Aussie Beach Babes #1 - Beach Confidence!

When the people over at Swimsuits For All approached me to be involved in an Aussie Beach Babes challenge with three other Aussie bloggers, I was so excited that a little bit of pee came out. Okay, maybe not THAT excited, but definitely thrilled! I live right on the beach and regularly swim laps at my local swimming pool after work most days, so I'm always on the lookout for cute and practical swimwear. I've often lurked the Swimsuits For All website, and I'm so glad I finally took the plunge (pun intended) and gave them a go!

But....

Then I realised that I'd actually have to model swimwear (eek). However, before I got to the photo-taking part, I had a good month of trying each pair out; for the swimsuits to become a staple part of my wardrobe and take a place of pride in my "swimming drawer". 

I am in love with my swimsuits and can't wait to show them all to you! 

For this first post, I wanted to write a little bit about beach confidence and what I've learned. I used to be the girl who would never swim without a t-shirt and board shorts. Somehow that changed. My sister helped me with this post and taking the photos, and we had a great conversation about body confidence. My sister is a very different shape to me, and by no means "plus size", but she's still had her struggles and insecurities despite that. It's funny how we can think that people who seem to have the perfect body don't struggle with body confidence. It's just not true. 

Here are our sisterly tips on how to get your bod in a swimsuit and down the beach without a freak out!

1. It all goes downhill from here. Yep, when you're pushing past 50, you may just wish that you had your current body back and had enjoyed it a little more instead of criticizing it for its perceived flaws. Think of your body in terms of the enjoyment and movement it can give you, not in terms of body-fat ratio.
2. Don't assume that everybody on the beach is some "enemy" out to judge every roll of fat. It's just not the case! And even if someone does look at you and has a judgmental thought, they'll probably either keep it to themselves (as they should) or they'll get bored and move on to think about something else. Or there's the possibility that someone might look at you and think, "Her swimsuit is cute," or "I admire her confidence." You can't assume that everyone who looks at you is thinking something negative. Also, don't judge other bodies. Be the change you want to see.
3. Have a few comebacks ready in your mind just in case someone does say something. I've made up my mind that if someone is ever rude to me, I will come out on top with my witty response. No more 'ducking-my-head-in-shame-because-I-deserve-it' bullshit.
4. When it comes to the beach, all bets are off. Everyone has a right to wear what they want and bask in the sun. Including YOU. 
5. I tend to be an "all or nothing" type person and used to believe that to prove I was body confident, I would have to go dramatically from wearing t-shirts and knee-length board shorts to wearing a bikini. It's simply not the case! Small steps of courage are okay. Start with a cover-up over a one-piece, or a bikini top with board shorts. Don't feel guilty for not being "body confident" enough. It's about finding what works for you.
6. Read fashion blogs by people of all sizes. Seeing other plus size babes confident on the beach will inspire you to do the same.

wrap: swimsuits for all (here) || board shorts: swimsuits for all (here)

bikini top: asos (here) || necklace: lovisa || headscarfe: oh honey hush (here)

This cover-up is so perfect for the beach, I just love it! The board shorts were part of a duo, but I wanted to bare a bit more skin today. I love these board shorts because they have built in knickers and POCKETS. Soooo good! The matching tankini is pretty cute too, though. You can find the entire swimsuit combo here.

Here's my sister in the same cover up but in a Valley Girl bikini. She's my love! :)

As always, thank you for reading! xx

Want to join us? Simply tag your Beach Babe photo on instagram and use the hashtags #S4ADownUnder #s4aAussieBeachBabe

 

Aussie Curves: Black and White

Hi there! Another week, another outfit! I love colour but sometimes I'll go an entire week wearing only black and white and this is one of my favourite outfits for work. The white accessories are some of my favourite things - the white Docs (no, they're not ice skates!), the vintage plus size belt that took me forever to find, and the love heart necklace which I found at a jewellery party. 

 

black t-shirt: CITY CHIC, Basic Scoop Cap Sleeve Top

Leggings and skirt: ASOS CURVE

belt: EBAY

shoes: DOC MARTENS via EBAY

necklace: EMMA'S COLLECTION

Thank you for reading x

Goth, Wednesday Adams or a Nun?

