Malia Mills- Love Thy Differences!TM

Malia Mills Has A NEW Blog!

2010-01-15T16:18:00.002-05:00

Please check out our new blog House of Malia at http://houseofmalia.tumblr.com/
Or click on the title above!
New styles! Fabulous finds! Straight from Malia herself!

Malia featured on The Bride's Guide by Darcy Miller!

2009-11-30T17:40:00.003-05:00

Borrowed, blue, old or new - we just love Darcy Miller's fabulous suggestions for being a stylish bride! And she's a fan of ours, too! Check out her latest blog interview featuring Malia!

Click here: http://blogs1.marthastewart.com/weddings/2009/11/darcy-miller-editorial-director1-what-are-the-three-hottest-swimwear-trends-right-nowone-pieces----from-scandalous-to-demu.html

Bridal Bikinis on MARTHA!

2009-11-19T17:07:00.005-05:00

A special destination wedding episode of the Martha Show wouldn't be complete without featuring our fabulous, trademark "Just Married" and one-of-a-kind behind bridal bikinis! Available in the style of your choice with beautiful Swarovski crystals, these bottoms make great gifts for friends -- or for yourself! The episode airs tomorrow (Friday 11/20) so check it out! You can see a preview here: http://www.marthastewart.com/show/the-martha-stewart-show/destination-weddings

And if you're looking for the perfect wedding gift, let Malia Mills help!

save the garment district!

2009-11-05T17:59:00.001-05:00

we can do it -- yes we can!
http://sartorialistsdilemma.wordpress.com/2009/10/24/rag-trade-rally-schmatta-and-swimsuits/

What costume 'suits' you this Halloween?

2009-10-27T15:53:00.006-04:00

The pool parties may be over (at least here on the east coast) but if you have a Halloween party coming up this weekend, Malia Mills can still come to the rescue! Check out our fabulous customer, Kate, getting creative with her pucker pin up suit! We really are all about "season-less" dressing!

*If you wear YOUR Malia Mills in creative ways, let us know! We'd love to see how Malia Mills works year-round for you! Email us at maliamillsswimwear@maliamills.com !

we can do it! YES WE CAN!

2009-10-21T18:39:00.003-04:00

it doesn't end today! be sure to let bloomberg know how important the apparel industry is to New York City and the great U.S. of A!

rallye starts today at NOON! 39th and 7th!

2009-10-21T11:14:00.001-04:00

join the movement -- save the garment district! we need you! thanks!

SCHMATTA: RAGS TO RICHES TO RAGS

2009-10-20T11:51:00.002-04:00

http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/schmatta/synopsis.html
A don't miss documentary on HBO about the NYC garment district.
support made in america -- not just words -- words to live by!

join the rallye 10/21!

2009-10-16T17:30:00.002-04:00

join us! save the garment district rallye this wednesday 10/21 at noon. 39th and 7th avenue at the needle. join us in our fight to save the garment district! join us in our fight for made in america!

save the garment district!

2009-10-16T17:29:00.001-04:00

Don’t forget to set your DVR’s to record Schmatta – Rags to Riches to Rags on HBO Monday night at 9pm. It is a documentary film on the history of New York City’s Garment District. Save the garment district!

Love, Loss and What I Wore

2009-10-07T16:48:00.010-04:00

Although our motto at Malia Mills is “Love Thy Differences,” we certainly can’t deny that there’s much to love about the many ways in which women are the same. We ALL understand that the emotions we feel and the clothes we wear are as tightly tied together as the sides of our love knot bikini bottoms! That is to say, they’re knotted together with good reason!

I recently had the great pleasure of indulging in an evening of Love, Loss and What I Wore, the new off-Broadway play that turns the joy, tears, and occasional torture of clothes into nothing less than a celebration. I had such a fantastic time laughing (and tearing up!) about the undeniably universal truths about women and their relationships with clothes...and each other! It really felt like I was a lucky member of a special sisterhood to be sitting in that audience listening to the talented Rosie O’Donnell, Tyne Daly, Natasha Lyonne, Samantha Bee and Katie Finneran. The cast consists of a rotating array of actresses before the show ends its run in December. (See website for details: http://www.lovelossonstage.com/)

Every gal who shops with us at Malia Mills is an instant "Malia Mills Maven" and we love to hear from all of you….which is why it was even more fun to hear echoes of customers' voices in Love, Loss and What I Wore. There’s a montage about dressing rooms that sounded all too familiar and I was cracking up from Rosie's delivery of a piece about a bra-fitting experience! We can all continue to “Love OUR Differences” without forgetting to connect with each other and find laughter when we can.

From one maven to another, if you’re in NYC, go check it out with your loved ones!

Daryl Roth presents
Love, Loss and What I Wore

by Nora Ephron & Delia Ephron - based on the book by Ilene Beckerman
at the Westside Theatre on 43rd St at 9th Ave

*And remember to always feel welcome to share your own love about what you wore from Malia Mills with us at maliamillsswimwear@maliamills.com !

three cheers for petrouman!

