Help! I need a bathing suit!

I know, I know… I said I was in a practical mood, but now my husband springs this cruise on me for my upcoming Big Birthday. (I’ll finally be 25! I’ve done a lot in my young life… : )) The cruise is less than one month away, and we are setting sail for three nights and leaving the girls with my mom! Yikes. I have not yet wrapped my brain around the idea, but that doesn’t mean that I can’t start shopping for it. And so I am making the mental shift from the practical to the playful, and looking for a bathing suit. And just like last year, I need your help! You see – I am in limbo, floating somewhere between string-bikini-ville and Miraclesuit-land. I have, temporarily, at least, abandoned my Rosa Cha string bikinis. The stomach and the breasts are just not cooperating. If my stomach ever regains its skin tone, and the twins ever regain some of their former oomph, then I may be tempted to pull those bikinis out again, but for now, they will stay tucked away. But I am not yet ready for a swimdress (unless it’s a supercute Juicy one) or a Miraclesuit. I cringe at the sight of practical maillots with splashy floral prints and not-so-subtle tummy cinching abilities. I don’t want it to look like I have something to hide, even though, obviously, I do.
So not yet ready to fully embrace the one piece, and not ready to desert the bikini, I find myself stranded in a sea of monokinis and other, in-between options. And I need to decide. I have a blue/white gingham seersuckerish Juicy swimdress from last year, which despite its cuteness potential, is less than flattering because of the puckered fabric, and a glamorous one-shouldered white maillot with a beautiful print from Trina Turk, also from last year, and I need at least one or two other suits to round out the cruise wardrobe.

En Point Bikini: In a barely there shade of blush, with adorable ruffles, this offers the sexiness of a bikini with the coverage of a one-piece. My concerns? Flattery? Can I pull off a high waist when I am so short waisted? And I know it’s going to make my butt look bigger, which is not a problem since I have no butt to begin with, but I want to make sure it won’t be ridiculous. Still, I LOVE this suit.link

Bandeau One Piece: This is hot, but too hot? I like that it covers the problem zone of my tummy, and my post-nursing breasts might actually fit in that itty bitty top. And I think my husband would love it. But the real question is – can I pull it off?
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Bendito Light Monokini: This is a wild one, and I don’t think it’s going to be a crowdpleaser, but I kind of like it. And I like that it can hide a multitude of sins wihtout looking too conspicuous. link

Aquaria Cut Out One Piece: I never thought I’d pick such wild options, but desperate situations… Again, don’t think this will be a crowdpleaser, but it’s definitely a headturner! Coincidentally, I look exactly like this model. Same belly button and everything. link

Patent Tie Maillot: Sleek and elegant, but a little boring? link

Hampton Maillot: Black and super-glamorous, and offers a little more coverage than some of the others. link

Emerald Halter Maillot: This also comes in chocolate brown, and it’s a safe bet. But boring? link

24k Gold Maillot: Love the glamorous color, but can I pull it off…?
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Cleopatra Bandeau One Piece: Very elegant, very sophisticated, but may not blow away my husband. 🙂 link

Cut Out One Piece: If you’re still with me, you will probably love this one. Chic and very flattering, but I was hoping for something a little cheekier? link

Deligny Bandeau One Piece: Very fashion forward and flattering, but is it hot enough?
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Print Cut Out One Piece: I love the prints, but is it too funky… link

Harbour Side One Piece: Very vintage and glam, but I don’t think I am hot enough to pull off this conservative look. link

Positif Negatif Red Maillot: So chic, so French… link

Very Sexy Ruffle Monokini: Love the color, love the ruffles. So hot. link

Vix Sequined Cut Out One Piece: Black and sparkly and fabulous. link