If you are like most women, bathing suit shopping is something you dread. The lights are always horrible, sizing varies a ton and styles are always changing! It was particularly hard for me this year because I had my second son in April. I am not exactaly in the best shape ever and I didn't know what style will look best on me. Because I live at the beach, I don't have the option of avoiding a bathing suit. I love the beach and so does the rest of my family. I wanted a suit that I can feel good in but that still covers all of the things that I am still working on after delivery. My good friend, Holly, had her baby just 2 weeks after I did so we were both in the same predicament. We decided to face this together! Buying a bathing suit isn't something that I like to cut corners on. I am willing to spend more money to buy a good quality suit that will hold up and look great. To me, a discount store just won't cut it. I know that one of the best places on the beach to find these types of bathing suits is Birthday Suits. Birthday Suits has been dressing families for decades on the Outer Banks and they are known for having lots of choices and personal help. With their 4 locations from Hatteras to Corolla, I knew that they would be able to find what we needed! Holly and I were met with friendly faces as soon as we entered the store in Monteray Plaza in Corolla. We explained to Emmy and Kim, the sales associates, that we had recently had babies and were looking for suits to help us feel like the hot mommas we are! Right away both Emmy and Kim went to work. They pulled tons of suits in various sizes for us to try. So that we weren't overwhelmed they just gave us a couple of suits at a time to try on. After putting on each suit, they were waiting for us to step out and explain what we liked and didn't like about that suit. This helped them get more of an idea of what was going to work best for us. They were so knowledgeable of the store's merchandise that I didn't even have to do the looking around. They basically did it for me based on my likes and dislikes. I loved that they pulled everything from a basic black suit to an elaborate, one shoulder jeweled suit. Holly and I both ended up with suits that we love! I got a Ralph Lauren one piece that fades from royal blue to navy with a roched stomach. Holly got a Hobie black and white suit with a flirty ruffle that adds the cutest flair! I feel gorgeous in my new suit and the best part was that the first time I wore it I immediately got a compliment from a complete stranger! I definitely suggests that you take an hour or so at the beginning of your beach week to stop into Birthday Suits to let these wonderful ladies fit you into a suit that helps you feel fantastic! You won't regret it!
Mallory found a winner!
Holly, Mallory, and the babies
Kim and Emmy, who helped make it happen.
Mallory and Holly in their new suits.