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Gingham Girl

I have more swimsuits than days I actually wear swimsuits. Hopefully, I’m not the only one with this problem. I like to have options, though. Modest one-pieces for more athletic endeavors or trips with family, flirty one-pieces when I’m feeling fun, and cute little bikinis are always a good idea.

One style that I’ve been super into this season is high waisted bottoms. It’s the best of both worlds: a little more coverage but still a bikini.

High Waisted Bikini

I’m doing a sponsored Instagram for J. Crew Factory to promote their swim line, but the deals right now are too good to not share on here as well. If you’re like me and tend to want a bunch of options without spending a fortune, start your search at J. Crew Factory.

(And also, even if you don’t have a vacation until later in the summer, I always recommend buying your swimsuits early!)

Carly the Prepster  Cute Coverup

I am also always on the lookout for light coverups. I have a few that I’ve collected over the years and I sometimes just end up wearing regular dresses. I couldn’t say no to this little scalloped coverup. It’s a tiny bit see-through for a fun beachy feel and hits at the perfect length. It’s super comfortable to pull on over a suit, which is the number one thing I look for with coverups.

Scalloped Coverup

J. Crew Factory Bikini Carly Heitlinger

The bottoms fit true to size and I found that the top runs a little big. I’m wearing an XS in bottoms and a Small in the top (it’s still a tiny bit loose and I normally wear a medium).

Gingham Bikini

Bikini Top // High Waisted Bikini Bottom // Scalloped Coverup

*All items c/o

PS They’re hosting a sweepstake right now! Grand prize is $2,500 in cash and ten second place prizes of $100 Factory gift cards!

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54 Comments

Allie

That scalloped coverup is so cute! I love that it covers you from the sun while still being light weight. I love the red gingham too.
Hope your day goes well,
xAllie
ww.theallthatglittersblog.com

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Amy

Is there some kind of insert in the bikini/crotch area? It looks like you have boy parts!

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carly

By “boy parts,” do you mean a penis? I can assure you, I have a vagina; it’s the cut of the bikini

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Christine

I think that the retro-inspired cut of the suit is VERY feminine and flattering! I am looking for a new suit for this summer and this just might be the one!

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Christina

Carly,
Your straight-forward response to the aforementioned comment is both classy and boldly refreshing. Never stop being you!

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Elizabeth

You’re vile. She looks adorable, and and FEMALE. Get a life, you sad, hateful freak.

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Christina

Elizabeth,
I can’t help but find your comment to be the one that’s legitimately hateful, and most definitely out of line.

Amy’s comment is in poor taste, there’s no two ways about it. But were her words generally malicious, or just poorly chosen? For all we know she’s a pre-teen lacking the vocab or maturity to ask the question she truly meant to ask (or to refrain from making such an inquiry at all).

For you to consciously choose the words that you have, and to shoot back with, “Get a life, you sad, hateful freak,” is just shameful.

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Janna

It‘s nice that you‘re defending Carly, Elizabeth, but you may want to consider that „females“ can have penises too, if they‘re intersex or transgender. Of course it‘s vile to attack somebody‘s body, especially in an intimate way, however, it shouldn‘t sound like having a specific kind of body in itself would be a bad thing.

Just a friendly reminder.

Carly, I feel your pain at being targeted like this. You‘re doing fantastic!

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Rachael

Amy, what is wrong with you? Why would you make a comment like that? You are making yourself sound so stupid!

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J.

Whoa- Amy, inappropriate and completely uncalled for. This is a happy place, and Carly’s corner of the internet- negativity is not welcome.

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Erin

1. That comment is completely uncalled for and is extremely inappropriate. 2. If you don’t like the way the suit looks don’t buy it. 3. If you made that comment so that readers could laugh, then I’m sorry to tell you, you came to the wrong site. Carly’s readers are loyal and supportive of her. 4. Carly I think you look great and the suit is adorable!

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Amber B.

Carly, you’re very much a gem! I hope we can shine a light on this subject that these types of harassing comments are unacceptable, whether in person or over the internet. No one is bulletproof, and now more and than ever it is SO important that we all, especially us ladies, lift one another up! Thank you for providing a space to do just that, and for the privilege to follow along your journey!

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Juliette

Amy, your comment shows that you are in pain so I’ll pray for you.
Dear Carly keep shining your light, world will be a better place because of that.

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Elle

I’m so sorry that there are people like this out there. Carly, you’re absolutely amazing! You have the best blog I have ever found and it’s truly inspiring!

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Juliette

Amy, your comment shows that you are in pain so I’ll pray for you. Dear Carly keep shining your light the world is a better place because of that.

