Dear readers and loyal customers...Sadly, the time has come for us to say goodbye. We are retiring from the swimwear business and the blog will be closing down soon. Personally, I've loved all of it, from helping our customers pick out just the right swimsuit, to anxiously awaiting the upcoming season's offerings, to writing about the latest styles...it's all been good. Over the last twenty years, we've not only dished up swimwear for thousands of young women, but we've even had the honor to do it again for their daughters. We are amazed by it all! We've certainly had our day in the sun. Many, many thanks to everyone. Peace and love.
~ C
Friday, May 15, 2015
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Speaking of Swimwear Sales...
First, YES, ACACIA SWIMWEAR IS BACK ON SALE! Granted, there are not many Acacia bikinis left, but we have a few at some super fabulous prices.
Second, We have decided to have our Summer Solstice Sale a little early....like now. At Tropi-Ties Swimwear, we celebrate Summer Solstice each year, by having our biggest and best sale of the season. However, sadly, this year we have a memorial to go during that time for someone that the entire family loved so, so much...my Father-In-Law, Carroll Alpers. There's no way we would miss it, so we will probably close down for a few days and hang with family.
Anyway...enough about that. You really don't want to miss this sale, which is going on right now, this very minute...this second even. http://tropi-ties.stores.yahoo.net/
Shop,
Enjoy!
Happy Summer!
~ C
Second, We have decided to have our Summer Solstice Sale a little early....like now. At Tropi-Ties Swimwear, we celebrate Summer Solstice each year, by having our biggest and best sale of the season. However, sadly, this year we have a memorial to go during that time for someone that the entire family loved so, so much...my Father-In-Law, Carroll Alpers. There's no way we would miss it, so we will probably close down for a few days and hang with family.
Anyway...enough about that. You really don't want to miss this sale, which is going on right now, this very minute...this second even. http://tropi-ties.stores.yahoo.net/
Shop,
Enjoy!
Happy Summer!
~ C
Saturday, April 26, 2014
A Rare Acacia Swimwear Sale! Yippee!!!
ACACIA SWIMWEAR SALE! SAVE 20% ON ANY ACACIA SWIMSUIT!
HURRY, SALE ENDS MAY 1ST!
Yup...you read that right. We're having an Acacia Swimwear Sale. We know...it's the hottest swim label on the market right now, but we wanted to draw a little attention to our new web site design, so what the heck. If you love the bitty bum bottoms, then you will flip over Acacia Swimwear for 2014.
Check it out at: Acacia Swimwear Sale
~ C
HURRY, SALE ENDS MAY 1ST!
Yup...you read that right. We're having an Acacia Swimwear Sale. We know...it's the hottest swim label on the market right now, but we wanted to draw a little attention to our new web site design, so what the heck. If you love the bitty bum bottoms, then you will flip over Acacia Swimwear for 2014.
Check it out at: Acacia Swimwear Sale
~ C
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Swimming Under the Radar...Salt Swimwear
We've seen a lot of swimsuits and bikinis over the years. Once in awhile, we come across a swimsuit label that is so darn cute, but the rest of the world just hasn't caught up to it yet. Maybe we're the ones that are missing the mark, or maybe we are just way ahead of our time. I like to think it's the latter.
SALT Swimwear is one of those swimwear labels. Designed with the California girl in mind, SALT Swimwear knows how to make a statement on the beach. We've been carrying their bikinis and one-piece swimsuits for several years, although, I have to say, they are not our biggest selling brand. Why is that? Personally, I think that they are so innovative in their designs, their cuts are perfect and their quality is top notch. They promote themselves and a classy way. They get their product out on time. What is it? It probably is us. Maybe we're not doing enough to tell our customers how wonderful this bikini brand is. So....I'm telling ya! SALT Swimwear is killer! It's the cutest thing on the sand, or in the water! So, let's cut to the chase. Here is SALT Swimwear 2014:
SALT Swimwear is one of those swimwear labels. Designed with the California girl in mind, SALT Swimwear knows how to make a statement on the beach. We've been carrying their bikinis and one-piece swimsuits for several years, although, I have to say, they are not our biggest selling brand. Why is that? Personally, I think that they are so innovative in their designs, their cuts are perfect and their quality is top notch. They promote themselves and a classy way. They get their product out on time. What is it? It probably is us. Maybe we're not doing enough to tell our customers how wonderful this bikini brand is. So....I'm telling ya! SALT Swimwear is killer! It's the cutest thing on the sand, or in the water! So, let's cut to the chase. Here is SALT Swimwear 2014:
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| Salt Swimwear 2014 - Sesa-Lucy Bikini Back |
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| Salt Swimwear 2014 - Sesa-Lucy Bikini Aqua-Reverse Print |
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| Salt Swimwear 2014 - Sesa-Lucy Bikini Moroccan Summer |
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| Salt Swimwear 2014 - Sesa-Lucy Bikini Moroccan Summer-Reverse Solid |
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
A New Look for Our Swimwear Catalog!
