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Tell us a little about yourselves.

I am from Valencia, Spain and Jeremy @mrmonnet is French, we both met during Paris Fashion Week, and since then we decided to travel the world! After few days knowing each other we flew to India and Sri Lanka, and we got married! It´s a crazy story but we have different versions of how we ended up getting married after an 8 day trip! Since then we get married every year in a different religion (Cambodia, Marrakech, Bali etc). Although currently based in Hong Kong, we travel 11 months/year. We are obsessed with the beach, it has to be summer wherever we travel, I don’t see myself planning a trip to a cold destination.

What area of Tanzania did you travel to? And where did you stay while there?

We visited Kilimanjaro and Serengeti. In Zanzibar, we did everything, from the North to the South and the islands around. Additionally, we spent a lot of time on the east, Jambiani and the Rock. 

We stayed in different places, our favourites so far were Park Hyatt in Stone Town (it´s cool for a couple of nights), Tulia that has amazing villas and Upendo, in front of the Rock. 

In Serengeti, we stayed at the Four Seasons Safari Lodges, it was the best hotel I’ve been to in my life. Our daily wake up was surrounded by zebras and elephants. A dream come true! I cannot compare that experience with anything else. 

How many days did you spend in Zanzibar? Was it long enough? 

We have been travelling 2 months around the island, and then 2 weeks in Serengeti doing a Safari. 6-8 days is more than enough to discover Zanzibar, as well to have time to relax.

Was there anything that surprised you about Zanzibar?

It´s still very wild and authentic, not so crowded and the turquoise water is unbelievable! The beach in the morning is amazing and always with different colors. At low tide, you can see the fishermen walking around surrounded by the Dhows (typical local sailing boat). 

Where was the best places to eat and drink?

Brunch on Sunday at Upendo, the lobster is amazing!

We saw you visited such beautiful white beaches, what was your favourite beach and why? 

Jambiani was so wild and in the middle of the village. As soon as we left our villa, we were surrounded by kids to play with!

What was your favourite thing about Zanzibar? 

Nnemba island, you can swim with dolphins in a crystal-clear water, we counted up to 40! It´s one of the best experiences in my life. At low tide, sandbanks show up, perfect for a breakfast picnic. 

What was the first thing you wanted to do when you arrived? 

Enjoy the sunset in the north. Cool music, good vibes and surrounded by dhows, it’s worth a view.

What did you pack to be so stylish on your trip & other packing essentials? 

Tons of bikinis and sunglasses!! White dresses, almost no shoes or sandals, I´ve been barefoot during 2 months! 

What are your top 5 activities people should do when visiting Zanzibar?

1. Picnic on a sandbank in front of Nmemba island
2. Starfish gardens
3. Sunset in the north
4. Visit Mafia island to swim with shark whales (at least 1 or 2 nights there)
5. Swim with dolphins in Nmemba island - so far the best

5 Tips for others travelling to Zanzibar? 

• Don´t forget a GoPro!
• Dhow (traditional boat) excursion 
• Try to spend time with the kids of the villages and bring old things for donation (school things such as books and pens, clothes, etc.), their smiles are priceless! 
• Visit the villages, to understand the real culture
• Ask the fishermen to get you some fresh fish for very cheap
• Bring cash $ for your visa upon arrival (to speed up the process)

See more from Mr & Mrs Monnet on their Instagram accounts:

@mrandmrsmonnet

@beaalbero

@mrmonnet

For more travel inspo read our Bahamas Travel guide by Brooke Mcauley.

Mrs Monnet wears our Lucia Crochet top and Athena bottoms in Blue and also wears our Stella bikini set.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, I’m Marisa! A 22 year old, half German, half Brazilian girl who grew up in the south of Germany and works as a model for many years now and believes in Karma! :P

Tell us a bit about how you got into modelling, where it all started, why you started, what age when you started and what you are doing at the moment with modelling.

Well, it all started pretty early, to be specific, at the age of 6!

My mum always dressed me up, in those super cool dungarees and converse sneakers, so I think I rocked that look pretty much & that´s why one day a woman came by and told my mum that her blond angel, would be the perfect choice for their shoot!

Since that time, I always used to model a little bit, but hey - there are some duties you need to fulfil like going to school and graduating!

After I graduated, I started with modelling again, this time more intense!

I have started to love it even more and more, so I decided, at the age of 19, to make it my main job! And that’s the story behind it! :)

What do you love most about being a model?

