combo is a popular winner: the Palomar in Black Diamond worn with the Jalama in Tea Leaf. Photo by Aloha Exchange.

Try wearing the Palomar Crop Top over a one-piece, like the Cayucos! The Palomar in Black Diamond worn with the Cayucos in Blue. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Mix and match prints with the Palomar in Red Flower worn with the Jalama in Black Dot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Goes great with leggings. Ashley wears the Palomar in Black Diamond with the Pacifica Legging in Tea Leaf. Photo by Bryce Johnson.

Another great example of the Palomar Crop Top over a One-Piece, Chrystal wears the Palomar in Black Diamond with the SanO One-Piece in Limestone. Photo by Ming Nomchong for Surfgirl.

The ultimate vacation wardrobe in and out of the water, Seea paired with real clothing

Pack Seea's leggings and one-pieces and you'll be good to go for both land and sea. Denim shorts were the most popular bottom to put together with Seea one-pieces for the bodysuit-like fashion look. Try the surf leggings and the Pavones mini shorts for working up a sweat in the outdoors.

Jenayl wears the Riviera in Zilian with jean shorts for a motorcycle ride.

Chrystal wears the Hermosa in Tea Leaf with her own denim shorts. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Without Walls gets active in the Calafia Leggings in Blue Fossil. Photos by withoutwalls.com

Mayde Australia wears the denim shorts with the Monterey Top in Black Diamond.

Below, Speysyde hits the trail wearing the Pavones shorts!

TODAY'S IN-FLIGHT FILM IS... #speysyde #palosverdes #athletic #fitness #parkour #california #healthy #happy #adventure #pacific #makemoments #momentswide #cliffjumper #adidas #trailrunner

A photo posted by Speysyde | For Land & Sea (@speysyde) on Sep 9, 2014 at 3:12pm PDT

Below, Shopbop pairs the Palomar Crop Top with minishorts that are on the border of workout wear and snorkel-ready.

The Palomar in Tea Leaf by ShopBop.

Mixing and Matching Bikini Prints

Aside from the benefit of choosing your bottom and tops size according to your body's unique shape, buying bikini tops and bottoms separately also means that you can have endless combinations of swim outfits. From staying within the same color families (black and white) to choosing two different colors and prints completely, let your imagination take off!

Below, Justine wears the Jalama bikini bottom in Black Dot with her own simple black bikini top.

Old mals and round towels. Windy weekend wave hunt on some beaches that are North.

A photo posted by Justine Alphabet (@justine_jb) on Oct 10, 2014 at 1:11am PDT

Below, Popina Swimwear in Portland, Oregon paired the Jalama Top in Black Dot with the Chicama Bottom in Cable Knit.

Brave Michelle modeling our new #seea suits and #billabong coverups. Now at our Pearl location! #konabrewing #liquidaloha #popinaswim #shoplocalpdx #capelli

A photo posted by Popina Swimwear (@popinaswim) on Nov 11, 2014 at 1:21pm PST

The Chicama Top in Cable Knit worn with the Jalama Bottom in Black Dot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Natalia wears the Capitola Top in Black Diamond worn with the Chicama Bottom in Cable Knit.

Below, One of our all time superstar supporters, Rachel likes to mix up her prints and pair her Leucadia Top in Tea Leaf with the Pavones Bottom in Red Flower.

dreaming back to dreamy sunsets & swell. #singlefin #myseealife #sealove

A photo posted by surfy birdy // rachel dejohn (@surfybirdy) on Oct 10, 2014 at 1:49pm PDT

Layering with Neoprene

Seea's neoprene collection of separates — the perfect zip-up jacket, high waist shorts and high waist pants — were designed for those in-between hot days, leaving the choices up to you depending on the shifting weather and your mood. Is it a Rincon Jacket with your favorite swimsuit kind of day, or do your sensitive knees crave the protection offered by the Marina neoprene pants? It makes dressing to go surf a lot more fun, without sacrificing comfort and performance.

funtemplates Rincon Jacket worn with the Leucadia in Blue Fossil. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Jenayl wear the Rincon Neoprene Jacket worn with Pavones Bottom in Red Flower. Photo by Nathan Petty.

The Chicama Top in Cable Knit worn with the Marina Neoprene Pants. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

funtemplates Rincon Jacket worn with the Jalama in Sea Glass. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Chrystal wears the Rincon Jacket and Marina neoprene pant for the most warmth. Photo by Ming Nomchong.

