Can't put it off any longer...
Swimwear.
It's that time of year again folks, the holidays are looming (in a good way - looming to me intimates something bag but lordy I cannot wait to go. I say "go" as opposed to "jet off" as first up it's Suffolk and that's not somewhere you really jet off to).
BUT I digress - the warmer holidays are a coming and the thing is, whilst they might not be completely imminent, you need to get your swimwear now. The bizarre thing about the retail calendar in this country is that, alas, you can't buy what you need when you need it. You need to buy it three months in advance (ok maybe not three but definitely in advance).
Even then, you still need to box clever, as things sell out in the more popular sizes. Yesterday when I went to Debenhams to work on this collaboration, there were very few things in store in a size 12 (but handily loads left online).
I feel that I have gone above and beyond in this blog for you guys. There are actual photos of me in swimming costumes. OMG. See what I do for you? And for the lovely girls at Debenhams, only because I love them... Actual photos of me in a cossie.
I do apologise as I did draw the line at bikinis but for the purposes of a "not quite ready Summer body" (one or 2 million planks to do first which in reality, is never going to happen), a sucky in cossie is what I was looking for.
And did I strike gold.
First up - speaking of gold, this is a gorgeous costume. Excuse the photos as they don't do them justice. A tan would help... (this is true for all of the costumes).
This is for the smaller or big and pert (file that under things I never thought I'd say in a blog..) boobed. In all these, I tried on the 12. I did try on the 10 in one and yes it did fit but as I'm not as firm as I once was (if I ever was - or before gravity started taking an interest in me) and the spillage over the edges wasn't good. At all. There is no footage here of that. No one needed to see those gems. The 12 was much much more flattering.
Reger by Janet Reger Dark Peach V Neck Swimsuit £45
The definition of brave. Posting a photo of yourself directly under a photo of Helena Cristensen wearing the same swimsuit. Ha. Ha ha ha!
With the co-ordinating kaftan.
Reger by Janet Reger White Lace Trim Kaftan £38
AND I've also found this one online which I didn't see instore - in black. (back in the game..). Again, for the smaller chested.
Reger by Janet Reger Black Halter Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit was £45 now £31.50
But if we're talking more blessed in the chest department, then this one comes in different cup sizes. And also tummy controlled. Love. A must.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Multi Coloured Print Tummy Control Swimsuit was £42 now £29.40
This is the 12 on me but it's the C/D cup. I'm an A therefore don't remotely have the goods to fill it.
And the matching kaftan. This would also work perfectly with plain black cossies.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Aztec Print Bead Embellished Kaftan was £38 now £26.60
More print options now in the sale.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Tummy Control Swimsuit was £42 now £29.40
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Yellow Floral Print Bead Embroidered Kaftan was £38 now £26.60
But what did I plump for? The one that I saw on Britain's Next Top Model and thought now that is amazing. I also thought - now that will never work on me. Well, what do you know. Again in a 12. Best thing about this, is that you can adjust the neckline with the halterneck and the chest size with the lacing - ditto on the legs.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Aztec Print Swimsuit £42
The v pattern is also ridiculously flattering. Ok so it doesn't exactly turn me into the model above BUT I'm pretty pleased for a 44yr old. Believe me when I say that not all costumes are this flattering.
With the matching cover up - the beading detailing on this is exquisite.
I got the large as I prefer the volume.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Kaftan £38
I am planning hair up, huge earrings. These match perfectly.
Mood Fringed Hoop Statement Earrings £12
Ooh and did I also mention the slides that go really well too? Ideal for slipping on around the pool.
Faith Grey Joey Sandals £42
Other plain ones. Which are perfect to take with you, to work alongside your print kaftans.
J By Jasper Conran Khaki Green Wrap Bandeau Tummy Control Swimsuit £42 - this also comes with straps to make it into a halter neck.
Beach Collection Navy Bandeau £34
And then the ideal plain cover up to pack too.
Beach Collection Navy Cocoon Kaftan £20
Finishing with outfit from today. Adore this. I may have worn it yesterday as well but I changed half way during the day into my favourite hush clothes as I had an event with hush and The Pool.
White Everything Tee - Rotten Roach
Black longline blazer - M&S
Faux Leather wide leg crops - Topshop
White trainers - Veja at Quattrorish
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci
An evening in tonight with the children as the husband is out at an event where someone (famous) is discussing the Lions selection. Bless him, he asked if I wanted to go with him.... suffice to say, he's gone with a really good friend of his (who loves rugby as much as he does. Me? Not so much...!!)
How are you doing on the swimwear front this year? One piece or bikini? Matching kaftan? My one must have this year is a whole bag of earrings to distract from the lack of toned leg. Genius no?
