Swimwear, Swimsuits and Bikinis at Tropi-Ties - Blog

Who, What Where...The 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Rundown

2012-02-14T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ok...we told you yesterday who would be on the cover of this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition: That sweet li'l Kate Upton. (Have you ever seen a smaller bikini? Yikes!) Now, for the other stuff...the models, the swimsuit labels, etc.

There were a few swimsuit labels that really stood out. We have carried most of the brands at one time, or another. Currently we have Tori Praver Swimwear. They had several swimsuits featured in SI Swim. The Lily Cage Bandeau, the Shyla Bikini and a few others that I wasn't familiar with, but my, they were sure lookin' good on the pages.

L*Space made their mark in SI with a version of their Fringe Bikini Top in Lime Green . Gotta expect that...fringe is just so sexy!

I was so glad to see Tyler Rose Swimwear make the pages. Although, due to budget limits, we are not currently carrying this brand, we do love it. They had quite a few swimsuits featured. Anne V modeled a purple bottom with braided sides (sans top.)

Salinas Swimwear made the cut again, this year. We are still searching through the online images to find out just which bikinis were featured. AH! found it! It's a B&W bikini. we don't carry that print, but we do have the same Salinas style.

Other labels I see recognized: Karla Colletto did a colorblock scuba number, Cia.Maritima delivered with a purple croc bikini, Acacia Swimwear did a red and black version of one of their swimsuits. There's more...I'm just too tired to look through it. I'll post again on this subject soon. Love to all!!!

~ C.

2012-02-13T17:41:00.000-08:00

The 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition comes out tomorrow....

(Nose smashed against window..."Open, Open, Open.")

Check back with us tomorrow to give a row about who made the cover, which swimsuits are the cutest, who's swimsuits made the pages...yadda, yadda, yadda....see you soon!

(Should we stay up all night to wait for it?)

(Ok...I know who made the cover...should I tell'm?)

That cute Li'l blondie from Florida, Kate Upton!

(I told'm...but I didn't tell which swimsuits made it...check back tomorrow for more updates.)
~ C.

From One Beach To Another...

2012-02-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, we've recently moved. I can't say that I've moved a lot in my lifetime, but enough to leave a trail in the sand. Here is my retrospective look back on some of the beaches I have intimately known:

Zuma, Point Dume, Santa Monica - I grew up on these beaches

Newport Beach - Spent summers with family here

Santa Cruz Island, Catalina Island - Sailing adventures, explorations

Hanalei - Came of age there, met hubby, my life forever changed

Kilauea - Wedding bliss at lightouse, built our home there

Gaviota - Summer camping, now it's my kids' beach

Jalama - Go there to get away and get a feel for what it was like long ago

Ventura - PEARL is docked there, awaiting a new adventure

and now the Mendo Coast - My new home...once again, paradise found

I've been lucky enough to travel the world. These are certainly not all of the beaches I've been to, just the one's that changed my life for the better.

~ C.

Some of My Favorite Blogs -

2012-01-30T10:06:00.000-08:00

It's time give some love to the other blogs out there that are devoted to swimwear and the beach lifestyle. Here are a few of my faves:

Uptake-Beaches This is a blog about travelling and I like that. However, what I really like is their section on beaches. It's very informative and straightforward and includes some wonderful hide-away beaches from around the world.

Bathing News Author, Tala Kolb, muses about life in a bikini, (I'm guessing that she's in at least one 24/7,) and travelling the world to far off yonders. She's beautiful, happy and absolutely adorable and she certainly knows her stuff when it comes to swimwear.

Surfrider Foundation - Jim's Blog I have always been a huge fan, as well as a minor contributor to the Surfrider Foundation, but I only recently found their blog. DUH! Where have I been looking? At Jim's Blog, you'll get the scoop on the up-to-the-minute status and conditions of our beaches and oceans, even if it's not pretty. They'll also give you lots of answers on how we can change things for the better.

