Bold colors bring out the heat June 2010
By Nicole Ciarapica
A beach day is so relaxing. That is, if you’re prepared for one. What will you wear? What will you bring?
This year, you’ll see beachgoers walking by in swimsuits with bold colors and preppy patterns.
In Tommy Hilfiger’s golden striped “Sail On” bikini, you’ll blend into the sandy surroundings.
“Tommy Hilfiger is always very preppy and fun,” Melissa Stern said, manager of SeaQuest Fashions in Ocean City, “And the cut works well for juniors and misses.”
The top is priced at $53 and the bottom is $47.
SeaQuest also carries a straw Magid handbag for $42 that goes perfectly with the Tommy bikini. The look is very All-American.
Nautica, a top seller, is also available at SeaQuest. Nautica’s tankini shaped separates are such a flattering fit they keep the same style every year and just change the color or pattern. The top is $66 and the bottom is $52.
For a flashier style print, opt for a bold Trina Turk bikini found at South Moon Under in Ocean City. The top is $89 and the bottom is $73.
Betsey Johnson bathing suits are perfect for those who live to stand out in a crowd.
“Betsey Johnson is expensive but it’s one of our best sellers because it’s unique and different,” Stern said.
SeaQuest carries a green, feminine Betsey Johnson two-piece that has a lacy skirt with a big bow. The top is $108 and the bottom is $118.
If you prefer a whole piece to cover certain curves, a MiracleSuit is your best friend. This swimsuit does all the work for you with a new fabric called Miratex, which has three times the spandex as average swimwear fabric.
“It’s amazing because it’s very slimming,” Stern said, “It also has molded cups which lift you on top.”
The claim is that you’ll “look 10 pounds lighter in 10 seconds.”
Other popular brands include Roxy, Billabong, and Ralph Lauren.
Add a smart accessory like a hat to protect your head and upper body.
Cowgirl hats from South Moon Under are just $24.50.
At South Moon Under, you can find San Diego Hat Company’s round floppy hat in black or white for $36.50. Blooming Boutique in Bethany carries a similar style by Triangle headwear in colors like orange and turquoise for $23.
Enjoying the sites on the beach is near impossible without sunglasses. Love them or hate them—but they’re a necessity. You won’t be sorry you splurged on a pair of Roxy or Von Zipper sunglasses retailing at $70 and $100 at Quiet Storm.
Getting ready for a summer evening out might seem like a lot of work after the beach draining all energy. Being able to wear a few items two ways will speed up the process.
“For swim cover-ups, people are looking for something that can transition to dresses in the summer evenings,” said Paula Jacobs, saleswoman at South Moon Under.
The sandals at Quiet Storm may not have a heel but they’re too pretty to wear only half the day.
Roxy snapdragon sandals at $39, O’Neill gemstone sandals at $39.50, and O’Neill crazy in love sandals at $32 look like candy for your feet.
Handbags at Blooming Boutique can also be used for both day and night. Check out the plum yellow gerber bag or the plum purple and white bag both for $75 each.
Wear whatever makes you feel confident this summer. On the beach, add a unique necklace for an unexpected touch, play with your hair’s natural waves instead of putting it up, and don’t forget your sunscreen.
