A love of Erotique?

I recently spoke about my search for a not-so-bridal trousseaux ... for luxurious silk and lace lingerie that is more 50 Shades than virginal white.  At the time I spoke of Figleaves' Erotique collection, a collection 'Licensed to Thrill' - which is by no means how I would describe it - more licensed to make you squeal with delight at the sheer beauty of the collection!

The add campaign is enough to make you wet your pants ... the bras are sheer, the lace is as fine as a spider's web, and the bodies are scarcely there at all - what more does a girl need to make a partners pulse race (not to mention her own)?

Unfortunately, the collection is beyond me - or more, I'm beyond them.  The cups sizes rarely go above a D and the back sizes are miniscule.  I had entirely ruled any idea of prancing about the honeymoon suite in my scanty-finest.

Until today - when I received and email that they are now going to a size G! I could barely contain my excitement when reading the email - an embarrassing fact when I was sat in meeting room full of colleagues who looked on me with complete bemusement (some in disdain) as I started squirming with excitement in my seat.

The moment I got home (after walking the dog and cooking the husband his dinner - he has a cold and won't move from the sofa) I clicked onto Figleaves and prepared to lust ...  their promises weren't empty ... there are a whole 2 sets that stretch to 36G, but the back size of my favourite, the Illicit Demi, doesn't go above that mere 36inch.

Tease Silk and Lace Demi Padded Bra B-G

Figleaves Boudoir - Illicite Demi Cup B-G Bra

They are, nevertheless, beautiful ... and I will mostly likely be making a purchase of one of these lovelies in the coming weeks, but I was still left disappointed and rather cold at their rather hollow promises of fuller figure lingerie.

Never fear though, my old bed-friend Pour Moi? has bought out a basque that will blow the scanty lace of the Figleaves' Erotique clear out of the bedroom ...

Forbidden Basque by Pour Moi?

Not only is the Forbidden Basque one of the most sensual pieces of affordable lingerie out there today, with the waist band enhancing your curves and the peeping shape of the bra giving a nod to the latest fetish for all things bondage, but it also goes to 40G so you don't need to worry about desperately trying to cram yourself into a basque several sizes to small (come on - we've all tried to do it).

Perhaps Figleaves, a stockist of the Pour Moi? collection, will take notice of their own claim to be the 'ultimate online destination' for lingering of all shapes and size and start to reflect their inclusive policies in their own designs ... after all, why can't a curvy girl wear this ... ?

Maison Close, Chambre des Secrets Cupless Bra

Don't worry though, the luscious mask comes in one size to fit all ...

Aubade, Boite A Desir Gloves & Mask

C x x x

A love affair with pleather

A few days ago I shared my love lust list for the coming autumn/winter season.  Top on my wish was a leather-look skirt and yesterday it arrived!

I cannot get enough of this skirt!  It sits a little lower than I had expected but the length is perfect.  The material flows without being light enough to blow away in the wind - no-one wants one of those Marilyn moments when walking out of the office.   

I paired the skirt with a simple, tight fitted t-shirt in grey with a slight boat neck.  I wore my favourite Carvela patent sling backs for a real 50's feel and a chunky pearl cuff for a bit of sparkle.  I wore simple gold studs and kept my hair sleek and simply to let the skirt do the talking. 

Clockwise from top left:  Peggy Pearl Bracelet by Coast; South Three-Quarter Sleeve Crew Neck Top from Very; 2 x Square Stud Pack by Accessorize; Black Peeptoe Heels by New Look;  Love Label Midi PU Length Skater Skirt from Very.

The leather-look of the skirt let me embrace my inner vamp so I teamed it with dark red nail polish and flash of vampiric red on the lips. 

This look is one of my favourites and will suit all heights and waistlines.  Just remember to keep the top sleek and simple, heels high - the addition of a peep toe gives it an added va-va-voom - and don't be scared to move across to the dark side!

C x

A High Fashion Gown for a Curvaceous Bride

This isn't a wedding blog ... but every girl loves a beautiful bride.

