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

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Big Bird - My ASOS Curve Sale Bargain!

I have to admit being a fan of a sale - I mean, when you can get a dress at a bargain price - why not!? Just before Christmas ASOS announced a massive up to 50% off and I could have wept - who wants to be bargain dress shopping before Christmas?

Anyway - two dresses caught my eye and so I had to have them - which at a total of £22 for 2 dresses delivered was amazing! I got my hands on this brill bird print dress & a lovely polka dot one, which no doubt I'll write about in the future too!

I wore it out the other day teamed up with a stretchy belt, New Look Jacket, One One Three Leggings and a New Look lion necklace (which was another sale bargain at £2!)

I found the dress to be a very generous fit and I love the pattern - which is pretty but also plain, so can be dressed up in anyway you want. It's also elasticated under the bust, which helps to give it a lovely shape and be nice and flattering, for want of a better word!

What sale bargains have you snapped up?

You can grab this ASOS dress at http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Curve/ASOS-CURVE-Skater-Dress-In-Bird-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=3118890&SearchQuery=bird%20print&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=36&sort=3&clr=Print for just £13!

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OMCZ Keeping It Casual

I decided this week to keep up my Outside My Comfort Zone post with Yours Clothings 'Onesie Wednesday'. I know that Onesies are a bit of a marmite situation, but I have to say I love them!

Yours Clothing kindly sent me this onesie to review, because it is a feature in their new range which goes up to a size 36. I remember two years ago being over the moon because I found one website which had one onesie available in my size - now I have so much choice for my size and places like Yours Clothing going even bigger and for me it is amazing! 

I love this onesie simply because it is comfy and cosy... its made of a lovely fleecy material which keeps me nice and toasty even on cold days. I have to say that when it comes to casual at home, I love nothing more than being in a onesie or a pair of pyjamas. The sizing of the onesie is great, it's long on me (but I am very short) so if you're a bit taller then go for it! I love the hood because it makes me feel all cosy and lovely.

You can buy this onesie up to a size 36 from here http://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/P/Red_and_black_star_print_hooded_onesie-(18330).aspx 

Yours Clothing do a range of clothing and nightwear up to a size 36. I can vouch for this item http://www.yoursclothing.co.uk/P/Pink_Scruffy_Pooch_Frill_Sleeve_Placement_Print_PJ_Set-(20185).aspx because they kindly sent me the pyjamas. Unfortunately I wore them ALL over Christmas and left them at home at my mums house 400 miles away so there is no photos of me in them - bad blogger! They're really comfortable and well made though, so definite worth a look!

Yours Clothing were kind enough to feature my photo on their Facebook page yesterday, and it now has over 300 comments of debate on how good (or not!) I look in the onesie... I'd love to know what you think of this type of casual wear?

If you haven't used Yours Clothing before then you can use the code 'blogger6' to get £10 off of a £20 spend. New customers only but what better excuse do you need to give them a try?

Debz xx

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

Make sure you check out everyone else taking part in the Outside My Comfort Zone Series

Stephanie - http://www.seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk

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

Mary - http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt

Becky - http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.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 - http://bekasstuffystuff.blogspot.com

Hollie - http://www.prettybigbutterflies.com

Sabina - http://www.femmefatalexsabina.blogspot.de

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

Mookie - http://muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk

Erin - http://erinslittlebigcorner.blogspot.co.uk

Sharon - http://http://www.bigfatbetty.com/ 

Super Size, Super Comfy

Sorry for the lack of blog posts, I have been up north for a couple of weeks and only just back in London. Today I had a lunch date with one of my bestests, but also had one of those days where you just want to be comfy! We were only going to the local Toby Carvery so I knew I didn't have to get super dressed up.

In the end, I opted for this new Yours Clothing gold leopard printed tunic top, which they kindly sent me just before Christmas. When they emailed me I was excited to learn that they are now offering a range of their items up to a size 36. Even though this is bigger than I personally need I am always excited to hear of new fatshion options and it's really great to see retailers listening to  the needs of their customers. They also sent me an amazing onesie, which I will review soon!

As you can see I went for very comfy - not a belt or accessory in sight! However, what I wore was perfect with me. I teamed it up with my Just 5 Pounds cardigan, One One Three leggings and some Primark boots - Comfy all the way!!

Yours Clothing have a number of items available up to a size 36, so if you have previously been put off by sizing then make sure you head over now. This item is now only £15 in the sale - bargain!

