So now I don't know if I'm doing this post in spite of her or to spite her. Truth be told, the post was already planned. It's been in the works for weeks. I wasn't sure what I was going to say, but I knew what I was going to be wearing. Really her post helped inspire me to write. It's been hot the last few weeks. I mean, REALLY hot. I heard on the news tonight that over 19,000 heat records have been broken across the country in the past week. Sweaty back fat may be offensive to some, but I'm not going to be miserably uncomfortable so you don't have to see the parts of me that you find gross.
You may have noticed the internets have been a-buzz with bathing suit fashion posts this summer season, so I'm adding my post to the conversation already out there. I decided to celebrate my beach-ready body by taking a little mini-vacation with my best friend. We stayed in a quaint inn in nearby Anniston. The inn was originally a family home built over 100 years ago, and it has been operating as The Victoria Inn and Restaurant since 1985. The pool area was perfect for our vintage vision for the Kiyonna's Kelly swimsuit. My best friend Callie did my hair and make-up in a 1950s' pin-up girl style and the talented Lauryn Brook of Olive Photos took my photos!
We had such a good time playing around the pool, and eventually a crowd gathered to watch. I guess we were an interesting sight to behold. And even though every fiber of my being was telling me to run and cover up, I held my ground and worked it!
Did I ever think in a million years that I'd be posing in a swimsuit for the world to see? Of course not! I imagine for most women the very idea sounds like the stuff nightmares are made of, myself included. At the same time, comments like that a friend posted on Facebook infuriate me! What does that mean dress for the body you have? Am I dressed for the body I have because I didn't wear a bikini? Or should I be in pants and a long sleeve shirt and hiding in the darkness of my basement? I'm not trying to get all political; I'm just trying to be cute in a bathing suit!
And I think I did a pretty darned good job! As usual Kiyonna has created a great product- the bathing suit feels very luxurious and well made. I did go up a size, as most women do, but I lost some of the "shaping" benefits by sizing up. This baby will definitely smooth you out and pull you in. I love the little details- the knotted top, the crisscross back, the ruching, the ruffles. It is super feminine and vintage- just perfect!
129 comments:
Love, love, love this post!! You look amazing! I love the suit, the location, the styling and the model of course is crazy gorgeous!!
Gah! I can't put into the words how amazing you look, like I feel the need to type this in caps lock but I'm holding back!! The photos are beautiful! very retro glamorous and you look beautiful as usual. Gah. Seriously, best swim suit post ever!
Wow, first off you look absolutely beautiful - I love the second one of you by the pool, you look so happy and carefree, absolutely brilliant. And second, damn are you brave! I don't think I could ever let a photographer near me while I was in a swimsuit. I love everything about this post xo
So retro! I love the way you styled your hair, and the suit is perfect for you. I love the color, shape, and the little ruffles! This little inn looks really cute and quaint. My favorite is the photo of you in the chair by the pool - so cute (and I want that towel!). I really hate this phrase, but it's too appropriate here... "you go girl!"
Mrs Frost, I cant tell you how proud of you I am. I wish I could be more like you <3 Becca White
Katie, you look gorgeous! You are definitely channeling a pin up girl in these photos! I think your retro swimsuit is adorable and you totally rocked this photoshoot. I think you're going to inspire a lot of women with this post :) I really hope your friend on FB sees this because her jaw will drop!
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
You look absolutely stunning dear!!! The styling and location is super cool!!! Beautiful post
Xo
Elena
http://dcinstyle.com/blog/
You look amazing!
Katie you look AMAZING! I love this bathing suit on you and your hair and makeup are perfection. Total pin up girl over there! I am so inspired by this post and what you wrote. You are so right- we should all own what we have proudly. It's the only body we have, right?! Again- perfection lady!
Hannah Tattoos and Pearls
Girl, you look stunning! I want the suit! I just bought a one-piece from Target made by Spanx, and it tucks and smooths in all the right places, too. Pool party!!
