Beach Bound

My mom worships the sun and turns a lovely golden tan within minutes. I however, was not blessed with these genes.  I am pale and turn a painful shade of pink when I spend too much time outdoors.  Last time I went to the beach my spray sunscreen was partially blown away by the wind and I wound up with red zebra stripes on my legs that unfortunately have not completely gone away yet.  Despite my lack of love for the skin effects brought on by our closest star, I have been swept up by the warm weather and am currently craving a new swim suit.    I typically prefer one piece suits (they have a retro, sophisticated feel that I like), but this season some incredible tribal inspired bikinis have also caught my attention.  My solution to this sunburn vs seasonal clothing dilemma will be a floppy straw hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella.  Here's what's on my radar:

purple halter - gray cross back - mint halter - red halter - blue one shoulder

I actually already have the gray one and I love the way it sucks me in.  I have worn it so much it's time for a replacement.  And I just cannot resist the seahorse pattern on the blue option. 

Here are the absolutely gorgeous bikinis that I'm seriously tempted by, even though they'd look ridiculous with my pasty white torso (since I always wear one-pieces).  Both are by Mara Hoffman.

blue jungle print - black ethnic embroidery

And finally, something to protect me from the sun's scorching rays:

hat - sunglasses - dress