After many, many, false starts, we finally have our new, improved catalog site live. Tropi-Ties Swimwear has a fun, fresh look! We love it and we hope that our customers will too. No, the blog is not totally changed over yet. I've got the header up there, but that's about it. And don't expect to see our intro page: http://tropi-ties.com to sport the updated graphics yet either. But, I promise, it's coming...hopefully next week. One step at a time.
This is the 4th, or 5th time that we've changed our website design in the 18 years that we've been in business. Lemme tell ya...it ain't easy! It's a very creative, as well as labor intensive project and my hat is off to the designers at 1choice4yourstore. The holidays threw them behind schedule, but they busted their bums to get our site done in record time...thanks Shawna and crew! So, I really hope that you'll stop by and take a look. You are welcome to leave comments here, at the blog.
OH...I almost forgot to tell you! In celebration of the new site unveiling, we are offering a 10% off coupon on anything in the store...ANYTHING! Just use the code BRANDNEWLOOK before 03/01/2014 when you check out. Happy shopping! We love you all!
~ C
This is the 4th, or 5th time that we've changed our website design in the 18 years that we've been in business. Lemme tell ya...it ain't easy! It's a very creative, as well as labor intensive project and my hat is off to the designers at 1choice4yourstore. The holidays threw them behind schedule, but they busted their bums to get our site done in record time...thanks Shawna and crew! So, I really hope that you'll stop by and take a look. You are welcome to leave comments here, at the blog.
OH...I almost forgot to tell you! In celebration of the new site unveiling, we are offering a 10% off coupon on anything in the store...ANYTHING! Just use the code BRANDNEWLOOK before 03/01/2014 when you check out. Happy shopping! We love you all!
~ C
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
The Bikini... Let's Get Serious
I have lived long enough to know that some people do not perceive the bikini as a serious topic of discussion. For many of those folks that perhaps grew up in a land locked state, or country, without the warm sand of a beach to seduce them, they just don't get it. To these people, the bikini is not a fashion, or lifestyle statement, it is merely a drooling over of soft porn. So, I say that for those of you who feel this way about the bikini, I kindly advise you to, "click off. "
This discussion is not about all that. It is about what a bikini does for a soul, be it a goddess of fashion, or of a child of nature. And who better to understand that than the late, but forever wonderful, Diana Vreeland, the then editor of Harper's Bazaar magazine, who brought the bikini into the American girl's life in 1947? ( The Diana Vreeland website.)
Ms. Vreeland, who later went on to become the editor of VOGUE magazine, called the bikini the "swoonsuit," that exposed, “everything about a girl except her mother’s maiden name,” and claimed it to be, “the most important thing since the atom bomb.” Oh for God's sake, of course she was right. She was correct...more than correct!
The timing of the unveiling of the bikini was impeccably perfect. It came at the dawning of an era when American women were, "feeling their oats," as my mother used to say. They were becoming more independent, more free in their feminine expression and their sexuality. I dare to say that it was the MOST important fashion statement of its time! Suddenly, unlike my mother, I, as a young woman, was able to stroll along the shoreline in the smallest piece of clothing that 'd everI owned and feel absolutely wonderful about myself.
And last, but never least...
~C.
This discussion is not about all that. It is about what a bikini does for a soul, be it a goddess of fashion, or of a child of nature. And who better to understand that than the late, but forever wonderful, Diana Vreeland, the then editor of Harper's Bazaar magazine, who brought the bikini into the American girl's life in 1947? ( The Diana Vreeland website.)
