Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I am an average sized woman - which means I'm no where near a supermodel size 2 - and my friends and I have planned a few beach trips this summer. I'll be hitting the gym but still won't feel comfortable in a two piece bikini. Can you think of a good alternative for me? Are there any sexy one pieces out there?

Signed,

Malibu Boobs and Butt Barbie

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Dear M.B.A.B.B.,

If its any consolation, you aren't alone in not feeling bathing suit ready. Even people who you may think look bathing suit ready don't feel bathing suit ready. But thats besides the point. If you want to feel comfortable in a bathing suit, you have more options than you think.

For your first - and safest - choice, you would want to choose a one piece. You should choose one that accentuates your favorite feature and plays up your body type. If its your legs, wear a tunic cover-up over your bikini and remove upon comfort level and/or venturing into the water. If your favorite feature is your décolletage, you may want to wear a sarong to draw the eyes up. Accessories - sunglasses, hats, jewelry - can add to your comfort and draw attention away from anything you'd rather not draw attention to.

Now of course, if you want to take more of a risk, you can be an average-sized woman and still wear a two-piece. This week's savage styler, Gabi Gregg, is a prime example of a full-figured woman wearing a two-piece who's not afraid to flaunt it, with modesty of course. If the two-piece you choose is cut to cover and contour, you should be okay. You can still accessorize with the aforementioned and feel comfortable, even if you're less covered-up than you thought you'd have to be.

And a word of caution to all: if you're going out to purchase new bathing suits, unless you feel sure it can withstand getting wet - and what it may reveal once wet - you should take all pictures before getting in the water. In this day and age you want to make sure you're camera ready, Facebook tageable and twitpic appropriate.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Summer 101: Which bathing suit is suited for my body type?

It’s that time of year again…bathing suit season! For those of you dreading it because you may not feel as confident as the girl next to you, fear not! Just because your body types are different doesn't mean you can’t look as fabulous as her. All you have to do is find the right bathing suit to fit your body type and you’ll be hotter than the sun this season!

The “Hour Glass”

This body shape means that your top half is proportionate to your bottom half with a defined waist in the middle. The bathing suits that look the best on this body type are halters and a string bottom. Also, be sure to match the top to the bottom. Mixing prints or patterns might make your top or bottom half look bigger than the other, which is a look you want to avoid.

Kim Kardashian showing off the “Hour Glass” body shape.

Liya Push-up Halter top and low-rise bottoms, Victoria’s Secret

The “Straight”

For the “straight” figures, you have what we like to call a sporty shape. The best thing to do for your body bathing suit-wise is to add girlie details to your bikinis. Look for monokinis and tankinis as they will add curves to your figure. Also, patterns are going to be your best friend because they create a focus on all the right features.

Demi Moore is a great example of the "straight" body type

Very Sexy Gold Trim Monokini, Victoria’s Secret

The “Triangle”

The “Triangle” body shape means that you are slightly heavier on bottom than on top. When trying on bathing suits, colors and patterns will do you well on top. Bandeau tops will look amazing on you because they draw more attention up top and also, you can have padded tops to help equalize your body.

Rihanna's body type is a great example for the "triangle" shape

Beach Sexy Cheeky Bottom and Balconet Top, Victoria’s Secret

The “Inverted Triangle”

The “Inverted Triangle” body shape is the exact opposite of the “Triangle”. Here, your top is bigger than your bottom. The things you should look for when buying a bathing suit is a halter with thicker straps and possibly underwire to keep you in place. What’s great is you have the perfect body to wear itty-bitty string bikini bottoms to show off your itty-bitty booty.

Audrina Patridge shows off her bikini and "inverted triangle" body type

Very Sexy VS Stringkini Denim-look Bottom and Top, Victoria’s Secret

Hopefully, these tips will help you not only find the perfect bathing suit for your type of body but the confidence to wear it. Don’t be afraid to flaunt what you have!

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