I think most of the people who are in the same business, would say: “the traveling”. And so do I! My opinion is that you're growing a lot, and getting to know yourself better, if you're traveling a lot and getting to see a lot of different cultures and people; that´s the second thing I love the most about being a model, getting to know so many different people, different characters, people with a different perspective on life, business and even love! I’m learning a lot while traveling!

Ow, and guys! don't be shy, always try the traditional dishes of the country you're visiting! :P

Least favourite thing about being a model (if any)?

THE WAITING! I’m super inpatient and waiting is one of the biggest parts of this job so I always carry a good book with me so not one second is wasted!

Things you have learnt along the way?

Don’t wrack your brain on comments from people who don't really know you! And NEVER EVER do something you don't have fun with, something that makes you sad or uncomfortable!

You mentioned on your Instagram how you have struggled in the past with body image, what issues are there in society with this?

The thing is, I’m 178 cm (5’10) tall, have always been skinny with super long arms and legs, so what? But that has been the reason why the kids in school made fun of me, called me: “giraffe”, “bone”, “beanpole”, “anorexic”, and several other things. It made me sad, I was feeling different than all the other girls around me, way too tall and way too skinny.

I came home and cried, I actually put on two pair of leggings underneath my jeans just to look a little bit ‘bigger’! And that’s the point! I tried to change myself, because I did not feel accepted, just the way I am. I’ve tried to change myself, only for them. It still makes me sad, while I’m writing this down, because that’s what society still has to learn. We’re all different, we all have different types of bodies! And guess what? That’s a good thing! We all need to accept that and finally start to love ourselves! Stop judging, stop body shaming!

How do you manage to stay confident and promote a healthy body image? How do you embrace your natural body?

To be honest, I think it is not the easiest thing these days, to stay confident in your own body.

Because of all the pretty and “perfect” people on several social media platforms, we’re putting so much pressure on ourselves. We think we need to have a butt like the Kardashians, lips like Angelina Jolie, legs like one of the VS Angels, etc. just to get accepted by people we don't even know. Doesn’t that sound wrong? Why would we all want to look the same?!

The best way, to stay confident in your own body, is that you just need to be aware that it´s not important what other people may think about you! For me, it also helped to go to the gym on a regular basis, it gave me a good feeling about my own body. As long as you feel confident in your own body you’re reflecting that to the outside.

How do you manage to stay healthy with such a busy lifestyle?

A lot of people think that staying healthy is so hard. But, should I tell you something? It´s not! I love to cook fresh (so you know all the ingredients) and I'm always taking food and snacks with me, while I´m traveling. Especially breakfast, I LOVE a good breakfast!

So my tip: preparing food, or taking snacks with you, is saving you from eating fast-food on the go.

Guilty pleasures?

Popcorn!!!

How do you spend your down time?

Because I’m surrounded by so many people during my jobs, I really appreciate to have some time with myself & a good book or a good movie! 

Dream destinations?

Bali, Santorini, South Africa, NYC & Australia - and of course Brazil, because I have family over there.

What is something you are passionate about/loving at the moment?

I never thought that I’d ever say this, but it is… hitting the gym!

Do you have any tips or messages for girls aspiring to make their dreams come true?

Nike has one of the best slogans: “just do it!” don't think too much, it won’t make it better :)

It doesn't matter if other people don’t believe in you, the only person that matters is YOU! 

To see more from Marisa head to her Instagram @marisa_dos_santos and modelling agency http://www.eastwestmodels.de/women/main-board/1507-marisa-stangle/

 For more of our favourite babes read our Q&A with Cali babe Melly Wright

We recently caught up with Courtney (@dear.courtney) about her trip to Maui, Hawaii.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Courtney, I currently live in Calgary, I’m a cappuccino drinker by day, and wine sipper by night, I count down the days to Christmas all year long, my weakness is theatre popcorn, I still dream about being locked in a mall after hours with keys to all the stores, and I’m a blogger (DearEverything.com) who is just enjoying the journey!

Best thing about Maui?

The best thing about Maui is its slow-paced perfection. There is something really calming and peaceful about the Hawaiian air, it is simply a place that slows you down, and makes you feel happy.

Why did you choose Maui out of all the Hawaiian Islands?

Although I was travelling to Maui for my sister’s wedding, I honestly would have chosen that island regardless. As much as I love exploring big cities and bustling streets, I really wanted to unwind, and Maui was the perfect place to do just that.

How long did you stay? Would you stay longer next time?

I was there for almost two weeks, which was a good amount of time to see various parts of the island, but who wouldn’t want to stay longer?!