2009-09-14T17:08:00.002-04:00

three cheers for petrouman! nicolas and his boys share space in our studio and today was show day here in new york. nicolas loves to emphasize the mix in mix 'n match as much as we do! we'll be selling some of his very cool crochet tanks very soon... check out the groovy sandals made by Laerte -- the same guy who crafts our bags and snap belts. we love our fabulous fashion family!

Malia Mills Nominated...Spread the Word by September 13!

2009-09-12T17:26:00.002-04:00

“Help spread the word- Love thy differences™”

We are honored to be nominated by one of our customers (and thanks to you all) for an amazing opportunity with American Express.

Bottom line is, if we win we get a spectacular opportunity including marketing help from American Express. We also will be able to open another small store to spread our love thy differences™ love to more gals!

The clock is ticking and we have to have all endorsements in by midnight September 13 (tomorrow!). All you have to do is go to the following link (below) and click the "Support This Story Endorse Now" button on the left. You will be asked to fill out some information -- we think it is to be sure the nominees aren't endorsed by employees which is against contest rules though we aren't certain...

http://shinealight.ivillage.com/sbo-profile/?ProfileID=7789

As always we appreciate your loyalty and support and if you have a moment to check out our page, share a story and endorse us we would be very grateful!
Thank you!

Malia and Carol

Malia Mills Joins Vogue's Fashion's Night Out!

2009-08-21T16:19:00.004-04:00

Hey Malia Mills Mavens!

Malia Mills is participating in Vogue Fashion's Night Out this year and we're so psyched!

Here's some information about it and be sure to click on the link at the bottom for even more info!

This year's Fashion's Night Out is a "global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion." Vogue has "invited every fashion retailer across the five boroughs to encourage the fun of fashion again—flagships, tiny boutiques, massive department stores, young designers, mainstream chains, and niche luxury names alike—by keeping its doors open late on the evening of September 10 and to implement creative customer experiences welcoming all. Over 700 retailers and designers across New York City are confirmed participants in Fashion’s Night Out."

On September 10 all three Malia Mills stores in New York City will be open late for Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out! We’ll share the night with groovy friends, good tunes, cold beer! Plus, we’ll celebrate fashion with Malia Mills Give Good Chi Give-Away -- enter to win gift certificates toward some delicious swim separates and season-less sportswear. Fashion rocks! Join the Malia Mills crew for Fashion’s Night Out and let’s give good chi together!

New York stores will also be selling the official Fashion's Night Out Tshirts this weekend.
They retail for $30 and 40% of the proceeds go to the September 11 Memorial and Museum.

Check out more info at http://www.fashionsnightout.com/

Carol's Excellent Summer Adventure- LBI, NJ!

2009-08-19T12:47:00.007-04:00

See my friend Sandy with her daughter Elizabeth, 17, on her last days before she heads off to George Washington in DC for her freshman year of college.
Her 2nd daughter, Alison, 15, is mad for her Malia Mills. I only wish I had a photo of her showing off the Dreamboat.

Sandy, my 51 years young friend, models the Susannah! Fabulous!
And of course, your head chi-leader models a vintage sample of the Lauren in Lizzie Paisley.

Rock on the last days of Summer 2000FINE!!!

Carol

Malia Mills New Siren Maillot!

2009-07-24T16:15:00.003-04:00

Here is Caitlin, our rad Malia Mills Fit Specialist out in the Hamptons, in the smokin' new Siren Maillot.

Open in the back, with long straps to tie this way and that, it's a real stunner for the summer!

Happiness is...

2009-07-08T16:32:00.007-04:00

photo credit:Gaston Olsen/Robert Moses State Park

Check out our fabulous Malia Mills maven and Mulberry store shopper, Lori, showing off her skills and her beautiful bikini! Summer is FINALLY here and all of us at Malia Mills couldn't be happier! Hope all of our fellow swimwear-loving sisters are enjoying handstands on the sand or whatever makes YOU feel happy this summer!

i (heart) pandora

2009-06-25T21:15:00.002-04:00

a fine hot summer night. cool breeze blowing through the windows on the 16th floor. editing film. wait 'til you see zee in our vintage malia mills corset and our vintage malia mills patchwork sassy girl bottom! and erin in our corset and our vintage malia mills girls got hips hipster bikini bottom! pandora is cranked up to 11 on black sabbath radio. so inspiring. next up a photoshoot with the most excellent michelle in our red hot red chloe top and our sweet okole bottom (that's "sweet tush" in hawaiian.) and dina in our red hot red starlet maillot. hot is right! wait 'til you see this color! woo hoo! summer is finally here in new york city!

the Swish dress in stores

2009-06-19T17:09:00.004-04:00

SWiiiSSSSHhh….

an onomatopoeia!

mini in the front, long and loose in the back. flirty gathering, rich 4” hemlines, pockets! long straps to play with.. total adjustability. made right here in new york city.

