We all have our go-to stores that we, uh, go to when we need to stock up on some new wardrobe essentials (or when we just have an hour to kill and the mall reaches out and wraps us in its warm embrace). But what about all those other stores? The ones that you walk past on your way to Auntie Anne’s without a second glance? The “mom” stores, the old lady  department stores, the stores that don’t start with “Forever” and end with “21″? Surprise! Many of those stores are filled with major cuteness that you’re missing out on! (Except Chico’s – keep walking, little lady.) We know you’re not one to pass up a cute cami, so we scoured these under-the-radar shops and pulled out all the goodness you never realized existed.

I hate Walmart. Like, really, really hate Walmart. So much so that I’ll drive half an hour out of the way  and drop an extra $20 to avoid stepping foot in a Walmart. I’m opposed to almost everything about America’s not-so-favorite superstores — especially the fact that they stopped handing out those smiley face stickers at the door. But when I’m home with the family during breaks, running errands for my mom typically means I’ll have to make a trip to the big W, as much as I may protest and swear that Target is just SO. MUCH. BETTER.

Here’s the thing, though: on my last trip to Walmart, my 16-year-old sister tagged along, and during my hunt to find bargain paper plates and the latest Nora Roberts paperback for my mom, she dragged me over to the women’s clothing section to see what they had. And what they had was…actually really cute. She and I tried on a few fun tops and dresses, and I ended up walking away with a lacy going-out top that all my friends loved — for only $6.

Now, I won’t call myself a Walmart convert just yet, but I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. And I might head back there next time I’m home to stock up on cute-enough-t0-wear-out-but-cheap-enough-that-I-don’t-care-if-I-spill-pizza-sauce-on-them tops. And rainboots. And sweaters. And….

We all remember that scene in the first ‘Sex and the City’ movie. You know, the one where Miranda’s hair down there is doing a bit more than just peeking out of her suit. But if I’m being honest, when I first saw the movie I didn’t even pay attention to that extra “collection” south of the border. Not even a bit. For all I know, there could have been dread locks coming out of there because my eyes were glued to her amazing, fabulous, please-can-I-have-it-NOW Red swimsuit.

And every summer since then, I’ve spend many hours drooling all over Norma Kamali’s swim collection. Retro-inspired with real women in mind, her bathing suits make me want to put on some red lipstick and start dancing around to my favorite ’60s jams. Her prints are fun, her cuts clearly keep a woman’s body in mind, and there is really nothing bad I can say about ANY of these amazing swimsuits. Whether it’s her collection on eBay, department stores, in the magazines, every suit I see leaves me saying “I want. I want. I WANT.”

The only flaw is the upwards of $100 price tag that come along with looking so retro cool.
Until now.

Walmart’s Norma Kamali swim line is CHEAP – think $15-$30 for a swim suit – but still has the same look she’s known for. Here are three of my favorite looks: a bikini, a tankini and a one piece. All equally fabulous and all currently in my closet just waiting for a warm weekend to wear ‘em.

Tankini
I love the yellow detailing on this tankini, especially when paired with some yellow shades to compliment it and a big, floppy sun hat that keeps it so retro cool. The polka-dotted cover up mixed with the striped suit peeking through is a perfect mix of opposite prints still working together. I’m in love.

Product Information: Tankini Top: Walmart, $15; Tankini Bottom: Walmart, $15; Hat: Forever 21, $10.80; Sunglasses: Lulus, $9; Shoes: Madden Girl; $39.95; Cover-up Dress: Delias, $44.50

Bikini
This option is a bit more modern mixed with vintage. I love the solid top with the printed bottom. Throw on the bolder sandal, cute romper and funky shades and you’re ready for any beach party.

Product Information: Bikini Top: Walmart, $15; Bikini Bottom: Walmart, $15; Romper: Heritage 1981; $19.90; Sandals: Lulus, $20; Sunglasses: Forever 21, $5.80.

One-Piece
No matter your figure, this suit is flattering and fun. I love the graphic tote and the dark red shades to match!

