Real life confession: I haven't bought a new bikini or swimsuit since 2006, when Vance and I first started dating.
I wore it here, while we were in Kauai (2006)
I wore it here, while we were in Kauai (2006)
And here again, Kaneohe Sandbar (2007)
And I wore it again for the first time in about 3 years (!!!) when we took Brooke to the beach for the first time.
And guys?! My body is not the same. Sure, I'm in my pre-pregnancy wardrobe and sure, I'm not fat or have any crazy thoughts about my body, but after birthing an 8lb baby with my 5'2" frame and then nursing said baby for a year after that ... things are just not the same :( Things that were once perky are now EMPTY and FLAT, things become less toned and marks that were never even heard of have popped up around my body.
And for the first time in a long time, I was sincerely self-conscious at the beach. Especially b/c my SIL (who came with us) is extremely fit & toned and is very nice, perky and well-endowed. Just adding salt to my injured ego.
So I'm thinking it might be time to purchase a new swimsuit since my girl loved the beach. Here are some I dug up that provide a little more coverage, padding and support, which are new necessities for me to feel at ease in an itty bitty garment on the beach.
Most (if not all) of the pics are from JCrew, but here's where I need your help: WHERE SHOULD I BE LOOKING?! Like I mentioned, it's been five years since I shopped for a swimsuit and I have no idea where to turn.
Should I consider buying a one-piece (Eek), or flaunt my stuff even though it's not the same anymore... after all, I'm still under 30 and I 'aint getting any younger! May as well wear the bikinis while I can!
What do you think? Where do you buy your swimsuits from?
And for the first time in a long time, I was sincerely self-conscious at the beach. Especially b/c my SIL (who came with us) is extremely fit & toned and is very nice, perky and well-endowed. Just adding salt to my injured ego.
So I'm thinking it might be time to purchase a new swimsuit since my girl loved the beach. Here are some I dug up that provide a little more coverage, padding and support, which are new necessities for me to feel at ease in an itty bitty garment on the beach.
Most (if not all) of the pics are from JCrew, but here's where I need your help: WHERE SHOULD I BE LOOKING?! Like I mentioned, it's been five years since I shopped for a swimsuit and I have no idea where to turn.
Should I consider buying a one-piece (Eek), or flaunt my stuff even though it's not the same anymore... after all, I'm still under 30 and I 'aint getting any younger! May as well wear the bikinis while I can!
What do you think? Where do you buy your swimsuits from?
Oh my gosh these are GORGEOUS and I think you are looking in all the right places! I loooooove the Lomellina one at the bottom (greenish one piece with ruffles). One pieces are totally in style--you know, you could get a monokini as a good compromise? Those are HOT! Target has a huge variety (and inexpensive)--and some really cute ones--and last summer I fell in love with one from Anthropologie, but couldn't fork over the $278 for it. You've got some beautiful options here!
ReplyDeleteFlaunt it - bikini all the way! I didn't really like having bewbies when I was preggos or nursing, but I do miss the perkies of the past. I like teeny bottoms that draw attention away from the flat top. Or those ruffly ones should do the trick too!
ReplyDeleteGirl I LOVE your honesty in this post :) I to do not understand what happens to your body post baby. LOVE all the swim suit pics you have though. I LOVE all the ruffles :)
ReplyDeleteI'm all about tummy-covering suits these days. I have a tankini with a little skirted bottom, and a one-piece that's ruched and has a skirt so it looks like a tiny little mini dress. I forget what brands they are. I think they were from Macy's. But- I love them because I can move around easily in them with a toddler, and they look cute without showing everything.
ReplyDeleteThese suits are all so beautiful. I hear you on the body changes. I still rocked the bikini after my first baby but just recently bought a tankini. I'm having a hard time recovering my stomach after baby #2. Rouching is a great disguiser, and get a top with padding. No shame in it, whatever you got to do to hoist the girls back up where they belong :) If you fell better about how you look, it will show through and you WILL look better.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Girl... I have been spending a LOT of time looking at bathing suits this year. This is the first summer that we will actually be spending time at the pool/beach since Maddy has been born, and a bikini just ain't gonna happen. I have looked at a LOT of suits and i think i'm going with this one in solid black:
ReplyDeleteIt has ruching which is slimming and hides little imperfections, it's a magic suite so its made to hold you in and look thinner (supposedly 10lbs... why not look even thinner if you can?!), and the top offers good support while still being supper sexy... which is important when you're going with a one piece which can look too conservative and grandma reallyyy easily.
I might order a few more suits, keep the one or two that work the best, and send the rest back... but I think this one will be a keeper. If you want to know what else I choose I can let you know! :)
oops forgot to post the link! here is is:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.victoriassecret.com/ss/Satellite?ProductID=1265421452818&c=Page&cid=1297688097780&pagename=vsdWrapper
I feel your pain! I rocked a bikini last summer but since G was JUST born I'm wondering what to do this year, I'll be blog stalking you to see your decision!
ReplyDeleteLoving all the choices you picked out. I agree Target always has some cute ones at a very reasonable price.
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I felt the same way after my son was born. Even though I got back down to my pre-pregnancy weight and fit in most of my clothes the body just changes in other ways. I was already small chested and they shrunk even smaller afterwards then what they were before pre-pregnancy. I am not sure what the aftermath will be this time around. Not sure if I will be able to rock a bikini anymore or not. Can't wait to see what you decide on!
I am totally feeling the same way. After kids, things are never the same. But, I see it as 'war wounds.' Going through labor and being pregnant is amazing. And the result of your little girl is all worth it. So, what if your boobs aren't as perky...LOL!! You look great :)
ReplyDeleteThose are such cute swimsuits. I love the ruffles.
ReplyDeleteMaybe try Target, Newport News (catalog), Victoria's Secret...