[ashliebelle]

So, even though I'm not at my goal yet, I've been swimming in my old size 11's for the past two months, and it's gotten to the point where I'm not excited about how I look.

My friend Harry says, "You've got the baggy clothes... the 'I've lost a lot of weight recently' look," but I'd much rather have a "I'm healthy and stylish" look. Being a poor college student, I can't reward myself with clothes like many others can, but I found a sale this weekend and got myself a size 7... A size of jeans I haven't owned since middle school!

I felt like a fraud, bringing size 9s into the dressing room, even though I knew they were probably too big.

I'm getting kind of overwhelmed at having to buy clothes for my new body. Underwear, bras... things that I've had for years. It would be much easier to just stay the same weight and keep the old clothes, but then I remember how frustrating it was, looking in the mirror, trying to hide certain parts of my body. It's worth the dent in the pocketbook!

My ultimate reward is a bathing suit splurge. I've been dieting for 3 months, but not exercising. The next month is full of exercise to firm up where I've lost weight, and building a bit of muscle so that I don't have to be so paranoid about everything I eat. I want to look killer when I move to LA for the summer.

Do any of you have suggestions about bathing suits? I'm gonna post this picture. It's kind of embarassing because it's me in a bathing suit, but hopefully I'll get some good advice if you can look at my body type.

http://www.akeenedesign.com/Images/suit1.jpg
http://www.akeenedesign.com/Images/suit2.jpg
http://www.akeenedesign.com/Images/suit3.jpg

What do you think I should go for? What should I focus on (they say to play your strengths, but I can over-analyze and don't see my strengths)?

[lilybelle]

Definitely go for the hot bikini, you've earned it and have the body for it. Congratulations. Personally, I'd pick something a little higher cut on the sides and show off the booty.

[Sapphire]

Wow!! You look amazing! I don't know how you are having trouble finding strengths...there are a lot...you have great abs so I'd stick with a bikini. You top does look like it could use a bit more support so maybe a more structured top would be better. And I think that your bottoms have too much fabric for the size of your bum...like they are too high waisted in the back...probably because you've lost weight...but even if you go for boy cut bottoms make sure they don't cover quite so much of your bum! You are going to have a great time shopping for a swimsuit because they are all going to look amazing!

Just a suggestion too for things like jeans...secondhand stores can have some great finds...Sally Anne or just general second hand stores (we have Thrift Village...check the yellow pages) will usually have jeans in pretty good condition to brand new for the $4 to $20 range...and for $20 you'd be getting brand new, tags still on, brand name jeans.

Congratulations on moving towards your goal...you'll be there in no time!!

Casey

[kindred]

You look great! I agree with lilybelle about a higher cut bottom and maybe a different top...a halter or more of a bikini style. The top your wearing looks like one my daughter has (she's 8) I would definetly show your body off while you are young! (we are probally close in age but that is what I would tell myself if I could go back before I had kids!) Wear it while you can

[Losingitin06]

I wish i looked that good in a bathing suit!

[Sapphire]

You're so right Chrissy...before kids, after kids or during flaunt it if you've got it!! I wish someone had told me that when I was hiding under baggy t-shirts at 120!

Looking at your pictures reminded me that I want my collar bones back! I wonder at what weight they will reappear...I don't even remember losing them ...but I intend to notice when they are back!

Casey

[kristine724]

IMO your abs and your shoulders and back are your strong features. Maybe a halter-style top with a nice v-cut front. I agree about the bottoms, less is more for your body. Absolutely awesome! Way to go! Show it all off!!!

[SupersizedChicky]

I would say light bikini top and dark boyshort or bikini pant

[Misti in Seattle]

You are going to look great in it no matter which you choose!

And yes to what Casey said... thrift stores are a great place to find nice stuff cheap... also yard sales if you live in an area where there are a lot of them.

[shananigans]

Wow, you are going to have such a fun time shopping for bathing suits, you look hot!

I really like the boyshorts and halter top bikini idea, that would really show off those shoulders and flat abs!

I went to Ross earlier this week and tried on four different suits and only one of them came anywhere close to looking like what I wanted, but the bottoms were a bit too big (saggy in the booty) and the top just wasn’t gonna hold the girls in if I moved around at all... *sigh* I think I’m gonna have to go to a store that will let you buy your top and bottom in different sizes. Why must my body be so difficult? My vacation is coming up so quickly, I’ve gotta get a move on!

When are you coming out to LA? We should go boogie boarding at Venice beach!

[angel-eyes]

Hi .....you look MAHVELOUS!!! I would suggest a halter style also or one of those string type tops that have the triangle pieces covering the boobage. You want to maximize those great shoulders of yours!! As for a bottom?....there are alot of bottoms with buckles or rings on the sides that add a nice detail to a bathing suit bottom. French cut leg openings accent a 'look' for a longer leaner leg, making the person look much taller. Good luck with your shopping!!!

[chrmiller]

You don't look bad at all. I usually go on Chadwicks.com, or lernercatalog.com or newport-news.com and look for build-a-suit. You have a good tummy. Expose that.
I am going for a tankini with shorts because I have a lot of fat at the top of my thighs.
I actually think you can wear anything and it would look fine.
Good job.