I Feel Good

You know sometimes when you spend ages getting ready for a night out, an event or even just a blog post, and the reflection in mirror isn't what you hoped?  This challenge is for those times when you look in the mirror, no pre planning involved, and think "I look good today".  

We all have our good days and our bad, but this challenge is to record those good days and to remember that confidence, at any size, is beautiful.

I woke up this morning without any clue what date it was, and it was only upon reading a couple of blogs that I realised that today was the #IFeelGood challenge.

At this point I was half still in edge, the bed hair look was still in evidence and my face was makeup free.  I decided to point the camera at myself and see if I liked what I saw.   So here I am, Sunday morning face, unprimped and unashamed.

Abi http://aisforabi.blogspot.co.uk/

Becky http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com/

Kitty http://misskittykaos.blogspot.co.uk/

Leah http://justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk/

Mhairi http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com/

Mookie http://muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk/

Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk 

Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.com

Toni www.theleftofperfect.blogspot.co.uk

Vicky http://www.thecurvedopinion.com/

More About Me

Now I have completed quite a few of these sorts of quizzes in my time and swore I wouldn’t again, however my sister Lisa who is new at blogging (check out her felting blog www.feltsforever.blogspot.com by the way) tagged me in so I’m giving it a go.  You can’t turn down your sis!

Here goes 50 questions...

1. What are you wearing?

A bird print dress from SimplyBe, some gold metallic sandals, and a smile!

 

2. Ever been in love?
Yes, but it ended in tears, lots of them

3. Ever had a terrible breakup?

See above

4. How tall are you?

5ft 4 and a half...  I have one inch on my sister ;)

 

5. How much do you weigh?
I think that comes under the answer “none of your business”.  How rude!

6. Any tattoos?

Yes, nine.  Mostly small and non obtrusive.  My favourites are on my feet but especially Bertha, the butterfly on my wrist.  Yes, I have named my tattoo….

7. Any piercings?

I have my ears pierced and in a mad moment when I was 21 I decided to get my eyebrow done.  This lasted about three weeks.

8. OTP?

Eh??

9. Favourite show?

If this quiz originated in America then they mean TV show, which is Game of Thrones.  If the quiz started in the UK they mean theatrical show, which is Miss Saigon.  How’s that for thorough answering!

10. Favourite bands?

Radiohead and Green Day

11. Something you miss?

My dad

12. Favourite song?

My First, My Last, My Everything – Barry White.  Also love Ella Fitzgerald, At Last. Oh and Creep by Radiohead; and Good Riddance by Green Day.

13. How old are you?

35. Feel like 25.

14. Zodiac sign?

Pisces

15. Quality you look for in a guy?

Someone I can trust and someone who has the same sense of humour.

16. Favourite quote?

 No one can make you feel inferior without your consent – Eleanor Roosevelt

17. Favourite actor?

Morgan Freeman or Tom Hanks

 

18. Favourite colour?

Red

19. Loud music or soft?

Loud

20. Where do you go when you're sad?

Further into my head

21. How long does it take you to shower?

Including washing my hair, 30 minutes

22. How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

I can be ready for work in 45 minutes, if I am going out, 2 hours.

23. Ever been in a physical fight?

No

24. Turn on?

Someone who is confident

25. Turn off?

Someone untrustworthy

 

26. The reason I joined youtube?

I started to vlog, but then went off it

 

27. Fears?

Stairs and spiders.

28. Last thing that made me cry?

Watching the Supervet programme the other week

29. Last time you said you loved someone?

Yesterday, to my dog haha

 

30. Meaning behind your youtube name?

I couldn’t even tell you what it is

31. Last book you read?

A Night on the Orient Express

32. The book you are currently reading?

None at the moment, suggestions anyone?

 

33. Last show you watched?

Again, America version my answer is Made in Chelsea (yes I know, hangs head in shame), British version answer: Miss Saigon

34. Last person you talked to?

Our receptionist at work

35. The relationship between you and the person you last texted?

My best friend

36. Favourite food?

I love seafood or anything Italian

37. Place you want to visit?

New York, Paris, Thailand, Singapore, Italy, the list goes on.  I’d also love to go on the Orient Express.

