Autumn Florals ft Matalan

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Matalan headquarters on a press event and met the team behind the brand. Discussing all things fashion, focussing especially on the new Autumn/Winter collection and Christmas party must haves, I got to preview their new key pieces for the new season.

For attending, I was lucky enough to be gifted a beautiful dress. 

This stunning Papaya Curve dress features a split sleeve and collar detail, in a brightly coloured, bold botanical print. 

I couldn’t resist creating a cute fall look with my favourite jacket and boots and teaming my dress to my lipstick. 

The dress is a pull on style, in a non stretch polyester. I stuck to my usual size 22 which fit comfortably but if you prefer a little room, I would recommend sizing up. I loved how it skimmed my shaped yet still showed off my figure. 

You can find this dress here, in sizes 18-28

It’s All Good! Ft River Island Plus

Have you tried the River Island Plus range yet? After digging out last years wardrobe, I quickly realised I needed not only a few new clothes but opted for a bold new look. I love how River Island manage that chic, stylish look but with added character in their prints, fabrics and cuts, and I’m so glad they have tried to carry this through to their Plus range. During the summer months, it’s all too easy to pop on a simple dress or our favourite vest and shorts. But what about dressing up? Personally, when it’s blazing outside, the last thing I want is to wear something overly formal or fussy so I thought I’d go for something a little different for me. I browsed the plus section on the River Island page and instantly fell in love with these pink trousers.

I love the tie waist for that cinched in look, and the way the bottoms taper really show off my great legs. (I’m modest, I know!) I might have been swayed by the fact they cake in baby pink, but these also came in black. You can find them here. I ordered a size 22 to air in the side of caution but it wasn’t necessary as they were very generous in size, as was the t shirt. 

The T shirt added that fuss free feel but with a simple slogan on fresh white cotton, it gave it that clean sharp look. Unfortunately the T shirt is no longer available in plus size but a similar version can be found here or here.

The white curved heel shoes really set the outfit off. I love the pointed toe with the tapered trouser hem and although they have no straps, they are surprisingly comfy and easy to walk in.




Have you recently seen something from the range that caught your eye? X

Topsy Curvy Side Popper Trousers

Remember back in the 90’s where side popper trousers were the new thing? I had this hideous bright blue pair by a big sports brand and they were shinier than a shiny thing. There was one incident of me catching the side of the said trousers on the bus, full of school friends, and the entire leg popped open to reveal some less than cute granny pants. I was mortified!

Fast forward 20 years and here I am again, but this time I’m embracing the fully exposed legs and feeling sexier than ever. Of course, the beauty of these fabulous Topsy Curvy trousers from Lovedrobe is that they are not made from that shiny, cheap material. And of course can be worn safely done up for that more practical look. These trousers are tapered to the leg, which is such a hot look with a pair of boots or heels. Or you could undo a popper or two and wear with trainers for that more relaxed look, lending a nod to the 90’s trend. Did I mention that they also have pockets?! 

You can these here x

Mission Comfort; Chaffree Review

You’d expect to see anti chub rub reviews pop up nearer to summer, when underwear shorts are needed as the days get hotter and that dreaded feeling of chafed thighs begin. But I’ve surprised myself in finding that I’ve worn them just as much during the winter.

I discovered Chaffree Knickerboxers shorts just before Christmas and really wanted to test them out. Not only as an anti chaff solution but as an all rounder pair of knickers that I’d actually get use out of on a weekly basis. 

As a bit of a scrimper/bargain hunter, I initially thought that £18 for a single pair of knickers/shorts was a little steep but I think I’ve actually changed my mind on that. So not only are these shorts designed to stop the rubbing that so many of us endure- summer or not- they are made with COOLMAX®️ which is a performance fabric to keep the skin cool and dry. 

I don’t know about you, but when I get my period, I suffer with irritability and often bloating. It’s never nice having a pair of uncomfortable knickers digging in to your tummy, so these shorts were just perfect for such times. They sit nice and high above my stomach, are extremely stretchy and I could wear them under a T shirt around the house without feeling overexposed.

I not only found these perfect for wearing under my dresses- without the need for tights or knickers- because these are essentially just big pants, afterall. But also in the fact they are seam free. So unless you were actually feeling my body, you’d have no idea! 

These Chaffree Knickerboxers came in handy to wear under my popper seam trousers too. 

You can find the full Chaffree range here for both men and women in briefs and shorts.

Feeling Every Bit the Lady in Lady V

Now that the new Year is well under way and Spring is fast approaching, I’m looking back at some of my favourite looks from this winter. First up just had to be this stunning
Lyra dress from Lady Voluptuous

Now, I’m relatively new to wrap front dresses, fearing they’d make me feel frumpy. With this dress, that was far from the case. With a silky, heavy like fabric that not only hugged my curves beautifully, it hung in the most wonderful way. The skirt swayed as I walked and gave me that child like irresistible urge to twirl around over and over again to make the skirt fan out. I love how the wrap detail at the bust and the 3/4 length sleeve helped to elongate my frame. Although now sold out in the teal, Lady Voluptuous sell a range of beautiful dresses in all manner of styles and patterned fabrics. These are my current favourites! 