Show us how you put together Seea to make it your own by tagging #MySeeaLife on Instagram!

Head to the On Sale section to score a deal on many of these styles featured!

MORE FASHION:

Dreamstate: Taylor Nelson in Malibu

2014-10-07T20:19:00-07:00

Taylor Nelson in the Leucadia. Photo by Megan Moore.

Seeing the lovely Bing Surfboards team longboarder Taylor Nelson frolicking at Leo Carillo beach is as natively beautiful as a butterfly on a flower.

The Malibu local Taylor Nelson has been an amazing supporter of Seea and you may recognize her wearing our rashguards when she's cross-stepping in her new home of Hawaii. This summer Taylor was back in Cali and met up with friend and photographer Megan Moore at Leo Carillo beach — one of the Malibu breaks that Taylor grew up surfing — for a dreamstate afternoon of savoring the salty breeze and being barefoot in the sand.

"Connecting through photography is really rad because you get to visually interpret who someone is and express the light they carry in a way that I think is really special. Taylor is so full of light and joy and natural elegance," says Megan of her subject.

As friends bonded through surf camp years ago, join in on Taylor and Megan's timeless afternoon.

Taylor Nelson in the Leucadia. Photo by Megan Moore.

Photo by Megan Moore.

Taylor Nelson in the Palomar Crop Top and Pavones bottom in Red Flower. Photo by Megan Moore.

Taylor Nelson in the Palomar Crop Top in Red Flower. Photo by Megan Moore.

Taylor Nelson in the Palomar Crop Top and Pavones bottom in Red Flower. Photo by Megan Moore.

Check out more of Megan Moore's photography at her site!

MORE BEACH FASHION:

Seeababes Favorite SoCal Surf and Camping Spots: with the whole scoop on Leo Carrillo beach
Pier's Eye View
Mele Somewhere in Mexico

Ciao Bella! Follow along with Seea on Set in Italy!

2014-09-25T09:06:00-07:00

Italy here we come! Italy was the inspiration for Seea's newest 2015 collection and so we thought there was no better place to shoot our next lookbook than in designer Amanda Chinchelli’s home country and amongst the iconic sights of the Italian Riviera and city of Florence.

“I just had my first child and was unable to go back home for 2 years. I was really homesick, so this season I wanted to celebrate my roots and the beauty of my country,” says Amanda.

Follow along with Amanda and Seeababes Mele Saili and Jenayl Peters in Italy now on Instagram!

Here, we introduce you to the crew that will be taking over the Seea Instagram (#SeeainItaly) with exclusive behind-the-scenes photos on set and the après surf activities from sightseeing to indulging in the best local (and home cooked) Italian food. Watch closely and enter to win a special giveaway at the end!

Designer: Amanda Chinchelli

Get acquainted with Amanda's story about starting Seea and her connections to Italy in Ritratti Di Surf | Girls Girls Girls. The gorgeous landscape of the Italian beaches are not to be missed too!

More of Amanda's Italian inspiration for the 2015 collection: “The December collection has a classic feminine elegance with tones of champagne, burgundy, navy and sunset metallics. For March and April I had fun with a brighter palette, geometric repeats and of course lots of stripes, dreaming of taking my daughter for a “pedalo’ ride” in the warm Mediterranean Sea.”

RITRATTI DI SURF | GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS from funtemplates on Vimeo.

Seeababe: Mele Saili

Mele Saili wears a preview of The Hermosa from the 2015 collection. Photo by Nick LaVecchia.

Get to know the stylish and soulful Mele in our interview with her. A third generation family of surfers, she is also a talented artist and beautiful human being whose happiness is contagious when you're around her. This is Mele's first time in Italy, ever!

Wish her luck and follow her surf travel adventures on Instagram at @melesaili

Seeababe: Jenayl Peters

Jenayl Peters has a killer cross step fade. Photo by Nick LaVecchia.

Jenayl may have been a later bloomer to surfing, but her natural talent is well beyond her years. In our interview with her she talks more about growing up in a firefighting family and being a passionate student of the world. Travel like Jenayl in her story, "How to Be a Responsible Tourist with Groundswell Travel."

Jenayl has rad vintage-inspired fashion sense too, follow her surf travel adventures on Instagram at @jenaylpeters

Seeababe: Natalia Resmini

Natalia Resmini. Photo by Filippo Maffei

Amanda's longtime partner in crime, illustrator Natalia Resmini is living the dream life on a boat off the coast of Sardina island. Catch up on her wanderlust life here and see her most recent illustrations for RedMilk Magazine.

