Zimmermann Swimwear 2011 - Now Arriving at Tropi-Ties Swimwear

Glory Hallelujah! The first of the 2011 Zimmermann Swimwear, has just arrived! I have to say, those Zimmermann sisters sure do bring us a ton of style from down under. The first two swimsuits that came in they are just to die for!


First, there's the Ebony Rose Seashell Bikini, with its unique bandeau top and lacy bottom. The top has a scalloped detail and very slight padding to help shape and support. There’s an optional, thin, halter strap provided. The bottom is done in a flat, black lace and is cut just right, not too skimpy and not too full. Although, it's not the cheapest swimsuit that we carry, it's worth every penny, based on an overload of style and superb craftsmanship and fit.

Second, we received from Zimmermann what has to be THE most glam one piece swimsuit of the season: The Copy Cat Ruched Corset 1 Piece Swimsuit. I love the vintage glamour that these Aussie designers brought to the deck, while taking a totally modern approach, without it looking like something that came from the thrift store.

Looking good so far Zim! More styles from the 2011 Zimmermann Swimwear collection will be arriving soon. Until then, we will savor what we've got. 

Shop for these Zimmermann Swimsuits now at Tropi-Ties Swimwear.


~ C.

Suddenly Sandals...The Newest Arrivals at Tropi-Ties

We're excited!  We have new shipments of sandals coming in soon!   The Cocobelle Sandals label is making its debut at Tropi-Ties Swimwear and not a minute too soon.  Their funky, fun styles have made all the celeb pages and press and we love their look, not to mention, the way they're made.  We're starting things off with 3 Cocobelle styles:

Indian Eyes Sandals by Cocobelle

Maasai Gladiators by Cocobelle

Morena Sandals by Cocobelle

Maaji Swimwear is also doing a line of sandals and bags this season, using the same prints as their crazy bikinis.  This should be fun!  Look for the Maaji sandals and accessory items to start arriving this January.

One other sandal label to keep an eye out for is Trove TKEES Sandals.  We'll tell you more about these trendy little TKEE flip flops at a later date.

~ C.



Mikoh Swimwear 2011 - Clean Lines, Inspiring Design Define the Mikoh Look

There's been a lot of buzz about Mikoh Swimwear, a new swimsuit line from California that debuted last year.  I previewed it in 2010 and loved it, but because it was near the end of the season, I held off carrying it until the 2011 line was ready.  And now it is. Oh happy day!

Mikoh Swimwear 2011 - St. Lucia-Moorea Bikini in Turq

Personally, I think that the new 2011 Mikoh swimsuits are even better than the 2010. They have included some prints this year and kept some of their most popular style details from last season, including their long, swingy strings and simple pull-on, (as in sans clasp,) tops. 

Mikoh Swimwear 2011 - Biarritz Maxi Dress in Blue Print

Mikoh Swimwear 2011 - St. Lucia-Moorea Bikini in Sand Print

They've also added some very cute and breezy beach cover-ups to their reportoire.  Their styling is definitely for the smaller figure, but that being said, Mikoh Swimwear certainly makes the most of a tiny package.

~ C.

Kain Label... Making Fashion Look So Easy

"Resortwear," "Beach Fashion," "City Couture"...Whatever category you want to put Kain Label into, it's all OK. Kain Label fits into all of the above. The beauty of this LA fashion architect is that they have the distinct ability to take the mundane to insane, from bleak to chic, ordinary to extraordinary. Need I go on?  For example, they have learned to tweak out the most humble of dresser drawer items, the Classic Pocket Tee, and take it to a completely new level by using 21st century fabrics and sexy, modern styling.

And yes, their sweaters are slouchy, but still gorgeous, their dresses simple, but nothing less than fabulous.

Kain Label is new for Tropi-Ties and we’re so happy that we’ve found each other. A perfect fit, if I must say so myself. It travels well, looks stylish in any situation and has utter sex appeal. We hope that you stop by and give us your opinion on this new resortwear line. We love it and we hope that you do too.
 
~ C.

