Lady Voluptuous - Vintage To The Max!

All Images Courtesy Of Lady Voluptuous

You all know the old saying, "the best things come to those who wait", the plus size community is one group of people who can really relate to this sentiment. It's no secret that beautiful, striking and interesting women have been hiding themselves away in tents for as long as we can remember. The choices open to us for clothing didn't really give us much more of an option. If we wanted to wear gorgeous and on trend items the chances of doing so were very slim or extremely expensive. In the past few years we have seen a massive change, women are climbing out of their shells, regaining their confidence and enjoying their bodies. The amazing thing about this is that the fashion industry is really starting to take notice!

Many of you who are familiar with my blog will know that I am one of those women who was very lost when it came to my body image. It was through seeing women who looked more like me showcasing their fashion finds and embracing their body confidence that my outlook and self perception started to change. One woman in particular who really struck a chord with me is the beautiful Georgina Horne AKA Fuller Figure Fuller Bust. A few years ago I started to follow plus size fashion and beauty blogs and Georgina's is one that I would always refer to and still do even today. When I first discovered Fuller Figure Fuller Bust I was on the hunt for vintage swing dresses. I had always loved the fashion and style and always wanted to see what one would look like on me... years of watching Greece on TV at Christmas will do that to you! I was always fascinated by the women of the era such as Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe and many others and it was their fashion, beauty and sense of style that would often inspire me. Whilst scouring the blog pages I followed I came across some pictures of Georgina modelling for Lady Vintage and Collectif and I thought she looked amazing. After reading her detailed reviews I ventured out to see if I could find a swing dress that could work for me, my first purchase being from Vivien Of Holloway...

Even before making the choice to start my own blog I would always see what her tips were for bra and lingerie fittings and vintage clothing. It's fair to say that she has created quite a niche for herself among plus size fashion bloggers and fashion bloggers everywhere. When I think of vintage pinup looks she tends to be the first person to spring to mind for me. When I discovered a few days ago that Lady Vintage had approached her to create a new plus size clothing line with them I was so happy for her! To see another blogger be respected so highly by a brand that they love and have worked with previously was a really nice thing to witness. To me it showed me that the feedback given to brands from buyers and bloggers is really important to them. It's great to see that for the first time plus size women from sizes 16-32 are not the afterthought for a brand but the soul focus! 

Here's what Georgina had to say about the new label:

"When I was asked if I wanted to create a Vintage Inspired Plus Size line I didn't know how to react! Of course it was a yes but imagine being asked if you could have a dream made real - what a feeling! I adore retro inspired fashion pieces and I'm I believe that plus size fashion shouldn't be frumpy or boring, and so with this in mind I've tried my hardest to come up with pieces that will suit a variety of gorgeous voluptuous ladies. The names of the items come from female characters that I adore in books and plays and films and musicals, and I'd love to think those women would wear my creations if they could."

I can't wait to see what else is to come from the collection! I have already made my first purchase, (I couldn't resist a gorgeous Cosette Dress) you will of course get a full review as soon as I take some pics.

For now here is the amazing new collection from Lady Voluptuous:

Cosette Dress

Lyra Dress

Medusa Dress

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and wear it with a smile!

Skorting It Out!

When I push myself out of my comfort zone the aim is to push my ideas of what I can achieve image-wise and it's also a way to test my confidence, and hopefully give myself an added boost. Not everyone feels comfortable doing this but it tends to work for me. We all have those areas that we don't like so much, in my case it's my upper arms and my thighs.

During a day of blogger mayhem with Hanna and Lucie which included taking tons of pics, fashion talk and playing dress up, the girls and I were each suggesting looks and styles that would work on each other. I had mentioned to Hanna that I wanted to play around with some fun and fresh looks and asked her to style an outfit for me to try out. As I have recently developed a love of Duster jackets she thought I might like to try one which was blue, black and grey. 3 colours that I love, can work with and enjoy wearing. 

Last summer my aim was to go out in the sun as much as possible without my arms covered. I know this may sound like a small thing but for me it was major! This year I want to play around with experimental styles and show a little more leg here and there. A recent item to hit the market is the skort, a cross between shorts and skirts. The great thing about this kind of an item is the fact that you can have the look and feel or a skirt that's short in length without the worry of having to constantly prise your legs together to conceal your undergarments. I find that feeling more free in your clothes can make the experience of wearing them a little more enjoyable. I had never tried a skort before but seeing as so many of my friends and fellow bloggers have been raving about them I thought I'd give it a try for myself. I'm wearing a size 26 from New Look Inspire, the particular one I'm wearing is no longer available but you can get a similar one here from Pink Clove. 