The Girl Is Down Under I'm guessing that these prose come from ladies in Australia, but I can't honestly say that for sure. I guess I'd better read it some more to find out. Anyway, that's no problem for me, time willing, because I love this quirky blog about trendy fashion and swimwear.

Salt Swimwear Blog I dig this swimwear line from Laguna Beach, CA and I try to keep up with these girls on their blog. This line is edgy, sometimes sultry and always beautiful. California girls do good...yeah!

True American Dog If you think that this blog might be about dogs, think again! I have to admit, it's not about beaches, or bikinis. But, you'll be amazed by the humorous eye candy that is presented on each post!

Mikoh Swimwear Blog Mikoh Swimwear is a line I've been trying to carry for some time now. Unfortunately, we were caught up in moving...things got crazy...and the Mikoh bikinis, "missed the moving van," so to speak. Damn! Anyway, I really, really like this bikini collection. Until we carry it, I'll just have to quietly follow along on their blog.

L*Space - Behind the Seams Monica Wise keeps us abreast of the comings and goings of her hot, swimwear line, L*Space Swimwear. I like Monica and I know that she works very hard to do what she does. Kudos to her!

Crystal Jin Swimwear 2012...Luxury By The Sea

2012-01-28T10:11:00.000-08:00

Crystal Jin Swimwear 2012 - Solaire-Varick Bikini

We've been totally entranced by Crystal Jin Swimwear this season...So much so, that we decided to bring the line in, even though we were somewhat late. We're confident that our customers will love it, once they get a chance to experience the beautiful fabrics, surpurb workmanship and an refined fit. This line has a delecate quality to it, almost lingerie-like, with a silky, sumptuous, touch of luxe. The straps are thin, the cut is elegant, the sewing is perfect...these are absolutely gorgeous swimsuits. So girls, if you're looking for that special bikini to take on a romantic tryste, check out Crystal Jin.

Madison-Chrystie Bikini by Crystal Jin

~C.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2012...The BIG DADDY

2012-01-27T09:57:00.000-08:00

OK, OK...Not to dis the BIG swimsuit issue...we love it too! There's a lot of hoopla about who's going to make the 2012 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition cover. We don't know...some people do, but not us....sorry. But, we will be happy to tell you as soon as we know and also tell you about all the scrumptious bikinis and swimsuits that are featured in this year's SI Swimsuit magazine, calendar, etc. It's always a huge deal for the designers and we want to give them lots of kudos for making the mag. You can keep posted about all of this at: http://tropi-ties.stores.yahoo.net/20spilswis1.html .

~ C.

The OTHER Swimsuit Issue...SURFING MAGAZINE

2012-01-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

We all know about that Swimsuit Issue that is put out by a major sports magazine. It's very nice and good. But, the swimsuit edition that we really like is the one put out by SURFING MAGAZINE. Now, this one is totally devoted to surfing, the surfer girls and the beach lifestyle...YES! It's about time! SURFING MAGAZINE was always a constant, reading staple on our coffee table and it certainly and aptly represents the surf culture...girls included.

2012 will be the third year that SURFING has done a swimsuit issue. This year's swim edition is due out this spring and has been underway since last November, with photographer, Michael Sterling Eaton, at the photo helm.

We're so stoked that several of our new swimwear lines will be featured in the issue. We can't tell you which ones yet, but we promise...we will! Just check out our PRESS page when it comes out. Congrats and kudos to all that have participated in the making of this special issue of SURFING!

~ C.

Acacia Swimwear 2012... Their Super Cute Bikinis are Sailing In on the Trades

2012-01-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

Acacia Swimwear shows off its beach confidence this year with some crazy cute, "cutie booty," bikinis that certainly have "cheeky attitudes." Naomi Newirth is the designer for this hot swim label, along with good friend, Lyndie Irons. Their fresh looks and tiny backsides arrive soon, straight from Maui, Hawaii. Here's a peek of what to expect:

Haiku-Byron Bikini by Acacia Swimwear

Haiku-Byron Bikini Backside

Kenya-Seminyak Bikini - Acacia Swimwear 2012

Kenya-Seminyak Backside

Montauk-Hamoa Bikini w/Fringe Top

Montauk-Hamoa Bikini Backside

Petitenget-Mumbai Bikini by Acacia

Petitenget-Mumbai Bikini Backside

~ C.

