Simplybe AW14 Collection

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to attend the AW14 press day for Simplybe. Despite having been in attendance a short while back I wanted to hold off making my AW14 posts until mid summer. While the temperatures are starting to make the switch and the sun is going in that little bit earlier I thought now would be a good time to show some of you what you can expect to see from the brand.

Treated to a series of sweet drinks and gorgeous cakes myself and the other bloggers spoke about the pieces that caught our eyes, what we really wanted to try and the bits that seemed to be pushing expectations.

Despite the fact that autumn and winter has us reaching for our darker and more conservative clothing. Simplybe have decided to give us quite a splash of colour to compliment the darker choices and I have to say what I have seen are some really funky, on trend and interesting looks that will suit all occasions.

Check out these looks from their look book:

As you can see; this peak at some of the collection shows us a lot of different pieces and I already have my eye on a several of them. 

This jacket is something I will most definitely want to pick up:

All in all I had a great time with the girls and the collection looks amazing, so I look forward to seeing many of you sporting the various different looks over the next few months. Until then I shall enjoy another cuppa (unfortunately not one like this)....

Bright And Bold!

I really think it’s important to find a style that suits you and makes you feel fabulous. When it comes to fashion and trying to find your own look I think it’s important to play around with different looks. A friend of mine once spoke about how she felt when she was shopping for her wedding dress and she told me that she was advised to try on absolutely everything in the store. She had previously walked into the boutique expecting to wear a long and slender gown, in the end she opted for a poofy dress that  looked absolutely amazing on her! So it goes to show you; when it comes to fashion we need to adopt the mindset that we used to have as kids when we were playing dress up, try everything! The thing to remember is that you won’t know how it will turn out or if you will like what you see unless you experiment.

A little over a year ago I had just started to discover my favourite fashion styles. I knew what colours I liked to wear and what I felt comfortable in. Since starting my blog I have made it my mission to push my style vocabulary more so and be as edgy as possible. I really enjoy having a wardrobe that is full of classy and chic items, comfortable and safe looks and more edgy options. I think it’s good to have clothes that can fit any possible event or occasion. I used to hate buying clothes with a searing passion! The only shopping trips I enjoyed were for music related items or pretty much anything other than clothes.

As some of you may know from previously viewing my blog I am keen on sheer materials and pleather at the moment. I thought that to pair this tartan print shirt and pleather skirt from Simplybe would be a fun look. For me I like items that are versatile. I wanted to have an outfit that was fun, popped and could be worn both at work or in a more fun setting. Since coming into the plus size community I constantly see pictures and articles about how “fat” women are supposed to dress and I’ll be honest with you, I don’t see why everyone is so concerned about how other people dress. We are told to follow a series of rules when it comes to our attire and I seem to keep breaking them, and I'm having fun doing it...

I thought I would be a little more girly with this look so I pulled out my black heels and thought that tights would fare better with the style. The loose fit shirt is actually a pretty decent length and is one that I have worn with jeans and leggings also. For me though I quite like to tuck tops into my skater skirts. I find that the outfit is the bit more together and structured and when I put certain items together they sit better on my frame that way.

I thought to finish off the look I would keep it simple. As the shirt is so bright I wanted simple silver accessories this time around. Of course my signature hoop earrings made an appearance, as well as simple silver bracelets. I really enjoyed wearing these items together despite the fact that they are rather loud and made me stand out a fair bit. I was a little out of my comfort zone but in a good way and I definitely felt good for having pushed my personal limits once again.

Remember whatever you wear, do it with a smile! 

No More Burn, Fighting Chub Rub - A Vevina Review

When it comes to the summer we are faced with many fun and exciting prospects such as amazing days out, fabulous nights on the town, holidays, warm sunshine and amazing music is usually there to set the scene. Having said all of that one thing that many of us worry about (especially anyone who’s thighs touch) is that dreaded chub rub!

I spent years avoiding skirts and dresses purely because the mere thought of the sore and awkward rash would be enough to stop me wearing some of the things I like. I was recently contacted by Vevina and asked if I would like to trial their anti chafe cream. Anything that could possibly soothe me during the warm weather or prevent any soreness when wearing skirts and dresses is something I would welcome trying. In all honesty I can wear skirts and things in the colder months without as much of a problem but I still prefer to use something for comfort as a preventative measure.

When I first tried out the cream I was at home just milling around the house and I didn't find it very effective. I assumed that perhaps it didn't do much for me in working with my body type. I have to say I was wrong about this observation. When I went out the other day in one of my favourite vintage numbers I tried the cream again; this time using a fair amount of the lotion and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. Despite the hot temperatures and thick humid weather I was able to go about my day having done a lot of walking in the sunshine and I felt protected.

I have previously used a heavy amount of talcum powder and even roll on deodorant when wearing skirts to prevent chub rub. Whilst these measures have been effective they haven't always been practical. The small 30ml tube is a perfect solution to slip into my make-up bag just in case a second application is required. 

What can be annoying is the fact that what works for one person may not work for another. Often lotions and creams can be be successful depending on your skin type and how much friction you have in the relevant areas. Some people have a heavy amount of sweat and so would need to reapply creams and and some would be fine with a single application.

There are many different areas on our body where chaffing can prove to be a problem and so Vevina have come up with this clear guide on where those might be and where you application might sooth the burning and sore areas:

If you have tried various things and want to give this cream a try click here for information on how to order some for yourself.