So an unusual thing (for me) happened, I wore a bikini. Uh huh, I wore a bikini and nothing crazy happened. No one bullied me, no heads exploded and I felt amazing! It might have something to do with a powerful thing called confidence 🙂 Bikini confidence!
The last time I wore a bikini was the summer I first met my husband way back in 1992. In fact I was wearing one when I met him. I was unpacking boxes while moving into a flat with a mate, my arms were covered in newspaper print and I was swanning around in a blue and white polka dot bikini when the doorbell rang. I figured it was my flatmate and ran downstairs to open the door, stood before me was my flat mates boyfriend and a tall blonde handsome dude (his cousin). And the rest as they say, is history. (I married the blonde handsome dude)
So the bikini hasn’t always been a bad thing for me but somewhere between that summer and last summer the bikini and I broke up. Well this summer I was determined to get my body into a bikini.
When the team at Curvy Swimwear sent me a new season look book a couple of months back I instantly fell for the ‘Folklore bikini’, I mean just look at the print! I put it on my wish list and the team delivered. Last week a parcel arrived and in it was a bikini.
I’m not gonna lie, for a split second I wondered if I should really be setting my ample sized body free on a beach…in a bikini. I’m carrying some extra weight after a winter in a ‘good paddock’, but then I got real and excitedly tried it on.
Here’s the thing, I am who I am. I’m curvy and dimply with extra squidgy rolls and…I’m beautiful.
This body of mine has changed in appearance but I’m ok with that, this body still gets me through each day and for that I’m grateful.
It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with cancer (in 2012) and endured chemo, radiotherapy and nine surgeries that I found true blue, fair dinkum body confidence. With treatment came an extra 36 kg, no hair, burns, limited movement and a double mastectomy. Yup, my body was transformed but these days I love it more than ever.
I’ve since had a double reconstruction with new boobs made from my back, they’re not perfect because it’s a reconstruction, but they are perfect to me. I have a scar on each side of my back that runs from shoulder-blade to waist in a big curve, the surgeons made sure the scars would sit neatly under a bra strap and turns out that they also are (mostly) hidden under the bikini band. The scars on the front sit nearly under the cups too, and adjustable straps gave me some lift.
Look I really don’t care that much if people see my scars but I don’t like baring them to the sun. Yesterday the huz and I headed to our local beach at Henley to snap some pics and I got to take this bikini for a whirl and twirl.
Once upon a time I was that woman who only went to the deserted spots on the beach, but these days I do photo shoots as locals jog by, families connecting on walks wander by and furry cuties like this one photo bomb.
The locals across the road come out onto their verandas and watch…and watch. Some sit and watch for the whole entire photo shoot. Some walkers will stop their walks for a break and rest on the handrail above the beach and watch too. Me, I wave and give them the thumbs up, I don’t miss a beat because I don’t for one second want women to feel like they should be ashamed because they are on a beach in a bikini.
I channel my inner Marilyn Monroe and pose while the husband snaps. Although when I leaned forward and showed the huz my arse he responded with “settle down Kimmy K”…she aint got nothing on me! Look at that arse coverage, and the pants have a hidden drawstring tie and little skirted front for extra coverage.
For the record, the huz snapped these pics on my mobile phone and I haven’t edited them…this is me.
YOU CAN HAVE CONFIDENCE TOO
Look I get it, not everyone has confidence like me but you can. Women of all sizes and shapes can feel hindered by a lack of body confidence.
When you stop focussing on what your body can’t do and celebrate your body for what it can do you create positive change. Use kind words and banish negative words when think of or speak about your body and before you know it your body responds in a positive way.
I’m not saying everyone needs to be just like me, getting to where I am takes time but if you wish you had more confidence or if you wish you could get in the pool with your kids or swim in the ocean then stick with me.
One thing I now know is that no one gives a shit about what I wear on the beach.
No one is pointing. No one is going bat shit crazy because I’m baring skin. Instead they stop and smile or just walk on by without batting an eyelid. Why?
Because I’m happy. I’m living my life and celebrating my body and I’m confident.
This might be the summer you get into a bikini, or a cossie…or not. If you feel more comfortable in a full piece then go for it. You might also feel more comfortable in a sarong skirt, throw on dress or even a silk kaftan when you’re not in the water.
I’m also a fan of a summer pedicure, a bit of fake tan and sunscreen over summer. If it gives me more confidence when I need it then I do it.
JOIN IN WITH SOCIAL HASHTAGS
You can also join in the fun and support others within the online community. Post your pics in your cossies to social media and hashtag #yourbodyconfident and #cossieconfidence. These photos empower women and really do give confidence to others.
What do you think, did I rock the bikini? Will you be wearing a cossie this summer?
Til next time,
Jen x
Shop similar black sarong HERE
Shop similar white kaftan HERE
Shop exact blue silk kaftan HERE (use discount code CURVYKAFTAN20 for 20%off)
Shop exact sunglasses HERE
Shop bikini top HERE
Shop bikini bottom HERE
Some items sent to me for my editorial consideration in accordance with my disclosure policy
Love love love this blog !! xxxxx
Thanks Raquel x
Jen, thank you! I am all teary reading this. One day I hope to embrace and love my body just as much too. Your blog helps SO much! Thanks again and keep up the good work ??