You all know my love of blue so I decided to pair the skort with a simple blue top and the Look Grid Jacket size 20 from Simplybe. Topped off with some black chunky heels from New Look and the main outfit was complete. Admittedly when I took these images I was experiencing a bad hair day so I pulled on one of my hair scarves. A bold and fun floral statement necklace from Daisy Eve was my only accessory and the look was complete. 

Despite having my legs exposed to just above the knee I felt pretty good in this outfit. I think that wearing items I felt great in combined with one that I was trying out was definitely fun, not only do I quite like the overall look achieved, I feel that if I find a good balance between being in and out of my comfort zone I will continue to push myself and in turn build on my confidence.

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and wear it with a smile!

Get Boosted! A Curvy Kate Review

All Stock Photos Courtesy Of Curvy Kate

One of the hardest things for a women with my proportions is to find a bra that works for me. I have to say it is a constant struggle. The common scenario is that if the back fits perfectly there is too much room in the cups and if the cups are perfect then the under wire is too high or something of that nature. 

I'm one of those people who likes familiarity, especially when it comes to buying underwear. Admittedly I've never been one of those women who owns tons of gorgeous lingerie or even enjoys buying it because of this sad fact. A few years ago I discovered Curvy Kate. I was at the Plus London event and they were there doing fittings for anyone who wanted one. I had heard about them through social media and blogs but I was reluctant to give them a try because of having years of bad luck when it comes to buying bras. I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never find a bra that would fit me well. I used to buy bras that housed my breasts and felt semi-comfortable, that was until a couple of years ago...

I will be 100% honest here the size of bra that I buy with the brand is a 40J but this can change depending on the cut, fabric and shape of the bra. In a couple of the ranges I have had to downsize to a 38K but either way I have felt the same level of comfort and support. Not long ago I tried out the amazing Jet Set Bikini top from Curvy Kate and I loved it! The support I had was amazing, my breasts looked amazing and I found myself wishing that all my bras looked and felt that way. I decided to email them and make some enquiries. I was extremely happy and surprised to learn that this Bikini top was modelled against the famous Daily Boost bra! I immediately set out to get my hands on one! The simplicity to the design is actually a big draw for me as the bra works with pretty much all of the clothes that I own. 

Available in back sizes 28-40 in cup sizes D-K with 4 colour options; black, mocha, nude and white so there is a shade to suit everyone. 85% Polyamide and 15% Elastane the cups are a soft moulded fabric that is really soft against the skin whilst strong enough to maintain a great shape, excellent support and super sexy cleavage! I own this in a 40J and I am in need of more, this bra has most definitely become a staple in my underwear drawer and one I cannot recommend enough. 

In even better news I was recently asked to go to the Curvy Kate offices to help them with a fitting for a 40J bust. The bra I tried and tested was a new style Daily Boost set to hit stores very soon! The design is a little more enhanced with a really soft and silky fabric. All of the amazing features that have become synonymous with the Daily Boost are still there with some new additions and a slightly sexier style so keep your eyes and ears open for updates.

If like me you have had problems with finding good and supportive bras in the past, give this one a try. I promise, you will be pleasantly surprised! Get lifted, get boosted, you won't be disappointed. 

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and wear it with a smile!

The Lady In Red - A Scarlett & Jo Review

*This Dress Was A Gifted Item

There isn't a woman alive who doesn't want to feel glamorous, sexy and elegant. Many women have their idea of how they would like to look and it usually involves wearing a beautiful dress of some kind.

I personally believe that every women should own a LBD and an LRD for those of who aren't familiar with the acronyms I mean a Little Black Dress and a Little Red Dress. I view these 2 dresses as essential wardrobe items. Most of us have found ourselves or can find ourselves in a situation where a beautiful dress is the required attire for a function. Family events, work functions, nights with friends or more romantic evenings are known to inspire all women to glam up. 

As you know I was one of 8 lucky bloggers who participated in the SS15 campaign shoot for Scarlett & Jo. One dress in particular caught everyone's eye, the gorgeous Lace Maxi Dress. This design was inspired by the lovely Georgina Grogan who was nicknamed 'The Queen Of Lace' by Scarlett & Jo's designer, Gifi Fields. I first tried this dress on when I went into the office for my SS15 shoot fitting. I originally tried this one in black, size 24 and I loved the shape and fall in the skirt.

