We know which swimsuits you wore last summer … when they’re stretched-out and fuzzy-bottomed, it’s a fairly obvious deduction. This beach season, stop stringing along those tired old bikinis – our picks are well suited for your budget, and you won’t be afraid to get out of the water.
Old Navy’s navy polka-dot bikini is a classic look (not uncomfortably itsy-bitsy), and we love the sporty, brightly striped two-piece ($21 at Old Navy stores). At these prices, you’ll be able to stock up – and Old Navy has plenty of suits to choose from. Banana Republic’s paisley suit is, as you might expect, understated and pretty ($68 at select Banana Republic stores), and BCBG’s pink pinwheels will have you turning cartwheels ($95 at BCBG Max Azria). Sisley and A|X Armani Exchange both follow the piping trend: Sisley’s pale green with purple edging also comes in reverse colors ($68 at Sisley stores), and A|X Armani Exchange’s purple suit ($34 each piece at A|X Armani Exchange stores) adds a little belt to the bottom. If you’re looking for basic black, A|X also carries a chic assortment of tops and bottoms. Or you can mix and match at H&M – with separate tops and bottoms priced at $7.50 to $12, you can fill up your beach bag without emptying your purse.
BCBG Max Azria, 744 Madison Ave., at 66th St. (212-717-4225); Sisley, 469 W. Broadway (212-375-0538) and 2308 Broadway, near 84th St. (212-769-0121); A|X Armani Exchange, 568 Broadway, at Prince St. (212-431-6000), and 645 Fifth Ave., at 51st St. (212-980-3037).
Picks of the Week
Soco handbags are at least 25 percent off storewide: Leather bowling bags with faux-ostrich trim were $215, now $159. 55 Spring St. (212-625-0720); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Sat. 11-7, Sun. 12-6; thru 8/31.
Michele Saint-Laurent’s sale has spring and summer dresses for $49 to $99 (retail, $279 to $549) and pants for $29 to $49 (retail, $179 to $198). Lycra skirts, pants, and leggings that were $89 to $129 are now $19 to $69. 1028 Lexington Ave., near 73rd St. (212-988-8686); A.E., M.C., V.; Mon.-Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5; 5/28-7/1.
Broadway Panhandler’s annual one-day yard sale offers select kitchen tools, linens, and bakeware for up to 70 percent off. All-Clad Master Chef cookware, normally $60 to $255, is $30 to $170. 477 Broome St. (212-966-3434); A.E., M.C., V.; Sat. 11-5; 6/2.
Les Petits Chapelais has whimsical, cozy children’s clothing, now mostly 55 to 85 percent off. Dresses, overalls, Capri pants, sailor shirts, and more, mostly under $44. 210 W. 107th St., Apt. 4D (212-662-5538); cash only; Thurs.-Fri. 9-9; 5/31-6/1.
Vivienne Westwood’s sample sale has men’s and women’s spring collections and accessories for mostly 70 percent off. Denim bustle skirts, originally $195, are now under $60. Women’s sizes are mostly 4 to 12; men’s are mostly 38 to 42. 71 Greene St. (212-334-5200); A.E., M.C., V.; Fri.-Sat. 12-6, Sun. 1-5; 6/1-6/3.