Safety Break Is Almost Over!!

Are you ready!? Street fests, cookouts, garage sales, movies in the park, hot hot heat, and taking it all off at North Ave. Beach... As bikini season quickly approaches we find ourselves scrambling to find the perfect summer swimsuit. Don’t panic! I’ve selected some of my favorite swim trends for 2010 and a few of my favorite spots to find them all from the comfort of that place you call home.

Re-Re-Remixx. Retro styles are back! A higher waist and full coverage bottom creates the ultimate pin-up feeling. Check this modern take on an old favorite from Hotel Bondi available @ freepeople.com.$178. The Japanese floral print and the black base bring this bikini out of the 50's and to the Bettie Page’s of today. 

It was hard to choose a favorite suit from So-Cal based surf and skate brand Tavik. Not only do all their 2010 collections look incredible, but actually owning one of their fine sets won’t leave you eating PB&J’s for the next week. This color-block bandeau style made top 5. Sold as separates @80spurple.com, this suit is sure to heat up the beach.$62/ea. 

Wowzers! We’ve seen monokini’s on and off for the past 2 seasons, but this is the first year that I’ve actually seen a slightly higher fashion side to them. Just when you thought one-piece suits were dead, we’ve found a way to cut them out and spice them up. Double word score for the animal print, this plunging style from Diane von Furstenberg is a definite head turner. Avoid baking in the sun in this one (on your back at least) to prevent any unsightly tan lines. Avalable @ shopbop.com $250.

Finding the right swimsuit can be the ultimate shopping nightmare for some. Personally I dread it! Where one part fits another does not. Therefore after many half-way fitting sets, I’ve adopted the mix & match method. Floral tops with striped bottoms, leopard & neon, or just two different color solids together, honestly - anything goes. Here Insight has taken the thought out of an already thoughtless theory. Their mixed-set suit is available now @revolveclothing.com. $66/set. 

Although not available online, H&M has come out with some super cute swim separates for the 2010 season and they start at just $4.95!! Here at STIC, we took the liberty of picking up a few pieces while out at the Fashion Against AIDS Event @ The Michigan Avenue store just last week.

There you have it! Retro styles, florals, color block, cutouts, monokini’s and “not so matchy” sets, are just some of the great trends to look out for in swimwear this season. Good luck on your hunt for your perfect summer suit, and ladies pleaseee apply that SPF and leave the grease for these guys. 


By: Lauren Kazun, Stic's Intern