Fashion & Style: Brazil is known for many things, but it is often the image of sundrenched beaches and bikini-clad beauties that first comes to mind. And when it comes to sexy swimwear, the Brazilian bikini is undeniably a crowd pleaser. However, strutting your stuff like a proud carioca doesn't necessarily mean you need to hit the shores of Rio, as more and more Brazilian bikinis are making their way to the United States.

American women can now achieve the classic Brazilian look thanks to Rio Appeal, a luxury brand founded by Priscilla Pacheco. As a native Brazilian who made her way to the states, Pricilla was constantly being asked by her American friends to "bring them back some hot Brazilian cut swimwear" each time she returned to her homeland.

Rio Appeal offers mix and match Brazilian cut bikinis and unique bandeau swimsuit tops, each specially selected by Priscilla herself. Made in Brazil from high quality lycra, the collection consists of striking prints, as well as vibrantly hued solids. With a varied selection of tops and bottoms, women are free to create and customize their very own one-of-a-kind beach ensemble, ensuring the perfect fit for any body type.

Enlisting the help of her fellow Brazilians, Pricilla brought Marina Castro onboard two years ago to take on the task of marketing and promotions.

"We provide the hot Brazilian swimsuit with a more flattering cut," says Marina. "We want to share our body confidence with American women. Brazilian women are not skinny. We are curvy and come in all shapes and sizes - yet even our most curvaceous women project confidence on the beach in the tiniest bikinis and Brazilian beachwear."

Both Marina and Pricilla believe that women of all shapes and sizes deserve to feel comfortable, while projecting the same sense of confidence found in any true carioca.

"So as we grow we will link the brand with healthy body confidence values that honor womanly shapes and taking pride in looking after the body you have with good food choices and regular exercise and sport," says Marina.

If summer has officially ended in your neck of the woods, just remember, it's never a bad idea to head south of the equator, grab a Caipirinha, crank up the samba, and spice things up in your sexy new two-piece. What's more, if you find Rio Appeal on Facebook, you can save an additional 10 percent off the already reasonable prices...now how's that for a sweet (or should we say spicy) deal?

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Christina Stewart

In her role as managing editor, Christina has developed a keen eye for all things luxury and is considered by many to be an expert within her field. Christina has covered a wide range of luxury lifestyle topics and finds passion in international travel, fast cars, and fabulous handbags. She graduated from San Diego State University in 2005 with a degree in both journalism and English. While attend...(Read More)