Sunday, April 21, 2013

Popina: A Review and Being Brave

When Will from Popina swim wear contacted me about doing a review for one of their suits I was over the moon. I've been needing a new vintage inspired swim suit in my life and their Jantzen Vamp did just the trick.  I've always been interested in trying out Jantzen swimwear because of the history, and I was not disappointed in the quality or loveliness of the suit. Popina also has some other lovely vintage inspired swim wear as well.
The first thing I would like to say about dealing with Popina is that these people are seriously friendly and helpful. I've been contacted by some companies/people that are not helpful at all and really have no interest interacting with you. This case was the total opposite, they were really wonderful. Even suggesting sizing options about the suit I chose since it ran small.
This is a really big deal for me showing photos of me in a swim suit. I have never been comfortable in one and definitely not having my photo taken in one. I'm also still in the process of loosing weight, so I'm a bit more self conscious than usual. I have a pear shaped body and it's taken me a long time to come to terms with loving my body just how it is. I just want to be honest. Here's to facing fears and being brave and bold.
 

 As I said I'm usually not comfortable in a swim suit but I really am in this one. I feel like it flatters my body and is super comfortable. I usually can't wear one pieces because my waist is so long and my booty so large (also I'm super short) so it always ends up giving me a wedgie or hardly covering my chest, so I was very impressed that this one piece actually fit! I did go up about two sizes because they said it ran small and the waist is also short, and it worked perfectly.


swim suit c/o popina
skirt q's day dream
shoes swedish hasbeens
hat j crew
sun glasses anthropologie

The straps are also removable on this suit so you could wear it strapless. I wouldn't personally do this as I feel my booty gravity would win out and it would fall down, but it's a good choice to have.
I feel like I will wear this suit all summer as a top. It looks incredible paired with a skirt and I bet it'll look super adorable with shorts as well.
Altogether, my experience with Popina was wonderful and the suit was of great quality and I'm sure I'll be wearing it for years to come.

xo,
 Em



61 comments:

  1. You look lovely! That suit is incredibly cute and flattering. I love it as a top too. I generally wear one pieces with a long skirt because I don't care for my thighs, but I have been going to the gym a lot more lately, and I have my eye on a pretty red Esther Williams swimsuit that's a maillot style.

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  2. i love this post! from the swimsuit to the honesty— it's perfect! the red is gorgeous and so is the cut! and congrats on loving your body! in a world where women are constantly told they aren't "_______ enough", it's always so refreshing and pleasant to hear someone say they're loving their body the way it is. you are brave and bold— thanks for sharing this with everyone <3

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  3. You are so beautiful! I love the tone of your skin :) I'm pretty pale myself, but not in a way that I would like to be :( Are you pale like that naturally or is it because of the photo/lighting?

    The swim suit is just gorgeous! I don't have one because I'm also a bit insecure about my body. Now, I'm also in the process of losing some weight and working out so I hope this helps me overcome my complexes.

    xoxo,
    Agnieszka

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    1. Thank you! Yes, this is my natural skin tone I have edited the photos but it's not done anything to the color of my skin. I think how pale skin looks has a lot to do with hair color. My natural hair color is a very light brown and I don't look as pale with that, but with darker hair my skin really pops. Doing little things like filling in my eye brows and such makes pale skin pop a lot more.

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  4. WOW! Emma, you look stunning! This suit is so flattering on you and the color is a dream! Thank you for inspiring us all to be brave and for looking FABULOUS (as usual)!

    xoxo,
    Tina

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  5. You're so beautiful in swimsuit :)
    xxx
    Sabra

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  6. Please! This is AWESOME! You look so gorgeous in red, Em!
    I really need a swim suit like that, it's won der ful... I love it!

    Saludos de Una Pin Up Frustrada,
    Helena Drive

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  7. You look like a film star!!

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  8. WOWZA! Emma you look absolutely amazing! What a gorgeous figure!
    I commend you on your swimsuit debut. It takes some serious confidence - regardless of shape - to have ones photo taken in something less-than-clothes. I hope this brings you one step closer to loving every inch of the body you have - we all need to be a little scared to allow our confidence to grow sometimes.
    I tried to take some pictures in a bikini purchase once and it ended in tears. Plus you could see the self-consciousness in the pictures, which made them look even worse. The best pictures are the ones where you can see your confidence shine through and you definitely can here - a true pin up :)

    Oh and did I mention how jealous I am of the swimsuit...? Very! x

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  9. That swimsuit is gorgeous! I'm incredibly short waisted so can't find a one piece if my life depended on if so I only own two pieces and feel the internet is not ready to see that. Yikes! Bravo on facing your fears! You look great and the way you styled these looks is impeccable! I used to wear jantzen suits when I was younger and am intrigued...I feel like I'll have to look into this brand! Maybe they'll have a suitable one piece for me!

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  10. Well done for being brave, you look fabulous!! xx

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  11. You look great! I want that suit now!