the black woven version is made of a really special fabric. it’s a stretch woven that wears like a jersey but has a much richer look and drape. we are obsessed with it. you will see three styles in this same fabric this summer and into fall. It’s certainly year-round. washer-dryer friendly. can be dressed up or down. kinda has a vintage hand but a modern matte finish. BLACK. sizes 2-12. $495

the fun florals are a rayon blend. they are from our vintage capsule collection. if you’re veteran enough you may remember the Cecelia bikinis. we’d been dreaming up fun ways to bring this print back to you and when the Swish sample was sewn in it we all swooooned. it makes so much sense in this style! It’s a bit sheer in the sunlight. i wear it over my long Inhabit tank, or the Good Nurse Slip. or wear it over a bikini as a cover-up. or out at night over just a black maillot with some heels (the peach dress would be great with red lipstick as Leila pointed out). BLACK FLORAL, PEACH FLORAL and WHITE FLORAL. sizes 2-16. $265

there are a few ways to wear the straps. we shipped them tied my favorite way – worn like a halter, low in the front and super low in the back. be sure to play with the length by loosening the straps and pulling the fabric around the straps down to the center. drop the back dangerously low, or pull it up for more coverage. it’s works like a drawstring.

layer it! over a bathing suit. over your munich track pants. knee highs and sven buckle boots. try it with sven buckle clogs and nothing else! the tia hat and the buckle clogs with the back super low (kinda eastern 60s mind-blowing). throw a snap belt or two over it, (the new colors are so much fun!) a turtleneck and thigh highs come fall. the floral swish dresses become opaque over an NNS or the Good Nurse slip. the Racy Nurse looks great under the open back on this one.

Malia Mills opens in East Hampton!!!

2009-06-01T15:58:00.002-04:00

That makes TWO Hampton's locations for Malia Mills!

Southampton:

53 Jobs Lane

East Hampton:

55 Main Street

Check out the pics . . . This is the before and after! We lovingly built the East Hampton store in 5 days flat. Lots of good chi in that place!

more MoMA chi

2009-05-31T08:34:00.001-04:00

with thanks to eric cahan for the photos.

http://gallery.me.com/ecahan33/100983

MoMA chi

2009-05-30T15:06:00.003-04:00

At 7:45am this morning I unrolled a yoga mat in the garden of the MoMA. For real! Under the weeping willows, surrounded by some of the world's most exciting art. Two hours and many down dogs later I had a very long and exhilarating moment of chi for all. All of you FABULOUS HARDWORKING MM GALS!

It was a very special New York morning and I was lucky enough to be there thanks to my friend Elena. We went to college together. She is uber passionate about yoga and has cultivated an extremely loyal following in NYC. She practices at Virayoga -- virayoga.com.

I don't know how to yoga -- since I've only done it once, 8 years ago. But it was truly inspiring. Especially when Elena shared her musings:

Everything has a crack -- to let in the light.

To be in service is to be liberated.

Enter as you wish to be received -- open, warm, joyous.

Thoughts to live by indeed.

Big chi saturday gals! We can do it -- YES WE CAN!

B-I-N-G-O!

2009-05-15T18:17:00.003-04:00

The fabulous new Damsel maillot in the great cotton woven print we like to call BEACH BLANKET BINGO is cute enough to make any gal a winner! Check it out! This is not your granny's bingo!

And yet another Malia Mills fan!

2009-05-15T10:45:00.001-04:00

Wow, Carol, that is so wonderful of you. Thank you, both for the gift certificate and for taking the time to email. Jen was so wonderful and patient and informative--even after my first email, in which I sent her technical pictures of me in my underwear so that she could judge my initial style choices. I can easily imagine that someone would wonder "who IS this customer???" but instead she was incredibly helpful and clear in her responses, which helped me make good choices. I read the Malia Mills statement of intent at the bottom of one of her emails, and I would say that my whole experience, including the final result of the way the suits fit and make me feel, and your kind response to my delight, exemplifies what you are trying to achieve: a respectful, inclusive, fun, interesting bathing-suit-buying experience. My gosh, how rare is that???

I would think that San Francisco would be great for a location....Oakland is getting very fun, too, near downtown. I found out about you in a piece on swimsuits in Real Simple, and immediately came home and looked up the website. I told Jen that I immediately got short of breath--I could tell that your designs were just what I was looking for. I'm interested in vintage clothing, and sew a lot of my own clothes, and so I've been dreaming of a bathing suit that still made me feel like me, and not like I was taking a painfully self-conscious hiatus from my personal style every time I needed to wear it. And I've had two kids, so I wanted to feel cute, and not too conservative, while dealing with the realities of a middle-age body!

I wish you all the best, and I'll do everything I can to spread the word. Thank you so much again, for your vision and your execution of it!

LM

We love our Malia Mills fans!

2009-05-15T10:40:00.001-04:00

Dear Malia,
Thank you. Thank you for creating swim wear that makes a woman feel good about her body again. Thank you for creating swim wear that fits AND looks up to date and fun and even a little edgy. Thank you for opening a store near me! Thank you for your vision which has become my reality!
I had the best Mother's Day shopping at your Brentwood/Santa Monica store and was in awe that I found several suits to choose from- several suits I fell in love with- several suits that helped me appreciate my body again. I was eyeing your upper Manhattan store last year and said to myself- "next year, I'm getting one of those suits". I was tentative about going to the store- fitting bathing suits is usually a disappointing, frustrating experience for most of
us- but I pushed myself and found that I can be happy with my body in a bathing suit today- not when I lose 10 pounds or 30 pounds but today. Thank you for that. Keep up the amazing work- you rock!
A very happy customer and true believer, CJ

New Sven Sandals En Rout to Malia Mills Boutiques!