Have you bought anything from Yours Clothing lately?

If you haven't used Yours Clothing before then you can use the code 'blogger6' to get £10 off of a £20 spend. New customers only but what better excuse do you need to give them a try?

Debz xx

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

Christmas Dress - A Tartan Treat

Happy New Year and all that jazz! I hope that 2014 turns out to be everything you could hope for and more!! 

I wanted to do a quick blog on the dress I wore on Christmas day, which is a lovely tartan midi dress that the lovely ladies at Topsy Curvy were kind enough to send me just before the big day! I am in love with the current tartan trend & think that the pattern and colours are so lovely!

I really like the vibrant red on this dress, which I think made it perfect for the festive season. I got a size down from my usual size however it didn't feel to small at all! I like the snug fit so it was perfect for me. I really like the black side panels which I felt broke up the pattern of the dress a little! I teamed it up with some leggings from One One Three (which are amazing by the way - lovely thick material and great sizing!). I have bought from Topsy Curvy before (you can use their website or Facebook to purchase from there) and find their stuff always comes quickly, well packed and generous sizes!

The dress is currently only £21 on their site too! http://topsycurvy.co.uk/shop/tartan-midi-dress/

I have seen loads of your festive blogging outfits - if you have any more to share I would love to see them!

Debz xx

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

Dear Now Magazine

It any suprise you to know that some of your readers are fat - their bodies are also normal! 

I was surprised (although may I should not have been) to see your current front page - note I saw it online, I have not parted with my hard earned money to be told by you that MY body is NOT normal.

I find it sad that in this day and age you still feel that it is OK to call bigger bodies abnormal! That if you have the audascity to be bigger than average then a magazine can tell you that you are not normal!

Please tell me - which part of my body do you feel is NOT normal? I get it - I am over weight, I am fat, I am cuddly, plus size - whatever term you want to use that makes you feel comfortable with me and my body. I don't even really care if you feel that people 'like me' should lose weight (that's a whole new issue altogether) but how on Earth you can suggest that any body types are not normal is flabbergasting to me...

Is my body really THAT shocking!?

I'd love to know what other people think of this!

Debz

P.S Thanks to Body Gossip for the image I borrowed!

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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

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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

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Powerfit Friday

Unless you have been under a rock, you have probably heard of the Powerfit dresses by Scarlett & Jo. I fell in love with these dresses when they were first launched and was really excited when I heard that they had extended their size range to go up to a size 32.

I have seen lots of beautiful bloggers wearing the power fit dresses (they come in a range of colours and designs) but no one that compares to me size wise - so before I invested in one, I wanted to try one on! Sadly, I am lazy and hadn't gotten around to going back to Evans to try one in store.

This week the lovely ladies at Scarlett & Jo emailed me to see if I would like to try the animal print powerfit dress, as they would like to send me one... How kind!

I finally got around to trying it on today - and I love it! Size wise I would say stick to your usual size. The dress is lined and panelled inside which means that you get a tight fit, but I like that the material is thick so it gives you a nice smooth shape.

What I like about the dress is that the print is in the middle, with a black border which gives a nice 'flattering' shape. You should all know that I don't worry too much about shape and being flattering, but I do think that this is a nice touch!

Unless you can catch a Scarlett & Jo sale (they do happen quite often) then these dresses are definitely at 'investment piece' price but to be honest with you, I would say that they are well worth the price - I currently have my beady eyes on a red one!

I have kept the pictures quite basic on this one, as I plan to dress it up to attend an Xmas event next week - I'll show you how it turns out afterwards!

Have you tried a Scarlett & Jo dress yet? What did you think??

Debz x

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

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

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Floral Skater Dress By Pink Clove

I have talked about Pink Clove many, many times before so I don't want to go on about them too much!

What I will say is that I have another dress of theirs - and the Floral Skater Dress does not disappoint!

I love the floral pattern of the dress and the skater dress makes it a lovely and flattering fit. I teamed it up with leggings, but tights would work just as well!

It is currently on the website for a bargain price of £22.00. It it a nice thick material too, so great for winter!

Have you purchased anything from Pink Clove yet? What did you think?

Debz x

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Live Unlimited: New Season Stock

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited along to Live Unlimited Head Quarters to get a sneaky peak at their new range for Autumn/Winter. For those that don't know, Live Unlimited are a newish range of clothing on Evans.

Upon meeting the lovely ladies behind this new brand, I learnt that they are very passionate about the cause. Every single one of the ladies I met knew the range of clothing inside out and were more than happy to take on feedback we gave.

