Parade to the Pool with Speedo Sculpture

Few of us can argue that we're not that great with this body confidence thing.  The lifestyle most western women lead today compared to some decades ago are worlds apart; we work hard, play hard and birth the babies.  So why is it we're still worrying about our bodies, comparing ourselves with the next woman and making us feel pretty crap about ourselves? 

The fact is you can't escape the human nature that we base a lot of our assumptions and decisions on looks, and if we're guilty of body snarking another woman we're obviously a sinner toward ourselves.  Does this attitude get us anywhere, any further forward in our plans?  Do we actually feel all warm and fuzzy inside following a good old dig at someone else's looks?  When we stand and look at ourselves in the mirror and disappointingly pinch at our squidgy bits, does it pay it's dividends?  Not in the slightest.

The UK's swimwear favourite, Speedo, have enrolled TV and radio personality, Gabby Logan, as ambassador of their Sculpture brand to tackle the issue of negative self confidence in women by heading the 'Parade To The Pool' campaign.  In a bid to encourage more women to get that skimpy suit on and hit the pool Gabby's challenge is to shirk the 'fat talk'.  According to a recent survey, 84% of women admit they have a negative relationship with their own body, with over half (55%) of all women avoiding activities such as swimming, just because they worry about revealing their body.  Pushing self demonizing thoughts aside and stepping into a swimsuit is a liberating experience, and if you want to do it, then why not?




Top psychologist Anjula Mutanda suggests confidence building tips such as:

• Seeing your body as part of you, not separate or your enemy
• Focus on what bits you like rather than what you hate
• Fake it until you make it - walk 'confidently' - stand and walk tall with shoulders back and keep eye contact
• Don't over think - just act - throw the towel away and stride to the pool!

Some members of the public were invited to don a swimsuit and literally parade to the pool, which saw them pounding the pavement through central London with a marching band, ticker tape and full fanfare until they reached their destination: the pool.  Sadly I couldn't make it down south for the parade which I would have loved - and equally feared - to do!  So thankfully I have some photos of the lovely, brave Speedo clad women who did triumph the parade!









How do you deal with your own self confidence issues and body confidence amongst your friends and family?

Check back again soon as I'll be reviewing a new style swimsuit from the 2013 collection by Speedo Sculpture.


Becky x

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Swimwear for Spa Days

So, it's decided (I decided) that Mr BB and myself are overdue a spa day.  I haven't been to a spa for three years now and I've never been with the other half before, so to say we're overdue it is an understatement.  I'm looking forward to swimming in the pool, chilling out in a jacuzzi and sweating it out in a sauna, and some treatments would be rather nice too, such as a massage and a facial.  All that needs to be done is book up with the right spa package and, oh, sort out the issue that is wardrobe!

Champney's Springs in Leicestershire - ooh yes please!

With spas, it doesn't matter whether you're a swimsuit wearer or prefer a bikini, what's more important is making sure you choose the right one for you that makes you feel confident about yourself and importantly, comfortable.  After all, what's the point in worrying about ties coming loose when you're meant to be relaxing?

Not all swimwear is the same so it's wise to thoroughly fit and check out your suit before the big day.  These pointers might help you out:

• Check your suit's not see through when wet (no nipples or pubic hair on show)


• Ensure the bottom doesn't ride up between your cheeks.  No one likes a wedgie.


• Can you can fasten fiddly ties or clasps yourself?


• Boob slips can happen - prevent it!  Bounce and move around, do your boobs stay in place?


• You don't want shoulder or neck pain from too tight straps - adjust to a comfortable tension now before you go.

Here are my top favourites of swimwear perfect for a spa day.  Hmm, which to choose?...

Freya 'Fever' Bikini Top

Leia Lingerie, £30

Kelly Brook 'Pink Rose' Bikini Top

New Look, £16.99

Curvy Kate Moonlight Bikini Top

Figleaves, £34

Lepel Capri Swimsuit
Figleaves, £38

And which did I choose?  The Freya Fever bikini!  I bought the gorgeous blue colourway from Leia Lingerie in a 28GG in the plunge style with medium brief bottoms.  It fits perfectly; the plunging cups are perfectly positioned and super flattering.  I was wise to order the 28GG as opposed to the H too as the cups are just the right size.  All I need now is my spa!

Becky x

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Goodbye Summer - Final 3 of 3 Swimwear

I've been meaning on completing my swimwear posts for what's felt like ages and with autumn literally around the corner now (officially this weekend!), I decided it's now or never!  Summer never really happened, did it?  I'd made it to the beach earlier on in the summer with the expectation of returning with the next sets of swimwear, but the weather decided to take a turn for the worst and never really returned.  So huge apologies for a mixed up post but hopefully the talk of summer and holidays may give you a little spirit boost, bring back those holiday memories and perhaps get your wardrobe planning under way for the next seaside break!