2009-05-01T17:43:00.005-04:00

woohoo! two new styles from our favorite gals at SVEN.

GuNMeTaL Huarache Clogs -- a super rad spin on the huaraches you wore as a kid to the backyard BBQs. badass metallic leather upper. 2 1/2" wooden heels; 1" platform front. The sole is lined with rubber for comfort and traction. these look AWESOME with the track pants; and with any of the mm dresses. Be sure and try them on with black knee socks. they'll be prefect our new silhouettes coming in next month. wear em with a sage dream boat and harness me belt! or pair them with a goth calendar girl and danceteria. the jewel tones and metallics together.. $130; sizes 37-41 in stock.

BlAcK Buckle Clogs -- an homage to your mom's Birks, but way modern. again, the platform clog heel -- can't get enough. black leather upper. antique brass buckle for adjustability. same great wooden sole with heel and platform and rubber grip. you'll live in these. they are the black sandals that look good with everything. Especially the Joni saloon stripe with a snap belt; or the Marais in black or navy.. These are exclusive to Malia Mills. $130; sizes 37-41 in stock.

A couple reminders about our gals at Sven -- They are located in Chicago City, Minnesota. We have a great working relationship with Marie Rivers, the owner and President. She and her team hand-make each and every pair of these beautiful clogs.

Hot off the Sewing Machine . . . The Shimmy Shake Swim Dress

2009-04-30T13:28:00.005-04:00

Who wouldn't want to slip into this little number and stride on down a hot stretch of sand...

Can be worn with bottoms for swimming or a seaside stroll. Super cute in the city with our wrapture sandals and an inhabit cardigan. Look how fabulous Merica looks wearing the shimmy shake with her boots and one of barbara campbell's beauties! This sample is in bittersweet but we cut them in cool cadet and badass black. So new it isn't even on the web -- call Jen at 1.800.685.3479 to be the first to order. Fits A through C cups!

Sage Dreamboat En Route to a Malia Mills Store Near You!

2009-04-29T10:50:00.004-04:00

Ahoy, Maties!

The maillot we can't get enough of is now in our FAVE color of the summer! We started dancing around the studio when these beauts sailed in!!

Ladies and Malia Mills Mavens, the Dreamboat Maillot in Sage . . .

3 Cheers!

2009-04-24T11:43:00.002-04:00

Spring has finally sprung in New York City, and not a moment too soon. We're definitely popping a bottle of champagne at the Malia Mills studio to celebrate this extraordinary day!

Malia Mills Goes on Tour!

2009-04-23T14:00:00.006-04:00

Our very favorite singer/ songwriter, Brianna Sage hit the road on a two week tour of the south singing with Josh Charles for the 'Rebuild Tour'! Sponsored by Malia Mills, long time MM maven Brianna was seen sporting tons of fun styles from Dallas to New Orleans. Check her out at the Louisiana Music Factory in New Orleans rocking a sexy sailor tunic / snapbelt combo, and in Austin recording a music video in her oh-so-hot coffee, tea, or me dress!

If you are in the NYC area, you can see Brianna perform at The Canal Room on May 1st at 8pm.

Malia Mills in the New York Times -- Save Fashion!

2009-04-23T11:31:00.003-04:00

On Tuesday morning, Malia and I sat in fantastic company at a round table of concerned CFDA designers discussing the state of the wholesale industry . It is truly remarkable to hear the 'coming-up' stories of these folks -- from Philip Crangi, to Justin Giunta to our very own Malia Mills. Each of these designers spoke so passionately about the trials and tribulations they each faced as they embarked on their unique journeys to starting their labels. The heart of fashion is beating stronger than ever in New York City -- read this article in the New York Times highlighting the push for designers to have a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/23/fashion/23ROW.html?_r=1

O Romeo!

2009-04-23T10:57:00.006-04:00

It's Shakespeare's birthday! So come celebrate the Bard with a bikini!

Try one in our romantic Romeo fabric (check out our fab fabrics here: http://maliamills.com/Pages/shoponline/stylesbyfabric.html) or swoon over our new Juliette top! We bet you ladies won't protest too much!

Malia Mills is a Bag Lady!

2009-04-21T16:21:00.004-04:00

Here is a sneak peek at our bags for summer! This is a true sneak peek -- I snapped this pic of Malia showing the samples (all of them) to Sister / Business Partner Carol in the studio today!

Stay tuned for more sneaky action pics from our studio . . .

Malia Mills Loves Casa Verde! "Shop for a Cause" in Greenwich

2009-04-20T15:31:00.002-04:00

Please Come out and "Shop for a Cause"

April 19th-25th, 2009

Malia Mills Greenwich store is proud to be participating in Greenwich CT's "Shop for a Cause" fundraiser to benefit the children of Colombia.

During the week of April 19th Select Greenwich businesses will generously donate 10% of your purchases to Casa Verde when you mention the fundraiser!

Casa Verde was founded in 2002 by Jose Arias. Mr. Arias started Casa Verde for children in Colombia who were formerly living alone on the streets. The children are provided with a home, family and education so they can grow up to be productive members of Colombian society. Mr Arias uses the profits from his Stamford business Greenhouse Limousine to fund Casa Verde.

