Every year we would always go shopping around Memorial Day weekend for bathing suits for the upcoming and much anticipated grand opening of the Junction City Country Club pool. I looked forward to looking at that year's limited selections and, without dating myself, usually included various geometric and polka dot designs. We would each be allowed one suit so it was very stressful narrowing down exactly which one was cute enough to be my new favorite. Either way, it was exciting and a mark that summer was just around the corner.... which meant being the first in the 70-75 degree pool that usually stayed that way until late June, the 4th of July, unlimited days and evenings playing in the fields and ponds at the farm, an expected visit from my cousins that lived in Dallas, and, finally, my birthday. I love summer with all of the heat and fun afternoons at the beach or pool along with all of the activities that are great excuses be outside with friends and family.
Although I no longer get to look forward to "summer vacation", which I hate to say was the worst realization when I joined the adult working world, I still look forward to all of the same events that come each summer. I can't say that the birthday is still met with the same enthusiasm each year, but I definitely still enjoy picking out one bathing suit each year. Due to economic changes from when I was in grade school, I tend to shop for my bathing suit at the END of the summer, due to the hard-to-pass-up deals online or in the store. Not to mention, there are usually plenty of occasions where a bathing suit is needed well past Labor Day in VA Beach.
Throughout the years, I have picked out many suits that I still dig out from time to time from various brands and designers. Here are some brands that I like that offer quality and designs that will surely make you feel attractive at the beach or pool...even though you have cheated on your diet a little bit in the off season!
Billabong
Trina Turk
Usually, I am attracted to the Trina Turk brand because the designs are fun and feminine. The cut of most styles are not nearly as revealing as what I may have been willing to be seen wearing in my 20's and, not to mention, in much better shape. The drawback to TT suits is that the price tag is hefty and I always battle it out in my mind if I should justify the price....to date, it's about a 50-50 chance the credit card gets a workout. Regardless, you are sure to end up with a suit you can wear for many summers that fit well and will solicit numerous compliments from fellow beach-goers.
Betsey Johnson
Quite the opposite of Trina Turk, you can find very attractive yet a neo-retro look when shopping in the Betsey Johnson section. I love the colors and the cutting edge style that Betsey offers....and it doesn't stop at just bathing suits. The cut can be a little questionable if you are moving into your 30's, but they are fun to look at and imagine what you would look like in the bathing suit if you were 2% body fat and 18 years old. I enjoy looking at everything Betsey Johnson designs but it is not always fitting of my own style which tends to lean on the traditional side. But, when I am looking for something "fun", Betsey Johnson is a great place to start! Also, price is lower that a Trina Turk suit but you are definitely going to be up there when you view your cart prior to check out.
La Blanca
This is a fantastic brand that offers cute styles without moving out of the traditional bathing suit style. Cuts are very conservative and I believe they have a body shaping aspect to them, although they are not advertised this way. You can find a reasonable price with cute and trendy styles and colors at Nordstrom or on their website.
VIX Swimwear
A few years ago, I purchased a couple of VIX Swimwear bathing suits. They are extremely glamorous and you are always sure to get compliments on their designs....think beads, jeweled encrustations and sequins! Every SHAPE magazine that came in the mail had a model in the cutest bathing suits circa 2008. I would look to see the brand and it was consistently VIX Swimwear so I looked into the designer further. I knew the first step in this process should have been to stop flipping through SHAPE while having a nice big bowl of potato chips in the off season but I couldn't help but browse the VIX styles and designs. The price tag can be on the high side but they hold up well...beware, it is hard to exercise any restraint when you see these beautifully crafted suits so view with caution!
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