Swimwear 2012
Your Vote Counts
By Jill Bennet

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.


Swimwear Locations in the Outer Banks
Locations are currently being updated for the summer 2012 season. Check back soon!

Kitty Hawk Sports
www.kittyhawksports.com

Milepost 12.5,
Jockey's Ridge Crossing, Nags Head
252-441-6800

Wee Winks Shopping Center, Duck
252-261-8770

Timbuck II Shopping Center, Corolla
252-453-4999

Monteray Plaza, Corolla
252-453-3685

Waves Village.Rodanthe
252-987-2528




Farmers Daughter
www.farmersdaughterobx.net

Corolla
Main Hwy. 12, across from the Food Lion complex
252-453-9116

Nags Head
Hwy. 158 Bypass, MP 6
252-441-3977

Duck
Main St. in Lower Duck
Village on the Sound
252-261-4828
Hatteras Beside the
Hatteras/Ocracoke ferry
252-986-9970

Sunsations

Nags Head
Located at MP 8.5
252-441-2213

Nags Head
Located between MP 15 & 16
252-449-8516

Kill Devil Hills
Located between MP 9 & 10
252-449-0461

Outer Banks Surfshop
www.obssurf.com

1176 Duck Road, Duck, NC
Soundside (Across from Scarborough Lane)
252-261-2907

Just For The Beach

Timbuck II • Corolla
252-453-4505

Monteray Plaza • Corolla
252-453-2393

Birthday Suits
www.birthday-suits.com

M.P. 10 Bypass 158 Kill Devil Hill at The Beach Barn
252-441-5338

Scarborough Lane Shoppes, Duck
252-261-7297

Monteray Plaza, Corolla
(Next to Food Lion)
252-453-4862

Hatteras Landing at the ferry docks
252-986-2282

Parrot Bay
www.parrotbayobx.com

MP 9 Bypass, Kill Devil Hills
(Next to Western Sizzlin)
252-480-1774

Hatteras Beside the Hatteras/Ocracoke ferry
252-995-6700

Foxy Flamingo
www.foxyflamingoboutique.com

1210 S. CROATAN HWY.
Kill Devil Hills
252-480-3699

Duck Villiage Outfitters
www.duckvillageoutfitters.com

1207 Duck Road, Duck
252-261-7222

26689 Hwy. 12, Salvo
(beside Island Dyes)
252-987-1222

Gray's
www.shopgraysobx.com

Corolla, NC: Timbuck II
252-453-4994

2nd Location in Timbuck II
252-457-1058

Monteray Plaza
252-453-0852

Duck Village: Scarborough Faire
252-261-1740

Duck Waterfront Shops
252-255-5768

Kitty Hawk: M.P. 4 Bypass
252-261-1776

Super Wings

818 Ocean Trail • Corolla
(252) 453-9744

Across from Harris Teeter, Corolla
453-4220

1188 Duck Rd. • Duck
261-4690

4116 N. Croatan Hwy, Kitty Hawk
261-7455

MP 9.5 Bypass • Kill Devil Hills
441-3375

MP 10.5 Bypass • Nags Head
480-8525

MP 11.5 Bypass, Nags Head
Pirates Quay Shopping Center
441-4113

MP 15.5 Bypass, Nags Head
441-5336

MP 16 across from Tanger Outlet
Center, Nags Head
441-2086

Buxton 46898 NC 12 HWY
995-0062

Avon 40494 NC 12 HWY
995-3203

57937 NC 12 Hwy. • Hatteras Village
986-2280