Here at Malia Mills, we are also offering an additional 10% off your purchases with mention of the fundraiser! So come by and "Shop for a Cause," your shopping will help the Casa Verde children as well as help support all the generous Greenwich businesses!

Other participants include Theory, Tory Burch, The Drawing Room Boutique, Splurge, and more!

Check out casaverdehomeofhope.org for more information.

Thanks TONY!

2009-04-17T16:32:00.001-04:00

3 Cheers!

Time Out New York Names Malia Mills one of the best swimwear boutiques in NYC!!

Read all about it:

http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/shopping/73608/the-best-independent-shops-for-bathing-suits-in-nyc

Vogue.com Agrees . . .

2009-04-17T10:55:00.004-04:00

Vogue.com has named the Dionne Maillot in Movie Star one of their most wanted suits this summer!

It's Movie Star Mania -- we just can't get enough!

http://www.style.com/vogue/mostwanted/

It's Delovely . . . It's Delilah!

2009-04-16T17:36:00.003-04:00

DELILAH!

The famous female half of a grand opera, the new Delilah top will be a new fabulously fun half to any D/DD cup gal's new bikini!

Available in Romeo and Goth, it's got the halter style of the Raquel combined with the new ruched tie of the Meredith! (The tie can be removed for gals who want it without the detail.) Side boning, power netting...

Lots of support to make the girls sing!

Here's lookin' at you, kid!

2009-04-16T11:19:00.003-04:00

Malia's god daughter, Philomene is a Malia Mills Mini-Maven in her MM suit! Mix n' match is more fun with Liberty prints!

Available NOW!

Stop by your local Malia Mills or Call 800.685.3479 for more deets!

Malia Mills in South Beach!

2009-04-11T05:32:00.001-04:00

Photos of my friends, Sandy and Alex's daughters, proudly sportin' their Malia Mills suits and Love thy differenceTM attitudes in beautiful South Beach.

These gals (now 15 and 17) were part of the Malia Mills family from a very young age. They are poster girls for Malia Mills.

Love the Rachel Romper and Roman Holiday Romper! Proof that wool really is seasonless.

Rock it, ladies! Malia Mills swimwear never looked so good!

Parting is Such Bittersweet Sorrow...

2009-04-02T11:10:00.003-04:00

that we can't say goodbye just yet!

We say 'thanks!' to all of our fabulous Malia Mills mavens who let us know that they are not ready to see Bittersweet Brown leave our line! Back by popular demand, Bittersweet will continue to be a part of our fab family of colors - and while that does mean that our Bittersweet promotion has ended, the good news is that you can continue to mix and match your swimwear pieces with this beautiful brown for many more swim seasons to come!

Thanks for your fantastic feedback! You speak and we listen! Keep the comments coming!

Malia Mills Opens in Los Angeles!

2009-01-29T15:44:00.000-05:00

MALIA MILLS SWIMWEAR SADDLES UP AND HEADS OUT WEST!

New York, NY, January 2009 – Malia Mills, known for her signature swimwear separates designed to fit and flatter women’s unique shapes and sizes, is opening shop in the Brentwood Country Mart. To open in mid February, 2009, the new location at 225 26th Street is situated on a bustling shopping corner, steps away from Turpan, Calypso, and James Perse.

Carol Mills, partner, expressed her excitement about the new store: “We are thrilled to bring Malia Mills to Los Angeles. Our store will be stocked with the perfect pieces for holidays home and away – swimwear, sandals, sportswear, cashmere and more! We can’t wait to see the gals in LA layering-it-up in Malia Mills!”

Designer Malia Mills jumped in: “We are really excited to open in the city of angels! We’re psyched to spread our ‘love thy differences™’ love out west.”

Malia Mills opened its first store in downtown Manhattan on Mulberry Street in 1998. The company also has stores on Lexington and Columbus Avenues in Manhattan, Southampton, New York, Greenwich, Connecticut, Chicago, Illinois, and now Los Angeles. Yahoo!

For more information, please contact Nicole Miller at nicole@maliamills.com or visit the Malia Mills web site at www.maliamills.com

Malia Mills Made In The USA!

2009-01-28T14:55:00.002-05:00

A special shout out to our industrious and passionate patternmakers, cutters, sewers
(see Annie, Clara and Elaine at right), and shippers east and west of the mighty Mississippi!

From our summer of love bottom to our newest racy nurse slip to our striped joni dress each Malia Mills layering piece is lovingly
Made in the USA.

It’s America’s moment and we thank you for supporting the hardworking families who craft our beautiful collection.

Hip, hip, hooray!

greetings from malia's great adventure in magical chicago!

