The Only Splits I'll Be Doing! featuring Yours Clothing and New Look

After Christmas I kept my head down in terms of shopping, avoiding any internet browsing because I've been buying shit that is just too damn fancy (albeit gorgeous) and having no social life to wear any of it. I basically live in this limbo of work clothes and pajamas. With the spring sales it's been a bit difficult to resist temptation, and for once I've been bulking up my casual wardrobe.

Yours Clothing have been putting out some fabulous pieces out lately and I've bought a couple of bits from them. I spotted this maxi tunic in my local store, but typically they had every size but mine! I figured I'd use the luxury of a changing room anyway and tried the next size down. A perfect fit! In fact they had my size in a different colour and I felt it was too baggy for me. Result!

Oh yeah my hairs back to red again too

The tunic has two large splits up the side and so I donned a pair of chub rub shorts for a little modesty! The fabric is a lovely, soft jersey. It felt lovely and cool and hangs so comfortably.

I gotta admit, I was feeling pretty fierce in this. I knew this outfit called for some serious boots. I picked these up in New Look after a lovely blogger breakfast, after being convinced by Sophie that as they were on sale I obviously would be a fool not to pick them up. How could I not heed such good advice?! 

While I went for a slightly raunchier look here this tunic is just as cute dressed down. I wore this out for lunch with the fella with some leggings and an old pair of leopard print T.U.K creepers. 

It's such a blank canvas that you can dress it up or down.

Your fat super heroine

Outfit details:

Short Sleeved Tunic: Yours Clothing

Ankle Boots: New Look

That's A Wrap! Featuring So Fabulous Faux Fur Coat

Back in September I attended the Curve Fashion Fest in Manchester. So Fabulous were holding a competition to win an outfit just by choosing something from the rails and having your photo snapped in it. Sadly I didn't win it but I was excited to find this Faux Fur Shawl Collar Wrap Coat (phew!). They didn't have my size at the time but it still looked pretty cute.

I wasn't able to get my paws on it until just recently, but luckily we got a second wind of cold winter weather so I didn't lose my chance to wear it. I have been pining for a fur trimmed pea coat style for so long, but most brands like Collectif and so forth don't even acknowledge anything close to my size. 

The coat itself is a lovely soft wool and fully lined. It's actually a little more flurry looking than the photos suggest. I don't personally like the belt that comes with it. I feel a bit like a link of sausages in it so I choose not to wear it with it. The faux fur collar is super soft and I feel like a real luxury bitch in it. 

I did have to size up. Mostly because, while it fit great on top, the bottom buttons were straining and I didn't think they'd last too long. Plus I wanted a coat to actually cover me if I was forking out for a new one! It meant I did have to compromise on a nicer fit on top but at least it's not snug. 

My only disappointment with it is that while the fur collar is detachable (hooray, you can create different looks!) some of the buttons that held it on have come off already and I've only had it a few weeks. Disappointing for the money you are paying. But it IS a fixable issue, if you've got the teeny tiny needles to sew them back on.

Thankfully I didn't pay full price for it as it has been reduced but it's a lovely warm coat, and it looks fab. I'm really pleased with it! 

Christmas Belle: Featuring We Love Colours review and Lindy Bop.

I don't know about anyone else but this festive period has been oddly hectic for me, hence why I'm only sitting down now and doing my Christmas blog!

Given I'm a little tardy to the party I feel it's only fair I go super festive to make up.

I'm so festive I could vomit baubles. Though probably best I don't. Instead I'll just enjoy all the colours.

So Lindy Bop had a sale before Christmas and I took a punt on this top. Mostly because it's the dreaded dual sizing so I wasn't sure if I'd be comfortable.

This top is SO stretchy. I don't think you could go beyond a 26 in it but I fitted comfortably in it. The material isn't too heavy but substantial enough to feel secure in.

A couple of months ago I won a pair of tights from We Love Colours on one of their Instagram competitions. I was super excited because I've been lusting after a pair from them for so long and now I had a chance to pick a pair for FREE!

I opted for a block colour pair in the Kelly Green.

How's that for a splash of colour?! I got these in a size EE, which is the largest size they do. Their sizing chart goes by height and weight but as a rule I get the largest size wherever I shop. I'm a size 26 and these fit perfectly. They are huge. Honestly, I could pull them up right under my boobs and I reckon I could have gotten a little more out of them. Very impressed by the sizing.

