Lately I have been dreaming of swimsuits. And, seeing that I am currently in California, it must be all the sand, sun and surf surrounding me right now. I poked around the web a bit to see if I could find some cute, affordable options and kept seeing a reoccuring theme of retro-inspired halter top suits with fun polka dots or hearts. I picked a few that were my favorite (each under $40!) and wanted to share them with you, dear readers. What do you think of this style of suit? Do you prefer one pieces or two? I would love to know!  

 
Today I ducked into H&M to see if they had anything new and cute. Well, of course they did, which became way too tempting for me, especially when I spotted a cute blue and white striped bikini. Since I am headed to California on Thursday and don't currently like any of my swimsuits, I decided that it was worth it to try it on. Amazingly enough it fit perfectly, which I feel never happens with bathing suits, so I took it as a sign and purchased it immediately. Incredibly excited about my find, I decided I wanted to create an outfit around it that I might wear on the beach when I get to San Diego later this week. So I went with a laidback vibe with comfy basics and a bright red bag! What do you think of striped swimsuits? What about stripes in general? I would have to say that I am generally obsessed with them! 

(Sadly I was not able to find my suit online, but luckily Top Shop had a similar one!)

Shirt

Shorts

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Head to Forever21.com to snatch up their irresistably cheap swimsuits before they sell out! Hurry!

I know this is old news, but it'll be bathing suit season again before we know it, and I'm majorly crushing on Miranda's retro red bathing suit from the Mexican vacation the ladies took in the SATC movie. Every time I watch the movie, I drool over it, then laugh at the waxing scene that follows. Miranda's actual suit retails for hundreds of dollars, but I've found three great looks for less that, while not identical, do a pretty good job of portraying the retro red vibe of Miranda's swimsuit.

Both 1 and 2 are from Victoria's Secret. At over $100, they're still pricey, but they're also high quality suits that will hold in your wobbly bits and give you good support. Number 3 is from Urban Outfitters and retails for $98.

None of the suits are totally cheap, but then again, when it comes to something you'll wear on the beach, you've got to look good!

Venus has been designing gorgeous and quality swimwear for many years now.

Below you'll find some of their hottest looks for 2009 at affordable prices that you can't pass up!

Click any of the above pictures to learn more and/or purchase!

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Finally! Forever21 has decided to go waterworks! They've created a line of swimsuits, soon to be available in their stores, and then soon after, on their website! With suits starting at $12.80, I can't wait!

I've been searching high and low for a good replacement for Bar Rafaeli's sexy tie-dye bikini from her recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover. The Hurley bikini Bar wears costs $84, which isn't too much, but I knew I could find a cheaper alternative if I searched.

Behold, the GO Jane Tie Dye Bikini, which retails at $40. That's much more doable! 

That can only mean one thing...SWIMSUIT SEASON WILL SOON BE UPON US! I'm personally not a bikin girl (muh girls are a tad ridiculous for that) but as I know so many of you are, check out this killer bikini option courtesy of the fab folks at Victoria's Secret!

The best thing about their bikini line is all the mix n' match potential - you can buy one top and another bottom, creating a look all your own WITHOUT busting that wallet, baby. ALSO - if you buy online now, you get a free tote! Yum!

Now to my personal favs - one pieces. And who says they're just for grandmas? Didn't anyone ever tell you less is more? And girl, this more that's gonna leave them wanting even more.

I know it's only January and most are still thinking about purchasing new sweaters, scarves, boots, and more but while most of the country is still in a freeze all of the Designer artists are launching their newest swimline to warm you up in your winter gear!

There's a one stop shop for all the hottest swimwear designers called Best Swimwear (I know origional right) but regardless of their boring name they have it all! I was recently browsing through some of their '09 fashions and fell in love with quite a few hot numbers that had me wishing I had an amazing winter getaway planned for the Caribbean that I could jet off to for a weekend in the sun for a chance to wear a couple of their numbers.

I've included some of the hottest 2009 Picks below for you to have a taste of what you'll be seeing at the beaches this year!

Women's: