July 26, 2018

Never too old to wear a bikini! Midlife women still want to feel good in swimwear.

I really do think reaching our midlife is a state of mind. We are so conditioned in society to conform to how we should think, look, what to wear when we nearer the age of 50 and it's time we took back control and changed the rules.

My mum had beautiful long wavy hair in her forties but lost confidence in her look as she approached 50 because society has always told her women over 50 shouldn't have long hair. I look back now and feel quite sad that she made the decision to go much shorter because her lack of self confidence felt the need to fit in, to conform. I say to hell with that!

I am 48 and am more confident now than any other time in my life so far, I know from talking to other women of a similar age they feel the same. Women are redefining what middle aged looks like and I am right behind them.

I really struggled with my body image in my twenties and thirties and since turning 40 I began a real journey of self love and body confidence. I have curves, stretch marks gained from having three children, cellulite but I am right where I want to be and wouldn't wish to be back in my thirties. It is liberating and I don't intend to be invisible as I slowly approach 50. I say bring it on.

Age is just a number, attitude is a game changer.

That is why I decided to apply for the Sports Illustrated Swimwear casting, I am fed up of seeing young girls looking truly beautiful without showing the growth and depth of beauty a woman in later years also brings. There is space for all of us and it is time for brands and the media to give everyone a platform to share. Not only would it allow the next generation to worry less about ageing and free them from wasting so much energy and money on trying to deny it but it would also raise lots of middle aged womens' self confidence levels and remind society that we are not invisible.

I love this bikini set from Lepel, it's such a good fit,34FF. Photographer Laura Carly Adams. Stylist Trudy Fielding

Pleasantly surprised how much this swimming costume holds me in. It's not easy to find costumes that suit a 34G bst but I think this deep v is super flattering. Julien McDonald swimwear for Matalan.

Swimsuitforall.com cater for curves so well and this two piece is no exception.

A bit of old school 1950'S glamour from My Vintage Beau.

 

Lepel bikini 34FF, I probably could have done with sizing up to a 34G in this one but it's a great sunbathing bikini.

Photograher Laura Carly Adams, Styled by Trudy Fielding, location Ilkley Lido

January 10, 2018

Swim Suits For All shoot #dreamjob

When I say this was my dream job, It really was!

The fact that it was in The Bahamas working with Ashley Graham, Elaine Eirwin, Stefania Ferrario and Lori Harvey was an amazing opportunity. But for me it was so exciting to be involved with Swimsuitsforall, an American swimwear company I have been following and really admire for their positive and inclusive attitude to swimwear. When I tentatively started modelling this time last year I would never have imagined modelling swimwear at the age of 47 and it has been such a positive turning point in my attitude. I have come back even more determined to be able to represent the curvier women over 40, we are so under looked in the fashion industry even when our age bracket is one of the largest spending groups in the market. As I slowly approach my 50th I can't wait and I've never felt more confident, sexy, comfortable in my own skin, embracing my grey hair, so I'm looking forward to this new chapter and let's see what it brings!

Girl Squad Goals with Elaine Eirwin, Lori Harvey, Ashley Graham, Rachel Peru and Stefania Ferrario, Swimsuitsforall.

Rachel Peru, Elaine Eirwin, Stefania Ferrario , Swimsuitsforall.com

Rachel Peru, Silver curve model, Bridge models

''If everyone were cast in the same mould, there would be no such thing as beauty'' Charles Darwin.

Ashley Graham & Rachel Peru

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LIBERTÉ FREE TO BE

Liberte Free to Be champions women who are embracing life and leaving a trail of inspiration along the way. Inspiring others to become more confident in body and mind.

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