Every personal trainer at some point during the year is going to hear about how a client needs to look good in a swimsuit. Usually this happens around spring time, or prior to a vacation that involves a beach and/or swimming pool.

Looking hot in a bathing suit is hard work. I’m just going to break that to you right up front. We’re talking about making good nutritional choices, and working that body hard. Of course, choosing the right suit to maximize your beach look is important too.

Follow These Tips on How to Tone Your Booty

Typically there are three target areas that women want to focus on. These are the belly, the arms, and the rump. Today we’re going to focus on that last one – the derriere.

Do you have a flat butt, and want a little junk in the trunk? Maybe you’ve got too much pa dunk-a-dunk and want to tone it down a tad. It’s all good. I’m here to help.

There are quite a few exercises that you can do to help in this area. To be honest, you only need three. Yep, I said three.

1. Squats
These are the daddy of all leg and butt exercises. Whether done with or without weights, these little guys right here are the key to success. In fact, if you were only going to do one exercise for you backside, these are it.

The basic squat is done with your feet about shoulder width apart, pointing straight ahead. You may find it better to point your toes out slightly. That’s okay, just don’t go too far. Keep your head pointed straight ahead, and your back straight (note I didn’t say vertical), bend your knees and squat down so that your thighs are parallel to the ground. If your knees are okay with it, you can go down farther. Once you’ve bottomed out, stand back up while keeping your form.

Congratulations, you just completed a squat. You can attack these with your feet at different distances from each other in order to target the area from different angles.

To use weights or not? Here’s the thing, doing squats with your bodyweight is good. You’re going to want to increase the number of repetitions (reps), say 15-20 per set. Get this though; adding weight by using dumbbells, or better yet a barbell (if you have access to these) is even better. Adding weights will build muscle, which is what we want. Muscle will firm up the area, and that is the goal that you’re after. Plus, muscle is sexy. Period. Don’t be afraid to go heavy. Just be sure to decrease the number of reps per set. Depending on how heavy you go, 5-8 reps are perfect.

2. Step-ups
Here’s the deal, you need something sturdy for this one. Grab a solid chair, a wooden box, etc. Just make sure that it won’t collapse, tip, fold, or roll away.

Feet together, lift one leg up, place your foot on the chair (or whatever), step up with the other foot, and step down with the first foot. Repeat this in the same order for 10 reps. Then switch legs and repeat. That’s one set. Give me three total. Too easy for you? Grab a set of dumbbells.

3. Lunges
Feet together, hands on your hips, or behind the neck. Take one step forward, toes pointing forward, and lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the ground. Your back knee should not touch, let alone smash into the ground. Step back into the starting position, and repeat for 10 reps on each side for 3 sets.

One variation that you can alternate with is to do reverse lunges. Do this by stepping back, as opposed to stepping forward. Once again, grab a set of dumbbells for some additional fun.

There you have it – The three exercises that are guaranteed to build you one sexy butt.

Todd Boyer writes to motivate people about exercise and nutrition at PhitZone. To receive a complimentary workout, be sure to get their newsletter.

Pear shaped ladies often have difficulty finding a swimsuit that flatters their fuller lower bodies without making their upper half disappear. Luckily, there are several swimsuit styles that will work for this body type!

1. Fold-Over Bikini Bottoms
To flatter your lower half, look for a bikini with a dark, solid-colored bottom. Try a fold-over style bottom with an adjustable waistband. This will help cover your bottom half while letting you adjust the fit for the most figure flattering look ever!

Summer Stripe Fold-Over Bottom

2. Skirted Bottoms
Suits with skirted bottoms are perfect for pear shaped women, particularly if they’re done in a dark solid color. They help cover up your wider areas while still looking super stylish. Plus, you have a lot of options with this type of suit; be it a sleek, sexy skirt or a swingier, asymmetrical style.

Tricolore by Gottex Profile

3. Two-Tone
To draw the eye upwards, choose a suit that reflects a dark color on bottom with a print or brighter color up top. This ensures that your top half is the center of attention, while keeping your lower body covered. Plus, a darker bottom will fool the eye into thinking you’re slimmer all around.

