• One-pieces are making a huge comeback this year, tough modern touches make these suits anything but demure. The hottest pieces with the most coverage will have draping, ruching or paneling, if not lower leg cuts, that recall the retro glamour of the 1950s.
  Example: Victoria Secret’s firm control twist-front one-piece, by Magicsuit
• One-shouldered wonders may allude to times much, much earlier – that of the Grecian goddesses – but this season’s bright hues and bold patterns can change that feel entirely.
  Example: Just Cavalli’s purple leopard print one-shoulder suit
• Monokinis are this year’s bikinis – because really, they would be bikinis if not for one or two straps connecting the tiny pieces together.
  Example: Miss Bikini Luxe’s metallic monokinis
• Cut-aways reveal skin in more unusual ways. Sure, a few too many can bring forth images of bondage. However, if placed more selectively, cut-aways can actually be quite flattering. Long slits on the side could lenghten a torso, while a keyhole above the chest could draw the eye upward.
  Example: Roxy’s white and blue zebra-striped one-piece

Finally, consider this Tomas Maier swimsuit a crash course in the trends – a one-piece featuring cut-aways in this season’s ‘it’ color, hot pink.

What summer product trends are you noticing?

Q: Steve – I would like to get away with my family this summer, but I just don’t see how I can do it. I own a one-man business and when I don’t work, I don’t get paid. What can I do if I can’t afford to get away?

Tony

A: Amigo, I hate to sound like a cliché, but you can’t afford not to get away.

If you are like most of us, you went into business for yourself because

• You wanted more freedom, or
• You wanted a better boss or work situation, or
• You wanted more creativity at work, or
• All of the above

I once worked for a law firm that, I thought originally, was quite generous with their time-off policy: Three paid weeks a year. Woo-hoo! But it was only after I started that I “got” the fine print. I was allowed the time off, sure, but only if I still billed my requisite 90 hours for the time I was gone. I got three weeks of, but only if I worked an extra three weeks later in the year.

Man, I hated that job.

So, if you are the boss now, be a good one. Give yourself a break. Even better, give yourself a long break. You deserve it. And you are not alone, according a recent American Express Open survey, almost 2/3 of all small business owners are going to take a week off this summer.

Here’s how the solopreneur can do it too:

Plan ahead: This can mean many things:

• Saving up enough money so you can get away without it being stressful
• Telling clients and customers that you will be gone
• Making a list of essential things that you normally do that must be done while you are gone, and then

Hiring a temp or virtual assistant: If in fact you cannot get away without closing the office or shop, then consider hiring part-time help, a temp, or a virtual assistant who can man the essential functions while you are gone.

No, they cannot do everything you do, but you just might be surprised how much they can do. The key is proper training, and good communication. Consider having a pow-wow every few days over the phone. In the meantime,

Turn the Blackberry off : It’s a blasphemous thought, I know. But the point of getting away is to get away. Constantly checking emails and making calls not only defeats the purpose, it ticks off people who you are supposed to be relaxing with.

Call and check in a bit, sure, but there is no need to do it constantly. That same AmEx survey found that 81% of small business owners intend to check in with their business either by phone or email while on vacation. (Note:19% will not check in at all!)

Get more done early : Get extra work done before you go. By getting ahead, you make getting away much more doable.

Schedule extra time when you get back: Don’t tell everyone you will be back in the office Tuesday, tell them Thursday. Then, when you get back in Tuesday you can have a few days of uninterrupted time to catch up.

Combine business and pleasure: If getting away from it all still seems too difficult, consider making a business trip a family trip. It will save you money, allow you to still work a bit, but also have some needed R&R.

Have more 3 days weekends: Finally, if a week away is not your thing, for whatever reason, then this is the time of year to have more long weekends. You will rejuvenate your batteries, yet still get work done.

Today’s Tip : If business with your traditional customers is slowing down, then guess what? It may be time to investigate areas and customers that can be more productive and profitable, and begin to target those.