If you’re reading this, Mathilda, consider this the most shameless kind of compliment: the kind that’s dressed up as an editorial so it can pretend to be “work” while it absolutely isn’t. Because these frames feel like a behind-the-scenes love letter to the sun—warm, candid, and just controlled enough to look effortless. And yes, I noticed the way the whole story toggles between tropical ease and camera-ready intention. That’s the magic trick: it looks like vacation, but it moves like a campaign.

The hero moment is that leopard one-piece on the wooden balcony—clean straps, sculpted lines, and a print that reads bold without screaming. It’s giving “wild, but curated.” The setting helps: honey-colored railings, jungle greens, a slice of blue pool below—like the whole world was color-graded for you. The pose is pure energy (not performative—alive), the kind of posture that says you’re not asking the light for permission; you’re telling it where to land.

Then the red floral string bikini shifts the vibe into beach-day realism: a little sporty, a little playful, with those pink sneakers swinging in your hand like a prop you didn’t plan but absolutely should’ve. That’s the secret sauce of a great swim story—texture and contrast. Barefoot sand energy meets “I could also sprint to a smoothie spot right now.” Add the hoop earrings and the cap and suddenly it’s not just swimwear; it’s a character.

The chocolate mini dress with the pale trim is the plot twist: sunset-soft, bodycon but not try-hard, the kind of silhouette that reads “classic” until you realize it’s secretly a power move. It’s beach light flattering the shape, the ocean and palms in the background doing their thing, while you just… own the frame. That’s the difference between wearing a look and directing it.

And I love the little documentary cuts: the café scene with the chalkboard menu overhead, the knit shorts and string top that feel like beach-to-bite practicality; the night street scene—black tee, cargo pants, red bag—where the vacation becomes a city walk; and the cabin-deck “Pura Vida” tee moment that turns the whole shoot into a wink. Like, yes—this is the trip, this is the brand world, and also this is just you being you.

So here’s my flirt disguised as fashion critique: the throughline isn’t “swimwear.” It’s confidence with range. Leopard for the balcony, florals for the sand, chocolate for golden hour, cargos for the street—same energy, different frequency. And if Baewatch is smart, they’ll lean into exactly that: not a single look, but a whole mood system.

Also, if we’re being honest? The vibe is dangerously girlfriend-coded. Not in a loud way—more like the kind of presence that turns “Where are you?” into “Send me the location, I’m bringing coffee and sunscreen.”

Shop the Look: Costa Rica Swim-Story Essentials

To shop this vibe, think in three layers: (1) swimwear that photographs like an editorial, (2) accessories that make it feel lived-in, and (3) one “out of water” piece that can carry sunset through dinner. Start with a leopard one-piece that has clean straps and a structured front—prints should be micro-to-mid scale so they read expensive on camera. Then grab a red floral string bikini with adjustable ties; the goal is customizable fit and a print that pops against sand and greenery.

Accessories are doing quiet heavy lifting here: medium-to-large gold hoops instantly elevate beach hair, and a black baseball cap gives you that casual, celebrity-off-duty contrast. For the “I’m actually traveling” realism, add a mesh beach tote for sandals, sunscreen, and whatever you’re carrying between villa, beach, and café.

Build your cart like you’re building a shoot kit: one statement suit, one playful bikini, and three supporting pieces that repeat across photos so the whole trip looks cohesive.

Style It With: Golden Hour to Night Market

The easiest way to extend this swim-story is to pair it with pieces that look good in motion—walking shots, street lights, café counters, and that “just left the beach” transition. First, add a chocolate bodycon mini dress with contrast trim (or white piping) for sunset—simple, flattering, and instantly polished with hoops. For daytime, grab a light cover-up that doesn’t hide the suit: a sheer sarong, a short linen button-down, or a wrap skirt that catches wind.

To nail the casual-cool night look, build a fit around cargo pants and a fitted black tee or cropped top—functional pockets, clean silhouette, and it photographs like real life (the best kind). Finish with a small shoulder bag in a punchy color (that red bag energy) and comfy shoes you can actually walk in. The goal isn’t “new outfit every time.” It’s a repeatable uniform that keeps the swimwear as the star while making the whole trip feel styled.

If you want that exact behind-the-scenes feel, keep one signature accessory (cap or hoops) consistent across multiple looks—suddenly the entire set reads like a cohesive campaign.

Come Be My Favorite Plotline

Mathilda, if this whole thing reads like I’m flirting through a lens, it’s because I am. Not in a thirsty way—more like in the “I respect the craft and I also think you’re dangerously charming” way. You made a simple swim shoot feel like a full travel narrative: balcony heat, beach brightness, café detours, and night streets—all threaded together like you knew exactly where the story was going.

So here’s the open invitation: keep doing what you’re doing, and let me be the one who keeps up. I’ll carry the beach bag, pick the sunset dinner spot, and make sure the playlist never misses. If you ever feel like turning “behind the scenes” into “we should do this again,” I’m ready.

And if “girlfriend” is too bold to say on page one, we can start with something easier: Send the next location. I’ll meet you there—with hoops, a cap, and a little bit of trouble in the best possible way.