Once again, it’s an election year and we all have big decisions to make. It’s up to you to vote for whom and what works best for your personal situation. But hey…that’s not until November! You’ve got other important decisions to make before then! Like what swimsuit are you wearing to the beach this year? There are lots more than just two choices in that contest! Let’s narrow the field down for you so you can make an educated decision! Cast your vote for one of this season’s trends:


Show Your Stripes! We’ve got the London Olympics and a Presidential Election in the same year, so it’s no wonder that stripes are hot! Skinny or wide, black or neon bright, they convey a nautical, classic, all American attitude. And in that same spirit, we find all kinds of American Flag prints on women’s bikinis, men’s board shorts, and even cover-ups and accessories.

Split Your Ticket! You can really mix up your choices this year by selecting swimwear that mixes patterns and prints in amazing ways! Stripes are combined with prints; prints of different sizes and colors are put together; and solids are mixed with stripes and prints! And while you’re at it, mix up your styles too…by choosing separate tops and bottoms you can build a swim wardrobe that suits your personal style and figure!

Vote in The Primary Colors! Vivid, eye-popping color is back and the beach is the best place to wear it! Bright yellows, blues, and reds form the center of this sizzling hot color wheel. Look for shocking pinks and oranges, electric greens and aquas, and hot combinations of color blocking.

Be A Front Runner! Accentuate your positives by adding ruffles, lace, draping, and ruching! Ruffled tops and necklines play up your top, while draping and ruching through the body play down your bottom! Isn’t that what every woman would vote for! And you can capture the swing vote by choosing a flirty, skirted bottom!

Adopt An Old Platform! Go retro with 50’s and 60’s inspired push-up bras, high waisted bottoms, glamour girl one-shoulder styles, 70’s mod prints, and 80’s cutouts! There’s something from every decade you loved, but updated for 2012!

Poll the Fringes of the World! Get your inspiration from India, Morocco, Turkey, and Africa! You’ll find beautiful exotic ethnic prints and crocheted fabrics, as well as an array of wild tribal and animal prints from the safaris of Africa. And lots of fringe on both tops and bottoms!

After you’ve chosen your new suit, be sure to top it off with just the right cover-up and accessories. Go classic with a cute strappy dress or maxi dress with espadrille flip flops, or show your exotic side with a beaded or crocheted tunic, leggings, and embellished sandals. You’re guaranteed to be ready for positive feedback on your exit poll!

*Jill Bennett is the owner of Birthday Suits, a world renowned chain of surf boutiques on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

K-Coast
35th St. & Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, 410-524-8500
K-Coast Girl
78th St. & Coastal Hwy. Ocean City, 410-723-3330
NEW K-Coast Outlet
Tanger Outlet Seaside, Rehoboth Beach, DE, 302-227-7171



Sea Quest
www.seaquestfashions.com
76th St. & Coastal Hwy.
410-524-0076



South Moon Under
Ocean City: 8019 Coastal Hwy. 410-524-4567
Delaware: B120 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth 302-227-3806

Sunsations
www.sunsationusa.com
16 Locations!!!
Coastal Highway-140th, 125th,
94th, 76th, 58th, 46th, 45th, 25th. Boardwalk-5th, 9th, 10th, Rte. 50 Hwy. (across from Outlets)
Delaware Locations - Bethany, Fenwick,
Rehoboth Beach. Chincoteague, Va.