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Posts tagged ‘summer’

KAFTANS – THE COVER-UP STORY

Embroidered cotton kaftan from a selection from Miss Selfridge.
Embroidered cotton kaftan from a selection from Miss Selfridge.

Hallelujah! Finally, I’m off on holiday. I’ve been tearing around the sales in search of the perfect cover-up. Gee whizz the kaftan has come a long way since I first saw one way back when, worn by Demis Roussos on Top Of The Pops. I remember thinking NEVER EVER as I looked at this item of clothing whilst Mr Roussos strained the lyrics to his song ‘Forever and Ever’.

Now here I am, quite a fan (of the kaftan) and cover-ups are a staple holiday piece. They’re a perfect ‘throw on’ especially at the beginning of the holidays when you feel a little self- conscious exposing so much pale skin and very sensible when the midday sun becomes a bit too strong. But as you get more of a tan I think they look amazingly glamorous wafting around the pool. Choose pale colours – white, cream and light tones of grey. The words ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ suddenly popped into my head and this made me giggle as this hit by Procol Harum emerged in the Summer of Love when the kaftan was definitely all the rage! I will leave you with these beautiful images to peruse and fabulous video of the band in 60’s London. I’m sure it’ll make you smile. Bon Voyage Moi!

Long line kaftan, £128 by Eberjey at www.lyst.com
Long line kaftan, £128 by Eberjey at www.lyst.com
Print, lace up kaftan, £59, by Monsoon.
Print, lace up kaftan, £59, by Monsoon.
Embroidered kaftan, £125.40 (in sale) Eberjey at www.beachcafe.com
Embroidered kaftan, £125.40 (in sale) Eberjey at www.beachcafe.com
Lacey Kaftan, £231, by Lejerbey at www.beachflamingo.com
Lacey Kaftan, £231, by Eberjey at www.beachflamingo.com
Cotton embroidered kaftan, £15, Primark.
Cotton embroidered kaftan, £15, Primark.
Cotton lace up kaftan, £49, Monsoon.
Cotton lace up kaftan, £49, Monsoon

COSTUME DRAMA

Watermelon bikini top, £38, 30B to 36G and matching briefs, £23, XS to XL, Freya
Watermelon bikini top, £38, 30B to 36G and matching briefs, £23, XS to XL, Freya

On the hottest day of the year when I should be sitting by a pool drinking a Pina Colada, I’m still scrambling around trying to find a swimsuit. As every woman knows (who isn’t a size 8 or under) finding flattering pool attire can be quite a headache. Anyhow after getting quite hot and bothered I’ve come up with some scorchers (!). So read on, for whatever size or shape, you too can be a bathing beauty….

Bandeau top, £40, 30D to 38G and high waisted brief, £24, XS to XL, by Freya
Bandeau top, £40, 30D to 38G and high waisted brief, £24, XS to XL, by Freya

I love these swimsuits by Freya, a brand that understands curvy woman. Both bikinis go up to a G cup – hooray! The block coloured sporty swimsuit is so on-trend this Summer. Great with it’s detachable strap for sunbathing and slimming high waisted briefs whilst the fabulous watermelon print costume’s padded cups help create the perfect shape.

Floral balconnet bikini top, £34, 30D to 40J. Matching fold-down briefs, £20, sizes 8-20 by Panache.
Floral balconnet bikini top, £34, 30D to 40J. Matching fold-down briefs, £20, sizes 8-20 by Panache.

Another brand that has me jumping for joy is Panache. The floral balconnet bikini top gives an amazing uplifting shape and comes in cup sizes  D to J – Bra-vo! The matching briefs can either be worn over the tummy for desired extra coverage or folded down if you want to get a little more of you tanned! The Panache red polka dot set embraces this year’s nautical trend, again the bandeau top is so supportive and the high waisted briefs hide a multitude of sins!

Polka dot bandeau top,    £36, sizes 30D to 38H and matching high waisted briefs, £23, sizes 8-20 by Panache.
Polka dot bandeau top, £36, sizes 30D to 38H and matching high waisted briefs, £23, sizes 8-20 by Panache.

Just as I thought things couldn’t go more swimmingly, I stumbled upon the fabulous new swimwear range by F&F. This wonderful collection comes in sizes 32C to 38F for bikinis and 8-18 in swimsuits. The purple strappy bikini and colour block two-piece are so striking and really supportive too as they are both underwired. This range is fantastic value – I can feel a little trip to Tesco is on the agenda!

Purple underwired bandeau top, £8, sizes 32C to 38F and matching strappy bottoms, sizes 8-18 by F&F
Purple underwired bandeau top, £8, sizes 32C to 38F and matching strappy bottoms, sizes 8-18 by F&F
Colour block balocony bikini top, £8, sizes 32C to 38F and matching briefs, sizes 8-18 by F&F
Colour block balocony bikini top, £8, sizes 32C to 38F and matching briefs, sizes 8-18 by F&F

And if you’re looking for a really flattering swimsuit, look no further than M&Co. Their slimming black one-piece has a control tummy panel and flattering wrap design. I’m also a bit in love with their leopard bikini. This costume is also very good for the more curvy lady with its removable moulded cups and supportive halterneck fastening.

 

Slimming wrap swimsuit, £29, sizes 10-20, M&Co
Slimming wrap swimsuit, £29, sizes 10-20, M&Co
Leopard halterneck top, £16, sizes 10B to 18DD and matching bottoms, £16 by M&Co
Leopard halterneck top, £16, sizes 10B to 18DD and matching bottoms, £16, sizes 10-20, by M&Co

I’ve often bought Boux Avenue bikinis in the past. They fit well and I find them very flattering. So I was pleased to find two lovely bikinis by them. The first is very feminine and floral – the longline bikini top  and underwiring gives great shape and bikini bottoms are really cute with their adjustable side ties. The neon orange bikini also accommodates all sizes with its moulded cups. I’m loving the laser cut frill detail and the zingy colour would make a splash wherever you are. So here’s to a sizzling summer……. enjoy.

 

Neon orange frill bikini top, 32B to 34FF, £26 and matching briefs, £14, 6-18, Boux Avenue.
Neon orange frill bikini top, £26, sizes 32B to 34FF,  and matching briefs, £14, sizes 6-18, Boux Avenue.
Floral, longline bikini top, £30, 30C to 34DD and matching bikini bottom, £15, sizes 6-16, Boux Avenue.
Floral, longline bikini top, £30,sizes 30C to 34DD and matching bikini bottom, £15, sizes 6-16, Boux Avenue.