Follow Natalia's life between the Italian coast and big city on Instagram @nataliaresmini

Stylist: Betta Dal Bello

Read the whole profile on Betta chronicling how she went from being a rising fashionista to highly in-demand stylist in Milan, all in her irreverent chic surf style. Brush up your own wardrobe with Betta's tips for wearing Seea from the street to the sidewalk!

Follow all of Betta's epic outfits on Instagram @bettadalbello

Filmmaker: Luca Merli

Italian director Luca Merli will be joining Seea in Italy to document the trip. Luca shares his love for Italy's surf history in his newest film, Peninsula shot entirely on 35mm, 16mm and super 8 film. See the Italian coastline in all its beauty in the trailer below.

Filmmaker: Giovanni Sbrokked Barberis

Giovanni is a filmmaker at Block10 productions, was editor/cinematographer for Peninsula and is world's best secretary.

Photographer: Cristian Corradin

Photo of sunset in Roca Punta - Pais Vasco by Cristian Corradin.

Joining us for still photography will be the skilled Cristian Corradin, who is the Editor and PhotoEDITOR since 2007 for DREAMS UP LIFE Surf Journal and DRMSURF Magazine.

Click to start following along with Seea on Set in Italy on Instagram #SeeainItaly now!

At the end we'll have a special prize to win a gift certificate to get the suits you'll be coveting!

KEEP ON TRAVELING THROUGH ITALY:

More photos on Part one of Girls, Girls, Girls in Italy
Girls, Girls, Girls Part 2 in Italy
Seea debuts Spring 2015 in the RedMilk Room at the White Trade Show in Milan
Red Milk Waves styled by Elisabetta Dal Bello

Seea debuts in the RedMilk Room at the White Trade Show in Milan

2014-09-23T19:17:00-07:00

Seea in the RedMilk Room at the White Tradeshow in Milan, Italy.

If there is any event to slip our typically dirty beach feet into heels, it’s Milan Fashion Week. Seea was honored to be invited to the Redmilk Magazine Room at the White Tradeshow in Milan, held Sept 20-22 during Milan Fashion Week, and we had fun dressing up for the occasion to meet with top editors, buyers and beautiful people styled to the max.

The weather in Milan was perfect and vibe of the trade show had great energy being in the company of the brands: Saline Reliques, Andy Lifschutz Jewelry, Sunettes Sunglasses and Stine Goya in the RedMilk Room. It was a blast catching up with friends like Seeababe artist Natalia Resmini and stylist Elisabetta Dal Bello. Special thanks to our mom who helped out with baby Annabel between Amanda’s interviews and line showings!

From left, Seea designer Amanda Chinchelli, RedMilk founder and creative director Fabiola Di Virgilio and stylist Elisabetta Dal Bello.

Welcome to White in Milan!

Inside the RedMilk room at White in Milan.

Baby Annabel (daughter of designer Amanda Chinchelli) with grandma and Mauro from Saline Reliques handbags.

Thanks to the friends that stopped by and all the news ones we met along the way! Some of our favorite personalities were Mauro and Gennaro Capasso, who make the cool limited edition bags named Saline Reliques. Gennaro is the most charismatic, kind and wild Italian surfer that also imports Gato Heroi surfboards and many more other hats. Our Italy sales rep Tommaso Ortolina and his wife Daniela (who modeled the Seea Laguna Pant) are dear friends in the surf community and introduced us to stores that will be selling Seea in Italy. It was a pleasure to meet Alessandra, the owner of our first Italy account, Eight Ball of Bassano Del Grappa.

The film crew from Onde Nostre, Luca Merli and Giovanni Sbrokked Barberis swung by to say hello and we talked about the upcoming Seea Spring 2015 video and photoshoot in Italy. The weather has been amazing these days — a great change since rained all summer — but that also means no waves. We are praying for waves! Send us some!

Seea Italy rep Tommaso Ortolina with Gennaro Capasso (partner in the bag line Saline Reliques) models the SanO in coral.

The guys behind Saline Reliques limited edition bags.

The energy from Milan Fashion Week was always present and the latest trends and street fashion was a hot topic to discuss.

For Milan Fashion Week, Seeababe and social butterfly Natalia Resmini did a special collaboration for RedMilk in which her street style illustrations accompanied Candela Novembre's top picks seen on the catwalks during Milan Fashion Week.

