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Suiting Up.
I blame it on the new bangs. And maybe the spray tan as well. Surely
that kind of 'new look' confidence is the only reason that I would
enter a blindingly bright cell (commonly called the dressing room)
with my arms full of printed nylon of all shapes and sizes. I tell
you the perils of swimsuit shopping are a seasonal hazard and are
not for the faint of heart, mind or body.
The thing about swimsuit shopping is that no matter who you are
(with the exception of Glamazon Cameron Diaz) the whole ordeal is
excruciating. Between the 800-watt fluorescent lights that give
you a blue-ish tinge, the fear that some one will barge into your
dressing room as you struggle with two triangles, and the all-seeing,
all-reflecting mirror the whole process can be down right disheartening.
And somehow I never can quite picture myself looking quite like
this.
(Swimsuit shopping is however, a perfect excuse to indulge in even
more retail therapy as after hours of exposing skin we understandably
want, no need, to buy a new dress to cover up with.)
This summer,
Palm Beach chic has hit everywhere and when it comes to the selection
process, color is king. Mix it up with bright
solids, graphic prints, bold florals or some of each.
With the design out of the way, comes the task of choosing the style.
I believe that swimsuits are like shoes (or handbags - depends on
your addiction), and that you need several different styles for
your many moods and activities. Every girl should have a great bikini
and handsome one-piece. (Don't see many people playing paddle ball
in this
number.) Based on your day at the beach, I've put together a
little guide to help you survive the nylon battlefield.
1.Sit and sip.
The triangles have it. They're the classic itty-bitty bikini and
are sexier than ever this season. My fave styles are anything string
by Susana
Monaco (her unique fabric makes all of her suits super-flattering)
and this green
confection by Gaultier. Another popular style for sedentary
beach life is the bandeau top. We simply adore J.Crew's
vintage-esque polka dot bikini.
2.For walks
on the beach, causal frolics in the waves and the occasional sand
castle. I would go with the ever popular, ever sleek halter bikini.
Hands down our fave at the HQ is Lily
Pulitzer's Trina halter. Other hits include, Shoshanna's
Bamboo Halter, and Ralph
Lauren's Terry Floral Halter.
3.Sporty Chic.
Once in awhile bathing beauties do like to exert some energy. Without
sacrificing style for coverage, these are the one-pieces
for the season. Banana
Republic's sexy ring suit in orange, J.Crew's one-piece
halter (flattering and functional) and Tommy
Bahama's strapless floral suit.
Once the suit
is purchased, the rest (hat, tote, towel
and reading
material) falls into place.
Good luck with
your shopping.
xox,
Shop Girl
Questions for
Shop Girl? Email her.
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