Bikini help please!

[Sparklesandtassles]

I'm an exhausted mum of four boys under the age of 8 and DH has encouraged me to take a 4 night break to Italy by myself for some r&r.

I'm determined to wear a bikini as I've worked hard recently to get back in shape(ish)and I've gone from a size 12-14 to an 8-10 but I'm feeling so uninspired. Everything I've tried so far makes my boobs and tummy look dreadful.

My good bits are: long legs, slim arms, nice collar-bone, small (if a tad flat) bum.
My not so good bits: very short body, small (deflated) boobs, straight up and down at waist (no real definition), cellulite on tummy.

Any helpful ideas?

I bought a few bits from Boden, their mix and match bikinis. I love them. I've never worn one before (and I'm 48!) but like you, have worked hard to go from 16 stone down to 9.5 over the last few years, and decided now was the time!

I've got stretch marks and cellulite and was a bit worried but the Boden halter tie ones are really flattering. My boobs are also small and deflated but the bikini top is quite good with thickish straps you tie behind your neck and so it sort of hoiks them up a bit!

The bottoms are also small enough without being too tiny and they have a few different styles.

Hope you find something, and have a fantastic time in Italy!!

Well done captain that's such a massive achievement. And exactly how I feel, it's now or never with a bikini!

Thanks for the Boden recommendation. Which colour combo did you go for?

I'm tempted by the Balconette bra as the ruffles might make my boobs look fuller and the shorts bottoms might elongate my torso. Am I clutching at straws...

I'm so looking forward to reading a book uninterrupted!

Thanks Ah, the JL one is really nice, and great colours. Good point about too much fabric too, I guess the temptation is to cover up as much as possible but actually that's not necessarily the most flattering option.

Which is the Ted Baker one that you like?

Fab tip re tanning moisturiser, do you use one you'd recommend?

Hoola bikinis are really flattering.

I got the Ischia halter neck top in blue stripe, also in a red pattern. I got bright green bottoms and striped blue so that I have one matching set but can mix and match all 4 pieces.

So jealous of the reading. Can't remember the last time I actually finished a book!

Bahimi bikinis are amazing!
So flattering
You can mix and match sizes too
I had a M in the bottoms (size 10)
XL in the top (large chest)

The orange one they have at the moment is beautiful