A Personal View..It's Really All About People, Isn't It?

I have always made a promise to myself to never, ever, publish too much about myself on the internet.  Since I started Tropi-Ties in 1995, I've kept pretty true to that deal.  However, I think that it's time to share just a little with you all about my life.

As you may have noticed, my posts have been infrequent lately.  I have been moving, building a house, living out of boxes for Gawd knows how long, planning an upcoming wedding for my dau.  It's been a challenge, but hey, anyone who knows me can tell you that I'm always up for a good, clean fight.

However, the hardest part hit a few days ago when my mom passed away.  She was very old and I was the last person required to give my OK to let her go peacefully into the night.  Surprisingly, I had no problem making that decision.  She had been struggling with the act of living for some time. It was my final gift to her.  Still, I'm going to miss here terribly, in spite of all the craziness that she caused.  She too, was also up for any kind of challenge that flopped down in front of her.  She taught me well. 

So, we raise our martini glasses to you Mom! 

"Stirred , not shaken, (shaking bruises the booze,) just wave the bottle of vermouth over the glass, never eat the olive."

I promise to be back to business soon.
~ C.

PEARL Sails Home

I've missed her...she had been languishing in the harbor, paint peeling, tugging at her spring lines.  We'd been so busy this last couple of years, preparing our property for sale, then moving to a new ranch and building a house in Northern California.  Our beautiful 1974 Fuji ketch had been sorely neglected and left behind in Ventura, waiting for us to decide what to do with her.  We couldn't berth her close by.  The sailing on the Mendocino coastline is more fit for shallow keeled fishing boats, than a blue water sailboat. The boat market has been practically nonexistant and besides our family loves her and didn't really want to let her go.  We finally decided to make the long, upwind haul to San Francsico Bay and settle her into a new berth on the island of Alameda.  From there, we can sail the bay, venture up the coast a little, sleep over in the city and get the work done on her the she needs. 

My DH and Harry, an old, salty, seadog friend of ours, made the trip.  I didn't go...I was chicken.  I'd heard the stories about the pounding and sloshing around Point Arguello and had no desire to be scared out of my wits.  Luckily, the fair weather prevailed and their voyage was pretty calm, other than a couple of dark, foggy, hair raising hours just past Governments.

Here ae some pix that my DH took along the way.  I love you California...I love you hunny bunny...I love you PEARL. ~ C.


Swinging off the hook, waiting to sail around the point



Cliffs of Big Sur
 

California Big Sur Coastline



California Land's End

Headed for the SF Bay



Passing through the Golden Gate Bridge

PEARL's New Local Waters



Waterfront view of San Francisco



Home Stretch Passing Under the Oakland Bay Bridge

Maaji Swimwear 2013...A Columbian Rainbow!

Maaji Swimwear colors up our lives, once again this season with a plethora of adorable swimsuits and cover-ups.  Going thorugh their lookbook, it was hard to choose...I wanted them all!  We narrowed down the choices and here is a little taste of what we've come up with this season:

 

Cherry Reve Bikini - Maaji Swimwear 2013
 



Sour Popsicles Bikini - Maaji Swimwear 2013 

 



Cherry Breeze Skirt - Maaji Swimwear 2013



 

Oceanica Dreams Bikini - Maaji Swimwear 2013

There's more to come, so stay tuned my pretties! ~ C.



Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Has it been really over a month since I last posted?  OMG!  I am SO SORRY!  My dau is getting married and I've been immersed in the plans and preparations.  Not to mention, building a new house.  Meanwhile, the 2013 swimwear linesheets have been rolling in.  I'm up to my ears in lookbooks.  I love it all!  Now, to alert you with my discerning eye, as to what's on the horizon for the upcoming 2013 swim season. 

1st...Boys+Arrows Swimwear 2013 does not disappoint.  Yes, there will be more of the same, (all of you Helen the Hussy fans will not be denied,) but there are a few, new additions to their killer line-up.  I will post pix just as soon as I get permission from Meg. 

Acacia Swimwear for 2013 is just gorgeous, (Oh...and it's still very skimpy, BTW.  Would we have it any other way?)  The girls that can wear this line have a LOAD of confidence and the body to match.  When Acacia meets THAT kind of beach goddess...watch out!  I really can't post the pix...not allowed...sorry.  Keep an eye out for their new arrivals on our site.

SAHA Swimwear...this line is just so different.  They certainly do not follow the fads, but they put out some really cute and appealing stuff, none the less.  I like that!  They are NOT followers!  SAHA was a new line for us last season and was quite popular, right off, so I expect that they will be even more well received this year.  We're starting earlier with SAHA 2013, so you'll have a better chance to grab and go!

