Swimsuit Shopping

I don't know about you, but I do not know any woman who enjoys shopping for a swimsuit.  Maybe if you are a supermodel it might be a pleasant experience, but I do not know any supermodels.

This is a grueling task-for several reasons.
1.  Dressing rooms have mirrors
2. Searching for the separate tops and bottoms-trying to find a match.

Let's discuss the matching of tops and bottoms.  It is hard to find a true "one-piece" suit these days.  Unless you are an Olympic swimmer and the USA supplies you with one, not sure where you can find one (I'm sure they are out there but again--this task is not one I enjoy so I am NOT going to extend the search for something I do not want to buy anyway.)

There are rows of tops--from a true bikini top to more of a tankini top. I find one that you can live with and then work to find the elusive matching bottom.  I might find the same material but the style is too revealing and at the age of 58, not sure a string bottom is the look I am going for.   So I switch the top for a solid and work to find a bottom...this MIGHT be easier but best bet:  find a black bottom...basic black goes with anything right? (FYI:  I have 4-6 black swimsuit bottoms)

Ok.  I find a couple of pieces that I am willing to try on all the while trying to boost my self esteem before I actually try it on with some positive self-talk.  "No one is even going to see you"  "You have a nice tan"  "You are not too bad for your age"  whatever works.

The dressing room:  You slip it on (never removing the awkward panty liner) and try not and think about how many times this has been tried on this year.  It "feels" ok--not too tight, not too loose.  I never look in the mirror until I have it on and then I do a quick turn....TADA!  uh....no.  I take it off as fast as possible and try the next one.  This time instead of a quick turn, I do the side glance....a sneak peak...and if at that point I am not crying, I will take a full look.   I repeat all of the self-esteem boosters and decide that I just need to get it, check out and go home.  

No one is paying any attention to me at the beach.  I am alone at the pool in my backyard.  Furthermore,  I now realize I just need a big hat and sunglasses and maybe no one will ever recognize me.  So get I my new suit, my BIG hat and BIGGER sunglasses and give myself a new "pool time" identity. See you at the pool and FYI: call me Melissa.