The Best and Worst in the Swimwear World For 2010

Well, 2010 is coming to a close.  Too bad.  I love typing those numbers...it's so easy, a nice cadence.  Typing 2011 isn't quite the same.  With the end of 2010 comes the reviews of the best and worst swimwear of the season.  Frankly, it's hard for me to mention any, "worst swimsuits," for I feel that all of the designers give it their best try and so many have bravely gone out there in the edge, so to speak, in a year that was just so darn difficult to begin with.  I mean REALLY...These days, who needs a gaggle of swimsuits because they're embarking a luxurious, world cruise?  It's tough out there and these designers continually put themselves, as well as their pocketbooks, out there every season.  So, it is with reservation that I even mention the, "worst swimsuit styles," because they really aren't that bad...just slow sellers in an impossible market.  So, it is without further ado that I give you my 5 best and 5 worst swimwear styles for 2010.

#5 Best
 Luxor Bikini, Melissa Odabash



This bandeau was so popular last season, with the chunky chain detail at the hips and, smooth, "Melissa Fit." 

# 5 Worst (Augh!  I hate this!)

L*Space Swimwear - Jubilation Bikini



It wasn't the style or quality that made this a difficult sell...I think that it was the print.  I liked it, but our customers voted it down with their wallets.

#4 Best

Karla Colletto Swimwear 2010 - Ruching 1 Piece Swimsuit

Everyone loved the color of this swimsuit.  We had way more orders than we had maillots.  They also loved the ruching in the picture, but no so much when they tried it on.  It came back to the returns department because of that.  Perhaps it was because they expected the ruching to cover-up more figure flaws than it was capable of doing.  Still, it's just about gone from our shelves.

#4 Worst

Lenny Swimwear - Floresta Keyhole Halter Maillot

What can I say?  I loved it, I put it on the PO.  I still love it!  Our customers, however, didn't.  Maybe it's the laser cut fabric, or the modern styling...I dunno.  They've got me stumped.  In all honesty, we have sold a few and there are only a couple left, so maybe it shouldn't be on this list.

#3 Best

Agua Bendita Swimwear  - Bendito Key Lime Pie Bikini

Whoever said that the halter bikini was dead, sure forgot to let Agua Bendita and their loyal customers know.  This bikini was a huge hit.  There might be one left in our warehouse...if so, grab it quick!

#3 Worst

Rosa Cha' Swimwear - Double Grommet Striped Bikini

OK, in all fairness, this is a gorgeous swimsuit, beautifully made, fabulous on, but the picture just doesn't do it justice.  It was also suposed to have BLACK cups, not white.  I think it now looks too much like a bra, or shall I say, "boob sling?"  (I'm sorry, Alexandre, but it does.)

#2 Best

Maaji Swimwear - Purple Euphorbia Bikini

This was not the most popular Maaji bikini in 2010, (I think that the Ruffled Juniperus was,) but I love that those Maaji girls came up with such a clever take on the bandeau, not to mention that it's purple. 

#2 Worst

Rumba Bikini - Luli Fama Swimwear

Luli Fama is known for their tiny, risque bikinis and this one is cute, but not that tiny.  The bottom is pretty full, not an LF trademark.  Unfortunately, it tried to be everything for everybody and found that it had no love.  Too bad...I dig the print!

#1 Best

Mara Hoffman Swimwear - Stained Glass V Wire Bikini

Mara Hoffman was the big name this year in printed swimwear and the best of her styles was the V Wire.  We sold this out in a couple of other prints and only have one, or two left in this look.  

#1 Worst

Red Carter Swimwear - Ashanti Monokini

I'm so sorry Red, but this monokini just didn't make the mark.  It arrived late in the season, monokinis are starting to fade out, the pic doesn't show off the vibrant colors, what can I say?  

So, that's a wrap for 2010.  2011 is off to a good start.  I can hardly wait to see what's in store for 2012 Swimwear!

~ C.  

We Wish You A Merrry Christmas!