I’d love to hear about your favourite outfit or item of clothing from this season. Maybe you wore something special for Christmas Day or New Year? Xx

**Disclaimer**
Although I was sent this item to review, all opinions are my own.

Elomi Bijou Flirt

Once again Elomi have killed it with this stunning Bijou Flirt set. With the thin strap detail that cradles my curves and keyholes around my navel, it definitely lives up to its name!

I’m wearing a size 38GG and it’s a perfect fit. The briefs are generous in size but maybe a little low in the waist to what I’m used to but given the detailing, I’m happy to overlook that. You can find Bijou Flirt here  x

What A Treat! With Manon Baptiste at Navabi

It's not often I win competitions but last October, I was lucky enough to win a £200 voucher to spend with Manon Baptiste at Navabi. With it, I purchased this little beauty!

I'm so in love with the side leg pleats, drawstring waist and the fact it's knitted makes it perfect for Autumn. I added a cute clip on velvet bow to the waist and felt like a Christmas gift! You can find the jumpsuit here but it's in the sale and sizes will be limited x

Ain't no Sunshine- OOTD ft Pink Clove

Sometimes you need to get stuff done, come rain or shine! Giving you a little run down on today's outfit.

I'm all about filling my winter wardrobe with basic staples. Soft jersey tops in an assortment of colours are just perfect for layering up an outfit and my favourite are these from Yours Clothing. A pair or 2 of patterned trousers that can make an outfit pop, like these Ericka Gingham trousers from Pink Clove. If colour isn't your thing then work in statement accessories like this fab leather tassel choker from AliExpress. 

Choker

Top

Trousers

Boots (similar)

The Future Is Female with Peacocks

There's a growing trend of feminist based slogans on tops right now which I just love. This one is one from Peacocks is no exception and I love that it's in plain colours so I can dress it in a variety of colour ways. The t shirt is always made from ultra soft stretchy jersey which again is a favourite of mine as I find it more comfortable than a stiff cotton.







 You can find this top from Peacocks online here x

Abstract Bikini by Elomi

I just had to share this gorgeous image with you, of my newest bikini from Elomi.

The stunning abstract print and plunge detail really caught my eye and the colours really complimented my, somewhat slight, tan. The sizing was spot on, ordering my usual 38F top and 20 bottom. 

You can find this beauty here x

Skater Girl Look with Pink Clove

Can you believe it's been since June that I last blogged about fashion? June!! I've been so busy reviewing food that I have neglected the fashion side big time and I can only apologise. Don't forget, still regularly upload my outfits and fashion favourites on my Instagram page too.

Art by Aidan Ryan

So today's quick look is this T shirt I found over at Pink Clove . It's eye catching design had me instantly hooked. I teamed it with my favourite extreme rip jeans (old Primark) for a true urban look. The T shirt itself is generously sized and I plan to wear it over my swimwear on the beach on my next holiday. Not only is it good in size but it's also stretchy too. Bonus! You can find this T shirt here in sizes 18-28. Pink Clove offer world wide shipping, free returns and currently have 10% off discount code. X

A Crochet Crush from Simply Be

It's been almost a month since I blogged about fashion! Feel like it's almost a record for me.

Well, now what perfect way to ease myself back in than showing off this absolute belter of a dress. Now, I'm going to be honest here; I deemed this dress as ugly. Channelling ultimate granny vibes, this dress looked like it belonged on the back of a couch. But putting it on, I clearly had to eat my words!

 

 

I usually steer away from tunic style dresses as they do nothing for my shape but this one clung to my curves just beautifully. 

With 3/4 length sleeves and sitting at the perfect height on my knees, it was not overly hot to wear either. I will say though, this dress does not come with a slip and was pretty much see through so I wore chub shorts and a little vest underneath. But not forgetting, this would be a great dress to pop over your bikini too. Or how about pairing it with cute boots for the ultimate festival look?

 

You can find this beauty at Simply Be here.

Double Denim ft Lovedrobe

No doubt you've seen the current trend of embroidered everything. Well I hadn't really paid much attention to half of it as I didn't really feel it was for me. Wrong! I now absolutely love it!

Lovedrobe kindly gifted me an item of my choice and I decided to go for this gorgeous embroidered denim shirt to challenge myself in wearing it slightly different than that safe option of just worn over leggings. 

 

 

Double the denim; double the fun!

This shirt is not only super lightweight but also quite long. I could easily wear this over a simple strappy dress or even swimwear in the summer. 

But for this look, I tied the shirt up and teamed it with my new jeans (sale find from Very).

I loved the beautiful embroidery feature on the front and across the back. Sizewise, it runs small. I ordered a size up to make sure it was oversized and comfy but should of gone up by 2. That said, it still looks fab and no doubt will wear it again and again. 

