On Thursday my sister Katie and I headed out to Virginia Beach for a mini-vacation and my friend Courtney’s wedding. As soon as we got to our hotel, we put our swimsuits on and headed out to the beach. From talking to various plus size women, it seems like swimsuits are one of the harder types of clothing to find and suggest, and I think it’s because they really are so individual to our bodies. Even within a specific brand, one swimsuit can fit me well and one will not fit me at all. Some advice that often gets said is “try everything on – even items not in the plus size section”, and I’ve been known to roll my eyes a time or two at that saying because it may work for smaller plus sizes but often doesn’t for me — well swimsuits are one area where the “try EVERYTHING” method works well for me. In one of the plus size groups I’m involved in, people were talking about wearing bras under swimsuits, and I think that’s a possibility too, especially for those who are very top heavy. Do what makes you feel secure and comfortable.
For me, that was wearing a swim top from Target’s maternity line. Yes, maternity line. They are cut with snugger support in the chest and more room in the hips/tummy – perfect for my shape. A couple weeks ago, I couldn’t find my higher waist bottoms, so I wore shapewear bottoms from Catherines that do not fit tight. I ended up liking them better, and they are swim-ish material, so I wore those as bottoms. So yea, this is like the Frankenstein of swimsuit outfits but it works perfectly for me.
Swim top: Target & Shapewear bottoms: Catherines
That night we headed out for a quick dinner. I wore a really basic outfit with a black high neck tank from Old Navy, Torrid jeans, Nine West Outlet sandals, and BaubleBar earrings.
The next morning we woke up and had breakfast along the beach and boardwalk. Mimosa + Eggs Benedict = Amazing!
Saturday evening we headed out to Courtney’s wedding. I felt the need to document my hair and make up because I knew the heat and humidity would ruin it all haha :). I wasn’t wrong!
The ceremony was beautiful. I haven’t seen Courtney in 2-3 years, so it was really a treat to hear her voice again and see her.
I wore an H&M maxi dress, which I super love.
Overall, it was a wonderful (but short) getaway, and it was even more special because it was spent with my sister 🙂
Best wishes to the
couple…. Virginia and is for lovers
So happy you got to enjoy not only seeing a friend, but some “sister-time” also. I agree about swim suits – when you can pick and choose pieces, I find I get a better fit. But I had not thought about shape-wear (which I need to purchase anyway). I’ll keep that in mind, I too have bought maternity pieces myself for the very same reason! – I LOVE your outfit for the quick dinner out. Simple but classy. I love the hair and I really need to check out Old Navy for the high-neck tanks. The cut is very flattering. Your dress for the wedding looks super cool and comfortable, your hair looks fun,yet casual, and your eyes? Lovely, as always.
As far as breakfast goes, “eggs benedict” is just a wonderful creation/ I don’t order it often, but it is fun, tasty, and a little decadent to treat myself to such yumminess.
Thanks for sharing your fashion and photos of what looks to have been a fabulous get-away!
REBECCA, YOU ARE IN MY HOMETOWN!!!!!!!!! Well I am in Norfolk but as you are in the area, you can see that the cities all run together. I hope you enjoy the beach, Where was the wedding? It looks like a nice place somewhere out in the suburbs, if you can call it that. Boonies, I would say. Virginia Beach is a big place. You look great and it seems like you have the swim suit all figured out. I want something that comes down longer like a swim skirt or the little shorts and top. We are at our most vulnerable when we are in a small lycra piece of cloth. Have fun at the beach, You have a nice hotel overlooking the ocean and you are in the right place for this heat wave. Nice ocean breezes. Go to the Aquarium, it is not too far away and come to Norfolk and go out on a dinner cruise. If you can go to Williamsburg, which is about forty miles away and are not intimidated by the traffic, there are all kinds of things to do there. Maybe your are here for the weekend, Anyway, next time you are here, maybe we could get together and I can show you the town. Love to meet you.
Rebecca, nice to meet you! I come into your blog just now and it’s very nice!
I like the dress you wore at your friend’s wedding, I saw it at HM and it’s super adorable!
Ah, I’m so jealous you already did a weekend at the beach!! I really need a vacation!
XOXO
Cami
Paillettes&Champagne
I haven’t been to VA beach since I was in college. I loved it there. Nice to hear you had a great time. I love your solution to swimwear. I agree to comfort when come to bathing suits. Wishing your friends the best!
I love that maxi dress you wore to the wedding! It’s so pretty and you looked gorgeous! It looks like you had a great time.
Omg! I thought I was the only one sneaking real bra’s under swimwear and opting for swimwear-ish spanx underneath. Annnnd I totally have gotten maternity swim tops and dresses before. Great minds think alike! When we want to look good and feel good about it, we make it work! ps. Obsessed with that H&M dress! I never knew they went up to a size 4 which kept me from buying. Totally snagging this style from you too. I clicked through the link I hope you get credit somehow. Love your blog!!! Xx-V
just looking back for inspiration on swimwear, you are simply a star x