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Business Insider
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
10 ballet sneakers on pointe for this summer, according to style editors
JW Pei Caitlin Lace-up Ballerina Sneakers "I call these my 'tactical ballet flats' because their squared ridges and rubber toe caps remind me of a utility boot. I even had someone tell me these shoes were sexy — maybe because the laces almost look like corsets for your feet? I took a risk testing them for the first time at an all-day music festival (worn with no-show socks and packed Band-Aids, just in case). And yet, no blisters whatsoever. They don't have enough support features to be deemed everyday walking shoes, but I was able to stand in them for over 12 hours straight on two occasions without discomfort. The foam footbeds have an airy mesh overlay, so despite all the dancing and walking my feet didn't overheat. They run narrow in the toe box, so if you're between sizes, I suggest rounding up. For under $100, these are a good value on a style that'll last as long as ballet sneakers are on trend. It may not be a style built for longevity, but JW Pei hits the nail on the head by articulating the most recognizable elements from both ballet slippers and sneakers, and combining them into one accessibly-priced shoe." — Gabrielle Chase, senior associate style editor, Insider Reviews Vivaia Cristina Sneakerina "I wore these while walking around on a particularly sunny day in Brooklyn and received no fewer than three compliments from complete strangers. You can choose from a variety of lace colors and styles, so I paired mine with a pink ribbon. The combo of blush-colored satin and a silky ribbon made these the girliest sneakers I could imagine, which is perfect for me. But typically, trendy footwear is made to be fun and fashionable, not necessarily comfortable. These, however, happen to be both. I made the risky decision of wearing these for the first time without socks, but my feet felt fine even after walking two miles in them. They're pretty flat and are made to have a "barefoot feel," so people who crave lots of arch support might not find these comfortable. But I loved the feeling of walking around in these free-feeling flats. And in case you need some extra convincing that these are really the shoe of the moment, trend-making celebrities like Bella Hadid and Charli XCX have been seen in the Vivaia Sneakerina, along with a number of other big fashion names who have rep'd the comfort-first brand." — Samantha Crozier, style editor, Insider Reviews Puma Speedcat Ballet Puma's Speedcat Ballet follows up on the massively successful Speedcat, a motorist-inspired shoe that debuted in 2024 and quickly took over the sneaker world. In 2025, the Speedcat Ballet was born, marrying the best of the OG style into a new hybrid ballet flat silhouette. This style has been in high demand, but if you're keen on trying Puma's ballet sneakers before the restock, check out the Speedcat Go or Mostro Fey instead. Vagabond Hillary Ballet Flat Steve Madden Scooter Sneaker Steve Madden famously has no qualms about replicating on-trend luxury brand shoes into his own affordable alternatives. These Wales Bonner-inspired Mary Janes have thick elastic velcro straps fastened across the uppers. Available in fashion-forward textures like silver metallic and cowhide, these sneaker flats would work wonders paired with athletic shorts or a denim mini skirt. Salomon RX Marie-Jeanne As if Salomon weren't already cool girl-coded, they went ahead and pioneered the ballet sneaker resurgence. In the past it has teamed up with Sandy Liang and MM6 Maison Margiela to give its more rugged styles a girly twist. While the designer collabs are harder to grab, Salomon still carries ballet sneakers like the RX Marie Jeanne — a gorpcore version of the classic Mary Jane. Adidas Originals Taekwondo Mei Ballet If your Sambas or Spezials have had you in a chokehold and you're ready to try something a little different, consider the Adidas Originals Taekwondo Mei Ballet sneakers. This style was resurrected from a martial arts shoe that first debuted in the early 2000s. Constructed out of super soft leather and a minimalist low profile sole, these ballet flats combine the best aspects from the original design with a modern sneakerina twist.

