Winter Wonderful - My Review Of The Shirley Jacket From Taking Shape

*This Jacket Was A Gifted Item

When I think of the winter I'm usually filled with negative thoughts about the season. The weather is nothing really to be desired for me, the days are shorter and when it comes to style often my favourite things to wear are just not suitable for the time of year. I thrive on dressing up all cute and colourful for the sunshine, pairing my outfits with cute accessories and things. When it comes to the winter the most important thing for me is to be comfortable, warm and dry. I think that when it comes to winter fashion one of the most important things you can wear has to be a decent jacket or coat! If like me you're not into wearing a thousand layers but hate the bitter chill in the air it can be a difficult task to find an item that is adequate for your needs and still holds the style features you look out for.

Recently I was given the chance to review an item by Taking Shape from their AW14 collection. I took a look at the collection and was instantly drawn to their Shirley Jacket. Black, sleek, sexy and sophisticated, all of the things I like in the perfect winter coat! I love to wear bright colours in the winter but when it comes to my outer wear I like to have a garment that can be worn with a variety of looks, my main reason for being drawn to black jackets and coats. What I loved about the jacket when I first saw it was the collar, the fact that it sweeps across the shoulders and into the main body of the jacket was a really nice touch for me. More often than not I find winter jackets and coats to be uninspiring and in some cases a bit dull. I like that this one wasn't just something to keep the cold at bay but it had a little something extra. The jacket has no fastenings or pockets and ordinarily I would miss those details but I didn't. The faux leather is seriously lightweight and the lining is a super soft fleece material which in fact is warmer than the majority of my winter jumpers and sweaters. 

If like me you don't like to cover yourself in a thousand layers including having to wear thick sweaters and fluffy scarves this would be an amazing piece for you to try out. The collar is seriously warm and soft enough to snuggle into if you feel the urge lol. Taking Shape tend to be pretty generous size wise but I would say this jacket is true to size. I usually up-size with jackets and coats so that I can securely fasten them without any gaping of buttons or twisting of zippers. I always allow myself that extra boob room and for me this is even more important if you like to wear thick layers underneath. In the case of this item because it doesn't fasten it's not something I considered doing. I wanted a jacket that could be seen as part of an outfit and not just a cover up. The jacket is available in sizes 14-26, I picked this up in size 22. 

In these photos I wanted an outfit where the jacket was the main feature. Keeping things simple with a black top, jeans and a pair of boots I was kitted out in all the winter essentials. Sometimes I like to keep an outfit simple so that I can play around with my accessories and additional items. I tend to find that if I keep things to a minimum it can be fun to mix different textures and fabrics. My black top has a scattering of velvet flowers and the indigo super stretch denim jeans from Evans made for the perfect trousers. For accessories my signature hoop earrings and hair scarf were of course part of the ensemble with the addition of my metallic medallion with dip-dye tassels. 

This jacket was originally £65 and is now on sale at the amazing price of £35 so if you like the look at this one and want to try it out click here. If you want to see what other winter essentials Taking Shape have make sure you check out their site and take advantage of the sale!

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

Taking Control With Shapewear - A Taking Shape Review

*This item was gifted to me

P.S Sorry about the quality of the photo, lack of make up and the random plug socket on the floor.

With so many varying styles and shapes of clothes out there it can be hard to find something to fit perfectly. When it comes to designing and creating clothes I don't underestimate how difficult of a task that is for any brand. As there are so many different body shapes we women come in; pear, apple, hour glass, goblet, triangular etc. and many of us are a combination of different shapes or something else in-between. With that in mind it's no surprise that most brands will create an item that works with the majority or the most common silhouette. This is understandable though, can you imagine how much time and money it would cost to make each design available in all of these different cuts?! I'm of the opinion that if something is 90% there fit-wise then you can make adjustments to make the garment look and fit that bit better.

I really like to wear fitted dresses in bodycon and wiggle styles but as I have an ample behind, large bust and a bit of a belly I can sometimes have issues in one of those areas or all 3! This of course is dependant on the fabric, cut and size of the item. Often just upsizing can be the solution to the problem but if there is that outfit that fits perfectly with the exception of one area I like to wear shapewear to gently smooth out that area and make the outfit more presentable. 

Traditionally the only undergarment that women could wear to achieve a smoother shape and narrower waist was a corset. For some women just the word corset is a descriptive for a torture device! I have worn a corset before and I have to say although an amazing shape can be achieved, for day to day wear I wouldn't be inclined to take up wearing one on a regular basis. I think for fancy dress, a night here and there or for some nice photos they can be really good to wear. I personally prefer the more modern versions of shapewear that are available with my favourite being high waisted knickers and wear your own bra styles. 