GORGEOUS!!!! Such an amazing photo shoot! You look fantastic!!!
I so LOVE that you did this post. These pictures are beautiful and you look stunning. I so wish I had your confidence!
You are my hero!! I try to hide my plus sized tail when in a swimsuit. I don't even like my family to see me in one. You are an inspiration! You look gorgeous and that suit is amazing!
Girl you look FABULOUS!!!
You look dynamite. I wish people would spend less time being cutesy on Facebook (and Pinterest) with all those "funny" Ecard repostings/repinnings. If they wouldn't say it to your face, they shouldn't say it at all.
You are gorgeous! What a fabulous photoshoot! No matter what you have on, I think you always look chic and classy. I would really hope that the "e-card" that was on Facebook isn't about dressing for a certain size, but maybe wearing flattering clothes for your body, and avoiding looking like a lady of the night (aka hooker) at age 50... does that make sense?
xx
Here&Now
You look absolutely amazing! I LOVE that bathing suit on you!!!!!
www.daisyraeboutique.com
www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com
Way to work it, curvy sister.
gorgeous! you look so beautiful and the swimsuit is fabulous- i'm gushing because i am delighted to see your post - of course we can be political about some issues and damn it we should but we also have the divine you showing the world true unadulterated beauty - e-card pah! x
You said you were trying to look cute in a swimsuit. I see success! You look amazing!!!
Well Miss Katie, you've already heard from me about your pics, but I had to comment on this post. Kudos again to your bravery!! You look beautiful, and confident! Don't pay attention to stupid ignorant posts like your friend's. I love that you're a plus size girl who embraces her curves and dresses cute. In my opinion it's much better than being plus size and dressing in big, baggy, over sized clothes that just look sloppy and like you've given up. Every post I just love you more and more!! =)
~ Catie
You look so fabulous in that swimsuit! I love the cut and color of that suit. I am in LOVE with your hair and make-up too! You could definitely have been a 50's pin-up model!
<3 Jenny
www.crazystylelove.com
I agree with you 100%! I hope other women who are bigger can realize that they don't have to dress that way- that they ARE allowed to dress cutely!
And thank youso much for always being so awesome and supportive!
Thank you, Kimberly!
Haha! Thank you so much! I love it when you gush :)
Thanks, Shurree! ;)
Awww, thank you Kacie!
Thank you so much, Jessica! It was a really fun photo shoot! It's nice to have a pro take over sometimes :)
And I hope you were right about the e-card!
I think that's great advice to LIVE by. People seem to forget that other people read what they post. It was disappointing, but I think it often reveals their own insecurities!
Thanks, Allie!! And thanks for the Twitter love!
Thank you, Misty. I agree with you though, it's tough to get out there and say "Here I am"! However, you are beautiful, and I could totally see you rocking a vintage suit like this!
Thank you so, so much! I really appreciate it!
Thank you!! It was so much fun!
Yeah, just gotta get a pool first!
Hannah, thank you so much. You are always so awesome and encouraging! I really appreciate you :)
Thank you, Savannah!
Thank you, Elena. When I heard about the location- I knew it was going to be so perfect! I can't wait to go back!
Awww, thank you so much, Sharon! As always your comments are so sweet and endearing! You are too precious!
Awww, Becca, this brought tears to your old teacher's eyes! You are so sweet, and you are a very strong and beautiful woman!
I forgot to put details for the towel- I got it at Target! I am in love with it! The inn was super cute and quiet! I will go, girl! :)
It's definitely one of the bravest things I've ever done, which seems silly, but women are so judged- it was tough to put this out there for others to snark about! I posted too many photos- but I couldn't pick a favorite!
You've got me blushing!!! Thank you so so much!
Too much love!!! Thank you, Gayna! Thank you, thank you!
You, my dear, are absolutely beautiful, and that swimsuit is perfect. It has such a classy, Marilyn Monroe-esque type look to it. Kudos to you for having the bravery to post this and share your body with the world. You are truly lovely.
