Fashion: Swimwear 2009

As summer approaches, every gal's thoughts turn to swimwear, no matter how many perfectly wearable suits are sitting on the shelf in her closet. So join us in our photographic journey through the latest bathing suit designs for Summer 2009, from skimpy sexy numbers that are frankly not really made for swimming or sports, but just for lounging on the yacht or by the pool, to the cutting edge looks perfect for surfing, swimming, or flinging yourself around while playing beach volleyball in the sand. Start with the Nicolita "Gorgeous Gondola" off the shoulder number ($121, available at www.MyNicolita.com or www.SwimwearBoutique.com) shown above, a sexy off-the-shoulder tube top paired with hipster bottoms that feature side spaghetti ties that include a nautical bead at each end; or just move on to one of the beautiful choices shown below. Whichever you choose, don't forget the SPF 30!

[Above] Supermodel (and Leo DiCaprio's main squeeze) Bar Refaeli and Hurley have joined forces to create the "Little Black Bikini," $120, available at www.Hurley.com/lbb.

Aerin Rose "Water Lily" tankini.

[Above] With the "Water Lily" tankini, Aerin Rose creates a maximum support top with a hidden underwire bra inset in a wide variety of cup sizes. Pair with your choice of bottom; a moderate coverage version is shown here. Top, $84; bottoms, $40; available at www.aerinrose.com.

Vitamin A Ziggy Stripe bikini.

[Above] Vitamin A's "Ziggy Stripe" top/bottom combo is reversible! Each piece $83, available at http://www.bestswimwear.com/vitamina-gold-swimwear2009/01-1ziggy-stripe-....

Trunkettes surf suit, photographed by Jamie Johnson.

[Above] Trunkettes creates mix-and-match suits designed for the active woman who likes to look her best while hitting the surf and sand. This combo of skulls and color blocks retails for $49.99 (top) and $54.99 (shorts), available at www.trunkettes.com.

L'Space bandeau ring bikini.

{Above] Jessica Alba and Mischa Barton love their L'Space swimwear; this sexy bandeau bikini retails for $186, available at www.lspace.com.

Luxe by Lisa Vogel one-piece swimsuit.

[Above] Go sleek with this versatile "Cabo" one-piece suit from Luxe by Lisa Vogel, $125, available at www.luxebylisavogel.com.

Nicolita Spanish Fly bikini.

[Above] Nicolita's "Spanish Fly" bikini designed by Nicole di Rocco might just be more appropriate for the bedroom than the beach, but it certainly is one sexy style, featuring handmade lace detailing, $175, available at www.MyNicolita.com or www.SwimwearBoutique.com.

Trunkettes tank/shorts surf suit, photographed by Jamie Johnson.

[Above] Trunkettes separates are perfect for swim or surfing; this one is the "Peacock" "halt-kini" paired with "Legs, Legs, Legs" boy shorts. Top $53.99; bottoms, $54.99, available at www.trunkettes.com.

Aerin Rose "Atlantis" bikini.

[Above] Aerin Rose's "Atlantis" bikini has a shirred halter top with hidden underwire support, paired with sexy side-tie bottoms. Top, $72; bottom, $52, available at www.aerinrose.com.

Vitamin A Bacara cutout one-piece suit.

[Above] Vitamin A creates this "Bacara" one-piece that provides full back coverage, but shows some skin, too. Adorned with matte gold hardwear, this is a cutout suit for the woman who knows just how much to reveal; $184, available at www.bestswimwear.com/vitamina-gold-swimwear2009/01-1black-swimsuit4/inde....

L'Space's teeny bikini.

[Above] For those willing to show just about all, L'Space offers this teeny bikini embellished with chainlink hardware, $122, available at www.lspace.com.

Nicolita Rosita bikini.

[Above] Nicolita's "Rosita" bikini ties off on both top and bottom, with golden beads that slide to adjust for a perfect fit. Now if that chiseled man only came along with the swimsuit, the world would be a perfect place! $124, available at www.MyNicolita.com or www.SwimwearBoutique.com.