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 

Shopping with your Boyfriend (Hints & Tips)

As many of know shopping with your boy can either be a mutually fun experience, or something that ends in tears and tantrums. I remember the first time I went shopping with my boy, I was sweating by the end of it. I mean he was lovely, always wanting to buy me things and wanting me to try on the tightest jeans ever. But I'm not that sort of girl. I prefer to pay for my own clothes and I know what clothes suit my body shape. But, I also like to have him come along to help out.

So I have come up with a few tips to help you and your boy through shopping together.

Remember that they are a boy- meaning that they don't like bitching, gossiping, waiting around for long periods of time and they also get hungry and tired very quickly.

Prior:

• Eat before you go- this will ensure that he is well energized
• Plan what you need to get and let him know in advance- this will help him, help you choose what you really want and need
• Know where you want to go and what you need to get
• Set a time limit, I suggest 3 hours maximum at one time- say to him 'Honey, we will be finished shopping at 2pm, if we're still going you have permission to stop me.'
• Have something to look forward too- e.g. going to the pub for dinner or coffee and a cake

At the shops:

• Go straight to the stores you need to go to- but walk slowly
  
• If you need to try items on make sure there is somewhere for him to sit. Guys don't really like standing around waiting
  
• Be quick when trying items on and occasionally come out to show him- he will like to feel needed
  
• Always be positive- even if he is whinging
  
• Don't be indecisive- if you're tossing up between items decide to leave it and come back without the boy

If he:

• suggests for you to try on something that you don't agree with, be polite and either take it to the change rooms or tell him you will try it later
• offers to pay make sure it's something he can afford, and that you won't feel guilty for him buying it (okay, maybe I'm the only girl that feels slightly guilty when my boy buys me gifts)
• disagrees or makes you feel embarrassed whilst trying on outfits then this is probably a sign not to take him shopping

Overall, keep shopping trips short, fun and always finish on a high note- like going to the pub or getting a slice of cake with a coffee. If it doesn't work out you can always take your gay BFF.

Watch this funny video before you hit the shops with you boy.

Have fun!

xxx