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| Diana Vreeland Spots the Bikini in St. Tropez & Features it in HARPER'S BAAZAR |
The timing of the unveiling of the bikini was impeccably perfect. It came at the dawning of an era when American women were, "feeling their oats," as my mother used to say. They were becoming more independent, more free in their feminine expression and their sexuality. I dare to say that it was the MOST important fashion statement of its time! Suddenly, unlike my mother, I, as a young woman, was able to stroll along the shoreline in the smallest piece of clothing that 'd everI owned and feel absolutely wonderful about myself.
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| Thank you Diana! |
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| Thank You Veruschka! |
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| Thank you Miss Bardot! |
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The Anticipation is Killing Us! Swimwear Site Redo
I know, I know...I told you that our site would be live by now, but alas...it isn't. We have gone through a lot of problems with web designers over the years. There were many stops and starts...sigh...however, we are still standing staunchly behind our new, web design team, 1 Choice 4 Your Store. This group of ladies are awesome! They are adding a few more extra special touches to our site, so the reveal date has been set back a bit. So, patience my darlings...it's coming soon.
For now, while we're waiting, I need to tell you about another swimwear line that I've discovered. One of my new faves is Issa de' mar. It's another killer Hawaiian swimwear line...I'm seeing a trend here. Anyway, two friends from the North Shore starting out by selling their bikinis from a tiger painted ice cream truck...now that's pretty damn plucky! I love that! Now, you might think that their swimsuits are, how shall we say, "rustic," but that couldn't be further from the truth. Their one piece swimsuits are totally fashion forward and their hip, little bikinis are to die for. I really hope that you'll be seeing more of this original and clever bikini label in our catalog. I am so excited to show you some pix, but as I've said many times before, I need permission from the owners and photographer first. I'm working on that. I think that I have several lines saved up to show you for 2014. We'll do the grand display when the new site goes live...more to anticipate.
BTW, we do have a few, new 2014 swimsuits in. The 2014 Boys+Arrows Swimwear just arrived and it's all pretty darn cute. We also got three, new styles in from the 2014 Acacia Swimwear...OMG...so sexy and very, very chic. Tori Praver Swimwear for 2014 has also just come in...gorgeous. We have a few specials on 2013 swimsuits, so you really must stop by the site...just avoid the construction. Thanks...a warm aloha to all of our wonderful customers.
~ Cindy
For now, while we're waiting, I need to tell you about another swimwear line that I've discovered. One of my new faves is Issa de' mar. It's another killer Hawaiian swimwear line...I'm seeing a trend here. Anyway, two friends from the North Shore starting out by selling their bikinis from a tiger painted ice cream truck...now that's pretty damn plucky! I love that! Now, you might think that their swimsuits are, how shall we say, "rustic," but that couldn't be further from the truth. Their one piece swimsuits are totally fashion forward and their hip, little bikinis are to die for. I really hope that you'll be seeing more of this original and clever bikini label in our catalog. I am so excited to show you some pix, but as I've said many times before, I need permission from the owners and photographer first. I'm working on that. I think that I have several lines saved up to show you for 2014. We'll do the grand display when the new site goes live...more to anticipate.
BTW, we do have a few, new 2014 swimsuits in. The 2014 Boys+Arrows Swimwear just arrived and it's all pretty darn cute. We also got three, new styles in from the 2014 Acacia Swimwear...OMG...so sexy and very, very chic. Tori Praver Swimwear for 2014 has also just come in...gorgeous. We have a few specials on 2013 swimsuits, so you really must stop by the site...just avoid the construction. Thanks...a warm aloha to all of our wonderful customers.
~ Cindy
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
On The Crest of A Wave...New Things To Come
It is dry, the ocean is very still and I wish a rain storm would come and liven things up. Until then, we'll have to stir thing up ourselves. So it's all about new things!
First, I want to let you know that our new site is almost ready to go live. The graphics are done and it has been placed in the hands of the programmer. It looks fabulous! A hearty applause for 1 Choice 4 Your Store web design team!!! I really hope that my next post will be under the new look and format...fingers crossed.
New swimwear lines are coming our way. One, is Lisa Blue, with Aussie designer Lisa Burke at the helm. Lisa is a surfer girl and a true lover of whales. She's had some amazing experiences with the whales that have inspired her to design her beautiful swimwear. She is donating 25% of the net profits from her company to saving and protecting the whales through the Australian Whale Conservation Society (AWCS) which is a registered, non-profit environmental organization, based in Queensland, Australia. You can read about Lisa's story and ways that you can help on her website. We praise her efforts and love her bikinis. Look for a sultry little number done in blue velvet to arrive in a few weeks, ...yow...beautiful! I'll post pix as soon as I have permission.