Spring Break 2012 - The Skirted Bikini Trend

2012-01-13T16:12:00.000-08:00

Oh, let's nots skirt the issue...Spring Break 2012 is coming to the shores and the fabulous swimsuits and bikinis will be on parade! Here are some skirted swimsuit trends that you'll be seeing this year:

It can be ruffled, swathed, or simple. It seems like every swimsuit designer has done a skirted swimsuit, in one form, or another. Maaji Swimwear did a cute, skirted bikini that sort of "swags" across the topline. It's not really a full, skirted swimsuit, but I thought I'd include it in the group, for lack of a better place. It's very colorful...very young and kinda sexy too!

Night Diving Beauty Bikini

Night Diving Beauty Bikini Back

Karla Colletto went the complete route and did the full, skirted bikini with an underwire top. This is a lovely pink swimsuit that would cater to a variety of ages. I can easily see it as beach bar attire.

Ruching Skirted Bikini

Cia.Maritima put together a couple of ruffled bottom bikinis for 2012:

Fashion Pink Bandeau Bikini

La Dolce Vita Floral Bikini

Then, there's Salinas who did a tiny, brazilian-cut bikini with a few flounces of ruffles:

Arpex Bikini

...Melissa Odabash did a killer, white, skirted, bathing suit number with a bandeau top:

India White Skirted Bandeau Bikini

~ C.

That Brazilian Thang...Brazilian Bikinis Are Still Hot Stuff

2012-01-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

Let's face it, the Brazilians have had a corner on the bikini market for...oh, I don't know...30+ years now. It's easy to understand why...The Brazilians live in a constant state of passion and they're especially passionate about the beach and their beach bodies. They love to look good on the sand! The Brazilian swimsuit styles cater to most tastes from ridiculously tiny and youthful, to the luxurious high end swimwear market, for the more discerning customer. Here's our list of Brazilian swimsuit labels for this season, starting with the least expensive and going on up:

Salinas Swimwear

Salinas Swimwear 2012 - Jobi Bikini

Here's one good reason why Salinas has stayed around for so long...their bikinis are very affordable, with the 2012 bikinis starting at only $129. (We have a few 2011 Salinas bikinis left starting at only $69. Grab'm while their hot.) Besides being easy on the wallet, they're pretty darn cute. This season they did some twisted bandeau bikini tops, sweet ruffled bikini bottoms, moderate hipster styles and, of course, their original signature prints.

Cia.Maritima Swimwear

Cia.Maritima Swimwear 2012 - Sorrento Bikini

Benny Rosset is the designer for Cia.Maritima Swimwear and he knows just what a young bikini buyer wants...cute stuff, great fit and reasonably priced. This year, his swimsuits have a starting price of only $139. He did a few ruffled bikini bottoms and a couple of Brazilian bandeau bikinis. I especially like the moody, brown, cream and purple fabric he used on this adjustable halter bikini.

Sauipe Swimwear

Sauipe Swimwear - Bianca Bikini

I stumbled on to Sauipe Swimwear a couple of years ago. Although, it's not a well-known line yet, I'm sure it will be down the road. The designer, Marcia Hacker, has a keen eye for beauty, elegance and quality details, not to mention, she's just the dearest person and a delight to work with. All of her swimwear styles are simply top notch, made with beautiful findings and fabrics, with close attention to fit. This is definitely a high-end swimsuit line and would sell well in up-scale boutiques and department stores. We are lucky to be able to offer Sauipe Swimwear to our customers with prices starting at $160.

