Betsey Johnson and Red Carter Swimwear Stunners in 2010

It is one of the most dreaded times of year. An experience that fills even the most confident woman with fear and self-doubt. It is swimsuit season. And with it comes the dreaded moment of truth, the moment when it's just you, the fluorescent lighting, and a mirror, with nothing but a thin piece of cloth standing between you and all of those imperfections that you are sure you have being reflected back at you on three sides. Thank goodness, two designers have stepped up to rescue us this season. Red Carter and Betsey Johnson swimwear offer us the ultimate protection: the perfect swimsuit.

The purchase of a swimsuit is unlike any other clothing purchase. It is a commitment to a look for an entire season. In 2010, the standout choices are between Red Carter and Betsey Johnson, and despite their distinctly different approaches, both labels ensure that your relationship with your swimsuit will go from a mild flirtation with a signature style, to a lasting love affair with self-expression through fashion.

Betsey Johnson has been long regarded as the standby for showing feminity with a distinctly rock and roll edge, finely communicated by the shocking hot pink label, with Johnson's name scrawled in black. The 2010 swimwear collection is the ultimate example of Johnson's long-time love affair with deliciously feminine vintage touches adorning an ultimately modern silhouette. Black, the signature color of any true rocker, was the main theme of the collection, which is anything but basic. Whether used to add dramatically sexy contrast in a heart stopping backless one piece, complete with whisper-thin crisscrossed straps and a flirtatious keyhole cut-out in the bust, or to add a harder edge to the ruffled bottoms and sweet little bows of her bikinis, Johnson proved beyond a doubt that she is the master of rocker-chic with her 2010 swimwear collection.

There is a distinct 1950's pinup feel to Johnson's look, with much of the boudoir inspiration illustrated in her luxuriously excessive use of lace print, and lingerie styling. With playful collection names like "Patty Cakes" and "Cheeky Peeky", Johnson urges us to cast off our fear of baring all at the beach, and instead invites us to strut boldly out on the boardwalk, and sashay our fabulous selves in a style that will remind all that no matter what you are wearing: you are woman, and while you may not be inspired to roar in Johnson, you will not be able to resist the urge to purr your undeniable allure, like the sexy kitten you are.

While Betsey Johnson's long standing legacy offers us the opportunity to show our softer side, Red Carter explores the other side of the feminine mystique in his 2010 collection: strength. Based in South Beach, it is a surprise to see such restraint showed in his uniquely sculptural designs. Distinctly Modern, there is an almost architectural quality to Carter's creations, with bold geometric prints, devastatingly severe cuts, and a refined use of gold hardware and semi-precious stones, Red Carter swimwear is a expression of undeniable sophistication. There is a definite couture feel to his designs, which herald their wearer as the epitome of style and good taste, with the in-your-face confidence to pull it off. It is no wonder that Carter's designs have been featured in some of the world's most revered fashion magazines such as Elle, Glamour, and In-Style. the clear choice for fashionistas everywhere, Red Carter's Swimwear collection for 2010 is the perfect way to incorporate a little high-style into your beachwear.

This year, fear not the dressing room. With a swimsuit from Betsey Johnson or Red Carter swimwear, there is no need for self-doubt. You can rest assured that your best qualities, be they of the girly-punk variety or the take-no-prisoners sophisticate, will be shining through on the beach in 2010.