Bikini confidence

September 05, 2015

With a pool holiday comes the bikini, which is a massive bag of worms, so let's get stuck in! I got my first bikini when I was seven and my mum let me choose my own swimsuit. I hated it. I hated it so much, I hated it mostly because it had a tendency to slip off as I swam. Fast forward ten years through puberty and a large chunk of time spent avoiding dresses or skirts or anything that showed my legs in the slightest, to a time when I was ready to give it another go. I got another bikini, this time I chose little boy shorts to try and cover as much bum as possible, I was still a little self conscious. Of course it didn't achieve the aim of making me feel any less self conscious, if anything I felt more conscious constantly pulling at it and adjusting.

Looking back now it's ridiculous, I was a size 8/10 and I could probably pull anything off with those pins (this old post is case and point). I've put on a little weight since then, largely on my bottom half, and even that has left me feeling very self conscious, just like all those years ago. Before going on holiday I was feeling anxious just thinking about trying my old swimsuits on, I was so worried they wouldn't fit. You want to know the secret? I had me a private fashion show! I threw my collection on the bed one evening and tried them on, one by one, put on my biggest, floppiest straw hat and a pair of heels and strutted my stuff in front of a full length mirror. Get your boyfriend/girlfriend/friend in on this or send them pictures on snapchat: positive affirmation is magic when you're already feeling good. Beyond this I don't have much advice, it's all about learning to love that little tummy blob and accepting that everyone in Vogue is photoshopped. Besides, I prefer one-piece swimsuits anyway.

Side note, these photos are giving me a massive Charlotte Tilbury x Norman Parkinson vibe, which I love!
wearing
hat//second hand    bikini//H&M

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12 comments

  1. lyzi6 September 2015 at 13:14

    You have such a gorgeous shape! And I loved reading about your bikini stories. I've actually recently done the same thing of trying my swimsuits on and sending photos to friends to make myself feel more confident about wearing them on holiday - it really works! x

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    Replies
    1. Ron McQuade10 September 2015 at 10:35

      Thank you! Friends are lovely aren't they, I think we're too hard on ourselves sometimes.

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  2. Vintage Reflection6 September 2015 at 14:42

    Your figure is perfect, in fact I'm jealous! I wish my tummy was as flat! I'm glad you felt confident to share these images, I love the hat and bikini print. I recently shared my pool side look on my blog and it sure is daunting. Well done for being brave, you beautiful thing you!

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  3. Addie Marie6 September 2015 at 16:30

    Love this post so much! You look beautiful. (Also that bikini is to die for!) Sometimes it just helps to get out of our heads and hear a different perspective from someone. We're always our own worst critics, aren't we? This made me think of Sylvan Esso's song, Dress; sometimes all it takes is just telling yourself you look good, and everything else falls into place.

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    Replies
    1. Ron McQuade10 September 2015 at 10:55

      Thank you so much! I definitely suffer from that, I get caught up in my own head too often. I love the song!

      Delete
  4. Unknown8 September 2015 at 16:54

    You look fab! All about confidence I think, would dares if we have a little tummy or booty
    Lauren
    livinginaboxx | bloglovin

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  5. Unknown12 September 2015 at 16:20

    i've never had (or even tried on) a bikini! you look fabulous, and i love that hat.

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  6. Diet et Beauté24 September 2015 at 12:30

    Beautiful bikini

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  7. Mariah Alysz24 September 2015 at 19:07

    You look absolutely stunning! Bikinis always totally intimidate me, but you have given me confidence!
    ♡Mariah Alysz
    Rya Pie

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  8. Something Real Serious26 September 2015 at 13:56

    love reading your blog dear :)
    and we have same style for our blogs. what a coincidence
    anyway, would you like to follow me back on gfc/bloglovin and instagram? Let me know :)

    OLLYVIA L. | INDONESIAN LIFE & STYLE BLOGGER |
    NEW POST : LESS IS MORE
    YOUTUBE CHANNEL

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  9. Sian Thomas28 September 2015 at 17:23

    This is gorgeous - the photography is beautiful and you look even more so. I love the idea of the private fashion show in your bikinis, floppy hat and heels - such a great way to inspire confidence!
    And funny story - I found my way here today from The Clothes Horse as I loved her post about your style, then clicking on the old post you linked to here, I realised I recognised your outfit and had commented on that post way back when. I used to follow you years ago and obviously lost you somewhere over time - SO glad to have refound your blog :)

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    Replies
    1. Ron McQuade30 September 2015 at 23:24

      Thank you so much!
      A couple of months after that post I changed the name of my blog, but obviously that broke a few links. So glad to have you back! :)

      Delete

Hello, thanks for taking the time to write a comment. I don't always reply (because I'm too busy hiding under a rock) but I read and appreciate every single one!