Sponsored by Swimwear Galore.
Flowery Nights $144.99 AUD / Equip Necklace $5 AUD / JayJays Hat $10 AUD / Cotton On Sunglasses $12.50 AUD
I never imagined that showing photos of myself wearing a swimsuit would interest so many people. It wasn’t something I planned to do in advance, I just did it. It was the height of summer and I wanted to see ladies online wearing swimwear who were similar in size but there just weren’t as many as I hoped. For those of you who were inspired by the Embrace your Body post and photos and submitted your own… YOU ROCK! Even my Mum got in on the action! I was proud as punch about my accidental positive body image post. Thank you to all those who commented and still continue to do so… you have no idea how much you have altered my own personal mindset (also many other similarly built women) for the better. Publishing this post couldn’t have been at a better time as today is International Women’s Day and even Cosmopolitan’s recent issue is all about body love and building self esteem. GO GIRLS!
On a high from the posts success I contacted a few plus size swimwear businesses both in Australia and overseas to see if they would be interested in a collaboration and had no success… maybe, as much as customers loved seeing a larger woman in a swimsuit, their stockholders might not. By some miracle Pip from Meet Me at Mike’s tweeted about her new pair of togs from a brilliant Australian company which distributes swimwear for all shapes and sizes, so I had look at her link and was really surprised. So I contacted Swimwear Galore who were more than happy to show what they stocked. Within a few days I’d been shipped several pieces to review and as a thank you for spreading the news I was given the choice of keeping one of the suits or taking a gift voucher! psst, you can win a $200 gift voucher too, go and check it out the promotion on the Swimwear Galore website.
It was essentially a big risk for a small business who had never dealt with ‘blog advertising’ before but the team trusted me. I took it upon myself to go the extra mile (as usual) and organised a little swimwear photoshoot. Wanting to spread the love even further I offered the opportunity to a hair & make up artist Amy Goddard as well as photographer Cathy Topping to take it on as experience and to add to their portfolios. It really was a win-win for everyone involved and despite the drizzly, miserable weather it was still a great day. I also organised a slew of Lovisa jewellery to wear during the photoshoot, a few fun items from Swimwear Galore as well as a couple of personal props. It wouldn’t be a successful review without my honest thoughts and feedback so I had my lovely friend Monica (who isn’t a photographer) take some standard ‘everyday’ kind of photos of me wearing the suits whilst standing in a similar pose so you can clearly see the difference in shape, lift and tuck. I don’t think I really need to point it out but just in case, I haven’t edited myself in any of the images but I have tweeked expsoure and saturation.
I really adored this set. The striking v-neckline, the ruching under the bust and the long length of the top had me at hello! In this photo I’m wearing a size 24 as they were out of stock in my size but I got them to send me it anyway as I wanted to try it on, check out the fabric and you know what, even though it was looser than I preferred, it still knocked my socks off. I liked that the cut as flattering, that the fabric felt luxurious and the front had reinforced panelling. It does come with little soft thin breast inserts which sit within the lining to assist with lift and nipple situations but I took them out as I’m happy with the way my breasts naturally sit and a firm believer that nipples are perfectly normal chest accessories.
The briefs were awesome, I liked that they’re a wide cut, see how they cover they comfortably cover the width of my bum without creeping up my crack. They also were mid rise (also with the reinforced panel) which kept my tummy comfortable yet held in. This meant that I wasn’t constantly pulling my bottoms up over my belly and my top down over my belly. The top also has ruching across the stomach which fools the eyes of on-lookers that your roll is actually just how the fabric folds… sneaky swimsuit!
Drape Wide Strap Singlet Set $164.99 AUD / Seafolly Hat $39.95 AUD / Lovisa Necklace $39.95 AUD / Lovisa Bracelet $16.95 AUD
I guess the most important thing you need from a swimsuit is to feel good wearing it… and for it to stay on! Nothing quite like your top or bottoms flying off when you dive into the pool or a wave flinging it off in the surf… but I digress, even though I’d go a size smaller I still felt so sexy wearing it. The sizes for this suit are true as listed on the website which is awesome for those like me having to purchase online. Buy with confidence!