Ank Swimwear

ANK Swimwear 2012 - Nanga Bikini

This is the first year that we will carry ANK Swimwear. Their shipment just came in and I was blown away. Mirla Sabino has created some gorgeous swimsuits! Like Sauipe, ANK Swimwear is another high quality swimsuit line. Ms. Sabino takes some chances with some of her swimsuit designs and she pulls it all off beautifully. She has one bikini top with a high, arched bra cup that looks stunning and ultra-chic. ANK swimwear prices in our store begin at $169.

Lenny Swimwear

Lenny Swimwear 2012 - Diamond T-Back Brown Bikini

Lenny Swimwear has been in our swim line-up for several years now. This is a luxe Swimwear line, no doubt about it and their prices reflect that. All being said, Lenny's fabulous swimsuits are worth every penny. Lenny Niemeyer is the designer for this swim label and she loves simplicity in her swimwear looks. There is a cool sophistication about everything that she creates. Prices start in our store at $205, however, you can still pick up a 2011 Lenny swimsuit at starting at only $59.

~ C,

What Makes An Enduring Swimwear Label?

2011-12-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

I often ask myself this question...I have to...it's my business to do so. As the New Year approaches, I'm going through our books, organizing, adding and deleting vendors and renewing our catalog for the upcoming season. It never surprises me which swimwear labels continue to make the grade over the years. It's simple...it's the honest ones; the companies that deliver as promised, offer superb workmanship and fit, continue to wow us with their creativity and always, ALWAYS put their customers first. Now, is that really any wonder? As retailers and consumers, I think that is what all of us are looking for, especially these days when a dollar is so hard to come by.

There have been many swimwear companies that were certainly honest and still didn't make it. It takes a lot these days to overcome the hurdles, not to mention plenty of capital reserves to weather the tides. Over the years, I've sadly had to cull out some very good companies with talented designers, only because they couldn't deliver early enough that season, or, "their loyal customer," has moved on to another label. Fashion is so fickle and this business is so tough.

Then, there have been the... how shall I say it... "Less than honest," ones. It's not that they actually lie about things; it's just that they can't seem to ring true with their potential followers. There's the cute, little designer that thinks she is the most gorgeous thing on the beach, therefore, she is the only one in the world with enough know-how to design a bikini. There's the trust fund baby with way too much money on her hands and not enough talent. There's the disorganized designer that does great work, but can't follow through. There's the high-powered glam girl that is all about greed and not about working together with everyone else. They all have another agenda and it's not producing and selling swimwear for market.

Karla Colletto's Ruching Skirted Bikini

But enough negativity...I'd much rather focus on the enduring brands. Take Karla Colletto, for example. Karla and her partner, Lisa Rovan, started out by designing and dishing up some pretty outrageous swimsuits in those early days. At that time, they catered to a younger crowd and they offered some wildly daring designs such as starfish cut-outs over the breasts, unusual piecing, embellishments, etc. Their swimsuits have become more conservative over the years, although, no less beautiful. What contributed to their underlying success through out the seasons was their attention to quality, fit and detail. They also kept up with the technological advancements of fabrics, findings and production. Most importantly, they made a point to deliver on time, season after season, just as promised. Their code rang true to all of their clientele: retailers, consumers, yesterday and today.

Melissa Odabash's Los Angeles Bikini

Melissa Odabash is another designer that comes to mind when searching for a swim label with longevity. For Ms. Odabash, it's all about relating to her customer. She makes and designs swimsuits and cover-ups that she, herself, would love to wear. As a former model, she definitely understands a thing or two about, "beauty on the beach," but she doesn't flaunt that. She's not trying to compete with her customer. Women are attracted to her swimsuits because her designs make the most of a woman's body, carefully crafted with love and sympathy. A girl knows what to expect when she orders a MO bikini...superb quality, classic styling and a true fit.

