Ahhh, the time is here again. Forget Valentine's Day, the 2012 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue has hit newsstands across the country, and fellas everywhere are cheering -- ogling over 19-year-old cover girl Kate Upton.
I know it's easy to get distracted. But HELLO, we can't forget what this is all really about, right? THE SWIMSUITS, ladies! This issue is really for us!
The $180 style Kate's rockin' on the cover from Suit Yourself Bikinis is a little too covered-up for my taste. Not enough side boob going on. That, and who actually wears bottoms that don't require a total "bare floor" waxing these days?
OK. Kidding. Maybe it's my jealousy talking. While I may not be the biggest fan of the cover suit, the ones inside the magazine do actually pique my interest. See the rest of the Kate's spread (get your mind out of the gutter) here:
First, let's imagine on a normal woman -- these suits when worn the right way will actually cover the girls. I'm a pretty big fan of the flirty ruffles on the $145 suit from Pamela G. It's hard not to appreciate a bikini bottom that ties on the side. Personally, I like being able to adjust it myself to fit my booty.
More from The Stir: Get Kate Upton's Look -- Even If You Aren't a Swimsuit Model
From what I can see -- the bottom and matching top she's draping behind her head ($250, Sauvage Swimwear by Elizabeth Southwood) look cute? Ok yeah, I've got nothing here.
HERE we go. That red number ($178, Mikoh Swimwear) is amazing, although the only way I'd feel comfortable wearing it is if I was much smaller-chested. Maybe something in that color family, instead? The heart-patterned style on the right ($192, Tori Praver Swimwear), though, that's adorable. Feels a little bit cowgirl-ish.
Women always wear see-through white tank tops to the beach, right? Yeah, not so much. Her bottom ($93, Tori Praver Swimwear) is stripy and fun, though. And wow! It's pretty full-coverage for Sports Illustrated!
Have you checked out the 2012 swimsuit issue? What do you think of cover girl Kate Upton?
Images via Emily Abbate