Bathing Suit Week: Cover-ups that don't scream muumuu!
Too much sun is bad for your skin. Duh. So when I hit the beach, I get all celebrity-like with a big, floppy hat, bug-eyed shades and a cute cover-up.
In addition to helping evade UV rays and those sneaky paparazzi, this strategy hides the flabby bits of my body that aren't fit for public consumption. Fighting the heat is bad enough. I don't want to also worry about having to suck in my stomach while lounging by the pool with the latest issue of Vanity Fair.
Don't think covering up means looking like Aunt Myrtle in her muumuu or your daughter in her ripped jean shorts. Here are some alternatives that will keep you safe and stylish in the sun:
Classy and comfy, a tunic protects shoulders from the sun in a way that many little sundresses unfortunately don't. This cover-up, part of the Liberty of London for Target line, could pull double-duty in your wardrobe. Pair it with sandals for the beach, then throw on leggings and wear it as a top to dinner.
The Loft has introduced a new beachwear collection, available exclusively online. At $49.50, this ruched halter dress is a little pricey for something that will soon be covered in sand, but the fact that it's nice enough to run errands in on a Saturday should lessen the guilt.
Self-conscious about your legs? Maybe it's time to try a maxi dress, a trend that appears to have staying power. Old Navy offers several versions of the ankle-length dress this summer, including this pretty floral print.
Sometimes, basics work best. This cover-up from Land's End is functional and goes with everything. The cinched middle gives it a waist, and the V-neck keeps it sexy. Added bonus: It comes in plus sizes!
Deal Diva Colleen
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Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or 
Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or 
A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or 
From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or 
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