The SY swimsuit edition

Nikki Parkinson Everyday Style, Fashion 202 Comments

Here goes.

I could blame it on the cocktails. I could blame it on the balmy tropical air. I could blame it on being on holiday with 10 other chicks.

The truth is as I was preaching writing last week about accepting our bodies for what they enable us to do every day I realised that I had to put my money where my body-loving mouth was.

And then I quietly had a conniption.

See, I may be ok with accepting my body in a swimsuit around my family and friends – or complete strangers at the beach – but when it comes to publishing here on the internets, I had a major freak out.

I spoke to my girlfriend Simone about it. Simone is a former model and model agency owner. She’s turning 40 this week and she’s the reason we’re here in Bali.

You might be thinking this should freak me out more but having someone who knows the power of a pose, someone who you trust to take the photos and someone who thought this was a VERY GOOD idea, was enough to get me over the line.

So I woman-ed up, got up bright and early on our first morning in Bali and we shot these photos.

Presenting … the SY swimsuit edition.

I’m a 46-year-old, size 14-16 chick. My body has produced three fabulous kids, it gets me where I want to go and most days it is good to me.

The photos are what they are. If they offend, here is a photo the swimsuits on the sofa – NOT on me – that’s your warning to click away now.

Swimsuit shoot Bali | Styling You

Swimsuit 1

I’ve talked up Sequins and Sand here many a time for its fantastic collection of flattering swimwear for women size 10- 26. This red Capriosca strapless (straps are optional) one-piece is old-time glamour mixed with a fabulous dose of figure flattery – think ruching and cross-over styling. It’s sold out at the moment but pre-orders are being taken. I’m wearing a size 16.

Sequins and Sand Capriosca swimsuit Isle of Mine dress Salita Matthews necklace Prada sunglasses

 Capriosca swimsuit* $99 @ Sequins and Sand | Isle of Mine dress* $79.95 @ Sequins and Sand | Salita Matthews necklace | Prada sunglasses

Capriosca swimsuit Salita Matthews necklace Prada sunglasses

Swimsuit 2

This post confirmed my decision to add a bikini had to my Bali holiday swimsuit wardrobe. There’s about three weeks between designing a swimsuit via Kini Swimwear but I was stoked with the result. I chose contrast panelling and ruching in the pants and the frill around the bust as figure flatterers. My pants are size 16 but I could have gone the 14 on account of my flat pancake like bottom. The top is a 14.

Kini swimwear | Design your own

Kini Swimwear design-your-own bikini (approx $150) | Miu Miu sunglasses

Swimsuit 3

I’m completely in love with this swimsuit’s fabric – it’s proof that a pattern really can be your best friend when it comes to creating illusions in swimwear. I’m in a size 16. There’s an optional strap. It just contains my D-cup girls so factor that in if your boosies are bigger. I think it would be best for up to a C cup. Bombshell Bay offers fabulous retro-inspired designs that turn heads.

Bombshell Bay swimsuit

Bombshell Bay swimsuit $159

In all swimsuits, I FEEL good. A little bit of retro, glam styling, a spray tan and a big pair of sunnies go a long way.

Which swimsuit is your fave?

PS. We stayed at Bali Villa H2O in Seminyak – it’s simply stunning and perfect for a large group of people. You can find more details about it here.

* These pieces were sent to me for editorial consideration

Comments 202

  1. woo hoo! you sexy lady. You look amazing in every swimsuit. Thank you for sharing. We need to let ourselves be comfortable with who we are and show our daughter’s that being comfortable with your body is important and loving ourselves for who we are.

    Vicki x

  2. You are such a brave gal! I love the 3rd swimsuit…

    Fabulous photos! Love that you are real about your sizing. Love it. And THANK YOU, keeping it real is so important!

  3. Thanks Nikki have just come back from Bali today myself. Only took one pieces with me as not confident enough to do a bikini, however after observing many on pool deck this will change and your post is so timely! I saw so many body types in bikinis, Europeans mostly, with a attitude that I think I, and we here in Australia should adopt! Nothing seemed to faze them !!! I saw size 18/20 in bikini rocking it and the most equisite french woman in size 6 also rocking it! Cheers to you Nikki!

  4. My favourite is the swimsuit 3..the all-over look is very flattering for my body shape.
    Please do me a favour and don’t apologise for anything..your body is perfectly made and I have just pinned you in Pinterest in my stylish chicks section!

