SS20 Swimwear from Protest*

I’m not an avid swimmer (actually, I’m just flat out not much of a swimmer at all), and I have no beach holidays booked in and yet every year as soon as the swimwear campaigns start finding their way on to the high street I am inexplicably compelled to browse them all, compiling massive wish lists of bikinis and swimsuits that I’d never get the wear from; either through lack of confidence or lack of plans.

Most recently I’ve come across the brand Protest and their SS20 collection of swim and sportswear. A brand founded in Holland, they design functional yet stylish pieces that balance practicality with innovation. I’m smitten with so much of the collection, and unlike many of the high street brands, I can actually envisage myself wearing a lot of their bikinis as they seem to be cut more for activity than simply laying horizontal on a sun lounger (i.e. they look to cover a bit more than the absolute bare essentials!)

My favourite bikini style is the triangle bikini as I find it the most flattering on my small chest. I do find them a little on the skimpy side but balanced out with some higher waisted briefs it’s my holiday go-to.
Protest all have a huge variety of push up bikinis too, for those wanting a bit more boost or support. Again, they look super flattering with higher rise bottoms and the prints and colours are gorgeous.

Of course men haven’t been neglected, the swim shorts selection is vast, with more prints than you can shake a stick at. I showed Bob the collection to see what he thought, and at last count there were at least five pairs he rather fancied for himself.

Protest is a new brand on my radar, but one that is most certainly staying put. I’ve heard rumour that my Mum and I might be booking a girly break to Spain later in the year, and having outgrown my current scant collection of swimwear I think investing in something good quality and confidence inspiring would be worthwhile.

If you’re tempted for yourself you can get 10% off purchases with the code daisychain10
This code is valid until June 30 2020.

Let me know if anything has caught your eye, and if you decide to treat yourself. I’ll make sure to share any purchases I make on the blog or on my social media.

*collaborative post*

A Holiday Swimwear Wish List*

I’ve finally got around to booking some time off work over the next few months, and for the first time in a few years I’m in a position where I can afford to book a holiday. After an incredible but somewhat cold and rainy trip to Scotland last year I’m seriously hoping to head to sunnier climes this time around. Working out where we want to go is proving tricky for Bob and I- we’d be going in July and want somewhere with sunshine, but not too hot (Spain’s 40 degree days might be ok for me but I fear Bob would come back as a puddle). It also needs to be affordable and somewhere that doesn’t take 6+ hours to fly to- four hours is about my maximum tolerance on a plane for a week long break.

Whilst picking a destination might be difficult, thinking about a holiday wardrobe is all too easy, although not without it’s own challenges.
My body this Summer is going to be very different to how it was last Summer, and even more so than the ones before. The idea of baring skin is daunting as I’m not yet used to my changing figure and it’s certainly not as toned as I would like (there’s a whole other post coming on that one). Still, the high street seems to be awash with gorgeous high-waisted bikinis at the moment so I thought that today, with it’s grey and dismal sky, I’d pop together a wish list of some of the swim wear I could definitely envisage myself in this Summer.

From top left-
ASOS | Simply Beach | Simply Beach | ASOS | Monki | Simply Beach

It goes without saying that ASOS was my first port of call when seeking inspiration- I barely even scratched the surface of their swim wear pages before I had more than a dozen items on my wish list! I was especially taken with this white and floral printed number for lazing on a beach, as well as the much plainer block navy set for more practical purposes such as swimming or any water based activities.
It would also go without saying that I’d find something I loved from Monki- every Summer I admire their swim collections wishing I had reason to justify a purchase. This year I might be able to do just that and I feel that this ruche monochrome bikini set would be both flattering and stylish.

Branching out of my usual haunts and I stumbled across Simply Beach as well, which got me thinking back to the quality over quantity debate. I am absolutely smitten with the blue and white set by Lepel London- and whilst the set might set me back £40 one suspects it is built to last more than some of my cheaper picks on this wish list. I might be imagining it but I also imagine it to be more supportive and therefore flattering, but that could just be me trying to justify potentially spending more on a bikini than I ever have before.

So there we have it, my swim wear wish list. All I need now is for us to decide on a holiday destination, get something booked and then start shopping (and given I’ve grown out of every bikini/pair of shorts/just about everything I own) I feel I have the perfect excuse.

Where are you heading for your holidays this year? Do you have any recommendations that fit my affordable/not too far/plenty of sunshine brief?