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  12. smokin' hot! really like the shot with the hat and sunglasses. yay for the courage to put swimsuit photos on the internet, and thanks for introducing us to this lovely swimwear line!

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  13. Tooo pretty for words! You look heavenly in this suit dear!

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  14. You look absolutely stunning! I love the shape of the swimsuit its so flattering and looks equally as fab with a skirt.

    Thank you for sharing :)

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  15. You look beautiful! Such a glamorous look :)

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  16. Holy crap you look amazing. Like, so good. I am envious of your curves and your courage!!

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  17. You look amazing! Like, so good. I am envious of your curves and your courage <3

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  18. Stunning! I love the swimwear, lady!

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  19. Woot, woot! You look fab! What a great swimsuit! I know exactly how you feel about being on display in a swimsuit though. I never ever would have posted pictures of me online a few years ago, and I covered myself up with a towel as much as possible when I was actually out swimming... But I was given an amazing 1950s swimsuit last year and I found myself parading around in it as much as I could - because it was so fabulous and comfortable, I felt much more relaxed in it. And because it was such a classic piece I HAD to share it on my blog - I actually got some pictures I was really quite happy with, which made it easier! But I do think an awesome, eye-catching swimsuit and a classic pose takes attention away from you alone and turns it into a whole scene...

    And yes, I realise that it would be unfair of me not to share my own pics now. Here's the post: http://loveletterfromlondon.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/bronte-beach-bathers.html?showComment=

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  20. Hi! I've been following you for a while, but have always been a little too shy to say hello. But I have to say now, you look absolutely incredible in these photos! You wear that swimsuit so well and I love how you thought to team it up with a nice skirt or pair of shorts. I really like how the back of the swimsuit ties up. I think it is really great that you were honest in this post. I see it as encouragement for other girls out there who aren't completely confident with their body, myself included.

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  21. You look INCREDIBLE!!!!!! That swimsuit looks like it was made for you, it flatters your curves so beautifully and oh gosh that colour on you! I adore how you've styled it with a simple gingham skirt, so cute :D
    I love vintage inspired swimwear so much because I find it so much more modest, and figure flattering. I never felt comfortable in swimwear until I bought my first Esther Williams swimsuit, now I actually look forward to going to the beach!
    Hope you get lots of wear out of this swimsuit this summer, it is so perfect on you :3

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  22. You look absolutely lovely! I have been wanting a retro style suit for ages and am glad to hear of a place that helps out with sizing. I love that you can wear this is a top as well, very versatile.

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  23. You are one heck of a gorgeous girl! Love the suit-going to their site now! xox

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  24. i've been silently creeping your blog for a few posts now, but i just needed to say: you look lovely in that suit! bravo! i love love your style and your blog <3

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  25. You're so brave to post swimsuit pix... but I guess it's easy to be brave when you look this lovely. I love the swimsuit! I've had a few suits in this style. I've always liked them, and I'll need a new one this year. Do you think this suit would provide enough support for bustier women?

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  26. You look gorgeous! And thank you so much for modeling the suit for us. I've seen Popina er, popping up on vintage blogs recently, and have been considering getting either the vamp or the grace. But the one thing that's a bummer about the site is that I want more pictures, so I can try to get a realistic idea of what the suits look like on people. (Some styles have a lot of pictures, others not so much.) And you styled it beautifully!

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  27. You look, and so completely are, radiantly lovely. I adore it when a woman has curves and feminine shape like your silhouette (I'm an hour glass with a wee bit of a pear curve myself) and she embraces them, which I've always felt like you've done no matter the outfit you've shared with us. I know this took a lot for you to post (believe me, I really don't know if I could do it myself), and I wholeheartedly commend you for showing us just how spectacular you look in your new swimsuit.

    ♥ Jessica

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  28. Absoloutly smashing gorgeous!!! Both you and the swimsuit =) Kudos for facing your fears! I've never dared take pictures of myself in swimwear or lingerie, that's a hurdle I've yet to overcome...
    Brave of you to post the photo's! And you really do look a vintage summer-beach dream.

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  29. You look stunning! I understand your fears because I've got the same with my generous thights. But I love this swimsuit that fits you perfectly. Why about one for me? ^^

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  30. You look fabulous!!!! And you did make me giggle with the 'booty gravity' reference - I totally hear ya on that one girl! I also have a swimsuit that has a detachable strap, but I would NEVER wear it strapless!!!

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  31. You are so beautiful! Its kinda liberating to do a swimsuit post when you're a bit nervous about it hey. You look like a perfect pinup in this suit, love it!

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  32. You look INCREDIBLE, such a beautiful figure!

    Maria xxx

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  33. I think you look stunning! You don't need to lose a single pound. :) Lots of love xo

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  34. I know the feeling of being self-conscious in swimsuit pictures (and I'm going to have to deal with that soon, since I'm planning on making a couple this year, eep!), but girl you look AMAZING. Forreal, your curves are lovely and I'm so happy you feel the body-love! ♥

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  35. OH DAMN GIRL. you look great in that suit!

