This post is in no way meant to encourage self-medicating with alcohol.  But sometimes, all a woman needs is a tasty cocktail and a cool breeze to forget her troubles.  Sandy beaches don’t hurt either.

Featured in Island Magazine, this cocktail, The Painkiller, originated in the British Virgin Islands at the Soggy Dollar Bar.  It is a mix of rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice with a dash of nutmeg.  The cure for what ails the weary island traveler.  Sound like just the thing to help you forget your troubles and acclimate you to island life.

Because this is a tropical drink, it would be welcome poolside (kiddie pool or in ground, matters not) or at a barbecue with some jerk chicken and grilled pineapple.  However, it’s kind of a shame to waste this cocktail’s restorative power on anywhere that isn’t a tropical oasis.  So let’s talk about swimwear.

Sea Folly Ruffle Bikini ($72, $56)

This suit, with its bright color and ruffled details is gorgeous and fun, but I ask you: When did swimwear become so expensive?

This purple bikini with open-work details is lovely, but $240 worth of lovely, it is not.  And this crisp white one piece costs as much as a monthly car payment on a Volkswagen Passat.

So how do you save money on something that you will only wear a few times per year?

My search for a new suit starts at discount retailer 6pm.com.  I adore this bright pink bikini with ruffled trim, and this one-piece suit has a slight vintage feel.  Both are under-$35.  And while coverups can cost upwards of $100, this beachy caftan costs just $70.

My next stop is, don’t laugh, Delia’s.  The teenage retailer has fashionable, quality swimwear at “babysitting money” prices.  The only issue i sizing, but if you take your measurements before hand you should be fine.  This ruched, dotted tankini is adorable.  I also like this simple twist-top, and this grey bikini with pops of color.

Delia’s also has an itty-bitty, teeny-weenie, yellow, polka dot bikini.

And, lastly, if you’re looking for cute coverups, look no further than Topshop.  I am smitten with this bright orange print dress ($60), this strapless, printed maxi-dress ($52) and this brightly striped tunic ($52).

Their swimwear is pretty adorable too.  This striped bikini and this scalloped, black-and-white one-piece both caught my eye.  But it’s this red and white seersucker halter suit that I actually purchased.