M&S Holiday Shop SS17 + Giveaway!

I'm happiest when on a beach or at a sample sale. Fact. I love going on holiday in the beautiful sunshine but often struggle to find the perfect swimwear. I have a few pieces I've kept for years but since I went up a size recently, I wasn't feeling confident in them anymore. 

The team at M&S have launched a new holiday shop for 2017 and it's all about celebrating yourself and feeling your best! They want women to choose flattering styles that make them feel extraordinary. Everyone knows M&S have an awesome lingerie section, but that also extends to swimwear. 

As part of this campaign, they sent me a hamper of holiday shop goodies to style. When my package arrived in a beautiful large shopper bag, I couldn't be more excited! Inside I found two bikinis and two beautiful swimwear cover-ups.... SQUEE.

I think historically, Marks and Spencer was known as the go-to store for mature women, but over the past few years I've been really impressed by its stylish collections. I think it's great that if you go online or instore, there's something to suit all ages, sizes and shapes. By investing in M&S, you know you're getting quality garments which are good value for money. It's all about cost-per-wear. 

When you feel good on vacation, it lets you focus on the important things - spending time with your friends and loved ones! I have so many happy travel memories, I remember spending a month in a bikini in Thailand years ago - I've never been overly body confident but I had an old pink two-piece which hugged me in all the right places - and I never felt better. We spent our time swimming, hiking, exploring the different regions and meeting new people. I never felt self-conscious about diving into the water around strangers, I was just living-in-the-moment and taking it all in. 

  

Maxi Dress, Bikini & Beach Bag: c/o M&S

For me personally, great fitting swimwear and a selection of cover-ups is the answer to feeling good while overseas. Maxi dresses work well from day through to night and have the added bonus of keeping the mosquitoes away. They also add a touch of glamour to every casual holiday ensemble and if you pick the right shape, can skim over any problem areas, leaving you feeling confident in your own skin. In this first look, I've styled the Black Padded Bikini (set from £30) under the Pure Cotton Shirred Maxi Dress (£25). I recommend sizing up in the maxi dress, if like me, you aren't a fan of body clinging garments on holiday. I love how classic this one is. A black bikini is similar to a LBD, it's an absolute wardrobe essential. This version fits like a glove and I feel completely supported, as if I'm wearing M&S lingerie. 

I'd wear this outfit to the beach in the day and then out for food and cocktails at night. The brightly coloured sandals make it a little smarter and I accessorised it with a stone necklace and some bracelets from my travels. These particular bracelets are from South America and Thailand.

Dress, Bikini & Beach Bag: c/o M&S

My second look features the High Neck Printed Bikini (set from £36.50) and the Pure Cotton Shirred Midi Dress (£25). Although I feel every woman should own a black bikini, I adore vibrant and printed swimwear! This bikini is a lot of fun, I really like the bright orange and white print. with contrasting navy ties. Although my next holiday will be in Canada, I'm planning to take this one for any hot tub action! 

I've mentioned it before, but this year I've been a bit obsessed with midi dresses. This striped version couldn't be any sweeter, it's just right for throwing over swimwear on the beach or heading shopping. I always make time for shopping on holiday, this midi is hella cool and as with the maxi featured above, comes with removable straps.

This post is sponsored by Marks and Spencer, however all words and opinions are my own.

Styled throughout both looks is this statement Nautical Shopper Bag (£25). It's extremely versatile, suitable for holding a towel, suncream and a book for beach day, or a good size for holding your purse, phone and holiday shopping if you're out and about. In general, the only accessories I take on holiday are statement sunglasses, a sun hat, a belt, simple sandals, a few evening handbags and a selection of key jewellery pieces. I've learnt from experience that this small kit will let you style outfits in numerous ways!

The main takeaway from this post is that you don't have to look perfect to have the best holiday ever. You just need to feel confident so you can forget the small stuff and focus on what's really important. making all those memories.

Giveaway time

Now for the giveaway! Want to win an epic holiday shop hamper from M&S? For your chance to win, I'd love you to share your favourite holiday moments with me, in particular, where you felt the most confident. The prize is a beach bag and £100 worth of swimwear and cover-ups from marksandspencer.com. To be in with a chance of winning, simply share this on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtags #NoHolidayHangUps and #SpendItWell. Be sure to check out the full T&Cs below and good luck!

Competition T&CS:

1.  This giveaway is hosted by The Style Rawr and the promoter of this action is Marks and Spencer.

2.  This Promotion is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 18 and over.

3. The prize draw opens 07:30am 3rd August 2017 and closes 07:30pm 10th August 2017. No entries submitted before or after the Promotion Period will be valid. 

4. All valid and successful entries made during the Promotion Period will be eligible to win the prize consisting of:

1 x beach bag and £100 worth of swimwear and cover-ups from marksandspencer.com. Winner will be asked to select the swimwear/cover-ups they'd like or alternatively, they can choose an e-voucher.

5. To enter the Promotion, you must tag The Style Rawr in a post on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram sharing your favourite holiday moment using the hashtags #NoHolidayHangUps and #SpendItWell. 

The Style Rawr's accounts are:

https://twitter.com/thestylerawr

https://www.facebook.com/thestylerawr

https://www.instagram.com/thestylerawr

6. Proof of entry, is not proof of receipt.

7. The Promoter reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions.

8. The winner will be chosen at random, by The Style Rawr.

9. The winner will be contacted in a tweet on Twitter and then by email. If the winner cannot be contacted within 5 days, or is unable to comply with these terms and conditions, the Host and the Promoter reserve the right to offer the prize to another eligible entrant. 

10. Neither the Promoter nor the Host shall be responsible should the winner provide incorrect contact or delivery details.

11. All prizes are subject to availability.

12. This Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.