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Lindsey

Honestly some people are just so disgusting commenting on and attacking other people’s appearances. Grow up. Truly disgraceful. I think the bathing suit is so cute and flattering!!!

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Natalia

Just found your site through your LL Bean tote comparison and just had to leave a comment! First off, thanks so much for the comparison, helps me decide which one to go with and second of all, love your style and site!! So glad I came across it! 🙂 Have a great day!

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Stephanie

First time commenter but long time follower of both your blog and Instagram. (Insert Kris Jenner “you’re doing amazing sweetie” meme) Felt compelled to comment that your crotch looks totally normal in this swimsuit (2018 is so weird?!?) Love the retro cut, love the color, love the smile. 10/10 everything you’re doing is amazing.

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Erin

LOL this comment made me laugh out loud. carly, you look amazing! These freaking people are NUTS.

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Katherine

Hey Carly!! I just saw your IG stories on mean comments and I breaks my heart! I never comment but I love you and your blog and know you aren’t anything/don’t look anything like what the rude comments are saying! You’re who everyone wants to be and that’s why you’re blog is so popular!❤️

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Morgan

I’ve been following your blog for a few months now and you’ve truly inspired me to make healthier more balanced lifestyle choices. I have admiration for anyone comfortable in their own skin. Hold fast to positive things & people that deserve your time and energy!

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Jasmine M

I just bought the polka dotted version of this swim set, cannot wait for it to arrive 🙂

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Kayla

I am super jealous that you can rock the high wasted bottoms so well because they cut me in all the wrong places (hello short waist!). So I’ll leave the high waisted retro bikini bottoms to the women like you who look fabulous in them, and I’ll go find one of the other styles of bikini bottoms to go with that amazing top!

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Jamie

Hey girl, just saw your insta story and felt the need to say that your blog is SO well done and one of the few that I read regularly. Keep it up and please don’t let mean spirited people get you down. There will always be those individuals who feel that they gain something simply by being mean—I’ll never understand it either. It takes a lot of courage to blog and put yourself out there, and for people to throw it back in your face is cruel and inhuman, especially when you clearly put so much heart and soul into your posts. I wish everyone was raised learning the golden rule (“treat others the way you would wish to be treated”). Your blog is not only lovely to read but unites women. I recently joined your Facebook group and love how collegial and helpful the girls on there are towards one another. I hope this doesn’t deter you from blogging because that would be a shame. Keep your chin up and have confidence that you and your blog are appreciated and loved xx

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Shayna

Wow! Carly, your figure is #goals! This makes me feel super inspired to really commit to working out and eating healthier. Also, these stupid comments remind me of the episode of Friends where Rachel finds out Ross started a rumor in high school that she had a “teeny weenie” and she was still so popular that one girl stuffed a tootsie roll down her pants because she wanted to be like Rachel so badly. You’re such a powerful and inspiring influencer, I wouldn’t be surprised if women START putting inserts into their bikinis after this! But seriously, you look great and the people commenting otherwise are stupid.

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Shari

Cutest photo shoot ever. LOVE gingham and this suit. I agree, your Insta storey broke my heart. It takes alot to deal with fools. So many of us are so greatful for the inspiration you provide. Lots of love😊

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Skylar

I’ve been following you since 2014 and I have never once commented on your blog. You are the sole and only reason I ever started reading blogs/even knew they existed! In college when I had a bad day/things were not working out, I used your daily content as something to look forward to and a constant positive in my life. Don’t you dare quit blogging! You’re a beautiful soul and a wonderful person! Someone being mean to you, sadly, usually means you’re really killing it 😉

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Taylor

Carly! I absolutely love your sight—honestly my favorite thing about your blog is that you keep it real and normal (not posting recommendations for like absurdly expensive stuff and being real about taking five minutes to do your makeup…because like same 🙋🏼‍♀️). I love the suit, love the blog, love the message. I usually don’t comment because I read your blog in the morning before my students come in for homeroom but keep doing YOU!

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Melissa Faye

You look so amazing in this suit! I swear if anyone else says anything I am opening a whole 12 pack of whoop ass! It’s 2018 and people still act like trolls and freaks! Gah!

Love this post! ❤️

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Ashleigh

Cute! I agree – I love the high waisted look because I feel like it’s a modest option for a two piece. Beautiful photos!

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Amanda

I think the way you addressed Amy in your IG story was spot on. I’m glad YOU have a heart of gold!

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Elizabeth

Christina, clearly you missed Carly’s Insta-story on this. Amy and her alter egos didn’t stop at this one comment. It just happened to be the one Carly left on the thread. Showing bullies compassion and tolerance won’t stop them.

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