Agua Bendita Swimwear 2011 - Three, New, Sweet-As-Can-Be Collections

Agua Bendita Swimwear brings on the girly stuff in such a sexy way that makes every one of their styles absolutely adorable.  Honestly, I had a difficult time narrowing down my favorite swimsuits and beachwear from this huge, 3-part collection for 2011.  Each and every bikini, swimsuit, monokini and cover-up is a sure seller.  How to choose? 

Not only do they have the killer looks and styles, but they have also employed two of the hottest swimwear models, Bar Refaeli and Candice Swanepoel to show off their wares.  Although, this label is from Columbia, they shot the 2011 collections, "On The Rocks", "Black Tie", “Happy Hour,” at some of the swankiest pools and rooftops in LA, giving the collection a hip, cosmopolitan feel.  They're presentation made me love this swimsuit label all the more.

So, here's a small sampling of some of my Agua Bendita Swimwear faves:

Bendito Santo 1 Pc. Swimsuit

Bendita Realeza Bikini

Bendita Vibracion Bikini

Bendita Francia Bikini

Agua Bendita Swimwear 2011 should arrive at Tropi-Ties in a few weeks.  Please stop by our site for updates and new additions.

~ C.

Salinas Swimwear 2011 - What's In Store For This Iconic Swimwear Brand?

Ya just gotta love Salinas Swimwear...they've kept it all together during these turbulent times and still managed to come up with some cute, new, cleverly styled bikinis.  The 2011 Salinas Swimwear Collection is now being unveiled at Tropi-Ties and it's to die for.  They've gone sweet on us this year and put up some sexy, little, ruffled numbers, done in feminine florals. 

They've also gone bright and  bold in 2011 with a rainbow plaid bikini.

Bikinis and prints aren't the only thing that Salinas Swimwear did well this season.  They have a couple of eye catching one piece swimsuits, as well as a sexy, black, tasseled bikini that personally, I just love. 

Salinas Swimwear is a master at blurring the line between a young, junior/teen look and a grown up girl style.  I think that's why everyone loves them so much.  That, and that true sense of fun that is inherent in each and every Salinas swimsuit.  They've managed to keep their prices reasonable too.  (Although, I have to say that the most expensive ones tend to be my favorites...such is life.)

The 2011 Salinas Swimwear is arriving this fall.  Stop by and preview the new Salinas Swimwear Collection before it hits the shelves at Tropi-Ties Swimwear

Karla Colletto Swimwear 2011 - Looking Forward To Fall

Karla Colletto keeps coming up with more and more classic, one piece swimsuits.  I love my Karla swimsuits...and I've seen a LOT of swimsuits in my career.  Granted, there was a day when I wore nothing but the tiniest string bikinis, but now that I'm, "more mature," (IE; not 20 years old and hanging a kid on each arm,) I'm so glad that Karla is around.  I always feel sexy and beautiful in my KC swimsuits.  The fit is impeccable, the styling is classic, the the quality and workmanship is beyond compare.  Plus, the support is where I need it, with Karla's hidden, floating under wire bodice.  I will never settle for a cheaply made swimsuit from the discount chain store or catalog again. EVER!!!  I slip my KC swimsuit on and head for the pool knowing that I look beautiful and that the swimsuit won't come apart while doing my laps and lazing through the afternoon.  After all...enjoying the beach and pool isn't a matter of demographics.  We should all enjoy our day in the sun.

The new Karla Colletto Swimwear 2011 Collection is full of fanciful bathing suits.  I absolutely love the Black Piping One Piece Swimsuit and have ordered an extra one just for "Moi."  The color is fabulous, the styling superb and the fit...oh, the fit....is like nothing else. I feel at least 20 pounds thinner!  Whether, your 25, or 55, this swimsuit will look divine on everyone.   This is a bathing suit that I can actually wear in front of friends and family and know that I look, "killer," in it!  There are no regrets.   So, it's on to fall...on to romantic escapes...tropical beaches, sweet days lazing by the pool with my, "Honey," and time for a new Karla Colletto Swimsuit!

~C.

2011 Red Carter Swimwear...So Wearable, So Cute!

You've got to see the new 2011 Red Carter Swimwear Collection.  The pix are now arriving.  Damn!  It's cute this year!