Salinas' Praiana Bikini

I can't continue this column without mentioning Salinas Swimwear. How did this bikini label meteorically rise to the top of the swimwear heap, come crashing down from the mountain and rise back up again? I can tell you...they've been honest and true to both, their design and business ethics. Salinas will always be known as the teeny-tiny, teen, bikini sensation from Brazil, but what people don't always understand is that it's not just sexy, flash-in-the-pan glam here...There's some real creativity that goes into those Salinas swimsuits. Shortly after a generation of fit bodies passes through their doors, they must still be ready for the next, younger set of customers waiting in the wings. (Or shall I say water's edge?) Salinas is continually coming up with original, clever, new ideas for their bikinis and they aren't all teeny-tiny anymore either. But the consistent thread that runs through and through Salinas Swimwear is that it creates fun, innovative designs for the teen swimwear world. Their looks will always make you smile and, because they know and design for the teen market, kindly and justly, they've also tried to be kind to the teen wallet. Even though they're a celebrated name in the swimwear business, they've kept their prices very reasonable and within reach to their loyal following. Consumers love that...and so do retailers like us.

I could go on about a few other labels whose designers I admire, but I’m running out of room here. Such is the subject of another column and I promise that it will come soon; for they all deserve mention. I will say, however that all successful swimwear designers run tight ships, they keep it together when things get horribly bad, or crazy good and they never let it all go to their heads. It's never about them. Everyone of these designers shares the mantra, “The customer comes first.” Thank you to you all. You’ve made us look wonderful and I hope that our little store can live up to your standards.

~ C.

ANK Swimwear Brings On the Luxe

2011-12-26T16:47:00.000-08:00

We have been so impressed with the new, 2012 ANK Swimwear...It's simply beautiful! The fabrics are high quality, the findings are top notch, the workmanship and fit are impeccable and the designs are not what everyone else is doing. This is the first year for us with ANK. I certainly hope that our loyal customers will trust our judgement and give this label a try. This label is headed by celebrated Brazilian swimwear designer, Mirla Sabino. Here's a look see of what just came in our store from ANK:

Aliseos Bikini, (note the unique top with sheer neck sash and pleating on the cups.)

Moher Bikini in a deep, sea blue with large grommets and lacing

Nanga Bikini with high, arched bra cups, creating a great shape!

Uluru Bikini with same top, fold-over bottom, done in a khaki-taupe color

~C.

Bitty Bottoms Are Turning Heads

2011-12-25T13:29:00.000-08:00

Minimal bottoms are back! OK, maybe they've never left, but we are now seeing a stronger demand for the itty bitty back side. Is this a sign of better times? (Kind of like hemlines?) I don't know, but for those of you who love to show off the derriere, you'll want to shop some of the new swimwear brands, such as Salt, Tori Praver, SAHA and Boy + Arrows. Of course, let's not forget the label that started it all...Salinas .

Salt Swimwear 2012

Tori Praver Swimwear 2012

Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2012

Salinas Swimwear 2012

Some swimsuits are now in stock. Others will be arriving soon, so please check back for updates. Bottoms up!

~ C.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T15:38:00.001-08:00

We hope that you're all having a wonderful holiday season. Be sure to travel safely and if you're going to a tropical destination...well, we all hate you...not really...have a great time!

~ C.

Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2012...

2011-12-23T15:36:00.000-08:00

OK...We've been shot through the heart with Boys + Arrows 2012 swimwear collection. Here's a preview of what's to come in January:

We'll check back with you with updates. Expect the latest 2012 Boys+Arrows Swimwear to arrive in our store around the first of the year.

Having a Fringe Fling With L*Space 2012

2011-12-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

There's been lots on new swim designers that have caught on to the fringe thing, but L*Space did the original. It's fun and flirty, swinging and sexy. Here's L*Space Swimwear's latest take on the fringe swimsuit for 2012:

Dolly Superfly Fringe Bikini

Tiffany Fringed Bandeau Bikini

Stardust 1-Piece Cut-Out Swimsuit

~ C.

