I kicked off 2016 in my absolute favorite way: on the beach in a bikini. It's no secret that my perfect day involves some fun in the sun and IRL I'd rather be in a bathing suit than anything else. (ex:  bikinis + beaches)

Although you're probably sitting at home in a turtleneck and boots thinking "wtf Ash, why are you talking about swim in January?" - remember, it is summer in other parts of the world! Plus, don't you want your spring-break-swim game strong? Just trying to help a sista out! Mark my word: when it comes to bikinis, 2016 is the year of high-neck halter tops and high-waisted bottoms.

Both may seem a bit daunting as I know I would probably never rock a high-neck halter (I have zero neck and it is not flattering), but I would definitely encourage you to try one of the styles just to see. I fell in love with this L*Space suit on their site and was so pleased when I tried it on and it fit. More on the perks of high-waisted bottom below + my fave suits of 2016 (so far):

{ l space valentina bikini c/o // h&m cover-up - old // karen walker sunnies} 

My favorite thing about high-waisted bottoms is that they're deceivingly sexy, hugging curves in all the right places and really accentuating the waist. This season everyone is doing them with cut-outs or side paneling details to give them even more sex appeal. On top to the sexiness, the front paneling acts as spanx, so you're really concealing any parts you may not be comfortable showing. Sexy spanx bikini? I'm down for that, what do you guys think?

{pursuing high-waisted bikinis}