Midlife Loves

"Timeless everyday style"

Midlife Loves

Taking A Look At Coco Bay & Thinking Ahead To Summer Holidays

So it's coming up to that time of year that most of us are eagerly counting down the weeks/days to (although probably if you're anything like me dreading in equal measure due to having to expose your body) - yup I'm talking holidays.  That longed for time of year when the biggest decisions of the day are where to eat dinner that night & if your sun lounger needs moving to face the sun.  

I don't know about you but we've long been on the countdown to our holiday in August & whilst I can't wait I can't say I look forward to that first day by the pool where my blindingly white skin clearly marks me out as the newbie & of course I have to try & get comfortable about wearing a bikini again.

I think most of us ladies will agree it's never going to be something we're a hundred per cent confident with no matter what diet or exercise routine we've been following but one thing that can make a huge difference is good quality & supportive swimwear that we not only look good in but more importantly feel good in too.  Something like good underwear, you probably come to appreciate more as you get older.  After all if we feel good & have confidence that said swimwear is going to stay in place & help flatter our figures the confidence will radiate from within.

Having recently been approached by Coco Bay an online retailer that stock swimwear, beachwear as well as accessories from various brands that include Seafolly, Baku, Hipanema & Havaianas to name just a few to review some of their beachwear I was intrigued to learn more.  One thing that immediately struck me about their business ethos was that their beachwear collections have been selected 'so that you can create a stylish beach wardrobe which will make you feel amazing'.

Yup they had me at 'feel amazing' & what instantly struck me about the brands stocked by Coco Bay was that they're all stylish in a classic, understated & timeless way.  I love people watching & am always looking to see what people are wearing no matter where I am & of all the sun lounger gazing I've done over the years just two poolside outfits stick in my mind.  One of a lady in a simple navy bikini & another of a lady in an off the shoulder red swimsuit.  Both screamed elegance & style in such an understated way that I've longed to create both looks but never found anything that resembled either of them.....until now!

I can honestly say that Coco Bay have the most amazing selection of not only swimwear but beach cover ups together with accessories, not to mention girls wear too.  I defy anyone not to take a look at their website & fall head over heels in love with some if not all of their goodies.

So enough rambling let's get on with taking a look at said goodies & when I say I could of featured a whole lot more, you have to believe me, it was really difficult narrowing it down to the selection below.

Since seeing the lady in her red swimsuit several years ago I've been debating swapping my bikinis for a costume, after all what's not to love with the thought of lycra to help hold the mum tum in & hide the stretch marks motherhood has so kindly given me but the thought of such a large part of my body being white & the fact I've not found a swimsuit I've fallen completely in love with has stopped me from taking the thought any further.  But this stunning halter neck costume from Sea Folly may just have turned me.  I love everything about this timeless number.






And this red swim costume could just be 'the one' to re-create the look I've been trying to emulate for so long.






Of course I still love getting the tummy brown even if I don't love getting it out so I'm debating alternating days between a costume & a two piece & I just love the style of this first one by Baku.










Not to mention this one from Ginja, which is similar in design but available in the most stunning shade of green.




Coco Bay Ginja Platinum Grecian Bikini Bra




Coco Bay Ginja Platinum Grecian Hipster Pant


Now my love of pom poms is growing a pace so it's going to come as no surprise that I love this sarong - I'm just wondering if it could double up as a scarf come the cooler months too?!




Coco Bay Iconique Pom Pom Sarong


Of course these days a kaftan is an important part of your beach/poolside attire & perfect for slipping on when popping to the bar for those all important refreshments to keep hydrated ;-) And this first one by Iconique is a real head turner.




Coco Bay Iconique Paillette Kaftan


Although you can't beat a little white lace dress for a holiday must have & this dress by Pia Rossini is simply stunning.  Imagine this teamed with a classic panama &beach basket for a timeless look.




Coco Bay Pia Rossini Lille Dress


Talking of hats I just love this one by Seafolly - stylish & elegant & so perfect for hiding beach bum hair (this might just be me!) not to mention teaming with denim cut offs for sunny days back home too.




Coco Bay Seafolly Rodeo Sun Hat


And this bag by Pia Rossini is lovely & could so easily be used back home for shopping or days out with the family.




Coco Bay Pia Rossini Black Argento Bag


Now I don't know about you but I love layering bracelets & as the temperatures increase I seem to increase the number I'm wearing.  I'm always trying to create that effortless look that celebrities such as Elle Macpherson seem to be able to pull off & this year I seem to have found the answer with these Hipanema bracelets.  An all in one bracelet that looks like you're wearing multiple unique bracelets.  in a cool & hip kind of way.  I mean just take a look at these beauties.




Coco Bay Hipanema Paradise Bracelet




Coco Bay Hipanema Borabora Bracelet


As I mentioned earlier Coco Bay very kindly offered to send me a few pieces to style & it goes without saying that it wasn't an easy decision trying to narrow down my choices but in the end I decided to try & recreate the navy look I'd seen on holiday a few years ago.  So what did I choose?

