Friday, December 20, 2013

Tropi Praver Swimwear 2014...Drumroll Please

The 2014 Swimwear is starting to arrive...yes!  The first styles to come in are from Tori Praver Swimwear 2014. Tori did a fabulous bandeau in her signature smocked fabric, with intricate weaving in the front and hips...very classy!  The top looks to be supportive, but without stays and boning, which frankly, can sometimes be uncomfortable.  The bottom is itsy bitsy with minimal coverage in back.  It's all done up in a rich fuchsia.

Tori Praver Swimwear 2014 - Chelsea Bikini
If you want a little more threads on your backside, check out Tori Praver's Boardwalk Bikini, done in a lavender tribal print and with moderate coverage in back. 
Tori Praver Swimwear 2014 - Boardwalk Bikini Front View

Tori Praver Swimwear 2014 - Boardwalk Bikini Back Side
Look for more 2014 swimsuits to arrive very soon!  We expect Boys+Arrows to be here any day!
~ C.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

New and Innovative Design...A Personal Journey

I love design, whether it's architecture, fashion, an every day toothbrush...it doesn't matter...I am intrigued with the thought process that went into the object and the thoughts that in invokes after it is created.  So why does our once beautiful website now leave so much to be desired?  I'm sure that  you've all asked yourself that question.  I know I have.

All I can say, is first, I'm sorry.  In our defense, I can only say that life has a way of getting in the way of even the most ambitious of dreams.  Our business is a small family run affair and these days family has taken precedence.  Lately, there have been new lives, sad deaths, weddings, new homes, new loves, new awakenings, new lifestyles...but alas, not a  new web site. Although, it's been a rough road, I wouldn't change most things, except perhaps the deaths of loved ones, even if I could.

In all fairness, we did start working on the web site last year, but our web designer was overwhelmed with work at the time and the only spot on his calendar that he could find to get our project done was in the middle of our season.  We couldn't have our customers confused about navigating our site right then, now could we? 

So, I have some good news.  We now have a web designer working on our site once again.  I expect wonderful things to come of her efforts.  I'm truly excited about this project and that I finally have the attention to give it.  I see mesmerizing photos, accurate, helpful descriptions and great customer service in our future...all, in all, a fantastic shopping experience.  Hopefully, we will be unveiling our new site in January, that is, of course, unless another family affair comes up.  Family is always first.

If you have any comments, or suggestions about our new website, please speak up.  We'd love to hear from you. 

~ C.

Friday, December 6, 2013

A New Swimsuit? Why Santy, You Shouldn't Have!

Planning to sweep your Hunny Bunny off to some tropical bliss this holiday season?  Of course you are!  Now...please, PLEASE don't forget to include a new bikini, or sexy one-piece swimsuit to go along with that private tryst.  I know, you've already spent a fortune on the trip, but trust me, you can pick up a hellava deal right now on beautiful, designer swimsuits at Tropi-Ties Swimwear. Many of our 2013 bikinis and swimsuits are on sale, up to 70% off right now...lucky you!  Just pick one out, wrap it up and put that sweet, little package under the tree, or by the candles.  Be sure to have the camera ready when she opens it up, so that you can catch her moment of surprise.  If by a very miniscule chance she doesn't like the swimsuit you've chosen for her, don't worry, she can contact us and exchange, or return it, even if it's on sale.  (We don't tell all of our customers that, due to some nasty past issues with internet shopping fraud...sad, but true.  Don't worry about a thing.  We'll be glad to help you any way that we can to make sure she's as swimmin' like a little fish in a kelp forest.)  Here are some of our latest swimwear on sale.  We are quickly running out, so don't delay. 

Oh...and have a wonderful holiday!

~C.

A Few of the Many Swimsuits and Bikinis On Sale At Tropi-Ties Swimwear:

http://tropi-ties.stores.yahoo.net/boarsw20olou.html
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2013 - Olivia The Outlaw Bandeau Bikini, $109

Acacia Swimwear 2013 - Canons Ho'okipa Bikini, $119

Salt Swimwear 2013 - Isla 1-Piece Swimsuit, $129

Tavik Swimwear 2013 - ZZ-Jimi Bikini, $109

Lenny Swimwear 2013 - Branly Double String Halter Bikini, $129

Tori Praver Swimwear 2013 - Kenny High Waisted Bikini, $149

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Rollin' In With the Tide

As the new swimwear comes in, then goes out, I often wonder where each swimsuit is going off to with it's new owner.  Will it accompany her on her honeymoon to some tropical bliss?  Or, is it in for some serious partying during spring break?  Will it don the lonesome beachcomber?  The Mom with 2 kids just trying to get away for a few days?  The hot- 40-something mama?  The next tween fashion model?  The over-worked exec?  The exotic traveler?  The ultimate mermaid?