I got married myself in May having spent many an hour obsessing over what I would wear.  From the day my husband proposed I had a clear idea in my head.  I would wear a 1940's gown with lace detailing, pin curl my hair, and wear the most fantastic pair of heels imaginable.

Making my vision happen, wasn't so easy.  By my fourth attempt at dress shopping I was left in tears. Time after time I was told 'You're big, you must wear A-Line,' or 'You have boobs so you need a corset.'  One woman put me in a dress so large that I actually gained ten stone.  I saw dress after dress made for the plus size bride and, although beautiful, they simply weren't me!  When I did see a dress that I loved, I wasn't allowed to try it on because 'they don't make it in your size.'

Clockwise from top left: VW8661 by Venus Woman; Style 3156 Julietta by Mori Lee; Barcelona by Callista; WP240 by White Rose Bridal;   SON 91400 by Sonsie by Veromia.  

I'd all but given up on the idea of having something ethereal made from light fabric and even finer lace.   In fact, I was contemplating not wearing a wedding dress at all!

Eventually, my Maid-of-Honour convinced me to try a designer that had caught my eye from day one, Johanna Hehir.  I'd not even bothered contacting the London based designer as her website didn't mention anything about making dresses for the plus size bride - I was so wrong.  One email and a phone call later and I'd been reassured that they make the most beautiful dresses for all shapes and sizes whether they be long, short, wide, lumpy, or bumpy (my own words).

A fortnight later and I was in their London boutique being pinned into the most beautiful creations I've ever seen.  They may not have stocked samples over a size 12 but they pinned dresses to show me how they would sit on my body and let me prance about in dresses that other bridal stores hadn't even let me glance at.  

I left having fallen in love with a dress that ticked all the boxes and I couldn't have been happier. 

What's even better is that Johanna Hehir isn't the only designer offering high fashion gowns to the curvaceous bride.  

Left to right: Florence by Jenny Packham; Charlotte by Clair Pettibone; Edith by Johanna Hehir.

Claire Pettibone's elfin creations are for brides 'size 14, 16, 18, and up.'  The Los Angeles based designed believes that 'women of all sizes are beautiful, and feel our "real brides" look amazing.'  Pettibone dress can be customised 'to accommodate various body types, so whether you are petite, full busted, or pear shape, we can modify the pattern to your proportions.'   

Kathrine Middleton's favourite, Jenny Packham, also creates her heavily embellished gowns to fit the curvier bride.  In fact, Jenny even sent three plus-size models down the runway in her beautiful gowns earlier in the year. 

So, it looks like the designers are finally realising that hips and ass look just as good in their dresses as the long limbs of the traditional model.  Now, when will the stockists stop making beautiful women like me feel like they can't wear these stunning creations?

I fear we'll have a long wait, but in the meantime feel free to boost my ego and feast your eyes on beautiful Johanna Hehir wedding dress:

The Covet List

Today was the first day of Autumn, and my lord was it chilly this morning ... my big toe felt like it was going to drop off in my patent peep toes!

So, with the weather on the turn and the nights drawing in, I thought it was the perfect time to share my A/W wish list with y'all.

I love black - not because its slimming (although it is) but because its chic.  But my wardrobe is already filled with black shift dresses, pencil skirts, and cigarette pants so this season I decided to mix it up a bit by playing with textures and hues - think leather, velvet, and oxblood with gold embellishments.

Top on my list is a leather skirt (or a leather-look skirt if my budget won't allow).

Clockwise from Left: Love Label Midi PU Length Skater Skirt from Very; Jeffrey & Paula Midi Skirt from SimplyBe; ASOS Tall Pencil Skirt in Leather Look from ASOS; Definitions Leather Full Skirt from Very.

I've actually already ordered the Love Label midi skirt today (it's in the Very sale for a whole £14.50 so how's a girl to say no?).  I love the high waist and soft folds which will really enhance any girls waist and give a nod to an hourglass figure.   I plan to wear this with chunky heels and a slim fitting t-shirt tucked into the waist band.

