Not So Mini Mouse

Yes... The typo is on purpose! I know, I am THAT funny!

Just a very quick post today on a lovely polka dot dress I picked up in the ASOS Sale. It's currently only £13, bargain! (It seems to be out of stock upon checking, but they have the lovely navy one for only £22! http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Curve/ASOS-CURVE-Exclusive-Skater-Dress-In-Spot-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2995287&WT.ac=rec_viewed)

I love the skater dress because it is a longer length - although I have tucked it up under the belt because I wanted it to be a bit shorter for the night out I was going on. I love the versatility. Teamed it up with a black belt that I picked up at the Plus London Plus Size Market for the grand old price of 50p!

I managed to do the whole of Saturday night out sober... partying and dancing til 3am. I was quite proud of myself - Dryathlon/Cancer Research you should be too! http://www.justgiving.com/Debbie-Aiken-dryathlete

If you're looking for a dress or two for a bargain price, I really can't recommend the ASOS sale enough at the moment.

Have you bought anything?

Debz x

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

Taking Shape Goody Bag Giveaway

You might have seen a few weeks ago when I blogged about Taking Shape and their great range of plus size clothing - http://imawannabeprincess.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/taking-shape-at-ms-curvaceous.html

The team at Taking Shape have been kind enough to give me a goody bag to give away to one of you lucky lot!

I borrowed this from their twitter, your bag might vary slightly!

You can win entries just by following either of us on twitter etc (or do them all and maximise your chances!).

Goodies inside the bag include:

 - Laundry bag,
 - Light up tweezers,
 - Mirror
 - Look book
 - 30% off voucher

a Rafflecopter giveaway

It really is that easy - good luck!!

Debz xx

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

Follow Up - The Fat Mermaid

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about the beautiful green sequin dress that AX Paris have on offer this year - but I didn't post any full length pics because I didn't want to spoil it for my Christmas party! http://imawannabeprincess.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/a-sequin-surprise-fat-mermaid.html if you want to have a nosey at the post!

This weekend I spent the weekend with vodka, white wine and some of my beautiful friends - while wearing this amazing dress & wanted to share it with you.

I know some ladies prefer to shy away from bodycon dresses, but I really can not recommend this dress enough. Although it is is bodycon and quite tight, it is made from a nice thick material so I don't feel it clings everywhere, which is what many people don't like about body con dresses. The sequins are beautiful and I have yet to see this dress look bad on anyone - and if you follow any bloggers you'll see that it's a popular one!

Wouldn't be the same without some dodgy mirror selfie shots

If you're looking for a sparkly dress to wear this festive season I really can't recommend this dress enough! It's lovely! 

Debz xx

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

Definition of Size Art Fundraiser

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago an art fundraiser being organised by Plus Confidence owner, Anita Bellamy. You can read that post here.

I attended it at the weekend - and wanted to let you all know what a great time I had. I didn't take many photos at the event because I figured blogs would be saturated by those! We were respectfully asked not to photograph the art, so you'll have to attend a future event if you want to see those!

Me and the lady herself

The exhibition was to showcase the first photos as part of Anita's Definition of Size project. She wants to make glamourous, sexy, media-savvy images available to the media - much like they are, but of ladies that are size 16 and above. 

When I spoke to her at the event she told that she this was just a snapshot of what she wanted to do - the lady has big visions! What I loved about the event was seeing some friendly faces and some new faces all getting on, chatting, laughing and more in this amazingly positive environment. That could be down to the free-flowing-wine that Anita arranged, but I hope it was more to do with the people that attended - and all wanted to get the same out of the event - positivity!

Me and Brick City

I got to see Brick City perform, chat to Anita about her project and won a dress and some jewellery in the raffle - so, you could say I had a pretty successful day! You could also have some henna art on your hands, a facial and your photo taken by professional photographers, she thought of everything!

Me and some of the lovely ladies at the event

This was just a very small part of her bigger vision and when I spoke to her yesterday, she seems to have lots planned for 2014, so I can't wait to see what comes of it!

Did you attend? Come say hey!

Debz xx

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

Little Me - What Would You Say?

This week while reading some of my favourite blogs, I stumbled across the 'Love EVERY Body' project arranged by the lovely Leah over at http://justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk/. This week I saw people writing letters to their body, what they wanted to thank it for, blame it for, apologise for etc. but most of all what they wanted to love it for.

Then my sister published a blog post about her weight loss journey and how it hasn't made her happier. Yes, she is happier in a sense but not in another - weight loss, dieting and self love is a long journey and somewhat of a roller coaster.

"If anyone ever tells you being thin or a certain dress size will make you happy then they are lying. However you felt about your body and the insecurities you had before your weight loss will be the same no matter how your outward appearance changes."

