Swimsuit Nerves

One of the most anxiety-ridden shopping excursions for women, might just be finding the dreaded bathing suit.

Did your heart rate just speed up?

Finding a piece of material that will not only hug you in all the right places while simultaneously and seemingly eliminating all the WRONG places, the perfect color, cut, not too low but not too high, acceptable for running after children, but not looking like you got caught in a spring break vortex with your 18 year old self. It’s a worldwide epidemic of dread and yet women everywhere show up at the beach with a smile and that slight incling of discomfort that you don’t quite measure up.

I get it.

I’ve climbed that mountain and slid down those valleys many a time before; Where I’ve thrown it all to the wind and paid $10 at Walmart for something that I could justify might cover up enough skin, to spending hundreds of dollars on a suit I still didn’t feel completely comfortable in.

That discomfort was most definitely my own self consciousness seeping out, silently comparing myself to the women so perfectly poised on the beach blanket beside me. In fact, most of that discomfort came from my own thought pattern. I’m two different sizes. A small up top and medium on the bottom. I have what they refer to as child-bearing hips, which have grown and creased as I’ve carried and birthed each baby. I have stretch marks trailing my tummy and sides that can easily be hidden by my trusty jeans and loose fitting t-shirts. But when you’re walking along a sandy beach wearing basically your underwear, it’s difficult for those things to be kept cinched in place.

Many of you know that I just spent the week in the Carribbean, which meant many hours soaking in the hot sun and floating in the crystal blue waters of some of the most gorgeous places on earth. It also meant that I needed to trade in my tired Mom-suit (you know the one, crumpled in the back of your drawer and pulled out when your kids beg to go swimming and you’re on life guard duty?)

So, I did something I’ve never done before and tried placing an order from Cupshe. You may have noticed their ads pop up on social media, and their gorgeous suits on equally gorgeous models sucked me right in.

I had many of you message and ask how I liked them, how the suits fit, what the return policy was like and whether I would purchase from them again, so I figured I’d answer all those questions for you here, while I nervously post pictures of me in a bathing suit publicly for the very first time in my life. Honestly, after 10 years of modelling, I have yet to model a swimsuit and there’s good reason for it. I’m internally so self conscious of the way I look in a swimsuit. So, this is the real me. This is the bum I’ve tried to hide, the boobs I’ve tried to make look bustier and the body of a woman who has done hard things and overcome them. Just like you.

As I give you my own thoughts on this brand, I ask that you be kind. I’m still working at self-love because I believe it’s probably a life long process, but one thing I have come to know and believe: my body is incredible.

Your body is incredible.

As I looked at those beaches this week and watched every woman passing me by, I couldn’t help but notice the beauty within every single woman there. From the unmarked, “perfection” of the 16 year old blonde running in the water with her high cut suit, to the weathered and aged Grandmas who dared to wear a two piece and thus emanated her confidence in who she was; all were beautiful.

@cupshe

The first thing that struck me with Cupshe is the diversity and originality of their swimsuits. From one-pieces to string bikinis, they carry something for almost everyone. Being Canadian, I wondered what I was getting myself into purchasing suits from the States, especially with not having the option of purchasing tops and bottoms separately (which they have since added in the last month! Yay!). I found 4 bathing suits I fell in love with and given the price point felt I could justify purchasing all four, given they came to $138CAD once all was said and done.

Shipping was quick (they arrived within a week) and I was immediately impressed with the quality. These are not cheaply thrown together suits. While they may be on the lower price point (most swimsuits between $25-$35USD) the suits themselves are good quality!

These are the 4 I chose:

1. ALL ABOUT U STRIPE HIGH-WAISTED BIKINI SET

This suit ended up being my absolute favorite (and my hubby’s too). The straps are removable and the rouched, high-waisted and full coverage bum made me feel completely secure and, dare I say, sexy on the beach! Because I carry my weight in my hips I tend to prefer full coverage bottoms and these did not disappoint! Some of the other suits I purchased in a medium based on how tiny their bottoms were, but this one I ordered in a small and it fit like a glove.

2. YELLOW AND FLORAL TROPICAL PRINT HIGH-WAISTED BIKINI

When I saw this suit online I couldn’t not get it. The sweetheart neckline and floral bottoms were just too cute to pass up! I adore the top but would never wear it strapless as I ordered this set in a medium based on how high the leg is cut, which means the top is slightly big, but not noticeably.

I love the high cut bottoms but recommend not eating a full meal before wearing these as they definitely accentuate the tummy, unlike the previous bottoms which hid all the extras beneath the black and rouched material. Still a fun suit and perfect for a sunny vacation!

3. SHALLOW WATERS PRINT ONE-PIECE SWIMSUIT

I’ve never loved a one piece more, and I’ve tried a LOT of one pieces in my day. Despite the low cut chest, because I’m not busty this suit was so comfortable I’d feel okay swimming with my boys in it, as opposed to just laying on the beach. I absolutely adore the low cut back and criss-cross tie back.

I was initially hesitant with how high the legs are cut and they’re not as full coverage on the bum as I normally would wear but I was impressed with how well it stayed in place. Even my hubby commented more than once how much he loved it!

4. COSY BAY LACE-UP BIKINI

This top was a close second in my books. I forgot to take a picture of the back but it ties like a corset and is so snug and comfortable fitting. (check out the link above!) I really loved the muted earth tones and given my bust size, triangle tops work really well on me, and give the illusion of a more full chest. The bottoms of these were not full coverage whatsoever. I embraced the hips and cellulite in this one though and despite stepping out of my comfort zone, I was so comfortable and felt cute, too!

So, Ive thrown my hatred for bathing suit shopping to the Caribbean wind and can say enthusiastically that I have fallen for this company. Not only do they make a good looking swimsuit, I feel comfortable and stylish all at once, while still being affordable to the everyday woman.

Do yourself a favour and add one of these to your next vacation wardrobe. You can thank me later.

P.S. Some of you have asked what the return policy was like. I did end up returning one suit because I felt it was too skimpy for my body type. They gave me three options.

1. Keep the original swimsuit and receive a 130% credit towards another swimsuit.
2. Keep the original swimsuit and receive a 60% refund.
3. Mail the suit back at my expense and receive a full refund.

Because I had another suit I really had my eye on, I chose the first option and gifted my original suit to a friend who it fit really well. Basically, two suits for the price of one. Just keep in mind that the credit can not be used towards shipping and taxes.