LFF REVIEWS: FLORENCE & FRED SWIMWEAR

One summer essential I didn’t mention in my holiday style diary was swimwear. Prior to my trip, Florence & Fred kindly offered me a bikini to review from their SS13 collection. I am feeling sportswear inspired swimwear this season, so I picked this black mesh-insert bikini.  What impressed me about this bikini was that the bralet top can be ordered according to  cup size; I have seen a  similar style to this in a leading high street store this season that only comes in dress sizes and the fit was really bad. In contrast, the F&F bikini was super comfortable and a perfect fit. I appreciated that the bikini was true to size- nothing puts me in a worse mood swimwear shopping than having to go up a size in a swimwear that is akin to dental floss!

 Style-wise, the subtle mesh panels give a nod to this season's sport luxe trend without fashion overkill; this is a bikini that you will wear for seasons to come. I've styled the two piece with a sporty and urban Alexander Wang feel below, but you can wear black swimwear with pretty much any trend.

My only criticism? Well whilst I like the on-trend peekaboo detail in between the cups of the bralet, it didn't make for easy sun cream application! Hence why I ended up with some pretty comedic sunburn after day 1 spent lounging by the pool. So cream up carefully ladies! But overall I'm extremely impressed with quality and will be heading back to F&F for future swimwear purchases. 

1. Bralet bikini top, F&F, £8.
2. Mesh insert bikini briefs, F&f, £5. 
3. Janet drawstring bag, Vince Camuto, £115. 
4. Sporty gladiators, Next, £35. 
5. Saint Laurent Bold 1 Square sunglasses, Net-a-porter.com, £189. 
6. Hot makeup Golden Sun nail polish, Nelly.com, £6.95.  
6. Bumble & Bumble surf spray, Urban Retreat Beautique, £14.40.