We just want to send you a warm holiday greeting from all of us at Tropi-Ties.  We hope you have a wonderful holiday and a mahhhhvalous New Year.  Here's to warm, tropical evenings in the sunniest of places.  CHEERS! 

~ C.

Blessed are the Cover-Ups...

For they can save our little tushies in oh so many ways. 

The swimsuit cover-up has been getting lots of attention these days in the swimwear world.  It's making a huge resurgence, but in a whole, new, modern way.  It's no longer the perky, matchy-matchy garment that was desperately put on over the swimsuit in order to make one's way across the hot sand and past oogling eyes to the snack shop.  These days, it's more of a wear-with-anything kind of frock that's perfect to pack if you're travelling, or just to have in your closet arsenal as a every day item. 

The cover-up can be dressed up, or down, over jeans, shorts, on it's own and naturally, over a swimsuit.  This practical item can be worn into town for a day of window-shopping and museum haunting and then go on to hold its own at happy hour, dinner date, or party scene.  It comes in all shapes, from a long evening gown, to a short, short mini.  There are tops, jackets, dresses, sweaters, wraps...they all work.  Which is what makes it such a great value. 

The 2011 season rings in with a plethora of cover-ups by all of the great swimwear labels. 

Melissa Odabash Swimwear 2011 - Sandy Cover-Up

Melissa Odabash has been celebrating this beach attire for years.  Finally, she is heard loud and clear!  She's become a master at mixing casual with chic with her ponchos, caftans, tops and ,"little nothing dresses." 

Kain Label 2011 - Bea Cardi

Another new brand that we are carrying this year is Kain Label.  Not really in the beach genre, per se, but perfect to wear just about everywhere. 

Agua Bendita Swimwear 2011 - Fortuna Dress

For the younger, frilly set, there's Agua Bendita's take on the beach dress...love it!  Everything that Agua Bendita does is full of fun and whimsy!  (Then again, I'm always a sucker for crochet.) 

Lenny Swimwear - Jersey Tie Jumpsuit, Quartz

Of course, if you're past all that and are looking for something cool and sophisticated, there's always classic Lenny. All of her designs are so refined and easy....so timeless.

Mara Hoffman Swimwear 2011 - Batik Sky Cocoon Cover-Up

And we can't forget a mention of the hottest designer for 2011, Mara Hoffman, who has taken the swimwear world by storm with her exotic silk prints and unique "cocoon" styles. 

The beach cover-up fills the void in the traveler's wardrobe and like your favorite credit card, "don't leave home without it."

~ C. 

When Black Friday Comes...Here's the Tropi-Ties Coupon Code For the Day

Maybe I'm showing my age, but honestly, every time I hear the term, "Black Friday," I think of Steely Dan's song and visualize men in their wall street best, floating past the window to meet their fate.  It's a grim vision.  Perhaps we should call this shopping day of all shopping days something else?  "Frantic Friday," "Fab Friday," "Freakin' Friday," or simply, "the day after Thanksgiving."  Anyway, I'll go with the flow and let you in on some divine, little, coupon codes that will help you make your shopping just a little easier this year.  All you have to do is plug them into your checkout page when prompted, and voila!  You will see some serious pocket change taken off of your bill. 

Tropi-Ties Swimwear always has a few discount codes floating around.  Many of them are posted on our PROMOTIONS page, so be sure to check there first.  You'll also see a few, really, really great ones posted in our Twitter and Facebook posts.  Those are generally good for a limited time, but not always.  We've never posted any of them here before, so what the heck.  Here's a fantastic code that will save you 30% off of your order from Tropi-Ties Swimwear this weekend only, beginning on "Black Friday."
The code is:

GIMMEABREAK 

Just insert this code at the proper place when checking out and you will get a 30% discount off of your merchandise purchased.  Does not apply to shipping or tax.  The offer expires on Sunday night.  It's good for anything in the store...new arrivals...items on sale...anything that is in stock at the time.  If it's out of stock, sorry, no can do.

