From our friends at Shopalicious

From our friends at StyleBakery

I am okay with my body–it’s not perfect, but I’m fairly happy with it, and while my abs are not rock-hard, they’re at least flat. I also tend to get really tan on my stomach, which is why I prefer bikinis. I’ve also always associated one-piece swimsuits with my mom, who, although she doesn’t need the camouflage at all, tends to favor ruched, skirted versions. (Although, come to think of it, she did rock some sexy ruffled one-shouldered numbers back in the late ’70s and early ’80s when I was a child.) Usually, I tend to go for cute, colorful, flirty styles, particularly those at Delia*s; I like the mix-and-match concept, I like the fact that they have a selection of tops in D-cup sizes, and I really like the prices (which are, yes, marked down at the moment).

But, like I said, I am getting up there in age, and, well, things are not as firm as they used to be. I wonder if it’s time to start, simply put, covering that stuff up. There’s also the question of support; finding bikini tops in which my boobs actually fit is a challenging endeavor, and based on my experience with tankinis, more coverage generally translates to better support. Also, there are some really hot retro one-pieces out there! I love the ruching on this J.Crew Jersey Lomellina suit, this Jets by Jessika Allen suit reminds me of my mom’s cool ’70s suits, and I am absolutely in love with Rachel Pally’s Barbados Maillot (note to ER: I think this might be the one you sent me!).

So, I think it might be time to take the plunge–into a pool, into the ocean, in a one-piece. Sure, I will keep my bikini and tankini in the rotation, but it’s always good to diversify, right?

From our friends at Cheryl Shops

What are the key swim trends to look for this summer?
Look for bright pop colors like neon pink, orange and green. Tribal prints are popular as well as ditsy floral prints, big bohemian florals and graphic black and white.

How revealing should a swimsuit actually be?
Here’s the Bust Coverage Test: Three-fourths of the bust should be covered, leaving only a swath of cleavage. The thicker the strap that attaches the bust to the rest of the suit, the more likely it’ll stay in place as the day goes on. If you opt for a bandeau top, which is often strapless, nothing should be squeezing out the top or the bottom. Boy shorts offer great coverage on the bottom if you’re active, but they’re far from being a universally flattering style.

What are the best colors for every skin tone?
Navy and black are universally good for every skin tone. Both colors are flattering and look good against the lightest skin tones and the darkest.

How do you find a swimsuit that flatters your shape?
Big Busted: Look for halters which offer the most support. Also look for boning and underwire which will act like a bra and securely hold you in place.
Curvy: Look for one pieces with ruching to slim your middle. When shopping for bikini’s stick to bottoms with tie string so they are easily adjustable.
Flat Chested: Strings are most flattering. If you want to enhance your chest, look for ruffles or ruching which will create the illusion of a bigger chest.

How do you take your beach look from day-to-night?
Find a versatile cover up that can take your bikini beach look to a casual dinner. A crochet cover with ¾ sleeves is great because you can throw it over a bikini with cute shorts or jeans and be ready for a night out.

What are some general tips for purchasing swimwear?
Cotton bathing suits are more for show. They will take a long time to dry compared to a polyester/Spandex blend. Accept that sizes will vary, even from the same label.

What is the best way to care for swimwear?
Don’t put bathing suits in the washing machine, this will weaken the elastic. Instead, wash in cold water with a delicate cleanser such as Woolite.

Shoshanna’s swimwear can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Lord & Taylor, just to name a few.

Also, here are some of Shopalicious’ faves from ShopBop, pictured, from left:
Shoshanna Metallic Gold Twist Bandeau Bikini Top, $132.00;
Shoshanna Cobblestone Triangle Bikini Top, regularly $77.00, now $53.90;
Shoshanna Chain Links Tab Bandeau Bikini Top, regularly $99.00, now $49.50; all from ShopBop.

From our friends at Shopalicious

Summer fun time is almost here and we’ve found  the cutest Summer swimwear for boys and girls.  Bright, colorful and fun, these Surfer swim trunks would make any little boy ready for the waves.  The girl’s tank style and one piece swimsuits, feminine and colorful, will delight any little princess with these darling print fabrics.

The girls’ swimsuits are by Gossip Girls and range in price from $24.00 to $34.00 depending on where you buy.

Cabana Life offers boys’ swim trunks, rash guards, and sets.  These boys swim trunks and top are $59.99.

Beach Bambino offers suits from both of these brands and some of our other favorites.

There are many other swimwear styles, just for kids,  including swim diapers and little girl bikinis.  I-Play is the original manufacturer of the swim diaper and their swim diapers require no other diaper to be worn.  Lots of choices so check it out!

From our friends at Mommie 911 and Ziggity Zoom

Everyone
seems to be talking about asymmetry this spring. I'm not so sure about the one shoulder trend, but what I really adore are
one-shouldered swimsuits and bikinis.  They're sleek and sophisticated, and they help draw attention to the shoulders.

The one shoulder swimsuits have a cool, classic look about it while
still keeping up with the latest asymmetry trend!  I love things that are a perfect combination of fashion forward and classic.  These one shouldered swimsuits are bold and yet have enough of a
timeless quality that you'd be able to wear them next year. 

I love the crisp bold stripes of the Ella Moss swimsuit. The side cut-outs which give it a little something extra – a bit of a twist and a bit more sex appeal.

The Shay Todd handkerchief cutout swimsuit is simply amazing. We are obsessed with the L.A. based Hawaiian swimsuit label  whose A-list fans include Eva Longoria-Parker and Lindsay Lohan.

For just a bit of a peek-a-boo effect, the Michael Kors Captains Cove cutout swimsuit has a dramatic look for poolside without showing too much skin.

Pictured left to right:

Ella Moss Striped Cutout Halter Swimsuit $131.00 at Neiman Marcus.
Check out more Ella Moss swimsuits at Neiman Marcus.

Shay Todd Handkerchief swimsuit $230 at Net-a-Porter.

Michael Kors Captain Cove's Cutout Swimsuit $217.00 at Saks
More swimwear form Michael Kors here.

Don't
go passing this off as a fashion faux-pas just yet. Of course, when
done badly, there are so many things wrong with this scenario. Some
will say that if you look good, you look good regardless of what you're
wearing. While I'm not quite so "out there" I will say this: if you're
going to keep 'em guessing, you may as well be wearing a piece from Agent Provocateur's
new swimwear line while you're at it. The collection is pretty hot-
think retro lingerie-inspired bikinis, denim boyshorts, wet look
fishnet fabrics, and seductive plunging one pieces, with ruffles and
girly prints thrown in for good measure. My favorite has to be the 'Crystal'
swimsuit- at first glance, you see a shiny deep plunge one piece, but
turn around and you're now the girl in the shiny bikini! It's totally
worth the awkward tan lines. Some pieces from the collection could
probably double as lingerie, though we wouldn't recommend it, because
if the spandex content doesn't give it away, the telltale smell of
chlorine will. Just a thought!

From our friends at Stylehive

From our friends at Stylehive