Read: What Do You Gain, When You Lose - http://looselipsandskinnyhips.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/what-do-you-gain-when-you-lose.html

Over recent weeks, one of my favourite songs has been Little Me, by Little Mix. I love the song, but I also love the message that it presses - that one day, you'll look back and want to tell yourself that everything will be OK.

"Wish I knew back then, What I know now, Wish I could somehow, Go back in time and maybe listen to my own advice. I'd tell her to speak up, tell her to shout out, Talk a bit louder, be a bit prouder, Tell her she's beautiful, wonderful, Everything she doesn't see"

I often get messages asking me how I became so confident, how I can be so happy with the way I look and whether my self-body-love is real! I don't really have the answers - only that Yes, I do like myself and I think you should like yourself! The only real thing I have to say on that is that lots of people think the same as you! There are people out there, who you see as perfect who feel just as unhappy with the shape of their body. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

 So, if you could tell your 'little you' anything, what would you say?

I would tell my 15 year old self that everything will be OK, I'd tell my 21 year old self that moving up North will be the best decision you ever make and I would tell my 26 year old self that everything happens for a reason. I would tell myself as a teenager that one day you'll love yourself and as a twenty year old, you'll learn to embrace your body and like it! 

What about you?

Debz xx

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

Brit Mums Xmas Do

On Monday I attended the BritMums Xmas Do... As I am not a parent blogger (I know shocking, right?) I don't get to hear about many of these events! Thankfully my flatmate is a mummy-to-be blogger and she heard about the event - with the promise of sparkling Christmas lights and cake I couldn't resist.

There were around 80 bloggers at the event - which was packed full of delicious goodies from Morrisons to try - lots of their Christmas range was there to tickle our taste buds (I thoroughly recommend the salt sea caramel pretzels)... We were treated to lunch and then given a goodie bag to take home - the team behind Brit Mums and Morrisons really looked after us!

I was really taken back by just how friendly everyone was - even to a non-parent blogger like me! Lots of people came up to say hi, ask about my blog, if I was enjoying the event etc - I even got 'spotted' from attending Blogfest a couple of weeks ago! 

Thank you to BritMums for letting me come along - Hopefully see you all soon!

I didn't know what to wear to the event - it started at 10:30am, so this was definitely not a dress up occasion! In the end I went for this trusty dress from New Look and a new beige cardigan from Just For 5 Pounds. I blogged about them last week and how good value their plus size range seemed - They kindly sent me this cardigan to try for myself. I have to say I was really impressed with the quality and the fit - it is a very generous fit and feels really nice on. In my opinion it is a complete bargain for a fiver and I am very tempted to try something else from the site!

Light Batwing Cardigan - http://www.justfor5pounds.com/products/CLOTHING/PlusSize/p_TP2121


Have you started your Christmas organising yet?

Debz xx

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

I was lucky enough to be gifted some items in this post and I am very grateful, but I am always open and honest in my reviews!

Katie Hopkins Attends Plus Size Awards - Thoughts?

In case you didn't know - the Miss BBW International and Plus Size Awards took place in Central London last night. I go to a few events arranged by the team who put this together, but sadly I could not afford the ticket price and therefore did not (could not) attend. However, to be honest with you I am quite glad I didn't.

I found out a few days before that Katie Hopkins had been invited to the awards to collect a 'Cream Cake Award' for being unsupportive of the plus size industry. Seeing as the event was to celebrate plus size fashion, designers, writers and general advocates, I was just surprised she had been invited to such an event, even if for a negative award.

What flabbergasted me even more last night was when I saw Gemma Collins at the awards, next to Katie Hopkins proclaiming what a "nice lady" she was... This was about 10 minutes before Kate Hopkins tweeted that fat women should change for the better.... #Ironic #YesIUsedAHashTagInABlogPost

I wonder if Gemma Collins still thinks Katie is such a nice lady?

To be honest, I was upset and angry that she would tweet something while at the actual event. If she doesn't like fat people, that's up to her - but why attend an event for POSITIVITY and bring it down with such hurtful thoughts while still in the building?

And then I saw this...

I get that Katie Hopkins makes a career out of being a bitch - I hope that she is a character rather than actually being a bullying, racist, child hating woman  - but who knows!

What I don't get is why she was allowed to tweet such drivel while AT THE EVENT! These women have taken a massive step to get up in a room full of people and show off their bodies - how dare someone ridicule them? These plus size events are set up to celebrate our bodies, our confidence & as a safe haven to recognise achievements... Even if you don't agree with plus size, or awards, or pageants - why would you come into a room where this is happening, just to put down the women who are taking part? ITS BAFFLING!

When she sent tweets like this before the event - surely people realised it would only end in belittling and bullying?