~ C.

It's On To Vegas...The 2011 Fashion Trade Shows, MAGIC and More

A few words of wisdom to my fashion buyer:

The Las Vegas fashion trade shows are daunting to say the least.  There's MAGIC (no magicians,) POOL (no pool,) PROJECT (no construction workers,) ISAM (NOT "Sam I am,") CURVE (no windy road,) SLATE (no rock quarry) and I'm sure that I'm forgetting a few more spin-off shows. This is some serious sourcing.  Pack your gym shoes, bring practical clothes and don't forget your wallet...Las Vegas isn't a cheap town by any means. Seriously, a buyer should consider doing some long distance training before going, because honey, you're going to walk miles and miles and miles.  This is a marathon show!  Then there are marathon parties too...which I advise you to go early, leave early...you're going to need your strength and wits about you for that 9AM appointment.  For a fashion buyer, this is probably a group of the most important shows that you can attend, so be smart about it.  I only say this because I've seen good sourcers bite the dust many, MANY times in LV and it isn't pretty when they get back home, so be forewarned.
 
:::sigh:::

OK, I've made my point and now you know why I am not going this year.  I'm sending you, one of our savviest girls, to hunt for a few needed items for the catalog.  I know that you'll do great.  You can battle the crowds, swelter in the heat, and nurse the hangover.  You're only there for a day...in and out.  How much damage can be done? 

"Parties?"  NO 
"Gambling Expense Account?" NO 
"VIP Club?"  NO 
"A Headlining Show?"  NO
"Dinner at Le Cirque?" NO 
"Well, Can I have a new bikini for the trip?"  NO 
Just come back with some killer stuff and in one piece.

MAGIC is serious business.

~ C.

Mercedes Benz Fasion Week Swim 2011 - Let's Review

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim - Let's Review...
I would absolutely love to show you all the pix, but I’m doing it legal and waiting for permission to publish them. Until then, you’ll just have to trust me on my text depictions.

July
16th

Crystal Jin is a new line looking long, sleek, with satiny, Asian inspired fabrics. I liked this line. While maybe not earth shaking in design, the cuts looked clean, the swimsuits certainly fit the models well, and the designs were all very appealing. This is a line that is almost baked to perfection…try it now, or give it another year to mature and flourish.

OMG…watch out! Beach Bunny is going bawdy-glam again. Ya gotta love their burlesque themed bikinis with the over-the-top lingerie inspired swimsuits…lots of lace, lots of shine…lots of va-va-va-voom!

Swimwear Anywhere looks at swimsuits the way most of us should. They’re bringing purpose and practicality back to swimsuit fashion…and that’s all I’ll say about that.

17th

I love Mara Hoffman! Gawd…who doesn’t? She amazes me that she does such an excellent job with swimwear, when, in fact, she has several other divisions in her design repertoire that are equally impressive. Where does she find all that energy? As usual, Mara Hoffman Swimwear for 2011 takes the print to another level entirely and the same goes for her bodies. She's always going just to the edge, peering over, and coming back with something new for the rest of us that are not quite as brave as she. And while her models are certainly lovely, if not a bit quirky, (that right there tells you something about Ms. Hoffman,) they never upstage her designs. This season there’s lots of crisscross lattice straps, combined with her now famous Egyptian inspired prints. Strappy details, skinny pants and flowing caftans…oh my!

18th

Mr. Carter, please take a bow. Red Carter’s swimwear shows always reveal his flair for the theatric, but he also demonstrates his practical side. He has a knack of combining drama and classic wearability into all of his designs. For 2011, Red gives us some clever cut-outs, and straps going places that we never knew they could go. He also used lots of metallics, but punched it up with some eye-popping solids. I’m so glad to see that once again, his line is super strong this season. (Applause)


Cia.Maritima Swimwear is always so feminine, sexy and above all…Brazilian. It looks like a Samba sounds. This year, I instantly fell in love with the exotic butterfly prints used for the swimsuits and many of the cover-ups. I think that the line this year is just a touch more sophisticated than in the past. There was some serious thought that went into many of the cover-ups, designing them to go easily from beach to bazaar. (I especially like the long jumpsuits.) Cia.Maritima always gives us some variety, particularly with bikini bottoms that range from full coverage to miniscule backsides.

