Thursday, May 23, 2013

Tankini Time

Last weekend I posted on Instagram stating that I was beginning a new chapter in my life when it came to swimsuits. I am titling this so called chapter Tankini Time.

Now, I have NEVER been the one to say the words, "I am getting to old for..." because I truly believe that none of us will ever be too old to wear anything. As long as you feel comfortable in what you put on, I say go for it.

But here's the deal, I personally don't feel comfortable in two piece swimsuits anymore, at least in public places like the beach, water parks or at our community pool. Maybe it's because most of the women my age (I'll chat about how old I am later next week in case you don't already know) with kids don't wear bikinis anymore. I kid you not, last summer I was one of the ONLY moms walking around the community pool in a two piece. I notice these types of things. I am by no means saying that I need to conform to what other people do. I just feel as though I should possibly tone it down in front of my kids and their peers. I don't know. Maybe I am looking too much into the situation. I tend to do that, you know? 

I still fully plan to whip out my old "two piecers" when I am in a private setting with just friends and family around. I own an obnoxious amount to just toss out the window.

So, in honor of this new swimsuit chapter of mine, I found four suits, all from JcPenneys, that might "suit" you if you aren't feeling the bikinis this year either. They are all under $40. Score! I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by the selection at JcPenneys this year. I randomly popped in one day and discovered many options for all ages and shapes. I suggest you take a look too.

I actually bought the middle two this season and love them. The colors are more vibrant in person and you can remove the halter straps for a no tan lines, bandeau style.
Tankini Time


Tell me, what is your swimsuit style? What do you feel most comfortable in? Am I being overly conscientious with my new chapter? Be honest.

*******************************************************

One lady friend of mine that needs to have ZERO self confidence issues when it comes to a swimsuit and far away from "tankini-ville" is Miss Erin with Living in Yellow. I mean just look at her....so not fair, right?
 

I am sure she is no stranger to you if you are a fellow follower of blogs. This is girl has it together like a chain link pave bracelet. Erin has become a household name in blog land. She has set the bar for so many bloggers and I look up to her and the genius ideas she conjures up in her brilliant mind. 

From crazy successful link ups, to her mac & cheese obsession, to being a guest speaker at a big blog conference, to starting her own blogging consultation business and being just down right gorg and REAL...Erin knows what's she's doing.

You get a true sense of who she really is in every single blog post. It's like having lunch and margaritas with your BFF every single day.


Honestly, I can't recall how I found Erin's blog, but I am so glad I did. She is a daily read of mine and you will definitely learn a thing or two from her. I can promise you that. Need life lessons? Covered. Want to laugh? Covered. Fashion ideas? Covered. Want to be her friend so she'll invite you to her new lake house? Covered. Erin, I fully intend a lake house weekend invite in my mailbox this summer.

Ladies, go visit Living in Yellow. She will hook, line and sinker you!

Shanna

56 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm 19 and I even wear a tankini hah. So I am with you there ;) And I LOVE Erin. I feel like even though she is a HUGE blogger she is still down to earth. :)

Amber Dominguez said...

Oh girl I feel ya. After two kids my tummy looks like I wrestled with a tiger, but ya know what?! I earned those damn stripes and to hell with everyone else! I love my two pieces and I'll rock 'em to the grave mama!

Unknown said...

I am much older than you Shanna and I am on my hunt for my 1st tankini. I went to Vegas last summer with some friends and we all wore 2 piece and I just felt not right at the pool area. Maybe I am trying to compare myself to all the 20 year olds out there.

I am struggling in finding a tankini that does not look a grandma should be wearing and one that doesn't bubble up when you are in the water...that drives me crazy. I just ordered 2 from Lands End the other day and keeping my fingers crossed it will be fit.

Alice
www.happinessatmidlife.com

Unknown said...

I feel so much more comfortable in tankini's than any other swim suit! I like the ones with the bottoms that are more like shorts (less wedgies.. hehe) These ones you picked out are adorable!

