Haul // Swimwear (and some advice I wish someone had given me!)

Hello my lovelies!
Here is my first proper post of this new blog and it concerns a type of clothing (clothing?) that has been the bane of my life this past month or so. Yes, by that, I mean swimwear.

When it comes to Summer you cannot walk ten steps down any high street without seeing size 8 mannequins wearing really skimpy bikinis reminding you that your holiday (if you are lucky) is fast approaching and you need to invest in some swimwear.

I have been searching high and low, near and far for my swimwear this year and am finally happy with my little collection - here it is!

Sainsbury's

 Top: £8 

High waisted bottoms: £8

(in store only)

This set is actually the last one I picked up. I went to change a tankini my mum had bought and I saw this and had to pick it up. the pattern is so cute and I was so surprised that a supermarket had a high waisted bikini (at such a great price!). The top comes in bra sizes and has detachable straps so fits really really well whilst the bottoms come so high only 2-3 inches of skin is actually visible. Perfect.

Next

Bralet: £16 (here)

High waisted bottom: £10 (here)

I absolutely adore the styling of this bikini. Again, the bralet comes in bra sizes so you know it will fit well. The bottoms come up really high so, again, only a couple of inches of skin are on show and the monochrome is just so chic and gorgeous.  This set is really flattering on and has such a vintage vibe - especially with the halter neck straps (which are also detachable). Sure, it was a little pricey but it fits really nicely and it is so gorgey.

Next

Swimsuit: £20 (in store)

This was the first swimsuit I picked up this year. I love the mesh detailing - again it looks so chic and sophisticated! There is some stripe detailing along the waist which really gives you a bit of defined shape (if you are a little bit shapeless like me!). The sport luxe look is so easy when it comes to swimwear - just add some metallic sliders and you are done!

Now, don't get me wrong, I have spent long, hard hours on finding swimwear I like. There is no way I could be considered slim and so a cheap, string bikini is not going to work on me (I think people would go running away screaming if they saw that) so I went for what worked for me. Through the past month I have learned some valuable information to help in the future because swimwear shopping is just like shopping for jeans - impossible!

1. TRY IT ON - the shops these days have absolutely awful sizing. It is not just Primark. The whole of the high street (in my opinion) have not got uniform sizing. Sure, there are some stores such as Next, Debenhams etc. that have a much higher success rate but if you walk into Primark expecting a bikini in your size to fit properly you are looking in the complete wrong place. I have ordered sets from ASOS which have been inches (and I mean 5 inches) too small. I've ordered a third set from Next that was identical to others I'd ordered but over an inch smaller laid flat. Moral of the story - try the set on before you leave the store or be prepared to take it back. If you don't feel comfortable - you won't look it.

2. Nicely leading on from my first point MAKE SURE YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE - I know I am not going to look good in a tiny, high leg bikini bottom with string top that leaves nothing to the imagination. I want my stomach covered and I want a nice structured top - simple as - and so that is what I looked for. When I put them on they look good, so I feel good, so I am not worried about walking around in them on holiday.

3. However, EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED - Don't get yourself into a rut. Do you always wear one pieces? Try a tankini! Do you want a neon bikini? Go for it! When else can you wear neon on a daily basis and not get strange looks? Look in places other than your usual shops. Sure, Topshop have some stunning swimwear but so do the supermarkets. I never look in Next and I have two swimsuits from there this year. Mix and match. If you find the perfect bottoms in one shop get them anyway and look somewhere else for a top. You have a 28 day return period so go use it! This is your money and your wardrobe - you want to make sure you are spending it wisely.

4. More often than not YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR - If you pay £6 for a whole set it may be amazing. It may also be cheap material that clings and goes see through or doesn't fit quite right. I know it doesn't seem like a good idea to spend a lot of money on swimwear considering it gets worn for one week every year but when you get something you love, that fits well and is fashionably timeless what is to stop you from wearing it next year, or the year after that? Nothing, that's what! If you want something that bit different, go to Debenhams and get something cute. If you want to throw it away make sure it is cheap but you may have to kiss some frogs (or try on 20+ sets in boiling fitting rooms) to find your perfect set.

5. ACCESSORISE, ACCESSORISE, ACCESSORISE - Would you wear a dress without shoes? Would you wear a plain cami top without a necklace? Why should you treat swimwear any differently? Grab a big floppy hat, a bright lipstick, a kimono, an oversized t-shirt, anything to add to your look. I'm not Gok Wan asking you to strut around Magaluf wearing nothing but a swimsuit. I've have spent just as much money on cover-ups as I have on swimwear. From Kimonos to crisp white shirts and denim shorts, the outfit doesn't stop at your swimsuit. At the end of the day, if you are in the water no-one can see your legs anyway. If you are on a sun lounger, wear your cover up if you feel a bit self-conscious. You may not get a tan but you won't burn either! (warning - watches and necklaces can leave awful tan lines. Wear at your own risk!)

So there is my swimwear haul and a few tips to help you on your mission to find your perfect bikini. Have these tips helped at all? Do you have any you'd like to add? Let me know!