Showing posts with label party dress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label party dress. Show all posts
The Curvy Girl Christmas Wardrobe
All That Glitters - a plus sized party dress from Pink Clove
Festive Dressing with Phase Eight*
A Plus Size Christmas with Studio 8*
A Plus-Size (Almost) Little Black Dress
Plus Size Occasion Dress from Marks & Spencer
Enter Studio 8
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| Sonia Dress |
Culotte Jumpsuit from New Look
The Kelly Brook - Zip Front Jacquard Dress from Simply Be
A Pin-Up Swoon
Christmas Joy's
Did you all have a very Merry Christmas? I know I did!
My beautiful mother (see the resemblance?) came to stay with Iain and I. We rose late and took our time opening our presents whilst drinking tea from Santa mugs.
I had some wonderful presents this year including the most amazing watch I could wish for ...
Masquerade! The Grand Reveal ...
A few weeks ago I shared my magical experience of dress shopping for my works do - a spectacular masquerade!
I spent hours searching for a dress worthy of the occasion and ordered what I thought would be a wonderful dress, made-to-measure from Etsy. It was a full-length, black extravaganza with a low back, a v-neck and a golden chain as straps - I was in love the moment I saw the picture. Then it came and I could have cried. Despite being made-to-measure it was too short in the body, some seams weren't hemmed and when they were they were done badly with thread sprouting everywhere and holes in many of them. I was devastated - especially as the Etsy shop are now saying I caused the damage myself and they will not refund it (because I would really ruin a dress for jollies!).
Luckily, I stumbled across the perfect replacement when shopping last week. It isn't what I originally had in mind; it is short -not long and full-skirted - not figure hugging. But I loved it the moment I put it on - especially as it shows off my tanned legs!
I spent hours searching for a dress worthy of the occasion and ordered what I thought would be a wonderful dress, made-to-measure from Etsy. It was a full-length, black extravaganza with a low back, a v-neck and a golden chain as straps - I was in love the moment I saw the picture. Then it came and I could have cried. Despite being made-to-measure it was too short in the body, some seams weren't hemmed and when they were they were done badly with thread sprouting everywhere and holes in many of them. I was devastated - especially as the Etsy shop are now saying I caused the damage myself and they will not refund it (because I would really ruin a dress for jollies!).
Luckily, I stumbled across the perfect replacement when shopping last week. It isn't what I originally had in mind; it is short -not long and full-skirted - not figure hugging. But I loved it the moment I put it on - especially as it shows off my tanned legs!
A not-so-LBD party piece (almost) ...
A few weeks ago, I blogged about my favourite LBDs for the party season. You can read the post here. I spoke about how I was shocked to find that not everyone loves the LBD and I set out to convert them.
Yet, despite my perpetual love affair with anything deep, dark, and moody, I thought I may just listen to some of my closest friends and do a post about party dresses in all colours - after all, just because its winter does not mean colour should be shunned to the dusty back rails of the wardrobe.
Many of the dresses featured below are my own and are great for transitioning from summer to winter and back again. Unfortunately, not all are still for sale but are meant purely as inspiration for all you lovely, curvy ladies.
Yet, despite my perpetual love affair with anything deep, dark, and moody, I thought I may just listen to some of my closest friends and do a post about party dresses in all colours - after all, just because its winter does not mean colour should be shunned to the dusty back rails of the wardrobe.
Many of the dresses featured below are my own and are great for transitioning from summer to winter and back again. Unfortunately, not all are still for sale but are meant purely as inspiration for all you lovely, curvy ladies.
The Mrs Claus Dress
Everyone should have a red dress for the Christmas season, the type that screams 'I'm the sexiest Mrs. Claus out there'! This year, mine is demure and figure hugging at the front, and screams sexy when I turn around to reveal a bare back.
Made from crepe, the dress is oh-so-flattering with a cinched waist and soft pleats at the hips. I love the open back and, despite many people telling me I shouldn't wear a bra with an open back dress (because, you know, GG boobs don't need any support when you hit the dance floor) I paired it with a deep purple bra with a cross strap at the back. I love revealing a contrasting bra and feel it adds a little va-va-voom to any outfit!
The dress is from ASOS and can be found here - its currently on sale for a mere £30 so snap it whilst you can! The bra featured is by Gossard and unfortunately isn't for sale any more.
