swimwear

Summer (and its storms, it seems) is officially in full swing and fortunately, it came at just the right time for me to finish one of my recent DIY and upcycling projects. Transforming your unused clothes is just one of the many ways you can create a more sustainable wardrobe, so, here’s an example of how to do just that…

HANDMADE BIKINI – Old Scuba Top (Glamorous – old) // Thread // Sewing Machine // Pins

I’m very grateful for the fact that most of my summer is filled with bright, sunny days, hot enough for a dip in the pool on a regular basis. However, this does mean I use swimwear a lot so eventually, my very slim choice of bikinis and one-pieces (I’m talking one bikini, one swimming costume) will have had their time. My favourite bikini is now ill-fitting and the swimming costume I’ve had for years is a little on the tight side.

I’d been wracking my brain for months on what I could do with certain unworn items in my wardrobe (or in the bag under my bed) and the pink scuba top I owned was proving difficult to work with. That’s until I had a lightbulb moment and decided to take the fabric literally – a scuba top will become a scuba bikini.

Technically, the fabric is just a type of neoprene with no real water-resistant features but it does look and feel just like the sort of material a lot of structured swimsuits are made of, so I decided to give it a go. After all, I wasn’t wearing it so it was a risk worth taking…

You can see in the ‘before’ image above what the top was like previously (the picture is from an outfit post quite a few years ago – leave a comment if you remember it!). A long-sleeved top is a great source of fabric for upcycling because you have a lot of space to work with.

I based the sizing and shape on underwear which fits me nicely; a pair of high-waisted bottoms and a crop top. I adapted things slightly to make it more of a unique design, so, the top became more square shaped and the bottoms became more like a pair of boyshorts that cover me up comfortably.

I created pattern pieces as I went along but I think for a beginner, following what you already own might be the best way to go! You can then personalise and alter your bikini to exactly how you’d like it.

It also allows for wiggle room for details like the straps. I knew from the beginning I wanted them to be thick and secure but the cross-over detail was a spontaneous decision.

WHAT DID I LEARN WHILE MAKING THE BIKINI?
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Stick with your initial idea…

One of my main regrets with this project is adding the embroidered stitch to the neckline. Not only did it not come out looking perfect (that’s sewing machines, for you!) but it also made the neckline fit a little looser, where I would have preferred it snug.

But then again, on the contrary, the last minute idea of crossing over the straps worked rather well.

Practice really does make perfect…

Although if you look closely, the finished product might not actually be perfect, doing projects like this really builds your confidence and will most definitely keep you up-to-scratch if you haven’t worked on anything in a while.

Between making the bikini, I worked on making an outfit for a wedding from scratch, which helped me, especially on the sewing machine. This meant that the bikini bottoms only took me a day because I could think of each step a lot more logically.

Loved clothes last…

Despite the fact that the bikini might not be perfect on paper and despite the fact I may have a couple of design-related regrets, I love it because I know how much time and effort went into making it.  I’ll always recommend giving a handmade project a go, simply for the chance for you to understand what goes into creating a piece (or two) from scratch.

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What could you transform in your wardrobe? What would you have made with my top? Let me know in the comments!

Howdy! As you may know, I live in France, the south to be precise, which means getting my, by the pool essentials spot on, takes a little bit of thinking! I don’t want to be too hot when its 30 degrees do I? So, I decided to write a little post on what I take to the pool (or beach) with me!
*cue hawaiian music*

A Lilo: For a while we didn’t have a lilo for our pool because the last one burst, but now we do, and I am so glad! Having a lilo is so nice! You can just sit back relax, not get your hair wet, and even sun bathe, all at the same time! It’s also good for people who aren’t the best at swimming, and of course for those sunny evenings when you don’t want to get in, but would like to float about for a while! Our’s cost around €15.00 because it is quite big, but usually on holidays I think they cost about €8.00, and usually the shop staff will blow it up for free so no worries on your lungs exploding! If not, then… unlucky, loser!! Hehe

Floppy Hat: I bought this from a jumble sale and it is perfect! Hats are a big essential if you burn a lot because they will protect your face which is most sensitive to the sun rays. The reason a floppy hat (don’t you find that funny? Floppy?) is good, is because it should cover your shoulders and neck with the shadow, which will add extra protection to us ‘burners’.