What I really loved was how the depth of colour was not compromised by my big legs. On my thigh you can see a thin line. This seems to be where the material slightly changes. It feels a little thinner between the legs, and while I didn't wear them for the full day I could tell they might be an issue, which is a bit of a disaster with the old chub rub so I would highly suggest wearing some little shorts underneath. I know that kind of sucks with tights but I guess if you want longevity out of the product you gotta go what you gotta do.

While the colour is still thick they do still show tattoos so if you're trying to cover up you might want something thicker. You can still see a feint outline of my shin tattoo. But then you could always just distract them with this wild colour, right?!

Outfit deets:

Top: Lindy Bop

Skirt: Modcloth

Tights: We Love Colours

Shoes: Hush Puppies 

Liebster Award #2

I've been nominated for another Liebster Award, this time by the lovely Tanya.  I love these posts and they are an easy way to get to know a little more about a variety of bloggers. Showing your appreciation for blogs and discovering new ones in the process!

Onto the questions..

1. Favourite city and why?

New Orleans. When I was 18 I packed off on my own for two weeks, staying in a youth hostel a short tram ride from the centre. I had timed my trip well as they had only just reinstated the trams. I was also very fortunate in my timing as I visited in July and in the September Hurrican Katrina hit. I was blessed to experience the last summer before the travesty. 

New Orleans felt like a dream, like a living story. Walking through sleepy streets with their beautiful colonial french architecture, the low ornate balconies dripping with ivy and wisteria, only to gaze up into the distance and see towering skyscrapers of the city ahead. Old men, their hats tipped over their eyes to shield from the sun, sitting on corners and filling the air with amazing jazz music. 

I wish I had planned better and saved enough money to go on a swap trip and I missed visiting the Garden District. 

Maybe one day I'll go back.

2. What people, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?

Tough one. Neil Fallon, lead singer of Clutch. Mostly so I could sit there and fizz my pants off but also because he's a seemingly very smart and erudite person who would tell wonderful stories, or talk about a topic he's passionate about and make it really interesting. Plus his speaking voice is so delicious. Did I mention he's bloody gorgeous? Sigh. What was the question again?

Tarja Turunen and Vibeke Stene so they could sing for us at the table and make me cry. 

Stuart Lee because he makes me laugh until it hurts. 

3. Biggest fashion faux pas? (pictures if possible)

My whole teenage years were a fashion faux pas. As a fat goth I was extra cringy. I mean everyone did the oversized jeans and band shirts but we all overstepped the mark wth dog collars.

4. What started you blogging?

Peer pressure! Ha, I went to my first Plus North a couple of years ago and everyone there said I should start one. So I did! It hasn't come very naturally to me but it's been mostly fun!

5. Where would you like to see the PS community in the next 5 years?

I want to see us demanding more choice from brands, demanding better representation from brands. I want us to hold people accountable for the shitty/racist/sexist/bigoted things they say and do, but with a view for growth. I want us to be more inclusive, less flat stomach curvy hour glasses, more disabled/poc/trans representation and support. I'm not saying we don't have those people involved but there's room for everyone so let them in. So, not a lot!

6. Biggest pet hate?

Only one? Oh man. Ok, well I guess willful ignorance. Everyone fucks up, says the wrong thing or does something thoughtless but to refuse to acknowledge your mistakes or your privilege in society is what makes all the difference. There's a lot of shitty stuff happening in the world that doesn't happen to you but make yourself aware, educate yourself. 

7. Your motto to live by?

"Be just, and fear not." --Wolsey scene ii, Henry VIII by Shakespeare. 

I got a tattoo with it, mostly because it really struck me. But as time has passed it's become more and more relevant to me. Don't be afraid to do the right thing, even if it isn't always the most popular decision. 

8. What piece of advice would you give your teenage self?

Fuck 'em. They don't matter. They don't matter now and they never will. Their words will become ashes on your tongue. Read more, take better care of your skin. Maybe don't cut your hair that short.


The nominees...

Just Me, Leah
Lolly Likes
Rad Fat Feminist
Kitty Rambles A Lot


The questions..

1. What was your favourite subject in school?
2. You're on death row, what is your final meal?
3. What song gets you singing in the shower?
4. Your proudest moment?
5. Set yourself a goal for the coming year.
6. What did you want to be when you grew up?
7. If you won the lottery what would the first thing you did?


* Link back to the blogger that nominated you.
*Answer the questions
*Nominate other blogs
*Create answers to be published
*Notify all your nominees once published

High Five!