Tricia I hope you get there hun x
I realised a long time ago that I don’t actually know the strangers on the beach, so 1. I don’t care what they are saying and 2. I’ll probably never see them again. You rock that bikini!!!
It’s so true Tanya, just live ‘in’ the moment.x
You look amazing in a bikini Jen Xx
Thanks Lovely Lisa, I am looking forward to the water warming up for a swim 🙂
You are truly an inspiration ♡
Awww thanks Alison x
You look absolutely amazing x
Thanks lovely x
“When you stop focussing on what your body can’t do and celebrate your body for what it can do you create positive change.’ Very powerful words. Thank you for the inspiring! X
Totally true x
You really look lovely in the bikini and your confidence shows. If anyone was negative about how you look they are just miserable negative people anyway and not worth hearing. Gosh I almost feel like I could wear one ?
Thanks Geraldine, I felt beautiful and that’s all that matters 🙂
You look great in this bikini and it wasn’t that warm here in Adelaide yesterday!
Thanks Wendy. The afternoon was cold but the morning was divine.
A few convertibles with the top down and dudes in the water. I can’t wait until the water is warm enough to swim in.
You’re a super star Ms Jen, you look stunning xo
Aww thanks Caitlyn xx
you sure did Rock the Bikini,, good on ya. 🙂
Thanks Debra, I loved it 🙂
Henley is one of my favorite beaches, the bikini is beautiful & you look fabulous too!
Angela I am fortunate enough to clap eyed on Henley beach every day, it’s soul soothing.
How beautiful for u to share u with me…..confidence booster big time!!!
YAY, that’s excellent Kym x
I can’t wait til my body is put back together, so I can wear any kind of swimsuit… at present I can’t bare the thought of wearing a tshirt with only one boob…. My life isn’t the same after breast cancer but following your journey gives me hope and light at the end of my dark tunnel. Thank you for always being you xx
Michelle, I can’t believe your recent setback. The journey will be a little longer but the end will be sweeter xxx
Blimin’ Gawjuss Jen!
On a slightly different note please can I ask your readers if they know of shops in Perth W.A. where i can purchase Plus Size clothing in Nov? We are coming over from the UK to see our son (can you hear the squeals of excitement??!!!) and my case will be 1/2 full of Xmas gifts for all!!
Enjoy your visit to our beautiful country x
Hi Deb-hope this message finds you in time…but I’m from Perth and the only swimsuit place I can recommend is ‘Daneechi’ Rokeby Rd in Subiaco….I’m an ’16 E’ and the ladies there are so helpful in finding the right swimsuit for you. Enjoy Xmas here 🙂
Great read Jen, a truly wonderful role model. You help so many folk. You simply rock! ???
Hi Maggie, I love what I do and if I can empower one woman then I am a happy chick x
HI Maggie I love what I do and if I can empower just one woman then I am a happy chick 🙂
Ok so I might have just ugly cried, thank you so much for writing this and inspiring others xxx
Thanks Marcia, and for making such beautiful swimwear for women of all sizes xx
Your beautiful Jen, inside and out.
Thanks gorgeous x
Love the skin your in….and LOVE that bikini Jen. Maybe, just maybe I’ll treat myself to a decent cozi to feel fabulously confident in my skin!
Go for it Stephanie, treat yourself xx
Love the bikini Jen! You wore it with such style! This post is just what I needed to read today. Yesterday a staff member filmed our exercise class and I didn’t know until I saw the footage on their FB page. I was mortified at the sight of my size 20 self trying to keep up. I even messaged her and asked her to remove it. Today I read your post and realised I should be proud that I’m getting out there and my size 20 body is moving and working hard. I’m so sick of feeling ashamed when I should be proud of what I can do instead of focussing on what I’m not.
WOW, Bec I can’t believe they filmed and posted on such a social forum. Pretty sure that’s not on. That aside, good on you for changing your thought process and hi fiving yourself for exercising xx
You absolutely rock that bikini! Love the pattern too 🙂
Thanks Kathryn, the print is divine.
You make my heart sing.?
awww ta x
You look bloody Awesome Jenni and you rock these bikinis….. I commend you for everything you have been through.. Your such a inspiration to all and love this about you. I for one don’t know if I could be so brave and rock s bikini but your right a fake tan works wonders.. I wore my bathers this holiday with my tan and felt a million bucks..
You go girl xo❤️❤️??
Way to go Jane x
Owning that bikini and looking damn fine too. Bring on the warmer weather!!
Thanks Beth and amen to mother nature turning the solar up
You look totally amazing in the “kini”, totally!!!!!
Thanks Joanne 🙂
You don’t just rock that bikini – you knocked it out of the ball park.
Thanks Robyna 🙂 I’m desperate to shake off winter and get back into the water.
You are so beautiful, thank you for now giving me the cofindience at how I look at myself. Love following your blog and FB.
Xx
Oh Liz, this makes me so, so happy!
Jen they look wonderful , I would wear them. How much Also what sizes do they come in ? Australian size
Hi Marcia,
all sizes and prices are on the website. Details are in the blog post x
Well done Jeni. You are one brave woman and you look fab.
Thank you
Love this bikini! You wear it very well! Personally I think bikinis ? are actually very flattering on the woman’s figure and often look a lot nicer than one piece. Show off those curves ladies!!
You are gorgeous. Thank you xxx