By Shayne Benowitz
Carrie Bradshaw had her shoes. I have my bikinis. Having lived in New York City for three years I completely understand Carrie’s obsession for shoes. A girl needs an arsenal for every occasion and every season. Your feet take a beating in that city. In Key West, though, having more than a couple pairs of flip-flops is altogether superfluous. Working on Fury’s catamarans and parasail boats, what I need is an arsenal of swimsuits.
A bikini is such a sweet celebration of the female form. You bare it all without, well, baring it all. And trust me ladies, men are attracted to so many body types, you should feel confident flaunting whatever you’re working with. I should know. I work with a boatload of guys who ogle girls in bikinis on a daily basis. They like it all!
Sometimes, shopping for bikinis can be a Catch 22. My tastes are getting more expensive the older I get, but I still have enough sense to know that in my line of work, I wear my bathing suits down to shreds. I can’t be throwing all of my earnings into swimwear! Just like one might always consider shopping for jeans, I will always keep an eye out for bikinis. The search for the oh-so-perfect pair is eternal.
I like to think of myself as sort of a collector. At this moment, I have ten bikinis in my dresser drawer, two of which are on their last leg, three that are well-worn, two that are reserved strictly for lounging, one new one, and two that I bought today. Some suits I’ve splurged on and others were incredible bargains.
I’m hooked on the clearance racks at Divers Direct (535 Greene Street) where I scoop up Island Company suits at amazing prices. One of the Island Company bikinis that I bought there today was marked down from $92.00 to under $10.00. At the winter soldes in Paris this season, I spotted a Prada bikini at Au Bon Marche that was only 38EUR apiece. You can buy Roxy suits at that price. How could I not scoop up that find?
Recently, I splurged at the Fury Surf Shack (237 Front Street) on a Sofia by Vix suit. The Surf Shack carries a great variety of Sofia and Vix swimwear and they are worth it. Fury Surf Shack manager, Katie, and many of the other Fury girls agree that Vix is the way to go. The material is soft and comfortable and the cuts are figure flattering and sexy.
If you’re coming to Key West and you plan to spend a lot of time on the water (which, of course, you should), you will be well-prepared with these three key types of suits.
The Classic Triangle Top This style is universally flattering. It’s the most common suit you’ll find on the racks and it’s the most functional if you’re going to have an active day on the water snorkeling at the reef, paddle boarding, or surfing.
Full-coverage Bottoms You should have at least one suit with boy shorts, ruffles, or a little skirt—even a pretty one-piece will do—for those mornings when the last thing you want to do is worry about your bikini line. You’ll rest easy sun-bathing all day knowing you’re covered up.
Even Out Your Tan Lines Tan lines are unavoidable in my work on the water, and I’ve stopped trying to avoid them, but if you’re here on vacation, bring at least one bandeau top or one with straps that go over the shoulders that don’t tie at the neck. Not only will you keep the tan lines guessing, but the back of your neck will get a welcomed relief from those triangle tops.
Remember, basic black is figure-flattering and always chic.
For more fun and watersports adventure on the water, be sure to check out my Fury Girl Blog.
Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer who is working on her debut novel. Shayne can be reached at sbbenowitz@gmail.com.