Being the loud mouth blogger that I am I didn't give glowing feedback on some of the items - I wanted less cover up, more colour for example. That said, the range is BEAUTIFUL and the ladies were more than happy to talk to us about our needs and what we would like to see from a plus size clothing range. 

The brand has been designed by a team of ladies that have been working with Evans for years. After seeing the Evans brand grow, they wanted to create something - and so they did! With lace biker jackets and sparkly Christmas dresses there can be no denying that they got it right - very right!

The items are slowly being dripped onto the Evans website so it is well worth looking at what they have on offer!

Me and The Live Unlimited Team

Have you checked out the range? I'd love to know your favorite pieces! Here's mine:

Debz xx

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Trying New Shops is Hard!

For years I avoided ASOS Curve. I heard from a friend once that they bought something that didn't fit properly and so I avoided it too! Their bad experience was enough to put me off of even trying it! For me, I went for years of sticking with shops I knew! When you know how a shop cuts their tops and how their jeans fit on you, it can be tempting to stick with them, after all - better the devil you know!

However, I am happy to say I WAS WRONG! My wardrobe is now packed full of delightful ASOS Curve items and my shopping basket on their site full of even more. I genuinely can not get enough of their pretty clothes and sales-goodness! I am sad that I missed out on so many years of happy shopping just because I was too afraid to try.

Being afraid might seem like a big word - perhaps apprehensive is better! But when you're spending big bucks on clothes, the last thing you want is to have to send them back again. Not only is this a hassle, but you have the disappointment of holding something pretty in your hands that will never be yours!

However... I beg you - try!! If there is a dress, a top, a pair of jeans or anything else you have seen that you liked but though "oh not, that won't fit me" - try! What's the worst that could happen? Over the last 12 months I have tried so many new retailers (Topsy Curvy, AX Curve, Excite Clothing....) and I am so glad I did.

On this note, Yours Clothing have let me give you an offer! By using the voucher code "Blogger 6" at their check out you'll get £10 off of a £20 spend. You must be a new customer and sales items don't count, but it could be the perfect way for you to try something on the site for size! 

They have loads on offer on their site! I found their sizes pretty true to size, so whatever you are looking for, order in your normal size, use the code 'Blogger6' to save yourself your money and then await your exciting package of clothes to come through the post!

I'd love to know what you bought and what you thought!

Debz x


*Blogger6 gives new customers £10 off of a £20 spend. Non sale items only. Affiliate link.

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I Can't Shop On The High Street, I'm Fat: A Look At Evans in Marble Arch

As plus size retailers go, Evans have been there throughout it all! Although some of their smaller stores have had to close, they still have a massive high street presence and I hope this doesn't change any time soon.

Since moving to London I haven't really had a chance to go to the Marble Arch store, but seeing as it is a flagship store I thought it was about time I visited... I was not disappointed!

Lots of space between rails was something I was very pleased to see! No having to squeeze your way through spaces that have been crammed with rails and sales racks.

A really good winter coat selection - I think we're going to need it if this cold weather is anything to go by!

Lots of items to choose from and plenty of pretty displays to browse!
I'll be honest I don't have many Evans items in my wardrobe - I think it is a mix of styles available and cost that puts me off. That said, I am very pleased to see a plus size retailer on the high street that offers great items. I do have a couple of great items that I am really pleased with though - and I always keep my eyes open for more!

Have you been to an Evans recently? How did you find it?

Debz x

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Evans Curvy Street Style Day - London - 14th September

On the week leading up to the 14th September I heard about the Evans 'Curvy Street Style' event that was being held that Saturday. As I haven't been to their Marble Arch flagship store for ages I thought it would be a good opportunity to kill two birds with one stone.

When I got to the event I was greeted by two ladies straight away. The lovely ladies explained that every customer had their chance to have their photo taken by a professional photographer that day and be featured on the Evans Curvy Street Style website. 

Of course... I could not resist having my photo taken!

To say I was happy with the photo is an understatement - I love it!

I went along with Lucia from U Cant Wear That and we couldn't resist having our photo taken together!

People on the day were also given a gift card loaded with anything up to £100.00! Mine was worth a fiver (better than nothing!) but I hear a girl won £100.00 not long after us - congrats!

Feedback I heard on the day was great - with many ladies relishing having a photo taken of them looking amazing! I'd love to see more events like this on the high street!

Would you attend something like this?

Debz x

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