2008-12-17T15:57:00.003-05:00

chicago is an absolutely gorgeous city. and we luv our Lincoln Park neighborhood! lots of fab gals popping into our malia mills chicago store on lovely north halsted! leslie is on her way to mexico for 4 months. love that. nancy is headed to her island retreat -- she's been going there with her family for 20 years. yahoo!

look closely and you will see a gaggle of santas. must've been at least 8 of 'em. one of them was dribbling a basketball. they walked right in front of us while we waited for the light to change. As you can see it took me a while before i fished my phone out of my most excellent malia mills canvas safari bag but you get the idea. this was not the last group of santas. we saw another santa in a brightly lit diner putting on his parka -- he had taken off his red coat and wore only a thermal shirt and a fat belly tied around his neck and waist. I wasn't quick enough to capture that guy. we decided it must have been a santa convention since brooke (she bought her first malia mills swimsuit ten years ago and she still wears it!) had told us at the store that day that chicago is the city of conventions.

lissie, our fab malia mills chicago store manager, and i had our very own little holiday party before she jetted off to vegas. After we closed up Lissie drove me all over town to check out the scene in each neighborhood. Finally, I said, let's find a cozy french bistro. And two blocks later there it was, as if we had willed it to be! the bartender joey made these funky fresh french cafe chairs for us from the fixins' of champagne corks. no, we did not polish off two bottles! a special shout out to joey who is a rockstar bartender at bistro zinc -- an old school bistro serving up great food and great conversation for 11 years!

i'm not sure there is anything more inspiring to me than a strong city skyline seen from the street. especially in the snow. during the holidays. while dodging oncoming traffic.

the first steps in the freshly fallen snow. i backed up to take a photo of the waterworks building and fell right on my rear. it's de rigeur to take a bit of a digger during the first snowfall!

this is one of the many trees standing proudly and showing off its new set of lights on michigan avenue. michigan avenue is especially brilliant and beautiful this time of year.

on monday I went to the very cool Bucktown neighborhood where i had a fresh caprese sandwich with Tricia who owns a super chic clothing store in Bucktown called p.45. shop there for delicious creations from emerging designers both from chicago and other cities near and far. it's a must do during a visit to the windy city.

another must do is the signature room. it's on the 96th floor of the Hancock building. It has a panoramic view of the city and it is by far one of the most breathtaking views i've ever seen. for real. in my whole life.

cheers to chicago! what a fab city!

Good Chi To All from Malia Mills!

2008-12-16T15:29:00.009-05:00

Please click the above title or go to the url listed below
http://maliamills.com/Pages/shoponline/Dresses/maliachimail.html
for our Malia Mills CHI-mail message!
Happy Holidays! And Thanks!

Malia Mills and partner/sister Carol Mills.

mmmwahhh, munich!

2008-12-08T14:01:00.004-05:00

i LOVE my munich track pants so much. i lived in them on my vacation last week. i cruised around the mission in san fran wearing them, i climbed the ecological staircase in them, slept under the redwoods in them, pulled them off just before gettin in a volcanic hot spring in umpqua (then i slipped on my calendar girl. HOT!!!) oh, and i thrifted in my track pants. and partied in portland in them. i wore these beauties all over california and oregon. with old hiking boots, with black converse, with platorms. under dresses, little school boy blazers and layers and layers of wool scarves and grandma sweaters. I even stopped to wash them in the sink at a rest stop -- yep it had been days since a shower and there were campfires and poison oak.. but i had to keep on in them. an absolute favorite. so yeah, they're super comfy performance pants or whatever but the real point is, i looked like a badass the entire trip.

Malia Mills Cut and Sew Custom Swimsuits

2008-11-21T14:52:00.008-05:00

Malia Mills Cut and Sew Swimsuit Program-
Pick your fabric and choose your favorite Malia Mills style and we will create a suit just for you. The perfect opportunity to get the designer swimsuit (bikini, tankini and one-pieces too!) you always wanted in your choice of fabric.
Now through December 31st at no extra charge!

To Order
Please visit any of our Malia Mills stores or contact our Fit Specialist, Jen. We want to help you get just the right fit and Jen can tell you more about our selection, fit and fabrics.
Give her a call at 800.685.3479 ext 203 or email her, maliamillsswimwear@maliamills.com
Mon-Fri 10 am - 6

Chloe Sevigny - OMG! So cute in her Malia Mills Bikini

2008-11-17T14:03:00.004-05:00

We are so honored! Chloe Sevigny couldn't look more fab in her Malia Mills Strawberry Fields top and Summer of Love bottoms! Hooray!

2008-10-28T18:12:00.000-04:00

We finally got our vote t's! Here is what we have created.

Arta Wedding Dress by Malia Mills

2008-10-24T11:48:00.006-04:00

Arta (our fabulous Columbus Store manager) gets married in her namesake Malia Mills wedding dress. Cream tulle cascades from a beautiful empire waist. Layered over our Naughty Nurse slip in Cream, cut especially long for the occasion.

Simply beautiful.

One-of-a-kind neck piece made by Malia from vintage collar and jewels found in Hawley, PA. Price upon request.

Malia Mills Sample Sale!

2008-08-12T10:10:00.002-04:00

Splish Splash!
It's sample sale time at Malia Mills!
Fit and flattery at up to 75% off retail prices! Fabulous solids and gorgeous print separates. Top sizes 30AA to 40DD. Bottoms sizes 2 to 16. One-pieces, tankinis, and travel-wear too!
DATES: August 13th, 14th, 15th
HOURS:10-6.
263 W. 38th Street, 16th floor.
Credit Cards and Cash accepted!
* We Salute College Gals! All pieces are 50% off for gals with a valid student ID!!!

