Dreaming of Summer.....


ph Las Calles de Barcelona
Style Theory: The days are getting longer, the sun has shown it's face after months of hiding away behind heavy, grey clouds and now my attentions are turning towards summer and beachy holidays. I long to lay on the beach - ok in reality, chase kids/ build sandcastles/ remove unwanted sand from their feet/be made to jump (not a nice sight) over every wave that hits the beach - in order to do this with some sort of confidence I love a beautiful bikini or swimsuit. I normally start looking about now, that initial trying on session is horrendous but makes me realise that in less than 3 months I will be faced with the reality of strutting my stuff down to the sea edge in a bikini. To soften the blow of an unworked out, rather out of shape Mum of two in stepped Coco Bay Beachwear, the answer to my swimwear worries....
Coco Bay - Seafolly Miami Stripe Neon Bikini Top from £53 Bottoms from £38
Coco Bay - Seafolly Soundwave Drummer Kaftan £53
Coco Bay - Bulaggi Pineapple Beach Bag £40
Coco Bay - Hipanema Amor Bracelet £70
I have long been a fan of Seafolly swimwear it is cut beautifully and is incredibly flattering, it is also substantial enough to withstand toddlers tugging on it and stays up whilst grappling with them in the sea! Although it is slightly more expensive than some other high street own brands, they really do last, the colour does not fade and I have had mine for quite a few years. When the bikini above arrived I let out a little gasp of delight (genuinely) the colour is stunning, like a tropical sunset and the cut perfect for me.

I wanted an easy cover up to throw over me with ease so when a child declares they need the toilet I am there in a flash and thank goodness not walking up to the cafes in my bikini. I love the bright edges of the throw and the white base, it will look fab with cut off denim shorts and tan strappy sandals for long lazy lunches. I also always need a huge beach bag that can carry at least two towels and as much other stuff I can pack in it (spades, buckets, beach hats, extra kids clothes....) this Bulaggi Pineapple bag is perfect.
Coco Bay - Seafolly Miami Stripe Neon Bikini Top from £53 Bottoms from £38
Coco Bay - Seafolly Soundwave Drummer Kaftan £53
Coco Bay - Bulaggi Pineapple Beach Bag £40
Coco Bay - Hipanema Amor Bracelet £70

There were so many beautiful bikinis and swimsuits to choose from on the Coco Bay Beachwear website I was spoilt for choice. Here are a selection of my favourites and they also have D/DD/E/F Cup swimwear in beautiful styles and colours..
Seafolly Miami Neon Melon Bikini - Tops from £53 Bottoms from £38Seafolly Miami Neon Melon Swimsuit £94
These neon colours are so flattering against any colour of skin, they take the edge away from a paler skin like mine and make it look a little less bright white. The bikini tops and swimsuit come with a detachable strap so you secure when diving in the waves...
Banana Moon Victoriane Bikini (left) - Top: £38 Bottoms: £38
Banana Moon is another favourite swimwear brand, I used to buy it from a little shop on the seafront in Spain now you can buy and try before you go on holiday. The boho pattern of this bikini is perfect for this years boho trend. The swimsuit is ruched in all the right places for a flattering effect and I always find navy a softer, kinder, more flattering colour against the skin.

Here are my are selection of my favourite pieces of swimwear for D-F cup on Coco Bay..
Top Left Seafolly Soundwave Bikini top from £58 Bottoms from £39
Bottom Left Seafolly Goddess Lapis Bikini top from £21 Bottoms from £27
Swimsuit Baku St Martins £99
Beautifully flattering and gorgeous colours, with lots of options to mix and match different shaped tops with different bottoms to ensure you buy the right bikini for your shape.

Coco Bay also has a fab range of beach clothing (love the boho top) and bags and accessories, well worth a cyber visit!

Do you buy your swimwear early or do you wait until the last minute, are you like me and need a short sharp shock of seeing yourself in a bikini to get moving? As always I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, until next time Frances 

28 comments:

  1. Hi Frances, great post. You've inspired me not to leave my swimwear as an after thought. There's nothing worse than being on the beach in an old lycra lacking number - especially post three children! And investing in good swimwear really is worth it - and I don't say that about many things!! x

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    1. Absolutely agree Beth, it is definitely one of my first summer purchases of the year, good to spend a little money on good swimwear as it is the main thing I wear on my summer hols away! Xx

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  2. Seafolly is my favourite too. It is a little more expensive but not unaffordable. And, like you say, they last years so it's worth treating yourself to a new piece each year. Before you know it, you've accumulated quite a little collection. The one you feature is absolutely stunning. I'm not quite in the swimwear mode just yet ( well I wasn't until this post so now I'm off to have a look at what else they have to offer) x

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    1. Thanks so much Donna, seafolly definitely lasts doesn't it? Xx

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  3. I love that coverup Frances, such beautiful colours! I do think it's worth spending as much as you can afford on swimwear, as you definitely get more support in the right places from it - i know I need it more than ever these days! I'm like you, I tend to buy swimwear as it hits the shops around this time of year because then I've got an incentive to be in the best shape I can be by the time the holidays come around! xx

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    1. Me and you think alike Becky, best to get the shock on putting in swimwear in early on in the season....the best motivation to exercise!! And I do need all the motivation I can get! Xx

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  4. Seafolly swimwear is amazing, I have a fab dark grey swimsuit that has lasts a few holidays. Love the Kaftan you have chosen. x

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    1. I have a dark grey bikini from a couple of years ago from Seafolly too, bet it is the same style as yours AnnMarie, they really do last fabulously! Xx

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  5. I NEED that kaftan it is gorgeous!! On my list for Cyprus this year! x

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    1. Joanna, you would so suit the kaftan, will look amazing with cut off denim shorts and flip flops, stylish and cool!

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  6. Swimwear is a tricky one for me due to psoriasis - I tend to quickly dive onto the sunlounger & cover up again before I move anywhere,. But that cover-up is really gorgeous. I'm going off to have a further look at the website. x

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    1. Helen, the cover up would look fab, such a useful piece xx

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  7. I love the poncho actually. It's a little bit different but the colours are so very you. I daren't wear a bikini - my days flashing off my midriff are long gone!

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    1. Ha, I bet you would fab in a bikini Sue, I think this may be my last year of wearing a bikini! Xx

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  8. Love all of this. You'll look fab on the beach this summer! I usually buy Boden swimwear but I might just check this out Lynne xx

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    1. Thanks Lynne it us really worth having a look at Cocobay, they have some gorgeous pieces in stunning, flattering colours, I am officially smitten with the website's range! Xx

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  9. I am aiming to ramp up my beachwear a bit this year and this stuff is just gorgeous! The colours are beautiful....I am off for a peruse! xx

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    1. Michelle you will love it, such a cool range of swimwear, clothing and accessories, right up your street! Xx

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  10. WOW utterly stunning - I love the bright colours

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  11. Hi everyone, thank you so much for all the lovely comments and feedback about our summer collection, really pleased you like it and happy shopping!, Belinda Robinson, co-founder, Coco Bay.

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    1. The range is so beautiful Belinda, a fabulous selection, the website drew me in with the stunning variation of gorgeous swimwear, clothing and accessories, a perfect edit.

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  12. I always stumble, when it comes to beachwear, and usually go for black. I really love the brights here and I am strangely drawn to the sound waves bikini. I also love the kaftan. H xx

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    1. It is fab, you would so suit it Helen, you have a fab figure xx

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  13. oh my lord you look AMAZING! Absolutely adore the cover up - colours are divine. Alas this year for me, it's the sunny (hopefully..) Suffolk coast so not entirely sure I'll be stretching to Sea folly when a jumper is going to be of more use. However I'm definitely keen on the bracelets as they're the perfect Summer pick me up - will go and have a look at the selection now. Gorgeous gorgeous things x

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  14. Great post - what a lovely ensemble. I've not been on a sun holiday for 7 years so I don't have any bikinis in my wardrobe nor have I a clue where to look for a good beachwear. So thanks for the heads up! x

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  15. Gorgeous and beautiful swimwear that is perfect for beach for summer or winter!

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