Happy Wednesday everyone, I hope you are having a great week! I have been battling the flu and a bit of a head cold but I am trying to stay strong because we still have 2 months of tax season left.
I am so excited to be sharing this swim and resort look book series with you. I decided to do this project because so many of you were looking for inspiration for your winter vacations and I wouldn’t want to disappoint. Plus there have been some amazing collections that have dropped just in time from some of my fave brands. And last but not least I thought it was the perfect way to celebrate the launch of the Succulent Six’s new web series that I was a guest sixth member for! Our mission was swimming, bikinis, pool parties and showing the world that plus size women have the right to do and wear these things as does everyBODY! You can watch all the episodes here.
Of course living in Canada and not being able to take vacation (can we say accountant black out period?) posed a challenge for shooting this but I decided to draw inspiration from places I have been and places that are still on my bucket list. I then created looks that I could see myself wearing in each locale. So while I wish I could have taken these on location I hope you enjoy them and see my vision. Just call me a tropical daydreamer.
The first look I have for you is from Eloquii’s first swim capsule collection for 2018 “Nautical By Nature”. On the heels of their wildly successful first ever swim collection in 2018 they are back at it again. This year they are going to tease us with the release of several themed capsules. Just go ahead and take more of my money!
When I saw the nautical retro vibe of this collection it immediately made me think of my favourite Caribbean island, St. Thomas. If you don’t know I am a huge cruiser and I have been to almost every island but St. Thomas holds special memories for me and I never tire of going there. Now some of my friends may say that it is because that is where my jeweler is located and you know I love my bling but there is something that is just so calm and relaxing about this place.
It is filled with breathtaking views, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and the people are so kind and inviting. I love my off the beaten path little restaurant and the family that runs Imperial Jewelers treat me like family. It is also a beautiful spot for sailing or a catamaran ride. Are you with me? Can you imagine the wind in your hair, that fresh smell of the ocean and the warmth of the sun?
There are so many cute pieces in this collection but I personally prefer a two piece and I love wearing retro inspired pieces so this “Sailing Geos” printed bikini was the obvious choice for me. I love the blue tonal print that looks like little sails, the over sized buttons that scream nautical but in an understated way and the overall flirty feel.
Eloquii’s swim designs are powernet-lined super supportive busts that fit cup sizes D-F, mix and match separates for a perfect fit, and side boning, underwire support and gripper elastic on select styles. They are also inspired by sportswear so that they can easily transition to perfect looks for all your off-shore activities. I wear an H cup and I found that there was ample room for me in the bust.
I like to have a variety of suits in my wardrobe to match my mood. Sometimes I like showing more skin than others. That is why I love a high waisted bottom like this one, it gives me the coverage and support I want but still has the right amount of sex appeal. I am wearing the size 28 and my only disappointment was that I felt it ran a little small compared to the bottoms I got from Eloquii last year. It is fully lined and the lining is quite thick so that may have caused the issue. If you can size up I would recommend considering it, especially if you carry your weight like I do.
What I love about this top is it has the built in underwire and side boning but it doesn’t look like a bra. The v-neckline is very flattering and creates some fabulous cleavage. I love that the straps are thicker and don’t dig into my shoulders. And it has an adjustable back with 3 hooks which is a definite must in my books. I had to use the tightest hook and it was still a bit loose so I would consider sizing down in the future from a 28 to a 26.
In keeping with its sportswear vibe, Eloquii has designed some coordinating cover ups that are perfect for pulling double duty while on vacation. This stretch knit caftan is so soft and comfortable. I love the lace up details at the bust and shoulders. I would easily wear this as a dress to dinner. I am wearing the size 26/28. I paired it with some simple white slides from Full Beauty, this fun straw tote that is also from Eloquii, a cute statement straw hat and yellow tassel earrings for a pop of colour.
Well St Thomas it has been too long since my last visit but I hope to see you again soon. And you can be sure this outfit is coming with me. Tell me, where can you see yourself wearing this suit?
Stay tuned tomorrow for my next installment and port of call.
Thank you to Katie of Katiuska Idrovo Photography for developing this look book with me.
Cover up by ELOQUII | Swim bottom by ELOQUII | Bikini Top by ELOQUII | Sandals by FULL BEAUTY (alternative here) | Straw Tote by ELOQUII (alternative here) | Hat by AVENUE | Earrings by H&M (alternative here) |