I'm 36. I'm not overweight, but would love to shed, oh, 5 pounds or so. So I guess that means I'm pretty, well, average? So, when it comes to bathing suit shopping, I'm not filled with dread, but it's not my favorite thing, either. I'm beyond my string bikini days. In fact, I don't know if I ever had one. But I'm definitely not ready for the black one-piece with a skirt down to the middle of my thighs.

I've been successful in the past couple of years at finding something in this in-between category. And this season, I'm actually feeling a little excited when it comes to choosing a bathing suit -- or three!

In recent weeks the catalogues have been arriving in my mailbox and I've discovered within the pages some real-life swimsuits that look cute, provide some cover but are far from dowdy.

Some might cringe at the thought of buying such a thing from a catalogue, but I've been much more pleased with the product than options available in department stores. In recent years I've ordered bathing suits from L.L. Bean. I've been happy, but the options leave a little to be desired in the fashion department. Last year, I discovered Title Nine -- there are plenty of great options this year too. I was thrilled with the quality of fabric, design and workmanship compared with options available in brick-and-mortar department stores. The size charts are absolutely accurate and eliminate those exhausting hours of trying them on in the store.

This year, I'm ordering from Athleta. This company seems to have melded function and fashion pretty perfectly, providing myriad of styles designed to stay in place during water sports or building a sand castle with the kids. The patterns and flirty details are absolutely delicious. So, take the plunge and forget the fitting room. I think you'll be glad you did.