Time for the Teeny-Weeny Bikini?
The only way I’m getting into a “teeny-weeny bikini” is if I make it my mantra to make it a fit and firm summer. I used to be one of those 5-days-a-week gym goers who was able to slip off her heels and slip on her running shoes almost simultaneously. That was about two years ago, when several other factors didn’t zap my energy, three of them being: work, work, and work.
Today, my philosophy is be passionate, meet deadlines, and try to smile in the midst of chaos.” For the most part, I can successfully meet this overall goal.
But as I’ve learned from several other writers, business owners, and family, putting my health above all else is hugely important. They are all so true. When I spend more time on the computer than I do with my family, my boyfriend, my friends, and being the silly ‘ol me who likes to dance and sing in the mirror, go to fashion shows, and taking walks outside…I know something is up.
Especially with Southern California weather reaching 100+ degrees, and wanting to wear as little as possible on the weekends, I gotta stay focused on my other goal: maintaining a fit bod. While I am loving my Old Navy and Target (on sale!) sundresses, I have been avoiding bikinis altogether. The “thickness” of my arms, thighs, and butt have always been my problem areas – even being a size 6-8 for the last 10 years (with or without the gym) – totally makes me want to avoid buying a sexy swimsuit. My favorite bathing suit for awhile was my Bebe white and brown cheetah bikini. Loved it! But then I wore it at the spa and got in a mud bath...now it’s light brown and dark brown. So much for that.
In order for me to enjoy shopping for a bathing suit, I am just going to have to be as gutsy as I am when shopping for shoes. No matter the type of shoes I am looking for – flats, stilettos, boots, sandals – I choose what I want free-spiritedly without a care in the world. While, of course, a bikini is much more of a provocative statement; I’d like to experiment with trendy, new looks.
I am very aware of my body shape and size (I look at my body from all angles in the mirror every morning), and I do know of fun ways to accessorize and play with a bikini to make it my own. Yesterday, I spent the day walking around the shops along Venice Beach and checking out the printed sarongs. Now that’s a great poolside cover-up to flatter my hips, thighs, and boo-tay while wearing a cute two-piece underneath. I also love to wear my big hoop earrings and scarves in my hair while wearing a bikini, which not only shows my boho personality – it also sort of navigates eyes upward instead of downward.
Who knows what I wind up with as I plan to start scouring boutiques and department stores. However, in order for me to feel confident going forward and take a chance on new styles, I must continue to do what’s right for my body, in regards to health, fitness, and wellness. This means shutting the computer off by eight in the evenings, taking warm baths for relaxation, drinking lots of water, eating lots of fruits and veggies, going out dancing more often, getting use out of my treadmill, and making it a point to enjoy the outdoors.
If I can just push forth with these goals, that teeny-weenie bikini might just be one of the best purchases I ever make.
Written by Elana Pruitt
Visit http://www.diaryofapersonalshopper.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/talkingchic.
