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  ...

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! 

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.   

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!

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! 

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? 

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

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.  

"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. 

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! 

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

Vienna - The City Break Wardrobe

Just in case you don't already follow me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter - I've spent the past week waltzing (huffing and puffing) my way around Vienna.  The city is quite magical - albeit a little contrived with trying to retain the Austrian character from the height of Empire - so thought I'd share some photos taken from my time there as well as the minimalist, where-every wardrobe that I took with me!

Stephenplatz

#PSInternationalWishList‏

The US seems to have it down when it comes to plus size fashion, which has often left me rather despondent and slightly annoyed that I can't get my grubby mitts all over their delights.    Places like Pin Up Girl and ModCloth seem to churn out amazing collection after amazing questions and smother my Pinterest wall with inspirational looks.  Both places ship to the UK, but the cost of shipping isn't cheap - nor are the hefty customs you get slapped with the moment the parcels hits British soil.   So when the wonderful Debz of The (Not So) Secret Diary of a Wannabe Princess suggested that us plus size bloggers do a post about what we would have bought if it weren't for the shipping/customs/general hassle that comes with buying from international chores, I couldn't help but jump at the chance.  So heres what I would have bought ... 

The Ultimate Jessica Rabbit Dress 
(swoon)

A blouse obsession ...

Spring is here, or so I'm told! 
The nights are definitely getting lighter and, although I'm no where near ready to pack away my winter coats, I am swapping the turtle necks for something a little more breezy.  
Every spring I go through a transition period; exchanging black tights for nude, closed toe courts for peep toes and sandals, and I fall in love with blouses.  

Time for a Tea Dress

I've always been rather dismissive of Dorothy Perkins.  Their sizing has, in the past, been a little offish and their designs quite boring. 
Yet when I received a code for 30% off with free delivery I thought 'what the hell?' and set about trawling their site for something worth spending my money on.  
I was not disappointed! 

Lady Voluptuous ...

If you haven't already heard about the amazing new clothing line from Lady V London, Lady Voluptuous, then you've living under a shell!  The blogging world has gone crazy over the three wonderful dresses designed by the amazing Georgia Horne of Fuller Figure Bust.   
The reviews have been stellar so, naturally, I couldn't resist! 

Winter Sales: The Clothing Edit

A very good (and very impatient) friend pointed out that I had promised to continue my sale picks and, 48hours later, had not posted them.  This is because I was waiting for the orders to arrive which was troublesome with ASOS being delayed and Yodel being yodel.  But here they are, my sale picks modelled inexpertly by yours truly!

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

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.