What was your favourite place in Maui?

My favourite place in Maui was Kihei - there are so many great restaurants, shops, and beaches, and the vibe is so laid back.

What was the first thing you did when you arrived?

The flight got in late at night, so the first thing I did was check into the hotel, and then went outside to the beach (it was right there!) and star gazed - not a bad way to kick things off if you ask me.

What were some of your favourite places or eat/drink?

There are so many! When I travel, I eat my way through a city, but if I had to pick a few I would say Lava Java for coffee in Kihei, Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop in Lahaina (they have an amazing hot dog with pineapple chutney, and the BEST banana cream pie), Star Noodle in Lahaina is incredible (I still dream about the hot n sour soup, and the scallop shots), the fried spam musubi from Da Kitchen Cafe is a must-try, and Morimoto in Wailea is probably the best meal I’ve ever had.

Best place for sunset cocktails?

If you’re lucky and can snag a table by the window, Mama’s Fish House has the most stunning sunset views (pictured below) hands down. Fred’s Mexican Cafe in Kihei is another great spot to watch the sun disappear into the ocean…with a margarita in your hand of course.

What are some of your packing essentials?

I’m a big pouch user - I have one for makeup, one for hair products, and one for body products. This keeps me organized, but also limits how much product I bring with me.  A multipurpose salve or ointment is great - use it on your lips, cuts, or as a quick relief for sunburn, Lucas Papaw is my favourite. Make sure you pack swimsuits that can easily be mixed and matched, that way two options suddenly turns into four! And the last packing essential to bring is an open mind - the best part about traveling is the way it can change you, so take it all in, and enjoy learning a little more about the world and about yourself!

My 5 tips for others travelling to Maui:

1. Rent a car, it is super affordable and a must if you want to get out to some amazing beaches like Makena which is one of the largest in Maui. Trust me. Paradise. Found.

2. Wear sunscreen! I know this one seems like a no brainer, but the sun is strong in Maui, so make sure you protect your skin, and throw on a cute beach hat while you're at it.

3. Try shaved ice! I stopped at Local Boys Shave Ice in Kihei, and I promise you, after walking around for hours in the hot Maui sun, it will be an extra sweet treat.

4. Get up early (maybe even super early, we're talking 3am, and watch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala). The wind tends to pick up in the afternoon too, so if you plan on doing any water related activities, aim to go in the morning or early afternoon. I’d highly recommend a snorkel sail to Turtle Point.

5. While there are lots of activities and sights to see, make sure you take time to relax on a beach. The sunsets in Maui are some of the most stunning ones I’ve ever seen, make time to watch it every night and soak in all of the feels from the day.

Describe your trip in 1 word.

Magical

Watch Maui Highlights Video 

For more travel guides read our Bahamas travel guide by Brooke Mcauley.

See more from Courtney at deareverything.com and @dear.courtney

Courtney wears our Lucia crochet top and Athena bottoms you can get them here.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

My name is Melody Wright (aka @_gypseaa), I'm 20 years old and I live in Oceanside California, a little beach town tucked towards the end of Southern California. I've lived in Oceanside my whole life, born and raised and have worked at my current side job, as a sunglass salesperson for the last 4 years. The last year or so I got really involved with my business on social  media as a model/content creator & the last few months its really blown up.

Tell us about how you got into modelling and photography.

I was always Interested in modelling and photography from a young age. I didn't get into modelling until about the age of 16 and it didn't become my job until I became the age of 19 and at the age of 20 things are growing and growing! In the last 6 months or so I realised the love I also had for not only being in front of the camera but also being behind it. I really enjoyed taking photos and capturing the beauty and nature around my through my perspective. 

You are building quite a following on your Instagram @_gypseaa, how did that start? 

In the last year, but especially the last 6 months I took my Instagramming-content-creator life very seriously. I began shooting every week, all year long, through winter and when the weather was nice and sunny I would shoot up to a few times a week. I still shoot on a weekly basis but lately I've been shooting every day except for weekends when I'm working as a sales person!I truly believe consistency is key, and I try to put my best foot forward for all of my jobs, whether paid or not. Also, working with so many companies leads to reposts of photos from all of those companies, as well as new content always coming out, so that lead to more exposure & the last few months I've worked on some pretty big jobs so my following has increased incredibly through those collaborations!

Any tips for budding Instagrammers?

My BIGGEST tips are, 

QUALITY

ORIGINALITY/CREATIVITY

CONSISTANCY

If you use those three things then you'll be on the road to a successful page! I also think its great to develop a theme for your page so you can attract a like minded following!