Another "new line" that we will be carrying is OndadeMar, which really isn't new for us. We carried this ultra-pretty label for many years and we're so glad to have them back in our line-up. This is a classy, elegant line, with impeccable styling. Look for pix, (gotta have permission first...you know the routine,) as soon as possible. We expect their swimsuits to arrive around March.
So...no pix today, no rain today, no surf today...just blue skies and that's good.
~ C.
First, I want to let you know that our new site is almost ready to go live. The graphics are done and it has been placed in the hands of the programmer. It looks fabulous! A hearty applause for 1 Choice 4 Your Store web design team!!! I really hope that my next post will be under the new look and format...fingers crossed.
New swimwear lines are coming our way. One, is Lisa Blue, with Aussie designer Lisa Burke at the helm. Lisa is a surfer girl and a true lover of whales. She's had some amazing experiences with the whales that have inspired her to design her beautiful swimwear. She is donating 25% of the net profits from her company to saving and protecting the whales through the Australian Whale Conservation Society (AWCS) which is a registered, non-profit environmental organization, based in Queensland, Australia. You can read about Lisa's story and ways that you can help on her website. We praise her efforts and love her bikinis. Look for a sultry little number done in blue velvet to arrive in a few weeks, ...yow...beautiful! I'll post pix as soon as I have permission.
Another "new line" that we will be carrying is OndadeMar, which really isn't new for us. We carried this ultra-pretty label for many years and we're so glad to have them back in our line-up. This is a classy, elegant line, with impeccable styling. Look for pix, (gotta have permission first...you know the routine,) as soon as possible. We expect their swimsuits to arrive around March.
So...no pix today, no rain today, no surf today...just blue skies and that's good.
~ C.
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.
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.
Look for more 2014 swimsuits to arrive very soon! We expect Boys+Arrows to be here any day!
~ C.
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| Tori Praver Swimwear 2014 - Chelsea Bikini |
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| Tori Praver Swimwear 2014 - Boardwalk Bikini Front View |
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| Tori Praver Swimwear 2014 - Boardwalk Bikini Back Side |
~ 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.
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:
Oh...and have a wonderful holiday!
~C.
A Few of the Many Swimsuits and Bikinis On Sale At Tropi-Ties Swimwear:
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2013 - Olivia The Outlaw Bandeau Bikini, $109 |
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| Acacia Swimwear 2013 - Canons Ho'okipa Bikini, $119 |
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| Salt Swimwear 2013 - Isla 1-Piece Swimsuit, $129 |
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| Tavik Swimwear 2013 - ZZ-Jimi Bikini, $109 |
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| Lenny Swimwear 2013 - Branly Double String Halter Bikini, $129 |
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| 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.
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
http://thelittlehermitage.tumblr.com/
It lovingly depicts fall.
~ C
Good Surf is In the Air...
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| Mendo Surf - Mike Kew |
~ 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.)
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.)
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.)
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
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| Bikini - Cheeky Bottom |
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| 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.)
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| The 2014 Sandy Bottom Look |
~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:
~ C
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| Salt Swimwear 2014 - Sesa-Lucy Bikini in Moroccan Summer Print |
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| Salt Swimwear 2014 - Sesa-Lucy bikini in Teal |
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| Salt Swimwear 2014 - Lola-Claudia Bikini in Black |
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.
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:
More about the 2014 Indah Swimwear collection in a later post. Tah Tah for now.
~ C.
Here's just a peek of the neoprene and non-neoprene swimsuits from 2014 Indah Swimwear:
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| Indah Swimwear 2014 - Neoprene |
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| Indah Swimwear 2014 - Neoprene |
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| Indah Swimwear 2014 |
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| Indah Swimwear 2014 |
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| Indah Swimwear 2014 |
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| Indah Swimwear 2014 |
~ 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.
Look for the new 2014 Boys + Arrows Swimwear to start arriving soon at Tropi-Ties!
~ C.
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| 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:
There's more in store...to be continued.
~ C.
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
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| Boys + Arrows Swimwear 2014 |
There's more in store...to be continued.
~ C.
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