We all hope that you have a very happy and safe holiday.  Sending out out our good vibes to all!

~ C.

The New Swimwear Arrivals Come Marching In!

Melissa!  Check! 

Zimmermann!  Check! 

Colletto!  Check! 

The new swimwear labels for 2011 take their posts and my, aren't they a glamorous sight!  Melissa Odabash Swimwear arrived last week and is already selling out.  Zimmermann Swimwear and beach frocks also showed up, as well as the 2011 Karla Colletto One Piece Swimsuits.  There were no disappointments...all of the styles are crafted beautifully and are sure to please our discerning customers.  Here are some of the standouts:

Karla Colletto Swimwear 2011 - Ruffled Lei Neck 1 Piece Swimsuit

We think that this Karla Colletto swimsuit will be a great 1-piece for actually swimming in, with it's wide shoulder straps and hidden underwire support.  However, we feel that nothing has been sacrificed in style.  This swimsuit may be practical, but it's still very chic and contemporary with it's ruffled and buttoned detail. 

Zimmermann Swimwear 2011 - Copy Cat D-Ring Triangle Bikini

OK...so there was one small ordering error.  We thought that this Zimmermann swimsuit was going to come in a black and white print.  Instead, it arrived in a solid, titanium steel grey, which we all voted on, hands down, as a great improvement over the print.  The sleek grey color elevated this bikini to a whole new level.  Not only that, but it also has a matching silk beach frock that is just heavenly.

Zimmermann Swimwear 2011 - Copy Cat Silk Swing Dress (Below)

So, Melissa Odabash Swimwear 2011 came in and pfffftttt!  Out it went!  (Don't worry, we have back ups.)  Everyone seems to love this Brit with her classic, yet subtly sexy, sense of style. She is well known for her beach cover-ups and this year, Melissa combined her signature color of the season, "Jade,"  with this embroidered and embellished top. 

Melissa Odabash Swimwear 2011 - Cora Cover-Up

Yes...of course...there's a fabulous bikini to match. (See my last post on Melissa Odabash Swimwear 2011.)

There should be more styles coming in this week.  We are expecting Salinas, Agua Bendita and a few others.  I'll keep you posted on the new arrivals.

~ C.



Melissa Odabash Swimwear 2011 - Another Year of Classics

Once again, Melissa Odabash delivers with a collection of sophisticated classics.  Nothing overly, "trendizoid," here, just great swimsuits and fabulous cover-ups that will go the distance, which is certainly good in this crazy economy.  You can rest assured that if you put out some serious change for a beautiful, designer swimsuit by Miss Odabash, you won't be passing it on to the thrift store next season, or even the next. The quality and the look of Melissa Odabash Swimwear has lasting power.

So, what's my favorite MO bikini this year?  I would have to say, the "Evita Bikini," a bandeau done in a precious turquoise blue. 

My favorite Melissa cover-up?  Definitely the black fringed, "Sandy" poncho.  I love anything that looks Spanish, or Portuguese.

 Melissa also did a few other perennials, such as her classic animal print, which has been fashioned into a sexy boy short bikini and her Indian inspired cover-up designs.

We just got the news that the 2011 Melissa Odabash Swimwear and Cover-Ups will be arriving from across the pond any day, so if you've been waiting for their arrival, please email us, or stop by our online store for updates. 

~ C.

Zimmermann Swimwear 2011 - Now Arriving at Tropi-Ties Swimwear

Glory Hallelujah! The first of the 2011 Zimmermann Swimwear, has just arrived! I have to say, those Zimmermann sisters sure do bring us a ton of style from down under. The first two swimsuits that came in they are just to die for!


First, there's the Ebony Rose Seashell Bikini, with its unique bandeau top and lacy bottom. The top has a scalloped detail and very slight padding to help shape and support. There’s an optional, thin, halter strap provided. The bottom is done in a flat, black lace and is cut just right, not too skimpy and not too full. Although, it's not the cheapest swimsuit that we carry, it's worth every penny, based on an overload of style and superb craftsmanship and fit.