You have taken an interest in photography as well as modelling, what inspires your photos? What do you love about taking photos?

Really anything tropical, colorful or full of life inspires me for photography! I love bright and colorful images of nature! I love capturing a photo with the image I had in mind and making it a reality, turning something from an idea into a real life things is the best feeling ever!

What are your top 5 photography tips?

1. Know lighting ~ once you understand how lighting affects an image you'll be set

2. Understand your equipment and how to use it!

3. Draw inspiration from all things and everywhere

4. Get creative!

5. Find your photography style, do what makes you want to keep creating!

How do you edit your photos?

I set the lighting accordingly on my camera before I shoot so that I don't have to edit my images too much, I don't have editing software (yet) so when I do edit, it's off o f my iPhone with the VSCO app and I use the C1 filter or the F2 filter and depending which one I decide to go with I'll turn it halfway down and turn the exposure dow a bit too!

What camera do you use? 

I personally have a Canon 80D but a few months ago I had a Canon 7D but that one got stolen so I bought the 80D instead!

How do you spend your down time?

Im usually spending my  down time at the beach and playing with my dog while hanging out with my boyfriend. When were not at the beach we are usually hiking or doing something outside, and when were not outside were usually in our RV where we live! We are Vanlifers!

Guilty Pleasures?

I LOVE watching Netflix and being 100% lazy in bed all day, It happens whenever I get the chance to! That and eating spicy food!

Tell us some of your favourite destinations and what makes them special. 

Oceanside Ca USA - Hometown where I was born, raised and still live, don't think I could ever fully leave!

Laguna Beach - Closet beac to home that resembles Hawaii , bright blue ocean, perfect sand, and lava rock formations! 

Hawaii- Its HAWAII, need I say more? hahah Hawaii is tropical perfection, somewhere I dream of being all the time!

What's something most people don't know about you?

I'm 5'3 ! Apparently in photos I look a lot taller than I really am, people are always surprised when they meet me in person ! haha

Something you are passionate about at the moment.

I am extremely passionate about, good friends and support systems, goals and chasing them, photography, blogging, and living my life to the happiest potential!

Do you have any tips for girls aspiring to make their dreams come true?

I encourage you girls to set goals, create dreams, write them down, look at them every day, work for what you want and I promise you, you can make anything happen.

All photos by Melody Wright and she wears our Azura set which you can get here.

See More from Melly on her instagram @_gypseaa and blog tanlinesbikiniblog.com

For more babes we love, read our previous blog with Matilda Djerf about what she's learnt about following her dreams.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hola! I’m Brooke, 24 years old from Melbourne, Australia. Wherever the sun shines, that’s where you’ll find me! I’m definitely not cut out for Winter weather, always seeking a good dose of vitamin D with a constant urge to explore a new destination.

I’m a huge family girl and I really enjoy meeting new people. On the weekends I love spending time with my boyfriend Brenton, or catching up with my close group of girlfriends for a wine. The best things in life :) 

I am currently working in a few different industries which I absolutely love as it always keeps me busy and motivated. One of these industries is Ballet dancing, which is a very special part of my life as it lead me to work as a professional Ballerina in Dresden, Germany. Another industry is the Blogging world, which always has new and exciting opportunities unfolding almost every day! I love being able to publicly document the things I'm passionate about through chaptersbybrooke.com and have the chance to tap into my creative side. I’ve recently signed with Silhouette Models so I'm super excited to see how that new chapter unfolds, I’ll keep you posted! ;)

Where in the Bahamas did you travel to?

I traveled to a little island called Exuma, a beautiful and untouched slice of heaven.

How many days did you stay for and was it enough?

I stayed in Exuma for 7 days which was plenty of time to relax and explore. It really is quite a small island so I’d recommend just a 5 day stay to anyone thinking of traveling there. 

What was your favourite place in the Bahamas? 

The winner for me was definitely ‘Chat ’n’ Chill’ beach club. An absolute must visit! A 15 minute water taxi ride from Exuma located on a beautiful secluded island. Spend your day soaking up the sun with beachy reggae tunes playing over the speakers, while friendly stingrays brush past your feet in the shallows. Make sure you grab a fresh conch salad from the beach bar to top of your day!

What was the first thing you did when you arrived?

Whip on the bikinis and soak up the sunshine from our back deck which looked straight out onto the bluest ocean I've ever seen! It was honestly the colour of Windex surface cleaner! 

