For a long time after having my two children, my relationship with finding suitable summer wear could be summed up in one word: hidden!
After having my babies, my body changed and I no longer recognised myself. There are stretch marks that weren’t there before, a softness to my stomach that tells the story of growing two beautiful humans, and a general shift in shape that left me feeling like bikinis belonged to a past version of my younger self. For years, I reached for the most industrial, full-coverage one-pieces that I could find, or draped myself in oversized kaftans and cover-up’s.
But over the past decade, something clicked. I looked at my ever-growing children running playfully towards the water, completely unconcerned with how they looked, just radiating pure happiness. And I realised that I was missing out on those beautiful feelings and memories because I was too busy worrying about a little extra skin or a softer silhouette and what strangers would think of me because of it.
Our bodies are capable of such incredible things, and hiding them away after creating life feels like apologising for a miracle taking place, which is wrong. So, I decided to take the plunge back into the world of bikinis, and finding the right one truly made all the difference. For me, the game-changer has been seeking luxury and the beauty of craftsmanship for which the Olivia Bikini by Lucini London is a show-stopper.
Finding A Bikini That Works With Your Body
With or without having babies, a bikini has to do a lot of heavy lifting. It can’t just look nice on a hanger, as it needs to stay put when you’re bending down to tie sandals, feel comfortable enough for a full day spent in the sun, and offer the kind of support that makes you feel genuinely secure without looking frumpy.
And whilst I was simply looking for a bikini that could tick all of my boxes for comfort and style, I never expected to end up looking and feeling like a catwalk model with my confidence suddenly skyrocketing the second that I slipped it on, but here we are! Isn’t that the beauty of slow fashion, finding something so unique and stunning that truly makes a difference to your day.
First of all, the bright yellow colour of this bikini is gorgeous. It’s a rich, vibrant warmth that feels incredibly uplifting for summer and instantly makes me look glowing, even before I’ve caught a bit of a tan.
Featuring a classic triangle bikini top, with an eye for luxury, it provides beautiful framing without feeling restrictive or invasive. The tie-side bottoms are equally fantastic because they give you total autonomy over the fit, with no digging into your hips or cutting you off in the wrong places. You can simply adjust them exactly to your comfort level and body shape which I love.
And what really elevates the Olivia from a basic bikini to a luxury statement piece is the gold detailing. The top and bottoms feature stunning gold ring accents and a delicate removable under-bust chain. It instantly adds a touch of glamour that makes me feel dressed up and elegant, whether I’m sitting by a paddling pool in my garden or sipping cocktails in an infinity pool in the Med. I’d never considered bikini jewellery before, but it’s such a game changer for swimwear that makes every piece feel so instantly elevated ands luxurious.
Wearing Your Confidence
I know that stepping out in a bikini for the first time in years can feel intimidating to say the least. And I won’t pretend that those first few minutes on the sand didn’t take a bit of bravery and courage. But wearing a set that fits like a dream, uses premium fabric that holds you nicely, and features hardware that feels distinct and stylish makes a massive psychological difference.
Dropping my cover-up and smiling as I walked down the beach in my bikini and sunglasses was such. breath of fresh air. And once I stopped freaking out and stressing over what other people would think of my body as a mother, I suddenly had the clarity and confidence to smile at everyone around me. I soon noticed women of all ages, shapes and sizes, as well as fellow mothers, donning swimwear, bikinis and some even going bra-free all around me. How had I never realised such diversity before?
It’s all far too easy to get stuck in our own thoughts and mind, over analyse and sweat the small stuff, but when we step out of our comfort zone, try something new and take a leap of faith we finally see how amazing freedom from anxiety feels. Body confidence isn’t about suddenly waking up and thinking that your body is absolutely flawless, perfect and better than everyone else. It’s about accepting the skin that you’re in, appreciating everything it has done for you, and refusing to let insecurity dictate your summer fun.
We’re all human, we all have skin that behaves naturally, and we’re all one day older today then we were yesterday. So drop the self doubt and negativity, buy the gorgeous bikini and make it a summer to remember!
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about trying a two-piece again, please take this as your sign, because life is far too short and sweet to be wasted. Find a colour that makes your eyes pop, a cut that lets you move freely, and wear it with pride and sheer joy. You’ve earned every last drop of that sunshine, and I know that you’ll look and feel amazing! x
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