1. The Bandeau – Natural Accenting or Sleek and Chic

Left to right: Cartagena Bandeau by Pily Q, St Thomas Bandeau by Mikoh

Far too often we hear fit specialists tell smaller busted women to ex-communicate the mere thought of trying to wear a bandeau, but we are full believers that as long as the bandeau top fits correctly, it can be flattering. The balconette top at the left is totally wearable, and the three key factors why are: 1. the molded cups will accentuate your natural curves, 2. the sweet heart-shaped neckline gives the illusion of a fuller bust, and 3. it actually has a built in underwire AND pushup structure!

The bright blue bandeau just works. No really, it does, and the fact that you have a smaller bust actually works to your advantage here! The style is unorthodox – cut straight across – but we find that many that are hesitant to try it on end up falling in love. The material is ultra soft and the horizontal lines of the cut draw the eye across, creating a fuller look. Let’s be honest though, while the top doesn’t add too much size-wise, we think the look is flattering nonetheless: sleek, chic and model-esque!

2. Details that Add Body

Left to right: St Barths by diNeila, Pearl City by Agua Bendita

Subtle (or not so subtle) details like a ruffle or floral applique can do a lot to add body, as evidenced above. If you’re looking for a more traditional ruffled bikini, this minty green one and cream-colored one also work under the same principle!

3. Bold and Charming Prints

Left to right: Splendid Treasure by Maaji, Fantasy by Cia Maritima

Patterned tops really draw the eye upward, and can be extra helpful when paired with a solid neutral bottom. The fixed band on the Maaji top lifts and pulls together to create cleavage while the strategically placed stripes create the illusion of a fuller bust. The solid piping on the green top outlines your natural shape and the classic triangle styling gives you just the right amount of fabric to do so.

The idea is to not overwhelm a small frame with too much material. Most of the time with a smaller bust, the hardest part in choosing a top is getting the right size.  As a general (but not completely strict) rule, stay away from thicker halter tops, the extra fabric adds too much where there is none and can actually make you look smaller. And when trying tops with molded cups, bring your size AND one size smaller to the fitting room, a lot of the time tops with molded cups run slightly larger than normal and these tops work best when they fit snugly!

Next time we’re movin’ on to bottoms! What to wear if you’re pear shaped, what to wear to enhance your booty, and what to wear if you have no idea!

XOXO Molly

Today we aptly begin with TOPS. Somehow, no matter your size, the grass-is-always-greener mindset always seems to plague us, meaning the bustier ladies curse their neck problems and wish they could wear a bandeau, while the smaller chested women yearn to ditch the old triangle top and finally fill out a sexy balconette.

Here are a few rules of thumb and some suggestions to consider when looking for a top that will support a larger bust:

1. The Fixed Top

Left to right: Paris by Odabash, Marquesas by Caffe

An underwire is going to be ideal…we know, you’ve heard. But what also works great are these “fixed” tops. They are named so because they are fixed along the bottom (as opposed to sliding) and work wonders where a mere string just won’t cut it.

2. The Unexpected Molded Cup

Left to right: Bel Air Bandeau by Vitamin A, Glam it Up Top by L*Space

The secret to why we think this particular bandeau can work for bigger busts, and also the reason why we’re absolutely smitten with it, is in the genius construction of the bandeau itself. It’s got ONE molded panel across the front (instead of two separate cups) that just lifts, supports and shapes like no other bandeau. Plus it’s got a removable neck strap, incase you need the extra support.

Contrastingly, the molded cups on this white top are separate. While this might not fit as snugly as the bandeau, the sexy cleavage the separate cups allow for might be worth the trade. The cherry on top is that you control the fit, as it has a functioning tie, front and center. Since it doesn’t have any push-up built in, you get the shaping and contouring of the cups without being put over the top. (This one can also fall under the “Fixed” category above!)

3. Over the Shoulder Straps

Left to right: Paulina by Charlie, Montauk by Acacia

Understandably, pressure and tension pulling at your neck while you’re trying to relax at the beach — not fun. So these are great simply because the straps go over the shoulder instead of tying at the neck.

Stay tuned for what to do if you’ve got the exact opposite problem and we’ll show you what styles work best for enhancing the bust!

XOXO Molly

Mix this top with that bottom. The trick to pulling this look off is to mix complimentary colors, using one neutral shade to anchor the whimsy. This neutral taupe grounds the pretty citrus without contrasting too starkly — both by L*SPACE.

We also like the idea of the monochromatic colorblock, where two different hues of one color creates a modern yet flirty swim ensemble. These pretty shades of blue by VITAMIN A are prime examples.

Have any other fun color-blocking ideas? We’d love to hear (or SEE) them!

XOXO Molly

Shimmer fabric and sleek gold slide accents in the Farrah by CHARLIE

Chic and sexy link hardware on the Angel and Catwalk by L*SPACE

Ultra soft terry cloth and lace up detail on the Dora by ODABASH

When wearing neutral shades, keeping the silhouette simple and streamlined is key to the effortlessly-pulled-together look. As an alternative to the piling on of adornments, subtler details like fabric choice, elegant hardware, sleek cuts and design add dimension to the simple color palette and keep these natural beauties from feeling overworked.

Nude, coincidentally, resembles skin (go figure), so double-takes may occur. But HEY, we said sophisticated and sexy. True to the Molly Brown’s style! ;)

XOXO Molly

Subtle, white girlish lace in the Lola & Monique Love Affair by L*SPACE

Gorgeous black overlain on a chic nude in the Grace & Celebrity Lace by VITAMIN A

Modern 60s-esque Fairy Dress by INCA

What’s really amazing about the two bikinis pictured above is that the lace design is actually graphically printed onto the fabric, thus minimizing the chance of a dreadful snag! Bikini designers… always keeping you in mind!