You look beautiful! A long time ago I realized I was the one who was losing if I didn't put my suit on, get in the water and have some fun! The reality is, no matter where you are, some of the people will look "better" than you, some will look "worse" and for me these days, a lot of them will be younger...BUT...no one is obsessing over how YOU look because they're too worried about how THEY look. No more missing out on snorkeling, sunning, or splashing for me!
You look so gorgeous here. The hair! The swimming suit! And the backdrop all work to make an awesome post.
But what I liked best about the post was what you said. In some ways I like the idea to dress for the body you have now (in that I like the same idea of not just "saving" the good china, but using it. I like people to live in the present instead for just the future), but had never considered how that idea can also be a backhanded insult too... Personally, I think we'd all rather have girls in cute clothes because they are confident, vivacious people than people who feel they have to dress a certain way for others.
Great post!
PS I saw this link via Twitter, in case you were wondering!
Easily my favourite post of yours. You are pin-up material to an extreme, and you seriously look beyond stunning. I always get annoyed when I hear "beach-ready" this and that...is someone standing on the beach making sure only the "ready" bodies walk out onto the sand? It's all about being confident, which is one thing I've always admired you for - you totally work this suit and your body looks banging!
Alexandra xo
http://tovogueorbust.com/
I know- "beach-ready" is ridiculous! I assure you if I make it to the beach my ass is beach- ready, regardless of how much cellulite is on it! ;) And thank you so much, it took a long time to be confident in myself, and oddly I am more self-assured now than 50 pounds ago.
I'm so glad you followed to Twitter link and took the time to comment! I agree 100% with your "good china" analogy. If I wait for "someday" or when I lose 10, 15, 50 pounds, whatever- then I am going to miss out on a lot of fun. Sadly, I think is kind of confidence comes with age and experience. I wish we could all be born with it!
Agree, agree, agree! I never notice anyone else, so I always try to remind myself of that! I was the same way as a child at the skating rink, terrified to skate because I felt like other people would be watching and judging if I fell, and I will never forget my sixth grade best friend saying, "No one's watching you. They are too busy making sure they don't fall!" So so true!
Thank you so much! That's exactly what I was going for :) And thank you for saying I am brave- sometimes I have to fake it till I make it!
I missed my era! Darn it. Thank you so much, Jenny!
You look amazing Katie and its not only because of the fabulous suit but moreso, because of the confidence you exude. Bravo!
Hooray for swimsuit posts! I was going to do one this week, but the beach I was at over the weekend was too crowded for me to get good photos in. Props to you girl. You look comfortable and confident. I love that the suit is vintage inspired. EVERY body is a beach body!
Absolutely awe-inspiring!! Thank you for putting yourself out there and teaching ALL women that confidence is the most important accessory a girl can have (cute bathers don't hurt either;) ) Another important lesson learned!! Whilst I don't yet have your confidence or sense of bravery, I'm getting there and your blog has been so influential in that journey. THANK YOU and I hope you keep inspiring all of us curvy women... you make a wonderful pin up role model!
This swimsuit looks great on you. The shots are very nice. I think that there is so much more to a body than fat cells that, by the way, we all have. For many, me included, it takes a long time to learn how to dress for the body or more specifically; a specific body type. It could take even longer to understand one's body type and feel comfortable with it, regardless what specific type one is. It's not simply about how much skin to cover or what parts to hide, e.g. swimsuit vs. long garments, but what and how to cover or uncover and still feel comfortable.
It's good to see that you are comfortable in your body. You look like a professional plus size model on these shots. You should try the runway, too.
I love this. You're amazing!
Love this post. You are definitely cute in your bathing suit and then some! I always define my body as beach ready when I can jump in the water and not get immediate frostbite or some sort of severe cardiac reaction. The advantage of living in Alabama is that most of the year I am beach ready!
You are absolutely gorgeous, I love that swim suit, The style is amazing, I want one! As a def big girl i am so amazed at your bravery (but you look soo good!) i am def inspired
Katie - that suit was MADE for you! You look gorgeous - the navy is perfect on you. And your hair? So glamorous...love these photos!
