...to find a swimsuit that fits and flatters. And I didn't even break the bank!
I finally realized that the only top that really works well with my body type is a halter. And all hail the invention of the tankini. I'm no longer (I never was, really) comfortable wearing a bikini, but the two-piece is so much more practical for ... well, for being able to go to the bathroom, for one. So the tankini is a two-piece that gives (mostly) the impression of a one-piece.
But wait, I didn't only find one, I found TWO really great swimsuits.
(Click on the words "Exhibit One" and "Exhibit Two" to be magically whisked to the online catalogs.)
They arrived this weekend, and I finally tried them on last night. They fit! and they flatter! Color me a surprised and happy camper.....erm, "cruiser."
Isn't it indecorous and airheaded a little too Sarah Palin of me to be discussing swimsuits on such a big day?
SPIEGEL??? I did not know that they existed anymore! :)
You will look marvy! Don't forget plenty of sunblock.
Posted by: sandy | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 06:16 AM
But can you see Russia from your house?
Posted by: gayle | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 06:21 AM
No, Norma, it is not indecorous to discuss swimsuits on such a big day. It's not like it's the second coming of Christ, for Christ's sake! He's a MAN, people. He's going to have up's and down's and he will not be able to fix the giant fucked up mess GWB and his gang left behind in 30, 60 or even 365 days. I am so damn sick of watching this guy get set up for the fall.
Some of the talking heads (Rush, etc) are already blaming HIM (Obama) for the depression..... geesh
Give us more hints about the cruise, Norma. make us suffer from yearning - please????
Posted by: Leslie | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 06:25 AM
Whoa - those are fabulous. Lands End also has great bathing suits - I have one of their tankinis, and while it won't make my legs long and thin, damn it, it at least looks respectable.
Posted by: Nora | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 06:59 AM
Ahhh - so nice to think of vacations and warm places where one can actually wear a tankini. It's a nice breath of fresh air amidst all this snow.
Posted by: Jennifer | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 07:01 AM
Even while talking about bathing suits you are more intelligent. Love the black one.
Posted by: Carole | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Discussing swim suits is never easy...you're very brave to do so, even today!
Posted by: margene | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 07:41 AM
I second Leslie.
Nice suits! I have an LLBean tankini for much the same reasons. One of my earliest memories is pulling my swim suit outta my butt...nice, huh?Always gifted with genetous erm gluteals, yet skinny frame, I never had a suit fit before the tankini amen.
Posted by: kellys | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:00 AM
I was so happy when they came out with the tankini design. True, today is important, incredibly important but damnit, so are swimsuits that fit and flatter.
Posted by: marianne | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:01 AM
My best swimsuit ever was from Spiegel's. Have fun!
Posted by: Vicki | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:11 AM
It cracks me up that the tankini in Exhibit Two the top sizes are so teeny- a large is a 10/12?? But the bottoms go from a size 4-14? Are they assuming they are making them for a pear? Just sayin'. You'll look gorgeous in both of them. I too thought Spiegel had gone under years ago. I used to order from them in my 20's.
Posted by: Manise | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 09:08 AM
You're a brave one, Norma! If I could find a swimsuit on the order of what was worn in the early 1900's (a dress with tights underneath...you get my drift....most everything covered) I could MAYBE wear a swimsuit....otherwise I'd just scare everyone out of the water!
Posted by: Marilyn | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Long live the tankini!
Maybe you should watch the inauguration in your new black suit.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 10:29 AM
I only have halter swim suits. One pieces and tankinis. Love them!
Posted by: Renee | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:57 AM
I love the black one...but they only have white in my size, so maybe some self-tanner is my destiny. How did you know I was just shopping for swimsuits?
Posted by: lyssa | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 12:58 PM
But did you get the necklace, earrings and headband to go with Exhibit Two?? Because without them, you will only look slightly stunning. Way to go with the suits. I was very happy when they came out with a two piece that came up to the belly button. Tankinis are great for all the reasons mentioned.
Posted by: Felicia | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:22 PM
Don't forget Newport News for bathing suits also. You can get very good ones (I also tankini with the best of them) on sale with free shipping and easy to return. As I'm always looking for them out of season for those trips to the southern hemisphere, that's where I turn.
You suits are cute and I can only hope a tropical vacation is in your future.
Posted by: sil | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Hoo, baby! I can see you in your hotness! Hooray for you.
I recently got a tankini from Land's End. I have NEVER worn a bikini. Even at my absolute smallest. Anyway, my tankini does not show my belly (nobody wants to see that!), but it sure is comfortable and fits well. I also like the bathroom convenience.
And hooray that we've actually survived the Bush years! I almost cried during Obama's oath taking and I'm not particularly prone to tears. Let's hope the future remains bright!
Posted by: Kristen | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 01:30 PM
you have to go with what works for you. in bathing suits and in blog content. but especially bathing suits.
Posted by: dana | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Life continues and girls still to shop. Even on this historic day.
What kinda shoes to go with the tankinis?
You're going to bring me back a cabana boy, yes? :D
Posted by: Cookie | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 02:22 PM
The inauguration hasn't happened yet, you aren't obligated to say anything. Thank god my knit blogs aren't rehashing the boring, nothing-going-on inauguration coverage. I mean, yeah, it's exciting, but nothing's happened yet!
Posted by: klaus | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 02:44 PM
are you going to be tom cruiseing
Posted by: elizabeth a airhart | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Finding a swimsuit to fit and look good is always a struggle for a woman. I agree with you about the tankini. Wish I had bought shares in that patent many years ago.
But about going to the bathroom, I complained about that same thing (with a one piece suit) with a couple girls(sister in laws) I was with and they said they just pulled the crotch of the suit to the side when they peed and never pulled the suit down. I had never heard of anyone doing that before and actually have never tried it. I would think the bottom of the suit would get stretched out pretty darn fast, and you might risk peeing on your hand.
We here in Canada are also caught up in the hoopla of your new president. Good luck to him.
Posted by: Lorry | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 05:14 PM
I have a tankini, and I never wear it. I grew up doing too much competitive swimming to feel comfortable in anything that isn't a 1piece with racer or other competitive styled straps. I have to feel like I could race in it, so I like the Speedo brand suits all the way.
Posted by: Seanna Lea | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 05:36 PM
I love tankinis!
I'd perish without them. Okay, maybe not... but summer is just not the same.
And I need a new one. I've worn my last one into... well.. not suitable for public pools. Speigel here I come.
Posted by: Helen | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Ack! Swimsuit anxiety and body image issues are attacking me!
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 11:51 PM