The Vibrant Colour Dress
This dress is an old go-to! I wore it from my hen night, a summer wedding, and a winter cocktail party.
Its was purchased from Pepperberry last year and has bought a smile to my face every time I put it on. In a vibrant aqua blue it turns heads wherever you go and looks great with bare legs and a tan, or par skin and dark tights.
The waterfall detail is very flattering as is the sweeping neckline. Every girl needs a dress like this in her wardrobe!
The Winter Blooms Dress
Florals are huge right now - especially when splattered across a figure hugging dress. The low v and hip skimming shape does mean that I need some light support underwear for this ASOS Curve dress. I wear it with the Freya Deco range that provides light and comfortable support without any restriction.
The large rose placed at the smallest point of my waist is a godsend! It emphasises my best asset (in my eyes) and the pattern that falls across the hips gives me a taller, longer silhouette.
I love this dress and can't wait to pull it out of the wardrobe when I next can!
So now you've seen that I do wear colour, but I'll soon be attempting to convert you back to the dark side when I review Monsoon's latest party collection ... don't to forget to check in for this on the weekend and if you have time, make sure to follow me on Bloglovin so you never miss a post!
C x x
The Monsoon Party
I loved Monsoon as a teenager - it was a brand to aspire to. Then I started earning money, could afford the clothes and promptly dismissed them as not very me!
Then, last weekend, I walked into the Monsoon store in Reading. It was small with not the greatest selection but I walked out having fallen in love with 2 of their cocktail dresses and having a mild infatuation with a further 4.
The Lexi Lace Dress is to die for - I mean it. With a dark, inky blue slip overlaid with luxurious lace and subtle beading, this dress makes me want to strut (and I don't strut for just any dress) into a smokey jazz bar and sip martinis for an evening of the moodiest blues imaginable. Yes - this dress makes me want to become a bright young thing - hell, I have the hair (almost).
Then, last weekend, I walked into the Monsoon store in Reading. It was small with not the greatest selection but I walked out having fallen in love with 2 of their cocktail dresses and having a mild infatuation with a further 4.
The Lexi Lace Dress is to die for - I mean it. With a dark, inky blue slip overlaid with luxurious lace and subtle beading, this dress makes me want to strut (and I don't strut for just any dress) into a smokey jazz bar and sip martinis for an evening of the moodiest blues imaginable. Yes - this dress makes me want to become a bright young thing - hell, I have the hair (almost).
The allusion neckline and lacy sleeves are to die for and the cinched waist did 1001 things for my figure (including making me squeal with joy before prancing around the changing rooms for all to see).
The other lust worthy dress (and I kid you not - I had dreams about this flirty number) is the Lorenna Lace Dress with heavy brocade that casts me in mind of the ceiling at the Ritz ballroom. It is flirty, fun decadent, romantic, sheer, and prim all rolled into one.
The Lorenna is one of the most versatile dresses in the store. The size 16 fitted both me, a 5ft10 Amazonian, and my petite and curvy friend, Julia, perfectly! I allowed her to buy the dress (purely cause I'm broke) but I plan on borrowing it at the first opportunity!
Another wonder that is amazing for a petite and curvy girl (unfortunately, it wasn't long enough in the body for my frame) is the Odabella Jacquard Dress that just screams Jackie O. It cinched Julia's waist perfectly and made her dainty 5ft4 frame tall and elegant. What's not to love about a dress like this?
Finally, I love the luxurious feel of the Vivienne Velvet Dress with the most adorable cut-out panel to the back. Unfortunately, it didn't fit my frame very well. I swim so have shoulders like a rugby player (or a line-backer for the American's that read this blog). It was a little tight across my back and then not tight enough around my waist. However, if you're pear-shaped, this dress is a must!
I was very impressed with Monsoon's collection and I can't wait to check out a larger store that stocks even more of these beauties ... and if anyone wants to buy me a cocktail dress for Christmas, the Lexi (first pictured) would be gratefully received.
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.
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).
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.
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!
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
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?
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
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.
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.
A Flirty Affair
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| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
So, what are your sale picks?
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 ...
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.
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| 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.
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.
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| Playing with accessories at the Lou Lou's Vintage Fair - Oxford |