Annie
The Other Side of Gray
You look every inch the pinup girl Katie....I love the swimsuit on you!!
Rebecca
www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
i LOVE these shots and think you're awesome for having them taken! SO glamorous!
One question about your lovely suit - is it supportive for the girls? I have two other vintage-inspired suits and I'm ready to stop wearing them because of unpleasant sag =(
I think (hope) that your friend's e-card post was referring to people who wear the SIZE they want to be instead of the size that fits.
You look lovely! My fave pic is the one with the sunny yellow hat because you look so happy :)
I finally, this year, found a swim suit that I love. I have to wear a bra under it because I can't afford the swimsuits with a built in bra in my size (36H). I remember so many swimsuits from years past that I felt so uncomfortable in, even though I was a size 8! Now, after 12 years of marriage to a guy who thinks I'm beautiful, 2 kids, and a lot more weight (size 16), I finally love my swim suit and feel comfortable wearing it! I hope and pray that I can raise my daughter to keep her 3-year-old confidence in her appearance (she's cute and she knows it).
As someone in recovery from anorexia, I am still working on accepting my body. This post hits something deep in me that makes me want to celebrate and cry at the same time. Thanks so much for going for this and posting this. What an inspiration. You are beautiful, these are beautiful, and you rocked that swimsuit! This has certainly stirred something up in me that I hope leads to more healing and freedom. Thank you!!!!
I think you are beautiful and look great in this swimsuit! I am your newest follower! I cannot wait to read more of your posts and hope that maybe you can return the favor and follow my preppy blog. I always comment for every comment left on my page and hope to start a friendly relationship with your wonderful blog!
You look amazing!!! =) Great job!
Oh my word, Katie... you look AMAZING. These pictures look straight up out of a magazine, the bathing suit is adorable and looks awesome on you. I love how confident you are, and it shows. So proud of you! You look BEAUTIFUL! :)
xo, Yi-chia
You are my fashion hero! Love this post and love your style!
I've been reading for a while, but am not usually a commenter...but I just wanted to say that I love this suit & I think you look fabulous!
You. Look. So. Gorgeous! And stunning! And sexy! You're a photogenic natural, you should total be a model...and this swimsuit is everything that I love about retro...might hafta buy one myself :)
<3 Cambria
jupefashion.blogspot.com
You look amazing!
You are such an inspiration. I am always at awe on how confident you are and how sure of yourself you are. You are truly an inspiration. You look amazing too! The retro styling looks gorgeous on you. You are just beautiful, inside and out.
www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com
You are more than cute in a bathing suit! You gorgeous! I love that colour! & I want a suit like this so bad! xx
www.satinandsouffles.blogspot.com
Katie, I kid you not when I say it has taken well over ten minutes for this post to load on this slow as molasses Internet connection, via WiFi that sucks. But gosh darn it, was it worth it! I remember you writing in one of your comments on my blog that you were planning to do a bathing suit post. Imagine my surprise when I was finally able to load your blog and I saw this beautiful and amazing post! Lady, you rock! Big time! I was going to say, you do us curvy gals proud, but scratch that. You do all us women proud! You look drop dead gorgeous! The shots are breathtakingly beautiful and the swim suit is just amazing! The comments on this post speak for themselves--we sisters need brave, courageous women like you. Women who are not afraid to speak their mind. Women who thumb their noses at societal norms and say, I will wear what I want because I am me! Your friend's posting of the ecard is just another example of how some women succumb to society's pressures to look a certain way and adhere to "rules" that are not only demeaning, but ridiculous! Every woman should feel free to wear what she wants as long as she feels comfortable in it. I refuse to cover up my untoned arms, my thick thighs, or my big calves. I am who I am. And that's all she wrote! This post is an inspiration to us all. It makes my heart sing. It makes me want to do a victory lap around the ocean front terrace I'm sitting on, regardless of who's watching, or thinks I've lost my mind. Thank you, thank you for showing us what self confidence looks like! I worship at your altar, my friend! Cheering your name out loud all the way from Spain! :)
Look at you girl!!! Looking like a pin-up model! You go girl! I love these pics! I'm feeling inspired!
