Your Next Swimsuit?

In amongst the bills and begging letters came a more welcome sight on my doormat today - namely a catalogue full of Next's new season offerings with a voucher for £10 off an order or £25 or more at next.co.uk - now that's nothing to sniff at, especially when I saw the impressive swimwear lines! I love this 50s style halter neck one piece. Not only is it affordable at £30 but it is available in sizes 6-22 (a much better size range than many other stores). If you prefer seperates, you can buy a bikini version in the fun floral print or mix and match with trusty black - and there's even a choice of co-ord cover-ups including a matching kimono, shorts and A-line dress. Now I just need to book a holiday somewhere nice and sunny!

Next Swimsuit, £30

Becks Swims for his Supper

On a warm, sunny day what would you like to see more than anything? How about David Beckham modelling his new swimwear range for H&M? Well your wish is my command!

The sun certainly came out on cue today - just in time for David Beckham's swimwear launch at Shoreditch House in London. Oh to be a fly on that wall - but hey, here's a pic to keep us all happy.

As for the new range, I can't quite imagine anyone pulling off a pair of white budgie smugglers (£14.99) quite like Becks, but thankfully his swimwear collection also includes some baggy board shorts (£19.99).

Boys, now you've just got to wait until 22nd May to get your hands on some Becks appeal before hitting the beach this summer...

Bathing Beauty

Shopping for swimwear is never an easy task - so I've been sure to make an early start this year. Well, it's not really an early start when I head off to Abu Dhabi on holiday in March, but swimsuits are steadily making a reappearance in the stores. Like the first blooms of spring, swimwear on the shelves is a sure promise of what lies ahead - lots of summer sunshine.

Now, I can't be alone in wanting a swimsuit that you can actually swim in, can I? I don't want cut-out sides, a plunging neckline or fussy embellishments - just a simple, slimming black one-piece.

Whilst there might not be lots of choice around, it was relatively easy finding one. I've got this black M&S swimsuit with neon pink double strap detail (pictured left) - perfect and just £15!

Whilst I wanted something as a plain as possible I do love the retro styling of these patterned bathing suits...

Swimsuits
Bikinis

Geri by Next

If you're planning on jetting off in pursuit of some winter sun you'll be pleased to know that some gorgeous swimwear has already hit the rails.

It may only be January but Geri Halliwell's debut
swimwear range for Next is on sale now. The collection boasts something for everyone, whether you're after pretty florals, striking leopard print, or just basic black and white. Speaking of her move into design, Geri said:

'This is my first collaboration and I'm very proud of it ... It's for real women of all shapes and sizes. Everything's mix and match, so you can choose the exact shapes and styles that suit you. This is a collection that makes you look and feel fabulous.'

As well as the obligatory bikinis, you'll also find maxi dresses and cover-ups to complete the beach babe look.

Geri by Next is available online and in store now,
prices range from £16 - £50.

Swimwear Solutions

It's that time of year again. The sun has come out and it's time to face the prospect of wearing swimwear. The diet may have fallen by the wayside months ago, but there's no reason to hide away - the one-piece is back en vogue.

Aside from the Holy Grail a decent cossie is the single most difficult thing to track down. No further evidence was needed after a single trip to the local swimming pool. One lady was wearing something that wouldn't have looked out of place on a beach 200 years ago and at least two others were wearing leggings and a baggy t-shirt underneath their swim suits. The problem is that however pretty the designs may be you just can't actually swim in them whilst preserving your modesty.

Speedo have come to the rescue with their Sculpture range - designed to emphasise your best bits and disguise the worst. There are three fits to suit different body shapes; the bust shaper for top heavy, the waist smoother for hour glass, and a tummy and hip sculptor for pear shape. Sizes range from 10-20 and B-G cup. They even come in two different body lengths - all to ensure the perfect fit. It's practically made to measure. The only down side is that they cost around £100. Somehow I managed to get my hands on one for a tenner at T.K.Maxx (don't ask me how I do it, Bargains just seem to call to me).