So ladies, it’s that time of year again! The time of year we all dread! BATHING SUIT SEASON!!! Yes, we have to drag ourselves into the store and stare at our bodies that have gone through yet another year of neglect as we focus on our families instead of ourselves. There is nothing worse than trying on ill-fitting bathing suits under fluorescent lights while you kick yourself for not sticking with your New Year’s Resolution to get in shape. Before I get you too depressed I have a solution! I found a company called SwimSpot that makes bathing suit shopping enjoyable. “Impossible,” you say? I promise that when I was looking at their website I was able to figure out my body type and find designer swimwear that actually made me look forward to wearing them on the beach! Swim Spot is THE place to find gorgeous women’s swimwear that will make you feel fabulous!
Nobody's perfect. But who has to know? Flowing ombre chiffon is artfully slimming and concealing while the adorned string racerback provides support.
Today we are featuring a Question and Answer with SwimSpot Fit Specialist Marnie Hill to explain a little more about SwimSpot, Fit Specialist, and how to find the right bathing suit this summer. SwimSpot has also offered a giveaway for $75 Swim Spot Gift Card!
Marnie Hill, SwimSpot Fit Specialist
Q&A
What is SwimSpot?
SwimSpot is the swimwear industry’s premier swimwear and activewear boutique and online retailer. We offer personalized customer service and a plethora of contemporary and designer swimwear and cover-ups for every body type. Each of our retail boutiques offer concierge services provided by a Fit Specialist who can help you customize your swimwear look. Our customers range from young contemporary girls to contemporary and designer women. SwimSpot parlays its relationships with fashion designers and the industry’s leading swimwear brands to offer high-end and fashionable swimwear to shoppers in a fun and ambient atmosphere.
SwimSpot is relatively new to swimwear retail scene here in LA. We recently opened retail locations in Santa Monica, Irvine Spectrum, Topanga Canyon, Thousand Oaks, Sherman Oaks, Santa Anita and Santa Barbara (to open next month).
What are some of the brand names SwimSpot has to offer?
Athena, Ella Moss, Guess, Hurley & Hurley Girls, Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Nautica, Next, Reef, Splendid & Splendid Girls and St John, just to name a few.
What is Swim Spot’s silhouette/style range?
SwimSpot’s offers silhouettes for every body type from the children to mature women. SwimSpot offers young contemporary styles varying from triangle and bandeau bras and tie side and string pants, including sexy one-pieces. In Contemporary Missy, we offer silhouettes such as Bandinis that are blouson style, racer-back underwire sports bras and skirted pants. Silhouettes also include halter one pieces with rouched detailing for extra support while high-waisted pants are popular in camouflaging trouble areas.
What products do you sell aside from swimsuits?
In addition to swimwear, SwimSpot offers a wide selection of luxurious and chic cover-ups and activewear.
What is your price point range for swimsuits and cover-ups?
Price points range from $29 for a Reef or Hurley separate to $400 for St. John Swim coverup.
What are your Fit Specialist’s qualifications?
SwimSpot Fit Specialists are seasoned swimwear professionals who have years of experience working in the swimwear industry—as designers, patternmakers, merchandisers and sales—and are uniquely qualified to make swimwear recommendations based on body type, style and silhouette.
What does SwimSpot offer online?
SwimSpot offers an easy, fun and convenient way to shop online! Some of our online features include Bikini Builder—an exciting technology that allows shoppers to mix and match separates—and swimwear video archive, featuring video footage of each swimsuit style on the runway. A Fit Specialist will provide one-on-one concierge services to shoppers who are looking for the most flattering size and style in swimwear.
What is the swimwear trend forecast for 2012?
Feminine suits that include crochet, florals and ruffles; Color blocking; Sporty Suits; Neutrals and all things stripes.
What are your best-selling silhouettes?
Tankinis, retro bikini bottoms, bandeaus and Maillotts.
What styles and prints will be popular for Spring 2012?
Prints that are poplar for the 2012 season are Americana- blues, red, are white, Graphic florals- florals that are big, such as bold Hawaiian prints, Neons/ brights and digital prints. Styles that seem to be ever evolving are retro suits and 40’s glam. Rouched one-pieces and tankini’s seem to get better every year. Animal print and skins are another trend that never go out of style- there are so many great ways and color options for these prints. Silhouettes that continue to be popular are bandeaus and one shoulder suits done in new ways. All of these trends originate straight from the apparel runway shows.
What design direction/distinctions is each of Swimspots’ brands making with their 2012 swimwear designs?
Hurley- Urban chic, Hurley suits are designed with the “surfer’s girlfriend” in mind. Prints and colors are more edgy and similar to the core surf attire Hurley clothing.
St. John- Elegant and glamorous with lots of ornate detailing and bold prints.
Ella Moss- The world of the butterfly girls- romantic and feminine.
Splendid- Welcome to everyday. Splendid Swimwear, just like the apparel line is fun, soft to the touch and comfortable, made for every day wear. Playful and stylish are words that describe the look of Splendid. Lots of stripes, terry cloth.
Nautica- Inspired by the water, crafted with intention and designed to outfit the life well-lived. Americana and nautical designs are strong influences.
Athena- Known as a pioneer in fashion swimwear for fabrications, sophisticated colorful prints and flattering silhouettes, with special attention to inner construction and figure flattering features.
Guess- Ultra sexy, ultra glamorous, fashion forward trendsetter. Vintage inspired suits. Details such as polka dots, floral prints, ruffles and solids are very important for the GUESS girl.
Luxe by Lisa Vogel- Modern beach sophisticate always stylish and chic. Trends and colors are inspired from world travel, interior design and high- fashion runway designs.
Reef- Exotic beach girl- free spirited, world traveler. Athletic and sexy, bright colors with island flair.
Next by Athena- Active inspired swim separates in bold and bright prints with functional silhouettes that are catered for a vigorous life style.
What advice/tips do you have for customers as they prepare to shop for the 2012 swim season?
Swimwear shopping can be fun with the following tips:
Ask the swim experts what looks good on your body type and for a second opinion.
Start your tan base now – Bronze skin always makes you look better
Try on swimwear in the morning before you get your day started
Age appropriate suits- Do not choose suits that will make you look too young or too old. Fit and style are everything!
Fit- suits that are too big will sag in the bottom, suits that are too small will dig into your skin.
In addition to sharing these great swimwear shopping tips, SwimSpot wants to make your bathing suit shopping experience even more enjoyable by generously giving a $75 SwimSpot gift card to one lucky reader!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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*I did not receive any financial compensation for this review