Flip-flop ya don't stop

I'm often in need of a tiny bikini to take on my winter getaways to Mexico. Okay, not really, but I know plenty of people who are. Now you can find swimwear year-round at University Village's newly opened Coastal Collection.

The casually beachy boutique with blond hardwood floors and boardwalk plank accents has lots of sunny, colorful swimwear, from the aforementioned tiny bikinis to sexy one-piece suits. Owner Christy Pudduck (co-owner of Coastal Surf Boutique on Alki Beach in West Seattle) wanted to serve women on this side of the drink more conveniently. She's offering some of the same popular brands as the West Seattle boutique, like Billabong, Roxy, Volcom and Reef, but also smaller lines such as Salinas swimwear and RVCA. Pudduck plans to keep prices in the moderate range for a suit ($80-$90) but has also introduced some higher-end brands ($110-$150).

What's hot in swimsuit styles this year? "Bandeau tops used to be hard to wear, but the new styles are good," says Pudduck. "They don't slip down as much and are more supportive with optional halters." Colors are all over the board, with an abundance of magenta and plum tones plus warm and tropical hues. "There's a small resurgence in one-pieces, but they're sexy," she says, suggesting you wear them with oversized sunglasses, jewelry and platforms for a sophisticated look.

If you're not in the market for a suit, you'll also find loads of cute and casual summer frocks at Coastal Collection, from shirt dresses to empire-waist baby dolls, skirts and tanks by Billabong, Gentle Fawn, Element, and the surfy styles of Hurley. Pair them with any one of the dozens of styles of flip-flops and reef sandals. The shop has a small selection of affordable denim, too, including Roxy ($45), Matix ($70) and RVCA ($110). Top them with cool Casual Industrees T's designed by two Alki Beach residents. The T's feature Space Needles silhouetted against giant evergreens ($22-$28).

Coastal Collection took the place of the now-defunct Sunglasses Hut, so the new shop is taking up the slack and offering everything from oversized frames in fun colors to sporty looks by Smith and Von Zipper. Need a big tote for the beach? Pick up a locally designed Crystalyn Kae bag.

I may not be donning a bikini for a down-south getaway, but I'll be picking up a floaty summer skirt here. I think I'll get more wear out of it.

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