Girl Date at Curvy Convention 2016

May bank holiday weekend had me nipping down to London to Curvy Con to catch up with some of my favourite blogger babes and support two friends walking on the catwalk.

This year Curvy Convention  was set at a bigger location which I felt sadly, lacked any real atmosphere. The music was a bit dated, there was no big brands that caught my attention and on the whole was a bit disappointed. However, the catwalk shows were well hosted by Sian Yapp and Helena Nacca. 

Luckily, I didn't go purely for the convention as I got to spend time with those that I usually only get to see at events. It was great to see fellow bloggers/friends Indie brands Nicky Rockets ( a cruelty free T shirt company with ballsy, kickass designs) and A Rose Like This Designs ( vintage inspired, quirky swimwear and custom pieces) being showcased on the catwalk though. Brands with stalls included Voodoo Vixen, Jamberry Nails (review of these to follow), Ms Pomelo, Apples and Pears, Tortz plus many others. It's always great to meet new faces and brands at events like these. I especially loved new brand Plus Equals, who specialise in reworked clothing. 
Once I had a walk round the venue and networked with some brands, there wasn't much else to do so myself and other bloggers went for lunch and spent some time in the park outside given that the weather was glorious. It's a shame I didn't enjoy the actual event this year but that's just me personally as a blogger and not a reflection of the event itself. These events, however large or small, are so important to the plus community. Not just for shopping and socialising in a comfortable environment but for engaging with brands that focus on their customers needs.  X

      The stunning Paige

The beautiful Nikee wearing A Rose Like This Designs

    Amazing Kat wearing Panache Lingerie 

      Photobooth fun!

I wore this amazing jumpsuit from Simply Be with some bright pink Nike Air Max, also from Simply Be.

Tiki Queen in Voodoo Vixen

Summer holidays are in full swing in our house and with invites to barbecues and days out with family and friends, I couldn't think of a better excuse to buy a beautiful new dress. So I thought I would release my inner Tiki Queen and buy this tropical beauty by Voodoo Vixen from Simply Be here..

I went for the 2X which is a 20/22 but it was a little too big for me in the top. With elastic panels to each side, the dress allows for extra booby room, something I lack! The dress is made from a thick, smooth cotton and hung beautifully with and without a petticoat. It's nipped in at the waist, which sat in just the right place before flaring out in to a lovely full style skirt. It also has pockets, which is a rare feature but one I absolutely love. 

             With an added petticoat 

                 And without.

I added some cute handmade flower clips to my hair to set the look. X

Voodoo Vixen Greta dress

Following on from my LondonEdge post, I thought I would do a separate post about the dress I was gifted by Voodoo Vixen.

We were given a small range of dresses to choose from but being the fussy lady I am, found that quite difficult. ( I am still so grateful!)

I didn't know how the dresses fit without trying them on first so decided to size up and hope for the best. I'm an 18-20 in most dresses so I went for the 3X

I went for the Greta as it was the simplest. I knew I could mix and match shoes, accessories and more importantly, lipsticks, whenever I wear it, to keep it looking different each time. As nice as the other dresses were, you couldn't really do that.

When we arrived at LondonEdge and were given our dresses, the first thing I noticed was the material. I really didn't like it. If, like me, you wore those black, super stretchy trousers to school, you'll know the material I'm talking about. I think I was expecting something softer and flowy, more in keeping with vintage styles. I was so glad that I sized up as the dress was a really great fit. Not just the dress but the belt too. When it comes to plus size dress/belt combos, that's rare! I would call it a satin ribbon with buckle. I found it more of a detail than a working accessory and took it off.

I love the little petal shaped cut outs and the length was just right on me. I'm not one for sleeveless dresses either so I wore a little cardigan to hide the tops of my arms.

The new collection features more styles and cute prints which is so refreshing to see for a plus size range. The Greta dress can be found here

LondonEdge 2015

I was lucky enough to be invited as a VIP blogger to this years LondonEdge with a whole bunch of other wonderful bloggers, for clothing company, Voodoo Vixen. Along with Jawbreaker, they were this years two main sponsors.

Upon our arrival we were given a dress of our choice to wear throughout the day and night.  I chose the Greta. I went for this particular dress as it was pretty simple in design and black in colour so I could accessorise with any colours.

  

Once dressed, we all had the chance to walk around the exhibition, held at London Olympia, and view the stands. I got to meet new faces and faces I had been longing to meet. I watched a catwalk show and found far too many things I wanted to buy from the traders. Other bloggers had their hair and make up done by the wonderful team at Voodoo Vixen but I chose not to. 

We also had our own VIP area where we got to listen to a talk from Kat Williams of Rock and Roll bride followed by a Q&A session. It was so good to be surrounded by such a diverse range of bloggers.

We were all treated to huge goody bags too. Containing a whole heap of freebies from various companies that were in attendance. One of my gifts was a beautiful cardigan from Banned Apparel

Later on in the day, a party bus was provided to take the bloggers to the after party venue if needed. Little touches like this were so thoughtful and made the event run so smoothly. 

The afterparty was a messy affair. I totally blame the free bar! 

I got to meet the owners of Voodoo Vixen , who couldn't of been lovelier. Luckily I wasn't too drunk at that point! We watched the fierce Meth 'Drag Queen of London' and a burlesque show by stunning Miss Betsy Rose. 

Overall it was a great day and I'm so glad I made the choice to go. As I worked for a stand at last years LondonEdge, it was so nice to visit as a guest and enjoy everything that was on offer. X