A Love Letter…for my swimsuit…

As a girl/not-yet-a/woman, it can be a very daunting process to pick out a swimsuit. I will be the first to admit that I don’t have the perfect bikini body. I have hips, rolls when I sit slouched over (so, all the time), wobbly thighs…the usual soft and curvy bits. Being honest, I don’t hate my body. Would I like to be a bit more in shape? Certainly. But I want that for health’s sake. So that I know I’m treating my body right. So that I can walk up a flight of stairs without gasping for breath. So that I can lift slightly heavier things. So that I can keep a clear mind and strong body (none of this motivates me enough though, but that’s another story…).

Regardless of the overall comfort I have with my body, that doesn’t mean I want everything on display. I’m not that confident. The only problem is, if I wanted a one piece, or more coverage, I was going to have to try and find a bathing suit that didn’t have a big skirt attached to it like you’d see on your granny (nothing wrong with those, but come on…you can do better!). So I started to look into these retro, full-coverage (or mid-coverage, I guess) bathing suits. Let’s face it: shows like Mad Men really made old looks new again (the ever-growing obsession with thrifting doesn’t hurt either). Who wouldn’t love dressing for their curves, as opposed to trying to hide them?  The good thing is, finding these bathing suits aren’t so hard anymore. Even if you don’t want a full-blown retro look (the polka dots kind of sway you in that direction, among other things), many stores/designers are selling flattering and fresh one-pieces and high-rise bottoms (which I find particularly wonderful on bloat days).

But, this is a letter to my suit so I digress…

From the moment I went on ModCloth and spotted you…I knew you were the one. Thank goodness I had just gotten my Christmas bonus, because nearly 100 dollars was a bit much for me to spend on a suit (In the end, you were worth every penny). I didn’t know who Esther Williams was (I do now, and she’s awesome), but damn, does she make a good suit. I was a little nervous, going off of basic tape measurements and ordering online, just hoping that it would fit. I had ordered a bathing suit online last year and it didn’t work out very well. But still…I did it anyway. And when you came in the mail and I finally got to try you on…you fit like a glove! When I wear you, I feel comfortable, cute, sexy even! I don’t have to worry about wobbly bits or insecure days because the suit is insta-comfort and insta-cute. I can only hope every other girl gets lucky enough to find their perfect bathing suit, no matter what style, no matter their shape, like I did with you. Thank you for making summer 2011 just a little better with your presence.
Let’s keep this thing going, shall we?

P.S. Yes…I’m a nerd. We knew this already.

Esther Williams

A few months ago, on a whim, I decided to splurge and get this bathing suit from Mod Cloth. I am really into retro-style swimsuits that offer a modest yet sexy look. The high-waisted bottom is what cinched the deal, offering tummy coverage (and, therefore, no worries about chubby days) and an adorable shape. I didn’t realize until I received the thing in the mail that it was designed by Esther Williams. I also didn’t know who the heck she is. Cut to last week, skimming through TV channels at Brad’s house, when I stumble upon a little show about the career of Esther Williams…a beautiful swimming champion turned MGM actress in the 1940’s. She embodies that classic, retro swim gal look - the pin-up hair, the gorgeous bathing suits, and perfect makeup that wouldn’t run even as she swam and danced under the water.

I am desperately in love with the bathing suit three photos down. She should consider making a replica…

Swimsuit Edition

The wintery wind is going crazy outside and temperatures are freezing. Despite (or because of) that, I couldn’t help but look up some new bathing suits online and daydream of heat waves to come. In general, I adore retro, pin-up looks. Polka dots are a particular favorite. And while the look is quite sexy, the cuts tend to remain rather modest. I don’t have what they call a “bikini body".” I may not be overweight but I am not toned. I prefer to keep myself covered, as I feel more comfortable and confident that way. I still adore my Jantzen find and my yellow polka-dot bikini from last summer, but it’s always nice to grab a new suit for the season. These retro-inspired looks hit the spot.

Again, there’s a pattern. Since I already have a one-piece, I would adore a two piece with a high-waisted bottom. I love that they accentuate curves and hide your belly button…the tummy area can be a tricky one. And the suit in the last photo is reversible!

The top two are from ModCloth and the bottom two are from Anthropologie.  None of them are in my price range. It does seem, though, that the cheaper you get your bathing suits is equivalent to how easily worn they become. Just something to consider (or a clever way to trick myself into think it’s okay to spend nearly 100 dollars or more on a bathing suit).

EDIT: I ended up ordering the polka dot number at the top on Friday. Hopefully it will fit well (or be easily exchangeable if not)…I just couldn’t pass it up.

Beach Body

Picking out a bathing suit is often:
A) Annoying
B) Embarassing
C) Completely discouraging

We all have different body types, so there's a large factor in finding one that doesn't bag out on your bum, squeeze your back fat, or show off your boobs too much...whether you're well-endowed or not.
I haven't purchased a bathing suit to lovein a while. The only reason I bought one last year was because it was on sale and the one I had been using and loved since I graduated high school was starting to look little girl-ish and was torn from a previous beach trip.
I really want something that will feel comfortable and cover everything up without looking like an old lady one piece. Speaking of...I really think a one-piece would be a nice basic bathing suit to have. But again, its hard to buy one that doesn't look like your grandmother's or one that might as well be a bikini and will give you weird tan lines.
For a one-piece, I'm feeling these:

Victoria's Secret

American Apparel

But I think I'll stick with a cute bikini while I still can. This one from Victoria's Secret is adorable and seems to cover all the right areas without any extra business hanging out.


But if I had the guts, I'd wear this but I just don't know how I feel about the awkward tan lines.

Now if I could just get back on track.