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Wednesday 30 October 2013

Blog Series - Curves around the World - Curvy Plus size Outfits - WEEK #23 GIRLS NIGHT OUT


Happy Wednesday girls!
Firstly, I apologise for no post last week. I won't bore you with the details, life got in the way but I'm back to brace yourselves for this weeks installment of 'Curves Around the World'. 
Girls night casual outfit plus size & curvy outfit of the day/night featuring floral kimono
For this week's post, I decided to show an outfit I wore on my last 'girls night' out so you may have seen it briefly, but I didn't go into detail as I knew I was going to do another post. It's a casual outfit.

A few weeks ago, I went to a clothing launch. I was travelling into London and didn't know anyone there, so I wanted to wear something comfortable and practical. I would have worn a dress but  it was windy that day and as I was travelling down, changing trains etc, a dress was at risk of blowing up and I didn't want any embarrassing moments so opted for jeans.
Outfit for the evening featuring jeans and Primark floral kimono with statement necklace
Outfit details
Basic Vest top (New Look)
Kimono (Primark)
Jeans (New Look)
Shoes- (Converse)  ....yes I wore Converse as my ankle is awaiting surgery
Bag (Matalan)
Statement necklace (Matalan)
Earrings-gold hoops (Matalan)

Onto the rest- face/ hair/nails. 
I used my Urban Decay Naked Palette and went for a bronze/grey look and on my lips I used Cargo Lipgloss in Bourbon Street which I patted down a little into my lips. It matched the flowers in the kimono print really well. For the rest I used my Natural Collection Bronzing Pearls for some colour with a tiny bit of 17 Damson Wine blush, put a little brown eyebrow pencil through my brows, Collection concealer for pesky blemishes and Rimmel Wake me up concealer under my eyes and under my brow bone for some highlight. I also used MUA eyeshadow in the inner corners of my eyes (I love doing this to brighten my eyes and face). Foundation wise I used my usual MaxFactor Face Finity powder foundation and for mascara I used MaxFactor False Lash Fusion with Rimmel waterproof liner on my lower waterline and brown smudged out on my top lash line. For hair I went pretty natural but I did straighten the ends a little and for nails I went nude and used Rimmel varnish in 'Soul Sessions'.
Cargo Bourbon Street Lipgloss, Urban decay eyeshadow, MaxFactor FaceFinity powder foundation,
face of the night

This outfit is comfortable, easy but pretty and is great for a casual girls night. The kimono and make up are the main focus. I love the kimono trend. The floral print and silky material is girly and luxurious looking and as it's loose, it's so comfortable and easy to throw on. The rest of the outfit is simple so the kimono does the talking and takes centre stage. Oh and let's not forget, any pretty cover up is fab for those (like me), who want to cover upper arms etc.  Do you like kimonos, what do you think of this outfit? Leave me a comment and let me know.

Subscribe by email or follow via Bloglovin, and if you fancy it come and say hello on facebook or twitter! I love to chat!!
                                                                      ----------
Now it's time for you check out the other ladies in this blog series. We are all from different countries and all have different styles and takes on each weeks theme so go check them out to see what they came up with! (Please note, we post every Wednesday but we all live in different time zones so if the posts aren't up yet, please check back later!)

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Sunday 20 October 2013

Gemma Cruickshank Collexions Clothing Launch

Gemma Cruickshank Clothing Launch / Plus size and curvy outfits 
Not long ago, the lovely Gemma invited me to the launch of her clothing range. Although we hadn't ever met, we have chatted over good old twitter. She had told me she was doing her own collection, so when she invited me to check it out, of course I made the trek into Mary Janes Bar in London to check it out! Gemma is a size 22 so knows what us curvy plus size ladies like. She also represents the tall girls amoung us as she is 5"11. I'm not in the tall category I might add!