Well firstly this Hipanema bracelet in various shades of blue as not only will this add an element of interest to my all navy look, it's going to be perfect for wearing once back home too & teaming with everyday classics such as a navy blazer & denim.




Coco Bay Hipanema Flou Bracelet


With a view to keep things simple I also picked this timeless kaftan by Seafolly, the fact that it has tassel edging was of course an added bonus & just in case you're interested it's also comes in three other shades - Hibiscus, African Violet & Peppermint.




Coco Bay Seafolly Amnesia Kaftan


For swimwear I decided to pick a bikini by Seafolly & whilst I was spoilt for choice I eventually settled on the Seafolly Goddess Bikini Separates.  I just love the fact that this range has a selection of 5 different tops together with 5 different styled bottoms & a swim suit that you can pick & choose to suit your body shape & own personal style preference.  Plus it's also available in a whole host of colours including Sky, Raspberry, Hot Red, White, Lapis, African Violet, Black & Chartreuse.

After looking at all the various styles available in this range (see here) I eventually picked this stunning pleated strapless top with detachable strap (always handy for when taking a dip in the pool!).




Coco Bay Seafolly Goddess Indigo Kiara Bustier Bikini Bra


And picked the matching ruched pants to team with the top.




Coco Bay Seafolly Goddess Indigo Ruched Bikini Pant


So first up here's how the gorgeous bracelet arrived.  I just love the protective bag it comes with, which is going to prove extremely useful for packing my costume jewellery in on our travels.   


Hipanema Blue Flou Bracelet, My Midlife Fashion




The bracelet is as gorgeous as it looks & is really easy to fasten with the one hand as the clasp is magnetic.  I'm in love with it so much that I'm tempted to invest in a second one too as I reckon I will live in these this summer & they could even be layered together.

As you can see from the picture below the kaftan & bikini are a perfect colour match & are going to make a stunning outfit to wear to the pool.


My Midlife Fashion, Coco Bay, Sarong, Bikini, Seafolly


Bikini Top - Coco Bay £59
Bikini Bottoms - Coco Bay £39
Kaftan - Coco Bay £37
Bracelet - Coco Bay £49


So how will I wear them?  Well of course being the same shade indigo, I could so easily just wear them as below.


Seafolly, Coco Bay, My Midlife Fashion, Kaftan, Bikini


Bikini Top - Coco Bay £59
Bikini Bottoms - Coco Bay £39
Kaftan - Coco Bay £37
Sandals - Clarks £55


Seafolly, Coco Bay, My Midlife Fashion, Kaftan, Bikini


Bikini Top - Coco Bay £59
Kaftan - Coco Bay £37


But I also wanted to show you how with a few key accessories a plain outfit can be taken up a notch or two to create a more personal look that will easily take you from poolside to the beach bar of an evening.


Seafolly, Coco Bay, My Midlife Fashion, Kaftan, Bikini, Clarks, Sandals, Panama, Straw Basket, Hipanema


Panama - bought in Majorca, similar here
Bikini Top - Coco Bay £59
Necklace - handmade, similar here
Bikini Bottoms - Coco Bay £39
Kaftan - Coco Bay £37
Bracelet - Coco Bay £49
Basket - bought in Majorca, similar here
Sandals - Clarks £55


Seafolly, Coco Bay, My Midlife Fashion, Kaftan, Bikini, Clarks, Sandals, Panama, Straw Basket, Hipanema


Bikini Top - Coco Bay £59
Bikini Bottoms - Coco Bay £39
Necklace - handmade, similar here
Kaftan - Coco Bay £37
Bracelet - Coco Bay £49


So what do I honestly think of the swimwear?  Well as a consumer that has in the past always bought main stream swimwear, I can honestly say there is a definite difference.  It goes without saying that the quality & finish of the products are to a high standard but what I immediately also noticed was that once on, the clothing stayed in position & even without the removable strap I didn't once feel the need to hoick up the strapless bikini top, it just stayed where it should.

As for the service received from Coco Bay I really couldn't fault it.  Not only were they extremely helpful, knowledgeable & kept me fully updated on the progress of my order they also offer individual sizing advice on each item & can be contacted for further advice if you want to talk it through.

In regard to the a sizing point of view, with the swimwear I picked their website suggests that due to it's snug fit either going up a size or sticking to the sizing guide they have detailed on their site, which I followed & was spot on.


Seafolly, Coco Bay, My Midlife Fashion, Kaftan, Bikini, Clarks, Sandals, Panama, Straw Basket, Hipanema


Panama - bought in Majorca, similar here
Bikini Top - Coco Bay £59
Bikini Bottoms - Coco Bay £39
Necklace - handmade, similar here
Kaftan -  Coco Bay £37
Bracelet - Coco Bay £49 
Basket - bought in Majorca, similar here
Sandals - Clarks £55


Moving onto what I'm wearing today, which you'll be relieved to know isn't swimwear & due to the fact summer has not yet arrived involves a good deal more clothing!




