Express Spring 2011 Swim Collection

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Basic beach gets an upgrade with bold hues and body-loving shapes.

I realize winter is still here, but it's time to start thinking about swimsuits.  Can you believe it?  I seem to collect swimsuits about the same way as I collect shoes.  Even though I already have more swimsuits than I will ever need, I love looking at women's swimwear, and I just can't help myself when I find a new one that fits.  Of course, that's the key - finding one that fits - but when I find one I must have it.  So I'm checking out the Express Spring 2011 Swim Collection.

Some highlights:

• Available in their always-popular monokini, sexiest string bikini and must-have strapless and halter bikini styles.
• Bright solids, on-trend graphic prints, the essential reversible style, nautical-inspired striped and sleek metallic styles.
• Designer details include flirty ruffles, sexy self-tie sides, glam beaded embellishments and polished metal hardware.
•  Removable padding in tops.  (because girls with something up top don't  need that padding)
•   Bottoms fit smaller to size for moderate back coverage.

Right now I'm liking this top:  (all those brights and prints, and I pick black!)

but I'm not sure I want the skimpy bottom they have it paired with.  I'll have to find another one I like better.

If I was I bit younger...  Then again, I'd probably want a skimpier top, too.  For tanning purposes, there's nothing like a string bikini - the skimpier the better - though I wouldn't wear it in public.  This top with the right bottom would be perfect for the pool or beach.  It's got the ease of two piece swimwear with the coverage of a one-piece, which I like, and I like that you can mix and match the tops and bottoms to get just the right look.

Check out the new swimwear collection, and be sure to sign up for the Express e-mail to get 15% off your next purchase and the chance to win one of ten $200 Express Gift Cards.  Get the complete sweepstakes rules.  Ends 4.21.10 at 11:59pm, EST.

Swimsuits that Might Actually Fit

Remember that video I made last week  about wanting to get outside in the sun?  Well, it's cloudy and rainy right now, so I'm not really itching to get out there, but it's almost Spring so I know it's only a matter of time.  I obviously didn't actually put the swimsuit on in that video - 1) because I'm way too white to be seen after a whole winter of being inside, and 2) because I can't actually be seen in public in that suit.  It's just for tanning, and I can't actually move around without falling out of it.  OK for the backyard, but not for the beach.

There was a time I thought I would never be able to find a swimsuit to fit me properly.  You know, buy it big enough to fit on the top, and the bottoms are way too big.  Or get the bottoms to fit, and there's not a chance I'll fit into the top.  That's why I'm glad you can buy swimsuits separately now.  I can find a top that fits, and a bottom.  I like the idea of buying tops by bra size, so I know they will fit.  After all, what does L or XL really mean?  Usually just not the right fit.

BiggerBras.com not only has some really nice looking swimwear separates, in sizes up to a G cup in some of them, but they also sell full busted lingerie. And, NO, I won't be wearing the lingerie in public, but I have high hopes for the swimsuits for both Beth and me.

Swimsuits for Us

I'm looking at swimsuits again, and I found exactly what Beth and I need, full busted swimwear. BiggerBras.com has swimwear that comes in sizes up to DD and E cups, and you can buy the bottoms separately to get a good fit. I hate the normal assumption that, if you've got a big bust, then you must be big everywhere else. At least that's the way I feel when I try shopping for most anything. Those of us who are normal sized but have a little (or a lot) extra up top have a very hard time finding things to fit. It's not often that you find a DD any smaller than a 36, and that's even hard to find. Usually it's at least a 38 or a 40. These swimsuit tops come with band sizes starting at 32! The ones I'm looking at have underwire for support, and they're cute, and on sale! If you can't tell, I'm kind of excited about finding this site.

brought to you by BiggerBras.com

Looking at Bikinis

I have a whole drawer full of swimsuits. I really don't go swimming that often, but I'm always looking at swimsuits hoping to find the perfect one. I have always had a hard time finding one to fit properly. If it fit in the top, then the bottom would be too big, or, if the bottom fit, then the top would be too small. That's why I love that two-piece swimsuits can now be purchased as separates, meaning that both the top and the bottom can be purchased to fit.

I was browsing some Betsey Johnson swimsuits at Keys Swimwear, and I can buy these as separates. All of the bikinis at Keys Swimwear are sold as separates, so you can mix and match styles, colors, sizes, and designers to get the perfect swimsuit for your body. They even have D and DD-cup tops. Beth and I should both shop for swimsuits here. The new 2008 swimsuits are available, but they also have some 2007 swimsuits available with significant markdowns. Shipping is free on orders over $150, and they offer a 15-day money back guarantee and a 30-day exchange/credit guarantee.

It won't take long, and I'll be ready for the beach!