A swimsuit means more to it's owner than just something to swim in.  If it didn't, we'd all be swimming in our old t-shirts, or society permitting...nothing at all.  (Personally, I like this last option the best, but I can't say that everyone would agree with me, so I wear a swimsuit in public places.)  For some, and I guessing mostly men, it's about being totally sexy...maybe even pornographic.  However, I think that for most women who wear swimsuits, it's about freedom and about connection with nature, water, love....OK...maybe even GOD! 

Whatever it means to you, I hope that you enjoy this upcoming season and put on your newest and best bikini, or one-piece.  Feel the energy that empowers you.  Find nirvana! 

...And, don't forget to drop by and let me know where you and your new swimsuit went. I'd love to know!

Wishing peace and love,

~C.

Friday, October 4, 2013

I had to share this...

I don't normally share about other blogs, especially if they aren't about beaches, or swimwear, but I came across this site today and I just had to share:
http://thelittlehermitage.tumblr.com/

It lovingly depicts fall.

~ C

Good Surf is In the Air...

Mendo Surf - Mike Kew
You can smell it.  As fall settles in, the leaves begin to change, the air has a certain snap to it and the mist billows over the range.  It has that sweet, salty smell to it and there's an energy, an electrical charge that fills the sky.  As soon as the first whiff drifts across my nose, I gather the dogs into the car and head to the sea.  The ocean is rambunctious and impatient.  The waves are choppy and still not settled into their winter, rhythmic pattern.  The surfers are all out at the cove, wetsuits on, but just looking and waiting for a real set to come in.  We head up the coast and two guys are out at Manchester, but there's not much worth riding...not yet.  But, the waves will come...maybe not today, but very soon. Fall is upon us and the waves will soon be rolling in...definitely by Thanksgiving Day.

~ C

Thursday, October 3, 2013

2014 Swimwear - Sandy Bottoms and Knotty Details

Swimwear is heating up this season.  It's skimpier, sexier and has us all tied up in knots!  The 2-piece is certainly outselling the one-piece swimsuit and the cheeky bottom bikini is back from last season in full force.  So are multi-strings and knots that are in all the right places.  Tribal prints are big and color blocking is making a scene.  Fringe is hanging in there, (pun intended.)  The retro, high-waist bikini bottom hasn't gone away this year either, (Although one should not expect this style to generously help a flawed figure.  It's styled for showing of a girl's curves, not hiding them.)

Bikini - Cheeky Bottom
I can only guess why the swimsuits are once again, going through this, "minimizing effect."  They tell me that it's all part of an economic cycle.  The fact is, the girls with the most disposable income right now are very young and uber-stylish.  Think, "Daddy's girl, cozied up in her private school dorm room, on a late night, online, shopping spree."  What?  You're are not part of that demographic group?  I can definitely sympathize.  Even when I went to college, I wasn't one of those girls.  (I made my own bikinis, but that's another story.) 
Knotty Swimsuit Details

However, may I say, for those of you that can wear those teeny-tiny, itty-bitty bikinis, my hat's off to you!  You only live once and hey, we all have our day in the sun.  (May I digress...) I can clearly recall sauntering down the beach one fine, sunny day in my 19-year-old body and a cute li'l bikini to match.  I had just gotten out of the water after a morning of body surfing.  I was dripping wet, enjoying the warmth of the sun on my skin, while making my way back to my towel, when a cute, 60-something couple came strolling the shore towards me.  The portly man was continuously gawking my way, which prompted his little, rotund wife to get more than just a tad angry.  She came stomping up to me, face a scowling and shaking her finger wildly in my face. 

"You're not always going to look like that.  You'll see!!!  You really think you're something, but that figure won't last!  Mark my words...you're not always going to look like that!!!" 

"Yeah, but I look like that now," I replied with a big, sweet, sarcastic smile.  (I might have even batted my salty/wet eyelashes to rub it in.)

The 2014 Sandy Bottom Look
I was a smart ass, to say the least.  I knew she was right then and alas, I definitely know it now.  ::sigh::  Ah...memories...I'll never see THAT figure again.  But, I have to say, it was one of the highest compliments I ever received regarding my looks.  I'm proud of that.  Thank you, little rotund lady!  And my dear, Miss bikini buyer, you should be proud too!  Let's face it, beach life is for the hedonist.  It's for showing off your sex appeal and perhaps showing a little more skin than is to be expected.  So, go for it girl!

