the pretty year

Pool party!

• Fuchsia puff-sleeve top from Ann Taylor Loft– $10 on sale
• Navy and white jersey miniskirt from ATL– $10 on sale
• White bangle from Annie Creamcheese
• Strappy tan sandals from BCBGirls via Ross– $14.99
• Invisible red bikini by Shoshanna via Lord & Taylor, circa 2005– $20 on clearance

I’ve already so thoroughly exposed myself to the Internet, you wouldn’t think that wearing a bikini in public would intimidate me. But there’s layers to this stuff, man.

I haven’t owned a bikini (that I could actually wear) since I was 18. I’ve barely owned a swimsuit (that I could actually wear) since I was… about 18.  I bought this one a few years ago, when I was still buying things that didn’t quite fit, hoping I’d “undergrow” them.  I’ll tell you right now– that’s a terrible strategy.  I finally let go of it– along with most of the ill-fated purchases that went out of style before I got small enough to fit into them.  But I kept this bikini, and I’m glad I did– without it, I’d have been completely up a creek without a… well, swimsuit.

Sure, the bikini fits fine now, but when the time came to drop the towel, I briefly wished I had invested in something more like this.  Then reality set in.  A quick look around confirmed that this particular public pool was neither in Rio nor the south of France.  I wasn’t the only woman at the pool with stretch marks, cellulite, back fat or thunder thighs.  I wasn’t even the only woman with all those things who was wearing a bikini.  I took the plunge, and I’m so glad I did.  You know why?  ‘Cause having fun is fun.  Sitting it out on the sidelines?  Not so fun.

My waterproof makeup didn’t survive, but somehow, I did.

Peace, love and two-pieces, baby.

Related posts:

1. 96 of 250– On Tightness and Sleazy Bodies
2. 135 of 250
3. 156 of 250
4. 26 of 250
5. 50 of 250