Our summer cottage vacation is fast approaching and there’s one task that I cannot put off any longer. Buying a new swim suit.

My current weight is the heaviest I’ve ever been (with the exception of my pregnancy) and to say I’m anxious about getting into a swim suit is a vast understatement. But I’m trying to embrace my new size because I know I’m at a much healthier weight than in previous years.

“Work hard so you can shop harder.”

– Says every woman. Ever.

So I’m off to London in the search of a (hopefully) flattering ensemble that I can splash around in with my family at the cottage in a few weeks.

This may sound selfish, but this trip is all about me and is (mostly) focused on finding a swim suit, so I am taking a day off work and going on a solo excursion. Enjoying a peaceful drive, visiting my favourite stores, and treating myself to lunch out is what self care is all about!

Related Post: Self Care

Masonville Place will be the main focus for my special shopping trip. I plan to visit Boathouse, Aerie, Bikini Village, Swimco, and The Bay. I’m sure I will check out a few other places as well, but these are the main shops I plan to try.

Lucky for me, most of the places I searched for swim suits had decent sales going on. So I didn’t suffer from sticker shock as much as I anticipated!

“Just let me shop and no one gets hurt.”

– Says every woman. Ever.

Over the past few years, I’ve become much more self conscious about shopping in stores and do more online shopping. I occasionally feel out of place and as if I’m being judged by the shop clerks, though I’m sure they could truly give two shits about me. It’s all in my head, but I can still feel uncomfortable.

This trip, though, I went in with a positive mind-set and tried to be confident. I was in a great mood and I think was being transferred to others because everyone was so incredibly nice! I feel that if you’re portraying a bad mood or low self confidence, that is what others receive and how they respond to you when interacting.

Be happy = Receive happy!

To be honest, I’m not going in with any specific result of this shopping trip because I really don’t know what silhouette will best suit my current figure. I’m taking the time to really browse with meaning and only trying on what speaks to me.

As far as my body type goes, I’ve always been heavy bottomed (thanks Mom) and small chested. I have longer legs and a longer torso – hence the reason I’ve always wore a two piece in the past.

“When life gives you curves – flaunt them.”

– Says every woman. Ever.

Shopping time!

Through all of the stores I visited, I only tried on three swim suits worth sharing (with the world)! Others didn’t speak to me or weren’t suitable to my body type and the family oriented occasion in which they will be worn.

H&M was my first stop which was not originally on the agenda. I’d pre-shopped on their website so I knew there was a chance of scoring a good buy here. This particular location didn’t have exactly what I was in search of, but they did have a suit that was close enough. I tried on this cute little one-piece number and was pleasantly surprised how well it fit and how confident I felt in it! Sold!

I did visit Bikini Village, Smimco, Marshalls, The Boathouse, and a few others, but I didn’t find anything that I really loved. Selection was limited due to the time of year and prices were a little out of my budget. I don’t mind spending a bit, but I have to really love it!

The Bay was one of my last stops and I was successful in finding a few styles to try on! Fortunately, all the swim suits were half off! Score!

The first was a two piece style, but this didn’t suit me well and the top was a little snug. Because the styles were so picked over, finding a two piece combo was really difficult.

When I put on the coral Ralph Lauren one-piece – I instantly fell in love. I felt sexy, confident, and the colour was so uplifting. I was so thrilled with this pick – I bought it too! And at half price at that!

Besides the two swim suits I purchased, I also treated myself to pants from Lululemon, a few chocolates, bath bombs, and I bought a couple of treats for my sweet daughter!

This shopping trip was a complete success for me! I didn’t fret over the clothing sizes I was buying – I bought what fit me and I what I loved on my body. I didn’t go overboard on spending but I did allow myself a couple of treats!

Add to the to-do list: Bikini wax.