Tesserae Taylor by L SPACE

4. Bandeaus
Whether in a one piece or bikini, choosing a bandeau style swimsuit works well for pear shapes because it attracts attention upwards. In a one piece, look for ruching near the tummy and a skirted waist; in a bikini, simply choose a bandeau style with a full coverage bottom.

Vintage Band by ViX

To read more about swimwear trends or other fashion and beauty related articles, please visit TheFashionableHousewife.com.

Denise Shively is the Beauty Editor for TheFashionableHousewife.com, a blog dedicated to sharing budget-friendly fashion and beauty tips for busy women everywhere.

Examples of Proper & Improper Fit... Be a Bikini DO!

Bathing suits … well they are an interesting wardrobe item.  You are as exposed as it’s going to get on the beach or pool, so you want to feel comfortable and confident. You might not be a celebrity or a Sports Illustrated model, and you probably don’t have a personal stylist, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t sport a comfortable, sexy and confident beach look.

Here are some tips to get you beach confidence-proof ready:

Have you ever found yourself looking in the mirror, liking the fit of the swimsuit, just to find that you are not comfortable with how much booty you were revealing? So your next step was to ask the sales person for a larger size, thinking larger would mean more back coverage.  This couldn’t be farther from the truth.  Larger will mean just that, a larger size of the same cut and style. If you don’t like the Brazilian or the cheeky back bottom, try a style that is cut full and will provide more coverage for your ‘derrière’.

You happen to be one of those lucky gals, with a full size bust, but you’re not so lucky when it comes to picking out swimsuit tops. Be open to trying styles other than the traditional underwire tops. A good halter-top with a thicker under bust strap will act as an underwire and provide plenty of coverage.  A top with adjustable thicker straps – like the Goddess Athena Tankini Top by Seafolly – works extra well for cup sizes D and larger. If you want to stick to a bikini, try the Horizon Stripe by Seafolly. If you’re daring you can try a bandeau top, but look for ones with straps in the center that can add additional support and a good closure in the back, so the top does not slide (ride up and down) on your back. 

Lastly, make sure you are wearing the correct size.  Most swimwear is made from about 15% – 20% Lycra, which means the fabric will stretch.  You want the swimsuit to be snug, but not to dig in.  If you have what I call “fabric wave” or gathering at the edges of your booty then the bottom is too big.  For the tops make sure the fabric covers enough on both sides of your bust and the string, band, or underwire, fall directly below your bust line.

What are your biggest bikini woes?

Audrina Patridge in the "Lola" bikini by Pily Q

She’s at it again…a bikini clad Audrina Patridge was spotted on the sunny beaches of Los Cabos, Mexico sporting one of the hottest numbers from the new Pily Q swimwear line!

Growing up in Orange County, California, we know Audrina is no stranger to a beach or a bikini! I feel like it is everyday I see a different photo of Audrina in a bikini and according to her interview with Shape Magazine, that is a pretty likely case.  The magazine’s July cover-girl confesses that she tries to get to the beach everyday – lucky her huh?  She explains the beach brings sanity to her life and that “it’s a perfect place to be alone with your own thoughts.”  Well my thoughts are that Audrina is a stunning 10 in a bikini and now we know why.  Here’s a sneak peek at some of Audrina’s pre-beach stay fit tips and confidence boosters:

"Lola" by Pily Q

1. Make sure you are wearing the right swimsuit style for your body.  What works on someone else’s body might not be right for you
2. Be comfortable and confident.  Patridge suggests “walking around your house in your swimsuit until it feels like second skin”
3. Protect your skin from the harsh rays and wear sunscreen.  Most of Audrina’s gorgeous glow is a faux sunless tan
4. Give your body a quick work-out boost of squats, crunches and lunges to get the blood flowing to those areas!  Audrina explains it makes her feel “tighter and stronger, and gives her skin a nice rosy glow”

 
The Pily Q Lola has a colorful watercolor-inspired floral print and is one my favorite of many bikini looks for Audrina!  Want to get the same look with a little edge?  Try the Lola Mix, which features an alluring ruffled leopard print trim!

When you first hear “one-piece,” many people automatically think of their granny’s old unflattering swimsuit.  However, these people probably have never tried monokini swimsuits!  Monokinis are considered one-pieces, however they have sexy side cut-out sections, making them look like two-pieces from behind.  In our opinion, monokinis are great style solutions for women with all different body types.  This week’s Pick of the Week is on how to master the monokini by choosing a style that suits your needs.