Firstly I have to start my saying, although having spoken to a handful of the bloggers who were going via twitter, I hadn't met anyone who would be there. So myself and Hollie (prettybigbutterflies Blog), decided to have a blind date and meet before hand. Nothing like walking down the street phoning someone who've never met, and asking what they are wearing so you can find them!
Gemma Cruickshank clothing collection launch - plus size, curvy outfit of the day

The first thing we did was get cocktails (Pacific Passion in case you're wondering), well it was happy hour and 2 4 1! How could I resist. We had fun chatting to others like Olivia who is a plus sized model and blogger Danielle who were both stunning! After that, Maeson, a friend of Gemma's soothed us with his voice and was a lovely chilled intro to the evening. 
Danielle Vanier - Blogger / Olivia Campbell-plus size model and myself @ Gemma Cruickshank launch 
Then the catwalk began and we had cameras at the ready. It was tricky to take good photos as it was so busy and the lighting wasn't a camera's best friend. However, I seemed to get decent (ish) shots of each model. Monochrome and pink, stripes and print were the themes running through the collection.

            
                                                     
                                   

My absolute favourite piece was the worn by the second model who was wearing a  lavender purple and monochrome stripe sleeved shirt. This was stunning and looked fabulous. My second favourites was tuxedo style jacket on the last model with black and monochrome panels, and the second to last model who wore a jacket with pink sleeves and stripe monochrome body. All the pieces were so lovely and Gemma has designed and created a gorgeous collection. 

It was a lovely evening and so nice to meet everyone in person and not just chat on twitter! Unfortunately I couldn't stay late, but  I look forward to seeing everyone at other events and catching up again. THANK YOU to Gemma for inviting me and  I look forward to seeing more of her work. She is a lovely person and so gorgeous, and so driven. She is set to make a big big name for herself in the plus size fashion world.

Find out more at Gemma's website. Her boutique will be opening soon so you can get your hands on some of her collection.
P.S Outfit post for what I was wearing coming soon! 

Friday 18 October 2013

Positivity and confidence-You're worth it.

This is just a quick post as I really wanted to share something with you all. I watched this video last night made by Hanna and it was so lovely, feel good and inspirational that I had to share it. It really touched a nerve with me and made a big impact. Basicially it's about being positive and having self confidence.

I truly believe everyone needs to be more positive. There is so much negativity nowadays and self confidence is also such an important thing and part of being positive. The world we live in is tough as we are all bombarded from all directions from magazines, tv, and people around us. Perfection doesn't exist, as Hannah says in the video below. We just need to be good people, learn to love ourselves just the way we are and not worry about others. You may look at someone and think 'oh they have the perfect life' or 'oh I'd love to be her' but trust me, no-one's life is straightforward and perfect. We all have face/body imperfections, we all have heartbreak, family problems, friend issues, we all feel lonely sometimes and we all have a past. Please remember that when watching tv, or movies or reading magazines. Oh and don't forget airbrushing and touch ups happen in all forms of media! Hannah also says that she does the mirror trick, that I've talked about before on my blog. Look yourself in mirror and say to yourself  'I am beautiful' then pick out 3 things you love about yourself. It may feel weird but just try it. It works!

None of us are perfect. That's what makes us all individual and unique. So love yourself, just the way you are and please check out Hannah's video below. It's amazing. Hannah speaks from the heart and really is spreading good positive vibes. What a lovely person inside and out. The crazy thing is, Hannah is only 15 years old. Yes 15! Woah there, she has a wise head on her shoulders. In all seriousness though, we can learn a lot from her. I know you'll love the video, so please leave me a comment saying what you do to keep positive and to boost your self confidence, and you can also show Hannah some love on twitter.

Remember people, we are all BEAUTIFUL and need to keep our heads up and be positive. Spread the love people :)

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Blog Series - Curves around the World - Curvy Plus size Outfits - WEEK #21 PINK FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

This week the theme is a little different. Nina (a fellow blogger  in this blog series), suggested that as it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, that we do pink as a theme. Obviously charity and awareness of medical conditions is important so of course we said we would do it! 55,000 a year in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer. That's 150 every day or one person every 10 minutes and 12,000 people, both men and women die every year in the UK. Now whatever you want to call them-boobs, baps, breasts they are part of us and with such high stats and numbers, it's safe to say that most of will know someone who has suffered or is suffering. For info about Breast Cancer Awareness Month just go to the Cancer Research UK website or Breast Cancer Care website. However I do think it's important to put some info here that is easy,clear and accessible as let's be honest, that is the whole point right?!