~C
 

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Salty Sweeeet! Salt Swimwear 2014 is Coming Ashore

We totally stand by Salt Swimwear.  If you have not discovered their adorable bikinis...well, shame on you!  Their stuff is just as sweet as can be.  This season we picked up 2 styles, each in 2 different color ways, for a total of 4 new bikinis for 2014.  AND, what's more they are reversible, so really you've got eight bikinis to review here, but who's really counting.  Each one is a winner!  Here's just a peak of what's to come.  We'll reveal more about the 2014 SALT swimsuits that will be arriving in a few weeks.  Here's just a li'l salty snack:



Salt Swimwear 2014
Salt Swimwear 2014 - Sesa-Lucy Bikini in Moroccan Summer Print


Salt Swimwear 2014
Salt Swimwear 2014 - Sesa-Lucy bikini in Teal


Salt Swimwear 2014
Salt Swimwear 2014 - Lola-Claudia Bikini in Black
 ~ C

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Why Do Bikinis Cost So Much?

It's just a little scrap of fabric, cut and sewn into a couple of tiny pieces that hardly cover anything, right?  Well, speaking from experience, I can tell you that a LOT goes into the making of a great bikini.  I was a swimwear designer for many years and I could not believe how detailed and precise everything had to be to create a beautiful, well fitting swimsuit.  From the fabric, to exacting design, to swimwear safe findings, every minute, painstaking detail was important.  If your pattern was off just a 1/8 inch, the swimsuit may fit completely wrong. After all, a bikini is a very fitted piece of clothing compared to a tunic, or sundress and it has to go through many more fittings to really fit well.

Besides all of the details that go into making swimwear, there's also the logistics.  Most swimwear is sold in the US, but hardly any of it is made in the US.  The designer may be American, but to get his or her samples and production done just right, he or she usually has to do a lot of travelling back and forth to foreign counties and must be able to communicate effectively with the manufacturer, as well as with the fabric and findings vendors.  A single miscommunication can result in a sample, or Gawd forbid, a whole production, done wrong and then time and precious resources are wasted. 

Don' t forget, swimwear is a seasonal industry, with a very short window to get the product out the door and sold and last year's fashion statement isn't worth nearly as much.  The designer puts it all on the line...it's risky business.  He or she could lose all of their money in a delays, or simple error that isn't caught along the way.  A dear friend once told me that, "Swimwear production is a slippery slope,"  and I know that she's absolutely right because anything can go wrong and many times does.

I once had lunch with a very experienced patternmaker who shared my love for swimsuit design.  She told me that she had once worked for a well known, discount, swimwear retailer.  Of course, I was envious until she let me in on the details.  She worked with them for over three years, trying to fix their bad patterns and poor fit.  The company's swimsuits were being manufactured in child labor sweatshops, in a small, foreign country.  Most of the people working on these swimsuits weren't even old enough to wear a bikini, not to mention that their Muslim tradition prevented that anyway.   They had no idea of what the swimsuit should look, or fit like.  My friend came home from that job with dubious thoughts.  She had hoped to improve the line, but the result was that the labor was cheap, the fabric and other materials were low quality and the end result was still a cheapy bikini that looked like a cheapy bikini.

My advice to customers is that you usually get what you pay for.  Don't settle for a swimsuit just because it's inexpensive.  It's better to buy a good label on sale, than it is to buy a low priced, bad label.  Shop carefully, watch the sales, which are usually around this time of year.  Always ask questions and never settle.  You'll find a wide assortment of high quality swimsuits on sale now at Tropi-Ties Swimwear.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at info@tropi-ties.com.    

~ C.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Some Indie Thoughts On Indah Swimwear 2014

I just LOVE Indah Swimwear and the new, 2014 collection is so dang cute!  They always go out on a limb when everyone else just plays in the sand.  Ya gotta giv'm some kudos for that.  The newest DIVE collection features some sweet little bikinis in traditional fabrics.  But what really caught my eye were the neoprene swimsuits...yes, I said Ne-O-Prene!!!!  Ouch!  They're sexy and adorable!!!

Here's just a peek of the neoprene and non-neoprene swimsuits from 2014 Indah Swimwear:

Indah Swimwear 2014
Indah Swimwear 2014 - Neoprene


Indah Swimwear 2014
Indah Swimwear 2014 - Neoprene



Indah Swimwear 2014
Indah Swimwear 2014


Indah Swimwear 2014
Indah Swimwear 2014


Indah Swimwear 2014
Indah Swimwear 2014


Indah Swimwear 2014
Indah Swimwear 2014
More about the 2014 Indah Swimwear collection in a later post.  Tah Tah for now.
~ C.

