Siesta Bikinis boutique shines bright on Siesta Drive
By Jane Bartnett
Imagine exotic, sexy, and brilliantly colored bikinis from Brazil, California, Miami and Columbia, created from tropically inspired luxurious fabrics. That’s what you’ll discover on a visit to the new Siesta Bikinis boutique.
This new, upscale bikini- and beach-ware shop opened in late March at 2095-B Siesta Drive, just off South Tamiami Trail, across the street from Aldi’s in the Crossings at Siesta Key mall.
Paloma Magner is the founder and owner of the welcoming boutique that is home to some of the most special bikinis this side of Rio de Janeiro. In addition to the festive and colorful swimwear, the store also features fluid and brilliantly colored dresses that could make a stunning appearance at a tropical cocktail hour, along with cover-ups, hats and bags. It’s all that any woman could ever dream of for a visit to the soft white sands of Siesta Key.
“Nearly all of the brands that we carry in Siesta Bikini are exclusive to us here in Sarasota,” said Magner.
The store enjoys an immediate following. “We see a lot of local residents, but more and more visitors are finding us now too,” Magner said. “The woman that we serve is between 16 and 60. I help our customers find what she wants and what will look good on her.”
“All of our brands are hand-made and very international,” added Magner as she discussed the beautiful designs and fabrics that she offers her customers. Among the luxury brands she features are: Beach Bunny Swimwear, from California; Luli Fama, from Miami; Aqua Bendita, from Columbia; and the store’s own Siesta Bikini line that is hand-made in Brazil.
“Lots of celebrities wear Beach Bunny’s glamorous designs,” the boutique owner reported. Known for their hand-sewn here in Sarasota with flowers and other designs that are embellished with glittering appliqués that glisten on a sunny day at the pool or beach, Beach Bunny bikinis are sold exclusively at Siesta Bikinis.
“This line really appears to a younger clientele,” said Magner.
Beach Bunny tops and bikini bottoms begin at $100 apiece. Highly embellished styles are $195 apiece.
The richly colored tropical prints and colors found in the Miami-based Luli Fama line of bikinis, one-piece styles and cover-ups are another customer favorite.
“They make a statement on the beach and some of the styles are reversible,” Magner said. “It’s kind of nice to have two bathing suits in one.”
The line retails for $90 per piece and up.
The Agua Bendita line from Columbia is a hand-made luxury line that begins at $98 per piece. Tropically inspired prints and bright solid designs are sold in bikinis and one-piece styles.
The shop’s own Siesta Bikini brand is available in six different styles. It’s Magner’s top seller. The line is priced from $24.50 per piece up to $79 for a two-piece set.
A new line of SPF hats and beach bags that coordinate with the bikinis has also just been added to the store’s offerings.
All of the bikini tops and bottoms at Siesta Bikinis are offered separately. Tops range from triangles and halters to crop tops, along with underwire designs that offer additional coverage. Bikini bottoms are also available in various shapes and sizes.
“The Brazilian scrunch bottom is the favorite style,” Magner said.
No stranger to the Sarasota retail world, Magner was the owner of the Miami Girl Fashions store on South Tamiami Trail for 12 years. She also worked as a fashion specialist at Macy’s for five years.
“It was the right time to create a special new store where women will want to come to shop for that special bikini or beach accessory for a trip to Siesta Key,” she said.
In the coming weeks, Magner plans to welcome customers to special “nail nights” and evenings with make-up artists, where she’ll serve cocktails. Other fun shopping events are on the horizon as well.
Siesta Bikinis is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (941) 993-1837 and find the store on Facebook at facebook.com/SiestaBikinis/.
Author: Jane Bartnett
- Tags: Paloma Magner, Siesta Bikinis