MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile Style ArticleVolume 10 Week 21 May 14, 2015

Remember: only the last 4 weeks remain posted!

Swimsuits 2015!

NOW is the time to shop for swimwear! The selection of styles and sizes is at its best right now—plus many of them are starting to be marked down! So, don’t procrastinate if you need a new swimsuit. However if you don’t, use this style guide to assess your current suit (review its style, fit and current condition)...you may want to replace it or add another swimsuit so you can rotate them.

Relax and BE-You-tiful you!Learn to love yourself first, instead of loving the idea of other people

loving you...this is when everything begins to fall into place!

No matter your shape, size, age or height...there’s a fab suit just for you!

Relax, you’re not alone. Most women say swimsuit shopping is not a very positive experience. Despite this fact, women still want (and need) to find a swimsuit. Have no fears and don’t be discouraged by ugly florescent lights in dressing rooms. Outdoor sunshine is sooo much more forgiving and kind-PLUS MissusSmartyPants is sharing the best swimsuits based on your shape and fit needs!

This week is all about YOU finding your best swimsuit choices. Having a swimsuit that gives you body confidence means you’ll get out there have fun!

MSP’s Top Swimsuit Pick for 2015!

Miraclesuit New Directions Escape Underwire One Piece

Top Swimwear Styles For 2015...

1. High-Waist Bikinis

Don’t let the word “bikini” scare you away! TRY ON THIS STYLE!!!

This swimsuit style happens to flatter every body shape. The key is finding the right fit in a color you love.

The retro look of a high-waisted bottom paired with a sweetheart neckline top is uber-flattering on everyone!

Jantzen Harbour Beauty Floral Halter & High-Waist Bottom

Coco Rave Sweet Spot Peek-A-Boo Top & High Waist Bottom

Lane Bryant Coral Gardens Swim Brief

Plus Size Beach House Ship-Shape Top & High Waist Bottoms

2. One-shoulder

Just as one-shoulder dresses have become trendy, these swimsuits are also a fabulous style choice for fun in the sun! An asymmetrical neckline is always a style winner. This swimsuit below is also a “color blocked” style with a slimming darker color on the bottom half!

Vince Camuto Bal Harbour One-Shoulder Maillot

3. Cut-outs & Crochet

Cut-out swimwear is sexy, and this makes for an incredibly popular choice this season. The same can be said about crocheted swimwear (shown below)....they’ll both bring attention to the one wearing them.

This flattering swimsuit (below, on left) is a one piece...

but with the sheer fabric, it also doubles as a two-piece!

Kenneth Cole Reaction Island Fever Crochet One Piece (in 5 colors!)

Kenneth Cole Bandeau Cut Out One Piece (right side)

This style below is universally flattering!

Becca Halterkini Top & Tab-Side Bottom

Becca Crochet Tankini Top & Skirted Bottom (Plus Sizes)

4. Colorblock

Colorblocked swimsuits are not only a stylish choice, they smartly camouflage those areas you want to minimize. You can have it all, LOL!

This is MSP’s Favorite Swimsuit!

This swimsuit (below) is my favorite choice for most women because of the dark bottom, light on top + the ruched sides that hide an undefined waist!

Magicsuit Lisa Draped Colorblocked One-Piece

Work the color-block trend correctly. Be sure the darker fabric is placed the larger areas (or areas you want to minimize). For example, for a woman with a larger bottom half, a black bottom with a brighter top plays up the TOP half of her body, thus minimizing her lower half.

5. Retro

Retro swimsuits are trendy. You will find high-wasted bottoms and full-coverage tops very appealing. You can wear a retro-inspired 2-piece bikini or a one-piece to suit your body type. Lots of fun choices here :)

Next by Athena Perfection Shirred Tankini Top & Swim Short Bottom

Kate Spade Beach Bow Bandeau Underwire Top & High-Waist Bottom

Proof that more fabric is flattering!

Coco Reef Safari 5-Way Underwire Bra Top & Bottom (4 colors!)

La Blanca Flattering Sweetheart Neckline Skirted One Piece (Plus Sizes)

6. Ruffles

Ruffles continue to be highlighted on every runway which explains why there are so many ruffles in swimwear fashions as well.