Second, we received from Zimmermann what has to be THE most glam one piece swimsuit of the season: The Copy Cat Ruched Corset 1 Piece Swimsuit. I love the vintage glamour that these Aussie designers brought to the deck, while taking a totally modern approach, without it looking like something that came from the thrift store.

Looking good so far Zim! More styles from the 2011 Zimmermann Swimwear collection will be arriving soon. Until then, we will savor what we've got. 

Shop for these Zimmermann Swimsuits now at Tropi-Ties Swimwear.


~ C.

Suddenly Sandals...The Newest Arrivals at Tropi-Ties

We're excited!  We have new shipments of sandals coming in soon!   The Cocobelle Sandals label is making its debut at Tropi-Ties Swimwear and not a minute too soon.  Their funky, fun styles have made all the celeb pages and press and we love their look, not to mention, the way they're made.  We're starting things off with 3 Cocobelle styles:

Indian Eyes Sandals by Cocobelle

Maasai Gladiators by Cocobelle

Morena Sandals by Cocobelle

Maaji Swimwear is also doing a line of sandals and bags this season, using the same prints as their crazy bikinis.  This should be fun!  Look for the Maaji sandals and accessory items to start arriving this January.

One other sandal label to keep an eye out for is Trove TKEES Sandals.  We'll tell you more about these trendy little TKEE flip flops at a later date.

~ C.



Kain Label... Making Fashion Look So Easy

"Resortwear," "Beach Fashion," "City Couture"...Whatever category you want to put Kain Label into, it's all OK. Kain Label fits into all of the above. The beauty of this LA fashion architect is that they have the distinct ability to take the mundane to insane, from bleak to chic, ordinary to extraordinary. Need I go on?  For example, they have learned to tweak out the most humble of dresser drawer items, the Classic Pocket Tee, and take it to a completely new level by using 21st century fabrics and sexy, modern styling.

And yes, their sweaters are slouchy, but still gorgeous, their dresses simple, but nothing less than fabulous.

Kain Label is new for Tropi-Ties and we’re so happy that we’ve found each other. A perfect fit, if I must say so myself. It travels well, looks stylish in any situation and has utter sex appeal. We hope that you stop by and give us your opinion on this new resortwear line. We love it and we hope that you do too.
 
~ C.

Waiting in the Doldrums for the 2011 Swimwear...Sigh...

August, September and October are always the slowest months in the retail swimwear world.  If our customers haven't gotten their swimsuit by mid-summer, then they probably won't get one at all.  It is a natural end of a retail cycle that all of us swimwear affectionados know all too well.  By September, we've seen most of the new lines and have placed our orders for the Cruise season.  Last season's swimsuits are just about sold out...thus begins the slow wait.  It's kind of like fishing in the afternoon.  Chances are, the fish won't bite until evening, but our lines are in the water, just in case.

:::Sigh:::

So now, it's mid-October and frankly, I'm getting a little antsy for the new styles to start arriving.  We have web pages to build, photos to take and the orders for the Thanksgiving vacationers start to shop for the latest and greatest in swimsuits and beachwear. 

This is also a time to reflect on our products and level of customer services offered.  Gawd knows...we can certainly do better.  Let's face it, last season, we were way too slow to refund our customers' returns.  We're sorry.  We also became just a bit intolerant with people asking us to bend our rules and we reluctantly had to continue with our restocking fee policy.  (Personally, I hate restocking fees, but it became necessary when our competitors secretly and continually ordered a slew of products from us, for whatever reason, and then sent them all back soiled, damaged and wreaking of perfume.  I mean...really...who does that?) 

Evita Bikini - Melissa Odabash Swimwear 2011

This year will be different.  We've tried hard to find the greatest products ever and we'll continue with that quest.  We plan to improve the web site with better graphics, have less typos and errors, more product information and of course, the lowest and best prices for our products. We also vow to have the very best customer service in our retailing sector and will even put public customer feedback comments on each and every product page, so people can tell the world just how good, OR bad we are.   We love our customers and want to pamper them in these rough, economic times to let them know that we really do appreciate and honor their patronage.  So, now's the time to say our, "Thank Yous," to all of our patrons for a great 2010 season.  THANK YOU TO ALL!!!  And now...the lights dim, there's rustling backstage...get ready...it's almost showtime for, "Swimwear 2011!"