This is the second year that I’ve reviewed Caffé Swimwear. I think that they are still evolving and probably going somewhere…soon. This season there were lots of big, chunky accents, decorating a cool, summery palette. More to come on this newish label.

Tonight: Marysia, Nicolita, Tyler Rose Swimwear, An Aussie montage including Kooey, will be hitting the runways. I love all of these labels…I can hardly wait to tell you about them next time!

~ C.

Marysia Swimwear - All American

In honor of the 4th of July, we would like to introduce to you a new line from the good ol' USA.  Marysia Swim is a delightful collection of inspiring swimsuits by Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves, done up in a pallete of  femininity and intimate elegance.  The frills show up, once again, as well as the high-waisted bottom.  I especially like the clever way that Marysia does tiny gathers, here and there, to create a new look. 

So, I'll make this short.  Please have a wonderful and SAFE 4th.

~ C.

Swimwear 2011 - Miami Shows

There is a new generation of swimwear designers hitting the shows.  Mavens and mavericks, setting out with their wares to impress the beach and resort world with their new take on what the modern swimsuit should look like.  I have to say...it's refreshing and it never ceases to amaze me with what they come up with, while working with so little. 

The Miami shows, the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim, held at the Raliegh, July 15-19th, and the Swimwear Assoc. of  Florida's Swim Show, at the Jackie Gleason Convention Center Hall, July 17-20th., are the big ticket events.  Alas...for personal reasons, I will not be there this season.   For this, I am sad.  I generally make the pilgrimage every year, but I may have to have to settle for "armchair sourcing" of the east coast vendors this season.  I won't be completely out of the loop, the west coast rep shows are always informative and loads of fun.  Plus, I get to see what the others miss and on a closer and more personal level...it's not all bad.  

The Swim Show is very well run and has booth, after booth, of swimwear vendors plying their wares.  There's anything from A to Z.  they usually have a "Pau Hana" cocktail reception at the end of the day and a very nice runway show featuring a couple of suits from each vendor.  Most major brands are represented there, but there are also some newcomers, which is why I like this show.  You never now what you'll find.

IMG Fashion is the organization behind the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Show, held in the evenings, at the beautiful and historical hotel, the Raleigh.  Tents are set up around their curly-cue shaped pool, with several shows scheduled each night.  This is an "invitation only" event, with lots of Paparazzi, velvet ropes and bikini clad ticket takers.  It's all very glam.  This year, the MBFW show will feature designers from all over the world.  White Sands and Kooey Swimwear hail from Australia, Beach Bunny Swimwear and Tyler Rose are from California, Cia.Maritima and Aqua di Lara bring it from Brazil, Mara Hoffman from Europe, as well as a handful of other great swimwear creators such as Red Carter, Luli Fama and more.

And although I won't be there personally this year, I will have my spies to keep us all posted on what's happening in 2011.  You can always check our 2011 Swimwear Update page for details.  Good luck to all of the hard working designers and here's to 2011!

~ C.

Sao Paulo Fashion Week SS 2011 - Swimwear

Sao Paulo Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2011, the premier event in Brazil and the swimwear world, will be taking place Tuesday, 06/08/01 through Monday, 06/14/10.  I'll b posting updates and reviews of some of the lines.

~ C.

Fashion Rio Summer 2011 - Ahhh...The Swimwear!

Rio's hot ticket to fashion kicked off this week, with their 17th Fashion Rio Summer 2011 show, held at Praça Mauá.  The show began on Thursday and will run until June 1st.  The theme for this season is ‘360º City on the Move’.

Two of our favorite swimwear designers, Salinas Swimwear, by Jacqueline de Biase and Lenny Niemeyer, for LENNY Swimwear, have already shown their wares, with Salinas showing on day one, followed by LENNY on day 2. (Images, Associated Press)

Salinas Swimwear Fashion Rio Summer 2011

Lenny Swimwear at Fashion Rio Summer 2011

More to come...

~ C.