Busy prints and trendy ruffles hide an undefined waist nicely...

Coco Reef Wonderland Underwire Ruffle Maillot One Piece

Fit 4 U Dolce Bright Tankini & Swim Brief (Plus Sizes)

Kenneth Cole Reaction Ruffle-Vicious Banded Halter & Skirted Bottom (6 colors!)

Swimsuit Fit Tips

Biggie size it. Okay, so that’s not very funny since we’re talking swimsuits, LOL. But here’s the real deal: swimsuits are usually cut smaller, so go up one size. It’s hard enough trying on swimsuits—do the manufacturers really need to make them smaller for their size?! Heck no! Absolutely not…but this is how it is when shopping for a swimsuit. Take several sizes into the dressing room.

Ignore size, concentrate on fit! Just because you can squeeze into it...doesn’t means it’s a positive thing. PLEASE, focus on fit of your swimsuit. More fabric is often more flattering on every woman. And, if you

don’t like the number on the tag, by all means, cut it out! No one knows your size, just how great your suit fits you.

NO, NO, NO! Don’t skimp on fabric.MORE swimsuit is usually better!

Below is a swimsuit faux pas...Not leaving anything to the imagination-no bueno!

Wrap it up. Early in the season or early in the day or when the sun goes down, you’ll find yourself wearing a cover-up...so get one you really like!

A stylish cover-up is a must-have!

Becca Virtue Borrowed Coverup Tunic

Becca Virtue Cathedral Chiffon Coverup Tunic (plus size, right side)

Feeling crafty? Here’s a DIY Cover-up idea...

This DIY swimsuit cover up was inspired by the one (below) sold at Victoria’s Secret.

Link to make your own DIY cover-up/summer dress...

Need a tan? Suntan or faux tan? Personally I don’t recommend sunbathing since it’s the leading cause of premature aging and skin cancers. But, if you are really fair skinned you might want a bit of a “tan” to feel more confident since you will be showing a fair amount of skin. Self-tanning lotions can hide minor imperfections like brown spots, uneven coloring, and minimize the appearance of spider veins. Here’s how I get my “glow” on. Days prior to showing so much skin, I use one of my favorite “tan in a can” products like, Oil of Olay “Touch of Sun” Overnight, or Jergens glowing tan AND Loreal’s Sublime Bronzer. I use the Jergen’s glow lotion every day after the shower...then once a week use Loreal’s Sublime Bronzer for a more ‘tanned’ look.

Spray tan-look. For heavier/instant tan coverage (almost like wearing invisible nylons) try http://www.sallyhansen.com/products/skin-body/leg-care/airbrush-legs (this product sure beats hot & uncomfortable pantyhose). This nifty product is available many drugstores! Airbrushed legs are awesome to have for fancy day occasions...like a summer wedding!

Contrast flatters your skin. If you are fair skinned, a medium to darker-colored swimsuit complements your fair skin—the opposite is true if you have a darker skin tone bright or lighter colors make you look your best. __Fair skin tones. Pale, light pastels will wash you out. Instead try deep navy, royal blue, red and chocolate browns.

Also try dark to medium tones (like a pinky peach, teal, medium blue, etc.) For example, a navy swimsuit would look good on a fair gal with blonde or light brown hair. See below...

La Blanca Desert Mirage One-Piece (on left)

Becca Crochet Tankini Top & Skirted Bottom (Plus Sizes)

__Darker skin tones. Light and bright-colored swimsuits will look great on olive and darker skin tones... (White, bright red, hot pink, aqua, peacock blue, yellow, etc.)

Catherines Streamlined Colorblock Swimdress (Plus Sizes)

Grab everyone’s attention! Divert attention towards your colorful tote or sassy sunglasses. Buy a really cute, colorful and LARGE tote and while you are at it, maybe a pretty hat, sunglasses, and sandals to complete your

stylish ensemble. Everyone will love your TOTE so much--all the attention will be on IT!

