20 Swimwear summer finds!

Yes it is that time of the year again where the hunt for the perfect piece of swimwear is on for most of us females. However, I hope this post will make life a little easier for you as I've searched high and low to find some truly gorgeous and flattering swimwear pieces. I've selected something for everyone, from various one pieces, to cut outs, high waisted bikinis and supported bikinis for your girls to the push up styles. Needless to say you will most certainly grab that cute pool-boys attention with this selection!

For those among us that prefer a bit more cover than the standard bikini, the one piece has come back with a bang this year becoming a Hollywood favourite among the stars from Rihanna , Beyonce and Taylor Swift. And the wide selection of feminine and sexy and cool swimsuits available at the moment truly reflects its popularity. It's a win win situation this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tips:

 

- If your a pencil type figure and you want to create some curves cut out swimwear is great as it give a illusion of a curvy silhouette

- For those of us who wanr to wear a two piece but with a little extra coverage then definitely try a high waisted bikini like this piece by Swim Suits For All in No.11 or the digital print by River Island in No.12. They also have a slight tummy control effect. Happy days!

- If you want to add some umpf to your girls, go for a bandeau style bikini top with ruffles as it will give the illusion of a bigger bust. Also try cleavage boosting bras such as No.18 I've picked out above.

- To get a smooth and long lined look to your tummy try a swimsuit with verticals lines or a vertical pattern.They are really flattering as opposed to horizontal lines that can make you look quite wide.

- For girls with big busts, halterneck styles are great to keep your girls supported if underwire isn't your thing, or try specific bigger bust ranges such as Panche at Littlewoods. They cost a bit more but they mould to your shape and offers great support.

- Boyfriend shorts are great if you've got a 'big booty' for extra bit of coverage.

 

1: Next , blue belted printed swimsuit - €35/£30, sizes 6-22

2: Very.co.uk, resort crochet swimsuit - €29.50/ £25, sizes 8-18

3: Evans, tribal twist swimsuit - €34.50/£29.50, sizes 14-30

4: Dorothy Perkins, Amalfi bandeau swimsuit - €30.50/ £26, sizes 6-20

5: Ted Baker, Hallo snake print swimsuit - €47/ £40, sizes 6-12

6: River Island, Pacha pink body chain halter neck swimsuit - €45/£38, sizes 6-16

7: Topshop, pentagram swimsuit - €53/ £45, sizes 6-16

8: George, tiger print swimsuit - €14/ £12, sizes 8-20

9: H&M, black cut out with zip detail - €24.95/£21, sizes 8-18

10: Dorothy Perkins, geo aztec swimsuit - €35/£30, sizes 10-16

11: Swimsuits For All , white B/H convertible bikini - $44.20, sizes 10-24

12: River Island, high waisted aqua print bikini - top €22/£19, bottoms €14/£12, sizes 6-18 in selected stores.

13: New Look, plus three frill triangle bikini - top €7.99/ £6.99, bottoms €4.99/ £3.99 sizes

14: River Island, black cut out bikini - top €21/£18, bottoms €16/£14, sizes 6-18 in selected stores

Bigger bust favourite: 15: Littlewoods Ireland Panache Savannah moulded balconnet bikini, top €45 30D -38ff, bottoms €22/£19, size 8- 20

16: Littlewoods Ireland , Myleene Klass leopard print underwire bikini, top 32A - 38DD €15/ £13, bottoms €13/£11, sizes 12-20

17: New Look, khaki bead bandeau halterneck bikini - top €16.99/£14.99 , bottoms, €9.50/£7.99, sizes 8-14

18: River Island, red drape push up halterneck bikini - top €22/ £19, bottoms €13/£11, sizes 6-18 in selected stores and online.

19: New Look, black and pink gem bandeau bikini - top €15/£12.99, bottoms €9.50/£7.99 , sizes 6-14

20: New Look, pink and blue long line geo print bikini top €16.99/ £14.99 sizes 32B - 36D, bottoms £7.99, sizes 8-16.

