03 December, 2015
To you and me, it's just two tiny pieces of stitched-together cloth. But in the case of Natasha Oakley, the bikini is an entire lifestyle.
The 25-year-old blogger and swimwear model wears a bikini almost 365 days a year. Growing up between her native Australia, Miami and Hawaii, she decided to capitalise on her sun-drenched surroundings in 2012 - starting the blog A Bikini A Day with her best friend Devin Brugman.
Between them, the pair have worn thousands of swimsuits. And they soon decided to put their expertise to the test by designing their own line, Monday Swimwear, which launched in 2013.
The brand's name is meant to encourage customers to experience what Natasha describes as a "weekend feeling" every day of the week - even on a dreaded Monday. For Natasha, swimwear is intrinsically tied to her childhood - a time of few responsibilities or concerns. And the free-spirited nature of the Australian coast helps shape both her bikini designs and her demeanour. One look at Natasha's Instagram account is all it takes to gain an insight into her world of crystal-clear waters and white sand. There is rarely a picture that doesn't show her frolicking happily among the waves or smiling with friends for her 1.5million followers.
Now SUITCASE is following Natasha to the best beaches in and around Sydney - with a bunch of bikinis in tow.
Swimwear by this up-and-coming designer reminds me of Shelly Beach, a small, hidden cove that is as beautiful as the long stretches of sand that Australia is known for. The brand and the beach may be small, but they are both amazing!
This little hippie town in northern New South Wales has some of Australia's most beautiful beaches. Tigerlily's tropical and mystical designs always remind me of long days spent at Wategos Beach.
The most iconic Australian swimwear brand paired with the country's most iconic beach - it's a match made in heaven. Half the women on Bondi are sure to be wearing Seafolly thanks to the label's huge cult following.
Boasting the world's whitest sand, Hyams Beach is the perfect backdrop for free-spirited designer Camilla Franks. The view is nothing but blue and white, which makes Camilla's luxe and feminine pieces stand out even more.
