A Shoot in Jamaica with heidi klein

I have been incredibly fortunate to work with the wonderful swimwear and resortwear brand heidi klein for sometime now, and this post is the first of two projects together of me modelling some of my most favourite pieces from their collection.

It really is a dream collab for me, a luxury designer swimwear label that truly flatter women of all shapes and sizes with their eclectic collection of statement swimwear and accessories.

The first shoot took place during my recent press holiday to Jamaica on Beaches Resorts Ocho Rios’ private and most utterly magical beach (read my full review here). The second will be shot in Spain at the end of August.

It’s safe to say I was over the moon when heidi klein (no caps as it’s a moniker) approached me to feature their swimwear on the blog, offering me choices of either bikinis, swimsuits and resortwear from their chic collection.

This classic deep blue one piece immediately caught my eye. Sophisticated and supportive, this timelessly elegant swimsuit would work on vacays all year round and is one I wear at the gym swimming pool for Alexander’s swimming lessons, too.

…I must add from the off that although I was over the moon at being approached to work with heidi klein I was rather nervous too.

Like most women, the idea of taking part in a swimwear shoot was pretty butterfly induced scary- hey I bet even Kim Kardashian gets nerves pre-bikini shoots right?!

However, it turned out I had no real reason to worry as it was a relaxing, fun and super quick shoot where everything came together perfectly, against the most breathtaking backdrop imaginable.

Firstly, the photographer was my husband Peter who made me feel completely at ease throughout- no one can take my photo like Peter to be honest, he really knows how to capture me in the most flattering light and it’s just a complete joy to work together.

Secondly, there was the overwhelming and completely unexpected positive reaction to the picture I took of myself in a bikini that led to my #proudinmybikini movement with over a hundred thousand people reached so far, along with hundreds of women getting in touch with me to say the photo inspired them to wear bikinis and costumes once more, which really helped to boost my confidence right before the shoot.

And of course the location was just picture postcard perfect. It isn’t lost on me how lucky I am to be able to have these experiences, that I’m asked to review holidays as my job as a blogger and work with brands I’ve always loved like heidi klein. I’m truly grateful for it all.

… Now let’s take a minute to appreciate the view. Pink sand and crystal waters as far as the eye could see…

Just dreamy.

To prepare me for the shoot, I was treated to a soothing pampering session as Andrea the manager of the stunning Red Lane spa in the resort arranged for my make up and nails to be done.

They used their own Red Lane beauty collection of beauty products which are natural and mineral based, giving me pink lips and a warm sunkissed glow for my glamorous beach look.

I’m a huge fan of using shellac on my nails (running around after 2 young children means regular nail varnish simply doesn’t cut it) and I love this pretty coral colour: the perfect hue for my Caribbean beach shoot.

And then it was time to strike a pose-

Gifted ‘Jackie O’ style Chanel shades on (the sun was blazing) and a deep breath in!

And of course I needn’t have felt nervous as heidi klein swimwear is so incredibly flattering -I love the way the one piece supports, and shows off my hourglass figure.

I modelled the heidi klein D-G Control One Piece (£220) from their My Body Collection, which comes in this gorgeous petrol blue hue – a fab alternative to black, whilst the silver bamboo ring adds stylish, metallic detailing along with added support for the bust.

The ruching and tummy control powder mesh make the costume incredibly complimentary, with adjustable halter ties for a super comfortable fit.

Great designers know how to make garments that accentuate, enhance and flatter a woman’s curves and Heidi Gosman, heidi klein’s creative director, is truly one of those designers. (Check out my Wonderful Women interview with Heidi here).

Thanks heidi klein for the opportunity and making this mother feel her best on the beach.

I paired this swimsuit with gold wedges picked up in Marbella for the ultimate beach chic look.

Thanks to Beaches Resorts for the complimentary stay, hair and make up. This is a collaborative post.