(From left to right): "Chain Link" by Juicy, "Alli Monokini" by ViX, "Sassy Monokini" by Vitamin A Silver & "White Monokini" by Anika Brazil

Despite the side cut-outs, many monokini swimsuits resemble traditional one-pieces in that they provide great front tummy coverage.  These styles are perfect for women who crave the sexiness associated with bikinis, but who still prefer that substantial front coverage.  In addition, monokini swimsuits with good front coverage are perfect for hiding that tummy pooch that’s so hard for us ladies to get rid of.

(From left to right): "Tropez" by L*SPACE, "Bundle Monokini" by Banana Moon, "Fuerte Ventura" by OndadeMar & "Snake Bite" by Sauvage

On the other hand, a number of monokinis are even sexier (and almost as skimpy) as bikinis!  These styles of monokini swimsuits usually feature a thinner strip of fabric in the front (sometimes none at all), thus exposing more of your tummy area.  These monokinis are especially great for women with very straight and non-curvy figures; the exaggerated side cutouts help create the illusion of curves!

If you’re in need of a new swimsuit and are tired of seeing the same old one-pieces and bikinis, try monokini swimsuits and watch them work their monokini magic on your figure!

Open Minded DD Swimwear by BECCA

Let’s be honest—we’re not all built like stick skinny models.  Not only are many of us curvier, but some of us also have a much fuller bust.  Lucky for you, we’ve put together some tips on how to choose DD Swimwear that will offer you the best support for an ample bosom.

Halter tops are by far the most supportive top styles and they come in a variety of designs.  In general, halters feature thick supportive neck straps, making it the perfect DD Swimwear style.  Some styles even feature chic adjustable details on the straps which can slide up and down to create more or less bust coverage.  As a general tip, if your halter top features a thicker underband, then it will be more supportive.

In addition to halters, certain styles of bandeau tops can make the perfect DD Swimwear style.  Bandeaus that have a thick supportive neck strap can add some amazing support to what would be an ordinary strapless top.  Furthermore, bandeau tops with underwire cups also offer great support.

Shopping for DD Swimwear online is often even easier than going out to the store.  At InStyleSwimwear.com, we have an entire section on our site dedicated to DD Swimwear, making your swimwear shopping experience easy as 1, 2, 3!  Happy shopping!

Let’s face it—even the most fashion-savvy fashionistas can have some trouble in the fit department.  Bandeau tops are one of the most popular swimsuit top styles around, and believe it or not, many people wear them incorrectly.  We

For Vitamin A and Vitamin A Silver bandeau tops, make sure the tag is on the left!

 recently spoke with the ever-talented Amahlia Stevens of Vitamin A Swimwear and she offered some helpful fit tips.

1. Make Sure Your Top is Right Side Up
It may sound simple enough, but many bandeau tops, including twist bandeaus, look the same whether they’re right side up or upside down.  You can usually figure out which way is the right way by the inside tags.  For example, tags for Vitamin A Swimwear bandeau tops should always be on your left.  By wearing the top the right way, you get the best support and lift.   

2. Tie Your Top Securely
Many bandeau tops tie in back.  To ensure that you get the best support and overall security, you must tie your bandeau tops snugly around back.  If you don’t tie it tight enough, the fabric won’t stretch far enough across the front and it will not fit properly.  Amahlia from Vitamin A Swimwear says that the best way to put on bandeau tops is to tie it very snugly around the natural waist, with the bow or knot in the front, then spin the tie around to the back and pull the bra up over the bust while bending forward.  Just like a strapless bra!

3. It’s All About the Comfort
For both swimsuit tops and bottoms, comfort is key.  If your bandeau tops feel really uncomfortable, chances are you’re either wearing it incorrectly or you need a different size. 

If you’re unsure about size, fit, style, you name it, contact our fit experts.  Out knowledgeable swimsuit experts are always happy to help!  Big thanks to Amahlia Stevens of Vitamin A Swimwear!

Snooki in the Jail Monokini by GUESS

Apparently Snooki didn’t get the memo.  When we last left her, we spotted America’s favorite meatball in the not-so-flattering leopard print Skinny Dip Monokini by GUESS Swimwear.  This time, Snooki was spotted yet again in a monokini from GUESS Swimwear—the red and white striped Jail House Monokini. 