SAHA Swimwear 2013 - Chairama Bikini

Tori Praver Swimwear 2013 is just so pretty.  Tori really has a great sense about femininity and beach lifestyle.  We'll have some new Topi Praver Swimwear items coming in around the holidays. 

Tori Praver Swimwear 2013 - Kenny High-Waisted Bikini

Lenny Swimwear 2013 has a few, new surprises for us this season.  It's look is a little younger than in the past, but still five-star quality.  Here's a pic of one of my favorites:


Tie-Dye Long Halter With Leather Trim, Lenny Swimwear 2013
 

L*Space is on a Tsunami ride...what can I say?  We still love it this year and plan to bring it back for next season.  Designer, Monica Wise, is also debuting a new line: Maio Swim...A little more coverage than L*Space, a little more, "I'm a young mom now," look.  Still, very stylish and sexy with that distinct L*Space feel. 

More to come!  Now, off to shop wedding tents.  Love to all...C.

Sauipe Swimwear 2013..Like A Crisp, Clean, Offshore Breeze

Sauipe Swimwear is not about fads, gimmicks or gadgets...just pure, classic lines and a feminine touch. Their workmanship is commendable, their fit is perfect. They have just released their 2013 swimwear line and we love it!  Here's a sampling of their new styles for the 2013 cruise season:

Blair 1-Piece Swimsuit by Sauipe Swimwear 2013

Hazel Bandeau Bikini by Sauipe Swimwear 2013

Eva 1-Piece Swimsuit by Sauipe Swimwear 2013

Sauipe Swimwear is just one of the many great swimsuit lines we'll be carrying this year.  Look for more previews of the 2013 swim collections, coming soon!

~ C.

Let the Swimwear Shows Begin!

I love the swimwear shows...and then again, I don't.  The swimsuits, the glamour, the designers...the crowds, the uppity-ups, the press.  I dunno...I remember when the Miami show was just a small, private affair, held over at the Mart.  No glamour there...just lots of great finds and friendly, hardworking reps.  Now, it's a lot of hype...although, still some good looking bikinis are to be found.  Maybe I'd like the European shows better.  That's where Maaji showed their 2013 swimwear collection, "Seaside Reverie," this year.  Here's some pix of their booth at Mode City Expo, Paris.  (Kindly taken from their blog.)

Maaji Swimwear 2013 at Mode City

"Seaside Reverie" Collection, Maaji Swimwear 2013

Although, you can't see much yet from these pix, what it clearly visible is a ton of cuteness.  I'm sure that Maaji will be coming on strong again this season.  Look for early arrivals in our store.

Another show that I've always wanted to go to is Rio (and Sao Paulo.)  Lenny and Salinas show there...they're Brazilian lines, after all. 

Salinas Swimwear 2013 - Rio

Not to dis Miami...there are really some great shows there.  The MB Fashion Week at the Raleigh has taken the spotlight lately with all of the glittery glam.  Salon Allure over at the W has given the MB and Miami Swim Show a run for their money.  Here's a new knitted swimsuit line that I really like: Maggie May Swimwear, out of my home stomping grounds, SF, now showing at Salon Allure and the upcoming NY CURVE show.

Maggie May Swimwear 2013, Salon Allure

Of course, Acacia Swimwear has now hit the big shows in Miami.  That was to be totally expected, seeing as how they're designs are so dang cute.  They've also been showing over at Salon Allure this week.  Here's an irresistible, high-waisted bikini from their latest wares.

Acacia Swimwear 2013 at Salon Allure

There's a few small shows in CA. I LOVE those! Easy-peasy ordering, no throngs of fashionistas and drooling men. (I know, I'm getting jaded.) I can't tell you where they are...trade secrets, you know. But, I will bring you the updates from them, as these are the shows where I find absolutely the BEST STUFF!  I'll let you know more about these lines later on. My radar is up and running...if there's a killer bikini out there, I'm sure to find it.  Good luck to all of those working the booths, putting the last minute touches on their new styles, making sure that their models look their best.  2013 Swimwear...BRING IT ON!

~ C.

Miami! Let the 2013 Swimwear Season Begin!

I love the Miami swim shows.  Too bad I'm not there this year.  I'm so sad about that.  I have personal obligations that keep me here in CA.  So, I'm doing the armchair reporting thing this season.  It's not that bad.  The reps have been so helpful by obliging me with all the info I need to make the 2013 picks.  Thanks to all.  I have to say that the lookbooks that have come across my desk for the 2013 line up have been VERY promising!  So many cute, cute swimsuits to choose from. Interesting cuts and swimsuit styles, lots of new designers...my, so many choices.  I'll be posting all this week about some of my favorite swimwear labels, so stay tuned. 

Good luck to all of those manning (womaning?) the booths and runways. 

Love to all!
~ C.