Norma Kamali's "Bill" Swimsuit Giveaway

The Bill swimsuit, with style influenced by classic films of the 1930s and 40s, debuted in 1976 and remains true to its design today—"a classic American movie star style" with a sweetheart halter neckline, feminine skirted silhouette and flattering ruching and seams. Last summer, Norma Kamali introduced a $98 version of the Bill, which is now available in a range of colors exclusively through her flagship store in New York and online.

Throughout the month of July, to celebrate the one year anniversary of the $98 Bill style, Norma Kamali will be giving away four of the iconic swimsuits on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and Foursquare:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/normakamali
Twitter: http://twitter.com/normakamali
Tumblr: http://normakamali.tumblr.com/
Foursquare: https://foursquare.com/venue/993472

OYE Bathing Suits

I just realized that in the 3+ years I have been writing this blog, I rarely write about the most feared apparel item known to womankind: the BATHING SUIT. AHHHHHhhhhh!

But I am brave. I went to view new suits from OYE (Open Your Eyes), the Turkish-based collection of hand-crafted swimsuits designed by twin sisters Ayca and Zeynep Sadikoglu.

OK, so good news or bad news first? Let's get the bad news out of the way:

• Currently, they are only available at Breeze in Brooklyn (I think we're talking Avenue U, like heading toward Coney Island).
  
• They cost between $300-400 each.
  
• They come in sizes XS-L. Except it was explained that a Large is approximately size 6 or 8. Not exactly "large" in most parts of the ol' US of A.

So now let's focus on the good news:

• They are truly unique and come in a wide range of styles.


• They come in beautiful colors and no unflattering prints. They do, however, create interesting patterns by overlapping contrasting colors in their designs.
  
• A few suits can be worn in more than one way - like getting 2 or more suits for the price of one.


• They are pretty "girly," but in a sophisticated way. Some of them are adorned with jewels and come with earrings to match! But again, nice, not trashy.

I suspect that they will soon expand their retail reach beyond Avenue U. I can't imagine that there wouldn't be some strong interest in this line.

I picked the photos above based on styles that I would consider to be more wearable for most women. Granted, you still have to be pretty g.d. hot, but you might be able to pull them off even with a few extra ounces sitting on your bones.

You will also be able to peruse and buy OYE suits (starting in January 2010) at couturecandy.com, famousfashionsfound.com, verypoolish.com and peepingt.co.uk.

Nov 8-11: La Perla Sample Sale

La Perla Sample Sale
Up to 75% off retail

Lingerie, sleepwear, swimwear, and men's lounge wear

Sunday, Nov. 8, 1-5 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 9 - Wednesday, Nov. 11, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

4 W 58th St., 4th Floor
Between 5th & 6th Avenues

All sales are final
Cash & major credit cards accepted.