Recently Everything5Pounds had an offer of free shipping with a £25 spend. In the mood to shop, I filled up my basket. I bought 5 items, though sadly one of them was no good. Not due to sizing but rather because it looked nothing like it did in the photo and the colours were not to my taste. So 4/5 aint bad!

Three of my five purchases are all in this outfit post!

Firstly the crotchet collar dress in a lovely chocolate colour. The material is substantial without being too heavy, so it's ideal for a transitional outfit that you can layer up with a cardigan and thick tights or leggings as it gets cooler. It's loose without being flimsy.

As you can see the sizing is generous on account of the material being stretchy. I'm wearing a 26, which is perfect for me, but you could certainly size up or down depending on the kind of fit you wanted. 

You may have noticed the boots I'm wearing. A bootleg (Ha, geddit?! I'm so sorry.) version of Dr Martens  but with a slight platform bottom. When I got them out of the box I thought there was no way in buggery they'd fit my calves with also having a side zip. I am happy to report I was wrong. For only a fiver even if they fall off my feet within 6 months it won't have been a huge loss. 

But boots that fit me, for a fiver? I'll take that!

Completing my look is this adorable satchel. It's a little snug inside so not very useful for much beyond your phone, purses, and diaries, but again for such a cheap price you can't go wrong.

Have you had a bargain haul lately? 

One rule for one?

I wanted to share this here and get some feedback to see if it would abate my annoyance or reassuree I'm not being unreasonable.

I've just been on the Lady Vintage instagram when I saw this:

What's happening here is that due to a high demand the Lyra dress from the Lady Voluptous range (Lady Vintage's plus size range) is now being offered to Lady Vintage customers in their 'straight sizes'. 

Needless to say I'm pissed off.

Before I go any further I want to make it very clear that this isn't an 'us vs them' situation and I'm not wanting to 'keep' this for us fatties but I can't count the number of times I've commented on brands social media begging them to do them in larger sizes, and it NEVER happens. The fact that Lady Vintage did a seperate line with unique dresses shows that fat customers aren't able to wear their lines. 

I find it baffling that Lady Vintage seemingly stop certain dresses at a 20, others at a 24, then make a wholly seperate line just for 16+.

If you are willing to make plus size lines smaller then you should be making smaller lines for bigger customers.

Your straight sized customers already have a larger choice compared to us and tet you offer them even more?

 What am I missing here? Surely with the success of the Lady Voluptuous line they can see that the need is there.

I love this brand. But there have been countless times when I've had an email from them declaring a new dress range, only to click the link and see they stop at a 20.

Why are we not opening up the whole lot to EVERYONE?

Thoughts?

The Curve Fashion Festival 2015 (Part 1)

There's going to be a whole bunch of blog posts about this event going around by people vastly more prepared than me, who remembered to take notes and photographs. I am no such person. But I do want to make a point of writing more about my personal interactions at the event and I may later blog more about the event itself as there are things I wanted to talk about.
But I'm still buzzing from it all so I wanted to share all the good stuff first.
The biggest part of the day for me was how much fun I had in the company of fellow bloggers, most of whom I had not met before or had interacted very little with. The sense of excitement and community that was buzzing around the room was very difficult not to get wrapped up in.

I had the pleasure of travelling up with Sarah, Tanya, Sharon, and Becky. The night before we attended a swing dance class, with many laughs to be had as well as some questionable dancing skills from fellow attendees, before bedding down for the night ready for our 7am start. The whole day was just a mix of belly laughing, hugs, and excited chatter.

Before I even had the chance to go inside I became acquainted with a host of new, friendly faces who were generous with warm hugs and welcomes. That was a theme throughout the day. Despite barely knowing anyone it was understood that we were all there for a common goal: to celebrate each other and enjoy a moment that was for us, without judgement, and with love.

I had my reservations; being an new and unknown person in the plus blogging scene, I felt a little intimidated not knowing anyone and seeing the many groups all coming together. But my fears were easily laid to rest as I was pulled in for selfies, lavished with compliments, and chatting so easily with so many strangers.

Amazing dress from Lisa Riley's new range.

Met this fabulous babe, Kat Henry, for the first time

Some posi messages from Curvy Kaye's stall.

L-R Sarah, Nikki, Becky.

Lolly Likes

Of course it wasn't all about hanging out and there was a lot of amazing styles to be seen, from attendees as well as on the hangers. While I forgot to snap an OOTD Becky and I were paped by the SLiNK Magazine crew for theor streetstyle tag.

Image taken from SLiNK Magazine Instagram.

I will be reviewing this dress soon so keep your eyes peeled!