Thank you so much for this post! You are flippin' adorable in that swimsuit, and your confidence is inspiring to those of us who are trying to be ok with ourselves just as we are. And I call bs on that weird e-card!
Thank you for reading and commenting! It makes me so happy to hear that I can be an inspiration. So humbling!
Woo hoo! Thanks, Trice. I felt like a pin-up :)
Thank you, Nicole! I am going to check out your blog right now! :)
Marie, thank you for your too kind words! I definitely love the retro look, and I truly hope that some women are inspired :)
Thank you!
I agree about the swimsuit! I loved everything about it. They had things right in the 1950s! And that's so funny about modeling- I think I'm past my prime on that one! :)
Thank you so much for commenting. I really appreciate it!
:) Thanks. I need to wear a cape with this swimsuit!
Awww, thank you so much, Yi-chia! It was nerve-wracking, but I was amazed by the photographer's work. It definitely looks like a magazine spread to me too! Thanks for being proud of me. I cherish this friendship!
Thanks, Maggie! :)
Thanks so much for following! I will check out your blog right now!
BEST.POST.EVER!
I definitely wish this bathing suit hand underwire and/or adjustable criss-cross straps because it wasn't a level of support that I need for my 38F girls (check out today's blog!) I will definitely be shortening the straps on this suit before I wear it again- to add some support!
Isn't it amazing what a loving and supportive man can do in your life? My husband won't let me down myself, and it is truly a magical thing!
I actually just spoke about that in the above comment. It would have benefited from adjustable straps and/or underwire. When I sized up, instead of staying true to size (which I could have), I got slightly longer straps, so there was some sag. However, I am just going to stitch those straps up and I think that will give me the boost I need!
And I completely understand your frustration!
Thank you! I was feeling very pin-up! So much fun :)
Thank you so much, Annie! I felt like a bombshell, so that was nice!
Thank you so much, Jodie!
Amen! I don't understand the concept- I am beach-ready anytime, regardless of my weight! I just wish this Bama girl was a little closer to the beach, so I could go every day!
Thank you so much!
Absolutely. It's a work in progress, that's for sure. But it's fun work!
Tammy, thank you so much for this wonderful comment. It means so much to me to hear that I've helped inspire you. That is something I never expected out of a "silly fashion blog" but it is truly so humbling!
I bet the beach was covered up this weekend! Luckily I only had a small audience watching me be silly! And I couldn't agree more, if you are at the beach then you are beach-ready!!
It's been a long journey towards confidence- that's for sure. Thank you so much!
Seriously, I want to print this out and frame it! Thanks for taking the time (ugh, slow wi-fi drives me CRAZY) to let the post load. I don't even know where to start in responding to your comment. I think you know as well as anyone how completely humbling it is to read comments like that. It's such an awesome responsibility!
We must embrace ourselves, and love everything (my toughest part to love being that stomach and my arms) before focusing on anything else. I am blessed to have a husband who tells me every day how beautiful I am and doesn't allow negative self-talk. I am blessed to have bloggers (like yourself) to look up to. I am just returning the favor.
Thank you again and again this is such a wonderful comment for me! Hope you are having fun, so jealous!
I don't even know what to say... thank you so much for commenting. I don't have any experience with ED but I know the everyday struggle to accept and love yourself. I wish I could give you a big hug and we could cry and celebrate together! Please, please stay strong and stay in touch!
Katie! You are so brave and admirable, and GORGEOUS! You make that bathing suit look fantastic.
I had SUCH a fantastic time shooting your photos for this post! You absolutely ROCKED it! You looked vintage and pin up-y and like the true diva you are! I can't wait to get you in front of my camera yet again! Thank you for being such an inspiration to curvy girls everywhere! You are obviously changing lives and women's perspectives on themselves and you should be so proud! Love you, girl!