It's important to check yourself regularly and know what is normal for you as we are all different. Both men and women should feel and look, not only your breasts and armpits but also up to your collar bone. These are things you should look out for(this post wouldn't be complete without a boob diagram right!?):
REMEMBER these points: 
Know what is normal for you.
Know what to look & feel for
Look & feel regularly
Tell your Dr about any changes immediately
Go to breast screening when you are called.

For more info and support contact your Doctor, or one of the websites linked above.
plus size / curvy casual outfit of the day - Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Now we have all learnt something, on to the outfit- Pink isn't a colour I wear a lot clothing wise. I have a few blush coloured pieces or with very small pink areas but nothing very or majority pink. This scarf however is something I wear all time. It's such a pretty pattern and the colours just add to an otherwise boring outfit. I bought it in Spain for around 10 Euros. I also paint my nails and wear pink lipstick quite a bit so here is what I would add to the above to make it even more pink....
Plus size / curvy - pink outfit & make up ideas Breast Cancer Awareness October

Now wearing all of the above may be a bit of overload for some but as they are all accessories/make up, it's totally do able as they are small pieces. Of course you could choose just a few but I would just go for it and rock the pink! They are all really good bargains so won't hurt your bank balance too much! I love adding things in in different shades of the same colour, it's so pretty and makes it more wearable and they blend better together. I am really a fan of plain and more basic outfits and adding in statement necklaces or bright lipsticks and nail varnishes. It's super easy, affordable and we all have things in our wardrobes and make up bags to fit the bill!

What do you think of my ideas? Are you a pink lover? Let me know, leave me a comment :)

Subscribe by email or follow via Bloglovin, and if you fancy it come and say hello on facebook or twitter! I love to chat!!
                                                                      ----------
Now it's time for you check out the other ladies in this blog series. We are all from different countries and all have different styles and takes on each weeks theme so go check them out to see what they came up with! (Please note, we post every Wednesday but we all live in different time zones so if the posts aren't up yet, please check back later!)

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Don't forget to follow me so that you get all the latest posts and don't miss anything. Plus it's a lot easier to read all your favourite blogs and it's free. Click here or the button below.

Saturday 12 October 2013

Plus size & curvy Autumn (Fall) Outfit Ideas #4 Jackets

In my last Autumn Outfit Ideas #3, I showed you blazers, the more formal option. Today I'm talking casual jacket options and here are my top picks.
Plus size/ curvy Autumn Outfit Ideas - Jackets
Left to Right:

Brown Drape Front Leather £39.99- New Look Inspire @Asos Curve

Which if your favourite of my picks? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Don't miss out on my previous Autumn outfit ideas and picks. The first featured floral and deep purple, gold jewelry and boots, and the second was a smart casual look with deep red and statement accessories. The third I've already mentioned-my blazer picks. Definitely worth a look so feel free to check those posts out.

Remember you can find me and say hi on twitter or facebook and don't miss a post by following by email or by BlogLovin.

Wednesday 9 October 2013

Blog Series - Curves around the World - Curvy Plus size Outfits - WEEK #20 MAXI DRESS

Happy Wednesday ladies and it's that time again. Did everyone enjoy last week's shiny sequins Curves Around the World post? This week is a theme I really love, and although I only have a few items in this style, I will be definitely adding and buying more in future. I think the style is feminine, easy, pretty and can be worn by all body shapes and sizes. It's a very versatile style and can be dressed up or dressed down. 

