Unleash your inner "Vix"-en

Oh, girlfriend, say it isn't so. Midsummer has come and gone and you still haven't found the perfect bikini?

Yeah, yeah, you've been busy, you hate dressing rooms, the malls are infested with gangs of marauding Sidekick-toting teenyboppers, yadda yadda...

Time to wake up and smell the sunscreen, hun. The season is slipping away and you best get while the getting's good. Fortunately, we've just added a bevy of beachworthy beauties to our swimwear selections—like this scrumptious Batik Navy Bikini Top and Bottom from Vix.

The navy-and-turquoise batik print is a unique alternative to ubiquitous solids, geometrics, and florals, meaning you won't show up at a pool party in the same suit as six other girls. The adjustable gold hardware adds just the right amount of bling to make a subtle—but impactful—fashion statement. And when pool- or beach-time is done, you can toss on the matching Batik Tie Caftan to spend the rest of the day in cool, breezy comfort.

There. Could we make it any easier for you? No more excuses—dive right in and let your inner "Vix"-en lead the way.

Swimwear summer survival

Now that summer is in full swing, chances are your swimwear is getting quite a bit of use—whether it's at the beach, in the pool, or lounging on the deck. And the constant exposure to sun, sweat, chlorine and salt water can definitely take its toll on your favorite bikini.

Fortunately, a few easy care tips can help keep your favorite swim togs in the pink (or purple, or black-and-white polka dots) all season long:

• Before jumping in the pool, soak your suit in clear, cool water; this will help it absorb less chlorine. After your swim, soak it again immediately to prevent chlorine damage.
  
• Wash separately from other intimates, as most swimwear will bleed a bit in the first few washings.
• To squeeze out excess water, roll your suit up in a clean, light-colored, lint-free towel and squeeze gently. Then hang to dry immediately.
• Avoid oil-based sun lotions, which can stain some fabrics.
• Slip into an old suit for dips in the hot tub or in heavily chlorinated pools (like hotel pools); these environments are extremely harsh on fabrics.
  
• When sitting on the edge of a pool or other rough surface, put a towel down first, as abrasiveness can cause pilling.
  

Just remember: be good to your swimwear and it'll be good to you—all the way to Labor Day and beyond.

(Source: SwimMart.com)