The traditional 1900s style of corset. This would require the help of another person or 2 to get on. 

This illustration is supposed to represent what your body looks like internally whilst wearing a corset. 

Some think that wearing a corset on a regular basis can lead to lasting damage. Many people believe that no major damage will be caused from wearing a corset on a regular basis. There are many medical studies about this and from what I gather nothing concrete has been determined. It would seem that wearing a corset is fine providing it's not laced too tightly to produce an extreme shape, it can cause your organs to be positioned differently which can present difficulties whilst breathing which would in turn prevent oxygen from travelling through your body at a sufficient pace. Wearing a corset as a form of shapewear is perfectly fine providing you can still function as normally as possible without severe tightness to the body.

Here in 2015 shapewear has come an extremely long way with cheaper, more comfortable and easier to wear items on the market. Whilst traditional corsets are still available everywhere to buy, even more modern varieties of the style have reached the market with really nice fabrics, patterns and different boning structures. The corset has somewhat been relinquished by many women who have hung up their laced garments in exchange for girdles, shorts, slips and bodyshaping knickers and other control garments. Many of these items are easy to put on and comfortable to wear. A lot of them are even built to allow for easy toilet access which is an added bonus!

Many women are wearing items to produce a more permanent body shape such as waist cinchers and waist trainers. These produce the same results as corsets but it's a timely and gradual process. Women who are really pushing to have more prominent curves have been using these to re-shape their bodies. 

The majority of women prefer to wear items that can be removed and leave their body in it's original shape and it seems that these are some of the most common items on the market. 

Waist Cincher 

I much prefer to wear control underwear and shapewear so when I was given the chance to review the new range from Taking Shape I jumped at the chance!

The new range from Taking Shape so far is the best shapewear I have ever owned! Not only is it really light on the skin and extremely comfortable, it still pulls you in and smooths you out in those target areas. Some of the shapewear that I have can be really tight and somewhat uncomfortable and having to go to the toilet can be problematic when trying to fight to get the garment back on! I'm sure those of us who have worn such garments know what I'm talking about there!

I got the Underbust Smooth Body Shaper to try out. The straps are adjustable and this item slips on like a glove and feels amazing on! I actually forget that I'm wearing it when it's on! 86% Nylon and 14% Elastane makes this an easy wear. I cannot stress how comfortable it is and I really like the overall look achieved when I wear this under my clothes. For those who wear their shapewear as their underwear there is a built in slit for easy toilet access. I always wear knickers underneath my shapewear so unfortunately I can't  feedback on how the item fares in that department. If you are looking for a piece that is comfortable, easy to put on and doesn't show underneath your clothes then check out some of the new collection by Taking Shape.

Unfortunately this particular piece is currently out of stock on the Taking Shape website but there are some amazing pieces available at great prices so do take a look! 

Here are just some of the new shapewear styles available from Taking Shape:

Thing I love about shapewear is how it makes you feel, that thin and amazingly enginerred piece of fabric can seriously lift your confidence when wearing your favourite items as well as help you to showcase your clothes to the fullest!

If you would like to try out one of these amazing items check out the new collection from Taking Shape!

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

Taking Shape Spring And Summer Wish List

It's no secret that I am a fan of Taking Shape and their spring and summer range looks amazing! I have my eye on so many bits it's not even funny! So many fun and interesting styles are available this season with a mix of interesting colour blends, fabric mixes and interesting patterns. In my case I feel spoilt for choice!

Here's my wish list for the season:

Rose Etching Dress £65

Melinda Dress £39

Oceans Apart Tunic £45

Gem Stone Tunic £39

Flirtatious Legging £25

Lacey PJ Set £39

I'll be totally honest, I have no idea what to pick out of this list, I want it all! I think I'll have to take a trip down to my nearest branch and try some of these gorgeous items on...

Step Into The Spring With Taking Shape

After such a cold and wet winter I for one am happy to be looking forward to spring and summer. We all enjoy picking up bright and fun clothes to wear in the warmer months and the new range from Taking Shape is set to be a really fun and fresh one.

I was given the chance to flip through their look book which features some of the new items that will be making an appearance in their stores and online. The thing that I love about the brand is that they have clothes to suit all shapes in the plus size area and all age groups. This year we are set to see a variety of interesting patterns, prints, and designs and what's more, there will also be a selection of statement jewellery available to accompany your chosen garments. 

I personally hate that we often feel that we have to wear clothes that we have been told best work for us. I say 'why not wear the clothes that make you feel good and put that extra spring in your step?'. Any of you who know my taste in clothing will not be surprised to see me opt for colours and styles that I find interesting and I would encourage you to do the same. If you have a holiday around the corner or you decide to enjoy some of the events and festivals that are set to take place at home, you may want to pick up something from Taking Shape.