Score: 4/5
This is essentially the exact same suit as the one I just reviewed above but it’s a one piece. It still has the reinforced panelling at the front and ruching under the bust. The Ruby colour is amazing and really made me feel vibrant when I put it on. The only reason this one didn’t score 5/5 was due to the fact that I personally preferred the two piece as I liked the convenience for bathroom trips as well as the fact that top has ruching and also broke up the fabric across my bum. Again, the fabric feels expensive and I couldn’t see any faults in construction. I definitely felt like I was wearing a high end product which is good as I normally wouldn’t spend this much on a pair of togs.
Ring Singlet Boyleg Set $79.95 AUD / Lovisa Bracelet $29.95 AUD / Equip Necklace $5 AUD / Chinatown Parasol
Score: 3/5
I was apprehensive about trying this one on as it looked much smaller than all the other garments I’d been sent and it was. This was a size 22 and I felt like I should have ordered a size up. The shorts felt really good at the back but were unforgiving at the front, constantly rolling up my thighs as they sat quite high. The top also rolled up as it was quite short on my body. I think for someone who had a small hip/thigh size or was even just shorter in general it would look amazing on. The fabric didn’t feel as lovely and soft as the first two I’ve shown you, just felt like the everyday kind od swimwear fabric. I do like the straps and the way the top sits at the back. The built in shelf bra was pretty supportive, I was quite surprised by that actually! At the end of the day it just made me fidget too much so I wasn’t comfortable. The quality of the singlet set was great and I can imagine this being a summer staple for many women.
Score: 4.5/5
I’ll be completely honest, if they manufactured this piece in all black instead of the flower print I’d buy it in an instant. I love the silver chain detailing on the straps, the shape of the neckline and how high it rises up the back, it made my boobs feel really supported. This has an inbuilt shelf bra too and I found this one gave some lift yet also managed to minimise them at the same time. This one gave me the perfect shape and coverage on the hips and bum too. Tummy isn’t forgotten either with reinforced paneling on the front. Don’t get me wrong, the flower print is lovely but it’s just not me, personally I’d prefer a bright block colour like Ruby or Cyan.
Flowery Nights $144.99 AUD / Lovisa Bracelet $29.95 AUD / Bondi Bondi Bag $79.99 AUD
Equip Necklace $5 AUD / Cotton On Sunglasses $12.50 AUD / Jay Jays Hat $10 AUD
Equip Necklace $5 AUD / Cotton On Sunglasses $12.50 AUD / Jay Jays Hat $10 AUD
Score: 5/5
Ladies, this is the one Steve asked me to keep, he loved it on me. I was apprehensive at first but with all the mainstream pin-up fashion pieces going around in the last few months I thought I’d give it ago. I really loved the fact that it slipped on like a once piece but it was constructed in such a way that even though it had a crotch, you couldn’t see it, it just looked like I was wearing a form fitting swimdress. I love how it covers my whole bum and slims down my hips… no need for shorts ladies! The bust is amazingly shaped, keeping the ‘girls’ firm and in place. The fabric feels expensive, it has the reinforced paneling at the front and I couldn’t find any fault in it’s construction. I’d be happy to wear this to the beach on holiday as well as taking Aidan to swimming lessons at the pool.
I really was in awe of the customer service I received from Swimwear Galore as well as the garments I was sent. I will definitely be purchasing from them in the future. You can find Swimwear Galore on Facebook for current updates and also on YouTube for cool behind-the-scenes clips. As much as I loved the varied plus size range, I also appreciated the extensive range of swimwear they stocked from E+ cup separates, mastectomy suits, maternity pieces and shape wear. They haven’t forgotten about the girls, boys and men in our lives either. As well as their online store, there are five storefronts across Victoria so if you live nearby and not really comfortable buying online you can still buy from them in the old fashion way, I know I’ll be heading in store when I’m down there in April!
My hope with this post (besides showcasing a fabulous Australian business) was to remind women to like their bodies, dive head first into the moments that have proved awkward in the past like wearing swimmers without shorts and shed away the fear. Society can be judgemental but from my personal experience I’ve found that as women, we’re more often than not, our own worst enemies. Be kind to yourself and embrace your curves!