Christy
Sunny with a side of...

Unknown said...

I think you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in...within reason. Now that I have teens I really don't think that a skimpy bikini is an appropriate choice for either of us. I do have a lot of two pieces but I usually wear them under a cute cover up. For me...summer is all about the cover up unless I'm going to actually go in water. But that rare! Love your tankini choices!
Ashley Rane Sparks
www.makeitrane.com

Unknown said...

I just love tankinis! So much more comfortable than one pieces...and much more coverage than a bikini! The ones you picked out are so cute too :)

http://findingmyinspiration.blogspot.com/

Charming Lucy said...

Thanks for the ideas! I hit the big 40 last year and have been wondering if it was tankini time for me! I love choices 2 and 3 and I just may get one of those this summer! Thanks! Susan

Jennifer said...

I wasn't able to find cute tankini's which is what I wanted. I was so mad.
I ended up with a one piece that looks vintage/pin up style and I actually got a bikini. Let's see if I dare to wear it.

MorganizewithMe said...

I know what you are talking about girl! I still like my two pieces but tend to opt for a tankini when I am with the kids and doing things that require more movement...I don't like the feeling of always having to adjust to make sure everything is keeping covered!!! :)

Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} said...

I haven't worn a bikini since high school. I am totally lame. Actually, that's not true. My belly is totally lame. I blame it.

Unknown said...

OMG. I STRUGGLED with this last summer so hard. I had put in so much work to lose the last of the baby weight and tone up and there I was in a tankini that I had reviewed on my site. All summer. Only at my MIL's and parents pools did I break out the bikini. The reason because I would be the only Mom in one. I hate that reason. I intend to go back this summer. I worked hard and I don't care anymore. Maybe that is what another year older has done to me. Ha. :)

Danavee said...

I love that pink floral suit. Might have to drop by JCP soon!

Niki {Glossy Blonde} said...

These are so cute! I still wear two pieces but I've been leaning more towards cute retro-type one pieces lately!

FitTravelerAJ said...

All 4 of those tankinis are super adorable! I think you have to wear what you feel comfortable in, not what society thinks you should wear. If you have the bod to rock a bikini, then do it. If you feel better in a tankini, wear that.

-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com

MerciBlahBlah said...

HA! Great minds think alike (sort of). My post today is all about the one-piece swimsuit. I personally don't love the tankini (even though I own one), but to each his own. I DO really like that fourth option that you shared, but I echo what others have said - you should wear what you want and what you feel most comfortable in - I'm sure you will look fab no matter WHICH style you choose!

merci,
Shannan

Unknown said...

You look good in a paper bag. Love the 2 tankinis you got!

Alissa
FeelingGoodStyle.com

Susan said...

I'm older than you and I still wear a bikini. Not a string bikini by any means but a bikini none the less!

ourthreesons said...

I may be the only one, but I prefer a one piece. The thing that drives me crazy about tankinis is that I'm having to adjust/tug on them every time I move it seems like. One pieces are just too darn comfy, but it is hard to find ones that don't look matronly.

Sarah said...

Pennys has been on point lately! I picked up a suit from there for our trip and it's one of my favorites!

Alisa said...

I wear tankanis because my back is all scarred up from several surgeries and I prefer not to have them on display, so it's a personal preference. I do love wearing tankinis, though, and there are some really cute ones! Love the floral one you got!

TheTinyHeart said...

That pattern mixed tankini is SO cute and I love the colors! I only own bikinis...I sweat my butt off as it is on the beach so I can't imagine wearing a swimsuit with more fabric!

-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
Group Giveaway!

Always Maylee said...

I'm so with you my friend and I don't even have kids yet, so not sure what my excuse is. But I feel SO awkward wearing a bikini around the beach or in front of my in-laws. It's just weird to me, haha. I'm not sure when I made the turn, but I am all about the one piece suits and tankinis now. I LOVE that pattern mix one, I mean it has polka dots in it! I'll still be wearing my bikinis when it's just me and my husband... hopefully he'll take me on vacation or something so I can dust off those bikinis! :)

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

Amy Shaughnessy said...

