The not-so covered one-piece

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It may be chilly outside causing you to spend the weekend dragging out those winter woolies from under the bed - but now is the time to be looking ahead to next year and stocking up on beautiful swimwear whilst its discounted in the end of season sales - especially if you plan to head off for some winter-sun come February.

Never one to miss out on a bargain, I frequently brave baring my pasty legs (even if it is only in the privacy of my chilly spare bedroom) and  buy my swimwear in October.  This year, its been even more important as I'm lucky enough to be going on a belated honeymoon in a little over two weeks time.

I like to swim - and I don't mean the kind of swimming that involves keeping your hair dry!  Because of my love of impersonating a blue whale, I always feel it wise to take a posing/practical swimsuit away with me.

Sophina by Figleaves, Britt Underwired Bandeau Belted Tummy Control Suit

I featured this little number a few weeks ago in me sale edits and now I have it!  

I ordered a 36G having read a review saying that it comes true to size.  Unfortunately, it barely went around me.  I normally vary between a 34GG/H and a 36G/GG - but the back wouldn't go around me, even with the husband attempting to clip me in.  The cups were generous and would have fitted beautifully if only the back would fit. 

I was sorely disappointed but not entirely put off.  The 38G came today and I'm glad to say, It FITS!!!  I may have a done a small leap of joy at this.  I love how this swimsuit makes me feel - my waist feels minuscule and my tummy flat.  The leg cuts a little higher than I normally like but I'm 5ft10 so most swimsuits sit higher.

With straps I'll be able to flip about the pool like a playful seal before discarding them for some serious tanning time (I refuse to have strap marks).  I love the keyhole back and the belt really does accentuate my curves.

Without straps, there isn't much support and the top of the cup gapes slightly.  It has adequate support for propping up the bar or lounging on a deck chair - but I certainly won't brave playing volleyball without the straps!

That said, I feel this swimsuit does everything you need for heading to more tropical climates.  I'll definitely be prancing about a poolside in Mauritius in this number (and flopping about like a seal in the pool).

Priced at £40 in the sale, this suit may not be a bargain - but to me it's worth every penny.

C x x

The LBD Edit

I hate to say it - but it's almost Christmas!

I got my first winter cold this week - which is always a sign that the season's festivities are quickly approaching.

Yes, it will soon be time for endless parties requiring a plethora of LBDs and make up thick enough to hide the bags bought on from too much champagne, the spots from bad food, and the sallow skin from trawling the internet late at night to find the perfect (and last-minute) present for the mother-in-law.

With Christmas comes the ugly, (Granny snoring after too much sherry), the bad (the itchy looking jumper that your secret santa sniggers when buying), and the good - the Little Black Dress!

Yet not every one feels this way about the LBD - which surprised me as in a recent wardrobe clear out I realised that over half my space is taken up by variations on an LBD.    I was even more shocked when a friend uttered the words 'black is boring' only to a round of agreeing nods and another friend claiming that 'once you've seen one you've seen them all - I mean, don't get me wrong, they're great for funerals!'

I was astounded!  And never one to let things lie, I set about finding the most amazing LBDs on the market fit for a Curvy Girl.

From Office to Cocktails

Clockwise from left: Lipstick Boutique Plus Fitted Dress with Mesh Details from ASOS; Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Colour in Heart; Finesse Rose Gold Swarovski Crystal Pom Pom Stud Earrings from John Lewis; ASOS PANDA Wide Fit High Heels.
   

This LBD is amazingly demure and sexy all at once.  With a black blazer is can be worn through the office with flat pumps through the day before throwing on a pair of red stilettos and matching lipstick to transform this dress into an evening wonder.  Who doesn't love an illusion neckline?

Keep jewellery to a minimum with sparkly studs and dare to go bare and reveal those pins (or at least wear nude tights to pretend at daring).

Dare to Bare?

Clockwise from top left: Chain in Mesh Bar Necklace from New Look; What Me? Strapless Peplum Dress from The Curve; Juliet Nude Patent from Office; Deco Shape Moulded Strapless Longline Bra from Figleaves.

If, like me, you have more than bouncing bosoms, then strapless is more than a bit problematic.  Think back to trying to dance in your strapless prom dress with cheap boning digging into you and the constant need to hitch the top up to prevent any unfortunate incidents.

Luckily, strapless bras are improving all time and Freya's latest Deco bra in longline is, quite frankly, a wonder!  Wearing this little bra means the amazing strapless dress from The Curve is more than feasible - after all, who doesn't love to bare a bit of shoulder?

Keep your look simple and let your skin do the talking (remember to polish the day before to ensure a dewy radiance and use a perfumed moisturiser to give a subtle sheen).  The flirty peplum means your curves will already be highlighted an a slim gold necklace will draw everyone's attention to those beautiful exposed collarbones - dream!