Product Information: Bathing Suit: Walmart,  $15;  Cover-up: Old Navy, $24.50; Sandals: Forever 21, $9.80; Sunglasses: Lulus, $9; Tote: Forever 21, $3.50.

It’s okay girls, count to ten and breathe. I know we all have huge under eye circles, our legs haven’t been shaved in a good week and these study munchies are starting to catch up with our love handles. But on the other side of this pit of fire that is midterms is a glorious week-long party fest.

The lucky of the bunch are going to spend this week soaking up the sun and downing frozen cocktails. And obviously the perfect beach attire is a necessity. But it’s so depressing opening up the catalogs and realizing that all the suits will cost you a couple weeks of happy hours, and are any of us really willing to give that up?

Luckily, we don’t have to. Here are five suits that are not only adorable, but totally affordable on a college girl’s budget. (And you can get them all in a week or less!)

Snake Ring Bandeau Top and Ruched-Side Bottom from Alloy ($19.90 each)

The snakeskin print is a fun alternative to the typical flowers or polka dot print that fills the beach. And the peep-hole top with tie at the neck is the perfect blend of sexy and comfortable.

Mix & Match Ruffled Tankini from Old Navy ($19.50 and $16.50)

When it comes to swimsuits, Old Navy is the place to be. Not only because their stuff is cheap, but also because they have a great variety of pieces that you can mix and match as you please. I love the adorable ruffle detailing and the bright color of this set, but I also love that I can get another set (maybe a bikini? maybe a different color/pattern?) and mix them all together to create a ton of different options. And when I’m hitting the beach every day, a little variety goes a long way.

Plaid Halter Bandeau Bikini and Side-Tie Bikini Bottom from American Eagle ($24.50 each)

I am absolutely in love with this candy color combo; the bubble gum pink and baby blue suit reminds me of sexy Little Bo Peep.

Ruffled Triangle Bikini Set from Victoria’s Secret ($36.00)

Victoria’s Secret gets the award for best swimsuits, hand’s down. But their prices aren’t always as friendly. Tip? Buy from the 2009 collection! Last year I splurged, and this year I cried when I saw my expensive designer swimsuit on sale for a quarter of the price. I am loving this peach colored string bikini with the demure ruffles; it is total sex kitten. (Though I don’t recommend going to buy flowers without a cover-up.)

Mossimo Shirred One Piece Swimsuit From Target ($34.99)

With all the stick thin models flaunting their six-packs and double D’s in every swimsuit catalog it’s easy to forget that not everyone wants to wear two inch triangles over each nipple. This one-piece suit provides the coverage while still having sexy details: a flirty skirted bottom, halter-top, and slimming ruching. Plus the color will look H-O-T on that hard earned tan.

Swimsuit shopping has been dreaded by women for a very long time, but it doesn’t have to be.  Sure, seeing all that cellulite harshly highlighted by the flourecent lights of a dressing room is U-G-L-Y, but there are so many cute suits this season that you may not even notice those ripples.

This summer there is no one-size (or style) fits all for bathing suits.  There truly is a bathing suit for everyone regardless of shape, size, style or skin tone.  No longer are you bounded by the basic two options: the one-piece or the bikini.  Stores are carrying the monokini, the bikini, the tankini — and many variations on each of these different basic cuts. With all the options out there, you are sure to find one (or one for everyday!) that fits your budget and looks H-O-T.

I’ll be the first to admit that I own a ridiculous amount of swimwear for a girl who lives in a state where the temperature reaches 80° for a maximum of three months. We don’t have real beaches, just lakes and pools. I’m not even a swimmer. I just really like bikinis. For the past few summers, however, the monokini has been a fierce alternative to the triangle top and the brazilian cut bottom. But will I actually buy one? Do I even like monokinis? I’m torn.

Love it:
I was first introduced to the concept of a monokini while watching none other than The Simple Life, when a non-emaciated Nicole Richie rocked the look while auditioning to be a mermaid at an amusement park in Florida. (Well, actually Paris was a mermaid; Nic was a turtle, but same difference.) After swimming, she pulled a denim mini over her suit and went clubbing. Swimsuit and sexy club top? Can’t (or at least shouldn’t) be done with a basic bikini. But with a monokini you’re getting two looks in one!

