Flaunt that sexy beach body

My friend "Roxanne" has a problem with my bathing suit. She says it's too "sporty." I say it's great for moving around at the beach and for hiding problem areas, i.e. my thighs.

She is pushing me to get a new "sexier" suit. So, I am considering.

Here is a great suit for gals like me who are a bit apprehensive to bare it all. This one-piece conceals the tummy area and the keyhole top adds a splash of sex. Best part of all, the busy swirl pattern keeps the eye moving and off problem areas.

Summer essentials for less than 15 bucks!

Can you hear it?
The beach is calling!
It’s time to get geared up for a beach playdate or summer barbecue with friends.
Here are my favorite seasonal picks (the best part is they are all under $15!):


Border Print Scarf — $12.50 at Old Navy
Dress up your bathing suit tunic for dinner at the Tikki Bar and Grill on Crystal Beach with this fun, flirty accessory.

Enamel Rings — 99 cents at Aeropostale
Wear them single or stack them high for a little beach bling.


Xhilaration Hobo Beach Bag — 11.99 at Target
Make a “grape” impression with this purple Hobo tote, which is great for carrying anything from bottles of water to magazines.


Printed String Bikini — $15 for each piece at Old Navy
Make a splash in this sexy two-piece. No one will guess you got it at a near steal.




Plaid Printed Shooter Flip Flops — $7.99 at Aeropostale
Cross preppy with sporty and these flip-flops make a great summer style for guys.


Coppertone Sunblock — $7.44 at Target
Everyone knows the best summer accessory is smooth, healthy skin. Skip the lobster look and slather on lots of sunscreen this summer. You’ll thank yourself in 20 years.


Knit Tube Dress — $15 at Old Navy
Cover up! This hot pink tunic is a girl’s best friend before and after hitting the beach. You can pull it on when you feel like you’ve had too much sun or you can sport around in the dress while shopping along Galveston’s Strand. For those of you with problem areas, the dress’s free flowing form helps cover up all the places you want to hide and accent those you don’t!


Men’s Board Shorts — $15 at Old Navy
Guys, spice up your summer suit with a bold print and scorching colors. As an added bonus, bright colors make tans seem deeper.

Floppy Beach Hat — $12.99 at Target
Look sassy and sexy in this fun summer hat while keeping harmful rays off your face.


Xhilaration Sunglasses for Women — $12.99 at Target
Let your fun personality shine through with these colorful sunglasses.

Merona Sunglasses for Men — $14.99 at Target
Protect your eyes and channel your inner aviator with these cool specs.

Photos by Enterprise photographer Dave Ryan

10 tips for dressing 10 pounds lighter

Let's say it in unison: "Oh My God! It's almost bathing suit season!"
Now that we have that out of our system, here are 10 easy steps to dress 10 pounds lighter (You know, while you work on getting that bathing suit bod ready for summer!):

1. Don't go baggy or too tight. Women who attempt to mask their weight with over sized clothes or skin-tight pants only highlight their flaws. Dress your size.

2. Make black your favorite color. Wearing black or navy blue around your "trouble areas" works wonders for hiding excess pounds. Stay away from light acid washed denim or (eh gads!) white jeans.

3. Get a uniform appearance. Try pairing the same color top and bottom with a bright cardigan or scarf to minimize your size. By wearing the same color top and bottom, you actually lengthen your appearance and look leaner.

4.Accessorize properly. Leave the skinny clutch handbag and tiny lockets at home if you are packing excess weight. Tiny accessories can make you appear heavier by drawing the eye to your "trouble areas".

5.Rock the stilettos girls! To make your physique appear slimmer, add some height with a good pair of heels. For women who just need to shed a few pounds, skinny stilettos are appropriate. If you are wanting to lose a lot of weight, try a thicker heel to avoid the appearance that you are putting excess weight on tiny heels.

6. Get a good fit. Avoid stretch pants and stay away from tapered or slim cut jeans. Also, make sure jeans and dress pants come to the top of your shoe. Capris pants should rest just past the thickest part of the calf to lengthen your appearance.

7. Just say no to jersey (the fabric and the state)! If you are hiding a few pounds, avoid all jersey knit dresses and tops. Jersey is quite the unforgiving fabric and will highlight every dimple, bulge and bump.

8. Sit up tall. The best way to knock off the appearance of a bulge or pooched belly is to have good posture. Standing tall, with your head held high will actually lengthen your body and boost confidence.

9. Pick your patterns wisely. Small patterns or extra large patterns are actually your enemy when trying to hide your weight. Both can draw the eye to "trouble areas." Stick to mid-size prints and patterns to accentuate your best flaws.

10. Dress your age. If you don't have the legs of a 20-year-old anymore, let those short skirts go. You don't have to sacrifice your love of good fashion as you age. You just need to find more classic pieces that make you feel young and stylish, and look less like the punch line of a joke.