Top - Zara
Necklaces - Antiques fair
Biker Jacket - Zara
Jeans - Zara
Trainers - Mango


Biker & Boyfriend Jeans


Top - Zara £29.99
Necklace - Mango £14.99
Biker Jacket - Mango £119.99
Jeans - Hush £75
Trainers - Mango £44.99


So what do you think?  Have you heard of Coco Bay or indeed purchased from them in the past?  What are you thoughts on investing in better quality swimwear?  I have to say having tried the pieces on that Coco Bay kindly sent me there is definitely a difference that has got me seriously considering investing in a few additional pieces for our summer holidays.  Plus for those ladies that are more endowered then they also have a range of bikinis that can accommodate you too.

In fact Coco Bay have very kindly given me a discount code to share with you, giving you a very nice 15% off all purchases between now & the end of June, just simply use the code 'MIDLIFE15' at checkout.  I'm thinking it would be rude not to investigate further so am definitely going back to take a further look!

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts & if anyone's got an instant get beach ready trick up their sleeve I'd love to hear!!

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26 comments

  1. Hi Jane just wanted to say that I recently bought a Hipanema "style" bracelet via Etsy and it was very much cheaper (about £30) and honestly identical! I love it too and will definitely be investing in another in a different colour way . I you just search Hipanema on Etsy you will see hundreds of them!

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    1. Ooh thanks for the tip Nicola I will definitely have to take a look at these as they're the perfect style bracelet for summer. Are they as well made do you think?
      Jane xx

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    2. Mine seems fairly robust but obviously can't compare to the genuine article!

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  2. Lovely, Jane. I would've picked that precise same bikini, the bottom is so flattering. Perhaps in red :)

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    1. Ooh yes in red would be stunning Sheela.
      Jane xx

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  3. You look fab Jane-I think I will have to stick with the one piece and leave the bikini wearing to Laura! I do think it is worth paying a bit more though for swimwear to get a good fit.
    ~Anne xx

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    1. Fit definitely becomes more important as you get older doesn't it Anne & you could so rock a bikini.
      Jane xx

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  4. Gorgeous, Jane. You look perfect for your summer hols! Lynne xx

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    1. Aww thanks Lynne....fingers crossed the weather improves here too so I can wear it in the garden!
      Jane xx

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  5. Wow I love your whole look for your summer holiday, you look fabulous and ready for any beach adventure!
    Nora
    www.jacketsociety.com

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    1. Aww thanks Nora & yes roll on the summer holidays :-)
      Jane xx

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  6. Great choice! Love the navy!! And I can't wait for poside fun as well :)

    Miranda
    www.thechicstreet.com

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    1. Thanks Miranda you can't beat classic colours can you.
      Jane xx

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  7. That bikini is stunning, I hate paying lots of money for something that has very little fabric to it but that is clearly where I'm going wrong! Beautiful kaftan too x

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    1. It really is gorgeous swimwear Sue. Ever since I bought a Primark bikini which became so water logged after a dip in the pool I've started to be more choosy about what swimwear I buy. Plus of course as it's generally only worn on holiday if you buy classic pieces you can bring them out year after year, which helps on the cost per wear basis ;-)
      Jane xx

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  8. Thanks Jane what a fab website so much choice, and I do think as I get older I need to invest a bit more in swimwear....I love Hipanema bracelets yes you can get all sorts of cheaper copies..I did see some in Primark last year, but I do think the originals are lovely and the magnetic clasps are so clever too! Jane , when I started reading your post....I thought for one moment you may be doing a full on bikini shot at your front door?!! I love what you choose and the navy looks so chic too... Great price on the kaftan and with an extra 15% off its a positive steal!! Helen xx

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    1. I think you're right Helen as you say the copies of the Hipanema bracelets are bound to be good but you so often get what you pay for & the Hipanema bracelets really are beautiful & incredibly well made.
      Helen I never for one moment thought or expected to do half of the things I've done with the blog when I first started just over two years ago but yup I did have to take a huge deep breath before posting these pictures!
      Jane xx

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  9. Definately ordering the gorgeous Amnesia kaftan for my forthcoming Greek holiday :)

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    1. Hi it's stunning isn't it, I'm very tempted to order another colour too!
      Have a fab holiday.
      Jane xx

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    2. My kaftan has arrived and is even more gorgeous than the pics :) . Just realised my original post was anonymous - god knows why!

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    3. Ooh I'm so glad you love it Stacey :-) Have a fab holiday & enjoy wearing your kaftan.
      Jane xx

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  10. You're going to be super stylish pool side Jane! Love the kaftan! x

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    1. Thanks Andrea, I literally can't wait to have nothing to do but read & snooze on a sun lounger lol.
      Jane xx

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  11. Hi Jane! Thanks for the lovely reviews of our products! Have a lovely holiday!
    Pia Rossini xx

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    1. Hi Pia & thank you, I can't wait to wear my new swimwear by the pool this year & if the weather holds out here for the weekend I may even have to wear it in the garden to start on the old tan!
      It's been a pleasure to work with you.
      Jane xx

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