Bathing Suit Season…
             Oh the Joy!!

Full Disclosure to my guy followers…this may not be appropriate or interesting to you!  
 

As a female, I think I can safely say that I am not alone in the angst that comes with bathing suit season.   I am impressed with my friends/family (you know who you are!!)  who are in great shape and able to walk into a store to put on anything!   I am even more impressed with those of you who can put on your swimsuit on Memorial weekend without any “pre-season” worry, or even trying on last year’s suit to make sure that it fits.
 

Then there are those of us who get anxious about the first time out.   It is a process…move summer clothes into their summer home and try things on.   Bathing suits are on that "try-on" list.   Trying one on can take the self confidence from 100 to zero in seconds.   However, it needs to be done because before you know it, there will be an invitation to the pool.   Lord knows we can't take any chances on a wardrobe malfunction so advance work is a must.  
 

For me, I know that I am full-figured (curvy to some!) and there is no hiding it in a bathing suit.   I have learned that there are some swimsuits that are not for me...those with cut-outs in the belly area, halter tops, strapless, etc...I want to spare the eyes of all behind those sunglasses.   This is one of those things that I am okay with.   I know my limits.  

I've also had those thoughts that I could eat hardboiled eggs and fruit for a week and lose that winter fat...but over the years, I have learned that this isn't for me!

Fortunately, the fashion world has finally come up with something that used to be reserved for old ladies. They have improved, stylized, and updated the swim dress.  It’s not ideal, and it may not be the traditional swimsuit, but it works!   I love my swim dresses!   Let's face it...I'm nearly 61 so it's time to remember age-appropriate attire for the full-figured woman.

I have picked up a couple of new ones for this season and I am happy to report that last year’s swim dresses and swimsuits do fit!   I need a nice variety because I go to the pool most every day in June and July while on my break from work.  I want to look good...I have an image, you know.
 

On Mother’s Day, I was alone so I did some serious “binge-watching” and one of the shows I watched was Shrill.   It is a story centered on a full-figured young woman who sets out to change her life, without changing her body.   She learns to embrace her body and doesn’t let people body shame her.   She works at it and it’s not easy.  There is lots of hurt, but she comes out on top.   There is an episode as part of this season where Annie (the full figured gal) and her friend attend a “Fat Babe Pool Party.”    The pool and the surrounding deck was full of full (and very full) figured women in their bathing suits.    I didn’t see many swim dresses, but I did see lots of women who were totally confident in their bodies.   The star arrives at the party with capris and a shirt on, but as the party continues, Annie finally takes off her clothes, to reveal her swimsuit, and she takes the "plunge" and dives into the pool...the shot of her swimming under water with a smile is awesome...she seems to be transforming to this beautiful woman who has shed herself of all body shaming.   It made me smile. 
 

Now, I know, this is a TV show, but I think many of us can take lessons from these women.   I would not wear something that is overly revealing, because that’s just not me.   I have seen even the best of figures in bathing suits that are a little too revealing.   However, if you are comfortable and confident, then wear it…and don’t regret it!

I know when I prance out to the pool for the first time, in my new navy blue swim dress, I'll wear it proudly!   I feel good in it and if you feel good on the inside, it will radiate on the outside.   My biggest issue will be the lily white skin that will be blinding to those without their shades on!!   Come on summer...I'm ready for you!!
 

 

    My swim dress looks like this, but in navy!!  My hair is a little darker now!!  LOL!!!

 

 

Scene from the pool party on Shrill.