Swimwear with a "Salty" Bite - Salt Swimwear 2012

2011-12-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

It always amazes me what talented swimwear designers can do with a couple of scraps of fabric. Salt Swimwear makes the most of very little, in order to deliver some awesome swimsuits and bikinis.
Salt Swimwear has an urban sophistication with a beachy attitude. We love that combo! We will be bringing you the latest from Salt after the first of the year. Shop...enjoy!

Salt Swimwear 2012, Arriving Soon at Tropi-Ties Swimwear

Glorious Sunshine Thanks to Salt Swimwear

Olivia-Hannah Bikini by Salt Swimwear for 2012

Phoebe-Helena Bikini, Salt Swimwear

(More photos to follow in the near future.)

~ C.

In Memory of Cindy Zallen

2011-12-09T20:06:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have been in the swimwear business for awhile, you will probably be familiar with swimwear guru/rep/designer, Cindy Zallen. I'm so sad to to tell you all that Cindy passed away yesterday. She was a very dear friend of mine and I have to say, she knew the ins and outs swimwear better than anyone I know. We met each other at MAGIC, over twelve years ago, and became close friends right away. She wasn't model thin...not by a long shot...but that didn't ever stop me from listening to what she had to say and vice versa. This woman knew swimwear. But besides that, she was astute, funny, clever, knowledgeable, sympathetic, caring and most of all, a very good listener with a great perception of people. What she lacked in physical attributes, she certainly made up for in personality and brains and I always enjoyed her company. We were frequent roomies in Miami, Arizona, Las Vegas and San Diego...all the shows. ( I finally had to insist that we get separate rooms because she snored so damn loud...LOL.) We shared our thoughts and opinions about each, new season's line-up, the upcoming designers and the political upheavals of the swimwear world.

Cindy struggled with some serious weight issues, which seems odd that she would be so involved with women's swimwear. But she reminded us all that we all have our day in the sun and that the world does not revolve around ultimate perfection, but it does revolve around change and its acceptance. It's now up to her husband, Oscar and son, Zac, to accept this change of her not being there anymore to oversee their lives. The holidays are upon us and I will certainly miss her...not to mention her making of those delicious latkes. Good bye my friend, thank you for everything...you lived life well.

~ C.

New Little Birdies In The Tree...Fresh Swim Labels On The Horizon

2011-12-04T09:54:00.000-08:00

It's good to see change; it's great to see new innovations, especially in beach fashion. There are a few, new swimwear labels that have caught our eye this year, due to their new vision and fresh approach to swimsuits and bikinis. We've picked up a couple of them this winter and hope to bring you more, later in the season.

First, one of our hometown faves, is Boys + Arrows Swimwear from our own home port of Ventura, CA. Boys + Arrows Swimwear has sass and attitude and never apologizes for being who they are. Designer, Meagan Scott, is fearless in her designs, uses only the best of materials and, let's face it, puts a little fun into everything that she does. We like that...a California girl doin' good!

Meagan Scott, designer for Boys + Arrows Swimwear

Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2012 - Havalah the Homewrecker Bikini

I know, we've already mentioned Tori Praver Swimwear, but since we're on the subject of new labels, her line is worth a second say. Tori hails from another former home of ours, Hawaii, and so we feel that we understand her fashion speak. We have watched her blossom from a beautiful Letarte model, to major runway and Sports Illustrated lass, and now, a talented swimwear designer. As a surfer, she has the know-how of what it takes to create the perfect bikini. We love her puckered, floral fabrics and chic on-pieces.

Lily Bikini by Tori Praver Swimwear 2012

There are other lines that we're keeping our eye on. One, is SHIMMI Swimwear, an LA based line that has a real, "spoiled brat," attitude...we like that. Scarlett Chorvat and Alison Renner are the creative designers of SHIMMI Swimwear. Both are successful models on a world wide scale and they've brought their experience and sense of style to SHIMMI. There are lots of new bodies and shapes that we just haven't seen before. We hope to bring you a tasting of their latest wares this spring.

