Moms Everywhere are Discovering Their Swimsuit Confidence - Thanks to Lands End!

The pool opens in 3 days.  Ready or not, it is time to get out my swimsuit and get ready to ring in the summer with family and friends.  I made a pact with myself that despite my body's imperfections, I will not sit around all day at the pool in my cover up.  I have sadly watched so many Moms sitting uncomfortably in their cover ups or wrapped in towels to cover their bodies - some all summer long.  I promised myself that despite the fact that I have been guilty of doing so in the past, I am not going to sit back and miss out on the fun. 

I am going to enjoy this summer laughing and jumping in the pool with my kids.  I am going to sit on the beach next to them and build sand castles.  I am going to run with them as fast as I can into the ocean and jump over the waves.  I am going to do all of this and more.  Why?  Because I can.  Because I am healthy and I deserve to enjoy the summer as much as they do.  Because they deserve to have their Mom join them while they splish and splash run and jump. And because every Mom deserves to find their swimsuit confidence - even me! 

As a Mom of three children, I certainly do not have the body of the gorgeous swim models we see gracing all of the swimsuit catalogs and magazines.  I am a real woman - one with curves. If you look back on family photo albums in our house, I can guarantee you that you will not find any recent pictures of me in a swimsuit - heck, it's hard enough to get a picture of me fully clothed!  When it comes to bathing suit shopping, I always cringe at the thought, but after attending a Social Media Mom Mixer in Philadelphia this spring - all of that changed when I saw the wide variety of swimsuits Lands End has to offer.

Lands End has an amazing swimsuit collection with details and designs to fit every shape, age and body.  You will find solids and prints, colors and styles that flatter everyone.  You will find pieces that you can mix and match to compliment your body type.  Many styles offer shirring to cover imperfections and extra firming material, especially around the mid section to help smooth and shape.  Women can find suits ranging from size 2 to 26W and cup sizes to DDD.  They even make special suits for women who have had a mastectomy.  You can cover a little or cover a lot - or even layer bikinis and tankinis to find the look that works for you.  I am absolutely amazed at the variety of styles - and I was quite excited for the chance to choose one to review.  And - although quite nervous at the idea - I feel privileged to be joining several bloggers all over the blogosphere this week to pose in my swimsuit as a part of National Swimsuit Confidence Week - to show that all women deserve to feel comfortable and confident in their swimsuit - no matter what size or shape they may be!  My hats off to Lands End for encouraging all women to be confident and embrace the joys of summer!

I have found that spending everyday at the pool, I prefer a suit with enough coverage to be able to walk around and chase after my kids without having to grab a cover up.  A swim skirt works particularly well for this along with a tankini top.  I prefer tankinis as they are great for mixing and matching to create several new looks.

Since I tend to always gravitate toward black, I decided to switch things up a bit and choose a navy swim mini with tummy control (Yay!  Belly camouflage - just what I need!) and the colorful, pretty Beach Living sea spray Bardot floral adjustable scoop neck tankini top.  Since I am short (5'2"), I was especially happy to see that Lands End also offers petite sizing and I went ahead and ordered the swim mini in a petite.

 

 

I love the smoothing properties of the tummy control swim mini.  It also has a nice, wide band at the waist to further enhance the smoothing effect.  I wish the waist band came just a little higher to smooth a bit more of my tummy bulge, but for the most part I am really happy with the fit.  I love the color and pattern of the tankini top.  The pop of color is especially fun and gives the suit a little personality.  The adjustable top also helps me to get the perfect fit and keep it in place, especially for those times when I am bending down or lifting the kids.  I also love the option of wearing the straps X back or straight.  The adjustable straps enhance the fit and overall comfort of the top.  The built in underwire bra offers extra lift and shape. All of these little details are what helps to make the overall look so much more flattering than other suits that I have tried. And if this is not enough - both pieces offer UPF 50 sun protection - especially wonderful since I spend long days in the sun at the pool.

Overall, I am thrilled with my swimsuit choice and I am hoping to try a few other styles from Lands End as well.  I love that I can try on pieces before purchasing by heading over to Sears, where many of the Lands End bathing suits are right in stock!     

 

Thanks to Lands End - This year I have found my Swimsuit Confidence - and for the first time in a very long time and I am ready to let it shine. I say bring on Memorial Day!  I am ready to enjoy all this summer has to offer!

What will you be wearing to the pool this summer?  Have you found your Swimsuit Confidence?

Disclosure: I received a swimsuit compliments of Lands End to facilitate an honest review.  Opinions, as always, are 100% my own.