The Dreaded Swimsuit Shopping (and getting the F$%K over it)

Like clockwork, I find myself digging through the swim section at Target each year looking for a new, affordable suit for a sunny vacation and hoping that somehow I’m magically 100 percent satisfied with my physical appearance in a swimsuit. That never happens.

Accepting My Body

I beat myself up over my shape and size, comparing myself to others and I’m telling myself yet again to get over it! I’m always on a journey of eating healthier and taking better care of my body, accepting my body shape as it is (will never be a waif like my mom was, even after having all of her kids!) And I’ve very much enjoyed indulging in comfort food this winter and I’m trying to find a better balance of eating healthier along with the treats and carbs I love! I don’t think my will to be leaner will ever overcome my love and need for donuts.

The biggest difference I can make is just finding a swimsuit I feel great in. So higher rise two pieces and one pieces are my top picks. I have a handful of super cute one pieces that make me feel fabulous and now I have this new suit that fits me well and I won’t feel self conscious in.

Swimsuit Shopping

I ran into Target on a whim last night and decided to try on suits. Lucky for me, I just got a fresh spray tan which made me feel fabulous and those shitty Target dressing room lights couldn’t bring me down.

My favorite suit was a two piece from the juniors section. And I love that you can mix and match the sizes because I’m never the same on top as the bottom. I’m 5’4″, weigh 135 pounds currently and am generally more pear-shaped, wearing a smaller size on top than bottom. This time with this particular suit though, I needed a size large in the top and a medium in the bottom. I generally walk in thinking I’m a smaller size than what I am and realized that the sizes I grabbed were not the right fit for me, but I try not to get hung up in the size or the number, just wear what fits best.

My Favorite Swimsuits So Far

Target is killing it in the swim section and I just realized AFTER I bought the leopard print suit above in person that they’re running a sale on swim: Buy one, get one half off so I bought the same style of suit in red. It’s the same brand and style as leopard print so I again bought a large in the top and medium in the bottom.

I also love this BECCA one-piece swimsuit. So flattering! I have a similar BECCA suit, but this one is on my list for summer. I adore this two piece by BECCA–I sent it over to my colleague Andie and she just bought it in merlot (here’s a separate link to take you straight to the bottoms!) I also LOVE this striped one-piece from Gap. I have something almost identical that I bought last winter and it’s probably the suit I feel the most comfortable in that I pack for every swim occasion. And it’s on sale!