Please Note: Prices listed are accurate at time of publishing.
{ 44 comments… read them below or add one }
You look amazing my sweet! Brilliant shoot and the pieces are perfect on you. You always manage to make me smile and do me proud!
Excellent post love. You did a fabulous job, and you look stunning xx
LOVE LOVE LOVE this – especially on IWD! <3
You are truly beautiful! I love the drape singlet boyleg black piece on you .. just gorgeous :-). Thank you for sharing this lovely post and all the pictures. Some days, something you see strikes a chord and inspires you to be yourself, love yourself. Today your post did that to me, so thank you!
Awesome!! I'm thinking of a bali holiday this year and I'm so sick of swimmers that roll up. I love the first one and will keep it in mind!!
you look absolutely beautiful.
you inspire me to love myself just the way i am, despite knowing that i need to lose weight. we [i believe] weigh around the same and yet you carry your weight completely different to me – the beauty of bodies coming in all shapes and sizes, just as beauty does.
i wish you could bottle your confidence and love of your body and sell it because i could sure do with some!
~x~
You look fantastic! My favorite is the 'Drape'- love how it looks on you!
A black swimsuit is such a staple. Slimming and easy to wear. Those suits look so great! I am going to rush off and check out their website now! Thanks Dani for sharing! You're gorgeous!
Totally Wonderful Stuff! xo
I'm with Steve thats my favorite one as well, awesome post as usual!
You are positively gorgeous!! I love the very first suit on you, but Steve is right with his choice too! Beautiful.
I love how you've embraced your curves! You look absolutely beautiful. Love that first swimwear shot which you scored 5/5!
x
Danni – I love this – you look beautiful, the photos are gorgeous and the swimwear rocks!
YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL IN ALL THOSE SHOTS.
X
You are rapidly becoming my body love hero Dani. I think you are gorgeous in these pics ( my personal favourite is the last one, though i think the red colour was amazing on you ) and if you keep along this line you just may convince me to go snas boardshorts on my honeymoon in November….
Honestly? Fat isn't healthy. I've been linked here time and again by people concerned by the fat-loving, self-delusional, pc-positive eejits.
Yes, embrace your curves, but not to the point where you can't see where healthy ends and morbid obesity starts. Yes. BE KIND TO YOURSELF, but not delusional. Take a step back and see what you /can't/ do, how much shortened your life will be because of this. Stop and think about how less you are able to do with your kids and how poor of a role model you are because of being so very unhealthy.
I say this as someone who wears a size 16 to 18, and who can see the problems associated with obesity. I don't delude myself, and I'm doing something about it- I'm down from morbidly obese to 'just' obese, and I WILL see my children turn 30. Will you?
Hate if you will, but understand, that the people who support you do so out of fear of being trolled and abused, because omg, their opinions might not match those of your fatty-loving circle. They don't want to admit that being fat isn't healthy because when you do so, you are told that you are unaccepting, and hateful for no reason- jealous even. But thats not the case, and you know that.
Delete this comment if you will, atleast I'll know you've read it, and shown some degree of shame. And if you don't, props. You're 'strong' and have accepted who you are and love yourself for that. But either way, more will agree with me than not. (but really, we all just know you want to feel the love from others who are too pc to disagree with this disturbing trend of eating yourself to death)
And finally, for what it is worth. Anyone can get on ACA etc. It's a mass media feeding of the bogans and the stupid. Anything that they can rile up the derros with, they will promote as important news.
I look forward to being the topic of a self-indulgent post of yours.
Fatty loving circle? Seriously? You should be ashamed for this comment Djayjay. Dani is showing women out there that you can be beautiful at any size, and giving them the confidence to go out and enjoy their body.
Go to the beach, go for a swim. Don't be afraid to get into a pair of togs, grab a surfboard and paddle out in the water. Be active and enjoy your life, don't hide behind your body.
This kind of post is encouraging women to be more active – I know its sure as hell convinced me to go to the beach more often.
