Make Over Your Life Activity: Shopping For The Right Summer Swimwear

I love going to the beach. Playing in the sand, lazing under the shade of palm trees, admiring a breathtaking view of the horizon, and listening to the sound of the waves never fail to provide me the perfect escape from my fast-paced city life. However, I hated the dreadful experience that usually came before it—shopping for swimsuits. I used to think that swimwear did nothing but show off everything I hated about my body. So when I found out about the next makeover, a swimsuit fitting, I was scared to death.

Swimwear Scare

I had major apprehensions about having to put on a swimsuit and getting my picture taken in it for everyone to see. What have I gotten myself into? I thought. The temptation of going on a crash diet also lingered for a couple of weeks before the activity. Then again, I wanted to at least live to see the day of my summer makeover, so I just ate right and exercised whenever I could. Anyway, I knew that with the Cosmo team, I would be in good hands. Besides, I was getting a free swimsuit, and everybody loves a freebie, especially if it's from Cosmo.

The big day came, and I didn't know what to expect. I simply decided to enjoy the whole experience and prepare for it the best way I knew how. I had my hair blow-dried, put on some makeup (last month's makeup lesson really helped), and treated myself to a frapuccino right before Cosmo editors Zo Aguila and Camyl Besinga picked me up. Then we were off to see Arlene Sipat, the amazingly creative woman behind Salsatrends and Azucar.

Sweet Swimsuits!

The swimsuits all looked amazing, and they came in a variety of colors and styles. I still had some doubts about how I could pull them off, but I tried them on anyway. When I tried the first one, Zo asked me how I felt. I had to be honest so I said that I felt fat. But that was before I looked at myself in the mirror. I learned that I could still look hot and feel gorgeous if I just stopped being too hard on myself.

I soon got comfortable trying on different bikinis and posing for the camera. I also made sure they were just the right size: not too tight to cut into my skin, not too loose to instantly fall off with one wrong move. Putting on a swimsuit is a lot different from dressing up for work or for a party. In the latter case, I usually go for clothes that can camouflage my problem areas. I could've gone that same safe route with swimwear by settling for the usual tank top and shorts. But then, swimsuits shouldn't be about hiding, right?

From Self Loathing To Body Love

See, for most of our lives, we have been exposed to images of how a woman should look in a swimsuit. Sure, most of us find these images so nice to look at that, if at least one part of our bodies deviate from that of the archetypal Baywatch babe, we somewhat feel inadequate. But times have changed, and we should know better. I realized that insecurity and self-loathing, in the long run, can only translate to negative thoughts that could be self-destructive. On the other hand, acceptance is the first step. Feeling good about the way you look creates more positive energy, therefore making any efforts toward self-improvement more fun and enjoyable.

When I was finally able to choose which one to take home, I loved it so much that I instantly wanted to go for a swim just to show it off to everyone. Because of this activity, I love my body even more. Let's just ditch the old mantra that says "I'll only buy that hot bikini IF I lose x inches off my waist/arms/thighs." Instead, let's find out what can look good and feel comfortable on each of us right now. Finding the perfect swimsuit may be trickier than shopping for the perfect pair of shoes to match the trendiest party dress.

Still, it doesn't have to be as daunting as we think it is, as long as you know the right cuts and colors to match your height, body type, and skin tone. After all, isn't summer supposed to be fun? I deserve to have a blast this summer. We all do. Then again, the perfect summer escape is not only made of white sand, clear waters, palm trees, a captivating sunset, or a wild beach party 'til dawn—all these would mean nothing without a sexy, fun, fearless YOU.


Click through to the gallery below to see the other swimsuits Amie tried on for this activity.

Tags: bikini,fashion tips,Make Over Your Life,fashion trends,summer,swimsuit,swimwear