SimplyBe's Pu Midi Skirt is amazing.  The soft shine on the material makes it a perfect piece for the evening and it goes from size 14 - 32.  The red leather-look skirt by ASOS is a must! It's part of ASOS's tall range, so if you're over 5ft10 (like me) then the portions will be perfect for you -no more hips sticking out where your thighs should start).



A must for any wardrobe come October is a pair of killer knee-high boots - and with these, I struggle year on year, especially if I want to be able to fit warm, wooly socks underneath let alone a pair of skinny jeans.  Lucky for us, this season brings a wealth of boots that are both on trend and come in a curvy calf.

Clockwise from left: Van Dal High Leg Boots from Curvissa; Bassey Platform knee-high boots from Duo Boots; Legroom Quilted High Leg Boot from Simply Be; Legroom Leather Boot with Gold Details from The Shoe Tailor.

The gold details on the Legroom Leather boots is to die for.  These boots will look great over skinny jeans and they have a block heel that means you can walk all day.  My favourites are the Oxblood Bassey boots from Duo - they tick every box on my A/W wishlist and I've already earmarked them as a Christmas present from my husband.  I'll be spending January in Canada for conferences and business meeting so these knee-high boots will keep me warm whilst looking stylish.  They'll go with everything from sharply tailored suits to my staple wear-to-work dress of a stylish wrap dress.


I love tailored trousers and my wardrobe is full of a variety of styles but all are in black, charcoal, or grey.  This year, I'm determined to go wild and buy a splash of colour (well, almost).

Clockwise from Left:  Tapered turn up trousers from La Redoute; Bright Blue Trousers from Next; ASOS Cigarette Trousers in Crepe from ASOS; Fearne Cotton Slim Leg Cropped Trousers from Very.

I plan on keeping the cut simple and slim as billows of brightly coloured material isn't really me.  The oxblood cigarette pants from ASOS will look great worn with a black camisole and a tailored blazer and I would love to wear the orange, cropped trousers with sky-high heels and a sheer blouse for a night out drinking cocktails with the girls.

The perfect top to accompany either my leather skirt or bright coloured trousers has to be a bardot body.  I love the scoop neckline and fitted form of these tops -  I think there's nothing sexy than a woman's collar bone and I love showing mine off.

Clockwise from top left: New Look Bardot Top from ASOS; South Three-Quarter Sleeve Bardot Top from Very; Short Sleeve Bardot Top from Matalan;  New Look Inspire Half Sleeve Bardot Top from ASOS.

I'll be topping off this season's wardrobe must have with a few essential accessories - an oversized hat, the furriest scarf imaginable, and a whole pile of golden jewellery.

Clockwise from top left: Mixed Mesh Bracelet Pack from Evans; Dark red oversized fedora hat from River Island; Vixen Tippet from Accessorize;  ASOS Curve enamel arrow ring multipack from ASOS.

Check back later in the week if you want to see the leather skirt in action.

A/W Trends - The Curvy Sixties

On Sunday I shared my love of the 60s and the thrill I felt when the likes of Louis Vuitton and Emilio Pucci bedecked their models in 60s inspired trends.

Since then I have used every excuse possible to channel my inner Twiggy ... and this is what I've been wearing.

One of my favourite skirts plays perfect homage to this trend.  The bold geometric pattern and simple cut make the skirt perfect with knee highs and opaque tights.  I found this skirt in the sale at Monsoon a few months back and it has quickly become a staple of my wardrobe.  Seen above,  I've paired the skirt with a sheer shirt with a pussy bow and chandelier earrings.  Camisole tops and simple t-shirts also look great tucked into this great little skirt. 

The boots seen above are from New Look several years ago.  The ruffled leather is great for hiding my huge calves and, being from New Look, there is an extra few inches in the width that means I can wear thick tights beneath without losing circulation. 

I bardot necklines and I have the ASOS body pictured above in several different colours.  It's such a versatile top and looks great with skirts and trousers.  

