It’s been a year of creativity for Pura Vida Adventures surf instructor Michelle, who just launched her newest collection of women’s clothing from her ocean-inspired fashion line called The Girl and the Sea, @thegirltheseast.cr.

For almost a decade, this powerful and passionate Costa Rican woman has been pouring her heart into her designs, which began as sexy dresses and tops for a tropical night out and have transformed into a popular collection of shorts and swimsuits for the beach, gym, skate park or festival scene. We’ve loved watching Michelle grow her business while she shares her fashions with women from all over the world at our life-changing surf and yoga retreat in Costa Rica.

The local surfer and skater girls of Santa Teresa, Costa Rica (and the women who pick up her clothes while on retreat with us) are falling in love with Michelle’s adorable shorts and colorful swimsuits in eye-catching patterns and flattering styles.

In colorful animal prints as well as solid colors, Michelle’s shorts were created for surfers, skateboarders, yogis, festival-goers, or any woman who just wants to move and feel good (and look effortlessly sexy). Femininity is at the heart of Michelle’s designs, as is the importance of making clothes that will look good on women of all shapes and sizes.

“My style is for powerful girls who do sports and move, and who want to be active and exercise. The strong, brave, and independent women,” she said. 

Audrey and Lucie, fellow instructors on the Pura Vida Adventures surf coaching team, are big fans of Michelle’s water-resistant surf shorts that stay on while you rip it up in the big waves. And they’re comfy too! Pura Vida founder Tierza has also been known to rock a sexy pair of Michelle’s shorts at beach bonfires and fiestas. Yeah ladies!

Make a visit to the Santa Teresa Skatepark or The Girl and the Sea Instagram page and you’ll see Michelle’s shorts on fierce female skateboarders of all ages. In the ocean, her long-sleeved surf suites offer the ideal amount of sun protection, and her sexy one-pieces are so fun to wear that they can be dressed up with a pair of shorts for a full moon party.

As a longtime resident of Santa Teresa (and a happy homeowner with a sweet spot right across from the beach), Michelle is constantly inspired by all of the beautiful nature that surrounds her here every day. She’s even attached a special little charm to each pair of shorts in her collection that represents her love of the ocean, such as a mermaid, octopus, turtle, or fish. It’s this sincere love of the natural world (and ourselves) that she hopes to share with women of all types who wear her clothes.

“Living on the beach is the most magical thing ever. You can connect with the earth and being surrounded by nature is the best. It’s magic and a pleasure to be here,” Michelle said. “The Girl and the Sea is exactly that. To be in peace and take time for you, to care about you physically and emotionally. Surf, be happy, eat well, exercise, all the things that you like to do. Enjoy the little things in life. Be at home, eat well, cook, have a glass of wine. See the full moon, enjoy with your girlfriends. Enjoy your family. Be in harmony with nature.” 

Can’t wait to get your hands on some of the latest The Girl and the Sea fashions? Pura Vida Adventures guests are always treated to a VIP showing of Michelle’s freshest styles during their surf and yoga retreat in Costa Rica, and there’s really nothing like having Michelle on hand for a fashion show and personalized fitting after a day out in the waves together.

If you’re visiting Santa Teresa, you can also shop for her clothes in the local boutique’s Swell, Quiver, Nalu, and Arisha Surf Shop. And if you happen to be in town for surf lessons or a retreat with Michelle, and you are a SUPER LUCKY gal, you just might be here in time for her next unforgettable clothing launch party.