The summer is coming! I'm striving to be 199 by July, so I'm gonna need a new swimsuit and some summer-wear that won't break the bank. I usually wear tankinis. Any ideas? I'm 5'4

What body shape are you? I think that'll make a big difference to your choice. I'm pear shaped and what was mostly recommended to me was skirtinis which are a great option.. I need something that covers my thighs/hips a little more than most swimwear.

What's your favourite body part? Choosing something that accentuates that is important too

I love these casual t-shirt dresses like this:






You can wear them bare-legged or with cropped leggings and sandals. They're wonderful to just throw on and go, and easy to have a complete look that doesn't take that much effort.

I also like maxi dresses for days when I'm feeling a little shy:

Lands End usually has plus sized, flattering swimsuits. I noticed that Target has some Assets brand swimsuits, an imitation of pricey Spanx swimsuits.

I have had good luck buying Miracle Suits from Lane Bryant using my LB coupons (sign up with LB email to get on their coupons mailing list).

There is a British plus size store called Evans that has some lovely swimwear (they have an online store and do international deliveries). I bought a lovely black swimsuit with a little skirt that hides my belly a bit and makes me look very curvy! (my boyfriend was very...enthusiastic when I tried it on to show him). Here is a pictue of it:

http://http://media.evans.co.uk/wcss...LBLK_large.jpg

Other summer clothes on that store I can't properly recommend, since I have found tops and dresses to be too wide for me (though then, I am pretty small on my waist, since I am hourglass-shaped, and it seems the British girls tend to be more apple shaped ).

Here's the link to the store:
http://http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp...atalogId=33054