I tend to avoid news stories which include so called 'shocking' photos of stars in their bathing suits because, really, few DO look good in their bathing suit and for the love of pete, can't we leave the poor girls alone already? They've got enough pressure from Hollywood without having us analyze their cellulite. But then I happened across these photos of British actress Helen Mirren in a bikini at her home in Italy and all I can say is wow -- her 63-year-old body might look better than my pasty 27-year-old one.

Mirren is someone who stands up for healthy body image at any size, so I think she is a very admirable role model. She's not a size 2, but she is stylish and graceful and has the wits to a bathing suit that compliments her figure. So good for her -- I think she is an inspiration.

Your thoughts?