Over the first swimwear post and the second swimwear post, I covered swimsuits with a vintage twist and costumes for the sportier look.  For the final post I wanted to concentrate on more modern and current styles, so chose to check out the Freya Swing collection from Leia Lingerie.

I've never tried a bandeau bikini top so I tried that in a 30GG together with a flattering fold bikini brief in a medium.  I thought that not only was the style something different, with it's tie neck and bandeau as opposed to a typical bra style cup bikini, but the print is really unique and stands out.  The red and white stripe detailing is retro inspired and the blue, white and red floral print isn't ditsy or frumpy, opting more for an artsy, haphazard semi painted effect.  It's one of those looks that you're either going to love or hate, and luckily I think it's pretty cool!

I found the bikini really comfy to wear which I tested out by galavanting about the beach like a crazy woman.  I'm pleased to report that everything stayed in place where they belong:  the bandeau top was secure and didn't budge and the briefs didn't ride up my bum which was a brilliant revelation!  

The bandeau top isn't just a strip of fabric, there is actually a hidden bra support exactly like a bra underneath.  The 30GG was a nice fit but I would probably try a 28 back next to ensure a snugger tightness.  I found I probably had the neck tie a little too tight which pulled on my neck, so I think by reinforcing my bust at the band by moving down to a 28 would help rectify that.

At full cost the the Bandeau Top and Fold Bikini Brief retail for £36 and £26 respectively, so a little more expensive compared to the prices of Freya's bras and knickers.  As it's later in the season now you can buy both separate pieces for half price, so this is well worth snapping up.

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I had a surprise bikini sent to me from Panache which turned out to be the Claudette collection.  It's an unpadded regular styled bikini top with straps which arrived paired with a folded bikini brief in a size 12.

The brief is exactly the same style as the Freya Swing folded brief above, in that there's a top panel of fabric which folds over, giving a bit more coverage and smoothness to the tummy area.  I really like this style personally, it's extra fabric without the bulk.

The bikini top is very similar to the Panache Tango.  The fit and shape is exactly the same as the bra I reviewed here.  It's a very classic style with a contemporary floral and fern print in black and ivory.  Not a colourway or pattern I would go for myself but the style was spot on and I loved the way both pieces fit perfectly.  If you don't want to draw particular attention to your boobs when you're on the beach or in the pool then this is the perfect option with it's unpadded, unfussy design.

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Before I finish off and say a bitter fairwell to our pathetic summer, I wanted to leave you with some positive thoughts and hope for next summer.

I recently discovered a new swimwear brand for the fuller bust still in it's infancy yet with all intentions to hit the ground running once they launch their first line of bikinis.  The name to remember - Beach Bacchanal.  Alex Gibson is the bust and brains behind the new venture and as a woman who can testify for the pains we big boobed girls have to live with, she's the most qualified for the job.

Image Copyright Beach Bacchanal

I have high hopes for Beach Bacchanal who promise to set the swimwear world on fire and have it on it's toes.  Sexy and trendy bikinis shouldn't be an exclusive right for those with smaller chests and this is where the new business on the block will hit.  It's about time new life was breathed into this market and I for one am pretty excited to see what Beach Bacchanal will bring to the table.  Watch this space!

Becky x

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Swimwear - Part 2 - Speedo Sculpture

In the second part of my swimwear special I have some swimming costumes for both the beach and sport swimming.  A trendy bikini will suffice for catching a tan but if you're venturing into the water and getting a bit active, you need something more substantial for the job.

My first proper swimsuit was a Speedo back when I was a nipper at school learning to swim.  It's a brand most of us will recognise and have heard about because of their well made functional costumes, and they're a reliable option when swimming is the priority over beach fashion.  That can be the problem with sports swimwear, it can be mundane, dull and less than exciting.  If you have the added complication of being bigger busted, it's all the more difficult finding something that will fit.

Speedo Sculpture is Speedo's female tailored collection, addressing the very issue that us big boobed girls struggle with.  They do a good range of swimsuits by cup size up to an H so you can get the best fit according to your bust.

I tried two swimsuits from Speedo Sculpture.  This is the Premiere Ultimate Underwired which I got in my sister size 32G as my usual size of a 30GG was out of stock.  The Northern/Mystic colourway which is new for 2012 is a gorgeous vibrant deep blue with an aqua trim to the bust area.  The straps are adjustable at the back and it fastens with bra like wings and a snap clasp.

I loved the cut around the hips and the excellent bum coverage as there's nothing I can't stand more than a costume that rides up into your bum.

The bust section is a hidden underwired bra so it's not obvious you're wearing bust support from the outside.  I found this area a little odd, predominantly because I wasn't wearing my best size but I found the bra lining showed through highlighting a lot of rippling and seams.  It made me feel a little self conscious so I think the bust area could do with some thicker fabric to smooth out the material so nothing detracts from the look.

The second costume is the Black and Pink colourway Premiere Shine Underwired, again in the 32G.  It's very similar in design to the Ultimate but has a much more sporty look with it's colour blocking at the pelvic area and the cross over back straps.  It fastens with the same snap clasp but because of the cross over design there are no bra like wings.

