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

Topsy Curvy Mermaids Don’t Have Thigh Gaps

There’s nothing more I love than a big, snuggly, warm sweatshirt that I can lounge around in. This one from Topsy Curvy at Lovedrobe is just perfect. There’s not much I can write about it that you wouldn’t expect from your average sweatshirt other than the fact it is super soft. In that classic sweatshirt jersey fabric and soft and fluffy on the inside, it’s a wardrobe must have. And I just love the cute slogans. Mermaids Don’t Have Thigh Gaps is just so cute. I may not be a mermaid but I sure have no thigh gaps!

You can find this here 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.

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)

Floral Baseball dress ft Pink Clove

You know when you idly browse sites and something grabs your attention and no matter how much scrolling you do after, you find yourself going back to that one item? That's what happened with this dress. Constant revisiting it to have another look, asking myself 'Do I need it? How many ways could I wear it?' Well, let's be honest, it's a floral dress, how many ways can you really wear it? One. But it's that gorgeous I didn't care.

Pink Clove have really upped their game this year. Whether I'm browsingptheir home site or on Asos, I'm guaranteed to find something I want. Which for me, is a really big deal! 

This button down dress is made from a stretchy jersey material. It's light enough to wear for warm weather but obviously could be layered over tights/leggings in the colder months. On me, the length is just ideal. I can bend right over without flashing the world my bum- no one needs to see that! I love the nod to a baseball style top, channelling Madonna in A League of Their Own and the tropical prints give it that little tiki/retro edge. Right up my street!

Cat is obvs not included but you can find the dress 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.

A Babe in the Woods with Lovedrobe

 

There's something so soul warming about walking through the woods in the Autumn. It's my ultimate favourite month with my wedding anniversary, beautiful colours and those festive feelings building up towards Christmas.

When Lovedrobe offered to send me a little Autumnal blouse, who was I to refuse?!

 

This stunning mustard coloured blouse is slightly sheer, perfect for layering up and has the most beautiful pleated back. I've not owned anything like this and can see me wearing it through to Spring quite easily. 

 

 

I teamed mine with a simple pull on skirt, tights and over knee boots. 

You can find this blouse here and is available in sizes 16-30 x

Oversized comfort in Jameela Jamil Dress with Simply Be

So just like last time, I waited with excitement, to feast my eyes on Jameela Jamil's newest collection with Simply Be. I loved the mix of her first designs. Beautiful tailoring, flowy jumpsuits and gorgeous dresses. I review one of the pieces here.

This years collection didn't fail to disappoint either. I instantly fell in love with the dresses. The Star print maxi is stunning! Without an occasion to wear it, I simply couldn't justify it so opted for the Oversized denim dress instead. It's love!

    Necklace H&M

    Boots Depop

The dress WAS oversized. I couldn't be happier. Yes, I'm aware that it's an oversized dress but sometimes, when it comes to plus sizes, it's not always the case. I chose my regular size, a 20, and it's spot on. The material is soft, slinky and thin but is the look and strength of denim. 

The straps can be adjusted to 3 different lengths which was super handy as I closed it on its tightest fitting when wearing it alone and it showed none of my bra. Bonus! 

It's such a wardrobe staple and I've already worn it like this, with no top, with a t shirt and trainers and with a long sleeve top and tights. It's so versatile and gives that much more for my money. 

Have you checked out the new collection yet? X

Jumping Into Autumn

I've accepted the fact that summer is well and truly over and have started to add some key new pieces into my wardrobe for Autumn. Today I'm wearing this patterned jumpsuit from Simply Be and can be found here.

I'm really loving leaf print this year and this jumpsuit is covered in beautiful, autumnal colours.
The fit itself is spot on. For me, at 5'4, fits me in the leg just right. I often find that having a long body and short legs that they can be too long and can make me look like I'm wearing pyjamas or the cuff of the leg sits too high and bunches up at my crotch(!) The material is light and ultra stretchy, perfect for days when you just need comfort. Also the waistband sits in a perfect spot. Another bonus to this jumpsuit? It has pockets!

Shoes are old Primark
PU jacket from F+F

I may just have to add a few more jumpsuits in to my wardrobe this season, before it gets too nippy and you have to do the dreaded half naked toilet trip!

Stripe Up Your Life!