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  36. Oh, how beautiful! I have a couple of swimsuits similar to this one that I love as well. I prefer swimsuits with a skirt attached, haha. You look gorgeous in this red color-vibrant and confident! Perfect retro styling too, I'm still trying to get my hair to do that!

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  37. WOW! I just admire how brave you are, exposing yourself in a bathingsuit on the internet! I would never, EVER, do that because i have a love/hate relatioship with my body as well... I have also a pear shaped body and the lower half of my body is really really making me hate myself.. but instead, i'm trying to workout more and be healthier.
    You are a gorgeous GORGEOUS girl! And i wish you the best of luck on your journey of loosing some weight.

    Love from Portugal *


    Mirabilis Makeup

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  38. You look gorgeous! And you've encouraged me to look for a similar swimsuit here in Spain.
    Thank you so much for writing your blog and inspiring me everyday!

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  39. You look stunning and I love the colour, it really suits you xx

    Lucy Loves To Blog

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  40. Congrats on being brave! It's inspiring to girls with any shape :) You look great and the suit fits like a dream! It looks like you found a favorite?

    -Viola

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  41. Oh, my! You look absolutely stunning!! Hope to be as brave as you one day.

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  42. Emma, You look absolutely beautiful! Red is definitely your color girl! I love this outfit!!!

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  43. You go girl - You look beautiful!!!!!!

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  44. You look amazing! You make that suit look good :) Love it!

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  45. Oh my word. You look absolutely stunning. You are so incredibly beautiful and even though it is so hard to not feel self conscious... you are seriously so inspiring! And I hope you know that these are wonderful pictures and you've sold me on those swimsuits! Those are so cute!

    -Minda

    http://aforcethatcanshaketheworld.blogspot.com/

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  46. You look incredible. Seriously.

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  47. You look stunning! And I have to give you major props for being brave enough to wear a swimsuit on your blog... you're much bolder than I and you look amazing. :)

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  48. The suit is gorgeous on you - the draping and cut is so flattering, and the colour against your skin is beautiful. You would never know from the photos that you are self-conscious in the suit.

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  49. this bathing suit is perfect. i reallly fell like having bathing suit envy. great piece... also it's great htat you can wear it as a top. awesome!

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  50. You look absolutely brave, beautiful and cool Emma!
    It's utterly annoying and terrible that you actually had to take this emotinal step to show photos of yourself in a bathing suit; I mean, what's there to be ashamed of!? Nothing! I hate that our society still push those feelings upon you. But - at the same time, I know how you feel. I wouldn't just put up a beach photo of myself without consideration either. SO! Thanks for being brave and inspirational, you look great!

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    1. Thanks, lady. I know what you mean, it is true and most of the time I say fuck society, and move on. But my insecurity in a bathing suit actually stems back to how I was brought up and things my parents used to say to me about my body, especially about my body not being good enough for certain kinds of swim wear. But, nobody should make another feel self conscious, no matter how far it was in the past, so here's to moving on!

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  51. You are wonderful! Red terriblemnt you'll look good and it ... Let's go for the beautiful day!

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  52. You look absolutely gorgeous! And I found my new bathingsuit for this season! Thank you <3

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  53. Totally gorgeous! Any of these photos could be in a vintage Jantzen ad! And being pear shaped myself, I know exactly what you mean about baring the gams/upper gams in swimwear. I don't know how I ended up with so many friends in high school and college with thighs like baby giraffes, but it was enough to give me a complex! And swimsuits are the hardest. It's inspiring to me that you took the plunge on posting a photo of yourself in a swimsuit and are learning to love the shape you are. So bravo, lady! Also, I now want a suit like this in red. I have a similar one in black, and that shirred cut plus halter is just so flattering!

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  54. This swimsuit looks so wonderful on you. Being pear-shaped, I know exactly what you mean. It's difficult being a medium sized top and a much larger bottom. I'm just now starting to embrace it. Nonetheless, you look absolutely stunning and Popina sounds like a wonderful company! You go girl!

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  55. that suit looks AMAZING on you! i love how it looks with the skirt too, that would be a perfect cover up on your way to the pool. and you are so brave posting pictures of yourself in it! it looks awesome, but it is scary to put yourself out there like that!

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  56. The bravery looks just as good on you as the swimsuit does! Here's to being sexy on the inside and out.

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  57. Wow! You look amazing www.adoramehitabel.blogspot.co.uk

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  58. I have never commented before, but I just had to echo everyone else...you look BEAUTIFUL! I have issues with wearing a bathing suit also, so it is very inspiring to see you work that suit! Thanks for being so brave!

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  59. I just found your blog and was reading back through your posts. That is a gorgeous swimsuit. so flattering! You look absolutely fabulous!

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I love hearing from all of you! Please remember any ideas on my blog are my own opinion and if you don't agree or have something you want to critique, please be polite.