Divert attention towards your sassy colorful tote…

Appleseeds Summer Chic Totes $34.95

FYI: Clothing detailing also grabs attention towards your assets (and away from the not so good parts)...Below, this ruffled romper

brings attention up towards your pretty face!

Appleseeds Tiered Romper

Embellish the good stuff. Bows, ruffles, bright colors, shiny fabrics, stripes, etc. should be worn in areas where you don’t mind attention.

Bend and stretch. When you are in the dressing room don’t just STAND there! Bend down, squat and move around in each swimsuit. Make sure you can easily sit and bend over in your swimsuit before you purchase it. The “girls” should stay where they belong and have the correct support they need even when you bend over. There should also be ample coverage for your bottom—not too tight and not baggy.

Bend over and move around while in the dressing room-just like you’ll do outdoors...

A MiracleSuit can only do so many miracles. However, they are a fabulous style “tool” you might love! LOL! WARNING: they can be hard to get in and out of if you need frequent bathroom breaks (like me)! Give them a try and see if they are for you.

I LOVE this swimsuit!!! It’s ombre (light color on top, darker towards the bottom),

has wide supportive straps, a flattering neckline AND

Miraclesuit Deep End Sanibel Tank Swim Top & Solid High-Waist Bottom

Avoid a white out! White swimsuits look fab only in catalogs. All-White suits become transparent when wet! Okay, they become VERY transparent! Not your best choice, unless you’re an attention seeker!

Do it alone. Shopping for a swimsuit all by yourself is often the best way to go. Taking your DH, a ‘helpful’ sister or girlfriend swimsuit shopping can have you distracted or feeling you need to hurry and find something. Swimsuit shopping is something a gal’s just got to do alone because it take time. Leave the kiddos at home too. Give yourself time to try on lots of swimwear based on your body type. Don’t be surprised if you need several shopping trips before you find your perfect suit.

Use the fit guidelines for your body type and you WILL find the perfect suit!

Try-on-athon! Try on LOTS of swimwear! You never know what new styles or ones you don’t think will work, end up looking surprisingly terrific on! MissusSmartyPants has some great selections for you to choose from. Keep an open mind when you shop—and you WILL find that suit of your dreams this year!

Don’t get hung up on a number. Swimsuits are generally made a size smaller (especially the bottoms) so take in 2 different sizes (and various styles) to try on. After you buy the one with perfect fit, you can always cut out the label if the “number” bothers you ;)

Separates will offer you a better fit if your top & bottom are different sizes vs. a one-piece suit…

Separate is not equal. Separates are a good thing if you wear two different sizes! If you are like quite a few women, your top and bottom are not equal in clothing sizes. Mix and match swim separates allow you concentrate on the best fit of each swimsuit piece.

This model below is a size 8 on top and a size 12 on the bottom...the swimsuit (on the right) is so slimming on her.

Notice how the fuller top and slightly smaller cut bottom balances out her tear-drop proportions!

With separates you get the right SIZE and FIT in each piece! It may cost more, but you can’t go cheap when it comes to getting the suit that will give you the most confidence (you’ll wear it for seasons to come).

Should you skirt the issue? That’s a ‘maybe’. If you insist on a skirted style, choose one that comes up in the front (like a sarong) or one that rises up on both sides (like shirt-tails) these are both more flattering than ONE horizontal line at the widest part of your upper legs!

STYLE TIP: Take care where the skirt stops if you choose to wear a skirted suit bottom! Again, avoid your skirt stopping at the widest part of your leg.

Try on BOTH a skirted style in front of a full-length mirror and a non-skirted style... compare both....then decide what looks best.

I LOVE this skirted one-piece swimsuit below...

Gottex Party Time Underwire Tankini Top & Skirted Bottom

DO wear busy prints, dark backgrounds and ruching! They all distract the eye and can help with with undefined mid-sections.

Wrap styles add a figure slimming diagonal line to your torso, while a blouson top gives coverage and plays up your bottom half. Both styles are best for those with thick torsos.