Check out some of these sneak peaks:

Bronte Dress £55

Dalmation Dress £55

Hi Lo Top £29, T30518 Cut Out Tunic £25 T60267 Gecko Pant £39

All Stock Images Courtesy Of Taking Shape

With a range of clothes size 14-26 there's a lot to chose from and I can personally say from what I have seen the collection is full of fun and interesting pieces. Block colours which can be matched with other pieces in your wardrobe will be coming as well as some gorgeous dresses in several cuts.

Keep your eyes peeled for future updates on the website. Here you can see the collection available with photos, video clips, style tips and a whole lot more!

www.takingshape.com

In Full Bloom, A Review Of The Bloom Tunic From Taking Shape

When I first came across the company Taking Shape it was their interesting smart and sophisticated style that set them apart from some of the other plus size brands. The focus of the company is to give their customers a variety of different looks that can be worn for pretty much any event or occasion.

When I was offered the chance to review a couple of the items in their collection, the Bloom Tunic was one of the items that really caught my eye. I knew that I would be able to wear this one to work, out and about and that it had the versatility to be dressed up or down. Available in teal and red I found both colour ways to be rich and warm, perfect for this time of year and the floral accents were just right during this period of transition between winter and spring.

The sleeveless tunic is such a sweet and comfortable item. I love the way that it flows right the way down to the knees with an asymmetrical cut. What I liked most about this piece is that I found it to be the kind of top that can worn during pretty much any season. It feels so comfortable on and is a mix of polyester and elastane. Coated in sheer flowers what is a simple design has a little edge to it. 

One of the things that a lot of us bigger women like to do is cover up the tops of our arms. I hate to say it but I too fit in to this category so I paired this with a black sheer shirt with 3 quarter length sleeves that has been in my wardrobe for a few years now. Taking Shape themselves have styled this one with a long sleeve t-shirt on their website to showcase another adaptation to the piece. I teamed this one up with simple black leggings, black heels and very simple jewellery with just earnings. I have worn this piece to work and I took it down a level with black ugg style shoes, black long sleeved t-shirt and simple black winter coat. If you wanted to add a little something extra to this one you could wear heavy bangles, and accessories to match the colouring. 

I got this one in a size 20 which fits perfectly with plenty of room. Taking Shape are more than generous with their sizing so depending on the look and fit you want to achieve you may wish to go down a size.

Stock Images Courtesy Of Taking Shape

This gorgeous piece is currently on sale reduced from £40 to £19! If you want to see what other pieces are on offer at great prices check out the website. www.takingshape.com

Taking Shape, Fashion For Curves! Bluefield Dress Review

I first came across Taking Shape earlier this year and I was really impressed to see a plus size company with a slightly different feel. Recently there has been a huge influx of brands trying to reach out to the plus size market and it's nice to see us larger women being embraced and finally being given the chance to dress just as fashionably as our smaller peers. The company specialises in making clothes that suit and flatter women size 14-26.

Taking Shape first made moves in Australia and New Zealand and have finally reached UK shores, bringing a whole host of fantastic looks with them! The company offers clothing from 3 different brands: ts, virtuelle and eplissè, with a variety of styles available to cater for women of different ages and tastes. Already they have opened stores all over the country with more set to open by the end of the year and their online presence can already be strongly felt throughout the various social media channels. 

When I first flicked through their brochure one the outfits that I knew I wanted to try out was the Bluefield dress. The long sleeved patterned number really caught my eye as the combination of rich blues and purples seemed like a great item to get, especially during the transition between winter and spring. The dress just skims over the curves and hugs in all the right places. Unlike a lot of the dresses you see out there with this kind of cut, this one comes with 2 very discreet front pockets! Even though the material is quite thin the quality of the fabric is fantastic and feels extremely warm on.

I received a ton of compliments about this dress from family members an colleagues alike, everyone said that it looked great on. The thing I loved about this dress is that it enhances my best assets whilst concealing my not so great ones! 

I got this dress in a size 20 and I should add Taking Shape are pretty generous with their sizing so depending on what you pick out, you may be able to downsize. I would refer to their online size guide for reassurance. 

I paired this one with thick black leggings, platform black heels and my black beret. For a little extra something, silver jewellery was how I chose to enhance the look. Playing around with the various colours of the dress could also be fun with exciting nail polishes and eye-shadows, handbags and jewellery. 

Stock Images Courtesy Of Taking Shape

If you fancy something dressy with a casual flair this is definitely a dress to try, you can dress it up or down however you choose and it would most definitely be a nice addition to your wardrobe.

I really look forward to trying out some more items from Taking Shape and I'll be sure to let you know how I get on with them. Why not check out their website and see what else they have to offer:

www.takingshape.com