The Classic Cocktail Hour

Clockwise from left: Tiziana Tapestry Knee Length Dress from Monsoon;  Gold tone circle necklace from River Island;  Mixed Gold Glitter Clutch Bag from Dorothy Perkins; Carvela Kimberly Platform Peep Toe Court Shoes from House of Fraser.

You can't beat a classic black pencil dress - the gold leaf pattern makes this dress Monsoon dress all the more wow.  Pair with high black courts like these beautiful Carvela pumps - I love the gold heel and platform and Carvela shoes come with padded soles so you won't need to kick them off for dancing later in the evening! 

A long line necklace finishing in a small pendant if perfect for lengthening the neck and making you look oh-so-staturesque in this beautiful ensemble.

A Flirty Affair

Clockwise from left: Chi Chi Mia Dress; Pewter High Strappy Sandals from Dorothy Perkins;  Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Supreme Style from MAC.

This Chi Chi Mia dress says it all - cute, flirtatious, sexy, and whimsical!  Keep a ballerina skirt as the centrepiece and pair with simple sandals and a soft lipstick.  

Doesn't the keyhole back just cream 'Look at me'? Wow!

...

Now tell me, are LBDs still boring?

C x

Savvy shopping ... the sales are on!

It's October  - which means the sales are on!

With prices slashed it's often tempting to blow your latest pay check on frivolous items that you wouldn't buy if it weren't for the massive red '75% off' sticker.

We've all done it - the rush of over-excitement as you dash to the till with last season's must-have item for a mere £10 instead of £70 only for the thing to gather dust at the back of your wardrobe before being sent to the charity shop two years down the line.

In a recent wardrobe clear-out I was shocked at just how many of these items I owned ... I mean a sheer sequin-embellished crop top, what the hell was I thinking?

So this season I've gone all savvy and will only be buying those crucial items that have been top of my wish list for some months now ... and that will carry me through winter and into spring.

Clockwise from left: ASOS TALL Exclusive Midi Skirt in Scuba; ASOS Crop Top with Long Sleeves and Turtle Neck - Duck Egg Blue; ASOS Crop Top with Long Sleeves and Turtle Neck - Baby Blush. 

I've had my eye on a white midi skirt for some time - in a heavy scuba material, the skirt can be worn with knee-high boots and a jumper through winter before switching to bare legs and brogues come spring.

The turtle neck crop tops will be perfect of layering up for the colder months and can be worn on their own when warmer seasons hit - I really doubt the current crop trend will be going anywhere.

A swimsuit is always a good investment during autumn.  Go classic and buy something that will be perfect for any winter spa days as well as look amazing on a beach come spring.   I'm lucky enough to be heading for some winter sun this year so will be buying this chic black swimsuit from Figleaves.

Britt Underwired Baneau Belted Tummy by Sophina by Figleaves. 

I love the wearability of this swimsuit - the optional straps mean it will be prefect for an early morning swim.  I can then remove the straps for soaking up the sun and trying to get an amazing tan. The belted tummy will certainly show off an hourglass figure and it has a keyhole back which I'm obsessed with - who doesn't like a peeping flash of flesh?


With Christmas fast approaching (small squeak of eek at the thought of trying to find a suitable present for my in-laws) a party dress is high on any girls list.  This season, prints and pastels are big so you can easily wear a summer dress to the office Christmas party - just switch sandals for courts and a shawl for a sharply fitted blazer.

ASOS CURVE Exclusive Pencil Dress in Mixed Floral Print from ASOS

The scuba fabric of this dress means its figure hugging whilst hiding a multitude of sins and certain to flatter any curvy girl's figure.  The floral print is bold and vibrant enough to make heads turn without being too tropical looking and this is certainly the kind of dress that can be pulled out of the wardrobe for years to come.

My other sale picks feature a figure-enhancing under slip, a floral skater skirt, and a wear-everywhere red dress, and a brightening top to wear with a sleek pair of cigarette pants ...

Clockwise from top left: ASOS TALL Cigarette Trousers in Crepe from ASOS; HEPTUNE top from Coast; MAGISCULPT Shaping Underbust Full Slip from Simply Be; Red Lace Waffle Dress from Dorothy Perkins; Definitions Palm Print Scuba Skirt from Very.

Oh, and a pair of heels ... no sales are complete without a new pair of shoes ... and these will be perfect of the upcoming party season.

JAMIE by Carvela from Kurt Geiger

So, what are your sale picks?

C x

Oh, what a night ... dancing, cocktails, and a flirtatious little outfit ...

