30PlusStyle: The Swimsuit Edition

I cannot believe that this moment has finally arrived, after months of planning! The #30PlusStyle Collaboration has returned, and this go round we aim to initiate a tidal wave! Let me welcome you to: "The Swimsuit Edition"!!!

First: Today's post features the very first #30PlusStyle Guest Blogger: Marie Denee from TheCurvyFashionista.com ! 
Welcome aboard Marie Denee!!!

This post takes on special meaning for me personally. I hope to inspire women who may feel like I did for many years about my non-flawless body: inadequate and un-beautiful. For the majority of my adult life, I wore a very basic black one piece swimsuit, along with a pair of black swimming trunks designated for men.  It did not occur to me that there could possibly be a different swimsuit, one vibrant in color, not to mention a two piece, that could actually flatter and or define my pear-shaped body. Sadly I was accustomed to hiding inside that black one piece swimsuit and my pair of men's swimming trunks. I sometimes wished that I could disappear whenever I had to make an appearance at an ocean, hot spring, or swimming pool. 

When I relocated to the west coast, I felt like a woman basking in resilience.  My feelings of inadequacy seemed  to be replaced with feelings of confidence and I felt less concerned about how people viewed me. I even began to develop a love for being near water. It is relaxing, even joyous, to lay out on a beach or poolside, soaking up the sun's rays.

True story: While I was on location taking pictures for this post, there was a real deal, LIVE, swimsuit photo shoot taking place with professional swimsuit models! The young women were quite small in size. May I even say, tiny? I began to feel my old negative feelings resurging: shame and inadequacy. Just who did I think I was? Why was I taking pictures? What will people think of me for wearing this swimsuit? Almost just in time, the most amazing thing occurred: One of the models called out to me, and she said: "I just have to say, you look amazing." Another then said: "I just love your suit, where is it from?" As a result of those kind words, my insecurities melted away. I remembered that we are indeed, all beautiful. Yes, women are beautiful in every shape and size. And even more remarkably, I realized the power that women have to inspire, and encourage another. 

For today's post I decided to provide you with my review of the ever popular Forever 21+ 'Bombshell Bikini', available online and in stores. 

Notice that I am wearing the swimsuit in four different ways (alternating a floral print and a solid print) to demonstrate the adaptability that is possible. Do you feel uncomfortable wearing a bikini or a #fatkini? Try wearing a sheer cover-up or even a loose fitting crop top as I demonstrated above. 

In my opinion, the halter bikini top can leave something to be desired for those of us who are beyond a B/C-cup. However, it is versatile, and can also be worn as a tube style (try tying the halter portion underneath your bosom creating a sort of underwire effect for added support). The best part about the 
Forever 21+ 'Bombshell Bikini'? It costs less than $30.00 USD!

I hope that you've enjoyed this post, and that you leave feeling inspired and beautiful ;) 
Please do share, what is your swimsuit of choice?
Xx

P.S. 
--> Don't forget to check out all the #30PlusStyle beauties and our Special Guest Blogger:
www.thecurvyfashionista.com
www.mode-plus.com
www.pumpsandstudz.blogspot.com
www.thejenesaisquoi.blogspot.com
www.grownandcurvywoman.com
www.prettypluspep.blogspot.com