Generally, I love the act of shopping for fashion, so much, in fact, that I’ve made a career out of it. I’m usually excited by the concept of finding new pieces and checking them off my list. I enjoy the thrill of the hunt—with one exception. I absolutely detest swimsuit shopping for myself! I loathe it, truly. But since I’ve not yet sworn off wearing them all together, swimsuit shopping I must go. I’ve developed a system over the years that helps me manage the task in a way that curbs my anxiety. It includes rigorous psychological preparation by repeating positive affirmations in the mirror and consuming a few adult beverages before the excursion. It’s exhausting!
This year I decided to try something new and reimagine the experience and turn it into something I can look forward to. I held a private poolside viewing party with a few of my girlfriends. Oh, what fun we had! I simply got their sizes beforehand and pulled a variety of items from some of my favorite local boutiques (one of the perks of being a stylist). We tried them on, drank some champagne, rocked the runway, and let each other decide which pieces looked best. There were no mirrors and no bad lighting, just a group of girlfriends having a blast. Welcome to the new and improved way I now shop for my summertime wardrobe. I think we’re onto something here, don’t you?
Photos by Theresa NeSmith Photography
La Blanca swimsuit, $111, Pink Palm
India Hicks scarf, $58, @indiahickssouthtampa
Fan fringe necklace, $38, DKM
India Hicks basket bag, $245, @indiahickssouthtampa
Maaji rashguard, $88, Surf Outfitter
O’Neill bikini bottom, $36, Surf Outfitter
Straw fedora hat, $20, Sara’s Karma Chic
Sunglasses, DKM
American & Beyond cover–up, $58, DKM
Lilly Pulitzer beach tote, $198, Pink Palm
La Blanca bikini, $71 top, $55 bottom, Surf Outfitter
Shiraleah cover–up, $58, DKM
Fan fringe earrings, $18, Pink Palm
Pompom necklace, $32, DKM
Citrine Swimsuit, $150, Surf Outfitter
Cabana Life swim pant, $90, Ship Chic
Canvas earrings, $32, Pink Palm
Lilly Pulitzer cover–up, $178, Pink Palm
Flamingo bag, $48, Pink Palm
Fedora with bow, $36, DKM
Indie Wild bikini, $135 top, $100 bottom, Surf Outfitter
India Hicks scarf, $58, @indiahickssouthtampa
India Hicks lariat necklace, $80, @indiahickssouthtampa
Rip Curl fringe swimsuit, $69.50, Surf Outfitter
Floral shorts, $10, Sara’s Karma Chic
Shoshq black and white shorts, $20, Sara’s Karma Chic
Bleu black bikini top, my closet
Shoshq black and white shorts, $20, Sara’s Karma Chic
Roxy sunhat, $32, Surf Outfitter
Large turquoise sunhat, $20, Sara’s Karma Chic
Charlie Paige anchor rope bag, $24.95, Sara’s Karma Chic
Mar Y Sol straw tote with pompoms, $129, Ship Chic
Banago straw clutch, $58, DKM
AJ Morgan sunglasses, DKM
Lilly Pulitzer sunglasses, $29, Pink Palm
MacBeth Collection romper, $58, DKM
Flamingo clutch with tassle, $274, @indiahickssouthtampa
Sail to Sable striped cover–up, $148, Ship Chic
Tori Richard palm frond cover–up, $104, Ship Chic
Lilly Pulitzer embroidered cover–up, $128, Pink Palm
