Swimsuits to suit your body shape

This may be hard to hear.... but we don't all have the perfect beach body like Elle Macpherson at a photo shoot in the Bahamas.  Wish we did, but its highly unlikely. But this doesn't mean we can flaunt what we have got and it doesn't mean that we're not hot, because you are! 

There are many different body types out there (as Trinny and Susannah have pointed out) but for the purpose of this article I will be focusing on three main body types- Petite, Curvy and Athletic. 

Petite 

The Rules:

• Don't over do it with lots of prints or straps- less is more
• Take the plunge- a low neckline or halter neck will add make your upper body appear longer 
• High cut bottoms make your legs longer 
• Add padding to your top to give it a little bit extra wow factor 
• Don't use too much material 

Prints and Patterns:

• Polka dots, small flowers, retro print, branding (yes, its okay to brand), animal prints, bold colors, ruffles, beading, frills and knitted 

Tigerlily Maria Bikini, Sunburn Frill Me Ruffle Mini Tube Bandeau, Rip Curl Pixie Retro Tie 

Bikini, Flamingo Sands Looped Bandeau Bikini. 

Curvy 

The Rules:

• Large bust? Mix bold patterns with solid bottoms. This will take the focus off your rear. 
• Ruching will distract the eye from the waist. 
• If you've got it, flaunt it. Hide flaws and accentuate assets. e.g. one piece to cover the tummy, or boy legs to cover thighs
• Wide bands give better support. Especially under the bust and around the waist. 

Prints and Patterns:

• Solid dark colors, large bold patterns, buttons, ruching, bows, ties, belts, inbuilt bras, halter, thick straps, boy legs, full piece, tankini and keep it simple

Palazzi Story 25 One Piece, Matt Audrey One Piece, Tigerlily Oui Taylor, Flamingo Sands Zebra Flowers Looped One Piece. 

Athletic 

The Rules:

• Halters will show off the shoulders and minimise the bust- be careful with halters if you have broad shoulders. 
• If you love to excercise, surf, run or do any other physical activity at the beach, its best to choose full-cut bottoms. 
• Big prints will break up the silhoette and create curves. 
• Bright colors can be used to highlight your best assets- like you toned abs or butt. 

Prints and Patterns:

• Bright, fluro, stripes, boy shorts, ties, supported bikini tops, tankini and bikinis 

Roxy Mid Heat Halter, Tigerlily Max One Piece, Flamingo Sands Garden of Eden Halter Neck Bikini, Flamingo Sands Cut-Away One-Piece.  

Enjoy xx

Hints & Tips: shopping for the perfect swimmers this summer

Cosi, Swimmers or Togs... 

I for one love the surf, sand and sun in the summer time, however I am very rarely bothered to go swimmer shopping. Its just as bad as underwear shopping except for the fact that hundreds of strangers will see you in your swimmers. 

Here are some tips on shopping for the perfect swimmers:

• Wear comfortable clothes when going shopping- I would recommend something that is easy to take off (e.g. a dress) and also thongs (don't want to pong out the change rooms)
  
• G-strings and a good bra! If you are a completely sane person, you will already be aware that you are to leave your underwear on when trying on swimmers. Leave your daggy undies for when you're laying around the house. 
  
• Fake tan a day before. This is so you will glow under the fluorescent shop lights, and it also minimizes lines, cellulite, veins etc.
  
• Don't feel like you have to take your boyfriend or male friend with you (see story 'Hints & Tips on shopping with your boyfriend')
  
• Research what style of swimmers will suit your body shape (see story 'Swimsuits to suit your body shape')
  

At the shop:

• Browse the sale sections-  bargain central 
  
• To brand or not to brand- do you want your bum to be a billboard or would you prefer cute little floral swimmers where the brand name is on the tag on the inside? 
  
• Ask for assistance- yes sometimes shop assistants look at you like they would rather be somewhere else, but about 9 times out of 10 they will know what their talking about in terms of the product in store.
  
• Have fun and dance around a bit in the change rooms- remember that the swimmers and YOU will look totally different at the beach than in a claustrophobic fitting room, with skinny mirrors and bright lights. 
  
• Return policy- I recommend asking this for anything that you purchase. 
  

I hope this has helped you as much as it helped me... 

Look forward to seeing you at the beach soon. 

xx