Miraclesuit Animal Kingdom Paramore Tankini Top & Solid Bottom

Support the “girls”! Lands End is a terrific bathing suit resource for well endowed ladies that need a little more support (and full coverage) for their larger bust. Click here: Lands End

Mastectomy Swimwear. Lands End offers a good selection of mastectomy swimwear with slightly higher necklines and arm holes. Check out both their tankinis as well as their one piece suits that are fitted nicely for your needs. Go custom! Hey, swimsuits are expensive; so why not invest in one that FINALLY fits you just right (especially worthwhile if you wear a hard to find size)! Get a swimsuit made to your specifications. “Google” swimsuits, custom fit.

Swimwear For Body Shape Issues

Top-heavy. Choose styles that have underwire or supportive cups (just like your best bras do). Tank styles with WIDE straps or a halter style top. V-necklines and diagonal lines lengthen the torso. Dark colors on top help minimize. Avoid bright neon colors and shiny fabrics at your full bust.

Wide supportive straps...check, busy print...check, v-neck...check...flattering ruching...check!!! Yup, it’s a winner!

Small bust. Look for push-up bra styles swim tops with padded cups, ruching and ruffles to make your bust appear fuller. Bandeau bikini tops will also look fab on you. Two-piece suits or a one-piece with a brighter top helps. Halter or sweetheart necklines work for you as well.

If you want more cleavage add these...OR wear only one insert if one breast is smaller:

Fashion Forms Silicone Enhancers

Short-waist- Empire-waist (gathered fabric under the bust) helps elongate the waist. A higher neckline will also make your torso appear longer. A lower-cut bottom also lengthens the torso. Patterns/prints as well as vertical stripes along the sides or diagonal lines give the illusion of a longer waist.

The longer swim top brings down a short waist and this balances out your shape...

Long-waist- Tankinis (2 pieces) give you more length for your long torso. Belted styles will help by adding a nice horizontal line. Higher leg openings make your legs appear longer and helps balance a longer torso. Look for swimsuits labeled specifically for LONG TORSOS (Longitude). Broad shoulders-V-necklines and scoop necklines will lengthen your torso. Diagonal lines and draping work well too. Your shoulder straps should be wider and in the middle of your shoulders to help bring your broad shoulder in better proportion.

These wider-strap style will play up your curves!!! Whoo hoo!

Boyish shape. A boy short will add more curves to your hips (the horizonal line adds more heft/curve right wear you need it). The halter top also adds a flattering ‘v’ to your upper body!

These wide boy-short bottoms (below)...ADD curves!

Tummy- Look for styles with built-in control panels (Miracle Suits). Wrap styles and blouson styles will minimize a tummy. Shirred torsos (ruching) work nicely for thicker waists and gives the illusion of a more defined waist. BUSY prints are a MUST and darker colors are often best. Styles with v-necks elongate and draw the eye up and away from the waistline.

I love this blouson style swimsuit set (below) for hiding undefined waists!

Full hips & thighs-

Color blocking is an easy slim-down trick you’ll want to try. Put the lighter color on top, darker color on the bottom. Another thing to consider that may seem counter intuitive is to wear a high cut leg. This is because if you choose a low cut leg it may be drawing a line across your widest part, thereby creating a center of focus at your full hip. If you're pear-shaped, an asymmetrical cut flatters you as well.

A swimsuit that is two-toned with a bright top and a darker bottom minimizes hips. A suit with higher cut leg openings lengthens the legs and slims. Wear suits with bright colors and detailing at the neckline to bring attention upward. Separates also are good choices because you can purchase a smaller top with a larger sized bottom and look fabulous!

Strapless or bandeau styles balance a fuller hip. This style creates a strong horizontal line at the neckline and this helps balance out a fuller hip. Skirted tankinis with dark colored bottoms can work for full thighs and hips. The best styles for skirted suits are ones that go up in the front like a sarong, or the ones that go up on the sides like shirt-tails. FYI: be sure the skirted suit does not stop at the thickest part of your upper thigh. All body types- choose a swimsuit that is cut mid to higher up on the thighs. This elongates your legs and visually adds leg length which is slimming for every body type.

Here’s to fun in the sun With a swimsuit that flatters, we’ll get out there and create a summer full of fun memories!

Love, Leslie MSP

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