Girl, I haven't worn a bikini in so long. After having 2 kiddos it just isn't cute. I'm still small but my stomach is just not something to show off anymore. Small price to pay for such sweet kiddos. I need a new 1 piece or something though. We are going camping this summer at the lake and I don't have anything!

Amy

Fashion and Beauty Finds

Rachel said...

I still rock the bikinis, but those tankinis are too cute! The floral one is my favorite

Sarah said...

I love the two suits you picked and that you can take the straps off so you don't get those annoying tan lines. I'm with you on tankini's. Although I think this pregnant girl is going to have to invest in a one piece maternity suit...why do bathing suits cost so much? I'm not sure if I can spend over $100 for a maternity suit for the summer. Hubby said he didn't mind if I still rocked my bikini with just us...so maybe I just won't wear a bathing suit in public...hmmm...

Unknown said...

I am a bikini girl. I know I have tankinis in my closet, but I never wear them. I have this life long goal to be tan. It is futile! I can dream, right? So I go for bikinis. The tankinis that you found are really cute!

Unknown said...

I'm a girl in her younger 20's and have always felt like that about two pieces. I do own a few but have always liked tankinis and one piece suits better. I love my body but tend to prefer the conservative pieces any day.

Unknown said...

Love those tankinis! I've never thought about getting one, but maybe I should have one for back up, for those days I don't feel like rocking a bikini.

http://simpleeasystyle.blogspot.com/

Sandy a la Mode said...

i love tankinis cuz they cover my belly ahah!!

xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode

Sarah Tucker said...

Tankinis are so cute now-a-days that I might start wearing one!! Amber (the momma with the twins I always post on IG...) and I had this same discussion the other day about when is it time to convert from bikini to tankini...I never want to me "that" mom!! Hahah!

FierceandFashionable said...

I know exactly how you feel! I'm 25 and I sometimes feel like I'm nearing that tankini time here soon too!

Michelle

Fierce & Fashionable

Makaila said...

mama, I do feel you on this. I believe we're never to old for a bikini, but at the same time, it IS awkward to be the only mom out there in bikini, plus when it's a bunch of mixed company, in a family atmosphere, it's just classier to cover it all up a little more.. ? That said, alone with my little fam, you'll find me in a two piece! :)

Helene said...

Love Erin and you! and love tankinis- for any age, these prices are awesome! thanks for sharing!

Stesha said...

1st you are freaking hot so you could still wear a bikini, but I do understand if you are uncomfortable, so i love all these tank kinis!!! And good thing one pieces are back in style!!

love you!!

xxS

Anonymous said...

All I wear are tankinis. They're cute and cover up where I don't feel confident. Win-win!

jackie jade said...

erin's blog is absolutely a must-read! as for bathing suits, i can see where you're coming from as far as bikinis go when at a pool with lots of other people. it's whatever you are comfortable in and with your confidence, i'm sure you rock either style with ease!
-- jackie - jade and oak
-- artwork giveaway

Carly said...

That floral tankini is ADORABLE! Love it!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

The Mrs. and The Momma said...

I'm with ya on the "toning it down"....last year was the first I've ever worn a one piece since childhood. Who AM I??? But I agree...it's just sort of a level of appropriateness. :) Have swimsuit season!

Gwen said...

I love tankinis. It's not so much that you're conforming to what others are doing, but I guess in the case of community pools with lots of kids around it's not a bad thing to not stand out. And like you said, you'll still rock the bikinis in more private settings!

I don't know why I haven't followed Erin yet, but I'm heading there now!

Sybil@PeaceitallTogether said...

