If you are my friend, and even just an acquaintance, you know I have been obsessing about getting into a bikini since before the holidays…as promised, this posting should give you all my tips to a successful launch of yourself into the two brief little pieces of fabric. I should note, that before this last trip of mine to Mexico, I hadn’t donned a bikini since ‘97…that is telling you something…
Step 1 ~ Get to the gym & Watch what you eat ~ Time for me to tell you of my secret weapon, Zum…my gym. They are truly gifted there and I have been to every gym in Seattle. I finally found my home. Props go to Bobby, my trainer at Next Level who strengthened me to get to the point that my work outs made a difference. Looking strong and toned was key for me feeling great in my bikini. Another note…walk as much as you can, take the stairs and follow my friend Melody’s example who schedules walks for her meetings as much as she can…she and I have been doing this for a couple of years and I love it. As far as diet, I am a garmento, not a nutritionist…but, I tend to stay away from cheese and anything in the white food groups…I do have my cheat days…
Step 2 ~ Skin Care – My favorite esthetician Kimberly (Premiere) told me ten years ago about something called “dry brushing”…I tend to do this every week. Along with your loofah, this sloughs off the dry skin and leaves your skin glowing and refreshed. I do this once a week before I hop in the shower and every time I bath, I apply baby oil all over my body and towel it off. This is daily for me and I have been doing it for years. While on vacation, before I put my bikini on…that I wore all day by the way…I would dry brush, then applied lotion and sunscreen…great for an even tan. Drink tons of water along with your wine and you will stay looking refreshed…
As I was prepping for the trip, I did succumb to Bliss Spa products…it was raining and I was feeling especially nervous. I purchased three additional skin products to add to my routine, “Fat Girl Slim”…wish it had a better name, “Love Handler” and seaweed cellulite soap. These products are designed to attack any cellulite (Fat Girl Slim & soap) and tone your ab/belly area (Love Handler). As mentioned in the Winter Break blog, I am not sure if the products helped? But, it did help me feel confident…that is 95% of it, no?
Step 3 ~ Bikini Shopping ~ I had so much fun bikini shopping. One of our favorite places in Seattle (“our” meaning my fab and stylish gal pals in the city) is Tiniha’s Boutique in Fremont. As soon as we booked our tickets, I went in to get my incentive suit…you may drop a bit of change on a suit here, but it is worth it. Everything is cute and they have the best cover ups and resort clothing that even if you are going to St. Barts instead of Mexico, you will feel fabulous. I picked up a Trina Turk bando top bikini in awesome colors, including my summer signature color, bright yellow. I then finished up my bikini outfits at JCrew. They have affordable and super cute options. You can only purchase them on-line so make sure you allow for shipping. I love the bikini skirt…
Step 4 ~ Accessorize ~ I loved accessorizing my bikini looks as much I like it with my regular looks. I had a specific cover up look for each bikini as well as earrings and bracelets…all of these can be removed to jump in the pool or ocean. Remember, we were wearing our suits every where and all day long…I felt confident going to lunch, the beach or visiting a friend in their villa down the way. Bigger earrings that look lovely with your hair pulled back and bangles…the way to go. I ended up wearing my Havaianas almost the whole trip. I brought heels, but where we were didn’t call for them…however if you are at a resort, a 2 – 3 inch wedge heel with wood, cork or rattan makes your legs look even longer in your suit. Oh, and don’t forget your big sunglasses…
Step 5 ~ Relax ~ Once you arrive at your tropical destination and you feel the warmth in the air, you kind of don’t care…so, after all that prep, it is great to just know that you have done the work and you serve to relax…by the pool or ocean with a larger than life Margarita. Have fun and laugh a lot…RL
P.S. Photo is of a great bando style from Trina Turk. Hair and accessories are right on for trend right now.