Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

My wife and I are taking a vacation to the Caribbean and she's trying to convince me to wear a speedo swimsuit. It started off as a joke but she keeps bringing it up. I'm in great shape so there's no physical issue but mentally I just can't wrap my head around it. Any advice?

Signed,

Itty Bitty Male Bikini

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Bikini cut swimsuits for men have been on the rise, ahem, comeback for quite some time. Not that you'd know there was a decline in any country but America. In many countries male beach goers prefer the bikini cut bathing suit. You get as close to a full-body tan as possible without public indecency and they're easier to swim in because they don't drag in the water like a baggy, to-the-knee board short would, for example.

If it makes you feel more comfortable, wear your bikini cut swimwear under a pair of standard swim trunks. Depending on your comfort level, once its time to take a dip you can shed the decoy bathing suit. And if you're in the Caribbean, there will be many guys like you in swimwear as small - and by choice.

Look at buying a dark color to help you feel a little less exposed. Or, if you decided you want to be more adventurous and go for one that's a little lighter in color, or that even has a pattern or print design, just be sure that its lined to minimize any excessive VPL.

Wearing a bikini cut swimsuit is just as much mental as it is physical - although getting a few extra workouts in right before your debut couldn't hurt. Just chalk it up to being on vacation, obliging your wife and seeing how the other half live at the beach for a while - the other half being men who prefer a good budgie smuggler.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am an average sized woman - which means I'm no where near a supermodel size 2 - and my friends and I have planned a few beach trips this summer. I'll be hitting the gym but still won't feel comfortable in a two piece bikini. Can you think of a good alternative for me? Are there any sexy one pieces out there?

Signed,

Malibu Boobs and Butt Barbie

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Dear M.B.A.B.B.,

If its any consolation, you aren't alone in not feeling bathing suit ready. Even people who you may think look bathing suit ready don't feel bathing suit ready. But thats besides the point. If you want to feel comfortable in a bathing suit, you have more options than you think.

For your first - and safest - choice, you would want to choose a one piece. You should choose one that accentuates your favorite feature and plays up your body type. If its your legs, wear a tunic cover-up over your bikini and remove upon comfort level and/or venturing into the water. If your favorite feature is your décolletage, you may want to wear a sarong to draw the eyes up. Accessories - sunglasses, hats, jewelry - can add to your comfort and draw attention away from anything you'd rather not draw attention to.

Now of course, if you want to take more of a risk, you can be an average-sized woman and still wear a two-piece. This week's savage styler, Gabi Gregg, is a prime example of a full-figured woman wearing a two-piece who's not afraid to flaunt it, with modesty of course. If the two-piece you choose is cut to cover and contour, you should be okay. You can still accessorize with the aforementioned and feel comfortable, even if you're less covered-up than you thought you'd have to be.

And a word of caution to all: if you're going out to purchase new bathing suits, unless you feel sure it can withstand getting wet - and what it may reveal once wet - you should take all pictures before getting in the water. In this day and age you want to make sure you're camera ready, Facebook tageable and twitpic appropriate.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Southern Tide washes ashore for Brittons Beach Blast Party

Columbia, SC - This past Saturday Brittons of Columbia held a Beach Blast Party with Southern Tide. The fundraiser for ETV/ETV Radio was held at the store from 11am - 6 pm with food, beverages, prizes and giveaways.

Founded in 2006, Southern Tide is the brainchild of Allen Stephenson, a Greenville, SC native who came up with the idea for the company while studying abroad in Italy. According to the company's bio, Stephenson was inspired by the countries common threads - exceptional craftsmanship, clean lines, fine quality, and classic design - that he married with his southern upbringing and aesthetic, to create Southern Tide. The first item produced by the company was the men's Skipjack Polo. Using True-Vent Micro Pique™, it was Stephenson's desire to create a high-quality, well-designed and assembled polo.

And, as if needs to be said, he obviously succeeded in creating a product that consumers were drawn to. From the humble beginnings of one polo and using his parent's house as a warehouse, the company has expanded to select retailers in over 35 states and offers a complete line of menswear, select items for women including polo's, and various accessories. The company's attention to detail and quality as well as its blend of southern tradition and comfort with Italian style and quality are attributes consumers can appreciate.

Camille Wingate, Inside Sales Rep for Southern Tide

Lachlan Medley, Britton's college ambassador of Southern Tide, with Wingate

As the company bio boasts: "Our way may not be the most conventional, and may take a little longer, but we want our clothing to make you look and feel your best. Superior fit, classic design and comfort are key elements of our effortless style."