GETTING TO KNOW: THE MIKOH GIRLS
It’s official: We’ve fallen head-over-heels in love with Oleema and Kalani Miller of swimwear brand MIKOH. Not only can they make a killer swimsuit, the sisters are a great resource for tips on how to have the best vacation ever (plus, they’re incredibly sweet). Find out their secrets to an eventful summer right here.
Hey , SoCal!
Get to know the MIKOH girls in person at their exclusive trunk show featuring pieces from their Summer 2014 collection:
Thursday, July 31, 2-4 PM
INTERMIX Montecito
1014-D Coast Village Road
Santa Barbara, CA
We’re always seeing you girls in a different tropical paradise every week! Where were your favorite destinations?
Kalani: My favorite getaway is a little heart shaped island in the middle of the ocean in Fiji. It is called Tavarua and it is filled with endless beaches of shells, the most stunning sunsets and water like a bathtub. Oleema and I recently went to Bora Bora to shoot our 2015 Collection and to say it is the most beautiful place on earth is an understatement.
Oleema: I love every beach from the one we grew up on a block away from our parent’s house to the blinding white beaches of Bora Bora. I love the contrast between tropical getaways and also jetsetting to big cities like Paris or LA. There is so much to see in the world and I feel so blessed we get to see and truly experience so many amazing getaways.
What are a few of your must-have beach essentials?
Kalani: My mom has always told us to never leave the house without a hat. I always make sure that I have a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen at all times, especially on those tropical beaches. A good book is essential, too. I travel with my Kindle to make sure that I can always have a good page-turner at my fingertips. It is the perfect way to relax at the end of the day as well.
Oleema: I rarely head to the beach without a big bottle of water, some snacks (grapes, carrots and some sour candy usually do the trick), a huge beach blanket that doubles as a sarong, and a great pair of oversized, polarized sunglasses. I can spend all day at the beach, so having my essentials always makes any beach outing that much better.
What do you each miss most about home when you’re traveling?
Kalani: I feel so blessed that I get to experience all of these amazing places around the world with my sister, who is also my best friend and my business partner. It is like a nice little package all rolled into one. It’s also hard being on the road all year and always trying to keep everything organized and trying to remember where I left something. Organization is number one for easy travel.
Oleema: I really try to live life by the saying “home is where your heart is” so that I can avoid any sort of homesickness when I’m on the road, but nothing will ever make it easy to be away from my Pomeranian pup Panda, my giant white fluffy bed or my parent’s home cooking. Home is that much sweeter when you get to come back to it.
On the off chance that you’re not at the beach, what do you both like to do?
Kalani: I recently got into Pilates. It is a great way to stay bikini ready. I also love to cook and try out new recipes. My boyfriend and I are very conscious about food and health, so we love to try out new recipes. I love spending time with my family and, believe it or not, am a major homebody.
Oleema: I love doing Pilates, redecorating my house way too often and, like most girls, love a good catch up over a glass of rosé with my girlfriends.
As sisters, you probably grew up sharing a wardrobe. How are your styles different now?
Kalani: I would say describe my style as classic and simple. However, I always like to have a little edge or some kind of a statement piece, whether it is a stitched leather skirt, metallic vest, oversized earrings or a bold lip. I think it is fun to mix and match up your style, but always have good basics, especially when traveling.
Oleema: I really lean toward easy, clean pieces mixed with some amazing bold accessories. I’ve been obsessed with all of the whites for summer and the pops of bright colors that are everywhere at the moment. Since I’m constantly traveling, it’s key to have pieces that can easily mix and match within my wardrobe. I will never leave town without my Burberry moto jacket, striped tees, jean cut offs, J Brand leather pants, my Nike’s, and a great pair of heels. And I’ll never forget my MIKOH bikinis that can double as bralettes or sport bras!