Bathing Suit Season | Suit Up!

Now that I'm off my soapbox, I'm sharing some of my favorite suits for the season. I think the greatest joy in swimsuit shopping (yes, there is joy in it) is knowing that trips to the beach, time by the pool, or vacation, is near. Plus, swimsuit shopping means shopping for fabulous accessories like sunglasses, hats, and my favorite, caftans. But more on those at another time.

Over the years, I have happily weened myself off of the typical (boring) black scoop neck one piece suit, opting instead for ones with a bit more flair and even color. I plan to explore that more this summer with some new suits, while still sticking to the tried and true. 

bikini

Panache (the best brand for all my D+ girls!), Michael Michael Kors, Freya (another great brand for D+)

Bikinis were no doubt revolutionary when they first arrived on the beach scene, and I love how the style has evolved over the years, making it easier for any body to rock the style. Since I've dared myself to wear one this year, and going back to my love of crop tops, my pick for the summer would have to be the high waisted style; just the right amount of sass and coverage for me.

tankini

Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Splendid, Norma Kamali

The tankini sure has come a long way from being boring, unflattering, and just terrible in general. I was pleasantly surprised by the selection available, from high to low of *gasp* flattering fits and colors. My personal pick would have to be the Norma Kamali suit: a pair of shades, and a headscarf (I'm thinking Pucci) and I am set for a day poolside. (sidebar: If you couldn't tell, I always go for a lewk with my swimwear.) 

one piece

Carmen Marc Valvo, Old Navy, Miraclesuit

A one piece bathing suit will always be an essential for me. Gone are my boring suits of yesteryear, with suits in fabulous cuts and colors taking their place. I'm still partial to a black one piece, but one with mesh and one-shoulder? Yes, please. 

Those are all of my picks, what are yours? What swimsuit style (or styles) do you gravitate towards? 

Bathing Suit Season | Part 1

There's no denying it now: swimsuit season is here. The weather is warming up, trips to the beach are being planned, and shopping for seasonally appropriate clothes is taking place. Another thing that's floating around right now is an insane amount of crash dieting and extreme fitness plans to "get skinny for summer." Seeing firsthand what some are doing, (and encouraging others to do) in order to achieve that "bikini body," is nothing short of frightening.

I know the sheer terror that this season can bring about, and I don't think there is anything wrong with wanting to tone up or reduce some jiggle where one sees fit. It's the nature of the summer season, and when you look good, you feel good. But when these extreme measures involve endless work outs while eating no more than 500 to 1,000 calories a day to achieve some ideal that is mostly likely only attained through Photoshop, there needs to be cause for concern. It's way too easy for these drastic measures to lead to something more serious, including eating disorders.

They say the most important thing you can wear is confidence, and when it comes to a swimsuit, that's definitely the case. For years, I was less than confident in swimwear, and I'll never forget the summer I started wearing shorts with my swimsuit at camp because my friend felt her thighs were too big (they weren't). Since I was bigger than her, I felt that I should do the same, not even considering the fact that I was at least six inches taller than her and "fit" from playing volleyball. It wasn't until three years ago that I finally dropped the insecurity (and extra clothing) and began to accept my body for what it was. Now, instead of focusing on my "flaws," I embrace my "assets" and shop for swimsuits the same way I would a dress for a special occasion, focusing on detail and fit. Again, when you look good, you feel good, and shopping for suits this way helps me to do just that. Instead of worrying about what I think my body looks like, I have more energy to spend enjoying myself and whatever I'm doing, like not falling off a jet ski in the deep waters of the Atlantic (true story).

While I feel so much better about my body now, I know I'll need a reminder at some point to not put pressure on myself to feel any sort of way. If you feel that way at any point this summer, do what I do: direct that energy elsewhere and focus on putting that pressure on your blender. Margaritas, anyone?

I'm stepping off my soapbox now. I'll have some of my favorite swimsuits for this summer up later today. xx