Intentional dressing, during the summer & swim season...

Since I went swimsuit shopping yesterday and it's all fresh in my mind, I thought I'd share this article.  I thought there were some good points.  I feel "appropriate-ness" in regards to dress is largely not talked about, for whatever reason.  I'm not wanting to start a big Internet argument about modestly, but I thought the article was good.  I've also been more aware of being intentional (and I didn't say perfect) in this area because I have a little girl who is learning from ME!

http://madeinhisimage.org/the-bikini-question/

Hope it makes you think, consider, and make wise decisions...

Have a great Thursday!!

****Question from Leisel:
I am just curious...what do you do for swim-wear? Do you know of a company that makes modest swimsuits, that don't look "frumpy"? :)

Well...I went shopping at a mall on Wednesday, and had GREAT success right off.  I went to Bergners (found quite a few there), JC Penny, and Sears.  (I usually check online 1st, to see what's available and which stores to look at--saves me time! And, swimsuits are 1 of those purchases that I have to try on before I buy) All of the stores had styles that I was looking for. I was shocked!  I know what you mean by "frumpy"--yeah, not into that! 
A few years ago I settled for a tankini--but the top didn't have as much coverage as I wanted, but after shopping forever, I bought it because it was the most modest one I could find that day.  It was also the 1st time I bought the skirt bottoms.  Yes, I feel way more comfortable in a skirt vs. bikini.  Nothing is worse that feeling uncomfortable in what you're wearing!  Also, for me, I would perhaps not care as much if I was in a big city and didn't know anyone at the local swimming pool.  But, I live in a town of 1,000 and we do have a nice, local swimming pool.  I know pretty much everyone there and I'm far more conscious about what I wear there, verses if we're on the beach in FL and I don't know anyone.  (maybe that sounds strange, oh well ;)
The other day, there were WAY more "full coverage" styles.  Plus, I like the skirts or shorts instead of the bikini bottoms.  I bought 1 tankini top that looks sporty--kinda like a running tank--super cute, green, black, & pink patterned.  I also got another black and white tankini top that had a high neckline and was super cute.  I'm super-picky on swimwear: high in the front, long enough top, skirt that hits mid-thigh (finger-tip length)--if it's too short, the look is WIDE (ew!), patterned not plain, & and built in bra, preferably with pads.
There was a 3rd tankini that I loved: shirred on the side, black and white polka-dot, magnificant bra, modest, and really nice thick quality, and very feminine.  The other 2 were 40% off...and that one was $80, just for the top...so, I had to decline.  I have other things besides a 3rd tankini to spend $80, like groceries, LOL!! 
Oh!  And, I've always kinda laughed at "swimdresses", right or wrong.  HOWEVER, I found an adorable one at Bergners...it was a Nautica brand, simple and sporty style, navy, white with a yellow stripe.  Super Cute!  But, they only had size 10 & 12, and I thought I needed a size or 2 smaller.  Bummer...I'm going to keep checking online, to see if there are any other sizes available.  I never thought I'd try on, much less buy a swimdress, but it was SO cute!
Oh, and one more thing....for me, at this stage, I'm a lot more "pool side" than I am swimming in the water.  On swimming lesson days, I wear my one piece.  It's much easier to deal with in the water!  Tankini's are more modest, but there's more fabric, 2 pieces (watch out, if you go off the diving board!), and they tend to balloon up in the water. 
~~Hope that helps!~~Check JCPenny, Bergners, and Sears...you might find somethin'!