Swim In Style

With Spring Break on my mind, that only means one thing...the start of a new swimsuit season! As a girl who thinks summer without a new swimsuit is like a day at the beach with no sun, there are plenty of new trends this year that I would love to dive into. The 2011 swimsuits and bikinis will be all about the 70s bohemian movement. This season is highlighting many different styles, including bandeaus, triangle tops, halter tops and yes, monikinis are still in! With this broad assortment of styles, every beach bum is sure to find the right suit. It will also be a very colorful season including vibrant palettes, mixed hues, eclectic prints, gold hardware and diverse textures. Most importantly, opting for a swimsuit which will not only suit the new trends, but your body type as well as personality is a must if you wish to radiate confidence and feel great in your own skin.

Let's get down to business:

STYLES
This 2011 season will continue to bring us the bandeaus and monokinis introduced in the past few seasons, as well as the timeless triangle and halter bikinis. The bottom coverage will also continue to be very diverse, with Brazilian cuts, moderate coverage and the 70's inspired high waist bottoms.

L Space Sensual Solids classic triangle suit

Luli Fama Quiero Fiesta bandeau top

Victoria's Secret Retro Polkadot

Nanette Lepore Rhumba monokini

COLORS
2011 color trends offer summer favorites in the blue-green, orange and pink families. The blue hues come in many shades including turquoise, sky blue, seafoam green and olive. Pink-orange hues are also popping up all over the swimwear runways this season, especially in coral, burnt orange and raspberry pink which are flattering on all skin tones. Last year's 80's inspirations have been toned down and are more muted for a sophisticated palette. And don't worry, the always classic black and white will be in full effect once again.

PRINTS

Break out your passport, the tribe has spoken! Designers featured all kinds of hot ethnic looks with Native American, Moroccan and African inspiration. The printed suits have an exotic sex appeal and are perfect for some fun in the sun. The bold, bright prints remind us how beautiful fashion can be incorporated into swimwear as well.



Caffe Hot Blooded



Mara Hoffman Classic Side Tie



Luli Fama Timbales

Cia Maritima Peacock

OndadeMar Silk Butterfly

Masquenada Baby Hold On


ACCENTS
From frills to fringe, this season is all about the accents. You will find jewelry-like accents, gold hardware, plenty of fringe, beading, ruffles and much more. These accents add a luxurious touch that can transform any plain old bikini into a fashion forward look. Next thing you know, you'll be strutin' your stuff down the beach like it’s a runway.

Beach Bunny Glitter in the Air

designer unkown

Vix Lou Lou

Trina Turk Solo

Victorias Secret Jewel-embellished

COVER UPS
No summertime wardrobe is complete without a chic and easy swimsuit cover-up. Why do you need a cover-up you ask? Maybe you are just not quite ready to strut down the beach in a bikini or you’re turning into a human lobster frying in the sun. Even worse, you know that awkward moment when you’re tip-toeing through the hotel lobby, wrapped in a towel on your way to the pool, or you just want to throw something on to take a quick lunch break? Well these uncomfortable showings can be avoided if you have stylish cover-up.Whether you need a top to prevent your back and shoulders from getting a little too toasty or you just need a dress that works equally well in the sand as it does for lunch reservations, here are some of my favorite picks...

Caffe Heart tunic

Victoria's Secret Linen Open-stitch tunic

OndadeMar Island Queen cover-up



Trina Turk Casablanca tunic



Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Leopard cover-up

Victoria's Secret Striped Linen cover-up

~ Cori French

Coral Fever

On the runways, in stores, and online I've been seeing coral all over. This color is huge for spring and into summer and I'm hooked. Coral is fresh, fun, sexy, youthful, summery... the list goes on! Color trends are easy to pull off because you can jump right in or use a few accessories for a hint of color. But with a color this beautiful and summery who wouldn't want to grab more than one piece? I'll be showing you a few ways to add some coral into your life.

First and foremost, my favorite way to try a new color trend: Nail polish!

Essie's Tart Deco Nail Polish $8

Now, there are good ways to do coral and some not so flattering ways...

Bad Choices:

Don't choose a washed out shade like this dress, Coral is supposed to be fun and happy, not drab and sad.

Bright, youthful coral is sexy and fun. This hat just says grandma.

Uggs are to be avoided at all costs. Even if the color is right on target.

Good choices:

A bikini, it is almost summer after all!

Eva Longoria knows how to rock this color.

Cameron Diaz looks fresh and beautiful in a coral shift dress.

Erin Lucas is rocking my two favorite trends right now: Coral clothes and nude heels!

Some affordable options to add coral to your wardrobe:

Halogen long cardigan, Nordstrom $69

Short skirt, J Crew

Victoria's secret dress $48

Tinley Road strapless dress, Piperlime.com $44

Gap T shirt, $24.50

Victoria's secret dress, $58

Victoria's secret bikini $54

I love this bikini because it's an easy way to add a little punch of color by just wearing the bottoms. You don't have to go out and purchase an entire coral ensemble (please no Hillary Clinton-esque coral pantsuits!) but you can add little bits and pieces like these cute bikini bottoms.

Happy Shopping!

-Viktoria Sporer

That 70's Show

I have been spotting plenty of gorgeous getups from the era of Woodstock. With all the flowing maxi-dresses, wide-leg pants, flares, slinky jumpsuits, crop tops and shiny fabrics on the runways, it’s clear that when it comes to fashion… the 70s will always be groovy.

The new 70s trend is a new Bohemia: crisper, cleaner, and much sleeker than its former flower-child look. It's all about clean yet big silhouettes, and earthy '70s colors. Make the trend come to life by layering over beaded necklaces or a vest. There are two sides to the ‘70s inspiration trend: the glamorous ‘70s look that is more stylish and chic and the softer 70s which includes chiffons and paisley prints. Both sides are not only effortlessly fashionable, but also very wearable for the spring season!

Splurge

Pucci

Gucci

Fendi

Dolce and Gabbana

Bargin

Jackie Stretch Seersucker Wide-leg Flare Pant

Mosimo Maxi Skirt

Victoria Secret Jumpsuit

Free People Maxi Dress

5 ways to get 70's inspired

For a more classic, modern approach, keep the patterns and accessories to a minimum and focus on rich color as well as interesting proportions. The key to this  look is to go very minimal on 70s-inspired accessories while giving a nod to the decade by wearing a crisp white shirt tucked into wide leg, flare pants.

The best way to rock the 70's trend is to where a 70's inspired print. Pair a loose printed wrap jacket over a maxi skirt for a more natural look. Add a cross-over bag to complete the 70s inspired trend. The earthy color palette of her outfit styled with the black beanie gives this retro-inspired look a more relaxed vibe. 



Dress up any outfit and bring back the 70s by wearing a faux fur jacket. The fur jacket is luxurious and glamorous, yet warm and practical. Throw one over a maxi dress/ skirt for evening rock star glamor or to luxe up a pair of jeans. Accessories are another way to incorporate fur. Try adding fur-trimmed hats or boots to give any outfit a 70s flare. 

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The high-waisted shorts, fedora hat, and sequined cardigan look is the perfect mix of bohemian glamour that we love about the 70s trend. The look is chic and looks good on any body type. The high-waisted shorts will flatter the mid-section and elongate your legs creating a more flattering figure. Add a simple black clutch to complete the look. 

Nothing says '70s like a loose maxi skirt and a pair of aviators. This style for this looks is easy going and effortless. Pair a maxi dress with a wide brimmed hat and leather flats (like in the picture above) or platforms to accessorize the look.

-Brianna Bruington