I warn you now, this post is very warm weather orientated! All of the bloggers in this blog series are from all around the World and therefore some themes aren't always UK seasonal appropriate although I think this is the first time for me. Having said that this style can be worn with boots or Converse and a jacket on cooler days, it's just that I usually wear it in the warm weather.
Dorothy Perkins maxi dress / New Look cardigan / Kurt Geiger Black leather sandals / H & M sunglasses / Matalan black bag (seen in earlier blog posts) /  stud earrings / plus size, curvy outfit of the day for 
Maxi dresses are so easy to throw on without thinking out your outfit too much as you don't have to think about a whole outfit made up of lots of different items eg jeans, skirts, tops, jumper, scarf etc etc. If you want to you can throw on a jacket or cardigan you can do but other than that your outfit is done and you are good to go. In this previous post you can see another maxi dress in muted browns.
Dorothy Perkins maxi dress / New Look cardigan / Primark flip flops / statement necklace / H & M cross body bag in nude stone) / white watch / stud earrings / plus size curvy summer holiday outfit 
As you can see, I have used a few different photos as this was my go outfit for nice Spring days, and the Summer. The first and the last were taken over the summer on days out, and the one above was on holiday in Cyprus. I was wearing the same cardigan (it's my summer favourite as it's so bright),  but I do wear it with other things. The dress has light blue, navy, white, and green so you can pick out any colour. This dress can be worn on a casual day or a smarter occasion if you wear smarter sandals like in the first picture, wedges or heels and put on some nice jewelry.

Other than the fab print and great colours this dress has, my favourite thing about it is the style. The waist has a slight elastic section which pulls the dress in and gives a lovely shape and draws the eye away from other areas, which is so flattering and the length of the dress is also perfect. The neck is a drawstring style  ties at the back so if you are larger or smaller busted you can tighten or loosen the bust area which is great and there is a keyhole detail at the front.  It is literally a perfect fit and I can tell you I scoured the Dorothy Perkins site over the summer in the hope there would the same style in a different print but I wasn't successful. Let's hope for next year!
Dorothy Perkins maxi dress / New Look cardigan /bronze Birkenstocks / statement necklace / Dr style handbag- local boutique) / earrings-silver 
I cannot fault a thing on this dress. I adore the print, the style, the colours, and the fit. I bought it from Dorothy Perkins as I said. I can't remember the exact price but I remember it was in the sale and I think it was around £10. I remember buying it on a total whim and that it was a total bargain buy!  I've worn it so many times! It's so easy to throw on, it's comfy and doesn't need much in the way of accessories or extras. PERFECT!

Do you love this dress? What do you think of the maxi dress style? Leave a comment and let me know!

Subscribe by email or follow via Bloglovin, and if you fancy it come and say hello on facebook or twitter! I love to chat!!
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Now it's time for you check out the other ladies in this blog series. We are all from different countries and all have different styles and takes on each weeks theme so go check them out to see what they came up with! (Please note, we post every Wednesday but we all live in different time zones so if the posts aren't up yet, please check back later!)

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Don't forget to follow me so that you get all the latest posts and don't miss anything. Plus it's a lot easier to read all your favourite blogs and it's free. Click here or the button below.

Monday 7 October 2013

Plus size & curvy Autumn (Fall) Outfit Ideas #3 Blazers

I hope you have all enjoyed my earlier posts Autumn Outfits #1 and Autumn Outfits #2 and they have given you some ideas for items you may have in your wardrobe, inspiration for new pieces and that you are all feeling Autumnal.

Blazers are a staple all year round but they really are great for this time of year when you need a little something as an extra layer but you don't want a full on coat. Blazers give a smarter look to the light jackets I showed will be showing in Autumn Ideas #4. So if you are looking for something for a night out or just a smart/casual daytime look, you are in the right place.
Plus size/ curvy Autumn Outfit Ideas - Blazers
From left to right: 
Black Waterfall - £27.99 New Look Inspire
Black & Animal Print - £40 Samya @ New Look Inspire

Which blazer is your favourite?  I hope you are all loving Autumn so far!