I have avoided wearing a swimsuit much in recent years...just haven't felt comfortable in any style. I definitely feel like I am in the "tankini chapter" of life. At 38, it just seems like the right place to be. :) Love those suits!

Kathrin@shopschoolsleep said...

I feel too old for mini skirts...and becasue of my stress- eating over the past 2-3 years my body has changed and I am not as comfortbale in bathing suits period. I still wear 2 pieces becasue that's all i have but i literally stay in whatever cover up i have until i abosultely have to go into the water. I owned a couple of tankinis back when they were "in-style" and liked them but some would roll up over my tummy and that annoyed me!! haha
Love the one-shoulder one!!

SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph said...

All super cute suits! I never would've thought to look at JCP, now I will. Thank you!

Angela said...

i just wanted to say, that if you are comfortable in a bikini, then you should TOTALLY wear them! I think you have a gorgeous body and should not feel self-conscious if you are the only mom wearing one. with that being said, i am a one-piecer as of a couple of years ago. i have an insane amount of moles on my midsection (sorry for the visual) and I am scared to death of skin cancer so i choose to cover them because just staying inside is not my thing. ;)

Unknown said...

I wore a tankini on my honeymoon. I guess it just depends on your mood. I am proud to be able to wear a bikini after having my son via c-section.

Don't forget to link up today.

Agi:)

vodkainfusedlemonade.com

Tiffany said...

All I want in life is a one-piece that doesn't give me a camel toe.

That is probably the weirdest comment I've ever left you.

Audrey @ Putting Me Together said...

I would say if you wanna feel comfortable as a mom of kids in a two piece, come to Southern California! But given that it might be totally normal here, I STILL am feeling the desire to go the tankini route too. It's not that I feel self-conscious about stuff...I think my sense of modesty has just been increasing as I've gotten older, you know?

Unknown said...

I follow you & Erin daily!! Y'all are both AH-mazing!!!!

Jeans and a Teacup said...

I have mixed feelings about bikinis! haha... On the one hand I think you should wear what you want! You are a hot mama and you deserve to show off!
At the same time I feel like a lot of bikinis are more revealing than lingerie and I definitely don't want to feel like I'm wearing underwear at the pool. That being said I only own bikinis at the moment! I'm thinking more about retro high waisted bikinis. That way it would cover more but you'd still get the bikini feel. I don't know, I guess that style isn't for everyone!
~Jessica
Jeans and a Teacup

ALLIE NYC said...

You know I wish they made more retro cuts for the bottom half instead of always being so high cut and have us women having to do so much "grooming" which can be difficult to say the least. Men do not have to do this.

Ali of

Dressing Ken

Shelley said...

If im around anyone other than my husband and daughter I wear my one piece but I found a really cute one that is flattering! If im just in my backyard I wear my bikini.

Ashleigh said...

Wear whatever makes you comfortable. A lot of Moms feel the need to wear what the other Moms are wearing. I am 27 years old with a 7 and 5 year old. Most of the Moms at my daughter's school give me the stank eye for being so young, but I don't care! I know what I can handle. I'm comfortable in a Tankini because I'm thicker but you dear will look fabulous in anything. Don't let the other Moms get you down. You're young and have a rockin' body. Flaunt it while you can!
-Ash
www.thestylizedwannabe.com

Misty, Handbags + Handguns said...

At 34, I've definitely changed the length of the shorts I wear, but I plan to rock the bikini while I still can. I think it's my body shape, but I have yet to find a flattering tankini or 1-piece I like.

super chic mom said...

I think if you are confident .... Then rock it! It should be about your body and how you feel , not your age! I go between tankini, one pieces, and bikini pending the setting and how I feel that day . I will never wear a suit with a skirt... At least not until I am 80!

KTB Reynolds said...

You have the bod for a bikini so I say go for it! Who cares what your age is. Rock it all. Bikinis, tankinis, cute one pices. Do it!

Kristen said...

I love tankinis. I think they are the perfect compromise.

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