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44 Comments

• 
  miel0721
  44. this third swimsuit is nice too... wonder where this came from
  June 04, 2010 at 09:21 am report abuse
• 
  miel0721
  43. image number 7 is very nice. i like the swimsuit...for me...
  June 04, 2010 at 09:20 am report abuse
• 
  princessvhie
  42. great..nice choice of swimsuit.:)
  May 06, 2010 at 11:19 am report abuse
• nody nehad
  41. yea i like the sexy bikini
  April 05, 2010 at 07:04 pm report abuse
• 
  glendz03
  40. uhmmm... nothing catchy
  April 04, 2010 at 01:22 pm report abuse
• 
  khalarie
  39. very sexy...
  March 30, 2010 at 09:29 pm report abuse
• .
  38. it's not appealing at all
  March 30, 2010 at 04:37 pm report abuse
• kitkat
  37. no comment!
  March 30, 2010 at 04:23 pm report abuse
• 
  zyramae_12
  36. the black one really fits her.. it reveals the sexiness within her =)
  March 23, 2010 at 06:00 pm report abuse
• 
  violetacomillas
  35. ang ganda naman nung swimsuit, anyone can imagine wearing it and look sexy
  March 20, 2010 at 05:24 am report abuse
• 
  solace
  34. carry ko yan hehehehhe
  March 19, 2010 at 01:04 am report abuse
• 
  lalabong
  33. her swimwear looks good on her. she's pretty.
  March 15, 2010 at 03:53 pm report abuse
• 
  mamaii26
  32. love her swimswuit..
  March 13, 2010 at 09:33 am report abuse
• 
  sassy_g21
  31. i'm not eating rice since march for our summer getaway sa april. haha
  March 13, 2010 at 12:27 am report abuse
• 
  Ghaille26
  30. me tooo...!! i hope wala na ako belly pag dating ng april
  March 12, 2010 at 05:19 pm report abuse
• 
  cheskafrances
  29. love the malliot....wish i could be like her...hahaha...
  March 12, 2010 at 11:28 am report abuse
• hunkypunky28
  28. it's all about confidence ...go gurl!
  March 11, 2010 at 11:16 am report abuse
• 
  lalabong
  27. Amie is so sexy on her swimwear! I love her swimsuit!
  March 11, 2010 at 09:38 am report abuse
• 
  sweetdecember
  26. 26. good choice
  March 09, 2010 at 05:45 pm report abuse
• 
  mary_ann_lei
  25. Ang sexy naman niya!
  March 09, 2010 at 01:34 pm report abuse
• 
  myles_away
  24. Hi amie.. nice to meet u, ill see u around for sure. hehe told yah u look prettier when ur hair down. :)
  March 09, 2010 at 09:49 am report abuse
• 
  anne_perez2004
  23. wow! ang taray naman ni amie! go girl! have yourself full of confidence, it will lead you to success... wish you all the best!
  March 09, 2010 at 09:29 am report abuse
• 
  ayettelovesyou
  22. ganda ni ate!
  March 09, 2010 at 07:14 am report abuse
• 
  lavfifth
  21. pretty!
  March 07, 2010 at 11:36 am report abuse
• 
  amie1985
  20. mama!!!! :)
  March 07, 2010 at 08:47 am report abuse
• Deng
  19. She's my baby!!
  March 06, 2010 at 08:56 pm report abuse
• 
  khrizzysexig
  18. this one is perfect for you AMie.. :)
  March 06, 2010 at 04:39 pm report abuse
• 
  lovely_lhez
  17. bagay sa kanya.
  March 06, 2010 at 10:50 am report abuse
• Ramil
  16. hi
  March 06, 2010 at 07:13 am report abuse
• 
  cweesy
  15. The maillot looks good on you
  March 05, 2010 at 11:52 am report abuse
• 
  myles_away
  14. @amie- yes! same company, same bldg, same floor.. but not same team i guess. haha cge next time i'll say hi! :)
  March 05, 2010 at 11:10 am report abuse
• 
  amie1985
  13. @myles_away: officemate kita? wow, small world! :P but you can talk to me naman :)
  March 05, 2010 at 10:51 am report abuse
• 
  jhe_1212
  12. 12. Bagay kay Amie yung One-Piece swimsuit...
  March 05, 2010 at 10:33 am report abuse
• 
  myles_away
  11. Nice Girl! you look lot better with ur hair down...enough of the pony tail. I haven't got a chance to greet you or chat with u pag nkikita kita sa office...(im not sure if i look familiar) i dont want you to see me as feeling close...but I'm proud of you girl! hehe
  March 05, 2010 at 09:28 am report abuse
• 
  summerinparis128
  10. i love the swimsuits from salsatrends.nice! :D
  March 05, 2010 at 05:04 am report abuse
• amie
  9. thanks for all your comments, girls! a year ago i would've bailed out if i had to do something like this--i was 15 lbs heavier then. quick update: i'm back on the south beach diet and i'm working out more, so i could reach my ideal weight. but i guess it all starts with loving what you currently have. thanks again, cosmo! :)
  March 05, 2010 at 04:57 am report abuse
• keisha_26
  8. guys i need help i want to know the best pair of suit for me im kinda chubby so i want one that i will look sexier
  March 05, 2010 at 03:15 am report abuse
• 
  Elyz_Iza
  7. Nice choice you've got there, Amie! You look good in it!
  March 05, 2010 at 12:25 am report abuse
• 
  fishbowl84
  6. witiwiw!!
  March 04, 2010 at 10:06 pm report abuse
• 
  toughgurl
  5. sexy nung swimwear. I LIKE!=) I saw this one too sa March ish.=)
  March 04, 2010 at 08:25 pm report abuse
• 
  loveme.hateme
  4. mas maganda ka dito te. hmm. love the black/pink swimsuit!
  March 04, 2010 at 07:47 pm report abuse
• 
  miss_techylicious
  3. wow amie, kabog ka dito ha. correct, love your figure. thanks for sharing.
  March 04, 2010 at 07:32 pm report abuse
• 
  loveme.hateme
  2. kasi dba sya ung nanalo nung mga body shop products? she looks different with these pics.
  March 04, 2010 at 07:17 pm report abuse
• 
  loveme.hateme
  1. bakit parang ang taba nya dito?
  March 04, 2010 at 06:42 pm report abuse

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