 

Dr.Murad Intensive C Radiance Peel review

 

 

 

Recently my skin has been feeling abit dull. I've been looking out for a different kind of skin care products to give my skin a fresher feel but that won't cause irritation like some exfoliation treatments can do. When I was sent Dr.Murad's Intensive C Radiance Peel , it had to be fate! Don't let the name fool you, it doesn't peel off layers of your skin or leave you looking like a prune. It does the complete opposite.

 

It aims to reverse environmental damage and aging caused by sun damage , everyday pollution and stress. The formula of GlycolicmAcid, Vitamin C, Indian Fig and Myrtle Extract acts as a perfect blend to reduce any hypigmintation whilst working towards smooth and a luminous healthy glow to your skin. I've been using it now for the past two weeks and it has certainly made a huge impact on my skin. Each ingredient plays an important role, the Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the skin to stimulate the turnover of dark damaged cells as a result helping to lift dull tones and improve the texture of your face. The Myrtle extract aids collagen development which helps to boost skin elasticity. And the beautiful scent of VitaminC and Indian Fig acts as a protection barrier against free radical damage as well has supporting a gorgeous, youthful and illuminating natural glow.

 

 

How to use it:

Apply to a clean makeup free face and around the neck area. Leave it for ten minutes, then rinse it off with a warm cloth. To finish add a good moisturiser. I actually had a Dr.Murad sheer lustre resurgence moisturiser, so I used that just to finish off the luxury feel.

After the first application my skin felt extremely soft and smooth as if I had just had a luxury facial. It's very light in texture and spreads extemely well which I liked as some mask products can be hard to apply or drys in too quickly leaving you with very little product left. When I applied the peel it gave my face a fresh and invigorating feeling. I washed it off with a hot cloth as directed and I immediately saw and felt a difference. The next day the soft texture and glow was still there. I have very dry skin so this was quite rare for my skin.

 

Makeup free face just moisturiser following the Dr.Murad Radiance peel

 

The packaging is a 50ml tube. But its a product you don't need a lot of per session as it spreads really well. I've been using it twice a week for the past two weeks and there's still another 8 sessions left in it. For a luxury product retailing at €58 / £49.50 I have to say it is fantastic value. I look at it this way, €58/ £49.50 divided by 12 sessions = €4.83/ £4.13. It's not so bad when you think of it that way. Think pretty, happy, summer skin!

This really is one of the best products I've used so far in 2013.

 

To find out more on Dr.Murad products go to the direct site here or to find a local Dr.Murad salon stockist in your area see here .

In Ireland see Therapie Clinic who have twelve clinics nationwide.

 

Louise .xx

 

 

Outfit post: bargain finds

On Saturday I was heading out to a good friends going away party. And as I've been slightly uninspired lately with my 'going out' clothes I decided that some pre night out shopping was in order. I was open minded about what I was looking for, I think sometimes if you have your heart set on a specific search like a red bodycon or a new LBD your hunt for the 'perfect find' becomes really frustrating if your size is gone, or a woman old enough to be your gran is standing beside you holding the exact same dress. ( its happened to us all) haha. What I didn't expect, however, was to find this near identical dress in Primark / Pennys to one from River Island. It was the same cut, texture and style of fabric, except it was £9/ €11! Bargain!

 

I wasn't too fond of the belt that came with it, but that was easily replaced by a brown and gold stud belt I found randomly in my belt collection. I loved the fact that it was a fit and flare style dress as they are very flattering and so comfortable. Practically every body type can wear this style, it's particularly perfect for apple and hourglass shapes as it enhances your waistline.

With just five minutes to spare, as my boyfriend was dying to go home, I came across this gorgeous tan and gold bag with coral detailing, it had a real Asos style. It would have been rude not to buy it!

I paired the dress with my tan and gold shoes from last seasons River Island. And I kept jewellery to a minimum with just a gold statement ring.

