Swimwear is an item I am currently looking for at the moment for my holiday this year.The last couple of bikinis I have bought have been from a factory shop in Rothwell who make swimwear and underwear so their products are sized and structured like underwear and give good support.They make various brands but mine are Freya.I did go over there a couple of weeks ago but its a bit hit and miss as to what stock and sizes they have in because it is a factory shop and they did not have anything suitable at the time.I have seen a number in Asda which I liked the styles of and tried on,however all the tops seemed to be cut in exactly the same way,although different styles, and with every one of them I was falling out of the bottom of the cup.The cup size is ok but they did not fit close to the body and stood proud of my rib cage.I always go for a bikini rather than swimsuit or tankini because I want a maximum tan all over on holiday.Whilst I love the look of halterneck tops I never buy them as this gives you tan lines across your chest towards your neck which then looks ridiculous with strappy dresses and tops.As far as strapless bikinis go I am yet to find one that will support my southerly heading boobs!What I would like to find ideally is a fashionable(this is very important as I do not want to look too old and sensible on the beach) underwired bikini with straps that are not too wide but not shoestring.They definately need to be adjustable straps like a bra to give lift.I would prefer the mix and match separates option as all bodies are different and a top that suits me is not always matched to the correct style of bottoms that suit when in a set.Bottoms I like are varied from thin sided or tied to shorts, all subject to the particular cut of the style.I certainly would not consider thongs at my age and never think men should wear them at any age!! I would be open to trying on tummy support styles but not sure how frumpy they would look.As far as patterns and colours go I am very open minded.I like classic colours but also think bright fluorescents look great.Paisley is very in at the moment and I think that would look great in swimwear.The only one I would avoid is white as this can be see through when wet and you dont find this out until too late on the beach!Girlie is good with mixed patterned fabrics and frills(in moderation of course) to distract from the lumps and bumps.Finally I never buy with metal rings as decoration between the cups or on the hips as in my experience they can get very hot in the sun!

My daughter has a school prom in a few weeks time so took her into Leicester to find an outfit.She had already seen a dress she liked on line in River Island so we headed straight for there.It was available and she tried it on,we both agreed it looked lovely.How easy was that!!Next we needed shoes to go with it.There were several pairs she liked also in River Island but we struggled to find an assistant to help us with sizes.It took us aproximately 10 mins to get help.I wonder if they ever sell any shoes.There was a pair we both really loved but they were extremely high and I felt she may regret that by the end of the evening when her feet were killing her,so decided to look around elsewhere.Oh! and they were also quite expensive at £50,but good quality leather.We then trawled around Next shoes,Debenhams,Rackhams & Miss Selfridge all of which had no assistants around to help with getting sizes.We then went on to actual shoe shops like Schuh and Faith.They were all so much more geared up to selling, with plenty of help on hand,but unfortunately we didnt see anything she liked as much as the first ones in River Island.So,3 hours later and getting fed up we felt maybe we would just go back and get those,but first we would just try New Look as a last ditched attempt.Shoe shopping in here is the worst.No seating & few mirrors and all a bit of a jumble and certainly no assistants.However they do have all sizes on display.There was a pair of black and Cream patent shoes almost identical to the ones she liked in River Island and they had a slightly lower heel and were less than half the price at £20.She tried them on and they looked nice and were comfortable.We agreed the quality was not as good but she may not have many opportunities to wear them often,so decided to go for them on the basis with the money we saved she could get some stuff from Primark.So next into Primark and bought a pair of Linen trousers for her & a pair for my other daughter and a pair for myself.These are great value at only £8 a pair and come in many colours.We already have several pairs.We also bought 2 bikinis,2 chiffony beach tops and 2 pairs of linen shorts and a T shirt for me.And all for less than £50.Really as much as I like to hate Primark, for "disposable"clothing they really are very good value.The worst thing about the shop is queueing up 20 deep for the changing rooms and then again at the tills to pay.I have washed the linen trousers by the way and they wash fine.No shrinkage or colour run.