Malia Mills Inducted into the CFDA!

2008-07-31T12:42:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Malia on her induction into the CFDA!!!

New York Magazine
Run Through
7/30/08
6:30 PM

The CFDA Adds 28 New Designers, Reelects DVF

Today was a busy and important one for the Council of Fashion Designers of America. It met this afternoon to decide which new designers to add to their elite and fabulous circle and wound up welcoming 28 to their ranks. They include, naturally, a few designers who were nominated for or won CFDA awards this year, like Thakoon Panichgul (nominated for the Swarovski Womenswear Award), Michael Bastian (nominated for Emerging Menswear Designer), and Band of Outsiders designer Scott Sternberg (won the Emerging Menswear Category). The council will celebrate the new 28 with CFDA-style hazing (read: a party with expensive Champagne, fine hors d'oeuvre, and mingling at Elie Tahari's house).
The council also unanimously reelected Diane Von Furstenberg to serve as its president for the coming year, which is a testament to the great job she's doing. We need someone to push for healthy models and on-time runway shows, after all.
For a full list of the new designers, click through.
• Sophie Buhai and Lisa Mayock of Vena Cava • Thakoon Panichgul of Thakoon • Holly Dunlap of Hollywould• Jenni Kayne• Naeem Khan• Sue Stemp• Dana Foley and Anna Corinna Sellinger of Foley + Corinna• Scott Sternberg of Band of Outsiders• Amy Smilovic of Tibi• Michael Bastian• Philip Crangi• Ron Anderson and David Rees of Tenthousandthings• Andrew Buckler of Buckler• Rachel Comey• Erica Davis of Development• Cheryl Finegan of Virgin, Saints & Angels• Eunice Lee of Unis• Fiona Kotur Marin of Kotur• Malia Mills of Malia Mills Swimwear• Sandra Muller of Lila Gems• Robin Renzi of Me & Ro• Brian Reyes• Loree Rodkin• Kara Ross• Araks Yeramyan of Araks

a charming email from a Malia Mills fan (we are flattered!)

2008-07-01T10:01:00.002-04:00

Carol and Malia,

I came across your website in my bookmarks today. Have it saved under "The Uses of Enchantment". At once I can think of many and no reason I would have your shop filed this way. B. Bettelheim has a book by this name but I do not see where your fashion has an automatic connection to this piece of literature. I just perused your blog and website- Indeed you are an inspiring pair at a time when I need some. Your work is relevant and real and will stand the test of time. To my knowledge you have not entered the olfactory market. I imagine capturing the fragrance of laughing with good friends and cousins when just a bit tipsy from champagne bubbles and memories, fire crackles from a solstice party, vanilla pods I experienced only one time in Cuba, my dad's leather jacket, fresh fig's (or the freshest you can get in the Midwest), Coppertone mixed with sand, my daughter's cupcake breath, the wood of a particular dock, books from the Strand, untamed lilac trees. The scent of bittersweet memories and decadent wishes.

Should you capture a fragrance, I'm certain it will not be experienced as contrived. Look forward to visiting your Chicago store sometime.

Continued success!

Amelia

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

Coco Chanel

Malia Mills "Pops-up" in Southampton

2008-06-16T18:10:00.003-04:00

Malia Mills is thrilled to announce the opening of our Pop-up Shop in Southampton, NY for Summer 2000GREAT!
A beautiful store at 53 Jobs Lane loaded with all our Malia Mills Goodies. Swimwear separates, one-pieces and tankinis. Tops to 40DD. Bottoms to size 16. And loads of our new sportswear to take you to the beach, to the bar, to the picnic and beyond. Great cotton cover-ups and dresses. You'll be able to layer them into the fall! So stop by Monday to Saturday 11 to 7 or Sunday 11 to 6. We'd love to see you out in fabulous Southampton.
Carol Mills, Partner/Sister of Malia

welcome to the official start of the summer of 2000GREAT

2008-05-23T10:34:00.003-04:00

Carol Mills, sister of Malia Mills, wishing you all a long hot summer!
Here are a few photos of what we have in store (and in the stores) for you. Don't forget to check out our fabulous Summer Dresses aka cover-ups! Remember they will help you sail through summer and then come fall (and I can barely think of it) you just keep on wearing these cuties. Add some leggings and a cardigan and you can keep that summer feeling going all through fall. Hip Hip Hooray!

New! Malia Mills "Charlotte" Dress

2008-05-12T13:47:00.009-04:00

Our new Charlotte dress in Summer Fling Orange made of 100% cotton voile. Tie it front, back or any way you can think of. See it at http://www.maliamills.com/Pages/shoponline/Dresses/charlotte.html or click on the title above the photo!

A great way to start summer!

Lissie and her Mom sportin' Malia Mills Swimwear

2008-03-14T10:44:00.003-04:00

Lissie is our cracker jack sales gal from our new Malia Mills Chicago store at 2050 N. Halsted in Lincoln Park, Chicago.

She and her mother are looking mighty fine in Florida! Lissie is wearing the Malia Mills Vixen in Black. Her Mom is wearing the Kate A/B Tankini and It's A Cinch bottom in Lavender.

