Elomi are one of my go to lingerie brands for fuller busts. Their bras are well designed, and they carry a varied selection of prints and styles. So I was thrilled when they asked me if I would like to review some of their swim wear this summer. I decided to go for the Wild Thing swim bra, because I can't resist animal print at the best of times, and when it's metallic I'm sold!
Black Beach Cover Up - Marks and Spencer (similar here)
I ordered the Wild Thing bikini top in a 40FF (I usually size up slightly in Elomi styles) and it fit perfectly. I would call this a swim bra in fact, rather than a bikini top, as it has all the support features of a bra, meaning that you can really feel comfortable to splash about and not worry about fall out (horror of horrors) or excessive and uncomfortable jiggling. In the 40 FF the central gore sits firmly against my sternum, and all my breast tissue sits within each cup. I have a few bikinis that give me some pretty eye popping cleavage, however this style is a little more demure - each boob comfortably encased in it's own cup, thank you very much. I was also sent to briefs, which fit comfortably in a size 22, however were not high enough for my comfort (with my long torso and big tum, I like my briefs to sit really high).
What really drew me to this style was the print - a large leopard print - in its bronzed colourway. The metallic paired with the print gives the bikini a bit of a sexy feel, and is a fun alternative to plain old black. I also love that each of Elomi's patterns come in a variety of styles. So the Wild Thing is also available in a tankini, and a full swimsuit. I would have liked to see a halterneck bikini top too, for more cleavage really! I also tried the tankini on, but I think it would suit someone slightly more busty and with less of a tum, as it ended up making me look a bit frumpy and mumsy - a little too barrel shaped. However I have seen other women who really rock the tankini style, so I really think it's down to the fit on me.
My darling George from Fuller Figure Fuller Bust took these pictures, and styled my hair, and I have to be honest I was left feeling like quite the Hollywood siren! Since I posted my first swimwear post earlier this week, among loads of lovely comments I have had a lot of people tell me how brave I am to do these posts. I guess so. I guess it's brave to post images of yourself in precious little when you are not society's beauty or body ideal. When in fact, ordinarily bodies like yours are held up as examples of what not to be, how not to live. I suppose I could be offended that people find it brave, after all it's just a body. A good worthy body. But I understand what they are saying. Because posting these images did feel brave. Hell, even posing for these images in a safe space with someone I consider a true friend felt brave. It was scary. Because, even today, with the wonderful and thriving online body positive community, I am still unused to seeing bodies like mine and I am still hypercritical of my own.
So how did I do it? I started by focusing on the things I like about myself. Having George give me the most amazing hair ever really helped! I like my legs, so we focused on poses that show them off. In all honesty I still battle with my tummy - we have a difficult relationship, that is getting better. Like an estranged family member slowly coming back into the fold (pun, LOL). I don't want to hide the fact that I have one after all, part of being in this community for me is about honesty in relation to my body. Pushing my own boundaries in the hope it helps someone push theirs, or see themselves differently, in the way that other people pushing their boundaries has helped me. So we tried to strike a balance - I have a tummy, but this is my tummy on a good day from a good angle. Maybe one day I will be braver and bolder, and take photos from all the angles, but this was a big step for me. I also asked someone I trust and am comfortable with to take the pictures. If you're going to the beach or the pool for the first time in a long time in a swim suit, go with someone you trust, and someone who is going to build you up and strengthen your confidence. Haters gonna hate, and it really is down to making sure you are with positive people and hearing positive things when you're on this journey. Don't stand for the haters. I don't think we would have gotten half so many good pics if darling George hadn't kept telling me how damn hot I looked. Fledgling confidence needs a lot of boosting, so if you're pushing your boundaries do it with people who are going to build you up! So yes, that is how I am so brave. (Read more about my body confidence tips here) Lots of little practical things, that make me look brave, but actually mean I am like every other women. Building my confidence, and taking positive steps to love and accept myself a little more every day. Oh, and because I'm a damn fitty... Pics to prove it... ;)
Have you tried any Elomi swimwear yet? Are you a bikini girl, or more a one piece lady? And what do you think of the Wild Thing? Let me know in the comments...
this look is just everything! You and George make an awesome team. I'm a big fan of Elomi too, nearly all my bras are from them. You look absolutely incredible, it makes me happy that you feel you can take photos like this and share them <3 <3
ReplyDeleteThank you darling girl! And yes you rock elomi! Still think that Anoushka bra is your bra soul mate! Xxx
DeleteI love Elomi, and had no idea that they did swimwear - and it looks like such a game changer! You look absolutely incredible, the print is stunning and your hair is utterly amazing. You look like a real life Ariel! x
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Yeah their lingerie is the best, and it's so great that they have Swimwear options too. Yay for big boob options!
DeleteI just love your hair in these photos! You look amazing, a real siren. x
ReplyDeleteThanks lovely. George did ah amazing job on the hair :)
DeleteStraight up, you look out of this world. Right on for pushing your boundaries and learning to love yourself the best you can.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a babe! This comment made my day you total doll x
DeleteYour hair is pure f**king mermaid goals. You look incredible! Loving the hair, the look & the confidence. xx
ReplyDeletex LoveLeah x
Awww. Thank you lovely lady. You're a babe! Xxx
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