~ C.

The Junior-Teen Swimwear Line-Up for 2011

There's that age...that glorious age in a woman's life...somewhere between playing baseball with the neighborhood kids and tossing a baseball to your own child...those fabulous years when you could eat just about anything and not gain an ounce.   It's that time when all the older women hated you as you strutted down the beach in your brand new, teeny-tiny bikini with not a care in the world. 

"Junior-Teen," isn't quite the right term for that age group, but for lack of a better word, we'll use it here, today.  A lot of swimwear these days just does not take into account that this girl is special.  The swimwear designers just do, "one style fits all age groups," designs in hope of catering to everyone of every age and perhaps saving a bit of money in production.  We appreciate those designers that take notice and really know how to show off a young woman's assets AND they know how to have some fun with swimwear fashion.  They also know that fit and sizing is just a little bit different than the Missy set...a little smaller over all, but they still need a bikini top with support and not everyone wants to show off ALL of their booty.  Junior-Teen designers have finally figured out that not every teen even wants a bikini.  It's been refreshing to see some super cute one piece swimsuits in the 2011 swimwear collections.

So, which are the top Jr.-Teen swimwear lines this year?  I'd place my money on Maaji Swimwear and I certainly wouldn't count out Salinas Swimwear for 2011.  And although, the Agua Bendita Swimwear fit is just a tad larger than Jr., I would have to include them too.  (See my posts below for examples and pix of these lines.)  All of these lines have fresh designs and new takes on the 1 piece swimsuit.  I'm hoping to uncover even more new Jr.-Teen lines.  Designers step up to the plate!  Perhaps just as soon as this economy straightens out, we will have more brave souls.

~ C.

Maaji Swimwear 2011...Lovin' It!

What is not to like in this new swimwear collection

by Maaji Swimwear?

Maaji Swimwear 2011 - Peachy Lucky Hit Bikini

Maaji Swimwear 2011 - Reddish Frenzy Bikini

Maaji Swimwear 2011 - Monochrome Rumble Bikini

Maaji Swimwear 2011 - Turquoise Barricades Bikini

Enjoy!  More Maaji swimsuits coming soon!

~ C.

Agua Bendita Swimwear 2011 - Three, New, Sweet-As-Can-Be Collections

Agua Bendita Swimwear brings on the girly stuff in such a sexy way that makes every one of their styles absolutely adorable.  Honestly, I had a difficult time narrowing down my favorite swimsuits and beachwear from this huge, 3-part collection for 2011.  Each and every bikini, swimsuit, monokini and cover-up is a sure seller.  How to choose? 

Not only do they have the killer looks and styles, but they have also employed two of the hottest swimwear models, Bar Refaeli and Candice Swanepoel to show off their wares.  Although, this label is from Columbia, they shot the 2011 collections, "On The Rocks", "Black Tie", “Happy Hour,” at some of the swankiest pools and rooftops in LA, giving the collection a hip, cosmopolitan feel.  They're presentation made me love this swimsuit label all the more.

So, here's a small sampling of some of my Agua Bendita Swimwear faves:

Bendito Santo 1 Pc. Swimsuit

Bendita Realeza Bikini

Bendita Vibracion Bikini

Bendita Francia Bikini

Agua Bendita Swimwear 2011 should arrive at Tropi-Ties in a few weeks.  Please stop by our site for updates and new additions.

~ C.

Salinas Swimwear 2011 - What's In Store For This Iconic Swimwear Brand?

Ya just gotta love Salinas Swimwear...they've kept it all together during these turbulent times and still managed to come up with some cute, new, cleverly styled bikinis.  The 2011 Salinas Swimwear Collection is now being unveiled at Tropi-Ties and it's to die for.  They've gone sweet on us this year and put up some sexy, little, ruffled numbers, done in feminine florals. 