It's that time of year again folks, the holidays are looming (in a good way - looming to me intimates something bag but lordy I cannot wait to go. I say "go" as opposed to "jet off" as first up it's Suffolk and that's not somewhere you really jet off to).
BUT I digress - the warmer holidays are a coming and the thing is, whilst they might not be completely imminent, you need to get your swimwear now. The bizarre thing about the retail calendar in this country is that, alas, you can't buy what you need when you need it. You need to buy it three months in advance (ok maybe not three but definitely in advance).
Even then, you still need to box clever, as things sell out in the more popular sizes. Yesterday when I went to Debenhams to work on this collaboration, there were very few things in store in a size 12 (but handily loads left online).
I feel that I have gone above and beyond in this blog for you guys. There are actual photos of me in swimming costumes. OMG. See what I do for you? And for the lovely girls at Debenhams, only because I love them... Actual photos of me in a cossie.
I do apologise as I did draw the line at bikinis but for the purposes of a "not quite ready Summer body" (one or 2 million planks to do first which in reality, is never going to happen), a sucky in cossie is what I was looking for.
And did I strike gold.
First up - speaking of gold, this is a gorgeous costume. Excuse the photos as they don't do them justice. A tan would help... (this is true for all of the costumes).
This is for the smaller or big and pert (file that under things I never thought I'd say in a blog..) boobed. In all these, I tried on the 12. I did try on the 10 in one and yes it did fit but as I'm not as firm as I once was (if I ever was - or before gravity started taking an interest in me) and the spillage over the edges wasn't good. At all. There is no footage here of that. No one needed to see those gems. The 12 was much much more flattering.
Reger by Janet Reger Dark Peach V Neck Swimsuit £45
The definition of brave. Posting a photo of yourself directly under a photo of Helena Cristensen wearing the same swimsuit. Ha. Ha ha ha!
With the co-ordinating kaftan.
Reger by Janet Reger White Lace Trim Kaftan £38
AND I've also found this one online which I didn't see instore - in black. (back in the game..). Again, for the smaller chested.
Reger by Janet Reger Black Halter Neck Tummy Control Swimsuit was £45 now £31.50
But if we're talking more blessed in the chest department, then this one comes in different cup sizes. And also tummy controlled. Love. A must.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Multi Coloured Print Tummy Control Swimsuit was £42 now £29.40
This is the 12 on me but it's the C/D cup. I'm an A therefore don't remotely have the goods to fill it.
And the matching kaftan. This would also work perfectly with plain black cossies.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Aztec Print Bead Embellished Kaftan was £38 now £26.60
More print options now in the sale.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Tummy Control Swimsuit was £42 now £29.40
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Yellow Floral Print Bead Embroidered Kaftan was £38 now £26.60
But what did I plump for? The one that I saw on Britain's Next Top Model and thought now that is amazing. I also thought - now that will never work on me. Well, what do you know. Again in a 12. Best thing about this, is that you can adjust the neckline with the halterneck and the chest size with the lacing - ditto on the legs.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Aztec Print Swimsuit £42
The v pattern is also ridiculously flattering. Ok so it doesn't exactly turn me into the model above BUT I'm pretty pleased for a 44yr old. Believe me when I say that not all costumes are this flattering.
With the matching cover up - the beading detailing on this is exquisite.
I got the large as I prefer the volume.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Kaftan £38
I am planning hair up, huge earrings. These match perfectly.
Mood Fringed Hoop Statement Earrings £12
Faith Grey Joey Sandals £42
Other plain ones. Which are perfect to take with you, to work alongside your print kaftans.
J By Jasper Conran Khaki Green Wrap Bandeau Tummy Control Swimsuit £42 - this also comes with straps to make it into a halter neck.
Beach Collection Navy Bandeau £34
And then the ideal plain cover up to pack too.
Beach Collection Navy Cocoon Kaftan £20
Finishing with outfit from today. Adore this. I may have worn it yesterday as well but I changed half way during the day into my favourite hush clothes as I had an event with hush and The Pool.
White Everything Tee - Rotten Roach
Black longline blazer - M&S
Faux Leather wide leg crops - Topshop
White trainers - Veja at Quattrorish
Red Soho Disco bag - Gucci
An evening in tonight with the children as the husband is out at an event where someone (famous) is discussing the Lions selection. Bless him, he asked if I wanted to go with him.... suffice to say, he's gone with a really good friend of his (who loves rugby as much as he does. Me? Not so much...!!)
How are you doing on the swimwear front this year? One piece or bikini? Matching kaftan? My one must have this year is a whole bag of earrings to distract from the lack of toned leg. Genius no?