Happy Thursday everyone from sunny Los Angeles, I hope you are all having a fantastic week. Today I spent the day regrouping and chilling by the pool and it was nice to sleep in and turn my brain off. I am not sure what I will be up to tomorrow but stayed tuned.
So a few months ago one of my fave photographers, Rebecca announced that she was going to do a pool photo shoot and I decided to jump at the opportunity to try something different. I am also a huge swimsuit addict and water baby so it was totally up my alley.
The shoot was already scheduled when I was in NYC visiting the ELOQUII team so I asked them if I could review a swimsuit from their very first swim line for this special shoot. Of course they said yes and I am as always very grateful for their love and support.
When I was trying to decide what suit I wanted to choose I was inspired by a picture that they had posted on their website where they paired one of the bikini tops with a skirt and made it look more like an outfit. I immediately thought this is the perfect look to wear to a pool party and so that is the overall concept for this look.
I have to say it was a big deal for us plus size fashionistas when ELOQUII announced that it was launching it’s first swim collection. In an industry that has seen some progress over the last few years but at the same time still doesn’t move forward at a rate we would love to see, it is brands like ELOQUII that are leading the industry in pushing the boundaries and making change happen at a rapid rate. They listen to their customers and are a very agile company which the businesswomen in me appreciates.
One of the things that I like about the brand is they provide very descriptive details of their products, especially when it comes to fit. When the swim collection was launched they were very upfront and noted that it ran small. Since I am typically a size 28 I was a little nervous if it would actually fit but I gave it a try.
I was very drawn to the nautical vibe of this suit. With the red and navy print on the top to the gold button detail on the bottoms it was the perfect low key feeling without being too over the top. It also a little bit of a retro feel with they high waisted bottom and bow detail on the top.
In terms of fit I actually found this suit to be quite generous especially when compared to my experience with some other major plus size retailers. I am wearing a size 28 in both the top and bottom.
And to be honest I found the top ran a little big, I would consider sizing down in the future. In fact I just bought another suit on sale from ELOQUII and I bought a size 26 top and felt it fit much better.
The top is a bandeau style and comes with detachable straps. It also has underwire. I found that without the straps the top didn’t have enough support for me but I wasn’t surprised because I am very chesty. My only wish was that the straps were a little wider to provide that extra support if you need it.
When it comes to the bottoms I have nothing but love for them. They are the perfect fit with a good amount of stretch and a nice high waist. I tend to buy bikinis that have longer line tops so this was a little bit more skin baring than I am used to but I really have to honestly say that I feel fantastic in this suit.
The world of swim wear has changed and its no longer just about the suit but also having the perfect pieces to wear with it so that you can easily transition a look from being out and about to sitting pool side. I love that ELOQUII came out with unique companion pieces for their suits from rompers to tank tops and even a cute cardi like this one.
The surprising thing about this piece is that it is actually made out of swim material so it dries fast. I think it is great for someone who likes to cover up because they have fair skin and don’t want to get burned.
I really loved the stripe pattern and the coordinating gold buttons to the swim bottom. I am wearing the size 28. I found that it was a little bit tight in the arm. I also loved the cropped length.
And last but certainly not least can we talk about this skirt? This skirt is your perfect summer piece as it is made of 100% cotton poplin that keeps you cool and let’s you breathe. The subtle blue pinstripe and exaggerated ruffles give it a definite summer vibe and provides for endless styling possibilities. It is also a true wrap skirt which is great because it allows you to adjust the fit to your waist.
I am also wearing the size 28 in the skirt and I found it to be too big, I would definitely size down in the future. Based on what I have seen in my recent purchases the sizing has changed and pieces are running a little larger. I recommend paying attention to the customer reviews as they are generally very accurate when it comes to fit.
To complete this pool party worthy look all you need is a simple sandal, I loved the pop of red from these birkenstocks, a little pop of jewelry in gold to play off the button details and a cute straw bag to carry your essentials.
I am so sorry that I didn’t get this post up before the swim suit sold out! It was just there yesterday but the amazing friends and family sale that ELOQUII just had clearly put everyone’s credit cards to work lol. But if you really like it check the website and maybe there will be a return.
Special thanks to Rebecca of Rebecca Northcott Photography for providing this amazing opportunity and capturing my vision.
Bikini Top by ELOQUII (currently sold out) | Bikini Bottom by ELOQUII (currently sold out) | Swim Cardi by ELOQUII | Skirt by ELOQUII | Sandals by BIRKENSTOCK |
