Its that time of year again when we are all eagerly awaiting our summer holidays, and of course, summer holiday shopping. The fun things, like sandals, sunglasses and jewellery are always pretty easy to stash and grab, the swimwear? Not so much. I’ve developed a quick and easy guide…

For pure naughty nautical, What Katie Did , deliver a small but perfectly formed range of darling-ly retro swimsuits. It goes all out, so its more for our hardcore-retro laydees. However, I would certainly be doing a little wave and a curtsy, modeling this! All the sailors will be bringing you a Shirley Temple cocktail!

It would be ill advised of me not to feature something from the nations beloved Marks and Spencers. They are slowly but surely capitalising on what they do best and twisting in some quirky numbers, like the leopard one above, that can rival most high-end boutique styles. With the interesting loop detail on the bust, this isn’t going to hold above a D-cup, but it is very Miami beach, and will gloriously define a slender figure better. £19.50 for a top, and 15.00 for the bottom and you have a designer looking piece for a fraction of the price.

From Bristol to Brazil, it just ain’t easy to find a bikini that supports a large bust and makes a girl look like a pin-up girl.
Play it safe, and go back to black. A faithful lover, it disguises any lumps and bumps and gives that sheeny, sexy allure all at the same time. This iconic heart ‘Eclipse’ collection from Freya (£26-£28.00), truly delivers in a classic yet playful way. It also has four brief options (£13017.00)-so whatever your shape there will be one to suit you. A brazilian brief is better for those girls with a peach of a bum as it gives the least coverage, a skirted brief skims off the hips makes for a flattering focus instead of you worrying about your lovehandles. A classic brief is good for any girl with Barbie like pins and a shortie is a perfect all rounder.
The blue and white stripe ‘Midnight Grace’ number on the left, is perfect for those ladies heading out to St Tropez, and encumbers not only fashion but function in its styling, with a choice of two tops (£22/24) and two bottoms (£18.00). A flirty frill bottom or cheeky halterneck is sexy and guaranteed to focus on the best of your bits, and this is the one time I’d say to do a horizontal stripe, as you maximise your assets. And both are available from Figleaves too!

I am always partial to a bit of Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams, and this geometric printed number is super Sassy- the frills are pin-up, the print is a bit 60’s Jayne Mansfield and it would look stunning on any hourglass figure. Sure, its bright, but you have to WORK what you’ve got, right? Its also one of those great cross-graded styles which go up to a 38E. At a high street price too, £18.00/14.00, it won’t hang around long, sadly like Ms Mansfield, herself.

The number on the right, is the gorgeous coral coloured bikini from La Senza-again great high street value, which goes from an A to a G (£20.00) with a choice of knickers from tie-side to tummy control high waisted-yes, I know what you are thinking, fabulously fifties!-bottoms(£14.00). Coral is always a brilliant colour to wear on the beach-it is warm enough for those without tans to carry off, and it complements a honey glow too, unlike the other super-brite pinks and reds which seems to come out this time of year. Its about being subtley noticed, not being spotted from three miles down the beach, after all.

For the full Bardot experience, you go for a full gingham. This cotton set from APC Madras at ASOS, might not be the one for jumping into a pool -it will go soggy, heavy and see through-but its perfect with a bit of nude lipstick, some tousled hair and a yacht.

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas apparently. What happens in this swimsuit however, is a whole other matter. I have nothing other to say than the Seafolly Fringe Benefits at ASOS range is FABULOUS and won’t fit me, therefore I look upon it with a lust for country and western that goes beyond normal. Dolly yourself up in this however, and it won’t be cheap at £79.00 but its one of those things you’ll remember forever, just like the Lady herself.

For the ultimate pin-up girl-the one with the pennies, basically- there are only two viable options that you MUST explore. One is the fabulous Pistol Panties, and the other is Agent Provocateur. Whether you want to do festival chic-Try P.P’s Britt or Polly- or Minnie Mouse-A.P’s Allie- at the beach, get inspired by their fun ranges.

If you want any advice, on finding a swimsuit or a bikini that will suit you, or want to channel a style icon, leave a note at the bottom and I’ll see what I can do!