Dive Into Summer and Make a Splash!

           What it the biggest stress of summer? And please don’t say trying to figure out what SPF to wear the first day out in the sun.  It’s nearly bathing suit season and you better be on top of your swimwear game!  Swimwear trends don’t move in the same cycle as other fashions, they tend to be slightly altered from season to season.  But that doesn’t stop avid bathing suit shoppers (Brianna Bickford)!  After all, we can only allow so many facebook tags of ourselves in the same bathing suits.  Here are four popular bathing suit trends for summer 2011!

1.  Vintage Inspired

            Think Grace Kelly and Marilyn Monroe!  Ruffled swimsuits are in, whether they line out the bikini in a distinct, feminine and girly way or they are taking over a bandeau top.  Bombshell pin-ups, not only are they steep in sex appeal but they also accent numerous curves in the body.  Things to look for; halter necks, sweetheart necklines, ruffled skirts and tops, high waist bottoms, belts, ruching, reveling once pieces and nautical themed suits.

2.  Crochet

            This neat and tidy look is quite skin flashing!  The intricate designs and stitching on these suits are what catches the eye of others, drawing them away from the less flattering parts of the body.  Crochet one-piece suits with a long open-weaved piece down the center give the elusion of a longer torso (and who wouldn’t want that?)!  Both crochet bikinis and one-pieces are elegant and super trendy for summer 2011.

3.  Statement Strapping

            My favorite!  If you are ever in need of attention, just throw on a strappy bathing suit and there ya go!  Statement strapping has taken the term string bikini to the next level.  Designers are now braiding, twisting, looping and stringing pieces of thick and thin fabric where ever they can.  They sometimes even add embellishments onto the straps just to cause a little more chaos!

4.  Digital Prints

            Digital prints are on the rise in the fashion world.  This shows how technology savvy designers are becoming.  Suits with digital prints are bold and extremely attention grabbing.  This season the prints are being inspired by street fashion.  What to look for: stripes, tribal/cultural, actual photo prints and paneling. These are all fashion forward in 2011.

                                                                                                                                         Float, don’t sink!

Ciao, Annie May