I know what you are thinking going into this… “Of course the swimwear looks good on the models in the catalog, but how will it look on me?” I know you are thinking this, because I am thinking the exact same thing. The good news is that the DownEast Basics swimwear line is designed for real women with real bodies to feel confident and beautiful. I personally try on every swim sample in every style so I see firsthand how my body with all of its “size large” lovely curves looks and feels in the DownEast Basics swim line. I am excited for the launch of this line that includes best-selling styles from previous seasons along with new, trendy silhouettes in fun, unexpected prints and colors. I seriously love this swim line so much that I used it to style a lot of our fashion items in our summer catalog that will hit homes in the next couple of weeks. These looks are so beachy beautiful, it’s hard to imagine wearing one piece without the other. Here are some highlights and suggestions for you to try. Life is too short, so embrace that body whatever it may be and hit the sand, sun and sea!

Sausalito Halter:  This is our best-selling swim top three years running. It is a universally flattering swim top that features wide halter straps in a fun contrast polka dot and stripe bodice. The neckline and halter strap create a more hourglass shape. You will also find that the length of this swim top is not only perfect for keeping covered but also complements your leg and hip line. There are some great color combinations available in this top. My favorite is the vintage feel of the soft turquoise stripes (which is the Pantone color of the year) paired with the chartreuse mini polka dot.

Riviera Tank:  This is one of the fabulous new swim top styles in the line this year! This swim top is a wish come true for women that would like to enhance their bust line while slimming the tummy & waistline…sign me up! The mini ruffle detail and underwire support will give your bust the perfect boost and the drawstrings along the sides create the flattering shirring detail on the tummy and waist. My favorite print of the season is available in this top. I love the pink and orange shades of the floral print.

Sunset Swim Dress:  This is our take on old Hollywood glamour swimwear. This gorgeous swim top features a longer length and ruffle detail that will complement the hip and upper thighs. The shirring down the side seams creates a waistline and conceals the tummy. Halter straps and a slight v-neckline also help create an overall hourglass shape. This top comes in the all-time classic black and a fun yellow floral with black and white polka dot trim. 

Hollywood Tank:  This new swim top is cute as a button and flattering to boot! The wide square straps (that cross in back) will slim and minimize the upper arm/shoulders and the long bodice provides the perfect slimming support through the mid-riff. It is hard to resist the darling polka dot print and button detail, so don’t even try!

Mediterranean Tank:  Our first animal print on swim is featured on the new Mediterranean swim tank. This print is in a beautiful bronze color that complements most skin tones. The chest has a vertical shirring panel that enhances the bust line and the flattering halter style offers great lift and support. The halter strap is removable for a bandeaux option, too. 

Santa Cruz Bikini Skirt:  This little number will do wonders for your hips and thighs!!! Designed with built-in bikini bottoms, this cute skirt offers a flattering leg length while the shirring minimizes the hips and upper thighs. This will remain on my “must have” swim pieces list for years to come. 

Waikiki Bikini:  This new bikini bottom has a slightly higher cut on the thigh, which will lengthen and slim your leg line, and also features a flower on one hip. You may not be in Hawaii, but this little swim bottom helps you feel like you are there!

Malibu Swim Skirt:  A true classic never dies. This swim skirt has been in our swim line every year and always sells out for good reason. It is really the perfect swim skirt you can wear in and out of the water. It features the perfect length, a slimming wrap style and fun ruffle detail.   

So, those are some of my favorite pieces from the 2010 swim collection! Talk to me! What are your favorites??? I would love to help a sister out, so tell me what you love, need and want! After all, I am planning swim 2011 as you read this. Also, for those of you interested in a $100 DownEast Basics shopping spree, post a photo of yourself looking and feeling fabulous in our swim line on our Facebook page and you will be entered into a drawing to win said shopping spree. I have said and stand by my claim that this swim line is made and designed for real women with real bodies, so I would love to see your photos! The winner will be chosen and announced on May 1, 2010. On your mark, get set, go get your swim on!

XOXO-
Andrea