Getting Swimsuit Ready with George at Asda

Happy Sunday! Today I am sharing a slightly different outfit post; one which is packed full of swimwear. George at Asda got in contact with me and asked if I wanted to choose a suitcase to stuff full of swimsuits and bikinis and get #SplashedByGeorge:

The suitcase is so useful – in fact, it’s sat next to me right now on my train journey back from Leeds. It’s actually surprisingly big (take note that it’s 5cm taller than the website specifications list) but still fits into the set measurements for cabin baggage on flights. I’ve got a holiday to Rome booked this September which is cabin baggage only and this suitcase is going to be my companion. As I mentioned, it fits in much more than you might expect and the handy straps mean the contents of your case won’t move around too much. The wide handle threw me at first as it feels quite bulky as well as the lack of four wheels, but the handle is actually really comfortable and the two wheels means that your suitcase won’t slide around when upright! I love the pattern, which will stand out on any holidays and it is something a little bit different from the standard black suitcase. Of course, its number one selling point is just how light it is as it is part of the World’s Lightest range, meaning that not only can you carry everything you need but it won’t weigh a tonne either.

I already own a lot of bikinis, so I restrained myself and only chose one set from George at Asda’s website. It was from the Graduate Fashion Week range which is just so stunning. I loved the bandeau style of this set, which I also shared in my yoga pants OOTD – and of course, a strapless bikini means no silly tan lines, hurrah! I chose a matching pair of bottoms, which simply tie at the side and use the same pattern and beads as the top half. I think the pattern is fun and interesting, but still grown up enough to wear either on the beach or the bikini top anywhere in summer.

I’m always looking to build up my tan on holidays, so all I ever wear is bikinis. However, I always think swimsuits look so elegant and they are so much more practical for swimming and exploring, so I decided to choose two pieces to add to my suitcase of swimwear. For the first swimsuit, I was drawn to the beautiful back of this neon green swimsuit. It cost a bargain £12 and the straps look like an expensive yoga top or sports bra to me – a style I’m currently obsessed with in the gym. It also means that the swimsuit is not only pretty but practical and I can actually wear this to train in the swimming pool as well as on the beach.

Finally I chose another swimsuit from the awesome swimwear range – the range really is so broad, you are certain to find something whatever your age or size. I almost photographed the swimwear as a flatlay, and although this can sometimes look amazing, I decided sod it. If I am looking for a new holiday swimsuit, I want to see what it really looks like and what better way than on someone like me? You don’t get 5”3 size 10 models who look like me, so I decided to be brave and put these photos out there - so I can only hope they are helpful! I was drawn to the gorgeous sunset print on this swimsuit, which is summery yet glamorous. The black base ensures that it’s flattering and my stomach feels comfortable in it. Yet again, the strapless style stops those pesky tan lines and I think it’s a great piece for the piece – especially as it also cost just £12.

Have you checked out George at Asda for swimwear or suitcases? I’d love to hear your thoughts on the post!

Jess

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Fitness Friday: Can you run the Race for Life with no training?

What seems like a very long time ago, I signed up for the Race for Life 5k for Cancer Research, with the encouragement of Scottish Power. I've wanted to complete a Race for Life for a long time - like many people, I have lost loved ones thanks to cancer, and when Scottish Power contacted me about becoming part of their blogger running team, I knew I had to say yes. It was the push I needed to finally sign up for an actual race and put into action something I've been saying I would do for a long time:

Scottish Power are running a high five campaign where you can upload a picture of your Race for Life high five. 60,000 high fives will raise £35,000 for Cancer Research and given we all love a photo, it's such an easy thing to do for charity. They're currently at over 37,000 high fives so over half way there! However my dog Meg wasn't very impressed with the giant foam hand I was sporting and wouldn't play at giving me a high five - what a spoilsport!

I wrote the title for this post before I ran the Race for Life on Sunday, having finally accepted what an idiot I had been. Who signs up for a running event - not to mention one they are doing in partnership with a company - and doesn't train? This idiot apparently. I meant well, I really did. I love the idea of being a runner; that person who casually completes a few miles before work, with a set of abs and long limbs which pummel the streets. In reality, I am not that girl. Give me a swimming pool, a squat rack or a yoga mat any day. I failed at even getting on a treadmill or making any use of the Couch to 5k app I had enthusiastically downloaded months ago. Whenever I aimed to go for a run, I just never seemed to get round to it and suddenly, race day was upon me.

As race day arrived, I was unbelievably nervous. Luckily, one of my friends is a veteran of races, having completed the Spartan multiple times as well as many other obstacle races. I vowed to stick with her throughout the course and to my amazement, I managed it. I finished with a time of 36 minutes. Given that I don't run for the bus, I can't describe how proud of myself I actually am and I even got that 'runner's buzz' for the first time ever!

So if you've got a Race for Life coming up or thinking about entering, don't worry about your fitness level. Just do it. It's for a fantastic cause and you might just surprise yourself.

Jess

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OOTD: Switching Up Your Summer Style

Isn't the weather beautiful? When the sun is shining, I can't resist getting my camera out to photograph my summer wardrobe in my garden - so I hope you aren't all sick of my face yet! Today I wore a fun giraffe print dress from H&M and popped on a floral crown too:

Dress: H&M. Shoes: Primark. Headband: Adorned. Necklace: George @ Asda*

I love this tshirt style dress from H&M; it's short and fun but the oversized style means I feel comfortable and covered. I'm not the kind of person to wear skin-tight clothes, particularly in the heat, so I love wearing slightly shapeless clothing. It may emphasise my lack of a waist but at least I'm comfortable! I feel like I'm slightly in a style rut at the moment and my current wardrobe just isn't doing it for me. I'm trying to get through it by selling a pile of unworn clothes on my Depop and getting back into the habit of outfit posts. Do you ever feel like your wardrobe just isn't cutting it, despite the fact it's overflowing? What do you do about it?

Well, today I tried to breathe a bit of life back into my wardrobe by digging out an old floral headband to wear with a relatively new dress. As soon as I saw the giraffe print, it headed straight into my basket and the green colour looks great with a tan. I paired it with my favourite loafers from Primark, which are so comfortable for wandering around on a sunny day. I then popped on some accessories, including my George at Asda necklace which has become my go-to summer necklace, as well as a floral headband. I always feel a little silly in them as they are quite a statement, but what better time than summer to have a little fun with your wardrobe?

What do you think of my outfit? How do you switch up your wardrobe in the summer months?

Jess

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