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Christmas Sale Wish Lists

After an excess of food, champagne, parties and general gluttony, I love nothing more than spending my evening curled up on the sofa, tea in hand whilst I peruse the post-Christmas sales.  
There is nothing more gratifying than being able to shop when your hair is resembling a hedgehog and you're still make-up-less in your pjs ... 
Now, there are only a few items that I'm tempted by so far, but I thought I would share my top five with you as they are really quite marvellous  ...

The Curvy Girl Christmas Wardrobe

I have posted many styled posts lately - where I have worn the dress as if I were going our despite it being a Sunday morning in my garden (this is very much the life of a blogger).  When I do dress up to go out, I'm normally on such a tight schedule that I don't have time to document what I'm wearing.  
I thought I would rectify this, slightly, and have taken the time to take pictures of some of my Christmas outfits over the past few weeks.  Unfortunately, I didn't manage to snap them all!  Some of these are selfies or poor mirror shots so I apologise in advance for the lack of quality.

Bra-Humbug: Time to trade in your Bra with Simply Be*

We all have them - those dirty little secrets that lie hidden at the bottom of your underwear draw! The bra with bent hooks, ill fitting cups, or worn straps that, for some inexplicable reason, we can't quite bring ourselves to get rid of.  We even wear it sometimes (when no-one is likely to see).  The lovely ladies at Simply Be contacted me asking me to talk about my own hidden lingerie atrocity - my very own Bra-Humbug! 

All That Glitters - a plus sized party dress from Pink Clove

Sometimes, a girl just needs to sparkle! 

Tutti Rouge Betty Review*

Tutti Rouge, the wonderful lingerie company that makes 'Beautiful Bras for Curvy Girls', kindly sponsored my under garments for my recent night out at the plus size awards.  
I had already purchased the Jessica (you can read my review here) and, although in love with many of their piece, there was one set I was desperate to try ... the Betty - with it's bold floral pattern and ruffled lace details it really was top on my Tutti hit list!

Christmas PJ's

Christmas mornings are for shredding open presents surrounded by family! This year, this will be done at my Mother-in-Laws so I'm guessing my usual skimpy night dress and barely there robe are appropriate for the occasion. 
This means only one thing, I need some Christmas PJs! 

Adolescent Clothing All I Want for Christmas T'Shirt from ASOS

Classic Winter Dressing for the Plus Size Gal

I spoke recently about how I'm loving classic, striped back dressing - the kind of clothes and lines that will never go out of fashion but can be transformed through accessorising.   
This Elvi Black Lace Shift Dress is just that! 

Festive Dressing with Phase Eight*

Nothing days Christmas more than a red dress.  I think it's safe to say that I am obsessed with red all year round, but add Christmas to the equation and they really are perfection! 

British Plus Size Awards*

Being nominated for Best New Blog at the British Plus Size Awards was a complete honour for me!  I never thought people would ever read my blog - let alone nominate me for an award.  

Have you been good this year? Christmas Lingerie Wishlist!

Santa Baby, slip a little lingerie under the tree for me ... Oh yes, it's that time of year again.  In my mind, lingerie and Christmas come in hand in hand - this may be because I met my husband Christmas eve but it's more likely because I love to wrap myself up as a present come the festive season.   This is my christmas lingerie wish list, it is not practical ... a more practical, lingerie solution post will follow ... this is pure indulgence!

Plus Size Party Wear with Curvissa*

I'm really liking simple, elegant, timeless dressing at the moment.  Nearly everything I have purchased lately has been classic lines: pencil skirts, tailored blazers, shift dresses and a-line skirts.   Nearly all have also been black, meaning many recent selfies have had a floating head syndrome going on - just check out my Instagram if you don't believe me.   When Curvissa asked me to review one of their dresses from the party wear range, I naturally went for a classic shift that would last forever. 

Plus Size LBD from Dorothy Perkins Curve

DP Curve have got more than few things right in their collection and this astoundingly beautiful, demure, & sophisticated party dress is just one of them!

A Plus Size Christmas Jumper

So I think we can safely say that it's Christmas - I've been drinking mulled cider for a week or two, the garden centres are bedecked with tinsel, and every shop I went in on a shopping spree yesterday was blasting the corniest Christmas songs there are.

 

Yes - Christmas is here ... and so are Christmas jumpers!

 

 

Sparkles & Pleather - Plus Size Attire from House of Fraser*

For me, the Christmas season is time for pretty dress, faux fur, and plenty of sparkles.  My wardrobe, if you haven't already gathered, is packed full of pretty party dresses and my usual go-to little black dresses.