Gifi has showcased a great deal of enthusiasm about this design as he feels that it's one of the best in his career thus far. I can see why he would say so because the shape of the dress is one that is adjustable to all body types. The clever engineering involved allows the dress to work with you, highlighting your best assets and beautifully concealing the ones you may not be as happy about. The inner lining of the dress is a silky smooth slip that to my luck is cut in the same shape as a Powerfit dress. The lace overlay is silky soft to the touch and so comfortable to wear. Many lace items I have worn in the past have been a tough and itchy material that may look amazing but isn't so nice on the skin. I was really impressed with the quality of the lace used. In even better news it's stretchy and will mould nicely to your bust, stomach and behind in a very comfortable way. The three quarter length sleeves are an amazing length for me, as a woman with large upper arms I should also note that nowhere did this dress pinch me in the arm area. The comfort is incredible and a great choice if you want something glamorous but also easy to wear. Of course the fishtail detail at the hem of the dress gives the overall design that little something extra. I also find that the way the lace drapes, provides a really nice structure to the dress with a secure fall of the skirt. The V shaped neckline allows for a nice amount of cleavage which is tasteful but still modest.

I should note that shapewear and heels will elongate the silhouette of the body and provide a better look overall for this dress and many others in a similar shape. 

I spent many years professionally singing soul, jazz and R&B music and I always wanted the opportunity to glam up like the classic singers; Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James and many of the other legends. It has been and still is a dream of mine to walk on stage in the most beautiful gown, microphone in hand and wow the crowd both with my voice and my stage attire. I may end up in a photoshoot of this kind before that happens, either way you guys will all be informed of what happens through my pictures and blog posts. 

As we are heavily into award show season I thought about all of the gorgeous red carpet looks I have seen at the moment and it got me to think about how I might style this dress for such an event. Going back to the style of the gorgeous soul singers, I gravitated towards pearls. I decided to wear a pearl necklace, pearl bracelets and studs with diamonte adornments. Black patent heels and a faux fur black coat topped off the look and I was left feeling like a million dollars! 

This dress is available in red, blue and black. The red goes on sale tomorrow and is available exclusively online at Evans. Valentines may have just passed but with the spring and summer right around the corner this dress would be great for many of the events in the season. Every woman should have that one dress that makes her look and feel like a queen. I feel so elegant, glamorous and confident in this dress. A timeless design that will turn heads and make you feel amazing, trust me on this one!

For more on Scarlett & Jo  and to see what else is available in the collection check out their Tumblr and Evans pages.

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and wear it with a smile!

Date Night City Lights

People describe themselves in many ways, one of the most common being in reference to their favourite time of the day. I am most definitely a night person. I enjoy the things that the night-time brings. No one is rushing around to get to work, most are relaxed after a busy work day, and the city of London most definitely looks it's best with the night lights that cover the town. I especially love being by the Thames at night, seeing all the bridges lit up and the lights of the city skyline. 

50 % of my wardrobe is filled with clothes to suit the night time atmosphere. I like to hit a club once in a while, go to a nice restaurant or just hang out with friends. I tend to go for clothes that are either loose and comfortable or tight and fierce! A sexy bodycon dress makes a woman look and feel amazing; power, confidence and style all rolled into one. Sometimes I like to find a combination of the two and recently I pieced together an outfit that did just that! 

The amazing pleather fronted leggings from Misguided in size 24 are fast becoming one of my favourite pairs! These are high waisted which I think provides better comfort and a nicer look than low waisted leggings. There is a zip detail at the ankle which is a very small detail but adds a little something extra to the look. I paired this with a gorgeous black fit and flare top from Scarlett & Jo, size 24. The fit and flare design is really popular with ladies in both top and dress formats. What's great about it is the way it hangs against your frame whilst moulding to the bust to provide a very sexy yet subtle look. The sweetheart detail across the top of the bust is a really nice addition combined with stretchy mesh sleeves. 

I decided to keep a metallic focus when it came to my accessories. My black diamonte heart pendant chain from Primark was a must along with my love heart charm bracelet. Topped off with a holographic clutch and I was set! Thick black platform heels was my footwear selection. I wanted a look that would make me feel slick, sexy and ready for whatever the night should bring. The height of these shoes is higher than what I would normally wear but they are so comfortable with the feel of a wedge and really easy to walk in. From New Look these are a pair that would easily lend themselves to many different styles. 

When I look good and feel comfortable in my clothes my confidence shines through. I know I'm not alone when I say that a lot of women strut down the street imagining themselves on a runway. Some outfits give you that extra spring in your step and make you feel amazing! Often these are the simple looks with a little something extra. This sort of look would work for pretty much anything. You could wear something like this for an afternoon lunch, a hot date or even a poetry reading. Whatever you pick out to wear make sure that if you are planning on having a good time, and that you feel great in what you're wearing. I find this is the best way to set the day off in a great way!

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and wear it with a smile!

Casual Blues - Keeping It Simple

Sometimes you just have one of those days when you want to keep things simple fashion wise. If I'm having a "down" day when I'm running around doing errands or just moving at a slower pace I like to dress comfortably. We all have those casual items in our closets that make us feel good and are really easy go-to items. In my case I tend to go towards a simple pair of jeans and a top combo. 