We Are Handsome Swimwear has been making a big splash over the last couple of years. The come from Australia (no, we've never lived there...but we'd like to someday.) I just love their bold, artistic, photo-prints and clever shapes! Those Australians...they keep coming on strong with their beach stuff.

Recycled Swimwear by Rose, is just so wonderful! Another SOCAL label that is very independent, an upstream swimmer, so to speak. Rose Ponizil creates her designs from recycled clothing and garage sale finds, all spiffed up with ribbons and bows. What comes off of her sewing machine is vintage looking and marvelous! Cute, cute stuff! We're hoping that she will give us the honor of carrying a few of her items this spring.

Looking across pond in search of new looks, we found a couple of other Euro lines that whipped at our whimsy. Although, they aren't necessarily new, they're new to us: Roseanna from France, Naelie (another French label,) and Guia la Bruna of Italy. We'll keep a watch on them, as well.

If you know of any other new swim designers on the horizon....please...we want to know about them. drop us an email at info@tropi-ties.com. Learning by word-of-mouth is always better than by hype.

~ C.

Give It Up For Those Fabulous Columbian Swimwear Designers!

2011-11-29T13:18:00.000-08:00

The Columbians are stealing the show these days in the swimwear world. OndadeMar has been doing it for awhile, with Agua Bendita and Maaji Swimwear following close behind. It's no surprise...The country of Columbia has been making great strides in cleaning up their old image of a drug lord dominated country to a hip, chic, destination resort. It makes sense that their fashion focus is also looking forward.

OndadeMar has kept a pretty, sophisticated look over the years and we love their designs. Agua Bendita is covered with wild colors and embellishments and is just crazy cute. This season, we're offering styles from the adorable, jr./teen, 2012 Maaji Swimwear collection. It just came in and talk about new and different! Their swimsuits are always full of surprising details and cute, as cute can be. They've gone with bustiers and bustles, swags and wide strappings and lots of unusual fabric combos. The Maaji look is young, it's fun, it's definitely affordable and it always makes me smile. Here's some of the latest arrivals:

Castaway Love - A sweet Bustier with underwire support from Maaji Swimwear 2012 - $130

Maaji Swimwear 2012 - Snorkelly Bloom has a small bustle of yellow polka dots in back, $125

Maaji Swimwear's Tsunami Sublime Bandeau Bikini with laser-cut lace details, $120

Night Diving Beauty, criss-cross backside, by Maaji Swimwear for 2012, $130

We have a few other Maaji swimsuits in and should be getting even more Maaji bikinis in stock soon, so check back with us for updates.

~ C.

Holidays...Time For Some Fun In The Sun!

2011-11-01T17:20:00.000-07:00

November? Already? And Baby it's coooold outside! It's time to head for the tropics and catch a little sun, don'tcha think? The first snow has already arrived and there's more to come. Many of you have already made plans to head for the warm, sunny beaches during the holidays. What a better time to pick up a new swimsuit? The 2011 bikinis are now on sale and the 2012 are just arriving. Here's some of our faves for the season:

Cia.Maritima Swimwear, Fashion Lime Bikini, from their 2012 swim collection.
Simple, cute colorful, great for showing off a tan.

Crystal Jin Swimwear 2012 - Solaire-Varick Bikini

Femme Mesh Overlay Bikini from the
2012 Zimmermann Swimwear Compilation. It's all about the top.

The Jacqueline Bikini - One of the exquisitely made
swimsuits from Sauipe Swimwear 2012.

1-Pieces don't have to be expensive or boring.
Mara Hoffman Swimwear 2011 - Batik Red Net Back Maillot, On Sale!

Also On Sale...Agua Bendita Swimwear's Bendita Vibracion Bikini
with lots of beading

~ C.