So as I've said many times before, I bloody love a good charity shop rummage. Digging deep in sale baskets, scouring through rail after rail and often finding nothing. But then there's times when you do find a little gem and this post is one of them. 

This cute little shirt dress was a steal at £3.99 and fits like a dream. It's not vintage but I don't know the label so I'm guessing it's from a cheap high street store. I teamed it with tan accessories, ruby red lips and tights. 

This tan woven belt and little saddle bag is an old season Primark and I usually only use it on holiday but thought it looked perfect with this outfit. 

My shoes were an eBay bargain too. I sized up as from past experience I found that they run pretty narrow and small. They can be found here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WOMENS-LADIES-WALKING-LACE-BIKER-ANKLE-PUNK-ROCK-CLOG-SHOES-BOOTS-SIZE-3-8-/271326521626?var=570217591188&hash=item3f2c52291a

X

Engaging in an EBay find OOTD

You know those times when you're stupidly bored and you end up trawling various search terms on eBay? Well I recently stumbled across this little cream dress of dreams and put it in my 'watch list'. The next day I got an invite to an engagement party and just knew that the dress was a little sign that it was the perfect dress for that said occasion. Bonus! 

I ended up winning the dress for less than £5 but unfortunately the labels had been cut out so I have no idea where it's from! 

I'm not usually one for cream or white but so glad I took the chance as I love how it looked, even if my lily white skin is the same tone! 

I just love the lace detailing on the neckline.

I teamed the dress with a cute pair of baby pink lace shoes with chunky heels.

The fluffy fold over clutch was handmade by me. I had spotted similar styles on various websites this year but knew that I could make such a simple style bag myself. It ended up costing me less than £3 in total. 

Have you tried wearing a new colour this summer? Do light colours put you off? X

Feeling Naughty-cal

What a funny old August we are having. One day its beautiful sunny, summer weather, the next its drab and dreary! With that in mind I thought I would put together an outfit that would suit either types of day.

I got this beautiful anchor skirt from Collectif  a while back but had struggled to do it up. With a recent little weight loss, it now fits a dream. I think I rely on elasticated waistbands too often and a zip up skirt was all a bit new for me! Although no longer being sold in this particular print, they do have some other amazing prints that I have my eye on, especially this one (Here) I just love how girly they make me feel and I can't resist doing the odd twirl. Plus they hide my lily white legs whist still keeping me cool when it's warm. This particular skirt is a light linen type material - hence the mood creasing. 

           So swishy!!

With the skirt, I chose a simple navy cardigan that I wrapped around myself and fastened with a safety pin. I wore this over a thin vest, I then tucked it all into the skirt and wore my Hell Bunny belt over the top to keep in place. The belts are great, not only cheap but come in an array of colours and are a good fit. They can be found here.

 Then if the weather warms up, simply take off the cardigan. Voilà!

My shoes and hair flower were from eBay some time ago. Try Etsy for some really cute hair flowers.

I Totally Own My Crop #rockthecrop

So yet again this week we've seen more body shaming (eye rolls), this time in the U.S. mag The Oprah Magazine. Surprisingly this magazine usually speaks of confidence, female empowerment and the likes so it was quite a shock to this this in an article

To me and countless other women, this is not advise. And if it is, I really hope there are women wise enough to ignore it. Just like the 'beach body ready' campaign, seriously, if you have a body then you can own and wear a crop top. 

Top by Chubby Cartwheels 

Skirt Asos Curve

Shoes Primark

Hat eBay 

Top and skirt both Asos and Asos Curve

Shoes and sunglasses Primark

Bag River Island 

Not one but TWO crop tops in this post alone and I've not hurt anyone! My body, my choice. We need to start standing side by side with our sisters and encouraging them to be the women they choose to be, not tearing them down. X

Bonkers for Bardot pt1

Until recently I had a bit of an issue with bearing my shoulders. Mine are broad, thick and covered in freckles and I really didn't like them in show. Now I think I was a bit of an idiot and love getting them out. So what if they are big and chunky! No different from any other part of me!

So today I'm wearing a recent purchase. This is a Bardot dress by New Look in the Asos Curve range. (Here)

I instantly fell in love with it tropical print and ive been waiting for just the right kind of day to wear it. Like today! 

Paired with some new gold flats from Primark and a hair clip I made, I'm feeling cool and comfortable and a wee bit cute!