Opaque tights are must when it comes to the sixties look.  The dark red tights worn in the top right pictures are great when teamed with a black dress and the black thigh-high boots from Next.   These tights are from Tesco and come in grey and black as well.  The L-XL size is perfect for my long legs and wide hips so are really a must for any curvy girls out there - they also last and rarely snag! 

So, who say's a girl with curves can't pull of the 60s look?  Keep lines simple, patterns bold, and boots high.  Big earrings, sleek hair, extravagant eyes, and nude lips are all that's needed to complete the look. 

C x 

A/W Trends - The Swinging Sixties

Back in spring the fashion world dictated what we should be wearing as the nights draw in and Autumn descends.  As hesitant as I am that anyone should dictate what I should or shouldn't wear, I have to say that this year I am delighted!

The Sixties are back - and my God have the fashion houses bought back mini skirts and knee high boots in style!

Left to Right: Betsey Johnson, Louis Vuitton, Emilio Pucci, Miu Miu, Tory Burch

I have always loved the Sixties. Twiggy's iconic image lined the walls of my university digs and I have spent many an hour swaying to The Velvet Underground and 13th Floor Elevators.  Even now, I spend my work hours trying to contain the seat-giggling as The Beatle's blast through my headphones.

Yes - I love the Sixties - short skirts, high boots, bouffant hair, and extravagant eyes ... what isn't to love?  

Unfortunately, Sixties fashion doesn't always love me.  Boxy shift dresses hide my curves and finding knee-high boots that fit over chunky calves can be troublesome to say the least.  High necklines make my boobs looker bigger - a department I really don't need any help with - and polo necks make my head look like its floating above a sea of knitwear.  

But I've never been one to back down from a challenge and I'm determined to make this season's 60s revival work for me and my curves - and it seems the high street has the same idea! 

Clockwise from top left: Check collarless coat, Next; Kelly Brook Texture Dress, Simply Be; Odette Flocked Fabric Boxy Shell Top, Boohoo.com; Asta Knee-high stiletto boot, Duo; Navy and Black Check Skirt, Dorothy Perkins; T-Shirt in Mono Photographic Floral, ASOS Curve.

Kelly Brook's new range for Simply Be ticks all the right buttons.  Her Texture dress in monochrome gives a perfect nod to the 60s with its mini skirt and rounded neckline and the cinched in waist means your figure won't be swamped.  Pair sleek hair, stacked heels, and a smokey eye for real 60s sophistication.  Even better - this dress goes to a size 24.

High on my A/W wish list is the navy and black check mini skirt by Dorothy Perkins.  I can't wait to prance about the office in this flirty little skirt paired with opaque tights, knee-high boots and a sheer white shirt.  The skirt is a steal at only £18 and ranges from size 6 - 22. 

Port zip front crepe dress, Wallis

Another piece that is soon to be hitting my wardrobe is this port shift with zip detailing from Wallis.   the simple shape is the perfect nod to the sixties but the v-neck means my chest won't dominate the day.  It's a truly versatile piece and will look great in the office with dark tights and boots or with bare legs and court shoes for evenings.  I'll keep my hair simple and sleeked back in a high-pony tail and wear slim, chandelier earrings to lengthen my neck and give myself a long, sleek silhouette.  

I'll post pictures of myself in this dress as soon as it arrives so be sure to check back! 

As for 60's styling in pieces I already own ... well, this week I'll be channelling my inner Twiggy (with curves) and showcasing outfits that hit this trend in every possible way. 

Don't forget to check back.

C x

A not-so-Bridal Trousseaux

I'm going to Mauritius!  This new mantra drives my friends insane ... but it's my honeymoon so I'll gloat away!

My husband and I didn't have a steamy wedding night - we stayed at my Mum's house and pretty much passed out with exhaustion after dancing for hours on end - so I can't wait to surprise him with a suitcase full of the most wonderfully sexy lingerie a girl can find.  

My excitement at the prospective of barely-there lace and fine silk only grew when I discovered Dita Von Teese has a lingerie range being sold at ye old faithfuls, Figleaves and ASOS.    

Clockwise from left: Savoir fitted chemise; Madame X longline bra; Man Catcher Bra, Suspender and Briefs; Madame X underwired bra.   