Breaking Down The Blues...The Moody Hue For This Year's Swimsuit Line-Up

2011-10-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

From clear skies, to coral reef shallows to deep, mysterious ocean, the blues are inspired by all things natural, all things water. It's certainly my favorite swimsuit color. It looks good on every skin tone, but especially on a tan, or darker complexion. Here's a few "blues" for your pleasure:

Chain With Rings Bikini by Lenny Swimwear

Grommets 1 Piece Swimsuit by Karla Colletto Swimwear

Madison-Chrystie Bikini by Crystal Jin Swimwear

Lily Bikini by Tori Praver Swimwear

~ C.

Sittin' Sweet in the Sand With SAHA Swimwear

2011-10-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

SAHA Swimwear is another one of our new lines this season. I took a good look at the line last season, but with moving and all, I had to take them off the list. They did some pretty cute stuff this year, so we went with a couple of their bikinis and cute one piece swimsuit for 2012.

SAHA Swimwear - Pure Romance 1-Piece Swimsuit

Their look is fairly young. I think that the mid-teen will enjoy their choice of fabrics and cuts, although the, "Happy Tears," bikini would definitely appeal to someone a little older.

Love N Light Bikini by SAHA Swimwear

SAHA Swimwear 2012 - Happy Tears Bikini

Anyway, it's a sweet line, with lots of calico florals and vintage prints. I should be in very soon and being a new line, we didn't order too much of it. So, you're liking what you see, check our SAHA Swimwear page often. I think that these swimsuits will disappear as fast as your feet can fly over a hot, sandy beach.

~ C.

Salinas Swimwear 2012 - Sweet as Candy!

2011-10-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Salinas Swimwear 2012 is just as fresh and sweet as always, with new and novel details and that cute, albeit small, Salinas fit. Actually, this season we will be offering some more moderate bottoms from Salinas. (Is that a sigh of relief I hear from you?) I'm gushing over their adorable, surfer girl bikini in a preppy, geometric print!

Salinas Swimwear 2012 - Mosaico Bikini Front View

Salinas Swimwear 2012 - Mosaico Bikini Back View

Salinas Swimwear has also been known for their great, original prints and this year's collection does not disappoint. Check out the rainbow photoprint fabric used in this swimsuit:

Salinas Swimwear 2012 - Polaroide Bikini

Or, the unique artwork in this printed bikini:

Salinas Swimwear 2012 - Praiana Bikini

Salinas likes to put some attention grabbing details into all of their bikinis. That's one thing that makes them so special. I'm infatuated with the pom-poms at the end of the strings, not to mention the killer, turk and white print.

Salinas Swimwear 2012 - Da Gema Bikini

One of the reasons that I feel that Salinas has had such a long run in the beach fashion world is that it's a swimwear label that can cross over into different age groups. The 20-somethings love the fun and sexiness of their, "bitty booty,"styles, but the junior set can still get away with wearing some of their younger, more moderate looks. In other words, they’re not just a passing fad.

Salinas Swimwear 2012 – Sweet Tom Bikini

Salinas Swimwear 2012 - Sexy Acqua Bikini Back View

~ C.

Marysia Swim 2012 Is Back For an Encore

2011-10-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

We introduced Marysia Swim last season because we admired the fresh, new looks by designer, Maria Dobrzanska Reeves. We also gave them some healthy respect for starting up in a tough, economic era. We are happy to see that Maria's label is still thriving, thank you very much, and so we decided to bring back Marysia Swimwear in 2012. I think that our customers will be pleased that we did.

Marysia Swim 2012 - Marbella Bikini

Maria brings a distinct and decidedly American look to the swimwear world. Her styles are very well made and the fit is impeccable. What we like most is that there's a simple, soft femininity that pervades throughout her collections. It's lighthearted...it's different… and we’re smitten by that. It’s just all so pretty!

Marysia Swim 2012 - St. Tropez Ruffled Bandeau Bikini

Here’s one of my Marysia Swim faves for 2012:

Marysia Swim 2012 - Acapulco Bikini

These swimsuits are for 2012 and will be arriving soon. If you love the Marysia look, you might want to take a peek at our Marysia Swim 2011 items that are now on sale.

~ C.