The Most Perfect High Waisted Bikini | In the snow ❄️

Yes...it's snowing and feels like -10C outside but I'm talking bikinis because it won't be long until I head away on my first sun holiday in 10 years. To say I'm excited would be an understatement. In fact, I'm so excited, I've decided for the first time in over a decade to wear a bikini.

I've been looking since Christmas for a decent priced bikini with a padded supportive top and a high waisted bottom. But not a crazy kidney warming high waist - just enough to reach my belly button. I would like to get a bit of a tan on my tummy.

In total, I ordered 8 bikinis from Figleaves, ASOS, Debenhams, H&M and John Lewis. I sent them all back - mostly because I couldn't get the right bottoms. They were either too low cut or too high waisted...I couldn't get that perfect in-between rise. But across the board they were all SO small!! Incredibly frustrating. I wear a 10 in clothes and underwear so why would a 12 in a bikini bottom be too small on me? Like properly tight with bulges!? It just makes no sense. I was about to start looking at the high-end bikini brands (which was killing me as it could be 10 years before I get away again!) whenever I saw this bikini bottom in M&S and read the reviews.

The matching bikini top gets similarly good reviews and so I ordered it too, also in a size 12. With great trepidation, tried them on....

This is the point you're thinking 'let's see the bikini on Avril'....and it's also the point where I tell you that I don't do bikini shots. You might get a glimpse of me wearing it on holiday on insta stories but there is not a mission of me stripping off for the camera when it's snowing outside...or even when it's not come to think of it.

So instead, you get a picture of it flat laid, outside in a blizzard. Along with a few other holiday bits but let's talk about the bikini first.

The top is easy to put on - it fits like a bra. The hook is a bit fiddly but once you get the hang of it, it's really fast to close and most importantly, it's not one of those annoying twisty plastic ones! I was pleased with the fit - gives me enough of a lift but not too much. No bulges or overhangs. The only downside might be getting the right size as it's sold in dress sizes only, not bra sizes.  

The bottoms fit me like the model here - she's clearly a long bodied girl herself. I did order the shorts on this link too but they didn't work. They're shorter in the rise but are too boxy looking on me, making my hips look broader and legs shorter. A good option for a more boyish, long-legged frame though. All told, I was so impressed, I also bought the navy colour-way today. I might even leave a review...*that's* how good it is.

But this post isn't just about the bikini, oh no. Because it's been so long since I went on holiday, I decided to use my March M&S collaboration (unpaid) as an opportunity to get some things that you need on a sun holiday. All photographed in the same blizzard.

First up, an easy to pack basket bag. Thumbs up for this one in navy with brown straps. Much easier to keep clean than a beige one and I think I'm more likely to use it at home with it being darker.

Shopper Bag - £15 

(also comes in natural and coral colour ways)

I chose these gorgeous metallic sliders which will again pack easily and will work day or night. They're quite a small and narrow fit though so you may need to size up. I'm usually a 5.5 in M&S shoes and had to order the 7 in these (there aren't any half sizes)

Sparkly Mules - £25

Inexpensive sunnies are a must for beach holidays as they get all sandy and grubby. These are really gorgeous on and only cost £15. They don't come with a cover if you order them online though - just something to note in case this is important to you.

Square Sunglasses - £15

A packable beach towel is something I don't possess and so I was delighted to see this lovely striped one in M&S for less than £10. It's not a massive full sized one but it's perfectly adequate, easier to pack and easier to wash/dry when we're there (it was blowing a gale so I couldn't get a good picture of it but there is one on the website)

Velour Wide Stripe Beach Towel - £9.50

I finished my selection with a stunning little dress that is going to work hard for me both on holiday and during the upcoming summer. It's a shirred floral midi-length dress with removable straps. This means that as well as working as a beach dress or a night out dress, it can be folded down and worn as a skirt! It's got slits up the side and a waist tie and the quality is very nice. I predict a sell out here.

Floral Shirred Maxi Dress - £29.50

It all makes for a good start to the capsule suitcase. We are travelling with just one hold suitcase between the 5 of us so it's going to be interesting. I'll definitely share the packing situation with you after the holiday....

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Disclaimer - I don't get paid for these posts but I do get to keep the items I chose which in the case of all of these, were items I would have bought myself anyway. My links are affiliate links which means that M&S will know you came to their website from here and may pay me a small commission if you buy and keep any of the items I featured. Feel free to google the items yourself if you don't wish to use my links but remember to use non-ad links from google otherwise they get the commission!