Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog

Relax, rejuvenate, and revive = Total Beauty.

One lucky winner will receive an all-inclusive spa trip to the serene Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. You will love their spectacular spa services, upscale amenities and laid-back, luxurious ambience

So put the kibosh on your stress and enter now to win!

Here is your airline-approved packing list:

Prada Rimless Sunglasses

Milly Splash Print Della Fonte Beach Tote

DKNY Bandeau Maillot

Related articles:

10 Tips for Packing Your Carry-On
12 Ways to Protect Your Skin From The Sun
How To Choose the Best Bathing Suit

Images: Nordstrom

Hi from my Naples, Florida office. I am feeling so lucky that my office is poolside on a day without a cloud in the sky, without any humidity, with the weather hovering around 80 degrees, an office that is decorated with palm trees, and The Hubster and my friends, Dick and Judi -- "with an i," she said -- hovering around me, too.

I am even luckier because Girl-Woman gets to provide two readers with free giveaways from Lands' End: a $100 gift card for a bathing suit and a $50 gift card for accessories. Lands' End will send the cards directly to you so that you can pick whatever your l'il heart desires. All you have to do is leave a comment at the end of this post as to why you would like to win a Lands' End gift card. Don't forget to leave your email address. Winners will be announced on April 30th.

Y'all might remember -- I am in the South and I immediately revert back to my twang -- the post I wrote a month ago about taking the anxiety out of purchasing a bathing suit. As I sit here writing, I am comfortably, yet stylishly, decked out in my Lands' End bathing suit. The cute skirt looks like a mini tennis skirt, yet provides enough coverage that my thigh jiggle is not drawing any attention. The underwire top provides enough lift and perkiness for my usually unperky breasts and has enough length to cover my middle. The ribbed faille fabric smooths the uneven terrain of my vacation-tummy and provides UPF sun protection

With 101 mix-and-match separates, 63 one-piece suits, 19 tankinis, 33 bikinis, 14 mastectomy suits, I am positive there is a perfect bathing suit for you.

Of course, I was aware of the quintessential Lands' End open- or zip-top tote ($15.50 to $29.50), but to be honest, until I started writing this post, I wasn't aware of all the Lands' End accessories. From belts to hats to throw pillows, you will be able to find something fabulous to purchase with your $50 gift card.

Good luck!

Beckie

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Ah, the memories of trips taken on college spring breaks, trips to Cancun, trips to Florida, but there’s one little trip that I always dreaded making: The trip to buy a bathing suit. Bathing suit shopping is notoriously excrutiating. Your body is winter white, the options are overwhelming, and a good quality bathing suit can cost you an arm and a leg. But don’t cry in your beer just yet. There are flattering and trendy styles for every body type.

• If you have a long body, choose a tankini or one-piece with horizontal stripes. It helps to shorten a long body.
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• If you have a large bust, fit is the important factor. Shop for underwiring, full cups, and wider straps for extra support. Halter neck styles are good, too.
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• If you have a small bust, padding, and underwiring will give your twins a boost. Bandeau-style swimsuits will emphasize what's not there. Tie-leg bikinis and high-cut bottoms will also focus on your trunk and legs instead of what's not there.
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• If you are pear-shaped, there are many brands that offer mix-and-match tops and bottoms. A bikini top with a bold print will draw your attention upwards, away from your lower half.
  Also for a pear shape figure, a dark color is very slimming.

My pick for the seasons is La Blanca by Rod Beattie. The polka dot waistband tops the zebra-print bikini bottoms in a hipster cut. According to Coutorture, and Pink Rock Candy, animal prints are still big for this summer.

Bon Voyage,

Jamie

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Before I took the plunge into corset-style bathing suits that looked like they were from the '20s, I called Mon Ami to make sure I wouldn't look older than I am in the Lands' End bathing suits. She assured me that 20- and 30-year-old women at her pool were wearing these comfortable and flattering suits. Lands' End helps you choose a bathing suit without anxiety. They actually have an "anxiety zone" to help you find the suit that fits and flatters you the best.

You can pick from the following categories to flatter your body type:

• Minimize shoulders and bust
• Create a slimmer and more curvaceous waist
• Minimize hips or maximize coverage
• Find a universally flattering suit

I bought my suit from Sears, who carries a large selection of Lands' End swimwear. Another added feature of Lands' End bathing suits is that you can purchase the tops and bottoms separately for the perfect fit. I bought this ribbed top that smoothes my tiny rippled figure.

• Faille fabric gives UPF 50 sun protection
• Slimming empire waist with contrast piping
• Lingerie styling features double X-back straps
• Soft cup bra shapes and supports
• Top is long enough to cover your middle

  
  And I bought the complementary mini bottom:

  • Flattering flared skirt hides an attached swim panty
  • Jersey fabric dries quickly
  • Fabric provides UPF 50 sun protection
  • #1-leg panty is fully lined for modesty
  
  

  Without my anatomy hanging out of my bathing suit, I know that I will be perfectly comfortable sitting on the beach, drinking a cold beverage, and chatting with friends.

• Jamie will review bathing suits for the 20-something girls in Wednesday's post.

  Have a cheerful Tuesday,

  Beckie

  (Images and source: Lands' End $3 flat rate shipping and handling for a limited time.)

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