 

 

Looking a little country! What do you think? X

My Top Picks from Yours Clothing

Now, I'm here to admit something; being a 'smaller fat' I have often overlooked some stores, purely because I can shop in most high street stores that cater up to an 18. Yours Clothing was a shop that although catered to my size and bigger, felt that sometimes their range was just a little too tame for me. Never frumpy, just styles which I'd class as safe and not to my liking.

But then Bristol opened up their new store in The Galleries, Broadmead and I'd occasionally pop in and find an item I liked. So I'd look online and find even more! 

With this in mind, I thought I'd share some of my favourite finds for Spring. 

 

This cold shoulder sweater dress is my new go to. As a stay at home mum, it's not all glamour 24/7 and I do need something that looks good as well as being practical. I know the cold shoulder trend isn't for everyone and I know it can be frustrating if your shoulders are 'problem' area when it comes to confidence. But for me, I really don't mind them. 

 

This gorgeous mesh bodysuit is bang on trend, with its embroidered flowers. I wore this to the opening of the new Yours store in Yate, Bristol. Teamed with a maxi skirt (old Primark) and a pair of tassled boots. 

 

 This hoody and jogger set is next on my list. Again, cold shoulders but this is just screams ultimate laid back casual and I'm all about that! 

 

I LOVE this mesh dress. Not only would I wear it over a top and jeans but I'd also wear it over my swimwear by the pool.

Have you seen the latest looks that have arrived at Yours recently? Let me know your favourites x

Anti Chafing Knickers - My summer must have!

The sun has finally started to come out and so have my skirts. Which means it's time to start stocking my wardrobe with some essentials. First on the list would have to be anti chafe shorts. If like me and thousands of other women, suffer from the dreaded 'chub rub' then we can all wince at the mere thought of the burning pain we endure after a warm day. So to warn off said thighs of fire, I usually wear some kind of anti chafe wear.

This year, I'm trying out the anti chafe, short leg knickers from The Big Tights Company

 

Now for me, the length was perfect. I've previously found that if the shorts are too long, my skirt sticks to them and end up bunched between my legs. Not a good look!

I opted for the short leg in hope that this wouldn't happen and I'm so happy that nothing stuck. These are actually knickers but I wore them as shorts as I felt as though I had forgotten to put my underwear on-personal preference! They are super comfortable and stretchy, as they are no designed to be shapewear, there's no 'sucking in' effect. 

I also like that the waistband isn't high waisted, unlike some which can make you feel too layered in the hotter months. They sat just above my naval and against normal waistband. 

 

 

These knickers come in sizes 12-36 in black, white and natural in both long and short leg, with or without lace trim and can be found here.

Keeping it Casual in Yours Clothing

This Mothers Day was all about keeping comfy. As much as I wanted to dress up and be spoilt, this day is never about me. I was visiting my mum for the day and making her feel special with a walk along the beach and a home cooked roast, so with this in mind, I had to be dressed practically.

So I went for my new clothes from Yours.. I've always wanted a pair of dungarees but as a round bellied girl, I doubted that they'd work on my shape. Then I stopped listening to that voice and thought that I might as well try them then decide. 

 

I chose this gorgeous black pair, as we all know that black goes with everything! And powder pink was the perfect colour to team with them for such an occasion. 

 

The dungarees  themselves are non stretch and tapered at the leg, which I love. I worried that they would be too fitted around my belly but baggy elsewhere but as I sized up, these fit in the slouchy way I hoped they would. My usual size being an 18, I went for the 20. 

The pink jersey top is like a dream. Sounds silly as it's just a long sleeve top but it's generous in arm length AND in the body. I hate tops that ride up but with this falling below my bum, there's no chance of ride up here. It's so soft and slouchy that it almost feels like I'm wearing loungewear. And I'm all about that pj life! 

 

 

I chose this cute velvet satchel like backpack to finish off the outfit. X



**Disclaimer; Although items were gifted, all views are my own.**

  

Rose Duo with In The Style Curve

If there's two things I'm really into this season it's plisse and pink tones.

When asking if I'd like to choose an item or two from the Curve range at In The Style, I knew it wouldn't be long before I was selecting a little pink number, the Emmeline Rose Pleated Wrap Dress. The fact it was also in that gorgeous pleated plisse fabric, only sweetened the deal a bit more. 

 

 

 I chose the dress because it's perfect for a hen do that I'm attending but as I love wrap style dresses, I wanted to see if I could work it in to a daytime outfit too. So instead of styling the dress for an evening out, I thought I'd show you how I dressed it down.

 Teaming the dress with some embroidered jeans and my silver boots, it's dressed up without being too ott. I ordered the dress in a size 20 and although it was a little on the large side, over jeans I think it works really well with that added slouchiness. 

 

 

The next item I chose was basically the same thing but in a skirt. I chose this in a size 18 and it run very small. Possibly a slight inconsistency with the sizing but don't let that put you off. The quality, cut, fabrics and price are the winning elements here. 

 

 

Again, I chose to dress the skirt down. Wearing it over tights, and dressing it with my baby pink Reeboks and khaki bomber jacket. You can find the Millie  Rose Wrap Skirt here 

 

Have you checked out the pieces in the Curve range yet? There's so many gorgeous items at such a good price here.