Yes ladies, the bittersweet reality of swimwear season is upon us!

With hot weather and outdoor lifestyles around the corner after a long winter of hibernating, it can be a shock getting used to the idea of “exposing all” in a few short weeks.

Now … how to lessen that anxiety and make the most of your fun in the sun? In a word: get …

With autumn’s chill settling in, it’s hard to ignore what’s ahead. Shan knows how you feel. For 25 years, the Laval, Que.-based company (which counts Céline Dion, Katy Perry and the newly married Kate Moss as fans) has been helping to outfit pasty-but-stylish northerners for that essential rite-of-winter: the frantic migration to warmer climates.

Perhaps surprisingly for a company that specializes in couture swimwear, this …

With the prevalence of just about anything boho and 70s lately, it’s no surprise that the caftan is the beach cover-up of the moment. And while the caftans of 2011 come in a variety of different colors, patterns and lengths, what they all have in common is being easy to wear and breezily cool.

Chic or casual, sultry or sweet, these cover-ups can not only …

Is there anything more classic than a polka-dot bikini? Or how about an old-fashioned nautical stripe?

These two enduring looks are still going strong, more than half a century after the venerable two-piece made its debut.

Whether you have expensive tastes (and the means to match) or prefer treasure hunting at bargain brands, you can liven up any swimsuit style with a stripe or dot …

One of the biggest swimwear trends for Summer 2011 — and in the fashion world in general — is color blocking. Whether you’re more of a monochromatic fashionista or a lover of bright and clashing hues, there’s a swimsuit out there to help you embrace this happy trend.

Wondering what color blocking is, exactly? The trend comprises swimsuits that utilize blocks or stripes of …