No one is saying fat is healthy. But the fact of the matter is women come in all shapes and sizes? Personally I am 6ft tall, and a size 18. My best friend is 5'5 and a size 16. Our weights are very similar yet people assume because of the different ways we carry our weight that she is a lot heavier then me. I'm just taller, so my weight is distributed more evenly.
I also eat 6 small meals a day, all of which are healthy – once a week i allow myself treats. I have been told by doctors that I look perfect at a 16 and to lose any less weight I may look anorexic because I am bigger boned and tall.
Don't judge a book by its cover. You don't know anything about Dani. You don't know anything about anyone's lifestyle. Some people have different shapes, Broader shoulders, inherited thighs.
Every day I see different girls come in and out of my workplacee (I work in a clothing store) and not one of them has the exact same body.
Dani, you rock.
I'm off to buy a swimsuit and go for a swim.
*eyeroll*
Pictures say a thousand words hey? Height isn't relevant when you can see a persons body mass is primarily fat.
If you don't like it. Don't look at it.
Why are you even trolling her page? Do you get a kick out of bringing people misery?
I'd rather be primarily fat then ugly. And if your lack of consideration and judgmental ways are anything to go by? I'd say your incredibly ugly on the inside and thats something no amount of dieting will ever change.
/end rant.
Where do you get off?? This blog actually gives people the confidence to feel good about themselves at any size. If you haven't noticed Australia is a populated by larger people. Yes set a good example for your children but that doesn't mean you have to be a certain size. Someone who is size 20-22 can be just as healthy as the next person. Fat is not unhealthy. The lifestyle of even size 6 people is horrible and can be putting them into an early grave. I can't believe that you are putting a beautiful women down for being herself and not hung up on what "society" sees to be beautiful. You need to love yourself no matter how you look and I think that you don't.
Heh. I didn't ask for your response. My comment was directed at Dani, not any of the people who 'support her desire to be beautiful no matter her size and/or weight'. Its about health, not accepting who you are 'on the inside' and rocking it. Anyone can do that. But whether they should.. Its another matter entirely.
I enjoy your input. Its precisely what I expected. And trolling- you should look up the actual definition of that word. This isn't trolling, this is being a fed up with a society run amok with being politcally correct despite the seriously negative consequences of soothing and okaying peoples "choices" in regards to health matters (which, as it were, are a massive and ever increasing drain on the health system here in Australia).
I enjoy /some/ of her posts. Not the ones about loving how fat she is and all things such as that. Rather the ones about finding treasures and being happy with family etc. But thinking that someone could be happy with being obese, accepting that this is a long road that can't be avoided, and that they've ended up being morbidly obese and can't help it but are rather HAPPY with it- knowing (as only a mother could know) that you'll see so much less of your children and any children they may have then you should- thats what I can't accept.
As I wrote before- this trend towards loving being whatever you are, whatever shape they may take, is disturbing.
If you really want to convince yourself its okay to obese then I really do pity you. Again, as mentioned before- its delusion.
As for ugly on the inside, whatever. We're all ugly in our deep, dark recesses.
Who says size 6 is healthy?
Obesse IS unhealthy. Just because its becoming more commonplace doesn't make it less dangerous.
Hi Djayjay,
Firstly, thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. It's nice to know that when people read and see my work they feel some form of connection to its contents and are compelled to share their own views and personal stories with me, I actually like it. I'm also not the kind of person who attacks someone for expressing a different point of view. How boring would it be if everyone agreed with me! The main theme of my blog is "Vanity" and while it my not be everyone's cup of tea, people seem to enjoy the self indulgence and after all, I write for me.
I do want to make a point by saying that I am not involved with fat activism which is a very active and often vocal group online. I have met some lovely ladies through associations though it and enjoy how women encourage and inspire other women to be kind to themselves. I do acknowledge their views but that's not to mean I take them on as my own. I believe being healthy in mind and body is most important and that you should do what you can to improve yourself each day but you should also enjoy yourself while you do it. I'm not a 'fatshionista' but I don't chastise those who relate to and embrace the term, I'm just a lover of fashion which is of course, universal.