Where did you find the best beach?

Right outside our Air BnB! Literally, there was a perfect white sand beach just steps from our back door! Waking up to that view every morning was pretty special.

What were some of your favourite places to eat/drink and types of food.

Can I say Chat ’n’ Chill again? They seriously served the best grilled fish in the world! We went back there three times and I got the fish on every visit ha ha. I assure you there are other yummy options on the menu too! 

Best place for sunset cocktails?

Tropic Breeze! A super casual and relaxed beach bar which has a never ending view of the ocean. Make sure you order the seafood nachos, they are the perfect sunset snack, but beware, the cocktails are strong! 

Best places to stay?

There is a myriad of fantastic Air BnB options in Exuma! If you can, try and stay as close to central George Town possible, the convenience of being nearby the grocery store, bank and water taxi dock comes very in handy when cabs aren't so easy to get a hold of! 

What are some of your packing essentials? 

Bali Body tanning oil always comes with me to tropical destinations, as well as my favourite Ete Swimwear crochet bikinis. A good quality shampoo & conditioner to look after those sun drenched strands, my trusty denim shorts and a huge supply of contact lenses, nothing worse than running out and not being able to see the beautiful views! 

5 tips for others travelling to the Bahamas:

1) Pre book a day trip to Pig Island, a one of a kind experience which you’ll never get anywhere else in the world!

2) If you can, hire a car! Exuma is so spread out and it is really tricky getting a cab! (they are crazy expensive too!)

3) If you’re staying in an Airbnb, ask your host to pre buy your groceries for you. There is only one delivery of fresh fruit and veg per week to Exuma! So first in best dressed!

4) Pack a jumper! Suprisingly, it did get a little chilly at times with that beachy breeze.

5) Enjoy the bliss of such an untouched island, it’s hard to come across locations that aren't swamped with tourists and marketed for tourists as well! 

I was pleasantly surprised with….

The colour! I was not expecting Exuma to be such a colour vibrant place. Every front door, beach bar, bank and grocer was a different shade of soft pink, baby blue or minty green. Even the hospital was bright pink! It was just gorgeous, you can’t help but smile. 

Describe your trip in 3 words.

1. Untouched 

2. Exotic

3. Hakuna Matata!

To see more from Brooke head to her Instagram @brookemcauley_ and her blog chaptersbybrooke.com 

For more travel inspo read our Nice Travel Guide by Matilda Djerf.

Are you off to indulge in the endless summer tropics of the world? Lucky for you we have picked out a handful of our gorgeous bikinis that will have you suited up for whatever beachy occasion.

Maldives – Lucia Crochet Top & Athena Crochet Bottoms

Walk down one of the beautiful natural walkways that Maldives has to offer in our gorgeous Lucia Crochet Top and Athena Crochet Bottoms and we promise you’ll be the target of envious eyes.  

Thailand – Stella Bikini / Claire Shift Dress

White sand and the vibrant turquoise sea water, all that’s missing from the truly Tropical Thailand beaches is you and your Stella bikini. You’ll be sure to turn heads in our gorgeous boho style bikini and be comfortable enough to dip in the cool waters or lay around in the warm white sands.

Once you're done with the beach, pop on our Claire Shift Dress – perfect for roaming around your resort or sitting by the pool with a drink – and look cute doing it.

French Riviera – Amanda One Piece 

Grace one of the most beautiful places in the world with an equally beautiful swimsuit, our Amanda One Piece from the Matilda X Ete collection is sure to do the trick. Indulge in the beautiful and romantic cultures of Europe and walk the streets and beaches of Nice, France. (Read Matilda's Nice Travel Guide Here)

Hawaii – Angelica Gold Bikini Top & January Cheeky Bottoms

Fly off to the fresh and floral island of Hawaii, but don’t forget to pack your Angelica Gold Bikini Top and January Cheeky Bottoms from the Matilda X Ete collection, you’ll be sure to feel comfortable and cute whether in the water or walking around finding the hidden gems of such an iconic holiday destination.  

Australia – Talia Bralette Bikini Top & Ariel Bikini Bottoms 

Our Talia Bralette Bikini Top paired with the Ariel Bikini Bottoms embodies Australian femininity and you will without a doubt let your inner Summer Goddess shine with the cute details of mesh and frill laces, stand out and channel in your vacation vibes.

Swedish beauty Matilda Djerf shares her thoughts on loving your body and embracing your unique traits. We want to share this with you because we want you all to know how beautiful you are.

