The Swimsuit Edition
As usual, the first spike in the mercury sent me into a near fit. In one afternoon I had tanned (in the bathroom this time, but I highly recommend EZ-misting instead - less mess and funny body positions), pedi-ed and glossed and found myself in a familiar position - under the bright (i.e., unforgiving) lights of the swimwear section dressing room. However, on this trip into the skin-whitening cube I not only had the usual pressure of finding a flattering strip of nylon, but the added anxiety of securing several suits to be worn on vacay in the Caribbean with my rock star beau. I had to be ready for boating, snorkeling and swimming. These activities are new to me, as my usual routine at the beach includes sitting, cocktailing and reading. Needless to say, my swimwear needs have always been met by a bikini consisting of four equilateral triangles and not something like this.

As I tried on suit after suit, praying no one would mistakenly walk into my dressing room, I began to think of swimwear like I think of spring dresses. (I know this sounds more she she me than Shop Girl, but bare with me.) Think about it - you need an arsenal of dresses. One for every time of day or evening; for parties, both casual and formal. A dress that hides and a dress that shows; colorful ones and yes, little black ones as well. Same with swimsuits. I had to be prepared for any and all occasions. Once I adopted this theory, shopping took a turn for the better.

Out of the plethora of bikinis and one-pieces (not tankinis and nothing with shorts, ugh!) I tried, these were my favorites.

1. Centerfold by LeTarte - Just about the cutest polka-dotted number EVER! (Was a little freaked out by the name, but turns out its really not that scandalous on the bod.)
2. Alice + Olivia One Piece - soooooo modish and sexy. Not quite your 'I'm going to star in the beach volleyball game,' but I'd take the 'I'm used to holiday-ing in Italy with all of the other painfully cool peeps' any day.
3. For pseudo-active moments you can't beat J.Crew's wide-band halter top and wide-band hipster bikini for like the fifth year running. Each spring I add another color. When you can't fake activity, J.Crew's one piece halter is an old faithful; guaranteed not to slip, ride or expose. (One could prepare for a beach jaunt at J.Crew alone.)
4. Lisa Curran's floral print bikini (love, love, love the ruffled bottom) is perfect in the event there is a beach soiree to attend.
5. For an evening out, on the beach that is, there is Banana Republic's Gold Paillette bikini. I guess the metallic trend really does extend beyond accessories. Is this even waterproof? And what's more, "can you believe its sold out?"
6. And for that little black number? The St. Barth Bandeau by Vitamin A is the hands-(um, plastic)-down winner. Want a little less little? Calvin Klein's Pur Glamour suit is just that.

I think I'm covered as far as swimwear goes; clothing is another matter. . .

See you when I return. Happy swimwear shopping. xox.

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