Sized in Style - Summertime... and the living is easy...

Groundhog's Day was a week ago, and that little bugger, bless his heart, didn't see his shadow. What does that mean? It's an early Spring!! So in anticipation for Spring, and eventually Summer, I have started looking for the swimsuit of 2011. I usually by one suit a year to replace the one that I throw out and because I have a slightly hard to fit body I start looking early. Plus bathing suit shopping reminds me that there are warm days coming, even if it doesn't currently feel like it.

I have an average build, although I am tall, but my biggest issue is the chest. My girls are lovely, but they are large, and while I love bikini's those strings only offer so much support. Let's be honest, they offer no support at all! But there are brands that cater to us and they don't look like they're made for our grandmas either.

"Pier" by Freya (photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

"Pier" by Freya. This cute retro number comes in bikini and tankini versions; the underwire top goes up to size 38F! I love the skirted bottom, although I'm not sure how flattering it would be on a non-model body. Good news though - it comes in a regular bikini bottom. Those people at Freya thought of everything. I love the polka dots, but I already own 2 suits with various sized dots, not sure if a third suit is really needed.

"Kenya" by Carmen Mark Valvo (photo courtesy of Nordstrom)

Not everyone wants to wear a bikini, but that doesn't mean you don't want fashion. That's why I love this bandeau number by Carmen Mark Valvo. It has a detachable halter if you're looking for more support, the shirring has a sliming effect, and the skirted bottom is sexy not matronly. Sizes range form 6 to 16 which is great - definitly would have to try it on. My only gripe - I wish it came in additional colors.

Liberty Briland by J. Crew

This suit is another retro favorite - it's fresh with white grounds and a dainty floral pattern and there are decorative buttons between the bust. This suit comes in a d-cup for us well endowed ladies and the bottoms look like they are very versatile for various body types. I wonder how comfortable that strap will be after a day on the beach - looks a little dainty (i.e. unsupportive)

Sized in Style – Ideeli Salon

I remember growing up when the fashion industry ignored the fabulously curvy; or those that weren't as tall as a giraffe; or those with a shoe size in double digits. I always felt jilted out of the latest fashion – because I am that curvy, large footed woman. I am a size 12 shoe, I am a 34” inseam, and I am nowhere near a size 2. When I was in the 8th grade I bought my first pair of plus-sized, long length bell bottom pants from Paris Blues (remember them??). Let me tell you, I wore those things to death. I’m pretty sure I cried when I finally had to throw them away. There are so many fab women that aren’t 6’ size 2 models; and we refused to wear the dribs and drabs that the fashion world had been providing. We demanded more! And they are listening! Ideeli is launching Plus Size Perfection salon on Thursday, January 20, 2011. I can’t find any details on the labels/designers that will be featured but I will try my best to log on to the sale early and provide all the juicy tidbits. But, in case I can't get to it before work, sign-up on the website so you can check it out for yourself!!

Also, be on the look out for more posts in the Sized in Style series in both apparel (for the curvy, the tall, and the petite) and footwear (size 10 and up, and size 5 and smaller). Happy Shopping!!