I'm not quite sure how long you have been reading my blog but I have battled with depression, fluctuating weight and emotional eating. When my son turned one something clicked in my brain and I took action. I was finally in the mindset where I was ready for change, to be a better me. A started my photography business, I got serious about blogging and I consulted my doctor about safe ways to lose weight and regain my health. Since then I have lost 20kgs with the help of my doctors and support from my friends. My goal is 70kgs and I'm already 1/3 of the way there. I do feel like I should appologise for not going into those details a little more for new readers, definitely something I will keep in mind for the future.
Regarding ACA I do agree with almost everything you stated. I like to take opportunities as they present themselves and it was a lot of fun, especially as I got to do it with my friend Monica, who is also my gym buddy and inspires me everyday. Since filming that segment Monica now wears dresses all the time, does her make up more often and seems chipper. That alone made the whole experience worthwhile.
Thanks again for taking the time to share your opinion Djayjay, I hope having explained myself in a bit more detail has cleared up a few possible misconceptions about me.
Danimezza x
DISCLAIMER: This post in no way suggests that you should put on a swimsuit, sit about the house and eat a block of chocolate, followed by a bag of Doritos and still feel good about yourself because yes, that's denial. I encourage ladies to put on a swimsuit and take your kids/partner/friends to the pool/beach, don't just watch from the edge, hiding behind a baggy tshirt and your own fear… you deserve to look fashionable and feel confident x
"But thinking that someone could be happy with being obese, accepting that this is a long road that can't be avoided, and that they've ended up being morbidly obese and can't help it but are rather HAPPY with it- knowing (as only a mother could know) that you'll see so much less of your children and any children they may have then you should- thats what I can't accept."
I'm not sure about Dani but from my point of view (size 20 -22 and been morbidly obese for all of my adult life) one of the ways to truly be successful at being healthy is to be happy with who you are, at that very moment, regardless of size. Otherwise, it is just a cycle of self loathing, overeating, self loathing, overeating. I certainly don't want to be this way for the rest of my life but I won't be miserable because you think I should be! I admire Dani for being brave enough to show herself this way and maybe she is using it as a way of making sure she stays on the path to weight loss/nirvana or whatever it is you receive when you leave the obese range!!
For the record, I am 36 and don't have high blood pressure, cholesterol etc. I successfully got pregnant 2 years ago without medical intervention, carried him full term and birthed him naturally. I have never been a drain on the medical system and to assume that I have because of my size is ridiculous!
You totally should ;)
The length is really great Gemma and the straps don't slip off your shoulders either which I forgot to mention.
lol now THERE'S and idea… "Danimezza Parfum" :P Thanks Rach
Can't wait til MELBOURNE!!!
You are gorgeous! Those photos are beautiful and you should feel so proud to be out there and flaunting it all!!!! Inspirational! x
As Dani's mum I know all about her. I am very proud to say that she is the most honest person I know. When I look into her eyes and see her smile I still see the gorgeous little girl who was passed to me after the doctors removed her from my body. When I see the woman she's become I see my mother. She has the kindness and the anger I knew so well growing up. My mum was to me, so brave, she endured taunts from small minded people when she took us seven kids, to the beach or to the pool. She didn't have their tiny figure but a well endowed hour glass one. I have tried to pass on to my daughter not to be ashamed of her body as I was. Though I lost my father at sixteen the lack of self worth HE gave to me stayed on well into my adulthood.
Dani has endured taunts too and inside is angry that she was powerless in preventing those taunts from hurting her,just as they hurt my mum.
Dani, you look absolutely gorgeous! Im a size 16/18 at the moment and wish i had half your confidence. Im not unhappy with the way i look at all and dress to suit my shape.
Off subject my weight issues (im 10kg above what i should be to be in a healthy BMI range) pale into insignificance to what has happened in my life recently. My 19yo daughter passed away suddenly in january this year and its put everything into perspective for me. I hope you dont mind me mentioning it in my comment.
I'm with you i think the red one too!
we love you danni, your so pretty and such an inspiration. don't let that little body image comment war get you down, rise above it, as i know you would. you're so strong and brave to be who you are and to be proud of your body. i personally love your body, it's bootylicious baby!!! love ya ciao
Hey Djayjay,
Why don't you, the next time you see a large someone in a swimsuit, try thinking a little differently. Here's a suggestion:
"Hey, there's a woman I consider fat putting on a swimsuit to go for a swim. Swimming is exercise. I think she needs exercise, so that's great that she is doing that. Thank goodness I don't have to say anything about how she needs exercise now…clearly she already knows what to do and is doing it"
See, douchery averted!