Business Insider
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Business Insider
15 best high-waisted bikinis for all shapes and sizes
When it comes to finding the best swimsuit, there are a lot of factors to consider. Style, fit, feel, and budget are just a few that come to mind. If you're looking for a bikini that's equal parts comfortable and flattering, high-waisted bikinis should be on your radar. The high-rise fit provides more coverage than your typical string bikini, making it an easy choice for those who want a more modest look. With a silhouette that accentuates your waist and elongates your legs, high-waisted picks certainly don't skimp on sexiness and style. There are so many high-waisted bikinis options out there, you can be sure you'll find one you love. Whether you're shopping for something cheeky or full coverage, high-high rise or barely-there midrise, for a small bust or large, we've got you covered. We handpicked the best high-waisted bikini options for all styles and budgets. To make your life even easier, we found the cutest matching tops too. Keep reading for our roundup of the best high-waisted bikinis you can find online. Plus, check out our coverage on the best one-pieces, the best bikinis, and the best plus-size swimsuits for more curated lists of our favorite pieces this season. Best overall: Left On Friday Hi Tide Bottom + Pool Days Top A great suit should be able to stand up to whatever your summer escapades have in store. That's why Left On Friday makes the top of our list of the best high-waisted bikinis. The suits are the perfect balance of style and comfort, and boast designs that keep you covered up whether you're lounging, swimming, surfing, or cliff-jumping…you get the gist. Made with the brand's proprietary Smoothing Dream Fabric, these bottoms offer smooth, compressive coverage. Plus, they're fade—and snag-resistant and dry quickly. This best-selling bottom boasts a medium-cut leg and medium bum coverage, making it a winner for all body types. With one of the biggest color selections (over 30 colors!) to choose from and a fair price point, this one deserves the top spot. "I got the Hi Tide bottoms in Bronze, a slightly shimmery shade of terra cotta. The fit is compressive, but doesn't cause camel toe the way some fitted high-rise bikini bottoms do. I also love that the brand includes a wet bag with each bikini, so you can pack it away at the end of a beach day," says Gabi Chase, stye editor, Insider Reviews. Best on Amazon: Cupshe High Waisted Bikini Set When you need a great bathing suit in two days or less, Amazon Prime to the rescue. Even if time isn't an issue, the site's trove of swimsuits is worth sorting through. This high-waisted bikini set from Cupshe boasts a midrise bottom– great for those with shorter torsos– and matching top with adjustable straps and removable padding. The set even comes in over 25 color and pattern combinations. The set gets over 2,500 5-star reviews with plenty of shoppers commenting on how the set made them feel comfortable and confident in their skin. Best budget: Quince Italian High-Rise Bikini Bottom + Italian V-Neck Bikini Top Quince When it comes to getting a bang for your buck, Quince is always top of mind. With a business model that bypasses the traditional supply chains overhead costs, Quince is able to sell products at 50-80% less than traditional retail. It's no wonder then that the direct-to-consumer brand has become a go-to for those looking for high-quality, affordably priced basics and bikinis are no exception. These $25 bottoms are highly rated among shoppers for their flattering fit, luxurious feel, and unbeatable price. The bottoms—which are fully lined and made from a compressive fabric— offer moderate bum coverage and a secure fit that can hold up to your favorite high-impact beach activities. They're also resistant to chlorine, sunscreen, and oils, as well as fade, snag, and pilling resistant, so you can be sure these will last for multiple seasons of summer fun. Best plus-size: Nomads Swimwear Current Bottom II + Current Top II Nomads Nomads is a team favorite when it comes to the best plus-size swimsuits. The brand was founded on the belief that everyone, regardless of their size, deserves luxurious, stylish swimwear. Nomads is keeping its promise with its selection of high-quality, size-inclusive, chic swimwear. The Current Bottom II is one of the pricier options on this list, but the specs make it well worth the cost. Every pair is ethically made in the USA, prioritizing sustainable materials, like biodegradable polyamide yarn and recycled nylon. With a high waist and medium bum coverage, these bottoms fit true to size, so you can still get a little cheeky without sacrificing comfort. There are a few colorways to choose from, including some reversible options, and a matching top that's supportive and secure sans padding or cup inserts. All suits on the site come in sizes XS-5X. Best floral: Dippin' Daisys Seashore High Waist Cheeky Bikini Bottom + Zen Knotted Triangle Bikini Top Bright, bold patterns make getting ready for a beach day all the more fun. These days, it feels like so many brands are leaning into minimalism so the wide selection of funky, colorful patterns at Dippin' Daisys is so refreshing. This cheeky bottom alone comes in over 35 solid colors and 28 patterns. Its seamless construction makes for a smoother, more comfortable and flattering fit. In terms of feel, the suit comes in a variety of different fabrics including the soft, recycled micronylon "Luxe" fabric and the thick, textured "Ribbed". Dippin' Daisies has a helpful fabric guide where you can learn more about which fabric option suits you. Whether you're looking for something statement-making like the Tropicana or a more subdued floral like the Sugar Plum, you can't go wrong with any of the brands colors and patterns. And since all of the bikinis are sold as separates, you can mix and match to make your perfect pair. I'm partial to