The underwired bra is the same as the Ultimate but is more prominent to the front with a more defined separated cup area.  I really liked the v neck shape as I felt it fitted me better and was more supportive which was lent by the good cross over strap structure.  Again I felt the bust area would benefit from some sort of padding for discretion; the bra seams were showing through as were my nipples.

Once I had the swimsuit on it was a great fit and supported me in all the necessary areas but getting the suit on was quite a challenge.  I struggled to find the best way to get into it because of the cross over straps and it was a heave-ho pulling it up over my hips.  I felt as if it just wasn't of a sufficient size to accommodate my large hips which I think can be the problem with swimsuits sized according to your bra and not taking into account your dress size.  I did feel if I had a smaller frame I would have had an easier time with it, it's possibly more fitting for a size 10 or someone with slighter hips than mine.  Once I'd got past the difficulty of getting the suit on, it was absolutely fine and it felt really good.

Both the Premier Ultimate and the Premier Shine retail for £60 and £63 respectively, so they're not cheap compared to a regular Speedo in the region of £30-£40.  You are paying the premium that it's specifically catering for your bust so you want to be sure it fits right.  If you are big busted then the Speedo Sculpture range is absolutely worth looking at.  Having a swimsuit that you don't feel like you're falling out of is the answer to a big boobed girl's prayers.  But, I would suggest to Speedo about developing further on the bust area.  Given a layer of smoothing fabric to iron out the lining and seam show through and this is a spot on range for the busty.

Becky x

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Swimwear Special!

We're in the middle of summer and if you've not yet noticed, it's holiday time!  Whether you're going away overseas for your annual break or enjoying a stay-cation, chances are you'll be hitting a beach or pool for the ultimate in relaxation.  If your trusty bathing suit is looking a little worse for wear it's high time to invest in new swimwear that not only looks fashionable but flattering for your curves.

Shopping for bigger boobs is never a simple task, and buying adequately fitting bikini tops and costumes that cater for a fuller bust is no exception.  However, there's much more choice on the fuller cup market these days and I wanted to take a look at the beach offerings from some of our favourite brands.

Freya has long been a favourite for fashion forward lingerie but did you know they do fabulously sexy swimwear too?  Knowing that their bras are consistently well fitting, I just had to try one of their bikinis!

This month Freya released the hotly anticipated cute Kansas collection.  With it's retro bluebell blue and white gingham and delightful frills, Kansas exudes vintage glamour, channeling the sophisticated 50s style whilst looking fresh and modern.  Freya sent me a Halter Bikini Top in a 28GG,  Rio Bikini Brief and Classic Brief, both in Small.

Freya Kansas Halter Top and Rio Brief

Freya Kansas Classic Brief

Me wearing Freya Kansas

How cute are the frills?!

Plunging necklines suit a closer bust like mine very well, but they're great for anyone wanting sexy uplift and cleavage.  I notice that my bikini top looks more like a half plunge, possibly with it being a larger cup.  My 28GG at first felt a good fit, the back for sure was spot on and comfortable.  I was actually surprised the 28 did fit, as I expected it to be tight like some 28 back Freya bras can be for me.   As I wore the top I felt I could possibly have done with an H cup.  The top wanted to open up and push apart (I realised at one point one nipple was trying to escape!), as if it couldn't contain my boobs so I wasn't greatly supported.  An H cup could rectify the fact the cups weren't cut as high as I'd prefer.

A good plunge but the fabric's pulling down with my boobs

The briefs were on the small size as I'd usually go for a medium, but they did still fit and look good.  The frilly Rio brief is adorable; perfect for a flirty, sexy look on the beach.  They're a really flattering cut too, which sits low on the hip.  For slightly more coverage the Classic brief comes up a little higher on the tummy, but both bottoms are comfortable on the bum!

Seaspray is a brand I've only recently been acquainted with and I've been taken by their feminine swim range.  Sizes are broadly accessible with cup choices in some suits up to an F.

My favourite piece is definitely the turquoise Polka Dots Skirted Suit, another 50s retro classic with a sleek modern look.  It's a brilliantly versatile cross over swimsuit with an adjustable ruching skirt.

My size 12 suit is a really comfy fit and the fabric is so silky and easy to wear.  The cups are generic sizing so wasn't a proper fit in the boob department.  Unfortunately I had to move the bust line up a little to make sure I was covered.  So, it's not the best suit if you've got bigger boobs but I do think it's fab for a beautifully cut suit that accentuates and loves curves!

The Skirted Suit... as a swim suit...

The Skirted Suit... as a beach dress!

Do you have a favourite style of bikini or swimsuit that you find particularly flattering for a curvy figure?  What are your thoughts on this year's trends and the revival of retro cuts?

I'll be reviewing some more bikinis and swimsuits, so watch this space!

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