Summer is fast approaching and with that comes SWIMSUIT SEASON!!!!  Are we excited yet??? *cue the sarcasm*

For most women it’s hard to find the “perfect” swimsuit. (Perfect swimsuit:  A suit that we actually like, is flattering to our body and we feel sexy yet comfortable in. :))

The “finding of the swimsuit” is probably the hardest part (yes, harder then actually strutting around the beach with the suit on!) and can be really time consuming!

Here a few tips to finding the right suit for you:

– EMRACE YOUR CURVES!!! Don’t focus on what you hate about your body; focus on what you LOVE about your body (best features) – eg. A defined waist, long legs, a bigger bust, etc.

– FIT!  Make sure the swimsuit you choose is flattering to your body shape, make sure it is supportive and most importantly make sure it is YOUR size.  Most of us know what our body shape/type and size is and we know what looks good on our bodies.  Don’t let the swimsuit shopping intimidate you and make you forget all you know about dressing YOUR body – use the same “rules” (colors, cuts, likes, dislikes etc.) that you use to purchase everyday clothes when selecting your swimsuit.

– You must be comfortable in whatever suit you purchase.  If you are not comfortable in the suit you buy you will not be able to walk around comfortably and confidently (and you may even try to cover up with the dreaded t-shirt —– DON’T DO IT LADIES, A T-SHIRT IS NOT A REAL SWIMSUIT COVER UP!!!).  EXUDE CONFIDENCE!!!

If you feel comfortable purchasing a swimsuit online I’d highly suggest you do as there are many more options available (just make sure the retailer has a good return policy).

Some of the hottest swimsuits this season can be found on the websites below:

www.simplybe.com (10-28)

www.modcloth.com (up to a size 3X)

www.onestopplus.com  (12-44)

http://www.monifc.com/ (14-24)

http://www.everythingbutwater.com/ (up to a 2x)

www.oldnavy.com(up to 4x)

Check out some of my personal favorites:

Bikinis:

Mod Cloth: Hollywood Hills Swimsuit – Get it here

Mod Cloth – Hollywood Hills Swimsuit

Mod Cloth: Beach Betty 2 piece – Get it here.

Mod Cloth - Beach Betty 2 piece

Mod Cloth: Bathing Beauty Two Piece – Get it here.

Mod Cloth - Bathing Beauty Two Piece in Rosebud

Mod Cloth: Beach Prowl In 2 Piece – Get it here.

Mod Cloth - Beach Prowl 2 Piece

Monif C: Sao Paulo High-Waisted Bikini – Get it here.

Monif C - Bikini 2012

One Piece:

Mod Cloth: Merry Mariner One Piece – Get it here.

Mod Cloth - Merry Mariner 1 Piece

Forever 21: Ruffled Ruched Swimsuit – Get it here.

Forever 21 - Ruffled Ruched Swimsuit

Old Navy: Women’s Plus Printed One-Shoulder Swimsuit – Get it here.

Old Navy - One Shoulder Swim Suit

Monif C: “St. Tropez” Teal Fringe Swimsuit – Get it here.

Monif C -One Piece Teal Suit

One Stop Plus: Miraclesuit Escape Animal Attraction – Get it here.

One Stop Plus -Miraclesuit Animal

SimplyBe: Beach to Beach Bandeau Swimsuit – Get it here.

SimplyBe - Beach To Beach One Piece

Tankinis:

SimplyBe: Beach to Beach Two Piece Blouson – Get it here.

SimplyBe - Beach to Beach Tankini Blouson

Old Navy: Women’s Printed Halter-Keyhole Swimsuit – Get it here.

Old Navy-Womens Printed Halter

Everything But Water: Halter Tankini Top – Get it here.

Everything But Water - HalterTankini

Everything But Water: Asymmetrical Tankini – Get it here.

Everything But Water- Assymetrical Tankini

Swimdress:

Everything But Water: One Piece Halter Dress – Get it here.

Everything But Water - Halter Dress

One Stop Plus: Roaman’s Swimdress with Side Bow – Get it here.

One Stop Plus- Roamans Swimdress

One Stop Plus: Chevron Halter Swim Dress – Get it here.

One Stop Plus - Swimdress

(Also ladies, please keep in mind that although a retailer may not advertise that they have plus sizes it doesn’t mean that some items cannot be found in your size.  If you see a bathing suit you love find out what size it goes up to and check the size chart on the website— also check the fabric as most bathing suits are very stretchy and you may be able to go down in size. )

There are so many BOLD choices this season ( I love the high-waisted bikinis most) which style will you be rockin’?