 

Lou.xx

 

Details:

Dress; Primark / Penny's - £9/ €11, wearing size 16, Dress ranges from size 8-22.

Clutch ; Primark - £6 / €7

Belt - last season ( found in my wardrobe)

Shoes - River Island , last season

Steal her style: Khloe Kardashian

 

 

This week Khloe Kardashian flaunted her to die for curves as she left her hotel for the Today Show in New York. This beautiful design by Clover Canyon was perfect choice for the 5'ft 10" brunette. Her choice of accessories complemented this bold summer look perfectly opting for burnt orange killer heels with a matching clutch. The exact dress can be found on here on Shopbop.com for €204/$255 . Sizes range from a size 6 -16.

 

Lou. X

 

Plus size bloggers shine for Clements Ribeiro's SS 2013 collection

 

 

This season some of my favourite plus size bloggers flaunt their fabulous style for Clements Ribeiro's current 'Holiday' collection for Evans. This is their third collabouration with the brand, yet one that took me by surprise as it differs so much from their past collections. I adore the vibrancy that they've embraced drawing upon surrealism inspirations. To define it in short, It's fresh, fun and girly with super cute graphic prints and Hersey dresses. My favourite look of the collection is worn by the fabulous Nicolette Mason who wears this quirky zebra print top paired with a domino clutch.

 

 

 

Not only is the collection extremely wearable and attractive, I'm thrilled to see how the shoot spotlighted the talent of the plus size blogging world. Callie Thorpe, Marie Denee, Nicolette Mason, Georgina Horne and Bethany Rutter are all such talented and inspirational women that bring their own unique style to this shoot. So much so that Clements Ribeiro insisted the bloggers styled themselves for the shoot.

 

 

Inacio Ribeiro, one half of the Clements Ribeiro designer duo says: "After three collections in which we tried to create smart capsule wardrobes, including some serious eveningwear, we decided to come with a surprise turn by creating a holiday range that is playful and easy. The shapes are very casual and straightforward and the prints are full of wit. It is infused with the urban energy the bloggers inspired us with".

The collection is available in store and online at the moment from Evans UK, USA and Germany. Prices range from £35 - £60, with sizes from a 14 to a 32 UK.

 

For more fashion inspiration check out the girls blogs below :

Bethany Rutter : Archedeyebrow.com

Callie Thorpe : Fromthecornersofthecurve.com

Georgina Horne : Fullerfigurefullerbust.wordpress.com

Marie Denee : Thecurvyfashionista

Nicolette Mason : Nicolettemason.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer sandal inspiration

 

There's no denying it, sandals are a must have summer essential whether you are lucky enough to get away on a holiday this year or if you're stuck in the city with the hope of some sunshine! Regardless, I always like to treat myself to a nice pair during the summer. The kind that will dress up a pair of skinny jeans or a cute maxi dress quite easily. There's such a selection out at the moment but I've narrowed it down to my twelve favourite finds with a variety in price range depending on your budget.

 

Let me know what you think!

 

Lou!x

 

 

 

 

1: Aldo, white with gold detail gladiator sandals, £50 / €58

2: River Island, Black and gold gladiator sandals, was £40 / €50 now £25 / €30

3: Kurt Geiger, leopard print with blue detailing, £95 / €112

4: Aldo, tan with turquoise and coral embellished 'Kallole' sandal, £50 / €58

5: New Look, blue watercolour fabric with chain detailing, £17.99 / €21

6: Kurt Geiger, red with gold zip detail 'Harissa' sandal, £105 / €124

7: Steve Madden, tan 'Backup' sandal, $69.95

8: River Island, coral and gold plate embellishment, £44 / €55

9: River Island, royal blue T-bar detailing, £30 / €40

10: Steve Madden, nude and gold 'Beyyond' sandal, $89.99

11. French Sole, pink floral with stud detailing, £95 / €112

12: French Sole, black and gold 'Lacey' sandal, £95 / €112

 

* Photograph copyright of H&M international