Flip Flops: These are my favourite flip flops! I got these for my birthday once and I love them! They have that holiday/festival feel to them, and as any flip flops are, they are convenient! You can just slip them on, walk to the pool, and take them off, instead of sandals etc where you have to unbuckle them… I know I’m lazy…

Sun Cream: Quite an obvious one, but I know a lot of people are guilty of not putting on a bit of SPF! I use Amie’s Skin Shield Moisturiser* for short periods of time in the sun, and a ordinary SPF30 sun cream for long periods. It is always good to have some by, especially after coming out of the water, as that is when your skin is more prone to burning.

Bikini: I don’t usually wear bikinis at the beach, but the by the pool, I don’t mind whipping one out! This one is from M&S and it is so pretty with the laser cut frills! I also like how the straps are around the neck, as I love wearing crop tops where you can see the bikini, I don’t really know why, but I just do! If I’m not wearing a bikini, I will wear a swimsuit and if it is a little cooler, I will wear trunks on top (I know, but they are girls ones!)

Cover-Up: When I’m at home, I usually just use my dressing gown, as it is a 2 in 1 (towel), but when it comes to the beach, I probably don’t want to be spotted in it.. so a light oversized shirt does the trick! I like to look out for nice ones at Jumble Sales and they work a treat! Not only can you cover up, you can also do up the buttons and put some shorts on for when you are going to go grab a nice cool drink!

Sunglasses: Obviously if you are wearing a hat, you may not need these too, but if you want extra protection, I always think people should carry a pair around! The yellow pair above are from Claire’s and I love them! I would wear my Zoobug AVs*, but I would prefer to wear an old pair if they are going to get wet!

Beach Bag: I don’t have a proper beach bag, but I find that this green and yellow crochet one does just the trick! I got it from a Jumble Sale, and at first I thought it was a bit old, but when my parents saw it they told me I had to have it, and I agreed, I did. It fits everything in and I love the detailing. My favourite bag of the past month!

Private Swim Lessons: I know this isn’t a fashion-y one, but I thought of it and had to mention it! Before last year I couldn’t swim, embarrassingly enough! I was able to get private lessons for free by my school and without it sounding too dramatic, it seriously has helped me so so much! I would search around for cheap private swimming lessons because I know what it feels like to not be able to swim. Most teachers will be really understanding and will go through each step at your own pace. I can now swim on my own, go under water in the deep end, and if somebody asks me to jump in… I will attempt it. I know it can be nerve racking at first, but it is so worth it.

Ironically, I am now looking out too grey skies again, so I will have to wait to get these all back out! I love summer, but I think for everyone this year has been a very unlucky ’13’ for the weather. *touch wood* it comes around soon!

Would you like more essentials posts? What are your by the pool essentials? Make sure to let me know in the comments below! LOVE YA!

If you don’t know already, the Posh Fashion Awards Shortlist was released yesterday! Congrats to all the bloggers! Find out who was shortlisted, by clicking here!

(This is not a sponsored post, products which have been sent to me will have a * beside them, but none of them were sent to feature in this post.)

As the weather is good, and some of you may be still waiting to go away, here’s an outfit for you! Want to get a tan, then this should be perfect…

Miso Asymmetric Frill Bikini £10.00 (Republic), Crafted Dip Dye Hotpants £20.00 (Republic), Miso Neon Tie Front Shirt £15.00 (Republic) & Soludos Classic Espadrilles £25.00 (ASOS).

Bad news and good news about this outfit! Good news, all items from Republic are on Sale, meaning they’re cheaper. Bad news, all items in the Republic Sale, are slowly going, meaning not all sizes are there. So hurry!