 

But, occasionally, there are parties that don't require a formal gown but something a little more laid back.  I'm talking sat drinking mulled wine in front of the fire in gastro pub.  You want some sparkle and some luxury without the full on  ball gown.   This top from House of Frasers plus size line, Label Lab, is just perfect for these occasions.

 

 

 

Black Tie & Event Wear with Bon Prix*

I love an excuse to get dolled up to the nines!  
Every year I have at least one or two black tie events to attend that really allow me to go all out in the fashion stakes so when Bon Prix offered me a dress from their party range, I just had to chose the most extravagant dress on offer. 

Plus Size Lingerie from Sculptresse - Pure Lace Review*

A Christmas Cookbook ...

A few weeks ago, when talking to Sculptresse by Panache about some product reviews, I mind a bit of typo.  I was talking about my Christmas Lookbooks when my computer kindly autocorrected the sentence to Christmas Cookbooks and so I just had to do some shoots of cooking in my lingerie! 

A Plus Size Christmas with Studio 8*

For those who don't know I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!! This year, I have a lot of parties to go to so I'm going to need some decent party dresses to see me through to New Year and at least on of these HAS to be red. 

Saucy Curves with Tutti Rouge - Jessica Review

I'm in love with Tutti Rouge - their entire damn collection is to die for.   
Flirty prints, luxurious materials, and bold colour combinations seem to be the brands trademark  - not to mention the bubbly models, did people see how amazing Felicity Hayward looked when shooting for them earlier this year?

Preppy Perfection with DP Curve

When dresses become tunics ... 

If you haven't heard the Dorothy Perkins has launched a Curve collection, then you've been living under a rock! 
The plus size blog-osphere seems to have gone a little crazy over them since launching a month or two ago - and I can really see why.   A series of pretty skater dresses and chic workwear solutions, the range is very much welcomed for a girl who spends most of her life in an office. 
There are many items in the range that I could happily absorb into my wardrobe, but by far my favourite was the Monochrome Dog Tooth Tunic Dress.   

A Plus-Size (Almost) Little Black Dress

It's November, so I can officially say it: CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!
The next two months are filled with endless dinner dates, drinks with friends, fancy parties and black tie events.  This means my wardrobe gets a real rollicking and a new little black dress is always a welcome addition to see me through the winter months and this marble and black print dress from Elvi is a new take on the season's LBD. 

Jameela Jamil for Simply Be

It's not very often that I go a little big gaga over a celebrity fashion range - too many play is safe and fail to enthuse the clothes with the celebrities character.  
The Jameela Jamil range from Simply Be does not fall into this category!  In fact, I don't think there is a single item in the range that I wouldn't snap up if money allowed. 
Unfortunately, I can only afford one - and it had to be the Ponte Midi Dress.

Wide Leg Pants

I'm in love with high-waisted, wide-leg pants: there is something very elegant about them.  They make me think of the incredibly modern women of the early twentieth century who were the first to stroll about in mens trousers and, quite frankly, looked better in them than the men they were made for.  
Last year I invested in a black pair for work - this year, I'm going for a deep red!

Scantilly in Noir

Scantilly - the seductive, luxurious, naughty sister of Curvy Kate. 
How could I not salivate at the thought of decadent materials with a hint of the erotic coming in at sizes DD - HH?  I had been dizzy with excitement since hearing about the launch of this exciting new range earlier in the year and I was not disappointed!

A Country Tweed

A few weeks ago I posted my Autumn Wishlist.  Top of the wish list was a heritage inspired blazer, a neutral toned tweed with sharp tailoring as suitable for wondering about the Cotswolds as it is for the office.   One of my featured jackets got added to the sale just a few days later, so it would have been rude not buy it, right? 

Finding flat shoes for a girl obsessed with heels ...

I like heels - the more impractical my shoes, the better!
Unfortunately, a recent illness has left my left leg rather screwed.  The physio wants me to wear a splint when on uneven ground (this involves wearing walking boots) and to stick flats and my crutches when in the office. 

My, my over-worn boots, and the pooch. 

The problem?  I own a grand two pairs of flat shoes! One is pair of knee-high, leather, chained boots - the others are slip on ballet pumps used for skipping to the gym at lunch time, they are scuffed, unsupportive and don't really go with any outfit I own. 
Guess this means I need to go shopping, and here are my top picks! 

Autumnal Dressing with New Look Inspire*

As the weather cools, the first thing I do is reach for a tailored jacket - those of you who follow me on social media will know that recent weeks have been swamped with an assortment of the things!
So, when New Look asked me to pick out a few items from their autumn/winter Inspire range, a tailored jacket was always going to be high on the list. 