Anyway, I sent quite a few angry, ranty tweets last night - as did a few others. A couple of mine were picked up by Katie Hopkins and Retweeted - which lead to a flurry of new twitter followers and of course some interesting replies - including 'insulting' me by calling me a fat lesbo & asking if I have normal size friends... blah, blah blah... because fat is obviously as insult!

However, what also surprised me was a few tweets I got telling me that I was over reacting, that Katie Hoping was right, that I should just ignore her thoughts, that I should just walk away, block Katie, not saying anything at all etc etc.

So anyway... The whole point of this bumbling, ranty blog post is that I would love to hear your points of view! Are you angry that Katie Hopkins that attended or should she have been allowed to go? Were the twitter gang right to tweet about the event, or should it have been ignored? I could not have kept quiet about it, or ignored bullying but I would love other peoples thoughts and feelings on it!

If you were there - I';d love to know what it was like, did you talk to her? Were people in general talking about it on the night? Did anyone approach her?

Thanks so much - enjoy your Sunday!

Debz xx

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

OMCZ #20: The Colour of Confidence

I have wanted to be involved in a 'bloggers challenge' for some time now and have struggled to find one I feel I'll be able to contribute too! This week I was reminded about the 'Outside My Comfort Zone' posts that go up every Wednesday - and so here I am!

Sadly, my first week has to be a bit of a let down - I am in Kent looking after a poorly friend and didn't really bring any 'outfitty' things with me!

Seeing as this weeks theme is 'The Colour of Confidence' I thought I would post a couple of old oufits rather than back out of the challenge completely!

The Colour of Confidence by Vicky: My theme is going to "The Colour of Confidence".  For me, red is the colour of confidence and everything I wear it, be it lipstick or clothing; I feel an extra boost. What is your confidence colour?

I tried to look through my photos to see if a colour stood out in my outfits... and I think it has to be pink (or patterned, but seeing as we're going for colour - I have gone for pink!).

I know, this isn't the greatest Outside My Comfort Zone challenge post ever - but I promise to come back fighting next week! For now, pink is definitely my confidence colour!

Of course... I do were red, the traditional colour of confidence too!

Please take a few minutes to check out the other ladies in the challenge:)

Name Blog Stephanie  http://www.seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk Leah  http://www.justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk Mary  http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt Becky Brown http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com Rachel  http://www.adressisforlife.com/ Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk/ Nikki http://www.nattynikki.blogspot.co.uk/ Rebs http://sullen-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/ Verena http://aplussizefashionobsession.blogspot.de/ Beka bekasstuffystuff.blogspot.com Rebecca http://theplussideofme.com Hollie Http://www.prettybigbutterflies.com Sabina http://www.femmefatalexsabina.blogspot.de/ Betty http://www.bigfatbetty.com/ Katt http://acurvycupcake.blogspot.co.uk/ Mookie http://muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk/

What colour do you like to wear?

Debz xx

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

Definition Of Size - Art Fundraiser

I have only been blogging properly for a very short time, but I am still very lucky that it has introduced me to some great people in the plus size world and fashion industry.

A couple of months ago I bumped into Anita Bellamy - a lovely lady who works as a 'fit model' for a number of plus size clothing ranges. Since then I have seen her at a few events - she is most definitely a supporter of this whole world, thing, community, industry...

Anita runs Plus Confidence In You, who buy their own definition are fighting for a fairer world. As their website says "We are here to promote and celebrate women and men of size We have been campaigning for for a few years now against body image discrimination and how society treats people of size. We are human and we come in all shapes and sizes and are no longer going to try and be accepted or fit in with how people feel we should look."

They have their first ever fundraiser at the end of this month and it sounds prettty exciting! I know I shall be attending, would be great to see some of your lovely faces there!

You can get tickets here https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/4957159907 or find Anita on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PlusConfidence if you have any questions.

If anyone is going let me know... and come say hey!

Debz x

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

Lady in Red

I have had this red dress from ASOS Curve in my wardrobe for a while, but haven't had a chance to wear it. This weekend I decided to be a lady in red for the Plus London After Dark Party and then my trip to BGP in the evening. I wore it with leggings (surpisingly I know!) and some sparkly silver shoes. I loved the fit of the top and enjoyed wearing it.

The 'lovely' necklace gets SO many comments, it's a Primark bargain and I am so glad I picked up it when I saw it a few months ago!

I don't often wear red, so it was a nice change for me - what colour do you like to wear?

Debz x

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

Plus London - What I Wore

As you will probably have seen - I attended Plus London, a London based bloggers/plus size event last weekend. Leading up to the event I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to wear - I knew I would be out and about all day, so I wanted to make sure I was comfortable as well as looked good... After all, with so many fabulous plus size bloggers in attendance I couldn't be left behind in the style stakes!

In the end I opted for my green ASOS wrap around top, leggings and my trusty flats from Primark.

