Review of Artista Active Wear's Monokini

Recently, I posted a photo of myself wearing Artista Active Wear's monokini on Instagram and I received messages asking how well it supported "the girls."  So, Saturday, I went to the studio to test it out.  I did video my review, but apparently didn't realize that camera wasn't focused, so I figured a written review and pieces of my dance on video should suffice.  I recorded this dance at 9:30 PM on a Saturday, after having participated in the Wipeout Run (a 5k with ten obstacles) that same afternoon (and after spending over four hours in the car going to and from the event).  I got ridiculously sunburned.  And I haven't been doing regular pole classes since starting my new job in February.  Now that the disclosures are out of the way, don't expect much from the actual dance.  Just watch the movements and see how the outfit moves with me.

In the interest of full disclosure, I was recently invited to be a Brand Ambassador for Artista.  However, I did purchase this item with my own money.  This review would be the same whether I was reppin' them or not.

First off, I loved how the monokini looked.  I did order a size up (XXXL), as I felt I was between sizes, and I probably would have been fine with the XXL.  Second off, I loved how it felt.  It was comfortable to wear.  No riding up or slipping down.  And no dreaded back rolls.

Now, for how the girls reacted.  In the category of "TMI," although most people probably do know, and again, in the interest of full disclosure, I had a breast lift nine years ago.  However, my boobs are way bigger and sit way lower than I would like.  That being said, they are still way perkier than the boobs I used to have.  If I had tried to wear this outfit back then, my boobs would not have stayed in place.  However, I do have a halter dance bra that would fit just fine under the monokini.  I have to say, though, that I loved that this outfit didn't give me a back roll, and I imagine a bra under it might do that.

At the end of the day, though, I did love the outfit and would recommend it.  If you want to see it in action, check it out below.  And if you want to order it (or anything else) for yourself, you can use my discount code for 10% off: ABALM10.  Just visit www.artistaactivewear.com.

Check out the video and let me know if you have any questions!

Artista Active Wear for the Plus-Sized Pole Dancer

When I posted about Pole Expo from the perspective of a plus-sized pole dancer, I mentioned that Artista Active Wear was one of the very few vendors who actually brought plus sized clothes to the show, and they were sold out by the time I stopped by to visit.  After my mention, Artista contacted me to offer a pair of their boudoir shorts to try, so I ordered a matching crop top and finally got to try them out this weekend!

I am six feet tall, 240 pounds and my measurements are 49 inches at the fullest part of the bust, 45 inch waist and 48 inch hips (I thought I was oddly shaped but I have been informed that people really do come in all shapes and sizes!).  I ordered both pieces in a 2X and they fit perfectly.  I technically could have worn the crop top as a sports bra (sans bra underneath) but did ultimately choose to wear a bra while I danced (and I know they offer other bra options that will provide more support should you need it).  I found that the bottom of the crop top kind of rolled up into my fat rolls when I sat down, so I just pulled it up to reside right under my bra line to kind of wear it sports bra-style, and it was perfectly comfortable.  The shorts provided wonderful coverage.  At no time did I feel like I was flashing the goods all over for everyone to see.  All-in-all, I felt like the clothing was well made, comfortable and beautiful.

Below, you can see some photos and a video I took.  I'm sorry I put the lace top over the outfit while I was dancing.  You probably won't get to see much more than the shorts.  But I do promise they were comfortable to dance in!

If you have any questions or have your own experiences with Artista to share, please feel free to leave a comment below!

The Fairytale of Bodybinds and the Plus-Sized Pole Princess

As some of you may remember, the PDBA recently struck a deal with Bodybinds to write some lifestyle blogs.  Lifestyle meaning, we don't have to just write about pole, we can write about everyday life.  Most of us have multi-faceted lives, so of course, we don't only read pole blogs.  My first blog for Bodybinds, in fact, will be about the benefits of yoga. 

Anyway, I had never worn Bodybinds.  I don't exactly have the body type you might typically find wearing something like Bodybinds.  As part of our deal, we had the opportunity to order loner items so that we could try out the product and feel like we connected more and understood the company for which we would be writing.  I had checked out the website and saw that the maximum stretch on the one size fits "all" (or most) items would still barely fit me.  I was worried about destroying the loaner.  I just resigned myself to the fact that I would probably blow the seams out and would just reimburse her for the product and be okay with that embarrassing little experience.  I also talked myself into not being able to wear the product properly as the elastic would just cut into my fat rolls, and no one really wants to outline fat rolls.  But this was business and I was going to give Bodybinds a fair review.  Jackie, the owner, had asked us for measurements.  I casually threw mine over to her, fully expecting her response to be, "sorry, we don't have anything for you."  I ordered the "safest" item I could possibly order -- and only the top because I figured the bottoms wouldn't work for me. 

How wrong I was.

When my beautiful little red Bodybinds bag showed up, I was hesitant but excited.  I pulled out the hot pink Michelle Bondage Bikini Top and immediately put it on over my shirt.  I was confused for a second, then I got really excited.  This was clearly custom made to fit my larger than average sized body!  I e-mailed Jackie and asked her if she had custom-made the top for me.  She confirmed she had.  I was over the moon, and I excitedly set up my photoshoot for the following Saturday.

I truly do believe that a picture is worth a thousand words, so I would rather post photos than explain my dance session.  First off, these are not professionally taken or edited photos (as evidenced by my cellulite and the off-balance coloring).  This is a girl and her camera alone in a studio.  I just wanted to dance around and see how the top fared.  I danced for almost an hour and let the camera roll.  I got tired and sweaty, but the top stayed in place.  Since it was made in a larger size, it didn't cut into my fat rolls, and it was extremely comfortable to wear.  My only regret was that I didn't order the bottoms or go crazy and order one of the other items my sad little mind told me I was too big to wear.  So enjoy my photo journal and if you are considering Bodybinds, please do contact Jackie and talk to her about your body concerns so she can put your mind at ease and help you choose the perfect Bodybinds outfit for you!