The warmth of the sun against your skin, the clear blue skies, and swimsuit season! There’s one piece, two piece, cover-ups and more. I just can’t wait to shop for a swimsuit…said no woman EVER. Why is this probably the least desired shopping experience we women ever experience? What is at the forefront of our disdain? Is it that the swimsuit never looks like it did in the picture, is it finding something “age appropriate,” is it the styles??? Is it all of the above and more? And let’s be clear here, this has nothing to do with ones body image. I have come to embrace my muffin top and stretch marks as they all tell a part of my story! However, every year as I embark on the task of finding 1 good new swimsuit, I often find myself at a loss and hating everything I order and everything I try on. Literally hate everything about the whole ordeal; from prints, to quality, to cuts, nothing is ever right. There is so much that goes into the “perfect” swimsuit. One that doesn’t shift and budge, it can’t lose its shape after a couple washes, one with boosting power for those of us not so well endowed, and the list goes on! There are brands or stores that sell 2-pieces as a set which can be a deterrent for those of us not so evenly proportioned. And on the flip side, there are the mix and match separates, but good luck finding the size you need in the top and bottom you like! I’ve explored options from more cost-effective brands as well as some higher end ones. I have my displeasure with both. I have had this discussion with my friend group (just to make sure it’s not me being me) and they all seem to experience this same issue. We are of all different shapes, sizes and styles so is it us or the swimsuit industry? Seriously asking for a friend.

Anyways, long story short here, I did manage to find a swimsuit at a great price to try out this summer. It probably comes as no surprise but, an Amazon purchase I made ended up being a really great find for me. So far, it’s checked all the boxes. It’s Blooming Jelly’s high waisted bikini ruffle set. I ordered mine in the Wine Red and I absolutely love the vibrant color, but there are 5 different ones you can choose from! So, there is no secret to finding the perfect swimsuit (at least that I have found) other than trial and error. The perfect swimsuit is finding perfection in yourself and being comfortable in your own skin, because we all hate shopping for bathing suits! Find what you are comfortable in and don’t worry about the onlookers. Comment and let us know some of your fav go-to’s swimsuit brands or stores! We would love to check them out and share with our readers! With Love, Coffee

Ok so let’s be completely honest, Coffee has the body that most of us would kill for. I, on the other hand am a very curvy woman. I’m talking about big ol boobies that have cleavage in a turtleneck. I got those childbearing hips that didn’t disappear after childbirth. I have a built-in safety flotation device around my waist that some refer to as a spare tire. I like to call them my love handles. Although my weight fluctuates up and down more than the waves in the ocean, I still am a firm believer that every size can be beautiful and should be accentuated to show off the attributes that make us who we are. I am that woman who worships the sun, (yes, I am aware of the side effects), and I like a good bathing suit that I can get the most sun in the most places. Sometimes I feel insecure when I see that gorgeous woman with 3 kids and a body that looks like she works out incessantly and eats salads every day, but I am comfortable showing off my tiger stripes on my belly and thighs. It’s my story and my body and if someone doesn’t like the way I look then they can look the other way. Self-confidence comes from within…and from food and well, I love me some food. I do absolutely hate shopping for bathing suits. Coffee is correct, sizes don’t mean a damn thing. For me, ordering online for clothing is like closing my eyes and throwing a dart. A size 12 US is not the same as a size 12 in China. A 12 in one company is falling off while in another company looks like it’s for a child. So first of all, size doesn’t mean shit!!! To me there is nothing more annoying than ordering something and it not fitting and then having the hassle of returning it or trying to find someone who likes it to give it to. You get the item and when you put it on it looks like two band aids covering your titties, or the butt coverage might as well scream “I’m working the pole tonight.” What looks fantastic on the model has made me look like the fat guy in the little coat. Very unattractive to say the least. Department stores seem to think that a curvy woman wants to look as if she came out of a flowery garden, or the depths of the jungle. Please put a hibiscus in my chest said absolutely no woman ever. I am a woman in my late 30’s, I don’t want the same bathing suit as the elderly woman with her belly button between her nipples. Let me feel sexy, hot, and feminine.

After much searching on the internet, after not having any luck in any store, I found CUPSHE is actually a company that caters to us ladies with those curves. Their swimsuits tend to hold up well, give plenty of stylish options, and styles. I prefer a solid bathing suit, but I have also found several cute prints that don’t make me want to give up on life. Torrid is also another company that tends to give good options for us full figured gals, but I find the selection isn’t as vast. I have given up on cheap bathing suits, as for you get what you purchase. What I did find this year that I could not live without was my Rachel Zoe cover up that I bought from Marshalls. For $24 dollars I will definitely put this to multiple uses. The flow not only looks beautiful over a simple bathing suit but also over a cute tank and shorts, or even a sundress. I like to get my money’s worth when I buy something so if I can multipurpose, I most defiantly will. When at the pool, beach, lake, I always have my big sunhat, big glasses and a comfy pair of flip flops. My biggest thing is if you like how you look in something, ROCK IT. We are our own biggest critics and if you don’t love yourself then no one else will either. So, buy that two piece. High waists are in so hide that FUPA (if you know then you know). Show those girls off and wear tons of sunscreen because there’s nothing worse than a burn on an area that doesn’t get much light. If you hear a snide remark, just remember its easier to smile it off than it is to catch a charge and pay it off. Enjoy the pool ladies. We have earned it. With Love, Wine

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