I Wore a Bikini on Vacation… Here’s How I Really Felt In It!
You guys! I am wearing a bikini. Like, in real life. This is the first time I’ve ever shown this much belly on the beach. Or anywhere, really! But I had to do it.
It feels like it’s been forever since plus-size blogging pioneer, Gabi Gregg coined the term “fatkini,” which ultimately led to empowering chubby girls around the world to dismantle body barriers and call themselves whatever they wanted. Not only did they call themselves whatever they wanted, but they also wore whatever they wanted. Crop tops, booty shorts, skinny jeans…if it was trendy and chic, they were wearing it regardless of what anyone thought about their bodies.
I say “they” because I just wasn’t there yet.
I was never really ashamed of my muffin top and all this extra fluff. But it was mine and I didn’t feel like anyone else needed to see it. Turns out, we call this hiding our bodies (insert Kanye shrug).
But in 2015, I decided to live the most fearless life I could. And that included challenging my own wardrobe picks. So in 2016, we are keeping the theme of that party!
My first wardrobe switcheroo was finding swimsuits that were not black. Me and black clothes are like peanut butter and jelly on freshly toasted bread–we just go together! But it wasn’t until I was packing for my cruise that I realized that all I owned were black swimsuits. Oops! Luckily I was able to find a lot of really cute swimsuit options on Target.com. Including my bikini. I wanted to try them on at the store but the swimsuit section in my local Target wasn’t fully stocked. Let’s blame that on our recent Jonas blizzard.
By using the size chart and a bit of style assumptions according to fabric and cut, I was able to find three suits that make my little heart swoon. I am ready to book more Caribbean excursions. The really great thing about ordering online at Target.com is that they offer free shipping and free returns! I’d suggest buying two or three size options and returning the other. For my bikini top I sized up because of my cup size (I’m a G! LOL).
Would you believe me if I told you that I lucked out and got my sizes right on the first go around? #PraiseHim
Here’s the thing about body barriers and all that foolishness. When I look back at all the years I wasted worrying about what people would think about my thick thighs (they save lives ya know), I realized that not only was I missing out on all the fab clothes that make you feel sexy, but also that soft and pink girly feeling you get on the inside when you’ve found that perfect swimsuit. I’m taking the #NOFOMO (read: no fear of missing out) pledge and vowing never to do that again.
My #NOFOMO attitude also has me rethinking my fear of water activities. So this year I am trying all the water sports I can. Jet skis, paddleboats, kayaking—OMG, I rode an aqua boat today! I might even learn how to swim before the summer is over.
Ok so now it’s your turn! What’s your #NOFOMO pledge? Don’t leave me hanging out here confessing all by myself–leave a comment below!
Disclosure: While this post is sponsored by Target, you beauties know that all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that make my blog possible!