If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I've just come back from my holidays and OH BY HECK I've had a lovely time. I pretty much spent ALL week in swimwear because we did absolutely nothing but read, drink rum and relax. With this in mind, I thought it would be entirely appropriate to share my favourite bikinis and swimsuits with you, good reader.
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| Set Sail Balcony Bikini Top - Curvy Kate Set Sail High Waist Briefs - Curvy Kate |
Part one of my Summer Holiday Swimwear Series (Renamed from Big Boob Bikinis because I thought I'd get the wrong kind of attention...) is the incredible Curvy Kate. All of the swimwear you see here is a 36F on the top and on the 18 bottom (With bikinis I tend to go up one back size just because I don't want them to be quite as tight as my bras) On my jollies I like to take a mix of high waisted and hipster briefs away with me as well as different style tops to support with the anti-tanline battle (More important than ever as I'm a bridesmaid on Saturday!) so the ability to mix and match every piece of Curvy Kate swimwear is ideal.
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| Reflex Balcony Bikini Top - Curvy Kate Reflex Short - Curvy Kate Sarong - H&M (This is a stupidly small sarong - I wouldn't recommend beyond a size 18) |
I've said it before but I've not always been as confident in wearing bikinis, however, I can honestly say that with most things (Like eating broccolli) it gets easier the more you do it. This year I didn't even think about it, I just put a bikini on and frolicked about, almost like I was just a human woman on holiday with a body in swimwear - WEIRD RIGHT?!?
I've also mentioned how important it is to be around people who respect you and your body - I know that this isn't always easy and I'm very lucky that after 33 long years I'm finally at the point where I can honestly say that I don't have to think about this any more. My husband sees me on a daily basis and as such my body is no surprise to him - He knows exactly what he's getting and he, I quote; "likes that it's all smooth" (Freaking weirdo...) Any people in my life who may still take issue are very aware that the "body" discussion is well and truly off the table and that my happiness is far more important than any opinions they may have. I cannot tell you how liberating this is.
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| Reflex Plunge Bikini Top - Curvy Kate Reflex Short - Curvy Kate |
I want to say something a bit weird here and I don't know how it will come across but I'm going to say it anyway: I get quite a few messages from people saying they wish that their body was more like mine.
1. I'd firstly like to say thank you, I know that these comments are made with loving intention and that you mean what you say. There have been times when I've battled with my figure, I've never looked anything like my friends, I am a large person from all angles- 6ft tall with everything to match (plus the squish) but I do love my body now - It's the one I have and it would be silly not to.
2. These are photos of me standing still in great lighting, I still love my body in other lighting and at other angles but I certainly don't always look this poised and sweat-free. When I move I fall over or bump into things (Check out the thigh bruise above and the fact that I currently have two broken toes...) Basically, don't believe the hype.
3. Please never wish that your body was like mine. Please never wish that you look like anyone but yourself. Please use some of the energy you put into admiring other people into admiring yourself. I regularly say that "Comparison is the thief of joy" and I mean it - I freaking ADORE Sofia Vergara's body but I don't wish I had it because I already have a body. There will always be someone out there who looks at what you have and thinks PHWOAR. in fact, it's probably me. So send me pictures...
Curvy Kate are huge advocates of self-love and are currently running a campaign asking YOU you take the month long challenge of treating your body the same way that you treat your best friends. Think of the way that you see your friends, you love them unconditionally, you would walk through buzzy wasps for them, yet we are often our own worst critics, I know I can be guilty of it BUT this is really making me think - It's just one month, all you have to do is adore yourself as much as you adore all the other babes in my life. Who knows, it may even stick...?
If you tag @curvykate and use the hashtag #MyBodyMyBFF on Instagram then you could be in with a chance of winning amazing prizes every single day (Check out their BLOG for more competition details)
Em x
