This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

On February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, alerting people everywhere that 2011 would see early spring. There’s still snow on the ground here, not too far from Punxsutawney, actually; in fact, while my partner and I were returning home from a three-day business trip Saturday night, we drove into a snow storm that had followed us from our home in Northeastern, Pennsylvania, into another state, and then back home again. However, regardless of winter’s seemingly relentless and fierce death grip on us, it’s time to start preparing for warm beaches, sunny skies and hot bathing suits.

Express is one retailer celebrating the arrival of rising temperatures and breaking in new, sexy suits with their brand new line of women’s swimwear.

Within this swimwear line, you will find swim suits in a wide variety of different styles, including variations on the classic one-piece, eclectic bikinis that include must-have strapless and halter styles, the monokini, and of course, the super sexy string bikini. Designer details include:

• Flirty ruffles, sexy self-tie sides, glam beaded embellishments and polished metal hardware.
• Shop bright solids, on-trend graphic prints, the essential reversible style, nautical-inspired stripes and sleek metallic styles.
• Removable padding in tops.

One thing that you must be aware of when shopping the new Express swimwear line, especially if you’re shopping online, is that bikini bottoms fit smaller to size, aiming to give the women who wear these suits some added sex appeal for the beach with moderate back coverage.

This new swimwear line is extensive and full of color and fun patterns. More than just a few of the selections jumped out at me, but my favorite has to be the bandeau bikini top and low-rise bikini bottom pictured above. I love those side ties on the bikini bottom and how the same simple, but very sexy black bow is brought into the bandeau top. Of course, you’ve also gotta love that pattern that is simple with its black and white coloring, but also has that refreshing splash of red mixed in.

A new spring line of swimwear isn’t all Express has been up to lately. They are also running an exciting sweepstakes! To enter, all you have to do is sign up for Express e-mail to enter for a chance to win one of ten $200 Express gift cards! Pretty awesome, right? This sweepstakes ends April 21st at 11:59PM EST. so don’t forget to sign up for your chance to win. Also be sure to check out the sweepstakes rules so you don’t miss a thing!