On a quiet Sunday afternoon after work I like to go for a walk around my area from time to time. As we still have that winter chill that is very prominent in the air I like to dress in a weather-appropriate way. Many years ago I bought a simple three quarter length sleeved top from Simplybe I love basic items like this as they are timeless and pretty much for any trend. I love the colour against my skin tone and this is a top that I have worn pretty much everywhere. I decided to pair this with my indigo super stretch jeans from Evans. I usually go for black jeans but I think every girl needs a staple pair of indigo jeans in her closet.

To finish off the look I went for my Legroom chain boots from Fashion World. This time of year is definitely boot weather and the chain detail complimented the gold of my statement necklace perfectly. Dealing with a bad hair day my favourite black beret from Simplybe was my final touch along with gold twisted hoop earrings and I was set. 

As many of you know my all time favourite colour is blue. For me you simply can't go wrong with it. I love blue because it's a colour that can be worked with in so many ways. Fun and interesting prints can work with any shade and you can wear both gold and silver jewellery items when accessioning. 

We all have those days when we just want to throw something on and go about our business. Just a few simple touches can make a very simple outfit a lot more fun to wear. In my case when I feel that way I make sure to put my make up on, some earrings and a cute necklace and that's me set. You can literally throw anything on and make it work a lot of the time. If you have that go-to colour that you always feel good in, start there. 

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and wear it with a smile!

Sweet Darling - Embracing My Inner Girly Girl

One thing that I love to do is experiment. I guess you could say that because we plus size women have a plethora of clothing options to chose from nowadays our mind sets have somewhat been adjusted, at least in my case I have experienced the change. For years we had so little style options that the common thing for most of us was just finding clothes that fit and trying to find a way to make them work within our personal style...

As a child I wore skirts and things but I never had the experience of wearing a tutu. For me the closest I came was cute little party dresses, but I think my never taking ballet lessons may have had something to do with this sad fact. A little over 2 years ago things started to change for me. Ever so slowly I began to increase more colours and fabrics into my wardrobe and slowly I was ditching the black and dowdy items and bringing in the bright and fun options. Now I can't lie and say I've always been a girly girl, as previously mentioned here on the blog I used to wear feminine items but I would steer clear of skirts and dresses. My recent change in mind set has let me to be more experimental and fun when choosing my outfits and I am really enjoying playing dress up and being really girly. Hanna, Lucie and I decided to have an afternoon of girl talk and styling which I have to say was so much fun! I had mentioned to Hanna that I had seen a really cute look on Instagram that a standard sized blogger was wearing that I'd love to replicate. In true "Hanna" style she took this as a challenge. I had seen a gorgeous blogger (who's name I don't know unfortunately) had shared her picture with a fashion look page that I follow and I just loved how she styled her look (She unfortunately wasn't tagged into the picture, otherwise I would drop a link to her page for you to see her blog). A really cute grey sweater and coffee coloured tutu was paired with a cute pair of heels and I just loved how casual, girly and sweet the look was. Hanna instantly pulled the most amazing Navy tutu out of her wardrobe and a "darling" sweater for me to try on. The next thing I know the girls had selected a pair of shoes and a clutch for me to wear with the outfit and I absolutely fell in love with the end result!

I really like simplistic colours and tones in clothes because for me they act as a blank canvas. When you have blacks, greys, whites and blues the options you have for accessories is pretty much endless! Gold or silver items work with this kind of of colour combination and a sharp splash of colour would really make the look come to life. In these pictures we went with a simple pair of nude peep-toe heels from Matalan and an oversized clutch from Primark. 

Unfortunately both the tutu and sweater are no longer available. However I will most definitely keep my eyes open for similar items and I'll be sure to update you all of my findings. To give you more detail on the Tutu I am wearing this in a size 18 from the Asos main range and the sweater is a size 26 from Evans. 

I don't know what it is but every time I wear a big puffy skirt the childish playful side of my personality comes out. I love twirling, spinning and doing cute things in those sorts of clothes. I think perhaps this is why I gravitate to flared dresses and circle skirts when I buy my vintage inspired items. One thing I know for sure is that I need to get my hands on a tutu of my own! I have no idea when or where I would wear one but I don't care! I felt so girly, cute and sweet in this outfit and I have every intention of wearing something similar again one of these days. 

I think it's fair to say that you can always try those things that you missed out on previously when it comes to fashion. The trends come back in style and the options for clothing are far from few. I am embracing my inner girly girl and having an amazing time doing it. Don't be afraid to try new things, you may surprise yourself and love how you look!

Remember whatever you wear, feel fabulous in it and wear it with a smile!