Shopping for Retro Swimwear 2011

Retro revival goes to the beach!

CEBU, Philippines - Did we just find a solution to paunches and stripes and dots? We can breathe a sigh of relief this year because we can finally invest in demure and girlie swimwear that sits well in the stomach. Extra coverage plus super cute details such as ruched and shirred chest over high-waisted bottoms make for a fabulous summer 2011. Briefs from the 70s or the typical extended shorts of today are practically a triumph in tailoring fluid proportions. Marilyn Monroe, Ester Williams, Wonder Woman and even Veronica Lodge pulled it off and it became an instant hit!

The best thing about the retro trend is that curvy women actually look hotter. Hey, come on, plus size women need their glory days, too! Polka dots bottoms, nautical bikinis and sheath suits are available in all sorts of colors and patterns lately that they are shifting faster than cold beer at a beach barbecue. Look like Rita Hayworth in retro-cool floral print bikinis with moulded underwire cups and hip-hugging pants or a Channel 50s pin-up in sassy one pieces that are worth splashing on.

No matter how close you are to paying excess baggage, there is always room to squeeze in a cheeky bikini in your luggage. For an action-packed beach holiday, disregard thoughts of Bridget Jones and concentrate on the figure-flattering properties of a pair of beautiful big bottoms. (FREEMAN)