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.