bring on the beach days, backyard bbq’s, and days by whatever pool you can find to soak up the sun. and you know what that means, you’re either wearing your swimsuit from last year or doing the dreaded shopping trips to pick one up. i don’t believe in buying swimwear in stores, personally.  i find dressing room lighting to be too painful and trying on a dozen swimsuits under those conditions will only lead me to feel bad about myself and vow to stay inside until fall.

instead i shop online at places that have free shipping/returns like shopbop and zappos, that way i can order a few different suits in multiple sizes and try them on in the privacy and good lighting of my own home! or if i find a suit someplace else that i really love i suck up the shipping costs and consider it gas money saved. trying them on at home i can also get lou’s opinion, and let’s be honest there’s nothing quite like your husband telling you how hot he thinks you look to make the bathing suit anxiety fade! 

I  usually splurge on one really nice high quality suit a year and mix it in with previous years suits to keep me satisfied).  last year i didn’t find a single one that i loved but this year it’s suit number 3!  it fits amazing and covers my tummy pooch in the most flattering way. i haven’t loved a swimsuit more since this one i bought two seasons ago (in black w/ polka dots). mara hoffman killed it this season! so obsessed with everything she’s doing.  happy shopping, and more importantly, happy summer!

find the above here : 1. 2. 3. (and here in more sizes) and a few others i’m loving 4. 5. 6. 7.