JILL: When I go to buy a bathing suit is when I discover that I'm the victim of theft. Not identity theft, but body theft. Sometime during the winter and/or the intervening years, someone took off with my flat belly, my flabless legs, my toned midriff. I've called the police to no avail. What are my options? One of those skirted bathing suits that my grandmother used to wear? Not on your life. Cover-ups? Too hot. So I stand there and lament, along with every other woman of a certain age.

JENICE: Hey, I just read a stat in the March issue of Health magazine that said that of 40-year-old American women, 69 percent enjoy shopping for swimwear. Isn't that interesting? Who'd they interview? But I do want one of those cute short sets with the tiny little short this year. They look like something I wouldn't feel self conscious walking around in.  Now, hear's a question for you girlfriends - Would you ever wear a thong bikini?    

YVONNE: I thank God that longer women's suits are in style. The tankini is my best friend.

THERESA: It's not an age thing, Jill. I've never had a flat midriff in my life. But you know what? I really want to buy a sexy two-piece suit this season. I tried a few bikinis on last year, but anything I tried on just made me look too pootchy. So I'm going to hit the gym with new resolve and then shop all over the East Coast this season 'til I find just the right suit!

   On a related note, my weight training has gone to hell this winter. I'm hoping the thought of buying skimpy spring and summerwear will  motivate me. 

LAURIE: I like to body surf, so I have to wear a one-piece suit with some kind of cross straps or halter. Which also happen to be the most body-flaw-friendly kinds of suits. Of course, my thighs still show...so I stay in the deep water! Not really.

My fave beach cover-up and sun shield is an oversized man's shirt. Chambray work shirts are great, and the collar protects your neck from sunburn, too. 

WENDY: Got bad news, gals: If you want a really good swimsuit, you need to shop...now. This is bad for those of us who have a little shapin' to do before pool time. But if you wait, the suits are picked over and the wrong size and just bad. Trust me, I know from experience.

JENICE: Jill, what about those sheer sarongs? I've got a yellow one that I just looooove. They cover you up, without mummifying you.

JILL: A sheer sarong is fine for walking around, but I don't want to be shrouded when I'm sitting there trying to soak up the sun. The high-leg cut of most of the bathing suits are perfect for Barbie dolls and other flawless creatures and so many others are really matronly. Most of us learned how to dress to conceal our shortcomings, but bathing suits highlight every figure problem we have. Bathing suit shopping is definitely a high-stress activity and I don't believe that survey for a minute.

THERESA: I do think a high-cut leg is actually more flattering than a traditional cut on most women. Makes the leg look longer and slimmer. And in answer to Jenice's question, no, I'd never wear a thong. They just look uncomfortable to me.

   Has anyone had luck buying swimwear on line? Victoria's Secret's website features some really cool swimsuits. And here's a photo of a cute mom-style suit from Eddie Bauer.

LAURIE: I think Land's End has lots of nice suits that fit a variety of body types. They have three different leg cuts, for example, and a body shape guide so you can see which suits would flatter you. Of course, I am of the theory that NO swimsuit flatters a real woman's body!

JENICE: If you're looking for a swimsuit, I highly recommend Venus Swimwear. I've ordered a couple from them and not only do they fit well, but the color and selection is great. My friends swear by them, too.  Their stuff has a sexy cut and you don't have to tug at it all day. You put it on and go.

THERESA: And when you order online, you don't have difficulty getting the right size?

JENICE: I've never had a problem. And I can be hard to fit! All they sell is swimwear so they really know their stuff. What I like best is they give you that sexy look - and cover you up, too.

WENDY: I suppose I have to buy a new suit, because when I swim I wear a Nike one-piece suit for exercise purposes.  It's a no-frills suit that allows me to move effortlessly thru the water.  I think I look cute in it, however I still believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

I think I'd like a suit with a color that pops!! Each summer my skin gets darker and I love the richness of the deep mahogony tones. A suit with great color should look good against my skin.

However, Naomi Sims, the first African American super model has mahogany skin and she recommends pastels for woman with my skin tone.

THERESA: I think pink is going to be really big this season. I'm noticing it everywhere already and I feel like buying some myself....