Accept your body. Number one rule to loving yourself is accepting yourself. I've been insecure about my hips and I always used to put my energy into hating them. "Ugh, I can't wear this bikini, or this tight dress etc" I then decided to fuel that hate into love. "Wow my hips looks really good in this dress etc". Instead of hiding my hips I started showing them off. And I would give myself compliments for the things I was insecure about. Accept how you look because you are YOU.

Treat yourself the way you would treat your best friend. You wouldn't tell your best friend she is ugly, or that she can't wear a bikini because of her cellulite. You would tell her she is beautiful because of them and to own them! And this is what you need to tell yourself too. You need to respect yourself and your body, and feed it with love - not hate.

Size is just a number. I've said it before, and i'll say it again. "Size is just a number" is a quote to live by. If you don't like the way the size 8 jeans hug your curves buy a size 10. Feeling comfortable in your clothes is crucial to feeling confidence. At the end of the day, a number is just a number. Cut out the tag if it bothers you. Wear a size smaller if it hugs your curves better. Wear a size bigger if you want them to be more comfortable. Whatever feels good for YOU!

Work out but treat yourself. Work out, move your body. If it's dancing or running or lifting weights. Do what fits your body and your mind the best. Eat healthy. But also treat yourself. One cookie won't make you fat. And one salad bowl won't make you skinny. It's all about BALANCE. If you one week don't feel like working out, don't. And please don't beat yourself up about it. If you one week feel like working out everyday, do. And be proud! Let yourself indulge and let yourself breathe.

Give yourself compliments. Like I mentioned before, give yourself compliments. Remind yourself what you love about your body. And say it out loud. Twice. Or even three times. Write it down and look back at it if you're having a bad day. And remember, life is to short not to be comfortable in your own skin.

Celebrate each other. It's so easy for us girls to sit at the dinner table and complain about what we don't like about our bodies. Stop joining in and stop comparing. Instead, start celebrating your bodies. And start by telling your friends what you love about your body and their bodies. Celebrate your natural beauty!

Stop waiting to reach your goal. "I just need to loose a few pounds, I just need my tummy to be flatter". NO! Start enjoying life now. Life is happening as we speak, start enjoying it.

And most importantly stop thinking you don't matter because your looks or the size of your body. YOU DO. And you are so unique and beautiful. With your flaws and your perfections. Let's celebrate cellulite, let's celebrate rolls on the belly, let's celebrate uneven hips, let's celebrate small lips, big lips. Small boobs, big boobs. Let's celebrate hips, or no hips. Let's celebrate thighs and butts and back fat. Let's celebrate it all, let's celebrate each other!

For more inspiration from Matilda read What I've learnt about following my dreams.

We caught up with Matilda (@matildadjerf) on her latest trip to Nice, France! Here are some of her top tips.

Tell us a little about yourself

I’m a twenty year old swedish girl who lives and breathes the bikini lifestyle. I absolutely love to travel and experience new things, but I also love being home just relaxing. It’s all about balance, am I right? When wearing my collection I hope you feel it embodies this.

Why you chose to travel to Nice & have you been before?

I day dreamed about the french rivera and the blue and white colors. I’ve never been and since I love traveling to new places it just seemed like the obvious choice for me.

Describe Nice in 3 words

Chic, classy and colorful.

What was the first thing you wanted to do when you arrived?

Eat, haha i’m such a food person and since we didn’t have breakfast before the flight it was a must ;) Other than that I wanted to jump down to the beach and see the legendary beaches of Nice with my own eyes. It was exactly like I had in mind.

Best places to eat? 

x All of the fruit markets, so many markets going on in Nice with the yummiest fruit. You wont want to miss them! Google to find one near where you are staying.

x For sushi lovers planet sushi is the best place. Take away and sit at the beach!

x Any café in old nice, so cute.

x Beach restaurants. A bit pricey maybe but totally worth it for the view

Best spot for a sunset cocktail?

La réserve de Nice looked absolutely amazing, we never had time to go there but walked by and fell in love! Best view of the ocean in town.

Best place/area to stay?

I’m not the best at where to stay in Nice. Its of course always amazing to live near the beach, it does tend to get a bit pricey. We stayed in an area called Vernier, I think haha. It was a 15-20 minute nice walk away from the beach and with the tram 30 seconds away from us it was easy to get around. The tram left from the main shopping street which was very fun as well. Lots of place to eat etc.  

How many days did you spend in Nice?

I spent 7 days in Nice, for just experiencing the town of Nice it was enough. But for experiencing the villages nearby one week didn’t cut it. But it’s just another reason to come back!

