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.