38. Last place you were?

Bus station

 

39. Do you have a crush?

Nope!  Unless you count Adam Levine... 

40. Last time you kissed someone?

About 6 weeks ago

41. Last time you were insulted?

Someone took my photo on the bus to laugh at, I’d consider that insulting.

42. Favourite flavour?

Lemon

43. What instruments do I play?

None

44. Favourite piece of jewellery?

A diamond flower ring that belongs to my mum and one day to me.

 

45. Last sport you played?
Does The Circle of Death count?

46. Last song you sang?

Dream a Little Dream of Me, Mama Cass

47. Favourite chat up line?

What winks and is a tiger in bed? *Winks

48. Have you ever used it?

I’ve had it said to me, I wouldn’t say it myself ;)

49. Last time you hung out with anyone?

Last Saturday I was at my friend Vicky’s for her birthday along with some other great mates.
 

50. Who should answer these questions next?

Nikki from www.nattynikki.com or whomever wishes!

 

Phew that was a long one!!!

My New Friend George

I have a confession to make:  I have never bought clothes from a supermarket; not even so much as a t-shirt and to be honest, I’m not really sure why.

I have seen many other bloggers with posts showing some really gorgeous clothes which they have purchased from supermarkets so I decided that it was high time that I investigated this new source of clothes for myself (apologies in advance to my credit card).

Given that my to go supermarket is Asda I decided to check out their George at Asda clothing line and pick some of my favourites.

1  Animal Print Dress

£12.00

2  Threads Mesh Panel Skirt

£35.00 but currently on sale at £20.00

3  Animal Print Packable Parka

£10.00

4  Floral Print Trousers

£10.00

5  Embellished Dipped Hem Dress

£18.00

6  Ikat Print Jumpsuit

£14.00
 

I was pleasantly surprised by the pricing of everything and the fact that many items went up to a size 24.  There is also a plus size section which is caters from 16-26 but to be honest I preferred the items, and the pricing, of the main section.

Out of the above I think that my favourites are the animal print dress and the Ikat print jumpsuit but I have feeling that more than one will end up in my shopping basket.

* Sponsored post

The Power of the Selfie

You may be aware that one of my favourite sites FashionWorked allows me to take over once a month and write about whatever takes my fancy in a column called "The Plus Perspective".  (Not sure if he knew what he was letting himself in for!!).

 

Anyhow this month I am talking about taking selfies and confidence.  Here is an extract:

 

Strangely what I have realised whilst writing this post is that from my neck down I would never dream of apologising to someone about the way that I look. Indeed, my brain is saying to me “What? Why would you apologise you idiot”.

 

You can read more here

Magnificent 7th

We will be posting on the 7th of each month, and the aim of the challenge is to create an outfit to fit the theme, using clothes from our wardrobes, and yes that does mean digging deep into the depths and finding those long lost clothes! Hopefully one of us won’t end up in Narnia, but you never know with a bloggers wardrobe!

This month’s theme is dressing in the style of your favourite celebrity.  Now I can't really say that I have a favourite celebrity.  I don't particular immerse myself in celebrity culture or gossip magazines so am winging this a little.  I decided to go with Jennifer Lawrence in the end as I like her style, she seems to fall over a lot (like me) and seems to be the kind of girl that you would have a great time with.

When I have looked at Jennifer's style she always looks great in bright colours and isn't afraid to show a little cleavage so as such, I decided to show you a dress that I got some time ago, but haven't yet worn.

You can find the Enchanted Lands Dress at Taking Shape for £39.00.  On the website the dress looks a lot shorter than on me.  I am 5ft4 and the dress lands midway between my ankle and knee.  The sizing is spot on and the material is lovely and airy.

I love the vibrant colours of this dress and I don't even mind the hanky hem.  

