10 STYLE TIPS FOR LOOKING GOOD AT THE BEACH AND BY THE POOL

1) THE RIGHT STYLE FORYOU Finding a bathing suit that flatters your body is essential. While swimwear pieces usually are quite skimpy, there are ways to make them work to your advantage. The trick is knowing what you want to flaunt and what needs to be covered up. Every woman’s body is different, so it’s important to make sure you find one that’s right for your body type. • To camouflage a tummy, find a suit with ruching that acts like a suction cup. It holds you in place and conceals your mid-section. Tiny floral print or patterned suits will also help camouflage your middle. Look for halter-top styles, as they draw the eyes upward, showing off your collar bone. • If you are a little mindful of your backside, make sure your bottom is fully covered. Some hardware or decorations on the sides can also draw attention away from your bottom. • One-pieces are just as sexy as the bikinis. If you feel more confident with a modest swimsuit, go for it. Don’t feel under pressure to wear a bikini. Do what is right for you. 2) SIZING While this may sound simple enough, I always find that wearing clothing that doesn’t fit properly is one of the biggest fashion faux pas that women make. Try on more sizes of the style you like to find the perfect fit for you. 3) FAKE IT I always fake tan my troubles away. It’s true: Everything looks better bronzed. A self-tanner will camouflage imperfections like cellulite and wrinkles, and give you a nice healthy glow. I always find that limbs look longer and leaner when you have a good tan. My favourite tan on the market is Bellamianta. Not only is it free of chemicals, it has a natural golden glow and it smells delicious. 4) ACCESSORIES If I had to pick only one accessory for the beach, it would be a hat. Not only does it immediately draw the eye upwards to the face, but it can add color and style, plus protect you from the sun – and that’s a great combination. A beautiful and simple straw hat keeps hair out of your eyes, sun off your face, and you looking chic in one fell swoop. 5) HAIR For some texture, braid your hair on the way to the beach and let it down once you arrive. Fill a spray bottle with ocean water and spritz the hair thoughout the day – the waves will look effortless and sexy. 6) FOOT WEAR Another of my favourites is the high-wedge espadrille sandal. It will elongate your leg and give you a lift, without making it look like you are trying too hard. You don’t want to wear high heels on the beach, but an espadrille is just sporty enough to make it work. 7) EASY TONING Hula-hooping may sound silly, but it’s a serious abdominal workout. Hooping even rivals running as it burns 600 calories an hour! It engages your upper and lower abdominal and your obliques – perfect for getting into a bikini. Try it for 30 minutes, three times a week, for the best results. I’ve been doing it with my personal trainer for the last few weeks and it is making a big difference. Plus the laughs I have during class are something else. The best thing is that you can do it at home and with your kids! 8) COVER- UPS Wear a sarong or flowing beach skirt that ties into a little bow on your waist. The soft silky fabric will flow in the wind as you walk. Not only does it cover a multitude of sins, it gives you an elegant and eye- catching silhouette. 9) POSTURE Your posture is the key to making you look taller, slimmer and leaner. So next time you get up to order your margarita, make sure to stand up straight – your bikini body demands it. Good posture looks better in photos too. Sit with your knees drawn in toward your chest. Your legs will look slimmer, your tummy will look smaller and sitting up will mean you can read your favourite book or enjoy the views. 10) MANICURE & PEDICURE This is a hugely important part of your look. Enjoy some pampering hours in a beauty salon ensuring the best look for hands and feet. Remember that rocking a bathing suit is a confidence game. Hold your head up, walk with good posture and put some swing in your hips as you stroll along the sand. Work your curves and enjoy the feeling of having that holiday sun on your skin. Your body is already beautiful. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!