Friday, September 6, 2013

Boys+Arrows 2014 Front and Center

Last post...we showed you the backsides of  several Boys+Arrows Swimwear styles.  (IOHO, some of the cutest bikinis for the 2014 season.)  An now... without further adieu...the other side of the coin, (err...bikini,) so to speak.


Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014

Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014

Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


Look for the new 2014 Boys + Arrows Swimwear to start arriving soon at Tropi-Ties!

~ C.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 - Giving Us Some Back Talk

Boys + Arrows Swimwear is at it once again... Stirring things up at the beach and poolside with their latest wares for 2014.  This season's collection focuses on the back view details...some extra strapiness here, some flouncy ruffles there...it's all pretty darn cute.  Here's a preview:

Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2014
Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014


There's more in store...to be continued.

~ C.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Acacia Swimwear is Riding the New Big Wave

Acacia Swimwear is still on their big guns, riding the success of their beautiful, super sexy swimwear line. Their sandy bum bikinis have been a big hit over the last couple of years and there's no reason for that to stop.  I just took a look at the new, 2014 Acacia Swimwear line and (taking a deep breath)...it's killer!  I can't show you the pix.  I'm sorry.  I promised that I wouldn't, but I know all of our bitty bum customers are going to love what Acacia Swimwear serves up this upcoming season.  In the mean time, you're just going to have to be happy with a nice coupon code for a 20% discount off of the 2013 Acacia Swimwear bikinis.  We don't have many left, so you'll want to jump on this.  The code is: alohaacacia

Acacia Swimwear 2013 - Kenya-Tanzania Bikini Front

Acacia Swimwear 2013 - Kenya-Tanzania Bikini Back

 Acacia Swimwear 2013 - Canons Ho'okipa Bikini Front

 Acacia Swimwear 2013 - Canons Ho'okipa Bikini Back

Aloha!
~ C

Monday, July 29, 2013

We're all a Flutter!

One of the new styles for this season is the flutter bikini top.  We saw a little of this look last season, but it's coming on even stronger this year.  It seems like every label has their version of this sexy little top.  Here's what Maaji Swimwear did with it in 2013:
Maaji Swimwear 2013 - Sour Popsicles Bikini - On Sale!


Wildfox also did one, as did LUXE.  L*Space created a modified version that has a center drape which comes to a point in center: 
 
Look for more of this little top in this season's line up of swimsuits. 
 
~ C.
 

Friday, July 26, 2013

MBFW Miami - Show Me More...

Another season of swimsuits has come and gone in South Beach.  The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week had their gala in Miami this week.  The booths are down, the runways dismantled...so what did we see as far as 2014 swimwear goes? 

OK, I have to admit that I did not attend this year, so maybe I missed something by not being there in person, and I'm probably a little jaded after being in this biz for so many years, but from what I've seen, the show was a lackluster event.  Sure, there was lots of hoopla, but the strong, swimwear style statements just weren't there, IMHO. We saw more of the same looks as the last couple of seasons. Repeats of repeats. Mainstream of mainstream.  I wanna see some new and clever swimwear designs!

Now,  I gotta say, the west coast labels, (as in Tori Praver, Acacia, Salt, Indah) are making more of a splash.  They're showing a lot more innovation and all have a fun, sexy, sunny attitude.  Bravo!  They're moving forward in a limited market...they're so courageous!  I noticed that many of them chose not to show in the MB show this season, but took a booth at Salon Allure instead, or are waiting to show their wares in CA.  Right on!  I'm anxiously waiting to see it all!

So, designers, don't settle for the same-old, same-old.  Show me more!  Hit us with your best shot!  I know that there are great swimwear designs out there and our customer do too.  When I find them, I'll be sure to post them here.

~ C

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Tori Praver 2014 Just as Sweet as Ever!

I just got a glimpse of the new, 2014 Tori Praver Swimwear lookbook.  All I can say is Sweeeet!  Ms. Praver has kept things fresh and up to date, which I have to say is a very hard thing to do in this economic climate.  Many swimwear designers these days are just continuing the same old styles in the same old fabrics.  You really can't blame them.  the sad reality is that they have to, just to stay in business.  Ahh...but Tori Praver did something else.  Yes, she brought back her tried and true styles and shapes, but she used updated fabrics and new details to make them come alive in a fresh and different way.  She pleased us with new and contemporary looks.  Now that takes smarts!  Thanks Tori!