Kaye http://polishedcurves.wordpress.com/

Nicola http://chunkycatcuddler.blogspot.co.uk/

Gail http://gailygumdrops.blogspot.co.uk/

Mary http://marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt/

Kathryn http://misskathrynsmisstakes.blogspot.co.uk/

Steph http://seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk/

Charley http://www.biggirlabouttown.blogspot.co.uk/

Rebecca http://sullen-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/

Leah http://www.justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk

Lindsey http://linzerellofatshion.blogspot.co.uk/

Vicky http://www.thecurvedopinion.com

Nikki http://nattynikki.blogspot.co.uk/

Christiana http://www.lifeofouk.blogspot.co.uk/

Leah http://www.thirtysomethingcurvyme.blogspot.co.uk/

Nancy http://sugardarlingblog.blogspot.co.uk/

Beverly http://www.thecurvyword.com/

Gillian http://www.weegillie.com/

Katt http://acurvycupcake.blogspot.co.uk/

Sarah http://plussizeproud.wordpress.com/

Hannah http://www.fabulouslyfatfashion.com/

Hollie http://prettybigbutterflies.com

Kitty http://misskittykaos.blogspot.co.uk/

Emma http://emmaatouchofsparkle.weebly.com/

Michelle http://stageyourpresence.blogspot.ie/

Abi http://aisforabi.blogspot.co.uk/

Sarah http://pookledo.blogspot.co.uk/

Charlie http://www.freakumdress.co.uk/

Sally http://www.thehumanmannequin.co.uk/

Mayah http://www.beautyfulyouniverse.blogspot.co.uk/

Lucie http://www.fatbeautyx.co.uk/

Natalie http://www.awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk/

New Look Wishlist

New Look Wishlist 

Green Hummingbird Print Skater Dress

Cameo Rose Black Scuba Mesh Insert Floral Print Dress

Cameo Rose Cream Floral Print Bustier Skater Dress

Green Tropical Print Kimono

Cream and Neon Coral Floral Print Backpack

Pearl necklace
$22 - newlook.com

Pink ring
$8.36 - newlook.com

No Crying at Boo Hoo

A few months ago I was allowed to have a browse through the new plus size collection from BooHoo and choose an item.  This particular post has been sat in my drafts for a while now and I stupidly forgot to hit publish!

Surprisingly for me I went for not the usual choice of bright choices and patterns, but instead was drawn towards the Lilly Peter Pan Contrast Collar Dress as it spoke to my earlier years of wanting to be Wednesday Adams.

The dress is true to size and very comfortable, however if you are not comfortable with a bodycon style fit, I would recommend that you size up.  The dress also comes with the opposite colouring of white dress and black collar which would look gorgeous in the summer.

I styled this dress for my photographs simply with a red heart locket and simple black sandals.  You could easily dress it up with some heels and a different necklace for work or alternatively, add some Converse and you can nod to the sports lux look too.

Given that it was a few months since I first checked out the new plus size collection, I decided to have a look and see what was available now and I totally fell in love with this kimono below so I had to share it with you.  

Isobel Neon Floral Kimono £20.00

I absolutely love this kimono.  The colour, the print, I NEED this in my wardrobe.  It's perfect.

What are you loving about the new Boohoo plus size range?

Fashiola

I was recently told about a new fashion search website called Fashiola   Now usually when I hear about this sort of website I immediately discount it as I have been used to these sort of search engines previously which have either had no plus size section or alternatively a very limited choice.

 

In this case however I was given the website information from a PR whom I have worked with regularly so I decided to check it out.  What a pleasant surprise it turned out to be!

 

The site is well set out and easy to use.  As well as being able to search for clothing there is also a handy discount code section and another which shows the current trends for 2014.  Additionally there is a style book section where you can browse through collections that people have put together or alternatively make your own.

 

The main feature of the site enables you to search for fashion, shoes or accessories in womens, mens and childrens sections with brands available from sites like BooHoo right up to D&G and Alexander McQueen.

 

The search facility gives you many options in order to filter down exactly what you are looking for.  I was searching in particular for a dress for a wedding and found that it was very easy to navigate. 

 

 

I am happy to report that the plus size community have not been an afterthough with this website as with so many others.  There are at present over 1400 items of plus size clothing in the women's section which is very impressive but I also found that there were many more items available without having to pre section the plus size option.  I searched in the main section for dress in a size 24 and it brought me over a 1000 options!