Perhaps if you were someone in the 'healthy weight range' you would be able to comment. However, considering you are fat yourself, actually – obese, you really have no right. Pot, Kettle.
I would have thought that someone who has walked in morbidly obese shoes would be understanding of the difficulty of losing weight and battling with the health/emotional problems that it entails.
Danimezza inspires women of all shapes and sizes to get out there and be comfortable in their body. If you are too ashamed of how fat you are, even leaving the house to exercise is too much. How are you supposed to create a healthy body if you are too shameful to leave the house in gym shorts because your thighs are too fat?
After birthing two beautiful boys I am a healthy weight and a size 10/12. I worked hard for this and have given Dani plenty of encouragement on her weight loss journey.
Negativity is not the way to encourage a healthy life style.
Some beautiful photos. Love the close up (boy leg shot), very pretty.
Just wanted to say what beautiful photos and I think you look amazing
You go girl
Oh and I am off to buy the red swimsuit
These are lovely! I really like the last one- so elegant! Will keep it in mind for next summer.
I don't quite know what to say about the whole comment war- perhaps offer a hug?!
I'd just like to chime in here and say that the photo-shoot with Dani was inspiring and an eye-opener, and I have all the respect in the world for what she is doing.
Forget about size for a moment…we spent about 2 hours running up and down stairs, changing outfits, getting weird looks from passers-by – mainly because it was Sunday afternoon, and drizzling, and COLD.
You could see people walking by thinking 'Why? Why is there one girl with a big camera, and another girl standing on the shore? It's bloody freezing, what are they doing?'
But Dani simply put all self-consciousness aside. I know that I wouldn't have the balls to do it, so all credit to her. We had booked in the shoot, the swimwear had to be modelled, and Dani is one focused lady!
I challenge anyone to be the model in that situation – no matter their dress size – and pull it off with so much elegance.
I hide behind my camera…Dani stands proud in front of it. It's no small wonder that it resonates so much with all her blog readers and friends. She is gorgeous and amazing, and should be proud of all she's achieving.
ps I wish we'd had enough time to take some shots with the red swimsuit. It's gorgeous!
Wow don't you look just absolutely gorgeous? You should swim all the time and this way, you can wear swimsuits all day.
Dude, I love you muchly xx
Great post Dani. Although I am a smaller size, about a 10, I HATE my body in a swim suit, I feel like my thighs are huge and my boobs have no support. Your post has helped me identify what styles are good for problem areas :) I really loved the flower costume, but like you said, it's just not your taste. Enjoy the swimming, it is a lot more than what I am managing! well done!!
Djayjay,
Everything I want to say to you is not PG rated.
Being Danielle's sister I think im safe to say I know her.
If your blind enough not to know that she does not want to be her size you are an idiot.
She is taking steps to reduce her weight but still understands that it is not going to happen quickly and that she has to deal with every aspect of her life to do so.
She has been losing weight and I dont care what you say, she is beautiful and I'd much rather see her over weight than unhappy.
I am technically obese, im a size 12 on top, 14/16 on the bottom but I have enough self confidence to have never worn shorts with my swimmers, something I'm so proud of my sister finally doing.
Thats what this is about. The fact she looking fn hot, embracing what she has got but it is in no way trying to advertise that being overweight is in anyway health because we all know it is not.
Its about being happy with what you have got while trying to improve yourself.
Some people have to start on the inside…which you need to do.
Loving Little Sister Steph
Hello my sexy sister lol.
Love the photos, love that you guys went to the effort for the hair and make up… definantly worth it. now that you have the swimsuit you can get some colour :P My favourite was actually the printed one on you. the pattern minimised your boobs but they still looked hot and it cut at the right place to show where your waist lies. block colour would make your boobs look bigger wouldnt it?
Love you so much and everything you have been doing both for others and yourself.
im proud of you xoxoxox