The summer has indeed kicked off and there are certainly plenty of places to go, things to do, summer essentials to buy. We can finally take a break from tanning salons and rely on the scorching sun to do all the work for us. The time has finally come for workaholics and serious students to kick back, soak up as much sun as we could, and parade in cute little summer outfits that we've been dying to wear since last winter. What exactly have you been keeping in your summer wardrobe and what new stylish pieces were you planning on buying? Let me enlighten you a little on what to look for on your annual summer shopping spree and what you should immediately throw out into the bin. And when I say throw out, I don't mean hide for another second in your closet or give away to someone else. Instead, I meant ridding the world of it for your own sake, and maybe even your friends.

2006 swim wear trends are not hugely different from that of last year but they certainly highlight the element of playfulness without the need to bare more than enough. Forever and always, sexy will be in but this season, it will be defined almost ambiguously because anybody can surely look sexy in the right hot number. Aim for euphonious. Pick swim suits that say sweet, innocent, and untouchable because people seem to want things that they just can't possibly have and that is the secret to pulling off a good outfit. Choose something that has clean and sleek cuts. Simplicity seems to work in any aspect of fashion and even in other areas of living because generally, less is more. When you embark on the hunt for the perfect flattering swim suit, women should look for less revealing designs like tankinis, boy shorts, brassier-inspired bikini tops, empire cuts, uncomplicated yet stylish prints, and eye-catching accents, while men should simply keep it real.

Victoria's Secret, also the name to trust when it comes to *popular intimate apparel*, has recently launched their Very Sexy collection of women's swim wear and they are just to die for. The Push-up Triangle Bikini Top and Mesh Low-rise Bikini Bottom spell out dessert madness in a very rich Safari color. The top accentuates a woman's cleavage even if it was close to non-existent. This number ties at the back with adjustable closures that allow you to mold it on to your exterior like it was your second skin. Meanwhile, the medium leg cut of the bottom gives moderate coverage. Due to the site's mid-year clearance sale, this pair which was originally priced at $76 can now be yours for only $29.98! Embellish the twosome with a faux shell accessory such as the Victoria's Secret Beaded Belt and you've got yourself a winning suit.

Now let's move on to the male counterpart and their perpetual search for the donning beach wear. A lot of guys who've spent countless hours sweating it out at the gym since the start of the year have been waiting for summer to show off their new and improved bod, although there are a number who can't seem to keep their clothes on all year round. For those of you who don't have a clue about fashion and what to gear up on this season I say fear not, men. Pull it together and fend off your fear of beach glam. Choose the right cut that will accentuate your assets and veer away attention from your not-so-desirable features. Take a plunge in the *Dolce & Gabbana* White And Black Striped Stretch Swim Shorts and notice how everyone is checking you out even as you walk away. Its slimming pattern and cut would look good on almost anyone.

We all have our own tastes, idiosyncrasies, and funky attitudes when it comes to fashion. There is a lot of ways to show the world how you could get your summer groove on but going over the top shouldn't be one of them. Fads and hot styles contribute a lot to what people are wearing nowadays but those who put their foot down and say "this is who I am and this is what I'm wearing" end up making waves.