XOXO Molly

1. Our amazing clientele! Year after year, you fashion forward ladies keep us inspired by continuing to shop our unique range of quality swimwear. We love you for it and every season we promise to strive to offer you the industry’s best! [beautiful blue bikini by Mikoh]

2. Vacation time. We’d like to remind everyone that it’s always summer somewhere in the world, and we think your holiday cruise or christmas trip to Mexico requires an outfit so bold you can’t even remember what rain clouds look like! For us, these high-waisted beauties by Charlie are definitely covet-worthy! (available in Leopard and Black)

3. Magazine features! There’s nothing like seeing our favorite pieces showcased in a magazine, let alone prestigious MAXIM Magazine. Maxim’s December issue is featuring three sultry looks by L*Space, so if your trip to the Bahamas is postponed until next Christmas, we say flipping through this is the next best thing! See all three on our What’s Hot page!

4. Warm, earthy tones a la Crystal Jin. While Autumn/Winter swim collections seem slightly counterintuitive, we think the edgy-rustic feel of Crystal Jin’s 2012 campaign is right on point!

And lastly, 5. The launch of our new, re-designed website. This one might seem a little out of place, but you know what? We LOVE our new site and hope you do, too! It was designed with you in mind, and made to provide you with an unmatched shopping experience! Love/Hate the new look? We would love to hear what you think! [sleek beaded bikini by Caffe]

Thanksgiving might be over, but that means Christmas is on its way! If you’re on the nice list, we just might just have something in store for you so stay tuned!

Until then,

XOXO Molly

IT’S A BIKINI REVOLUTION!! For the past 10 years, L*SPACE Swimwear has taken the iconic bikini and fashioned a brand synonymous for creating sleek, sensuous swimwear that accentuates a women’s figure and oozes femininity. To celebrate the bikini as an icon and the women who love them, L*SPACE sees it fit to declare June 21^st NATIONAL BIKINI DAY – a day for women to come together to celebrate femininity, self expression, and the body that they were given.

To celebrate this historic day, L*SPACE Swimwear invites women of the world to celebrate their bodies (big, small, and everything in between) and participate in its NATIONAL BIKINI DAY FACEBOOK CONTEST which will mark the first day of the countdown to the NATIONAL BIKINI DAY holiday. Starting June 1^st and ending June 21^st, loyal and new L*SPACE Facebook “fans/”likers” are being asked to post a picture of themselves in their favorite bikini on L*SPACE’s Facebook page for a  chance to win a one night stay in the L*SPACE designed room at the swanky La Casa del Camino Hotel in Laguna Beach, California, a gift bag full of L*SPACE’s hottest bikinis to start the summer out right, and be treated to dinner with L*SPACE designer Monica Wise at K’ya Bistro.  One lucky winner will be chosen at random on June 21^st.

To sweeten the deal a bit more, L*SPACE has partnered with several swimwear retailers – both online and in store – who will offer a discount for those wishing to show L*SPACE some love in this bikini movement.  Just mention “Facebook” at checkout at one of the participating retail locations and you will receive a discount off your L*SPACE purchase.  E and Retailers include: Shangri La Boutique, Pesca Trend, Pesca Boutique, SPF12,  The Orchid Boutique, Beach House of Naples, Swimwear Boutique, Bora Bora, Sweetwater, WRV, Molly Brown’s, Sundance, Splash, Dogfunk.com and Prospect. Be sure to check out their Facebook pages for promo codes.

For more details on the rules and regulations of the promotion, and to add yourself to L*SPACE’s “LIKE” list of fans, visit the L*SPACE SWIMWEAR Facebook page: www.Facebook.com search: “L*SPACE Swimwear.”

So girls – starting June 1^st get out your favorite bikini, or go out and buy that one you’ve been eyeing all year and snap away for your chance to see how L*SPACE does luxury!

About L*Space: A favorite amongst Hollywood’s hippest from Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz to Gwen Stefani L*Space Swimwear is known for its mixing and matching gems, exquisite hardware detail, and designed for women with a dynamic lifestyle and an eye for fashion. www.Lspace.com

About Hotel La Casa del Camino: Built in 1929 as a seaside retreat for Hollywood movie stars, this elegant Mediterranean style landmark hotel combines exquisite “old-world” charm with modern amenities. Just steps from the beach, shops, and galleries, guests enjoy spellbinding ocean/coastal views, the lush rooftop garden, free parking, complimentary fitness center, four-star dining, and much more. www.casacamino.com

Triangle Mix Up Tie Side Mix Up - Lola

The newest addition to the Molly Brown’s women’s designer swimwear collection is PilyQ, offering a fresh take on women’s designer swimwear with “cabana chic” swim and resort wear fashions that are sure to impress. The European inspired swimwear brand features beautiful swimsuits and cover-ups, just in time for the summer sun!

PilyQ fabrics originate in Barcelona and encompass quality along with unique prints and colors. The hardware on PilyQ swim and resort wear is gorgeously crafted and gives each piece a unique flair.

Find floral and animal prints as well as bright and bold colors on sexy bikinis and dresses. PilyQ also offers stunning one pieces and the must have little black bikini! PilyQ offers supportive fit and has designed flattering pieces for all women allowing them to look and feel amazing in PilyQ!

The triangle and tie side mix up in Lola brings the best of both worlds! This sexy triangle top offers floral print on the cups is outlined with a fierce animal print that continues around the necktie! The tie side bottom also features the same combination of prints. With the animal print continuing to the thin and super sexy tie at the hips!

PilyQ has been seen on the likes of Audrina Patridge, wearing the Bombshell Bandeau in Mare and a tie side bottom in Serpentine.

View the entire PilyQ collection of designer swimwear offered at Molly Brown’s online boutique!