Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Swim 2010 - Animal Instincts & Pretty in Print

If last week's beach looks weren't quite your thing, I've got a few more styles to check out this week.  We're going bold with animal prints, and feminine with florals and paisleys. 

I don't know if it's because it's primal, but animal prints radiate sex appeal.  So it's the perfect pattern for a bikini.  I like these wireless push-up tops because they give a decent amount of coverage, which also adds a little extra space to distinguish the print on your swimsuit.  Add a little color to these monochrome palettes with a a bright sandal or floppy hat.  These straw hats keep to the sort-of safari feel, and the split-sleeve cover-up dress has its own wild-jungle appeal.

Animal Instincts
From Left to Right:
Zebra Stripe Bikini:  Push-up Halter, $29 / Side-tie Brief, $20
White Braided Sandal, $14.50
Paper Straw Floppy Hats in Pink or Black (orange not pictured), $24
Dolman-Sleeve Dress Cover-up, Reg. $29 / Sale $19
Scrunch-Detailed Orange Sandal, $13.50
Leopard Print Bikini
Push-up Halter, Sale $28.50
Solid color bottom with Matching Print Belt, Sale $21.50

If you're brave and are blessed with a great beach body, check out this super-sexy leopard print monokini.

Not a fan of animal print, but want something more exciting than solid-color swimwear?  Go girly with these feminine prints.  From paisley to floral, there's plenty to choose from, and in plenty of cuts (despite my all-bikini line up shown below).  I normally suggest keeping things simple when using prints -- let your other accessories be less bold.  However, since your swimsuit's going to be hidden underneath your coverup anyway, keep showing off your bright personality with a brightly patterned maxi-dress.  Keep the color going with a bright wedge.  I really love these because they have just a cutout of pattern that blends well with most swimsuits prints, and the basket-weave heel is oh-so-summery.
Pretty in Print
From Left to Right:
Top, Reg. $20 / Clearance $11.99
Side-tie Brief, Reg. $19 / Clearance $10.99
Retro-Inspired, Coral Medallion Bikini, Bandeau Top $32 / Bottom (various styles) $24-$32
Multi-color Maxi-Dress (various colors available), $19.99
(Deal of the Day) Blue Floral Bikini:
Push-up Halter, Reg. $38.50  / Clearance $12.99
Belted Brief, Reg $30 / Clearance $10.99

If you're a fan of my facebook page, you've already seen this treat.  (If not, find me here.)  Today's sea-themed jewelry find is this charming little crustacean necklace for only $12.99.  There's also a lobster one.

And finally, the one thing every fashionista needs to be swim ready:  a great sunscreen.  My personal favorites are Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock for the body and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer-Dry Touch Sunblock Lotion for the face.  They both are super-lightweight and don't leave you feeling sticky or greasy.  All that and they're waterproof.  You can find them at pretty much any drugstore or supermarket.

What swim style will you be rocking this summer?

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