  5. I adore all of these, but I’m a bikini girl myself. I’ve never owned a one piece, I have a funny torso and they always look ridiculous on me. It’s a shame because there are some gorgeous one pieces out there. I applaud you for putting your (very hawt) swimsuit body out there!

  6. I am so proud of you, except that in the end you look so amazing you had nothing to fear. Even before these swimsuit shots for the last few months since I have discovered your site and became a MAJOR fan, I have been total inspired by how you love your look. Having turned 40 and being a size 10 trapped in a size 12 body with post baby factors, I was feeling in a total funk. Discovered your website and YOU and really have changed how I approach my wardrobe. I know clothing is a first world issue, but it can totally affect how I feel about myself and therefore my mood which affects my family. You truly are amazing at walking the talk about body acceptance and getting out there. Seriously big thankyou.

  7. You are one brave woman. Thanks for having the courage to show a real body in not just swimsuits but a bikini too. Love the last one but doubt it will hold my F cups!
    I also love the fact that you are brave enough to show the swimmers but not your bike helmet! (my new helmet caused my teenage boys much hilarity!)

  8. I think you look fabulous is all of them, but the pick for me is the Bombshell Bay suit. Just lovely. I am a size 12-14 and I find it so refreshing to see a “normal” woman showing us how great that can look. I especially love your “Model and Me” posts. Keep up the fantastic work and looking fabulous!

  9. I like the red swimsuit from Capriosca and wow that necklace is amazing. However not sure about the tan lines the necklace will create, “giggling”

  10. you look amazing as usual Nikki. Thanks for setting an example and helping us all to feel good about ourselves. Enjoy Bali and time with your girlfrlends- the best therapy ever!!

  11. Marvellous! I absolutely love tankinis, only have one and am inspired to get another. Well done you, gorgeous as ever.

  12. GO YOU GOOD THING! You look absolutely gorgeous in all 3 swimsuits, Nikki. You’ve inspired me to invest in some good quality, beautiful swimsuits and kaftans for summer.

  13. Great post on that dreaded topic….’Swimwear’!!!! You look fantastic in all three but the Bombshell Bay is my personal favourite-how can you go past the name!. As a new follower of your blog, Im enjoying reading about fashion that is still glam but looks amazing on someone bigger than a size 10. These companies should keep you in swimsuits forever because Im guessing all your readers will be rushing off to buy some of their wears! Enjoy the rest of your trip…..photos look amazing and sounds like a super fun trip with the girls!

  14. Great post on that dreaded topic….’Swimwear’!!!! You look fantastic in all three but the Bombshell Bay is my personal favourite-how can you go past the name!. As a new follower of your blog, Im enjoying reading about fashion that is still glam but looks amazing on someone bigger than a size 10. These companies should keep you in swimsuits forever because Im guessing all your readers will be rushing off to buy some of their wears! Enjoy the rest of your trip…..photos look amazing and sounds like a super fun trip with the girls!

  15. Hi Nikki, Good on you and thank you for doing this bikini pic post following on from what you wrote last week. You look gorgeous – very glam and confident – you look like you FEEL good too. My favourite looks are the red one and the bikini. Lately I’ve realised that it’s not just me (size 16 – 18) that feels uncomfortable with being in swimmers/bikini in public, it’s SO MANY women of all sizes – and it’s insane isn’t it? Because we are always our own harshest critics. The truth is – if you FEEL good, you will shine. Thanks for the reminder that it starts with appreciating your body for all the amazing things it does everyday!

  16. You look amazing Nikki I know in our girly heads we think we don’t look good but seriously you look stunning!!!!!! love all of them especially on you. enjoy your time in Bali xo

  17. You look sexy and gorgeous in all three! You have given me the confidence to finally get a hot cozzie and rock it this year, I cant wait! I love the bombshell bay piece, and was wondering how the fit was? (Sorry if that’s already been asked!) Go up or down a size? Love your blog! xx

    1. I’m in the 16 and the body is perfect for me – the only thing would be if your boobs were above a C cup, they might spill over too much for your liking. I’m a D and they’re spilling but I’m ok with it.

  18. You are amazing Nikki! All the photos are just gorgeous. Thank you for having the courage to put yourself out there. I am sure that there are many women who are inspired by this to get out there and enjoy themselves in a swimsuit. I love all of these and I am definitely going to order myself a bikini from Kini now so I can get out there with confidence this summer. It looks like you have been having a fabulous time, enjoy the rest of your well deserved holiday.