Aside from that, however no one can deny that monokinis are fierce and moderately new summer look. The fact that many girls haven’t tried the trend means that if you rock one, you’ll probably be getting a lot of looks on the beach. Monokinis are fierce because of their peek-a-boo sexiness. When you wear one, you’re not showing your entire body off, but you’re definitely hinting at and highlighting it. That being said, monokinis may be a good alternative for girls wanting more coverage than a classic bikini would provide without wearing a once piece or tankini.

Loathe It:
Two words: Tan. Lines.

Just think about what would happen – tan sides and cleavage, but one weird stomach. If you spend a day in a mono and want to switch it up to a bikini the next, it’s bound to look awkward. Speaking of awkward, it seems like if you have a normal body, monokinis are hard to look good in. Round tummy? It’s just going to accentuate it. Big hips? They’ll be very apparent in the hip-baring styles. Monokinis seem like they’d be a great option for the super-toned or super model type, but I’m not so sure that they’d be flattering to girls with regular bodies.

Lastly, while monokinis come in all different varieties – some cut out drastically on the sides and front leaving just a strip of fabric connecting the bottoms and the top, some just cut out the sides, and others have modified triangle tops built into a deep V– the customization isn’t anything like a bikini. If you’re wearing a two piece, you can usually buy a small top and medium bottoms, or a large top and small bottoms. Your tops and bottoms don’t even have to match! What happens if you want to wear a monokini and you have big boobs? Or a long torso? Or a curvy butt? In these cases, monokinis seem like wardrobe malfunctions waiting to happen…

But maybe that’s just me.

Have any of you ladies tried a monokini? Do you find them flattering? Comfortable? Or is it a trend you hate? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re like me, no matter how much time you spend in the gym, there are some body parts you’d rather not flaunt. But with spring break coming up, there’s absolutely no reason for you to hit the beach or pools without feeling fabulous. Never to fear ladies; I’ve dug around for some hot ideas for you to look and feel your best, no matter what body type you have.

If you’re worried about:

Hips & Thighs

This is the one I worry about. My usual remedy for this is board shorts. They look cute and easy, and are a great accessory for a bikini. No one has to know you’re wearing em to cover up a few imperfections.

TIP: Get a fixed waistband board short, not an elastic band. Fixed waistbands are smoother and give you a more streamlined look, so your stomach ends up looking ab-fab. Stay away from gathered or anything elastic; it makes you look bulky, which sorta defeats the purpose, no?

Stomach

Personally, I feel there’s nothing wrong with a one-piece, especially if it’s done well. Here is where rouching is your friend. It distracts the eye, and it disguises that mini beer belly wonderfully. I love this first one because it’s very classically sexy.

TIP: If you want the coverage of a one piece, but the playfulness of a bikini, swimwear designers answered our prayers with the tankini.

Large Chest

Another one of my worries. The best thing for girls who need a bit more support without looking dowdy is the ever-amazing halter top, especially ones with broad straps. Not only do halters provide much-needed support, but the cut of a halter is very slimming. The key to looking good in anything is balance; halters make you look smaller up top so that you look proportional. Plus those suckers hold your chest in place, which is always important.

TIP: Stay away from anything with the words “string” or “bandeau.” It’s just an accident waiting to happen.

Xhilaration Polka Dot Bikini:

Clown-esque. Wear it when you bring your nieces to the beach.

Xhilaration Bandeau Halter:

For girls who love to shred.

Hot Topic Rasta Stripe Halter:

Perfect for enjoying the cheeba at a backyard BBQ. Puff puff pass!

Arizona Striped Monokini:

Sure that guy’s a douche, but he has a boat! Ideal for yachting.

Newport News Belted One Piece:

It’s belted so it doesn’t fall down while you’re fighting crime.

Newport News Lavender Swimdress:

For ladies who see no reason why one shouldn’t wear pearls while tanning.

Spiegel Print Tankini:

Doodles + swimsuit = funzies.

Spiegel Peach Brooch Halter:

So Sophia Loren. Comes with a bottle of champagne.