The Curve Fashion Festival 2015

I'm on a count down. Only three weeks until the Curve Fashion Festival in Manchester!

What's The Curve Fashion Festival?

Well let me tell ya! CFF is a fantastic new event this year taking place at Manchester Central Exchange Hall. There's oodles of plus size fashion related fun waiting for you with confirmed brands including Asos, New Look, Boohoo, and Evans as well a bunch of indie brands to name a few!

What can I expect there?

There's going to be catwalks, celebrity panals, pop up meet and greets, shopping stalls from lots of fabulous plus size brands. Oh and did I mention there's a campagne bar and afternoon tea restaraunt?

Zoowee mama! You said celebrity panalists. Who's going to be there?

Tess Holliday, Hayley Hassellhoff, Style Me Curvy blogger Louise O'Reilly, and Nicolette Mason are but to name a few of the faces you'll see!

.........

There's a bunch of information about the event, including information about the venue itself and how to get there. You can find this, and more, at http://www.thecurvefashionfestival.co.uk/

This is a ticket only event! So don't miss out and grab yours here: http://www.thecurvefashionfestival.co.uk/tickets2.html

I'm super stoked for this event. Will I see you there?

........

You can find me on Tumblr & Instagram! 

Sweet Treat.

I've recently had a bit of a hiatus from social media. For one reason or another I've felt a lack of motivation in my daily life and I didn't have much I wanted to say or share. I've felt a little distanced from blogging and I wanted a bit of time away to hide from everything.
But I'm slowly coming out of it. I've been pottering around the house and garden, mostly. Things are starting to bloom and my efforts are bearing fruit, literally!

With any down time sometimes you need a little treat to pick you up, and what better than a sweet treat at that? This amazing Cupcake Dress in Hepburn by Lady V London certainly does the trick! While the black version appears to be out of stock there is a limited number left in the cream here.
This was my first Lady V London dress and it isn't the last.
As with any vintage repro brand I hold my breath as I get ready to put it on. Sizing is always misleading (I'm looking at YOU, Lindy Bop!) and it generally peters out at a size 22, no matter they label it as. Imagine my shock (and sheer delight) as the size 26/28 slid comfortably over my size 26 body and..wait..fit?!

As well as generous sizing I found the material to be excellent quality. It's just a really comfy dress to wear and as someone who doesn't get much of an opportunity to be in anything other than work clobber it's nice to have something easy to wear that looks really cute too.
Oh, and the dress comes with a belt that fits as well!

To complete the look I added a super bright, pink cardigan from Asda. I love Asda cardigans. They wash well and are lovely and soft. But importantly they are cheap. They average around £8-£10 and go up to a 24 but the sizing is generous and they tend to be stretchy too so always worth trying on!  I have at least 10 and counting!

To finish the look I added another Asda treat. These gorgeous peep toe ballet pumps. At £6 you're laughing. I stocked up and bought three pairs. They seem to have vanished off the website but keep your eyes peeled in your local stores. They are super cute, comfy, and an easy finish to any outfit. My handbag is a darling 50's style square handbag I snagged on ebay for £3! It has those big, chunky metal clasps that make a really satisfying snap when they close.

This was a really easy outfit to wear around town, and perfect for a summers day.

Vinnie decided to join me and share in my new found motivation!

Rocketeer reporting for duty! Featuring Hell Bunny

So I'm a bit slow on the uptake (nothing new, right?) but I'm finally usting out my Curverella t-shirt from Nicky Rockets after purchasing it at Plus North in August last year. Shortly after the attending the event I injured my back and by the time I was up and about again it was jumper weather. So here it is and man I LOVE it.

The stall was manned by the simply gorgeous Betty Pamper, who was really sweet and helpful. She advised me on the best size to choose and she was bang on. It fits like a dream! I opted for the slash neck.

The sizing is very generous with the material having a decent stretch to it. The fabric is high quality, as is the print ink. I love the tongue in cheek designs, especially the B-movie horror vibe. Perfect!

What prompted me to dig this little gem out was the recent arrival of my first Hell Bunny piece. 

I'd been on the hunt for a plain jacket with the weather warming up slightly. As with most of my endeavours into plain things I come out with something all singing and all dancing.

There's nothing plain about this amazing Sadie 50's Baseball Style jacket in red and black. 

The fabric is thick and soft, the jacket being fully lined with its corrosponding colours. The colours are very rich and vibrant. There are two stitched designs which are excellent quality; one on the front and a huge back piece.