Between running around like crazy attending to fashion shows, Betta Dal Bello also styled a shoot inside the RedMilk room that will be on the White Show website in the next few weeks. Keep an eye on our Instagram and Facebook to see the photos posted!

Candela Meets for RedMilk Magazine. Illustrations by Natalia Resmini.

At the end of a great trade show on Sunday night, Redmilk had a party to celebrate their second print issue at the beautiful hotel Maison Borella. The awesome Larry Gus was playing and we had the best time because we LOVE to dance! Dance along with us to the amazeballs music video below!

Congrats to the second print issue of RedMilk!

Beautiful Hotel Maison Borella, site of the RedMilk party.

Fabiola Di Virgilio, founder and creative director of Redmilk dances to Larry Gus!

Be ahead of the curve by checking out our top favorite street outfits seen in Women's Wear Daily, Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and New York Magazine.

Seea fans know Amanda's discerning eye for color and print — next Spring it's all about bright primary colors and vintage-esque geometric prints in fresh color combos. Not all Italian women were in dangerously high heels. Many proved to be experts at balancing effortless comfort and style, as seen in the new "it" outfit: structured skirts worn with a T-shirt and sneakers, and all the yummy slouchy sweaters and crazy Birkenstocks. Feast your eyes on out all the looks below.

Seea loved the saturated primary colors in Milan street style. Photos by Harper's Bazaar and Vogue.

You know how much we love prints on prints! Our favorite vintage-esque renditions here in geometric, polka dots and fresh color combo. Photos by New York Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, WWD and Vogue.

Slouchy knit sweaters, sneakers and Birkenstocks don't sacrifice style for comfort. Photos by WWD and New York Magazine.

MORE ITALIAN STYLE:

Meet Amanda, Natalia and Betta in Girls, Girls, Girls in Italy
Girls, Girls, Girls Part 2 in Italy
Red Milk Waves styled by Elisabetta Dal Bello

Summers by the Seashore

2014-09-16T19:08:00-07:00

Jasset in the Palomar Crop Top in Red Flower and Jalama bottom in Black Dot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Go on a seaside sail in our Summer collection! Jasset mix and matches the best of our luxe cableknit textured collection to create her own nautical style.

All photos of Jasset by Luki O'Keefe for Seea.

Jasset in the Palomar Crop Top in Red Flower and Jalama bottom in Black Dot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Jasset in the Belmont Romper in Magenta. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Jasset in the Riviera in Cable Knit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

SEE MORE FASHION STORIES SHOT BY LUKI O'KEEFE:

Seeababes Favorite SoCal Surf and Camping Spots

2014-08-28T14:34:00-07:00

funtemplatesbabes pal around Hamburg campgrounds. Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Put surfing and camping together and the outcome is like rustic bread meeting melted fancy cheese — the simplest nature pleasures made even more fantastic when their flavors sing a duet. September might be the best bet for camping in California — campsites usually sold out in the peak of summer start to show availability, the water is still warm and south swells are still pulsing.

Most of the Seeababes grew up spending summer vacations on surf and camp trips with their families on the stretch of California coastline between Ventura and San Diego, and they offered their top go-to spots for maximum surf and camp fun.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

The ultimate party campgrounds: Hamburg State Beach Campgrounds in Hamburg

The camping: Right in the backyard of Seea headquarters, we’re partial to spur of the moment camping trips at Hamburg State Beach campgrounds. Invite everyone you know and get a group camping spot on the bluff to get the best view of the ocean while you gather around the fire pit. “There is a great overlook to the ocean and a short walk down to a perfect day beach — fun little waves to be had right down the trail too!” says Jenayl.

The surf: San Onofre is our Waikiki in Southern California. The historic longboarding spot breaks gently for beginners and the vibe is all Aloha full of families, surf clubs and friends. Leave your ego behind — it’s about having fun and catching party waves with expertly cross-stepping ladies and old dudes that have been surfing here in trunks since the 1960s. If you want more action on a smaller board, walk up north on the beach to Churches.

Must list: Surf your log from sunrise to sunset. Bring lunch, snacks and water because there is no in and out privileges once you’re parked. Bonus tip from Jenayl: “If you buy one day at San Onofre and surf all day, you can use that pass and go camp at Hamburg Campgrounds for just ten additional dollars and then you have readmission to San O the next day too!”

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

The greatest escape for Angelenos: Leo Carrillo State Beach Campgrounds in Malibu

The camping: Malibu wins as the best point in town, but Leo Carrillo has better campgrounds and is less touristy in the summer. “Leo Carrillo is so much fun because you camp right near a perfect break and can have all your friends crash too with a bonfire and a nice little wilderness space all to yourself,” says Jenayl.