Everyone loves a girl's night ... and with only one day left at work (small leap of joy), many of you will be making plans for the weekend and I hope those plans involve cocktails, high heels, and a splash of lipstick.

Unfortunately, mine don't!  Mine will consist of wellies, wax jackets, and a brood of manic spaniels trashing my house.  Luckily, my need for glamour was satisfied last weekend which was spent wandering the hall's of Oxford's Vintage Fair before dinner, cocktails, and dancing with the girls.

Playing with accessories at the Lou Lou's Vintage Fair - Oxford

Think Pink!

This month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to help raise money Curvy Girl's favourite, Curvy Kate, has partnered with Figleaves to create a 'thought-provoking new bra'.  

Coppafeel! MouldedSmoothie Bra by Curvy Kate

Not only is this bra cute, wildly flirtatious, and just begging for someone to 'CoppaFeel' - it is also raising money for a great cause with £1 from every bra sold being donated to the charity aiming to raise awareness of breast cancer.

But what other wildly coquettish bra's are on the market that fit the brief of sugar-plum pink for girls over a DD cup?

Left to right: Sculptresse Chi Chi Full Cup Bra from Simply Be; Lily Bra by Cleo from Bravissimo.

The high-waisted briefs of Sculptresse's Chi Chi lingerie set give a playful nod to the fifties - and who doesn't love a bit of leopard print.

By far my favourite is the candy colours of the Lily Bra by Cleo which evokes fantastical images of flying around a carousel with candy floss in hand and a straw boater balanced on my head - I may have watched Mary Poppins a few too many times as a kid!

Left to Right: Henrietta satin and lace balconette bra from Boux Avenue; Carmen Rose Mix by Curvy Kate.

Boux Avenue's satin lace balconette just screams to be stroked - and no one would blame you for pairing this with a devilishly low cut top to reveal a flash of that sultry lace!

Another Curvy Kate creation is high on the hit list when it comes to amorous pinks, the Carmen Rose Mix has enough lace detailing to satisfy the most flirtatious of lingerie lovers and the long line of the bra is worthy of any pin-up girl.

So, in honour of all the women everywhere who have suffered from this dreadful disease, Think Pink and dally in the latest pink bra's  - and don't forget to donate!

For the love of a one piece ...

For the past few seasons have seen the rise and rise of the one piece, whether its Next's playful onsie pyjamas or a high-fashion jumpsuit worn by curvy girl Kristina Hendricks - we just can't get away from the one piece.

Picture taken from the Daily Mail

Cream embossed star all-in-one from Next

But, if like me you have burgeoning hips, a long torso, or shapely thighs, then you may have shied away from this latest craze - I know I have!

Yet, I have been converted!

A fortnight ago I purchased a simple black jumpsuit with a bandeau top and a wide leg - I fell in love instantly.  Not only was the waist cinched like a pin up but the trousers were long enough for me to wear my trademark stonking heels!

ASOS Bandeau Jumpsuit with Wide Leg

I think this jumpsuit is one of the most versatile things I own.  Paired with a smart blazer and heels it's great for work; come summer (as far away as that may be) it will ceaselessly chic with sandals and a oversized floppy hat.  I can even dress it up for nights out with a chunky belt, a gold chocker and flash of vixen red lipstick.

I love the jumpsuit so much that I rushed out and bought the playsuit version ...

ASOS Tall Bandeau Playsuit

I wore this to work today with opaque tights, a long white blazer and skinny belt but it's going to be great as a quick and easy cover up when I head off to Mauritius for some November sun.  

Needless to say, I'll be making the most of this jumpsuit craze - see below to get inspiration from my one piece edits!

At the office ...

Team a simple jumpsuit in a classic shape with a sharply tailored blazer and a masculine watch!

Clockwise from top left: South Mix and Match Jacket from Very; ASOS Curve Exclusive Halterneck Jumpsuit from ASOS; Rose Gold Bracelet Watch from Oasis; Inspire Gold Triple Hoop Belt from New Look

Drinking cocktails with the girls ... 

Pair lace details with killer heels and vibrant accessories worthy of the finest cocktail bar.

Clockwise from Left: Lace Top Playsuit from SimplyBe; Red Tab Front Crossbody Bag from Dorothy Perkins; Cut-Out Drop Earrings from Topshop; Red High Vamp Cut Out Platform Heels from New Look

A formal affair ...

Go bold with a statement colour in a classic shape - keep the jewellery minimal and the heels high ... 

Clockwise from Left: Definitions Jersey Jumpsuit from Very; August Woods Rose Gold Collar Necklace from Argento; Glance Shoes from Kurt Geiger.

So, will you brave the jumpsuit trend?  Go on, give it a try!

C x