 

Here's what they have to say about themselves:

 

"We’re excited to have arrived to the UK and into such a strong online fashion market. The strength of our brand is evident in our fantastic fashion brand partners in the UK. There are thousands of online fashion shops, but how are shoppers able to search for a particular piece of clothing quickly online? We have solved this problem by giving a complete overview of all brands, prices, styles and availability of the goods in the correct size and for the best price in the market.

 

 

Have a look for yourself!

 

 

*Although I was given the information about this website I was not asked to write about them and was not paid to do so.

A New Look

I was recently contacted and asked if I would like to review a couple of pieces from the +New Look Inspire Range.  What I decided to do was to choose things a little out of my comfort zone so in other words; not a dress!  

What I have been absolutely loving lately are the beautiful kimonos that I have seen people floating around in and I was dying to try one for myself.  The trouble with kimonos is that I already know that they won't suit me.  Big floating sleeves and the cut means that they just won't work with my body.  I decided that the White Floral Waterfall Blazer * would be the perfect ode to the kimono as I wanted something fitted but with short beautiful draping detail and of course a gorgeous print.  

As I was already out of my usual comfort zone I decided to team the jacket with a bright blue top and some black skinny jeans *.  Here is how it all worked together.

The waterfall blazer is gloriously soft to the touch and doesn't crease.  The fit is true to size and I wore it comfortably all day.  The skinny jeans fit well and I went with the 30 inch length which was just right for me at 5ft4.  

The blazer styled with the jersey top with mesh insert from +Marisota gives a more formal look but it would also be perfect with a simple camisole.

What do you think?  Are separates my thing?

* Denotes a gifted item 

Yes All Women

When you look 20 or 30 years into the future, what do you envision?  Flying cars?  People living on other planets?  Teleportation?  Well if you look back at the movies of a few decades ago, this is the kind of thing that they expected us to be doing.

Next year we will hit the year that Marty McFly travelled to in Back to the Future 2.  I don't see many hover boards floating around but they are a few things that they were pretty spot on about; like video calling.

In essence, when you look towards the future, you see progression, things that are better than the way they are now.  

29 years ago "The Breakfast Club" was released.  Here is a quote from the movie when talking about women and sex:

Wow, you think, what backward thinking I'm so happy times have changed!  Oh wait......  Actually that thought process is still as much in play today as it was then.  

Girls are sent home from prom because their outfits are "causing young men to have impure thoughts".  In rape cases victim blaming is rife not only in the media and on the social network sites but also in Court (this is only one example of many out there).  Songs like Blurred Lines become bestsellers.   People like David Starkie get to go on Question Time saying things like "Violence, not consent, should be the classification of rape."

We still live in a society where when you get unwanted attention from a man "I have a boyfriend" works better than "No".  

The hashtag on Twitter #yesallwomen which has followed after the killing spree of Elliot Rodgers has done much to highlight what attitudes women face on a daily basis.  

My own experience is of men thinking that because I have large breasts, I am automatically "up for it" or I'm "easy".  I have been grabbed in bars more times than I can count but the thing that scares me the most is the perception of others that this is somehow acceptable because "well they are so big".  It is NOT alright to touch me without my permission.  It isn't okay; it's a sex crime and I shouldn't be told I am overreacting if I label it as such.

It doesn't matter how far we have progressed in other aspects of our lives, like with the technological example.  A woman may be able to give testimony in a rape trial by way of video link, but until what she was wearing or how much she had to drink is no longer relevant; we are still living in the stone age.

A Curious Fairytale

I was recently given the opportunity to review a piece of jewellery from a Manchester based store on Etsy called A Curious Fairytale (what a fantastic name for a jewellery shop by the way!)

Mostly when I buy jewellery I don't go into the high street stores but instead prefer to check out charity shops and online stores for something a little more unique and that fits with my personality.  The necklace I was sent was their Once upon a Time Cameo Necklace which is selling on their Etsy store for £15.00.

The quality of the necklace is superb with the pendant having that heavy feel to it that you know means that it is not going to fall apart after a few wears.  I have worn this necklace with several different outfits now, both to blend with the outfit and also by showcasing the necklace itself.

Here are some of my other favourites from the shop.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them and will definately be buying from them myself in the future.

A Reminder

Because sometimes, just like today for me, we all need a reminder.