When I saw this dress on ASOS Curve, I thought it looked so sexy. It's also just the kind of outfit my boyf loves - modest, teacher marmish, and like I just stepped out of the office. He's weird, I know. 

 

While I don't think it looks quite so svelte on me, I really quite like it. Although, with my dark hair, I reckon I make it look quite gothic. Which I don't mind ;)

shoes: DOC MARTEN

dress: ASOS Curve (here)

Thanks for reading! x

Aussie Curves: Swimwear #2

Tess Munster once said on Instagram, "For some, wearing a bathing suit for the first time might not be a big deal, but for others it can change your life." Those words really resonated with me because it changed mine. As a teenager I lived in dread of swimming publicly (even though it was one of the few physical activities I loved, and still do). I think wearing a swimsuit in public without a cover-up is such a key moment in accepting your body and understanding that we all have a right to bask in the sun. 

To this day, my swimwear posts on Instagram are still my most liked photos.

Incidentally, they're also the photos that took the most courage to publish. They're not the most liked because my followers are all pervy guys. I think deep down, everyone has some understanding that existing beauty standards aren't right. Don't get me wrong - I'm not totally free of insecurity and fear when it comes to baring my bod, but putting on a swimsuit that shows your visible belly outline, bingo wings and cellulite is the ultimate fight against all that bullshit.

I've had my fatkini moment, so you won't be seeing that much skin again for this post. I wanted to show off my Sienna Floral Cap Sleeve Crop Top from ASOS. It's a size 18 from the standard range, and it's just the prettiest thing! It's made from stretch swim fabric.

I'm wearing it with my Seafolly sarong. I have some black board shorts on underneath but I'll be posting about those in more detail in an upcoming post (I've got lots of swimwear to post about in the next few months, so don't go far! ;)

Flower Headband: Lovisa

Swim Crop Top: ASOS (here)

Sarong: Seafolly (here)

As always, thanks for reading xx

Aussie Curves: Races

I suppose I should have something attached to my head for races theme, right? Haha, well, I've never actually been to the races so I've just donned my girliest outfit (which I just wore to the local pub, teehee). 

"Play House" DRESS: City Chic (here)

Earrings: ASOS

When I first ordered these earrings from ASOS, I was so in love with them. But I didn't realise they were clip-ons until they arrived. Unfortunately they fall off every now and again, which totally sucks. But I still love 'em!

Thanks for reading! xx

 

Aussie Curves: Retro

Although I'm not wearing any genuine retro clothing in this post, there's something 50s chic about a pair of high-waisted shorts with a pussy-bow top and heels. I've been trying to step out of my comfort zone and wear more shorts as the weather warms up. I really think City Chic have nailed shorts this season. These ones pictured are so comfortable and fit so nicely! 

SHIRT: Thrifted from Savers, Noarlunga SA

SHORTS: City Chic

HEELS: Zu Shoes

As always, thanks for reading! x

Aussie Curves: Celebrity Copycat

Miley Cyrus. 

Because all a girl needs in life is a pair of Docs, a good red lippy and a wrecking ball.

Thanks for reading! x

Rose Mirror Dress

I'm struggling to embrace the soft pastels trending this summer. I love bold colours and earthy boho/hippy tones. So accordingly, the latest City Chic collections haven't really inspired me. Of course, I still pop into my local each week to say hello to Lauren, Maddie and Kerri (Marion, SA). Having said that, I saw this dress on Instagram and my curiosity flared up. I love the cut, the dark red floral and the oriental feel of the design. After trying it on, I decided to splurge, knowing I'd probably wear it to a few events over the summer - particularly my staff Christmas party. 

 

I also love that the belt fits so well. In the past, I've found that the City Chic belts that come with the garment don't always match the size of the dress. The floral pattern helps to blur the visible belly outline, which is a sensitive area for me and still the body part I find most difficult to embrace. You may also have noticed that I'm not in my usual Doc Martens. I followed a friend into Zu Shoes recently and these were a spontaneous purchase. By the way, I stand at 6"1 in these heels. They are really quite comfortable as far as heels go! My boyfriend really doesn't mind that I tower over him in them (boobs in face, what's not to like about that?).

Thanks for reading! xo