A solution lingerie debacle ...

Finding solution lingerie when over a DD cup is pretty much damn impossible!   Strapless bras (that actually support) are few and far between, most good shapewear seems to stop at a size 16, and low back solutions are virtually none existent. 
Given this, its no surprise that I got more than a little bit excited when I saw an Ultimo Fuller Bust Backless Body on Figleaves. 

Suede Effect - Autumn/Winter Dressing with New Look Inspire*

Just in case you hadn't notice from my Autumn/Winter wishlist, I'm a wee bit preoccupied with the 70s trend this year.  So when New Look Inspire offered to send me some clothes from their Autumn/Winter collection, my first choice was obvious! 

Picture perfect in ASOS Curve

We appear to have sunshine! 
I am so glad because I bought the most beautiful ASOS Curve dress before getting ill and was scared I'd missed my chance to wear it.  I hated the thought of saving it for next summer cause it is one of the most beautifully fitted dresses I have bought all year!

A Curvy Girl's 5 Key Pieces for A/W

I'm no longer walking around the house in silk short shorts and scrappy camisoles - I've retreated to golf socks and a wooly dressing gown.  This means Autumn is here! 
This also means I retreat into dark inky clothing with the odd jewel tone thrown in to prove I'm not a complete convert of the gothic!  I've already dug out my pleather leggings and polished the dust off last winters black leather knee-highs but what items should I invest in this year? 

Enter Elomi*

I'm typically one for sticking to brands that I know fit me well and suit my style and shape - this is never more true than with lingerie.   My lingerie wardrobe is full of the same brands, colours, and even shapes - I mean, why upset a tested formula?  Then I found Elomi; sister brand to DD+ favourites Freya and Fantasie, the range is soaked in old school glamour with strong, classic lines and subtle detailing in collections that often run to a generous K cup.  

Imogen by Elomi

Outfit August

I think I've been in a wee bit of a rut, wearing the same outfit to work over and over again cause I know it works.  Essentially, I've lost my workwear mojo. 
To challenge this, I'm trying to use my wardrobe(s) more effectively, to wear items that are rarely worn and get rid of those that I simply don't want to see on my body.  Then I saw Leah's Outfit August challenge and thought 'that will get my lazy butt kicked into gear'.  
The idea is to enjoy getting dressed, to get creative with your outfits, and re-explore your wardrobe.  Throughout August I'm going to try and revive old items from my wardrobe and document these to share with you all.  I will post once a week with what I have worn and any little stories behind it! 

Saturday/Sunday

Being more Zen with Curvesome Yoga

I made a promise, some months ago, to do more yoga & meditation.   I began with good intentions but very quickly life issues,  poor health & a busy work schedule, put a real dampener on my efforts.   Its daft really, at a time when I'm losing control of my left side (my neuro-receptors are on strike), the one thing that will help me is to keep active and learn to use my body - instead I have been all too keen to bury myself away beneath my duvet.  
Then I saw the Curvesome Yoga 30 day challenge, organised by Donna Noble, floating around Facebook and thought, 'Heck! Lets give it a go!'

Sculptresse Flirtini

Sometimes, every girl needs a flirt!  And what is more flirty than hot pink polka dots with lace detailing?

Regency style in a Studio 8 Mac*

A few weeks ago I spoke about my complete love lust of the new Studio 8 collection, a luxury fashion range for the plus sized woman launched by the amazing Phase 8.  
I was lucky enough to be offered a piece to review from this really quite beautiful collection and spent ages trying to decide which item I love most! The Sonia, Becky, and Pippa were all strong contenders but, with a wardrobe of pretty floral dresses, I thought I would try something a little different.  

Blogger Love & Style XL

I am new to blogging - I started in the latter half of last year and, rather ashamedly and very naively, didn't have a clue about other plus size bloggers out there.   Since then I have learnt many a thing but the biggest thing of all is that the plus size blogging community are some of the most honest, supportive, and caring women I've ever had the pleasure of getting to know!
Having spoke to many members of this amazing community online, I had only ever met a few of them before this weekend when I attended the amazing Style XL, a plus size fashion and body confidence event organised by the marvellous Leah Shafik of Leah XL. 

"Fat Girls Can't Wear Culottes" ?????

I've spoken before about my anxiety around culottes -  I love the look when on a model but the fear of over hearing someone saying "fat girls can't wear culottes" still resounds in my head. 
Yet after falling in love with the look, if not the quality, of a New Look Culotte Jumpsuit I set about trying to find myself a smart, work-appropriate pair of culottes. 