    1. It’s just a number Janet – the only reason I mention it here is as a guideline for people trying to work out their own sizing. Sizing in clothes is so inconsistent – I have everything from 10-16 in my wardrobe and they all fit.

  19. You look stunning and are rocking those togs! Good on you for strutting your fabulousness. We’re all a bit mad really, aren’t we? Worrying what others will think of our lumpy bumpy bits, when we all have them. More power to you. Thanks for making me think about which pair of togs to buy for this summer. You look great in all of these, but I’m loving the one-pieces best. Maybe the red?

  20. Wow Nikki, you look great. And an awesome set of pins! I did purchase myself a Bombshell Bay bikini after your last post, but on trying on, it really didn’t bring out my best asset (D cup!). Will go back and look at the swimmers you have modelled, as they look seriously glam. Good work for being 100% woman. My fav is on the red………Anthea

  21. Wow! I can’t pick. You look fabulous in then all, thank you, thank you very brave gorgeous woman. Enjoy the rest of your time

  22. I think all three look like good choices and I would like them for myself too. You’re very brave – good going!

  23. It doesn’t matter what we your readers think of your photos, although for the record I, a fellow 45 year old mother of three think you look very glam, what do you think if them?

  24. Fabulous. Loved the article, loved the swimmers but more importantly loved that you love yourself enough to show us how wonderful they look. Thank you. Have an awesome Bali break 🙂

  25. Fair play to you Nikki! That would have taken a lot of courage. You look fab in all of the swimmers. I especially like option three – the tropical style material. I am going to take a pass on swimmers this year – am pregnant with our third and on “bed rest” so feeling very huge and very blah. Also cannot justify the expense of a maternity pair of blathers seeing as tho this will be our last child. Anyway, good on you, regards, Nic

  26. Hi Nikki, just letting you know that in light of your posts last week – I bought a bikini yesterday (and further more I intend to wear it!). It is a gorgeous black and white Seafolly number and although a bit exy I just had to have it. I have never worn a bikini in my life!

    You look fab in all these swimmers, good on you!

  27. I think you have just convinced me that my 50 year old body needs a new swimsuit. I dread going in our pool, even in front of my family. This will be the summer I dare to bare! You look amazing!

  28. You look amazing…totally relaxed and fabulous!
    That last one is my favourite…I love bathing suits with a bright tropical print.
    Enjoy the rest of your holiday!

  29. You look amazing Nikki, and you’ve inspired me to stop worrying about what everyone else thinks this summer and enjoy myself. It’s all about confidence. Thankyou!!!

  30. Well done Nikki, love that you walk your talk and remind ourselves to just get on with it an enjoy the moment. All the cossies are terrific, but my favourite is the red one, very glam. Thanks for encouraging us all to “woman up”. Great example to us all, as we should be to our daughters.

  31. Love this Nikki!

    Like everything else in my wardrobe I just need to find the bathers that suit my body, then wear them with confidence! I have a beautiful Isola photo-print tankini ready to go for my trip to Bangkok. Just need to add a spray
    tan and some of your great attitude.

  32. I love all three swimsuits but the bombshell bay pair would have to be my favourite! I am pear shaped and am only small up top…. Do you think that the bombshell bay pair would work for someone under a C cup? Thanks for a great post and keep rocking those swimsuits!!

  33. Wow Nikki You brave and beautiful girl ,I love them all on you if I had to pick a favourite it would be the Bombshell bay one I think just because of the pattern I love it and you look like a bombshell babe in it.I am glad you are having a fantastic time in Bali with your friends OMG going with a former Model who owns a modelling agency! is that a tad daunting? I would love to see pics of her.Thankyou Nikki you have proved your point about us all rocking a swimsuit…..The.Best. Post.Ever!

  34. Great post Nikki! You look great in all of them, but my fave is the bikini! It’s definitely something I’d wear myself. What a stunner!!

  35. You look fantastic Nikki……no need to hide away at all….so pleased that you haven’t……and so inspiring for all of us! I love all of the swimsuits…..the red one would have to be my fave though….looks like you are having an awesome time 🙂

  36. Nikki well done on this post. You look fab in all the photos. Great choices of swim suits and styling options. I am planning on embracing your attitude towards my body for our trip to Noosa next week. My husband does the Noosa Ironman each year and I am an unfit 40 something girl who is counting on a spray tan and a positive attitude to have herself beach ready for next week!! thank you.

