With this summer being all about the statement suit (think graphic prints, cut-outs, mesh, crochet, etc), I was excited to christen my new daring, cut-out Norma Kamali-90s-like one-piece this past weekend up in Santa Barbara. Even though I am far from sun-kissed and not quite in summer-fighting shape, I felt pretty good in it. Since the suit was cute, I felt cute. Or, rather, confident. So, going forward, my swimsuit shopping philosophy is the more striking the suit, the better I'll look--and feel. On my wish list now: the cut-out Kore maillot, above, in figure-flattering black, this ridiculously cute Lisa Maree crochet bikini, this paisley J.Crew convertible bikini (25% off!), and this striped Mikoh two-piece.

Photo: Harpers Bazaar UK