Beach Please // Striped One Piece + BODY REAL TALK

Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a pink and white striped one-piece swimsuit.
Whether you're catching waves oceanside or chilling by the pool, the right swimsuit will have you soaking up the sun in style. This neon striped one-piece is my latest favorite.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's 2019 Rockaway Beach pics.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper on the beach with her striped swimsuit, striped beach bag, and striped towel.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a Solid and Striped one-piece swimsuit.
Sometimes rocking a swimsuit with confidence is hard. Join my TED Talk below ðŸ’—
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper at Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York 2019.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's beach photo shoot ideas.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's cute striped beach accessories.
How was my FIRST 2019 trip to the beach only this past weekend? Antonio and I headed to our favorite spot at Rockaway Beach here in New York on Saturday, and, as always I had a blast.

I went with a striped theme and completed my beachy look with neutral shades and a star-printed fabric headband, which was perfect for keeping my hair off my face despite the salty breeze. 
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing tan sunglasses from Banana Republic.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a pink and white Solid and Striped one-piece swimsuit.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a low-back one-piece swimsuit from Solid and Striped.
While a comfortable-fitting, stylish swimsuit may be important, nothing complements a beach look more than unapologetic confidence. Usually that's the last thing we feel when we step into a swimsuit, but, at least to me, that can mean you haven't found the right swimsuit. 

The key is not only to find one that you think looks great on you, but one that makes you feel empowered; like yourself. Easier said than done, I know. But finding a suit you're proud of, is the first step to feeling great when you hit the sand — and beyond!
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper wearing a cute outfit to the beach.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper's beach photo ideas 2019.
Nyc fashion blogger Kathleen Harper on Rockaway Beach, New York.
[swimsuit: Solid & Striped via Marshall's // headband: J.Crew (I also like this one) // sunglasses: Banana Republic (I also like this pair) // yellow & white towel: Kassatex New York // pink & white towel: Dock & Bay quick dry towel (I also like this one) // flamingo cup: Party City // striped beach bag: J.Crew // lip color: Sun Bum Tinted Sunscreen Lip Balm in "Raisin Hell"]

Not going to lie, as much as I adore the beach, I do NOT adore myself in a swimsuit. Posing for these types of photos, let alone posting them, isn't always the easiest thing. Looking back on all the pics Antonio and I took, YES I saw cellulite (way more than I even thought I had), YES I saw bulges I didn't know existed, YES I saw stretch marks, and you BET I felt my confidence deflate a few times.

I wish I had a secret confidence-boosting sauce to give to all my fellow fierce females out there, but the truth is, sometimes it's HARD to feel strong and beautiful, and that's ok. I've heard other people advise to think about how far you've come — no matter what that may mean for you. Personally, I think of my fitness journey — how much stronger I am now than three years ago, how much dedication I put into my cardio and strength training sessions. I'm physically not where I WANT to be, but in reality, will I ever be? Hmm, deep questions...

But no matter WHO you are, your body is capable of incredible things, and you better believe that's reason enough to celebrate! Your body woke you up this morning, it carried you through your day, it took you where you needed to go, and it continues to be with you every single step of the way. 

So maybe wearing a swimsuit isn't as easy as we wish it were, but the good news is that confidence and happiness grow from WITHIN, and propelling yourself forward is a journey you can start at any time — including now.

// SHOP //


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