Bathing Suits...already?

Okay, now I know it may seem a bit early to be talking about this, since it’s still kind of chilly outside and winter is not such a distant memory yet; but honestly, it is April and swim wear season is just around the corner. Actually, for me it’s right now, because I have a bachelorette party this weekend in Atlantic City, and we’re all geared up for two days of bikinis and cocktails by the pool at Harrah’s. So naturally, this has gotten me in the bathing suit mood and of course I need to get a new one each year to add to my already massive collection, so I’ve decided to do a little research to check out what the latest and greatest trends are in swim wear this year. To be honest, what I’ve found is not much different than what’s been hanging on the racks for the last few seasons, but how much can beach fashion really change and evolve, there’s barely anything there in the first place, so designers don’t have much to work with. Nonetheless, I did manage to find some great styles at some great prices (I’ve also thrown in a few that are a bit higher on the pay scale for those of you who have the cash to drop on designer duds), so get ready, start thinking warm weather, sunny days and ocean side drinks because we’re heading full throttle into the world of beaches and bikinis!

First of all, how many different styles of bathing suits can there really be? More than you would imagine. There’s cut outs, bandeau tops, string bikinis, full coverage, thongs (if you have the guts, and the ass!) halters, one-pieces and more! It’s all about the fit and what looks right on your body! For women who are a bit curvier, I would suggest either a great tankini or halter top to hold everything in its place; for those who don’t have so much going on in that region, a great push-up top or bandeau topped suit is perfect and for those of you who have that little extra junk-in-the-trunk, well there are adorable skirt bottoms and full coverage bottoms that offer not only a great amount of cover up, but that still flatter your figure and enhance your shape so you look great strutting your stuff on the sand.
Bathing suits, however, are not the only thing women will be shopping for this season. Another factor to consider when purchasing a suit is that it’s not only the swim wear that makes the look, but rather the cover up and the beach bag and the sandals as well. You wouldn’t think that so much would be involved in sporting great beach attire, and to be honest, there really shouldn’t be, but with us girls everything’s a fashion show, right? There are hats, shades and towels galore that all factor in to making you look like you just stepped right off the runway and onto the sand.

So where is the first place to start this bathing suit shopping spree? Well, Victoria’s Secret, of course! Each season I eagerly anticipate the arrival of my new catalog, showcasing the best new suits and cutest accessories, and once it arrives my eyes are glued to the pages until I find exactly what I’m looking for. The great thing about Victoria’s Secret is that they are literally a one-stop shopping catalog. They offer a great mixture of styles of swim wear for women of all ages, shapes and sizes; both my mother and I always manage to find something that looks great on each of our bodies. She usually goes for the classic tankini with a skirt to cover up her bottoms, giving her the right amount of coverage and looking age appropriate, but still making her look like a fox while lounging by the pool. I, on the other hand, usually opt for something a bit more revealing, something a little more fun and certainly more in the 24-year-old category. The prices that they offer are usually pretty reasonable, however, once you start gazing at the signature designs that they create each season, the ones with all the glitz and glitter, the prices start to rise. Don’t be discouraged though, just shop within your price range and you’re sure to find something that suits you!

Another great place to find a fabulous bathing suit is, believe it or not, Target! Not to speak badly about the store, because I love it and shop there all the time, but for some reason I just didn’t think I’d find good swim wear inside. They actually do, though, have great styles that fit well and flatter a wide variety of figures. The prices are pretty much affordable all around and they have everything you need – the suit, the bag, the towel, the flip-flops and probably a great pair of shades and a cute hat to go along as well! So if you’re on a bathing suit budget, definitely check out your local Target store – you’ll find more than you might think.
Speaking of great suits for great prices, last year I got an adorable, designer suit at TJ Max. Either here, or Marshall’s, is a great place to look for higher end swim wear that is affordable on an average person’s yearly salary. They have great styles - the only problem is that you kind of have to search through a lot of shit before you find something wearable. So if you’re planning on picking up your next beach outfit at one of these stores, be prepared to head in there guerilla style and start sifting through the racks and racks of what Granny would wear to the shore before you find something suitable for you – but keep this in mind, once you come across something great, it’s like a diamond in the rough. They have some amazing bathing suits at equally amazing prices!
As for a beach bag or a towel, these are things that I’m always willing to spend a little more money on. Why? Well, a beach bag, if it’s something neutral and classic, can last through more than one season, so it’s worth it to get one that’s a little bit higher end, rather than some cheap and poorly made accessory that won’t even last through one summer. There are lots of places online where you can get a blank canvas bag and have it monogrammed and there’s also plenty of super cute designs at all of the department stores in your local mall; the bag doesn’t necessarily have to go with the suit, but its pretty hard to get one that doesn’t transfer easily between all the different options you have; just keep it simple. Something in a solid color, straw or a great black and white design is great because, that way, it will go with pretty much everything!



Finally, there’s always at least one store that stands out for each different thing that I happen to be shopping for at the moment and this year, it’s Urban Outfitters. I’ve actually never bought a bathing suit from the store in the past, but this year that all might change. I just checked out their website and they are housing a unbelievably cute and fashion forward collection of great bathing suits from an array of designers. One of their top selling labels, Lux, has created an entire swim line that looks as if it’s been taken right from the pages of an old magazine from the 50s and 60s. They, along with Diesel, Betsey Johnson, Salinas and Roxy have suits with high-rise waists, ruffles and belts, polka dots and flowers, fun patterns and more! I love the fashion of past eras and I think that we should all take a step back in time to see what truly classic looks really are, so when I stumbled upon this year’s swim wear collection at Urban Outfitters I was thrilled. The prices tend be a little on the steep side, but it’s totally worth it for a vintage-looking suit that will be sure to have you grabbing the attention of beach bums everywhere!