"Bikinis that can endure a rough day in the ocean, feel like a second skin and look like popsicles–that's Basta Surf! I like to mix and match, twist and reverse my Padang Padang bikini and top the look off with their fully functioning surfboard fin key necklace. Plus, there's a little prize in every suit: The hangtags are made of wildflowers (that you can actually plant!) and a portion of every suit purchase is donated to Global Water! I was lucky to catch kick-ass Basta designer Samantha August in New York City just before she was taking off to her favorite vacation destination.

Bathing News: What inspires you when creating your bikinis?
Both traveling and surfing.

Bathing News: Did you have a favorite bikini before designing your suits?
Before starting Basta, I had a soft white string bikini from Italy that was my favorite as a kid.

Bathing News: What's been your favorite vacation?
Byron Bay, Australia.

Bathing News: Do you have a favorite summer song?
"Dancing in the Moonlight" by Van Morrison.

Bathing News: By the beach or by the pool?
The beach, always.

Bathing News: If you could pick any type of car to drive in your bikini, which would it be?
It's a toss between a vintage convertible Bronco or a classic old-school station wagon.

Bathing News: What's your number one beach essential?
Suncreen (obviously) and in a close second, a simple fin-key necklace."

Win a reversible bikini from Basta Surf HERE!

Check out Tala's blog Bathing News.