During the wintertime, Angelenos get cabin fever. We’re always surprised by when it’s all of sudden too chilly to wear sandals. I upgraded to my thicker neoprene wetsuit for surfing and keep hearing about friends going across hemispheres to where it’s summer. Because I’m not in possession of a vacation home in Cabo San Lucas, driving up the coast to Santa Barbara and visiting A Tropical Affair lingerie and swim shop is one of my favorite places to detox into a vacation state of mind when everyday responsibilities don’t allow for international border-crossing.
The striped lounge chairs and straw fringe trimmings feel like you’re in a Hawaiian hotel cabana drinking a mai tai. I love that both the lingerie and swimwear merchandise fluidly in vibrant colors that have a young, fresh and light-hearted mood. No swimsuits could be considered simple, boring or conservative. Owner Heather Taylor has an impeccable eye for uncovering specialty designers like Mikoh Swimwear, So De Mel and L*Space and plucking the best items that surprise and uplift any cold spell. I can get a warm spot of summer from a new neon bright bikini year-round, even if it’s hidden under my wetsuit.
Inquiries: Heather Taylor heather@atropicalaffair.com
A Tropical Affair, 114 East Haley Street,
Santa Barbara, CA (805) 730-1624