Til next time...and if you miss me then don't forget you can say hi on twitter or facebook and don't miss a post by following by email or by BlogLovin.

Friday 4 October 2013

Plus size & curvy Autumn (Fall) Outfit Ideas #2

Today is my second outfit idea for Autumn. I hope you all enjoyed my 'Autumn Outfit Idea #1'. If you havn't read that, go and check that out then come on back here to this post! 

Today I have done a casual look that's comfortable (essential), wearable for all, and is pretty easy to recreate. The outfit features deep red colours, ideal for Autumn. The jacket can be thrown off if it's a nice day or added for a cosy warm look. Let me know what you think of this outfit!
Plus size/ curvy Autumn Outfit Ideas - featuring nude nail polish, waterfall leather jacket, statement necklace, studded black  slouch bag, stripe red colour block top, gold earrings, red ballet flat shoes, skinny jeans

Who else loves Autumn?

Til next time,


              
   

Tuesday 1 October 2013

Blog Series - Curves around the World - Curvy Plus size Outfits - WEEK #19 SEQUINS

plus size / curvy girl outfit of the night / day featuring green sequins and red lipstick
This week's theme isn't one I wear a lot. As pretty, feminine and eye catching as they are, sequins just don't feature much in my wardrobe. I'm not really sure why as done in the right way, I really like them. I have a few embellished tops with beads etc but not with sequins and a girl has to stick to the rules of the blog series and not cheat! I found I have 5 or so pieces with sequins, and decided to show you my favourite of the bunch and also one I happened to pack for my holiday. It also has the most sequins of all the items-bonus! 
Holiday outfit of the day / night - plus size / curvy- sequins, white, green, linen trousers
Cardigan- New Look, Top- Dorothy Perkins, Linen Trousers- M&S, Shoes-Birkenstock

This photo is from my recent holiday. I knew this theme was coming up so I did some photos 'on location'! I seem to most wear this top when on holiday. (The top photo is me in Toronto,Canada). I also wore it quite a bit when I lived abroad (see the photos below). I think the bright colour, and shimmer of the sequins screams holiday and sun. It's very loose fitting so easy to wear and comfortable. I usually wear it with jeans but it was way too hot for jeans in Cyprus. I like the outfit with the linen trousers. I am a big fan of simple, comfortable outfits. Obviously whole outfit is white, which showcases the top.

The thing I love most about the top is the colour of the top and the sequins. They really compliment each other. This shade of green is my absolute favourite and it really makes the top stand out. I always seem to get a lot of compliments on this top. It's very simple yet really stands out and is a bit different. 

Here are a few photos of me whilst I lived abroad. As you can see, I usually wore it going out with my friends a lot. Drinking water, obviously!
sequins and green outfit of the night plus size / curvy 
I wanted to quickly show you a slightly different item with sequins-a hat. I bought this on a speedy shopping trip last year. I was heading to lovely Paris and couldn't find a hat to keep me warm whilst seeing all the sights. (Off topic but who else adores Paris? I've been so many times but Paris never gets old and has such a lovely charm about it!) Annoyingly this picture I found from cruising the River Seine doesn't show the detail that well, but I love it anyway. It's a simple black hat with a sequin bow on the side. I'll be featuring this hat again so look out for future Winter posts to see more of it with more photos!
curvy / plus size winter outfit of the day featuring sequins wooly hat
Are you a sequin lover? Leave me a comment and let me know what do you think of pieces.

Don't forget to subscribe by email or follow via Bloglovin, and if you fancy it come and say hello on facebook or twitter! I love to talk to you all!
----------
Now it's time for you check out the other ladies in this blog series. We are all from different countries and all have different styles and takes on each weeks theme so go check them out to see what they came up with! (Please note, we post every Wednesday but we all live in different time zones so if the posts aren't up yet, please check back later!)

----------
Also, don't forget to follow me so that you get all the latest posts and don't miss anything. Plus it's a lot easier to read all your favourite blogs and it's free. Click here or the button below.