Swimspotting

Every year when it starts getting cold, I start fantasizing about escaping to a tropical island (yes, I am aware I live in Los Angeles and that I'm spoiled with beautiful southern California weather!). So when Lucky magazine asked me, as one of their Lucky Style Spotters, to review online swimwear boutique Swimspot.com, I eagerly said yes. In my mind, I was already halfway to The Maldives.

I browsed through the site, sifting through a selection of designer swimwear from brands such as Ella Moss, St. John, Splendid and Tommy Hilfiger. Navigating through the collection was straightforward - the site's streamlined layout and extra large images were certainly a plus.

Next, I tried Swimspot's Fit Specialist program. The site offers a team of Fit Specialists who are devoted to providing personalized fit support based on each customer's taste, preferences and body type. They're reachable by one-on-one appointment via phone or e-mail. I corresponded with the lovely Nikki, who fired off e-mails to me asking specific - yet discreet - questions about my shape, age range, trouble spots and more, eventually sending me a list of carefully curated swimsuits tailored just for me. I was pleasantly surprised by her spot-on selections; each piece was something I would have chosen for myself, including this Splendid one-piece suit and Luxe by Lisa Vogel Couragette bikini top!

Next, I tried the Bikini Builder, a tool which allows customers to mix and match from a bunch of swim separates. I loved how easy it was to experiment with different combos and watch as they instantly appeared on the model. I only wish the site offered more separates to choose from!

I also made sure to check out Swimspot's 2011 collection, full of cute, colorful pieces like this Guess floral print monokini. I love the site's variety of styles; rather than just selling standard two-piece bikinis, they offer plenty of swimsuits with cool, unique cut-outs and shapes in eye-catching patterns.

All photos courtesy of Swimspot.com.

Now that this week's weather forecast has spelled rain for Los Angeles, I'm sure my mind will wander to faraway sun-soaked islands. At least now, thanks to Swimspot, I'll be appropriately dressed for my imaginary getaway!

Discount Spotlight: Syla bikinis

While we proved the merit of one-piece suits yesterday, there's much to be said about Syla's boldly patterned bikinis. Created by Sylvie Cachay, who formerly designed for Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria's Secret, the collection reflects her love of the beach lifestyle with sophisticated, high end swimwear. Her bikinis may come with a hefty price tag, but you can't help but fall in love with those striking prints and sexy silhouettes. The color scheme throughout the collection is startlingly unique, using shades like vivid goldenrod yellow, magenta, and eggplant purple. Snatch up some inspiring bikinis at 35% with code LOFT at checkout.

The Brigitte SS08 in Pom Pom Blossoms Sunflower

The Carolina SS08 in Maasai Vibrations Ballet

The Phoebe SS08 Aura Floral Sunflower

The one-piece made sexy

Who says a one-piece can't be sexy? Urban Outfitters brings us this halter one-piece swimsuit from Lux in a deep navy hue. A band around your waist emphasizes the waistline you've been whittling down all summer and the halter style top draws attention to toned shoulders and arms. But fear not if you haven't been hitting up the gym and don't have the swimsuit-ready body you'd hoped for. This awesome retro style suit offers full coverage, while the plunging V neckline suggests you're not that innocent...

Body Spotlight: A bikini for bottom heavy women

Now that we've settled on perhaps one of the cutest and most impractical bikinis ever, perhaps it's time to shop for a more sensible version. This Seafolly spindrift bikini incorporates a nautical theme with cheerful stripes and admiral buttons. The boy short bottoms offer a bit more coverage in case you're feeling insecure about your thighs and butt, and the halter-style top (take note of the cute matching buttons) is perfect for drawing attention to your upper body.

Perfect for summer: Tara Matthews pirate bikini

Though I'm totally over the skull-and-crossbones motif that pops up on so many clothes and accessories nowadays, I think this Tara Matthews pirate triangle bikini is absolutely adorable. The gold sequin embellishment is probably not suitable for any serious swimming, but you'll look ultra fashionable lounging poolside and sipping a fruity drink. And take comfort in the fact that a percentage of profits are donated to a charity benefiting underprivileged children in Calcutta. A matching hand painted pirate wrap sarong is even available, if you want to complete the look! Somehow, seeing the familiar pirate theme played out on this bikini doesn't irritate me at all. But then again, I'm a sucker for sequins!