Well, you know... it was a really great camera ;p
You did a fantastic job, and I love these photos so so much! I DEFINITELY need to head up your way for a day of sightseeing and awesome photos!
Thank you so much, Audrey!!
YOU. ROCK. :)
Bombshell!
You look fantastic, Katie, and I applaud your confidence to take pictures like this. You rock!
Love, Love, Love this post!!! You look amazing!!!! Also I love the little pin curl you did with your hair! Again Love It!!!!!
Kiyonna needs to hire you as their swimsuit model. This is outstanding - I like the shoes, the fun ruffled suit, the hair and makeup, the setting ... but best of all your air of confidence. :)
Katie, you are so lovely. I truly admire your confidence - reading your blog has made me realize that us curvy girls ARE beautiful, CAN be fashionistas, and look GORGEOUS doing so. Your confidence is infectious. Thank you for being you.
cute
Good for you!
I love this post! You look amazing in this cute, vintagey swimsuit. It's refreshing to see real women wearing swimsuits and appreciating the beauty of different body types. While I am a size 0, I lack any curves up top to make swimsuits look "right" on me. So it's really nice to see other women who are not that one "model" body type showing off their swim look! Your poses are so fun, too. Looks like the shoot was a blast!
you are so cute! I love that swimsuit, and your hair!!!
OMG I LOVE THIS!!!! I think you look sexy as hell.... Makes ME want to go and buy the suit!!! I actually DO tend to wear two pieces though, because frankly.... once it's wet.... getting in and out of a one piece (like to go to the restroom) is a serious workout. Do I have back fat? Yea, I'm sure I do. If someone is offended by that, it's their problem. They're not obligated to look in my direction. Maybe I'm offended by their size-ist discrimination and self righteous judgement of someone they don't even know.
Katie, I love your swimsuit post! You're a beautiful young woman!
You look so ADORABLE! so darn cute! Your confidence is radiant-keep it up!
Katie,
Fabulous model, fabulous photos.You and Lauren both did a superb job on these photos. The color of the suit is perfect with your skin tone.
Chris
I have no idea how I missed this post!! Katie these pictures are absolutely AMAZING AND GORGEOUS!! I disagree that you should dress for the body you have and not the one you want! Work what you have and be confident. Even skinny people can go overboard with clothes and sometimes I wish they would cover up!
Great post bliend! You worked it!!
You look so perfect in this swimsuit, I love it
I just came across your blog the other day and I've been reading though it. I wanted to say you look amazing, perfect combo of cute and sexy in that swim suit. Your blog is very empowering.
You look fantastic! Love this bathing suit, and love your attitude. Well done!
I think you look beautiful in these pictures! I'm new to your blog- found you through putting me together- but I just wanted to say you are lovely.
Wow! I cant even imagine what it must be like to have that kind of confidence. I wear the most conservative swimsuits/shorts I can find because I am self conscious about my big thighs. I really admire how you can pull off any look so fearlessly. I hope one day I can be as secure and confident in the way I look as you do :)
http://awishinthewind.blogspot.com/
Great pictures! You're adorable :) That suit, hairstyle and this photography style really suit you. Bravo!
It is such a blessing that I stumbled across your blog post tonight. I am going on a cruise within the next month (25 days to be exact).. Not that I am counting or anything :) But I have been absolutely dreading buying a bathing suit because I am so self conscious. After reading your post, I am feeling much more confident and I am actually going to order the same suit because it is so adorable. I hope that my pleasantly plump body will be able to rock it too. You are such an inspiration!
Thank you so much- I am humbled! I really don't know what to say.
I am so jealous of your cruise! They are the best! I hope you will enjoy the swimsuit and I know you will feel amazing in it :) Thank you so much!
Brava! You have heart, strength, intelligence, beauty and balls! Congrats on not letting anyone force you to hide ant part of who you are in the shadows.
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