Now that is two gals who are clearly embracing the Malia Mills mission "Love thy differences™"

Hello from Connecticut!

2008-03-03T11:07:00.005-05:00

Meredith here, manager of Malia Mills in beautiful Greenwich, CT!

I've had the pleasure of befriending some really wonderful gals since our shop opened here over a year ago. A big hug to all our Fairfield and Westchester county customers!

Check out the below address for our pal Doryn's website:

http://www.dorynsdish.com/

Doryn's website is a fabulous resource for product reviews on everything from household items to apparel and accessories. It's clever, honest, and a great way to get the scoop what's new and exciting out there!

Brittany

2008-02-11T15:51:00.000-05:00

We love your post.
Email me at carol@maliamills.com for a special treat!

2008-02-08T14:28:00.001-05:00

Kristle O'Brien writes: I'm not exactly Trista Sutter, but...

2008-02-08T14:18:00.000-05:00

From Malia Mills customer Kristle O'Brien
Thanks to Meredith and Katie for helping me with the perfect suits for my trip to Nevis and the summer. I brought in the picture of the yellow suit on the cover of US, Meredith called Katie and they found a perfect choice that fit me. I also ordered a pink custom suit that I can't wait to wear this summer. Here is a picture of me with my 5 month old daughter in my favorite Malia Mills suit.

Love Your Body NOW.

2008-01-18T12:26:00.000-05:00

Hello to all of you Malia Mills Mavens!
I have just learned that there is a LOVE YOUR BODY DAY!
There is an actual celebratory day devoted to women loving their bodies -- October 15th, 2008!
I found this out at the NOW Foundation website
http://loveyourbody.nowfoundation.org/

You can even send an e-card to a pal to remind her how beautiful she is at this very moment. Today. Just as she is.
http://loveyourbody.nowfoundation.org/ecards.html

Spread the word Gals!
ROCK ON!
Nicole
Brand Ambassador and Life Long Malia Mills Maven

vote! vote! vote!

2008-01-10T14:11:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Malia Mills, partner/sister of Carol Mills, owners of Malia Mills Swimwear!

2008 is going to be an incredible year for women! Don't forget to exercise your hard earned right to vote!

In 1848 the first women's rights convention called for the equal treatment of men and women under the law, as well as voting rights for women. It took the suffragettes 45 years of hard work, determination, passion and sheer will until finally, Colorado became the first state to adopt an amendment granting women the right to vote! It wasn't until 1920, an additional 27 years! until the 19th amendment was made to the constitution granting women the right to vote.

So be sure to vote! It is a celebration of the women who spent their lives -- 72 years! working to give all of us an invaluable opportunity. Do it for you, for your daughters, for your sisters, nieces, cousins and aunts, for your mother, for your friends, for your mentors, for all of the women in your life. Do it for your grandmother or great grandmother who may not have had the privilege! Vote! Vote! Vote!

malia mills maven of the month

2008-01-03T17:58:00.001-05:00

To celebrate what is sure to be an outstanding year we are opening up our maven of the month awards! we didn't quite get it together to give out the award every month in 2007 but we're going to give it our best shot this year. 2007 winners included hannah levinson, megan reback and elan stahl, the gals who dared to say the word vagina at their LI highschool. Nicole (one of our fearless leaders) nominated her mentor, Tracyann Williams,"the gal who dared to teach me all about feminism", another winner. So if you know a gal or you read about a gal or you learn about a gal who you'd like to celebrate just blog about her. Tell us a bit about her and why she inspires you. Every month we'll take the nominees from our blog and the nominees from everyone at malia mills and we'll shake them up and pull out a winner! Every Malia Mills Maven of the Month will receive a gift certificate for a celebratory swimsuit of her choice. A freebie for a fabulous gal! Right on.

happy new year!

2007-12-29T10:27:00.000-05:00

a 2007 shout out! thanks for a FAB YEAR. i've been in the stores a lot recently and it's been a blast meeting some of you and getting feedback on your favorite (and even your not so favorite) things about mm. some of you gals even came to the studio this year which is always good fun for us since we studio gals can't get to the stores all the time. Maria I hope you have an excellent adventure in the caribbean, your new home. it was fun to meet your friend Liz too -- tell me how your new bags work out! Fatemeh I hope you have a rockin' good time with your boyfriend's family. Alana wins the mix and match award of the week -- send us photos from Florida!

Hello Chicago!

2007-12-29T08:17:00.000-05:00

Chicago now has its very own Malia Mills store! Visit us at 2050 N. Halsted in Lincoln Park. Conveniently located between Armitage Street and Barneys! we are open 7 days a week from 11 to 6. All the swimsuits you know and love and our new line of sportswear. Hope to see you soon!

Welcome to the new Malia Mills- Love Thy Differences!TM Blog

2007-12-27T12:03:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Carol Mills, Partner/Sister of Malia!

I am starting this blog with a great email we got in the office this morning. We work so hard that when we get these emails we shout them out in the studio! So Thanks Michele H.!

Malia-
I just wanted to email you from Thailand to thank you so much for the most perfect bikini! I love it and so does everyone else. I am doing some major PR for you here ;)
I can't wait to order more in the new year from you. I hope you had a fantastic holiday!
Best,
Michelle