Sooooo this girl right here (me) HATES the idea of getting into a bikini, let alone any kind of swimsuit. Especially around this time of year when all the bronzed babes who have detoxed, cardio'd, squatted and prepared for this season are hitting the beach in all their gorgeous glory, and I'm just here still enjoying my pizza, pasta, etc etc.
So here I was in Kaua'i with an ill-fitting bathing suit, experiencing the lovely 80-degree temps and 99% humidity and regretting every slice of pizza I've ever eaten. Regardless of my shape or size, I decided I needed to just splash out for a new suit and roll with it (because a good tan makes everyone look better, right?)
We stumbled upon Bikini808 shop in Hanalei and my husband was the one to convince me to go inside and check it out. The shopkeeper was lovely and tried to get a good idea of what I was looking for (a muumuu was apparently out of the question), and selected a bunch of different styles, patterns and fits for me to try. The shop itself is teeny tiny, and the fitting room was equally small and blazing hot. I hated everything I tried on that day. Not because they weren't awesome pieces, I just couldn't like them on me. So we left as I dropped the typical, "We might be back, just have to think about it..."
Well, I did think about it, overnight. The next day I was feeling more inspired and told my ever-so-patient husband I wanted to go back. Upon our arrival the shopkeeper just smiled at me and said, "I had a feeling you'd be back!" She again hand-selected pieces for me and I tried them all on. That day was a little less hot and I was feeling better about the bikinis I tried on.
I eventually chose two(!) bottoms that cover a whole lot less butt than I'm used to, but my bikini fairy assured me that I'd love them even more with a tan (P.S. she was right). I also got a cool top that isn't a halter which I absolutely adore.
If you're on Kaua'i and in need of a bikini, I highly recommend you at least start your search here! read more