The surf: Regular footers will get hearts in their eyes at the sight of the right point break that peels off the unmistakable big rock in front of the lifeguard tower. If it looks crowded, continue to the North beach parking lot for playful and spacious beach break to lay down your towel and umbrella for the day. You can also venture out to County Line or Point Dume nearby, but if it’s firing at Leo Carrillo, stay put.

Must list: Feel like you’re on a school field trip again and explore the tide pools with astonished kids. Bring your pup and take advantage that this is the only dog-friendly beach in Los Angeles.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

The most off the grid: Jalama Beach in Lompoc

The camping: Jalama Beach is located about an hour from Santa Barbara and you’ll enter the black hole of cell phone service before you reach the beach. Enjoy it. The spots on the sand nearest to the ocean are the best view, but the campground is relatively intimate so you’ll wake up to the sound of the ocean no matter where you pitch your tent.

The surf: It has a history of shark sightings, notoriously high winds and can be powerful even when relatively small. The wind keeps the water pretty cold even in summer, but for adrenaline junkies, the rush of a good ride at this beach break is worth the chilly cost of admission.

Must list: Get a famous Jalama burger at the Jalama Beach Store and a borderline tourist tacky souvenir hat or shirt that can easily tip the scale to amazing if you wear it right. Brave the wind and stroll down the expansive shoreline for beautifully serene desolate views.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

The quintessentially Southern California experience: San Elijo State Beach in San Diego

The camping: If you want to camp at San Elijo next year, you better plan your trip now. It’s the best camping spot in North County San Diego in front of the most consistent surfing spots, which means it always sells out the minute the reservations open. If you stalk the calendar regularly, however, you can get lucky if there’s a cancellation… on a weekday. It happens.

Jenayl’s tip for the best pitch numbers: “If you park by the fence there is a pretty view down to the ocean!”

The surf: Walk down whichever big staircase is closest to your site and you’ll hit the long stretch of beach break from Pipes in Cardiff to Swami’s (chances are you’ll almost always spot Seea in these line-ups). It’s the best beach for friends of all experience levels to coexist with tons of options for aspiring aerial artists, mellow longboarders and beginners on foamies to all find their own fun peak.

Must list: “If you have a car or a bike it's super fun to ride to local coffee shops after your surf sesh. It's a super mellow spot!” says Jenayl. We’re partial to post-surf healthy brunches at Lotus Café.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

The most gorgeous wilderness campground: Plaskett Creek Campground in Big Sur

The camping: Plaskett Creek is our favorite campground in the heart of Big Sur’s magical rugged coastline. Pitching a tent on the grassy plots in the outskirts of the grounds, enclosed by towering pine and cypress trees feels like camping in the middle of the wilderness.

The surf: Big Sur has a rocky coastline full of exposed boulders and more under the surface you might not see if the tide is high, but Sand Dollar Beach, a five minute walk across from Plaskett Creek campgrounds, is your best bet for a forgiving and protected cove with a sandy bottom beach in the summer.

Must list: Bring your hiking shoes and pup to this dog-friendly beach. Follow the signs from the campground to the Jade Cove and Plaskett Rock Point hiking trails for an easy stroll to soak in Big Sur’s world-famous ocean cliffs.

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

If all else fails and you can't get a spot? Amy Reda says home is where you park it, "Nothing beats having a van. We use to have a 76 pop-top VW bus and now we have a "band van," and we can pull over and sleep wherever. We've slept at some amazing surf spots because we had the ability to do this!"

Photo by Luki O'Keefe.

KEEP ON TRAVELING:

Be eco-conscious in your travels with these tips from Groundswell Travel.
Go deeper into Hamburg in our Weekendgetaway: Camping with Thalia St. Surf Shop
Make sure you pack the right boards: Best Bing and Furrow Surfboards for Lady Gliding.

Stylist Elisabetta Dal Bello's Guide to Wearing Seea from the Surf to Sidewalk

2014-04-11T09:33:00-07:00

Elisabetta in the original Swami's suit.

Our longtime friend from Italy, stylist Elisabetta Dal Bello has the best of both worlds. When she’s not wearing fierce shoes, meeting designers backstage during fashion week in Milan and styling fashion editorials for Redmilk, Vanity Fair and Elle magazine’s Italian editions, you’ll find her barefoot at a beach somewhere for weeks at a time living the simplest existence: surf, eat, sleep.