As with all vintage repro I buy the biggest and cross my fingers a I try it on. It fits, but is slightly snug towards the bottom. It sits on my hips so if you prefer something longer this won't be for you. I have room to swing my arms without any buttons popping open. Success!

Now I can grab a milkshake at my local diner and gaze scornfully at all the squares.

Jacket: Bought on ebay at MaggieAnn Vintage Store--4XL

T-shirt: Nicky Rockets (I can't remember the size and there's no tag. Possibly a 3 or 4Xl?)

Mini skirt: New Look Inspire via eBay

Leggings:Evans

Boots: Doc Martens via eBay.

Miss Match

Truthfully I had no intention of posting these photos. While I had planned the outfit in my head and was really excited to put it together, it didn't translate quite how I had in mind. Things didn't sit how I imagined, didn't pair up as I'd hoped. My hair was messy, the day was windy and made everything blow around and ruffle out of place. I felt really disheartened.

Then I realised that that was exactly why I needed to post them.

If I'm honest I'm not the most fashion concious person. I'm not one for spending time on my appearance. Mostly because the way I spend ym time doesn't call for it. My job as a carer means that I have to wear a lot of stuff that I'm prepared to have pulled at, have various bodily fluids splashed on, keep me cool as I rush about in an already warm house, not reveal too much skin, and just be generally practical.

Dang wind!

When I'm not at work I'm basically slobbing out on my pj's. As I tend to work evenings there is little time for me to relax after work before bedtime, so I spend most mornings before work curled up eating toast and watching Steven Universe. On my days off it's Dragon Age marathons. 

When I started blogging here I wasn't really sure what I wanted to achieve. I think I just wanted to be another fat body for fellow fat people to see in a positive way. A fat body wearing what they wanted, no matter what fashion media tried to say. Mostly because when I was growing up I had no such thing. 

But the fact remains that it's ok if things aren't quite right. This is more of a reflection of me. A little mix of this and that; a cheapy casual top with something a little more expensive in this instance.

I like to shop about and piece together what I can. Sometimes it means forking out a little more, like this adorable Modcloth skirt. Quality fabric in a vivacious red, with a lovely soft white underskirt. The skirt is very full but isn't heavy. 

Paired with a cute, and cheap, top from Primark. This is a pretty casual box tee with rolled sleeves. This is actually a size 20 (I'm generally a 24/26 on top) but it's probably meant to be really baggy but if it works, it works. I love the cheesy tattoo flash pattern on it. For a fiver how could I not?!

Outfit details

Top: Primark size 20

Skirt: Modcloth 4XL

Shoes: Hush Puppies

OOTD: Pink because the boys stink (the devils in the details)

The weather has been really unkind to my skin lately; I'm dry and flaky as well as breaking out, not to mention I have roots for miles. What better time to pick up a camera, right? I guess if it feels right you gotta go with it.

So you know when you buy a piece of clothing and you think "Yup. This is the thing I'm going to wear for the rest of my life." That's kinda how it was for me when I picked up this gorgeous Pink Fluffy Jumper from New Look Inspire. 

I'd had my eye on a similar one at Simply Be, but when I saw this reduced to £12 I had to make it mine. 

Mmmm. Sooo floooofy

It comes in a lovely eyelash material and is much more vibrant than the website photo gives it credit for. Oh man is this thing soft. Angel hair soft. Fluffy kitten soft. Gatdang soft, ok? Not to mention warm. My house, being so old, get pretty cold at times and this has kept me more than warm and snug. Did I mention it's soft?

It's a nice length. Not too short (although I'd kill for this in cropped) and not too long. I'm not great with the whole "boyfriend cardi" look, I just kinda look like a kid trying on their mums clothes. 

I put this with a simple pair of black skinny jeans (jeans whaaaat?!) and my black Demonia maryjanes. I've yet to master the fine art of taking full length pictures with my feet in. 

The devilish details? Well, I figured because this is so lovely and vibrant, and with the busy eyelash material, I didn't want to over complicate it. I stuck with the pink theme and minimal accessories. Cue these beauties: Tickled Pink Flamigo drop earrings from Black Heart Creatives.

I love Black Heart Creatives because they are so fun and adorably kitsch. But also well made and good quality. It helps even more that they are an independant business with excellent customer service. I had an issue with a previous purchase and they couldn't have been more helpful and friendly. If you haven't gotten anything yet, stick it on your list because they are a must!

I finished this look with pink brows, pink glittery eyemake up and pink lipstick (An early one from the Kate Moss range with Rimmel). Obviously