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Swimwear Trends for 2015*

It’s that time of year where we start to crave a holiday. If you’re lucky enough to have already booked your next getaway, you’ve probably already turned your attention to swimwear.
From bikinis to swimsuits, there’s so many styles, designs and prints to choose from. To help you select the best option for your shape, we’ve enlisted the help of Danielle Kisby from leading lingerie and swimwear retailer, Bras Galore. She’ll provide her expert opinion on this season’s hottest trends.
Fringing
Popular in the 80s and 90s, fringing has re-emerged in time for summer 2015. Shorter fringed bikinis are great for adding subtle detail to your swimsuit, while longer styles can create a more dramatic look.
Speaking of the trend, Danielle said: “Channelling boho chic, fringing is one of my favourite trends this season. It’s great for minimising the appearance of a larger bust, as well as disguising those pesky cellulite-prone areas on the hips. A fringed bikini is the perfect alternative to heavily printed swimwear. Choose a plain option to remain subtly stylish.”
High-waisted
Favourites with everyone from curvalicious Beyoncé to athletic Taylor Swift, high-waisted bikinis are a popular choice this season. Offering more coverage than your typical string bikini yet oozing sexiness, the style is reminiscent of 1950s pin-up girls.
“A 1950s-style bikini is perfect for showing off those va va voom curves!” says Danielle. “The high-waisted bottoms are great for highlighting an hourglass figure, and are incredibly flattering across problem stomach areas.
“If you are blessed with a larger bust, choose a bra- or halterneck-style bikini top. These are much more preferable to flimsy string designs, which can offer little support. Ditsy prints like polka dots are an absolute must for this style. You can wear them year after year!”
Sporty
Sports luxe has been a huge trend for a few seasons now, but it seems 2015 is the year it really starts to dominate the swimwear market. Sports bra-inspired high-neck tops complete with mesh detailing are big news, as are bright block colours with contrasting black trims.
Danielle says: “A sports inspired bikini is perfect for lazy days in the sun and splashing around in the pool. However, the shape isn’t for everyone. While they are incredibly flattering for athletic and boyish shapes, the high-neck cut can make ladies with a bigger bust look top heavy.
“If you do have larger breasts and you are considering this style, I’d advise choosing one with mesh detailing to reduce the coverage over your bust. That way, you can have the best of both worlds.”
Plunge swimsuit
If you’re looking for something a little sexier, choose a swimsuit with a deep plunge neck. While you may think you’re covering up in a bathing suit, the plunge neck is sure to grab attention.
Danielle comments: “Plunge swimsuits are great as they can be worn by women of any size. Suits that offer little support around the bust are best suited to women will smaller busts. If you have larger breasts, choose a style that offers additional support to prevent squashing and provide an extra lift.
“Because the plunge adds detail to the swimsuit, choose a classic Ibiza-ready colour like black, white or red. Team with a floppy sunhat for ultimate glamour.”
Which styles will you be hitting the beach in this summer?

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Last Minute Swimwear Wish-list

For someone who up until last year only ever owned one bikini I’ve really got in to swimwear. Last year I think I took three sets away with me…this year I’m using the excuse of being away for twice as long for taking seven (maybe eight)
You’d think I’d be sick of browsing, but no. I’ve compiled a little wish-list from Camille Lingerie (because my blog isn’t just one giant wish-list right now)
Although I’ll admit I’m not a fan of the models poses on the website I’m really taken with all the above pieces especially because a lot of the briefs are higher cut. As a tall girl I find it near impossible to find a bikini bottom that leaves my modesty intact; I know low rise is a trend of sorts but there is such a thing as TOO LOW!
I’m really crushing on the floral bikini in the bottom right of the collage. Costing £9.99 for the top and £7.99 for the bottoms it has competitive prices as well as covering up my bits and pieces. If only I had found it with longer than six days to go!
Where have you bought your swimwear this year?
Do you have any tips for choosing the right type for your height and build? I guess tankinis are a tall girl’s best friend and some of the fabulous 50’s style high waisted sets that are fairly prominent on the market this year.
xxx

Simply Beach

The last time I bought swimwear I was 17 and it was a bog standard, funny shade of purple tankini from BHS.

It had never really occured to me that finding the right swimwear might actually make me feel better about wearing it in public places (er, that’d be my back garden if we ever get the weather for sun bathing) until Simply Beach contacted me asking if I’d like to take a look at their range of Bikinis
When I’ve looked in shops before I’ve been put off by the fact everything seemed to come in sets, and separates were somewhat lacking in style. I am not well gifted in the bosom department finding a top to fit is something of a nightmare, being able to shop by bra size made the experience much easier!

I went for this little number

Photobucket

which has the added bonus of being convert able AND padded, making me look much better endowed than I actually am. There are also a wide range of bottom styles on the site; I prefer something that sits a little higher on the waist, and isn’t shorts or tie side.

What I’m trying to say is that this site has something for everyone and a huge range of beach clothing and accessories too; with brands such as Sea Folly and Speedo. The service was fantastic, with easy checkout and fast but cheap delivery- I placed my order on Thursday evening and had it by Saturday morning for the grand sum of £1.99!

So if you are heading on holiday, getting in to swimming, or like me just like to laze in the garden I’d head off to Simply Beach now.

…now if only someone would send me a holiday.

What does your dream bikini look like?

xxx

Thank you to Simply Beach for the Bikini. Although I was sent the product in exhange for this post it in no way impacts my view.