“Surfing saved my mind from the competition of the fashion system, from being obsessed with clothes, materialism and power. Surfing is my cleanliness and integrity. It’s like rehab for my mind,” says Elisabetta of discovering surfing for the first time during her rising fashion career.

From left, Lola Mignot, Luki O'Keefe, Amanda Chinchelli, Elisabetta Dal Bello, Jenayl Peters and Mele Saili in Mexico for the 2014 photoshoot. Photographed by Nick LaVecchia.

We love Elisabetta's whip smart humor — you may remember her brilliant quotes from the Ritratti Di Surf “Girls, Girls, Girls” video by Onde Nostre — and she also lent her styling talents for our 2014 lookbook shot on location in Mexico.

As summer draws nearer, we called her up to get her expert advice on making the most of precious luggage space by stretching your Seea wardrobe from the surf to the sidewalk.

Behind the scenes on some of the shoots that Elisabetta Dal Bello has styled.

Elisabetta's guide to wearing Seea from the surf to the street

Inside her styling bags: "I have my style that is very personal, but usually the accessories and clothes that I pack depend on the story. For example, if I need to make a color story, I will bring all colored stuff. If I need to make a retro story I will bring things of that period. I usually always bring with me a couple of hats. They immediately give the right attitude to any model. But, there’s always a piece or a pair of shoes that are completely out of the blue from the story because I like the idea of the unexpected in my aesthetic."

Her kit is never missing: "Safety pins! A good stylist couldn’t leave without them. Safety pins are the stylist best friend! They could reduce a shirt or pants to two sizes and erase any unaesthetic wrinkles from any clothes."

Her advice for girls choosing a swimsuit: "Feel good and confident with the style you are looking for. For example, I’m the kind of girl who looks good in ‘70’s style. I could never wear a ‘50’s skirt or a pin-up girl bustier because I know it does not represent my style. The most important thing is to find something that represents our personal style the best. The secret is to valorize the better side of us. If you have super long legs, or a tiny waist or a good skin color, always choose something that feels you like showing off your best!"

Left, Amanda and Elisabetta wearing the Bolinas with denim shorts. Right, Elisabetta in high fashion mode.

Her fashion advice for a surf trip: "Try to pack your style in a small space. That means bring your favorite small pieces—better if you can use them as layers like a crop top, your favorite t-shirt and maybe a light cashmere sweater. Seea pieces are the perfect match to the idea of layers. Mix a Seea item worn in the morning for a surf session and wear the same item at night plus a nice silk blouse. It’s the best solution in a tiny space!"

1. Pack a light cashmere sweater will protect you from the air conditioning on the airplane. "A hat, Swami's one piece and a knit sweater is the perfect look to warm yourself after sunset session, and why not for an aperitif on the beach?"

Wear a chunky oversized sweater on top of the Swami’s to this surf suit from daytime to chilly dusk.

2. Add a skirt or structured men's pants to the Riviera one-piece and it becomes a glamorous bustier. "I like the color mix of the [Chloe pants]. The shape of the pants is masculine, tailored cut, the final look is easy but very elegant. You could wear it for a cocktail party by the pool."

Go long or short. The Riviera looks fantastic under a fun fitted skirt or loose pants (like these by Chloe). Add a clutch and you're ready to go.

3. "Silk shorts and the Hermosa make a romantic look in an all pastels palette."

Balance the proportions of the body conscious Hermosa on top, with loose fluttery shorts on the bottom.

4. "Cropped tops looks great with a long skirt. The two shapes looks great together for the contrast of a mini piece mix with something long and feminine."

Keep the midriff-baring Palomar crop top rashguard classy by wearing it with an elegant maxi skirt. On the right, Mele shows us how its done.

Click here to shop all of Elisabetta's Seea favorite pieces!

Read "How to pack for your dream vacation" for more travel tips from the Seeababes!

Get more styling inspiration from Elisabetta's story in Redmilk magazine!

RedMilk Waves

2012-12-10T22:22:00-08:00

The latest work from Italian stylist Elisabetta Dal Bello literally left us breathless! These stunning shots pair the latest Seea suits with beautiful creations from Stella McCartney, Missoni, and Roberto Cavalli. Fashion photographer Stefania Paparelli lent his unique perspective to the shoot, which paints a dreamy mix of high end beach and surf wear, currently featured in the latest issue of online fashion magazine RedMilk.