the simplicity of the Zen Bikini Top but the brand recommends the super versatile Amalfi Bikini Top which can be worn three different ways. Best strapless: Hunza G Ruby Bikini With a very high rise and bow-shaped bandeau top, this Hunza G set brings all the '50's, retro beach day vibe. It's made with Hunza G's signature crinkle fabric, which is buttery-soft and oh-so stretchy so it really molds to your shape. The bust support is light, making it a perfect choice for smaller chests. The bandeau design also adds a bit more shape than your classic tube top style. Our only qualm with Hunza G is the sizing is quite limited. It's a one-size-fits-most model, made to fit sizes 2-12. Most supportive: Athleta High Waist Swim Bottom + Square Neck Bra Cup Bikini Top Athleta If you want the best high-waisted bikini for an active beach day, you can't go wrong with Athleta. Since its an activewear brand, all of the bathing suits are designed for water sports. They offer the fit, feel, and fabric to ensure you're comfortable while you move. With a high waist and full coverage, these bottoms keep you covered and supported no matter what activities you find your way into. For more supportive bikini tops, see our article on the best swimsuits for large busts. Best one-shoulder: Left on Friday Hi Hi Bottom + Offshore Top Left On Friday Offshore Top Check price at Left On Friday I love the look of a one-shoulder bikini, but I've always shied away from the style because they tend to be at high risk for a wardrobe malfunction. But Left on Friday, a brand founded by athletes and adventurers, was created to ensure women could find chic suits that looked good, felt good, and stood up to anything that comes their way. So its no wonder the Offshore Top is our pick for the best one-shoulder bikini. Its simple silhouette is stylish and supportive with no fear of a nip slip. It's made to fit A-D cups, but for those with D-G cups, there's the Offshore Top D+, which is made specifically to fit larger chests comfortably. We've already mentioned the brand's Hi Tide Bottom, but this top would also look amazing paired with the Hi Hi Bottom, which boasts a high-cut leg and minimal coverage for a cheeky, leg-lengthening look. Best halter: Helen Jon Shirred Bottom + Shell Halter Helen Jon Best black: Summersalt The Classic High Rise + The Plunge Bikini Top Summersalt With a focus on quality materials and fits that make you feel your best, Summersalt is one of our favorite places to shop for bathing suits. The Classic High Rise is just that: a classic. With the fullest coverage the brand has to offer, a supportive fit, and high rise, this is a timeless option you'll reach for summer after summer. Get it in black for a basic staple you can pair with just about any other bikini top you have. Check out our full review of Summersalt to see more of our favorite picks from the brand Best triangle: Andie High Waisted Bikini + Nora Top Andie If you want a high-waisted bottom with a cheeky fit, this one's the best high-waisted bikini for you. The high leg cut and cheeky bottoms elongate your gams without sacrificing the stomach coverage you want from a high-waisted bikini. Pair with the Nora Top—a classic triangle bikini top with adjustable straps, removable cups, and tortoise ring detailing for some visual interest— and you have set that's as cute as it is comfortable. These bottoms are sized to fit 0-20 and Andie has a helpful fit guide to guide you to your perfect size. If you want to learn more about the brand's other styles, how the suits fit, and how they look on different body types, read our full review of Andie swimwear. Best designer: Norma Kamali Bill Bottom + Bra Norma Kamali

Business Insider
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Bouqs' next-day flower delivery is 20% off for Mother's Day — Score the deal's final hours
Bouqs Mother's Day is right around the corner, but for the procrastinators out there, it's not too late to surprise your mom with a beautiful arrangement. While many flower delivery services are already sold out or charging high last-minute prices, Bouqs is an affordable option that offers quality and convenience — and it's promoting a limited-time discount. Bouqs is still providing flower delivery to select cities. For a limited time, you can get 20% off your order with the code LASTCHANCE. But don't wait — this offer is only available for a few more hours, making now the perfect time to act. After testing dozens of services and flower arrangements, Bouqs stands out as our top pick for flower delivery. The brand partners with eco-friendly farms to offer a wide variety of stunning, responsibly sourced bouquets that are perfect for making your mom feel special this Sunday. Not only do we recommend Bouqs for your last-second Mother's Day gift — we're also trusting the service to treat our moms on the Insider Reviews team, too. Deputy executive editor and coauthor of our flower delivery service guide, Lauren Savoie, already scooped this deal to gift someone special in her life this weekend. Here's what she had to say: "I realized last minute that I hadn't sent one of the moms in my life a gift for Mother's Day, and I was worried I had missed the boat completely (and I had for several flower delivery services). I was super relieved to find a great deal on next-day roses from the Bouqs — I was prepared to pay a premium for last-minute delivery, so the Mother's Day deal really made my day. I'm a bit of a flower snob and I trust The Bouqs; my coworkers and I have tested well over 50 bouquets for our guide to the best flower delivery services and after a new round of testing we actually named The Bouqs the best overall because it's proven reliable and affordable and has a great selection of choices, so it feels like you can find something unique for your recipient." The deal and delivery windows won't last for long, though. If you're hustling to cover all of your gifting bases, don't miss out on your chance to order today.