The backdrop is the back of the Hoxton Arches gallery where Plus London was held - how amazing does it look?

I had some professional photos taken on the day so I'll get those posted soon too!

Did you attend Plus London? I lusted after SO many outfits on the day, so please send me links so I can lust some more!

Debz xx

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

Plus London - My First Proper Bloggers Event!

Last weekend I attended my first proper bloggers event - Plus London. I had heard good things about previous events and after missing out on Plus North I was really keen to attend. I have to say, the day did not disappoint. In fact I spent so much time having fun that I forgot to take too many photos - sorry!

My day started with an amazing make over by the lovely Betty Pamper - I love looking at Bettys make up style and reading her blog, so having my make up done by her was a really treat and got my day off to an amazing start!

And the finished result (which lasted right through the Plus London After Dark Party and another event until bed time at 5am!)

Throughout the day we got to chat to the PR representatives from different larger companies (Simply Be, Taking Shape and Curvissa for example) and chat to people who started up some of the smaller companies we all know and love (Twisted Siren and Black Heart Creatives)... I was also introduced to a couple of companies I hadn't come across before which was great!

We got to have our photo taken by a professional photographer (Photos coming soon!) and listen to talks by some of the brands about their loves, future plans and what they're going to be doing for us - and of course ask any questions that we might have!

The day part of the event was finished with a fantastic performance by The Diablo Daniels - who was amazing!

Then we all headed off for a few hours, before coming back for the After Dark part of the event  - with some, interesting shots on offer by the Plus London Team! We got to take fun photos with a variety of props, have a chat to everyone and have a bit of a dance - so much fun!

Apart from a couple of launches, I haven't really attended a 'proper' blogger event and I am glad I did - It was so nice to meet the people behind the blogs I read and chat to the brands properly.

Thanks to the whole Plus London team for a marvellous Saturday!

Did you attend? Send me your write up links, I'd love to read them!

Debz x

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

ABC Of Winter Dresses From Simply Be

Following on from yesterdays look at Yours Clothing dresses for Christmas, I thought I would have a little nosey at what Simply Be are offering this year! Alongside the now infamous 'mermaid dress' they have some really solid offerings for winter - I have serious dress lust looking at their page! If anyone has any tips on how to win the lottery, it would be much appreciated!

Affordable - Flock Baroque Print Skater Dress

I have had my eye on this dress for a while now, but have yet to buy it! I love the pattern on the dress and think it would actually be lovely to wear over Christmas. What I like about this dress is that it looks like it would be lovely and warm - I know many girls want long sleeves on their dresses, and this is perfect! You can easily wear this with leggings or tights and boots - either way it would look lovely! This dress is only £24.00 - click here to get it!

Bargain - AX Paris Sequin Bodycon Dress

If you follow any of the plus size bloggers then you will probably have seen this dress - which has been fondly named the 'mermaid dress'. To me this is the PERFECT party season dress - bodycon and sequins, what more does a girl need? I love the pattern and colour of the dress - to be honest there isn't anything I don't like about the dress. Even though this dress is £65 I still think it's a bargain. Click here to get it.

Cash To Splash - Joanna Hope Lace Dress

Although I would never have the budget to be able to afford a dress like this, I have serious lust going on for it! I love the lace affect and the colour of the dress. What I love most about the dress is that you can easily wear it without having to dress it up too much - the simplistic look will really work with this dress. This dress is a real investment piece at £120.00 - click here to get it.

So, there you have it  - a teeny, tiny insight into what Simply Be are offering shoppers this Christmas.

Have you got your eye on any Christmas dresses yet?

Debz xx

If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /

I Can't Shop On The High Street, I'm Fat: A Look At New Look Inspire

I have talked about the New Look Inspire range before, in fact I own quite a few of their pieces. I recently discovered that the New Look on Tottenham Court Road (London) has quite a big Inspire range in store so I thought I would go along and check it out!

As you will see from the pics - the display is pretty impressive. They have quite a big area dedicated to Inspire clothing, so you can easily browse for what you are looking for. There is a good selection of clothes - though I did notice a couple of items I liked on the website which I couldnt see in store.

The only thing I was disappointed in was the fact that the store still only stocks up to a size 26. I thought it was great news that the New Look Inspie website goes up to a 32 now and I would love to see this rolled out to stores soon. *fingers crossed*

I did however fall in love with one of their beautiful leather style jackets and will be purchasing this in my size from the website ASAP!

Do you have a New Look Inspire near you? What do you think of it?

Find your nearest New Look Inspire store here http://www.newlook.com/storeLocator/store_landing.jsp 

Debz xx

 If you liked what you read & want to keep up to date with future posts... You can do so here:

Facebook / Twitter / Blog Loving / Pinterest / Instagram / Tumblr /