Top activities to do in Nice?

The costal walk is amazing, the water is beautiful and the cliffs surrounding it is typical European. Another must when traveling to Nice is to walk to Colline du Chateau where you at the top get an amazing view of Nice. Old Town (Vieille Ville) is so cozy to walk around in. And the beaches, lets not forget about them. The main beach that is next to Promenade des Anglais is the typical beach for me when I thought about Nice. Small beach clubs/restaurants and the blue and white sun umbrellas. But don’t forget to walk north past the port where you will find small beaches tucked away between beige cliffs. Example, La Plage de Coco.

French Riviera style: what did you pack to be so stylish on your trip? 

All of my Matilda x Ete bikinis. It’s important to be stylish but comfortable on the beach, and these bikinis are so comfortable. It doesn't even feel like i’m wearing them! I also packed skirts to pair with my Amanda one piece and other dresses that made me feel pretty. AND comfortable shoes, we always walk everywhere.

If you could choose just one swimsuit from the Matilda Djerf X Ete Swimwear collection that embodies Nice, which one would it be?

Definitely the Amanda One Piece . It’s so chic and classy, exactly like Nice. It’s also perfect for the after tan sessions at the restaurants on the beach. Just throw on a skirt or jean shorts and you're ready to go!

5 Tips for others travelling to Nice, France

x Take photos of everything! It’s so amazing to look back at them when you get home.

x Sunscreen! Dang it is that sun strong and you need to protect your skin.

x Bring a book, nothing beats reading a book on the beach and then taking a dip in the turquoise waters.

x Walk everywhere! The streets of Nice are gorgeous and the costal walk as well. Breathtaking! There are also so many cute small beaches to discover.

x Oh, the fruit market one minute away from where we lived. It was absolutely lovely. Fresh fruit, flowers etc. Open every morning except monday. called ”MARCHÉ AUX FRUITS ET LÉGUMES DE LA LIBÉRATION”

More travel tips from Matilda in the Greek Islands Travel Guide

Photos by @matildadjerf & @fredyphotos

Meet Esther, our Model Search Winner for 2017! We recently took some time to get to know her, read below to find out all about this natural beauty.

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Esther Vis I’m 21 and from Western Australia. I grew up in a country town in the south west called Bridgetown, but have lived in the city for the past 4 years. My passion is photography and modelling, I am currently in the process of turning that passion into a career.

3 words to describe yourself

Creative, adventurous, loyal

Where did it all start?

So since I can remember I have wanted to do modelling. When I was in my young teens and living in the country my mum took me up to an agency in Perth they said I was too young at the time and they would like me come back in a few years. I moved to Perth when I was 17 and re visited these agents but unfortunately I wasn’t suited to their agencies. This was quite a frustrating time for me as I wasn’t where I knew I wanted to be.

In 2014 I finally joined an agency and gained some great experience with them for a couple of years.

What are your favourite hobbies/things to do in your spare time?

I love making lino prints, which is the process of designing and carving an image onto lino and then printing it onto various media types, such as over photos, onto clothing etc. I also love to keep myself inspired for my photography so I am regularly creating mood boards for future shoots.

If I’m not doing something creative in my spare time I’ll usually be at the beach or hanging out with my family and friends.

Some of your favorite foods?

Favourite foods hmmm…..everything?

I am definitely into my pasta and I love a good pizza. I enjoy so many different types of food.

Guilty pleasures? 

Chocolate… when I start I can’t really stop. 

Favourite travel destinations

This is a hard question I have been to so many places that are special in many different ways.

I would have to say one of my favourite places would be Taos in New Mexico. New Mexico is a small town with so much history, such as the Pueblo which is a Native American community that has been inhabited for over 1000 years. This place really captured my heart.

New York Apartment

New York is amazing and everything we hoped it would be. My boyfriend and I just didn’t stop eating, drinking and partying the whole time! 

Santorini is breath taking, I remember sitting on top of the house we were staying in with 100s of people standing in the small streets and alleyways watching the sunset and when the sun went behind the ocean everyone was cheering and clapping.

Santorini

Bali I think will always just feel like a second home. I have been travelling there since I was a young child. The people, the scenery, the food, the beautiful architecture and culture forever inspires me.

Our own backyard! Australia truly is such a special and pristine wonder of the world! I think travelling to so many destinations really has made me appreciate this wonderful place we get to call home. Karijini I think would have to be my most favourite place of all.