Many women love monokinis, as they’re “sexier” than traditional one-pieces yet they still provide great front coverage for a not-so-toned tummy.  However, monokinis with busy prints (like Snooki’s leopard and horizontal striped monokinis from GUESS Swimwear) are big no-nos if you’re trying to slim your figure.  Furthermore, monokinis with string tie-sides are un-flattering if you’re curvy or pear-shaped like Snooki; with these body shapes, skinny tie-sides can actually make you look wider than you really are.

Instead of printed tie-side monokinis, we recommend that Snooki wears a dark solid-hued monokini with a scoop-style bottom, such as the Fringe Black Monokini by L*SPACE Swimwear.  For two-pieces, we recommend either the Kitty Tankini by Gottex Profile or the Noir Uptown Tankini by Vitamin A.

 
 
Snooki, we hope you’re reading!  Stay away from those busy printed monokinis from GUESS Swimwear and let us help you find your perfect swimsuit today!

Today we have a guest post from Lauren, blogger at La Petite Fashionista.  Read on

After spending the last 21 years living in Florida I consider myself somewhat of an expert on taking swimwear and accessories from the beach to the streets.  I’m a fashion blogger at La Petite Fashionista and I’ve teamed up with InStyleSwimwear to bring you my tips on rocking cover-ups and accessories whether you’re sunbathing or shopping!

Here are a few of my favorite looks for Spring Break and Summer:

1. Cover-Ups as Dresses
A cover-up like this white crocheted piece from OndadeMar is too pretty to only be worn as a cover-up.  Pair with bejeweled sandals or lace-up espadrilles to wear this look anywhere.  Brighten it up with a wrist full of bangles or string of turquoise stones in a necklace.

Bohemian Sands Cover-Up by OndadeMar

2. Hats to Keep Messy Beach Hair in Check
Hats like this straw Panama style from Melissa Odabash are perfect for keeping sun off your face and protecting hair from damaging UV rays.  They’re not only functional, but are perfect for keeping tousled hair under wraps after a day of splashing around in saltwater.

Panama Fedora Hat by Melissa Odabash

3. Beach Bags as Boho Chic Carry-Alls
Beach totes like this berry hued style from Maryan Mehlhorn are perfect for toting sunscreen and beach towels to the pool, but equally as perfect to carry a make-up bag, magazines, and all of life’s other daily essentials off the beach.

Utopia Berry Beach Tote by Maryan Mehlhorn

4. Dressy Sandals for a Beachy Glam Look
A pair of sandals, like this style from Melissa Shoes can be a bit more versatile (and stylish) than your traditional rubber flip-flops.  This pair is actually plastic so it’s perfect for walks on the beach, but would look just as cute with a sundress.

Flower Jelly Sandals by Melissa Shoes

These are just a few of my favorite ways to incorporate my beach cover-ups and accessories into my everyday spring and summer wardrobe.  I’d love to hear your tips!

Heidi Montag & Cameron Diaz wearing the Lola Bandeau Top (in slate)

By now it’s a well-known fact that celebrities love them some L SPACE Swimwear!  Celebrities like Lauren Conrad, Cameron Diaz, Chrissy Teigen, AnnaLynne McCord, Denise Richards, Victoria Beckham, and more have all been spotted rockin’ their favorite L SPACE bikinis. 

Lola Bandeau (grey)

Although the label makes a number of different top and bottom styles, certain designs have become synonymous with the L SPACE Swimwear brand.  For example, the Lola Bandeau Top has become one of the most coveted top styles, and both Cameron Diaz and Heidi Montag have been spotted wearing it in a gorgeous slate blue hue.  The best thing about this signature L SPACE style is that it features a chic twist bandeau design, which creates a curvy look up top.  Also, the Lola Bandeau Top has soft molded cups, making this style especially perfect for ladies with smaller busts!  And since it is part of L SPACE’s new and improved Slinky Solids line, it’s also glamorously green!

Simple yet chic, the Lola Bandeau Top by L SPACE Swimwear is essential for summer!  Get your hands on the Lola Bandeau in slate blue a la Cameron, or check it out in grey, cream, red, or olive!