Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Weekly Wishlist: Colorful Swimwear

My beau, Mike, and I are brainstorming ideas for a beach vacation. I spent most of my childhood living in South Texas, so I spent my weekends, and sometimes my weekdays at the beach from April- October. Even when I lived in Maryland there were river/ bay beaches right at my fingertips and trips to Seabrooke Island, SC with family in the summer. I long for the sand between my toes, the breeze off the water, the fresh seafood.

What I don't long for is swimsuit shopping.

Although I am definitely on the road to body acceptance, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not quite there yet. I don't mind showing my stomach, arms, chest, but I prefer to hide my upper thighs. I feel most comfortable in a skirted bikini or one piece. The problem is that skirted suits tend to fall into two categories. 1. Matronly, shapeless, or simply too much coverage or 2. not enough skirt to provide the coverage that I need.  The other obstacle I face is that I'm bigger on the bottom than I am on the top.

I can usually get around these issues by purchasing separates. I have two plain black swim skirts that I pair with cuter tops from more trendy swim wear collections. This has suited me fine for the last few summers (pun intended), but I really want to add some color into my swimwear repertoire. Here are a few colorful suits I've got my eye on.

Image via Alwaysforme.com
I love the bright blues in this suit. The website shows the back of the suit and it appears to provide a good deal of booty coverage. Also the straps are removable! I recently discovered Always for Me. They are a plus size retailer specializing in swimwear, activewear and lingerie. I love so many of the suits on their site, but I think this one is my favorite. it would be a great one-piece option. Solid color option here. Available in sizes 16W-24W.

Mossimo Plus size Swim Skirt in Boysenberry- $22.99 at Target


Colorblock halter bandeu top
Paisley Halter top
Striped Bandeau tankini top

I have this swimskirt from Target in black from a few summers ago, and it is one of my favorites. I am really pleased to see it online in some bright colors! This boysenberry color is my favorite because I found the greatest variety of tops to go with it, but I also love the turquoise! The swim skirt is available in the plus sizes 1X-3X. The tops all come in sizes XS-XL and are $19.99 each. When buying separates, I like buying multiple tops so I can choose how much coverage I want.


image via jcrew.com
image via jcrew,com













Seersucker Skirted Bottom $64 and Halter top $48 in Bright Citrus, both from JCrew
I've never tried on a JCrew Suit before, so I don't even know if their largest size bottom would fit me. I am a sucker for seersucker and yellow. This suit is just too cute not to include! Top and Bottoms available in sizes XS-XL.

image via mindbodylingerie.com
Strapless Polka Dot Swimdress $59.95 from Mind Body Lingerie
 I had to throw in one last suit, because y'all know I can't pass up a polka dot. This suit is adorable, but I don't think it'd be good for any actual swimming as it doesn't have straps. I've never heard of Mind Body Lingerie, and the site appears a little risque, but they have cute retro inspired suits in a variety of sizes. This suit is available in XS to XXL.

What is your favorite style of swimsuit? Know of any good plus size swimsuit retailers?

6 comments:

  1. I really love that polka dot one! I'm on the search for a cute one piece but I hate bathing suit shopping.

    xo,
    Angela
    headtotoechic.blogspot.com

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    1. I have never met a woman that enjoys bathing suit shopping!

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  2. Ah, swimsuit shopping. :P I always have trouble finding tops, it's hard to find a top that will support and lift bigger breasts, but not look matronly. (there's that evil word!) Old Navy did have really cute swimsuits last year, I found a cute one striped one peice. (Haven't seen their stuff this year.) That j-crew suit is adorable!
    And sunshine, warm water and sand sounds amaaazing.

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    Replies
    1. I'm a small Dcup, so fortunately I can usually get away with most size XL tops, as long as the band/ straps are somewhat supportive.

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  3. I would TOTALLY recommend this suit from WalMart. I know, I know, it's WalMart, but its super cute, flattering, and provides coverage for upper thighs. They also have something similar at Target with adjustable straps. Both sites have suits for plus sized women too :)

    http://www.walmart.com/ip/Suddenly-Slim-by-Catalina-Women-s-Shirred-Halter-Swimsuit/17804485

    http://www.target.com/QuickInfoView?partNumber=13009208&catEntryId=200257940&productId=203574826&categoryId=166013&overlayId=QuickView&validation=true&position=targetCenter&omnitureSuperCatgValue=women:clothing:swimwear:one-piece%20swimsuits&lnk=plp_qi_grid_1_25

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    Replies
    1. I love that style of suit, but I just don't think I'd be comfortable with that much thigh showing!

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Thanks for reading. I would love to hear your thoughts!