The Hell Bunny 1950s Cannes Floral Swimsuit

Swimsuit by Hell Bunny available at Tigermilly

To any woman whose self esteem plummets during swimsuit season, I recommend a 1950s style one-piece. They’re flattering, feminine and they mean I actually look forward to going to the beach. Who cares if I can barely doggy paddle and my chest is five shades darker than my face? I feel like a 1950s movie star. And what’s better than feeling like a 1950s movie star? Feeling like an Italian 1950s movie star, of course! Enter Hell Bunny’s exquisite take on vintage swimwear and my happy face.

This has to be one of the most gorgeous swimsuits I’ve found. What really makes this baby stand out is the luscious scarlet and fuchsia floral print. It’s irresistibly sexy and oozes la dolce vita glamour. Don’t forget to paint your lips and nails to match. The black background streamlines your silhouette and the ruching across your tummy helpfully skims over any bulges you gained enjoying life. The thick halterneck straps hoik your tatas right up, giving support and Mediterranean cleavage to even huge, heavy breasts. The Hell Bunny fit on this one-piece is true to size. I’m wearing a 12 and it’s spot on. It’s currently available for £34.49 on the Tigermilly website, which I consider a bargain price for this much poolside confidence.

My Favourite Vintage Style Swimsuits This Summer

My most popular post ever was the Vintage Style Swimsuit Special. I’m obsessed with gorgeous retro swimwear and apparently so are you, so here are my latest objects of aquatic lust for you to drool over/pose in.

Because red satin and fake diamonds are always appropriate

Marilyn swimsuit by Pin Up Girl Clothing, also available in plus size, maternity and at Top Vintage

Always accessorize your swimsuit with a cocktail and your cocktail with an umbrella

South Pacific swimsuit by Seaspray available at Figleaves

The sexiest Minnie Mouse outfit ever

Marilyn swimdress from Deadly Is The Female

Bombshell style, bargain price

Pink swimsuit from Asda

Don’t just go on holiday, look like one

Lazy Summer bikini by Playful Promises

This would be killer with a tan

 

Tankini from Mama Maria

And finally, the Little Black Dress of Swimsuits

1950s Sarong Swimsuit by What Katie Did

Diary Of A Vintage Holiday Wardrobe

I’m not a light packer. I always pay for extra baggage and, as goes the story of my life, I’m still overweight. My justification for the bursting suitcase seams and (this year) broken handles is that my summer holiday is my annual chance to actually wear my extensive vintage swimsuit collection. Here’s a look by look account of what I wore on my recent holiday to Spain.

First Night Out

Dress from Collectif, hair flower from Violets In May, wedges from New Look

Feeling a bit of a post-flight porker, I adopted a tried and tested outfit formula. LBD + heels + a colour pop accessory = flattering, fast-track glamour.

Beach Time, Baby

Swimsuit from Next, skirt from Tara Starlet, wedges from Primark, hair flower from Accessorize, sunglasses from duty free

The next day I craved colour and kitsch to get me in the holiday mood and distract me from my stonking hangover.

Cafe Hopping In Collectif

Sundress from Collectif, wedges from Amazon (£5.99!), handbag from River Island

I couldn’t resist the sunniness of this sundress. It’s ideal for holidays because it’s bright, playful and the swing skirt stops your thighs getting all sweaty.

Senorita Swimwear

Swimsuit from For Luna, skirt from Miss Selfridge, headscarf from Deadly Is The Female

En route to the beach/pool/garden, I like to wear my one-piece swimsuit as a halter top. I also love a theme and this look was inspired by 1950s Spanish film stars.

Malibu Barbie

Swimsuit from Next, skirt from BHS, wedges from Amazon, hair flower from Violets In May

During my holiday I became completely addicted to this fuschia orchid hairclip from Violets In May. It was a quick, fun way to add pin up appeal to all my outfits.

Never Enough Pink

Dress from Stop Staring, handbag from Primark

Stop Staring dresses are perfect for travelling because they ooze retro flirtiness and the body-skimming stretchy fabric is practically creaseproof!

Getting My Cherries Out

Swimsuit from For Luna, shorts from Tara Starlet, headscarf from Deadly Is The Female

This is the first vintage style swimsuit I ever bought. It’s very special to me because it put a permanent stop to years of bikini body shame.

Dinner With A View

Dress from Stop Staring, handbag from Pimark

I wore white because it showed off my tan and polka dots because I’m obsessed.

Leopard Print And Polka Dots

Swimsuit from Seafolly, skirt from ASOS, bag from Primark

Ah, my failsafe fifties swimsuit. Even when I’m feeling massive after using my holiday as an excuse to pig out, I still feel good in it. It’s very supportive.

Last Day Lunch

Dress from Collectif, handbag from River Island, wedges from New Look

I went mid-century Mediterranen for my final day in Spain. My hours of hard work lazing around in the sunshine had paid off and I felt proud to have realised my dream of being as tanned as Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra.

¡Adios bitches! xx

The Special K Girl, 1950s Style

Swimsuit from For Luna

As some of you may know I have a weakness for vintage swimwear. This little red one-piece is my latest fix. It’s made by a company called Esther Williams, named after the aquatic movie star of the 1950s.

The best thing about Esther Williams’ gorgeous one-pieces is that they’re exceptionally supportive, like your best friend in swimsuit form. The thick halterneck straps successfully hoist up even my boobs, which are heavier than bowling balls, without squishing. The wonderfully vague ruching disguises any tummy issues so people won’t be able to tell if you’ve got a spare tyre or just enjoy charmingly draped fabric.

I love solid colours because they are so flattering but this swimsuit also comes in some delightful vintage prints.

I already have cherries.

Now I crave polka dots and gingham…

The Vintage Style Swimsuit Special

When I lived in Sydney I built up quite the collection of vintage style swimwear.

A 1950s bathing suit is the beach equivalent of a wiggle dress. An outfit in itself, it’s flattering and feminine, especially on women with curves. I love ones with halter necklines for complete cleavage control – it’s hard to pull off seaside chic when one boob is making a break for freedom.

For the journey to my sunbaking spot I just pull on a pair of Tara Starlet high-waisted shorts, a floral headscarf and some giant sunglasses to complete the fifties vibe.

I do own a couple of bikinis bought in moments of extreme optimism, but I always go back to my one-pieces. Who wants to be suffering midriff-related anxiety when they’re trying to relax on holiday?

If you’re looking for the genuine article I recommend Glamour Surf or Etsy. Most of the vintage originals are expensive but they are so gorgeous they could be straight out of a Hollywood costume vault. I’m currently lusting after these beauties in dark pink, lilac and turquoise.If the thought of wearing someone else’s delicates makes you want to take a shower, go for a reproduction swimsuit instead. I love the Esther Williams brand, named after the glamorously splashy 1950s movie star swimmer. Here she is doing her leg exercises.My cherry-print halter in the first picture is from their range. They also do florals, gingham and block colours in regular and plus sizes. You can browse their collection here.

Another tried, tested and adored range is Seafolly. My black polka dot and pink floral numbers are by this Aussie brand and I’m always impressed and relieved by their fit and support, as well as their beautiful retro designs. This season I’ve got my goggles on their red halter (called The Harlow) and navy floral costumes. Others making my wish list are these two in cream with black trim and green floral print (The Monroe), both from the charming UK webshop, Samantha Sage.Now if only I can stop spending all my money on aspirational swimwear, I might be able to afford a holiday to wear it on.

Happy sun-posing!