bathing suit shopping suggestions?

Well, I'm leaving in a little over 2 weeks for Florida (yay) and figure it's time to start looking for a bathing suit.  Having not bought a suit in probably about 10 years (no kidding) and having bought one of the "built-in shorts" types of suits the last time, I'm not even sure where to start looking. 

I don't want to hide from the world the way my last suit did, but I'm also obviously not ready for something totally "out there" (just starting on this journey).  I'm figuring I'm probably about a size 16 in normal suits.

And..given how rapidly everything's changing, I don't want to pay an arm and a leg.

SO, ladies... where would you recommend I start looking?  

Thanks for the advice!
Karen

Hi Karen - do you have Boscov's stores in your area?  I've done very well the past fews years there when looking for suits.  They often have great sales and the suits for women are very complementary.

Lisa

Thanks for the suggestion, Lisa...Unfortunately, they've closed all the Boscov's near us.  Basically, I've got Montgomery Mall (penney's, sears, macy's, and the various smaller stores), the strip mall down 309 from that (chico's, coldwater creek, etc.), Valley Square in Warminster, Kohls, Bon-Ton, shops in Doylestown... so I guess lots to choose from.  Just not sure where to start and don't want to turn this into a multi-day shopping event!

K.

The catelogues also have some good ones (newport news, speigals, etc...) and many of them have that super "hold all you stuff in" material.  But, you would have to order now...
Have fun!
Lou

Fashion Bug and KMART had some cute ones!

Check out LL Bean on line or Lands End (there is a lands end department at Sears stores).  I have a takinni from both places.  The bottom is shorts and the tops are halter and tank style.  Both are reasonable if able to get them on sale.  Right now at Sears Land End department  the bathing suits are 30% off. 

Wendy

I got a great suit at Ross and it was only $20

I got mine at K-mart - I suggest a tankini because well at least for me I am a different size top and bottom. Kohl's is also a good place.

Happy Shopping!

I got mine at Kohl's. I think I spent around $40 for the suit but the pieces were seperate and the top had underwire and made the deflated boobs look so much better and more supported. I also got a skirt bottom and felt more comfortable in it than a regular bottom.

Good luck!

Cool suggestions!  Thanks everyone... I'll let you know what I end up with.  First time I've ever been excited about shopping for a swimsuit!

Karen