Hi Ladies! I am in need of some new beach cover-ups...pareo, cabana pants, wrap, shorts...something along those lines but I' can't find anything I like. I have looked at places like J Crew and Vic Secret and LL Bean but haven't seen anything great.

Where do you all buy your swimsuits and cover-ups?

I get a lot of mine ON vacation because I can find the most interesting and unusual ones in the islands.

Some of the best places to find a nice one are:

St Lucia and St Kitts and some other islands have branches of Caribelle Batik - gorgeous hand made silks and cotton clothing. Shorts, skirts, men's shirts, pareos, etc. in island colors.

Here is a link:

http://www.caribellebatikstkitts.com...k/Clothing.asp

St Martin/Maarten - great outdoor market with beautiful batik cottons.

Almost ALL of the Caribbean islands I have been to have much nicer and prettier pareos and cover ups than I have found in the States.

I found some great cotton gauze cover-ups in bright tie-died colors in Antigua last year.

If you can't get to the islands, there's always Ebay. I find lots of interesting things on there too. I got a Bob Marley pareo I like a lot from Ebay.

Happy shopping!

Thanks Diana! Before my trip to T&C (where I doubt there is much in the way of shopping), I am going to Miami for a giels weekend before my friend gets married. Maybe I can find on there.

I will definitely check out the link you sent though.

Thanks again!

Kristen, if you do not find one in Miami you will find them on Provo. Where are you staying? On Grace Bay they are a few stands on the beach with jewelry, beach bags, straw items, hats, and cover ups. Great sundress's, sarongs, or shirts in colorful caribbean prints.

Try www.ablambdin.com & www.newport-news.com

Heresanother good one.www.bostonproper.com

I always pick one up when we go on vacation. The best thing about buying them in the islands (other than how pretty they are) is the price. I have found them for around $10 in St Lucia, Mayreau (Grenadines) and Negril. They were a little scarce on Negril beach, but still managed to find one for a new bathing suit. You may just want to get a couple and then look while you are on vacation. The price will definitely be better.

Thanks everyone!

Ajax..I am staying at RWI...

Kristen, If you walk toward Grace Bay Club, there is usually a small table with some cute wraps and jewelry. If it isn't there, keep walking toward The Sands. There usually is a stand between Point Grace and The Sands. Usually on Saturdays The Sands has a nice woman and her wears set up by the pool at The Sands. How about having lunch at Hemingways and shopping!?

Kristen,
Just to the left of RWI beach is a lady who has a table set up with the things your looking for. I bought a really cute coverup last year from her.
Sandy

Kristen: I'm not going to be any help. I just want to say that I've been searching as well for coverups and swimwear. I'm very disappointed in what I'm finding in stores and online for this season so far.
I'm sure you'll find something nice in Miami, cause it's Miami after all! Good luck!

I cast my vote for buying them on vacation as well. I also buy them and put them away for the following year's vacation, just in case we go somewhere that I don't find anything that I like. Living on the water, I wear them all summer long here.

I love anything by Juicy Couture. Of course, I'm addicted to anything by Juicy but that's another story. Their terry cloth stuff is great for the beach and also looks cute once you're off the beach.

I bought my absolute favorite one in Mexico at their market downtown. It is made of cotton and it is not see-through which many are if you buy them here. I actually bought a sewing machine to be able to duplicate it because I haven't been able to find one like it anywhere else. I've made two of my own so far and they look great!

I bought a cute terry cloth pink dress at Steinmart. It's perfect for going to a restaurant/bar for drinks or lunch and not feeling exposed. I could even wear it as a dress if I wanted.
Other than that, I saw that Target had cute gauzy cover-ups that were like big shirts. I have some of the wraps from vacations too.
Trish

Thanks for all the awesome suggestions!

If you want to purchase by online then you can visit www.passion4fashion.com and purchase at your budget.

I usually use just a normal fabric wrap-around sarong/pareo. I buy them when I travel in Mexico or Hawaii. I'm not the kind of dresser who is comfortable in those cute beach "coverups".

I do have one skirt that I used last trip that was fantastic. It came from Target, black with a colorful print, it's a short skirt with a wide elastic waistband so easy to pull on and off.

My bathing suits all come from Sylvia's Swimwear here in Seattle. They are the best.

Lands End has some new cover ups.