Miss Von Teese, famous for having 'axed' skinny models, has always been a strong spokesperson for us 'curvaceous women and fuller-figured girls,' so I'd be right in thinking that her latest collections would make a welcome addition to my less-than-virginal trousseaux.  I was sorely disappointed!

The lingerie is beautiful but the sizing is as pint-sized as the burlesque star herself.  The cup size maxes out a measly DD and you'll be lucky to find matching bottoms in size 16 (they do go to a size 16 but they sold out within minutes and there are no plans to restock).   There is simply no chance my 36GGs would fit - let alone my size 18 hips. 

Slightly disheartened, I nevertheless persevered - what girl wouldn't go to a bit of effort to dress like a burlesque star for a fortnight? 

With Dita's own range of lingerie thrown cleanly out the window, I got searching for equally beautiful pieces that come more realistic sizes.  

Clockwise from top left: Ritzy Babydoll by Curvy Kate; Addicted half-cup bra by Pour Moi?; Lola Luxe basque by Bravissimo; Retrolution by Gossard; Sienna full support balconette by Beautiful by Boux; Tiffany bra, suspender, and brief by Maquerade.

Curvy Kate, the buxom-gal's favourite, is always top of the game when it comes to sexy lingerie built to support and flatter the larger chest.  They start at D cup and go to a K so you'd be hard not to find  something here.   Top of my wish list is their Ritzy Babydoll in a sultry red -  I can certainly see myself floating about our hotel room in this!

Rertolution by Gossard is also a must when it comes to channelling you're inner siren - I've always been drawn to red!  It will also double up as amazing control for under slinky pencil dresses.  Unfortunately, the ranges maxes out at an E cup but their other designs go to a 38G and their pants go to a roomy 18.  

Pour Moi? Say's it all.  A staple in my lingerie wardrobe - yes, I have a whole wardrobe devoted to my lingerie fetish - the oh-so affordable brand is a must when it comes to appropriately sized basques and lacy bras. The Addicted range evokes images of smokey jazz clubs with scantily clad ladies, scarlet lips, and pin curled hair.  Roll on pay-day .... 

Thanks to the lingerie designers who embrace curves my wardrobe is now brimming with beautiful pieces in my favourite colours of scarlet, black, and deep purple.  I may have even added an set of electric blue to the mix!   All I need now is November to come ... and maybe these wonderful designers to ditch the skinny models and fill their creations with us buxom beauties! 

C x

Welcome!

I have an ass. 

I don’t mean to be crude, but it’s true. 

I also have boobs, rather large cumbersome things that frequently get in the way.  I have thighs, a tummy, and shoulders like a rugby player. 

I’m a size 16 – 18 with a size 12-14 waist and I’m 5ft10.  Finding clothes is a nightmare!  Trousers and mini skirts are too short, blazers barely fit my shoulders, and pencil dresses are tight everywhere except my waist where they gape like a kangeroo’s pouch.  

But I love fashion!  And fashion loves me – mostly!  I don’t see why my size and shape means I can’t keep up with the trends.  Nor do I see why I should shop in frumpy catalogue stores who believe a girl over a size 16 should ignore style and class in favour of badly fitting trousers and billowing blouses that hide any assets a girl has.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a blouse  - as long as it’s sheer, or tailored, or more sexy librarian fantasy than big tent.  And that’s why I’m writing this blog – so that girls out there can feel good about their curves, their love handles, their dimpled thighs, and their bingo wings - come-on, we all have them whether we’re a size 8 or a size 24, but that doesn’t mean you should only wear clothes that cover them!

So lets defy the rules that state you should only ever be seen in empire line if you have a large chest with a defined waist and lets embrace the trends that people say we shouldn’t wear – why can’t I wear patterned cigarette pants if I have large thighs?

Check in regularly for my fashion loves and hates and also add my pinterest account to see those items I covet and my daily outfit inspiration.  I'll be scouring the shops and letting you know where you can find clothes that look and make you feel awesome no matter what you're shape or size!

C x