Design

Today we had the honor of voting on some international package design competition submissions.  There were so many clever and innovative designs it was hard to choose a favorite!  What stood out for me though was the combination of colors and shapes.

Our 2010 Collection will be available next week, and I think it is the same situation.  We have some great colors and shapes this year. There are so many beautiful designs, it is going to be tough to decide on a favorite!

But to at least try to select a couple - as of today my top two favorites are:

1. Bridget, because I love how it looks - sophisticated, sexy, yet sporty. 

2. Bali, because I love the red stripe & black graphic combo - perfect! 

Swimwear Buying Guide

Swimwear Buying Guide ~ Swimsuit Styles

When gearing up for swimsuit shopping, it is helpful to know the terms that describe each style. By taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with each style and what body type they work best for, you can save yourself time and frustration by focusing your efforts on the styles that will work best for you.

Swimsuit General Styles

1. Bikini: A two piece swimsuit consisting of a top and a bottom. Stomach is revealed. Can come in a variety of styles, cuts and colors. Works for almost any body type as long as the woman wearing it is comfortable with it on.

2: Monokini: A one-piece swimsuit with cutouts on the sides and/or front. Partial stomach, side and back exposure. Works for women who want a little lower stomach coverage.

3. One-Piece: A sleeveless one piece suimsuit that has straps over the shoulder and covers stomach. Sometimes covers much of back too, depending on style. Works for almost any body type.

4. Tankini: A woman's two piece swimsuit consisting of a top that covers breasts, stomach and sometimes the back and usually a fuller coverage bottom. Works for women who want to cover their stomach but have difficulty finding one-pieces that are the right length for them.

Next post we'll go into more detail on the type of tops and bottoms that are available and who they look best on.

Price - Value Relationship

Everyone wants a deal - who can blame them when over the holidays no matter where you looked, everything was on sale. But now, it seems like what we all really want is an alignment of a products' price/value/quality that helps us feel good about making a purchase, instead of guilty.

If this is correct, then the need for swimwear that offers quality along with great fit, color, style at a reasonable price is stronger than ever. Not every swimsuit is the same, some - well most actually - are speedily made in China of fabric that isn't designed to last. If buying something that you'll have to replace after wearing it a few times (also known as disposable fashion) appeals to you, then these brands (and no, we won't name them here) are perfect for you.

But lets' say you care more about how you spend your hard-earned dollars, and that you want the swimsuit you buy to last more than one or two trips to the beach or one or two long weekends by the pool and still look great. If this sounds like you, read on!

1. Check to see where it was made. Not all countries are equal in their swimwear manufacturing expertise. Countries that consistently product quality swimwear include: Brazil, Columbia and even the USA!

2. Check how the fabric feels. If it is rough and scratchy, and doesn't immediately bounce back when you stretch it out - put the suit down even if you love it and move on. If the fabric is soft, thick and stretches and bounces back easily it is good quality fabric.

3. Check the quality of the print. Well made fabric can be found in solids and prints. Solid fabrics fibers are usually dyed before they are knit. Print fabric are usually applied to solid white fabric after it has been knit. A good pattern will not show any white when pulled or stretched. If the pattern you like shows white where there was color when not stretched - put it down and move on.

4. Check the quality of construction. A well-made suit won't have loose strings, crooked seams, snags, pulls, scratched hardware or cracked beads etc.

5. Check how the suit REALLY fits. A bikini or one-piece should fit you so well that you don't have to constantly adjust it when you are walking or moving normally. If you are adjusting here and there when trying on, that particular design may not be right for your body style. Of course if you love it, and have to have it (after confirming it is well made with good fabric) we understand. That is that passion for fashion all of us share!