Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Swimsuit Shopping

Everyone breathe!  Don't panic...put down the paper sack.  It's going to be ok.  I promise!

(I guarantee you Sheaffer has left her computer and hopped on her stationary bike at this point...)

Last week, I told you about my fitness routine, so it's only natural that I transition into swimsuits...it is a Shade of Shay after all...I do buy swimsuits every year and wear them on a regular basis during the summer. (Let's face it...I wear them all day, every day during the summer...it's Texas down here!  Unless you're inside in the A/C, you better be in the pool!).

No matter how you feel or what kind of shape you're in, there is a swimsuit for you!  None of us are super models (well...my friend Jeni is pretty darn close...but I try not to hold it against her...), so just relax and remember that it's more about finding a flattering cut than picking a small size.  First, I have some tips, then I have some examples...

Tips for Swimsuit Shopping

1. Shop alone.

I love shopping with my mom and my friends...but I want to shop for swimsuits alone.  First, I don't want to leave the dressing room (or even open the dressing room door) to model a swimsuit.  I want privacy and a small space to analyze things.  Plus...I don't want their opinions.  I don't care how great they say I look in a suit, if I don't feel great, I shouldn't buy it.  Swimsuit shopping can be frustrating too...so why would I want to share that with a friend???  Shop alone...and if you really need an opinion,  text a photo of yourself to a trusted friend for their opinion...but I don't recommend you bringing them along.

2. Faux tan before you go.

My legs after the long months of fall and winter are blinding white!  When spring comes and I pop into a dressing room to try on a suit, all I see are my white (winter looking) legs and arms.  Now, I use self-tanner to help make me feel a little more summery as I'm trying on suits.  Trust me...a little color will make all of the swimsuit options look a little better...and you feel better about yourself.

3. Wear easy clothes.

There is only one thing worse than trying on swimsuits...that's trying on swimsuits when you're wearing layers, boots, socks, a jacket and lots of jewelry (a.k.a. me on a regular basis).  When I know that I'm going to be trying on anything (especially swimsuits), I wear clothes that are easy off and on (and I don't wear boots!).  Don't you see...I'm trying to keep myself in the best mood possible...cranky people don't have fun swimsuit shopping!

4. Buy a smaller bottom.

Here's the thing...I read this last year in a magazine, and now I think about it all the time when I see people in their swimsuits (yes friends, I'm looking at your butt).  Most people buy up a size for the bottom part of their swimsuit thinking it will give them more coverage, however, what usually happens is that the suit sags in the back making your backside look droopy and bigger.  Swimsuits sag for several reasons...they sag when they get wet, they sag when they stretch out and get older, they sag as a result of washing them too frequently...the bottom line (pun intended) is that if your suit fits a little more snug on the bottom, it will make your backside look smaller and firmer.  Don't believe me?  Look around this summer!  You'll start to notice it too!

5. Buy expensive, buy cheap...it doesn't matter.

I have a wide variety of swimsuits...some are pricey and many are not.  I bought 3 last year that were $4 a piece (which is why I bought three!).  I personally think you get what you pay for in the swimsuit department.  A suit you pay $80 on will last you a decade (with proper hand washing), so take great care of it...it will be with you a long time.  My $4 suits probably won't last me another season, but that's ok too!  I only paid $4...it's not a huge loss.  Just know what you're buying and set the standard appropriately.  Don't expect your $4 suits to last years and don't treat your $80 suits like they're cheap.

6. Embrace yourself!

Repeat after me...I am not a supermodel (Jeni, you don't repeat).  You're not Heidi Klum, so don't expect to look like her.  You're a normal gal with a body the Lord gave you...embrace it!  Confidence is the number one thing that makes you look fab in a swimsuit!  Be confident!  Who cares if you have stretch marks, dimples, cellulite, whatever...you're only getting older...in a few years, you'll look back and think, "why didn't I embrace that body then...I'm even older now!".  Hold your head up high and work that swimsuit!

The Swimsuits

Athleta is one of my favorite places to get swimwear.  They make real swimsuits for real women.  They also make their suits out of the most durable, shrink and fade resistant material.  This suit here comes in a tankini, bikini, shorts and not-so-string bottoms.  You can buy several pieces and mix and match them with their solids too.  I highly recommend Athleta!

And who says one pieces suits have to be boring?  This suit is super smokin' and it's a one piece!

And so is this one!  One piece suits don't have to be boring!

How fun is this bikini by Gap?!  You have two bottom choices with this one...one with more coverage and one with a little less.  Such a fun color combo for summer!

And there is no better bargain in swimwear than Old Navy!  Look how cute this suit is?!?!  Old Navy has a wide variety for every shape and size...such a good collection of suits!

What if you need a coverup?  I have a few of those too!

I bought this cover-up several years ago in three colors and continue to wear it again and again.  It's easy to get on and off and looks cute with just a pair of wedges or flip flops after you're done swimming.

This cover-up would look so cute thrown over any suit!  It comes in so many fun colors too!

And this one just oozes summer!  Love!

One last thing...what would a swimsuit post be without me talking about my favorite Shade of Shay...my shades.

I am an aviator girl.  If I'm outdoors, I have my aviators on :).

My husband jokes that I keep 10 pair in my car.  I counted the other day.  There were eight.  I have these and love them because they're super cute and really inexpensive!

I hope this Shade of Shay encouraged you to go swimsuit shopping!  Hold your head up high, grab your confidence and don't take a friend...and pick out a suit, cover-up and sunglasses you feel proud in!  Love you all!

Next week...the Shade of Shay is being a work-at-home mom!   I'm excited to share with you what my work-life looks like.

Don't forget, click here for my Stella & Dot party...it ends Friday!

And here's a salad to go with your swimsuit shopping...

...don't worry!  The broccoli in the salad totally outweighs the bacon (girl math!).

Click here for the other Shades of Shay.