The first foray into swimwear this season

And first up, I will say that this is all about M&S as it's June already and for this month's paid partnership, I have gone SWIMWEAR! 

I will also say that, totally unpaid for, I have purchased M&S swimwear for years.  Other people have bought underwear for years - I am a dyed in the wool M&S swimwear fan.  For me and for the children (in fact I'll have a quick look at what they've got this year although I cleaned up last year on trunks and matching rash vests for the boys which they have worn on rotation all year round).

THIS is what I have worn.  It works.  I look like Jessica Rabbit in it and I don't look like Jessica Rabbit in anything. 

I will say that I always size up in swimwear.  So I may be a 10 in lots of M&S clothing but I always take a 12 in their bottoms, tops and swimsuits.  I find if they're on the very *fitted* side, the rolls of lovage have to come out somewhere.  All the not v attractive.  Which is why I like it to be fitted but not tight.  One size up works perfectly and if I'm totally honest, I'm probably an 11 anyway.

They now make this in a Long body version too (online on the link below). 

This year they also have it in lots of different colourways and printed options.

Secret Slimming Plunge Swimsuit £25

However I have ventured, in the last couple of years (I reckon my version of that costume above is 4 or 5 yrs old now... they do it every year.  Because it's BRILLIANT!) back into bikini territory.  Am I any more toned?  Nope.  Do I give less than two hoots these days?  Yup.  I don't want my 75yr old self to look back and say WHAT YOU WERE THINKING?!  Get that stomach out. 

This is fabulous.  You can wear with or without the straps.  I got the 12 in top and bottom and it fits perfectly.

Rosie for Autograph Bandeau Bikini Top £25



Striped Tanga Bottoms £16   They do also have much more substantial bottoms but in for a penny, in for a pound.



Same bikini in a different print.
Palm Print Bandeau Bikini Top £25




And the bottoms... £16



And then the other one I got which I know will appeal to all those who rely on cup sizes to fit, as opposed to buying a generic 10/12/14/16 etc, is this one with the matching bottoms.  HOWEVER, I will say, that being small of breastage, I personally preferred the sizing and fit of the one above.  I always seem to be inbetween sizes when it comes to cups (which sounds so wrong written down!).

Bandeau Ruffle Bikini Top £22.50  It does though, work perfectly when teamed with the straps.  Just if you're wearing is as a bandeau, the Rosie ones personally fitted me better!

Also available in pink and yellow.


Ruffle Hipster Bottoms £14



Not to mention a hat which I lovingly packed.. (top tip - fill hat with underwear and bikinis and pack flat in suitcase.  And then pack around it to keep the shape.  GENIUS!).

Colourblock Floppy Hat £29.50



Now I am going to do a big try on session as soon as I get back to the UK.  This is just part one of the swimwear blog and the pieces that worked for me.  I ordered these to arrive the day before I left.  And I would advise to buy swimwear asap as it always always sells out and just isn't available when you need it, if you're going away in the Summer holidays.  

Here I am in mine... 


I will be back with more I promise!   Before I do go and do a trying on session - out of interest, what do you look for in your swimwear?

This post was written as part of my paid partnership with M&S but has been written unedited.  To also remind that we are here with Scott Williams to review the villa and therefore the stay has been complimentary but we have paid for flights, car hire, boat hire, food, transfers etc etc.