  37. Nikki well done on this post. You look fab in all the photos. Great choices of swim suits and styling options. I am planning on embracing your attitude towards my body for our trip to Noosa next week. My husband does the Noosa Ironman each year and I am an unfit 40 something girl who is counting on a spray tan and a positive attitude to have herself beach ready for next week!! thank you.

  38. Nikki well done on this post. You look fab in all the photos. Great choices of swim suits and styling options. I am planning on embracing your attitude towards my body for our trip to Noosa next week. My husband does the Noosa Ironman each year and I am an unfit 40 something girl who is counting on a spray tan and a positive attitude to have herself beach ready for next week!! thank you.

  39. Oh Nikki – all of these are stunning and you are just glowing in each piece! You have definitely put your money where your mouth is in this post, and I am absolutely in love with both the photo and the swimsuit in the last photo…Hubby is still telling me he doesn’t have a birthday present for me this weekend, so maybe I now have something to show him as inspiration!!

  40. You’re fabulous! I like the first one for the glamour, the last one for the practicality (I could really see that would be perfect for here on the Coast) and I like the polka dots for their retro-ness. Well done you!

  41. I’m not sure what you were worried about ( I know we all have our insecurities) but you look fabulous!! Thank you for showing us the gorgeous togs and thank you for having the courage to ‘bare all’!! Love your posts.

  42. it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it…and you wear these well. I LOVE the necklace with the red swimsuit….NEED it for my Melbourne Cup outfit. The accommodation looks amazing, too. Having all those girls together would be a great abdominal work out…all that belly laughing <3

  43. Seriously, I feel so emotional at the amount of love and support you have received here on the blog and on facebook.
    It just confirms how ALL of us women feel about our bodies.
    Nikki you look incredible in all three pics. Wow – those legs girl – to, die. for. Well done for being so inspirational to so many. Enjoy every second of your trip with the girls x

  44. Nikki you are gorgeous, healthy and brave! I applaud you for walking the talk. I felt empowered by your post and I am certain I won’t be alone. What a great lady you are. Oh, you also rocked the swimwear!

  45. Bravo Nikki – have no fear, you look gorgeous! I’m definitely going to finish my kini design now – but going to need a spray tan and SPF 30. My midriff hasn’t been seen in public for 30 years. Enjoy Bali with the girls!

  46. Nikki, I bow humbly at your courage to put yourself out there.
    You look fabulous!!!!!…,, and at 152cm with a flabby tum tum I am absolutely in awe of your trim n long sexy legs! 😉 Here’s to you…., bravo!!

  47. Nikki you look like a supermodel!!! You really are amazing to put yourself out there like this and put your money where you mouth is. The swimsuits are of course stunning too but it is great to see they are so lovely on a “normal” person. Thanks Nikki … I know there are many women (me included) who really appreciate your bravery.

  48. Massive kudos to you for ‘walking the talk’. Even more respect for you. You look fab, the photos are fab (really nice work Simone) and that Villa looks sublime! Can’t wait for those details. Hopefully with 10 chicks, there are enough bathrooms for all the primping and preening!

  49. I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! You look so great! And the togs are gorgeous. I am totes going to get a spray tan now, I am inspired by you. If I can’t laser the hell out of my body hair at least I can fake the hell out of a tan!

  50. Thankyou for another great post Nikki you look amazing in all 3 swimsuits. You’re actually making me look forward to swimsuit shopping this year!

  51. These photos are amazing. You look great and I bet you had a lot of fun posing for the photos in such a picturesque location. The styling of the photos is excellent. Cheers to you for such a fantastic post. Enjoy your holiday.

  52. Great photos. It’s amazing how tough we are on ourselves and you have reminded me to get over it! You look gorgeous…as do all three swimsuits.

  53. Nikki you look amazing!!!!!!!!! love them, my fave is the red one. After having the kids for a few years I couldn’t face getting into swimmers and just hated it but then I discovered when I actually spent the time and a bit more money on swimmers that I could buy ones that really flatter. I love these pics and they make us all feel good about ourselves and for having a real body
    More of these posts please:)

  54. what a babe!!! 🙂 … loving them all – especially the Kini DYO – have been playing “designer myself” and was considering the same style for the bottoms … not a frill gril really but I do like it now seeing you modelling them – you have given me the “kick” I need to do it!! thanks so much Nikki

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