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.

 

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

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.

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

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!