Remember when we went to Mexico? What I left out (because I was in such a tizzy) was what a tizzy I went into right before we left, trying to find a swimsuit that fit. Here’s the thing. I’m totally fine that my bod ain’t what it used to be, BUT I knew we were going to be hanging out with actors and performers, people whose jobs require them to look a certain way, and I didn’t want to be “the mom.” I may have to tuck my stomach into my swim bottoms, but, dammit, they are going to be some killer bottoms.

I saw this peplum suit over on Kingdom and State, and basically decided it was the answer to all of my problems; I see peplum as the cooler cousin of ruffled-bottom suits – they cover you up and give you a waist without screaming, “I am wearing a gigantic ruffle to hide the fact I’ve carried multiple children in my stomach.”
The only problem with all of this is I don’t look like Cara Loren, the blogger/model in the photo. Wait, WHAT? Fine. I hate to admit this, but, for some reason, I kinda thought the suit was going to look the same on me as it does on her. And, yes, I maybe secretly hoped it would make my hair all long and tossled and I’d be all tan and in shape, and fine, I was weirdly surprised (and kinda disappointed) when it didn’t. In my defense I’d like to say I haven’t slept properly in years and I am a very optimistic person. Occasionally bordering on delusional, but optimistic all the same.

Having said that, it’s a great suit. It’s supportive and pulls the girls up, if you know what I mean, it’s long enough that it covers your stomach easily, and is well-made. I highly recommend it.

Now I didn’t see this suit until after the fact, but it looks adorable, right? (Or is it just because the model is also gorgeous and looks so damn happy? I can’t be trusted.). I like it has a touch of ruching without going all crazy and the straps look like they’d actually hold you in place.

So cute, right? I love that this version has a little bit of flair on the hips and that side ruching has to be flattering. My only caution is it’s from Target and so it might not be as well made (and supportive) as some of these other versions. Having said that, it’s inexpensive so you could just have fun with it while the peplum trend is hot.

Of course, this one is from Anthropologie because they know how to make a woman look like a woman. It has an AMAZING cut, which I’d bet actually flatters in all the right places, plus it has removable straps which can be tricky but I bet this one would actually stay up. They have a glamorous black version too – I can’t decide which I like better.

Ahoy matey! Seriously, I want someone to buy this one from Modcloth just so I can throw sailor jargon at you all day, which wouldn’t be annoying at all.

This one, in theory, is friggin’ adorable. I love the stripes, I’m a big fan of the whole high-waisted bottoms with peplum (the better to hold you in, my dear) and the colors are ridiculous. It might be a little short if you’re longer-waisted and I’ve never shopped on this particular site, but it’s fairly inexpensive so it might be worth a look?

Most of these places have really good return policies (if it looks terrible, you’re not stuck with it) so you can get a few and try them out. One word of caution: Cara Loren is very, very pretty. Do with it what you will.