Curvy Kate - Dreamcatcher Saffron Pixie Review

I'm having a colourful moment when it comes to lingerie.  The brighter the better, especially if I can wear it with a backless top or dress.  After all, lingerie is to be seen, not hidden - right?
Curvy Kate have more than hit the nail on the head when it comes to bold, bright colours this season. the Portia bra comes in an amazing vivid blue, pegged 'Sapphire Amber', and the Madagascar is suitably moving it in an aquamarine zebra print.   
I want them both - but they were knocked off top spot by the Dreamcatcher Saffron Pixie - a bright tangerine set that just made me smile the moment I put it on! 

Plus Size Occasion Dress from Marks & Spencer

Did you know that Marks & Spencer have a plus size clothing range?   I sure didn't and was pleasantly surprised when browsing the website to stumble across a beautiful little kimono dress that comes in sizes 18 - 32.

Plus Size Workwear in Summer

Working in an office can be challenging for so many reasons - office politics, the dick behind who doesn't refill the coffee after stealing the last cupful, the awkward smiles of recognition to the person that sits on other side of your floor (and attends the same gym class) but you still don't know their name!  Add being plus size and trying to find work appropriate attire that is both fashionable and practical to the equation and it makes for a bit of a conundrum! 

Breaking all the *ahem* rules!

Just a short post from me today where I break all of the rules - I wear short shorts WITH stripes! 

Enter Studio 8

I'm a little giddy about Phase 8 - I have long lusted after their Collection 8 ball gowns and their jersey dresses are favourite go-to for smart, luxurious dresses perfect for throwing in a suitcase (they don't need ironing!!!!)
But my giddiness have gone stellar since I heard whispers of the brand launching a brand new line of stylish clothes exclusively in sizes 16- 24. 
Enter Studio 8!

Sonia Dress

Holiday Five Way with Curvissa*

I have been asked to join with four other wonderful bloggers and review a piece from Curvissa's extensive holiday range as part of their five way challenge. 
Rather spoilt for choice, I spent simply ages trawling through their range and finally decided to try something that just screamed summer!

Marilyn's Best Kept Secret - Bandelettes from Mish Online*

I was recently contacted by the lovely Stacie from the wonderful Mish-Online about taking part in their wonderful campaign Marilyn Best Kept Secret. 

ASOS Curve Ridley Skinny Jean in White

I bought white jeans - and I have to say, I'm in love!
I've even managed to wear them several times without spilling coffee all over them!

A Plus Size Life Outdoors

I love the outdoors - to me, weekends are made for long walks with the pooch, playing in the garden, and getting some much needed fresh air after a week cooped in an air-conditioned office!   As you read this, the pooch and I are exploring Pembroke - I drove down here on Friday with a car packed for every eventuality: sunbathing with a book on the beach, sauntering around Welsh villages in jeans and jumped, and traipsing through muddy fields in wellies and a waterproof are all anticipated and catered for!  Yet being active and outdoors-ey doesn't always go well with being plus-size so I thought I'd share some of my "off-duty wardrobe" essentials with you. 

The Freya Deco Strapless

I seem to have gathered a wardrobe full of bardot tops in all colours of the rainbow (albeit a vast quantity of this rainbow is in black & white).  Unfortunately, I was lacking a strapless bra in a neutral shade for wearing beneath the paler tops.  
Okay, so I didn't really need an excuse to buy the Freya Deco Shape Moulded Strapless Longline bra, but it's always nice to have one!

The Summer LBD

I have recently promised to make better use of my wardrobe.  Its part of my #PlusSizePromise and I do intend to keep them all - so, last weekend, when stuck for something to wear for meeting some completely amazing blogging gals, I decided to trudge to the back of my wardrobe and choose a piece that I don't wear very often!

Culotte Jumpsuit from New Look

A few weeks ago, I promised to experiment more with lengths - to play with crop tops and embrace the awkward length culottes.  You can read my promises here!
In an attempt to follow through on this promise, I ordered a cute little culotte jumpsuit that I'd seen on ASOS a few weeks before. 

I sincerely promise to wear white ...

In my recent #PlusSizePromise post, I pledged to wear white more.  It's summery, elegant and sophisticated - yet I scarcely wear it for fear of dropping coffee down myself.    I've also been conditioned into thinking that fat girls can't wear white - cue throwbacks to the barbed 'Thunder-thighs' comment when first braving white jeans. 
Well, here I am wearing white - and not a thunder thigh in sight!