I'd love to post some pix, but it wouldn't be fair, since the suits are not released yet.  All I can tell you is that you won't be the least bit disappointed.  There are some fancy crocheted detailed swimsuits, a few cool prints including shirt-stripe flower print, a couple of flutter tops and the cutest, sexiest, little rompers that I've seen in awhile.  She also did the classic shirt cover-up.  (Haven't we all used a man's shirt as a beach CU at least once?)  I'll try to update with some pix, just as soon as I'm able.  Until then, you're eyes will just have to wait. 

BTW, we still have some Tori Praver Swimwear for 2013 in our catalog.  You'll find her 2014 bikinis on our Tori Praver Swimwear 2014 update page.

Love to all...

~ C.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Dogs and Beaches

Yup...Summer is in full swing!  The garden is pumping out wonderful food and the heat wave last week had us scrambling to get all five dogs into the car and down to the shore.  No small feat!  We squished them all in there and found a bit of real estate for ourselves and headed down to gather seaweed and give the dogs some exercise.

There was only one family down there, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves, as usual.  (Gawd, I love Mendo!)  I know, I should have taken pix, but alas, I didn't. It was enough to get us all down the hill.  I don't think that I could have managed a camera, even an itty bitty one.  Anyway, you'll just have to imagine.  And if you know our pups, it won't be hard.  (I'll try to take pix and post again, later.)

Chaya and Kai Kai pounded into the brackish shore pond and swam and swam and SWAM.  The had races back and forth, seeing who could paddle the best and the hardest.  Tipsy did a go around, as did MJ.  Star even got in knee-deep and cooled off.  (Her arthritis holds her back.)  We headed down to the south side of the cove where the fresh Wakame comes ashore.  Every pooch helped us look for yummy Nori morsels in the tidal pools at the north end.  Then, it was off to the races.  Chaya (a pit bull) gave Kai Kai (a greyhound mix) a good run for her money. Everyone had a good roll in the sand and composting sea debris and each dog came back with a treasure of some sort.  Chaya found the best one...some rotten animal head...I'm guessing a beaver.

I don't know what all of this has to do with swimwear.  I suppose that I should be gabbing and drooling about the new 2014 swimwear lines coming out right now, but telling you about my laid back beach days just seems like the right thing to do.  The fashion talk can wait.

"Comon doggies...let's get in the car!"

~ C

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Lovin' Lenny Swimwear and at THIS Price!

Summertime and the livin' is LENNY...LENNY Swimwear, that is and it's now on sale!  Who wouldn't love a fab Lenny bikini deeply discounted?  Check out the latest 2013 Lenny swimsuits and bikinis now on sale!




Friday, June 28, 2013

New, 2013 Swimsuits Now On Sale at Tropi-Ties Swimwear!

In honor of the Summer Solstice, we've put two of our most popular swimsuit labels on sale:  Indah Swimwear 2013 and Salt Swimwear 2013.  You will find them on our ON SALE page.  There's some other great deals on there, as well.  Shop...ENJOY!

~ C.

Monday, June 24, 2013

PROMO TIME! Save Money at Tropi-Ties Swimwear!

There are some new promo codes out that all of you sun worshipers ought to know about.  Here are a couple of our latest offers at Tropi-Ties Swimwear:


Save 20% on Acacia Swimwear until 07/30/13 by using the coupon code ALOHAACACIA.
- Save 20% on Tavik Swimwear until 07/30/13 by using the coupon code TRIPPYTAVIK.

- Did you know that if you order over $200 in merchandise on any one order, you can receive FREE US PRIORITY SHIPPING? Yup...you can pick up swimsuits for the whole family (or dorm, if you prefer,) in one, fell, swoop and the shipping is on us. Just make sure that your order totals over $200 and that you choose US Priority for your shipping option.
 

Be sure so check our PROMOTIONS page occasionally for more discounts!

~ C.

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Cheeky Bottom Bikinis...It's All About the Sandy Bum

Hey, if gotta cute li'l backside, then this is the year to show it off.  The cheeky bottom bikini is the hottest look on the beach this season.  It's not Mamma's thong of the 70's, or Aunty's Brazilian of the 90's, but it sure is tiny, none the less.  The various swimwear labels all have their own version; some with a little more coverage than others.  Here's some of our faves:

Santorini-Maui Bikini - Acacia

Creedance Bikini - Tavik
Cheyenne Bikini - Salt

 

Kenny High Waisted Bikini - Tori Praver
Sage Ruffled Bikini - Tori Praver


Canons Ho'okipa Bikini - Acacia


Pocket Button Bikini - Indah

 
'Nuff said...the pictures tell a thousand words.

~ C.