Dream destinations

• Go back to America and visit places we missed out on last time.

• Africa

• South America

What is something you are passionate about/loving at the moment?

I have always been passionate about nature and the environment. I love being outdoors and exploring. I think if I didn’t live near the beach in the city I would go crazy!

Do you have any tips or messages for girls aspiring to make their dreams come true?

I really think persistence is the key. If your dream is constantly on your mind like modelling has been for me you just have to keep pushing yourself in that direction and try to do something each day to get you one step closer to your goal.

Where do you want to see your modelling career go in the next few years?

I would love to see it grow into a full time and busy career.

What does it mean to be the winner and next face of the Ete Swimwear campaign?

To have the opportunity to be part of a team where people have envisioned and worked passionately to create a great label is awesome! Now getting to take that vision further and help turn it into a reality is very exciting! I can’t wait!

 For more, read What I've learnt about following my dreams by Matilda Djerf.

Our collection with Matilda Djerf is finally here so Matilda has put together her list of the things you should know about it. We hope you love it as much as we do!

So tomorrow is the launch of my collection with Ete Swimwear, and no one is more excited than me! I've gotten some questions about the collection so here I am trying to clarify it all for you. You will be able to but the collection at Ete Swimwears website, i'll link to my collection tomorrow when it's live!

This collection is all about comfortable cuts and fabrics. Which I am so pleased to say that we achieved. The fabric is very soft which makes the bikinis feel like they are not on your body. The details are in gold for that luxurious feeling. I've gone through so many bikinis, since I am a bit obsessed like you guys know haha. SO I knew exactly what I wanted to do when designing my collection. I've been so particular with everything. And this is why I can promise you guys you will like the pieces. I've put so much love and though into them. And i'm finally so excited to launch and see you guys wear them!

x Tie arms

x Off-shoulder neckline

x Shelf bra inside with elastic under the bust for added support

x Removable padding

x White swim fabric

x Double lined to avoid see through // Dubblatyg för att undvika gen

x Mid cut bum coverage with flattering seamless cut

x Mid-high cut leg to elongate legs

Okey guys, this is my favorite. The material is so good, it's thick so it holds everything in, haha. But it's not too tight. The fit is also made so you can pull up the sides for a low cut or a mid-high cut. Which is perfect, it fits everyone.

 

The Matilda Top

x (white, pastel pink, gold) soft shimmery swim fabric

x Front tie detail with gold tips

x Underwire

x Gold clasp back for comfort

x Adjustable strap

x Double lined fabric

It's so comfortable, it's actually a bit crazy. I've never felt as confident in a bikini as in my own collection. The cuts are just very soft and feminine.

The Angelica Top

x (white, pastel pink, gold) soft shimmery swim fabric

x Underwire

x Adjustable straps

x Tie back to allow for the perfect fit

x Double lined fabric

The perfect fit for the babes who want to show a bit more but still be comfortable. The tie back allows you to adjust the fit which is perfect. It will fit anyone, and it's such a cute detail!

 

January Bottoms

x Seamless style for ultimate comfort

x (white, pastel pink, gold) soft shimmery swim fabric

x Cheeky cut

x Double lined

More booty to the people!! These are the perfect cheeky bottoms. The comfortable seamless fit makes your booty look amazing.

 

April Bottoms

X (white, pastel pink, gold) soft shimmery swim fabric

X Tie details on side

X Mid cut bum coverage with flattering seamless cut

X Double lined

These babies are made for you guys who want a little more coverage. With tie details so you can adjust how tight you want them to fit. I wear them a bit higher but they can also be worn lower.

Size Guide

I wear a size MEDIUM in the TOP and BOTTOMS. In the One piece I wear a size MEDIUM, but S fits too, M is just a bit more comfy. I feel the fit is very true to size and so does my two models I have asked. One is a size S in bikinis and the other a size L. And both felt like it was the perfect fit.

We hope you love the new Matilda Djerf X Ete Swimwear collection!

We have been working with Matilda Djerf on creating our latest collection that is all about comfort and summer tones. Inspired by Matilda's travels, we have created swimwear that is fit for every corner of the globe. Shot on beautiful Rottnest Island in Western Australia, here's a sneak peek at whats launching on May 5.

 

 

 

 

 

See more from Matilda on Instagram and her blog.

Shop the collection here.

Read Matilda's tips about following your dreams here.

We have had so many beautiful girls enter our very first Model Search in partnership with Vivien's Model Management and are now down to our Top 10!

Meet the Australian beauties that have made it into the final stage.