I recently found a half written piece sitting in my blog queue that I never got around to finishing. It was late Spring, and the rush of Summer bikini styles weighed heavily on my mind. The article was about finding the perfect swimsuit and showing off your curves with confidence. The working title was "Embrace your inner Bettie Page on the Beach".

This weekend I read that the legendary pinup model, icon and focus of my piece was no longer with us. The Notorious Bettie Page passed away last Thursday in Los Angeles after suffering from a heart attack in early December.

I adored Bettie Page. Who didn't? Men loved her for obvious reasons, and women secretly envied her body, her chutzpah, her pageboy hairdo and those adorably kitschy trademark bangs. Bettie played a key part in inciting the sexual revolution of the 60's by posing in an estimated 20,000 black and white photographs that raised more than a few eyebrows (while consequently prompting a Senate investigation). While some argue she was objectified in her racy photo spreads, others believe she instilled women with confidence and the power to shock - a power Madonna, Paris, Britney and Lindsay have repeatedly cashed in on.

This Summer, I will indeed Embrace my Inner Bettie and don a fun, flirty swimsuit like this Rusty Pacifico Bikini Bettie would have worn back in the day...sans the whips and platforms.

Bettie will continue to reign as Queen of Retro style with rockabilly chicks across the nation donning her polka-dot dresses in homage to the original Girl Next Door. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, follow Bettie's lead and make every outfit a true Page turner.