They've also gone bright and  bold in 2011 with a rainbow plaid bikini.

Bikinis and prints aren't the only thing that Salinas Swimwear did well this season.  They have a couple of eye catching one piece swimsuits, as well as a sexy, black, tasseled bikini that personally, I just love. 

Salinas Swimwear is a master at blurring the line between a young, junior/teen look and a grown up girl style.  I think that's why everyone loves them so much.  That, and that true sense of fun that is inherent in each and every Salinas swimsuit.  They've managed to keep their prices reasonable too.  (Although, I have to say that the most expensive ones tend to be my favorites...such is life.)

The 2011 Salinas Swimwear is arriving this fall.  Stop by and preview the new Salinas Swimwear Collection before it hits the shelves at Tropi-Ties Swimwear

Mara Hoffman Swimwear - Resort 2011 Collection

Mara Hoffman did it bright and bold for 2011...no surprise there.  Once again, she has come up with some KILLER swimsuits for the 2011 Cruise season. She made use of all those neons and psychedelic prints from the 60's and brought them to current day fashion.  She's also continued with her graphic tribal designs.  I'm totally lovin' this new, strappy one piece swimsuit, Batik Red Net Back Maillot, both front and back.

The Bandeau has been the darling of swimsuit fashion lately and Mara did her take on it with a clever, two-toned, underwire top.  She did it in several combos...mixing bright solids with one of her many, custom prints.  Here's her Batik Red Underwire Bikini done in red/tribal. 

She also did in a cool color palette of blues and lime with her Batik Sky Underwire Bandeau Bikini.

Of course, we'll still be seeing more of those gorgeous cover-ups from Mara Hoffman in 2011.  This season she even did skin tight leggings. OMG!  How sexy is THAT?

 

It will be interesting to see if the Mara Hoffman fans go for them.  The 2011 Mara Hoffman Swimwear will be in stock just in time for the holidays...just in time to get out of the dreary cold and head for sunny beaches and warm, balmy climes.

~ C.

Karla Colletto Swimwear 2011 - Looking Forward To Fall

Karla Colletto keeps coming up with more and more classic, one piece swimsuits.  I love my Karla swimsuits...and I've seen a LOT of swimsuits in my career.  Granted, there was a day when I wore nothing but the tiniest string bikinis, but now that I'm, "more mature," (IE; not 20 years old and hanging a kid on each arm,) I'm so glad that Karla is around.  I always feel sexy and beautiful in my KC swimsuits.  The fit is impeccable, the styling is classic, the the quality and workmanship is beyond compare.  Plus, the support is where I need it, with Karla's hidden, floating under wire bodice.  I will never settle for a cheaply made swimsuit from the discount chain store or catalog again. EVER!!!  I slip my KC swimsuit on and head for the pool knowing that I look beautiful and that the swimsuit won't come apart while doing my laps and lazing through the afternoon.  After all...enjoying the beach and pool isn't a matter of demographics.  We should all enjoy our day in the sun.

The new Karla Colletto Swimwear 2011 Collection is full of fanciful bathing suits.  I absolutely love the Black Piping One Piece Swimsuit and have ordered an extra one just for "Moi."  The color is fabulous, the styling superb and the fit...oh, the fit....is like nothing else. I feel at least 20 pounds thinner!  Whether, your 25, or 55, this swimsuit will look divine on everyone.   This is a bathing suit that I can actually wear in front of friends and family and know that I look, "killer," in it!  There are no regrets.   So, it's on to fall...on to romantic escapes...tropical beaches, sweet days lazing by the pool with my, "Honey," and time for a new Karla Colletto Swimsuit!

~C.

2011 Red Carter Swimwear...So Wearable, So Cute!

You've got to see the new 2011 Red Carter Swimwear Collection.  The pix are now arriving.  Damn!  It's cute this year!

~ C.