We're not even out of January yet, but i'm getting swimwear catalogs in the mail already. It's still sweater weather here in Sacramento, and most of the country is freezing cold. But last weekend, i was in L.A., where the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the weather was its usual perpetual summer. Which, of course, got me thinking about planning my seasonal wardrobe.

So using my fine fashion eye, i'm able to tell you what's going to be hot by the pool and at the beach this summer. i think i can sum it up with these four words: polka-dots, halter-tops, boy-shorts and beads. Okay, so maybe that's seven words, but this is a post about fashion, not semantics, so listen up.

What in the world could be cuter than a polka-dot two-piece? They wrote a song about it didn't they? Trust me, everything is gonna be polka-dots this year. My favorites are at Vicki's Secret, including this classic triangle string-tie in white with multicored dots. Trés adorable. There's also a halter-top in the same pattern. Raisin's has a similar top and bottom, but the price is not as nice. Vicki's is actually swimming in polka-dot styles this year, for instance: bows and ruffles, and spumoni flavored, and this comfy looking tankini halter, equally perfect for volleyball or a picnic.

Old Navy hasn't yet come out with their summer styles yet, but you can get this green string top for only $4.99, which should be paired with black boy-shorts or these green and white numbers. A bikini for under ten bucks? That's cheapo, but with Old Navy you usually get what you pay for, so be forewarned.

And Nordy's has a polka-dot tankini set in stark black and white that makes me dream about being poolside at some Palm Springs bungalow, wearing dark cat-eyes under a floppy white chapeau, baking on a chaise-lounge and maybe sipping a fruity concoction served up by that nicely-tanned-yet-not-too-bright young poolboy that occasionally wanders in and out of my fantasies. You know, the one with the perfect abs? Whew.

i hope we're all thankfully over last summerÂ’s bandeau craze. The demise of that silly fad was undoubtedly hastened by the unfortunate Kirsten Dunst unveiling of 2004. Not only was the bandeau top impractical, it wasn't very flattering either. Although they're not for everybody, halters will take over this summer, and the good news is that they're practically impervious to unintended incidents of Dunstation. Here's a hella cute retro gingham pattern.

Venus calls boy-shorts "hot shorts." Like Jessica, i prefer a low rise version with drawstring. Solid color boy-shorts are very versatile and great to match with a triangle top or tankini. Carabella does the boy-short thing with stripes and polka-dots, and these low rise O'Neills prove that you can look super sexy without being too cheeky.

As for beads, i'm seeing them on the ends of string-ties, but also as a decorative accent. i think this bikini is gorgeous, but i don't like the idea of spending $150 on something i'd be afraid to get wet. Ujena turns the beads into a belt.

One final warning. i have a sneaky suspicion, since the movie is coming out this summer, that we might see some Daisy Duke inspired swimwear on the racks. i think my visitors are sophisticated enough to know this already, but let me just say it outright: Anything Daisy Duke is by its very nature cheesy and is to be worn only at halloween.

Posted by: annika at 12:01 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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1 Miss Annika, "...i don't like the idea of spending $150 on something i'd be afraid to get wet." That's exactly why I never take a 450 pound nympho to an expensive restaurant. "...Anything Daisy Duke is by its very nature cheesy and is to be worn only at halloween." On this we must part ways. Perhaps you had to be a boy & old enough to recall seeing Katherine Bach on the original series but depending upon the lady Daisy Duke-like atire is neither cheesy nor to be reserved for certain holidays. Not every woman can pull it off (the look that is) but if being a sophisticated man means not being able to appreciate a figure approximating miss Bach's in an ensemble similar to one she would have worn, then I will gladly revel in my barbarism the rest of my days. Besdies, you'd look killer in a pair of short jean shorts & a skimpy bikini top w/ heels on. Doubt me? Then post a pic & make it a poll question. (as opposed to a pole question, which would require a video instead of a pic ) But thanks again for keeping us (ahem) abreast of the latest swimwear trends.

Posted by: Publicola at January 25, 2005 04:29 AM (zTap3)

2 I'll part ways with Publicola on this one. Heck, I'm a big fan of one-piece speedo racing suits on women, if truth be told. All of my crushes when I was in high school and college tended to be on "jock" girls, especially swimmers. Something about those shoulders... Anyhow, I'm a devoted fan of racing gear. And no, I wouldn't be caught dead in a little speedo -- even back in the days when I'd like to think I had the body to wear it, I didn't dare...

Posted by: Hugo at January 25, 2005 12:37 PM (VqTF3)

3 Shit, save the money, and go to blacks beach! Just make sure that you stay down on the South end, oh, and let me know when you're going to be there!

Posted by: Casca at January 25, 2005 04:02 PM (cdv3B)

4 Hugo and Publicola inadvertantly prove a much larger point. If a woman is fit, well put together, and pays just a bit of attention to the type of suit she selects, most of us guys will go wild; one piece two piece debates, hardly matter. I think it really matters more that the suit make the woman feel attractive. Re: the Daisy Duke thang - Sorry, but even as an urbane sophisticate, I find that outfit quite fetching in a trashy, fun sort of way. I'm quite supportive of the poll idea.....Publicola, if you pull this off you're a friggin genius.

Posted by: Pursuit at January 25, 2005 05:46 PM (VqIuy)

5 I was looking around at various websites for swimsuits this morning, and found that Roxy had some great stuff too. Even the polka dots.

Posted by: Amy Bo Bamy at January 26, 2005 10:56 AM (RpVKX)

6 Hey, mahalo Amy! i checked it out. Roxy is totally on board with the whole polka dots / halter / boy-shorts trend.

Posted by: annika at January 26, 2005 11:17 AM (zAOEU)

7 "Anything Daisy Duke is by its very nature cheesy and is to be worn only at halloween." Or by large Southern Alabama native women while perusing the cookie aisle at Winn Dixie.

Posted by: Eric at January 28, 2005 06:12 PM (XG7GD)

8 Great post-it brightened my Feb afternoon..

Posted by: JD at February 20, 2005 01:23 PM (J+Gcr)

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Jeff at Beautiful Atrocities posts a "Foot Fetishist's Guide to the Blogosphere."

And there's a very familiar set of sexy pointy boots, too!

Hat tip to Victor for the alert.

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Jennifer skewers haute-couture over at Demure Thoughts. Good stuff.

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