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!

Feeling A Bit Of Love For Pink Clove

I have blogged about Pink Clove before and in all likelihood I will blog about them again! A few months ago I bought a couple of dresses in their sale - I got both of these for about £8 each, so a complete bargain! I haven't had a chance to put them on the blog yet, so I thought I would whack up some photos while I had the chance!

Geo Print Wrap Dress - http://www.pinkclove.co.uk/dresses-c2/geo-print-wrap-dress-p87

Asymmetric Neckline Illusion Dress - http://www.pinkclove.co.uk/dresses-c2/asymmetric-neckline-illusion-dress-p56  - Still only £8 in their sale too!

Have you bought anything from Pink Clove? What did you think?

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!

Places You Didn't Know You Could Shop!

I know, I am a little guilty of this - assuming that you can only shop in plus size shops or at least those that have an infamous plus size range - ASOS Curve, New Look Inspire etc. etc. Don't get me wrong, these shops are great but they are not your only options. Since I started this blog and started looking properly into plus size fashion options I have discovered that there are lots of different places you can shop - that you might not even think to consider!

Just For 5 Pounds

This website has loads of items for.. you guessed it! £5.00. With a range of clothes, bags, shoes and accessories for this bargain price you can really pick up items without breaking the bank. However, what I never realised before (I didn't even think to check) is that they have a plus size section. What is even better about this plus size section is that they have items up to a size 30. Now, as you can imagine the bigger sizes go quickly but it is well worth checking out what is available and what you could pick up for almost the same price as a cup of coffee. The items on the website change - but at the moment they have items like cardigans and jumpers which well look like they are worth picking up. http://www.justfor5pounds.com/products/CLOTHING/PlusSize

eBay

Loads of us know that eBay is a great place to pick up bargain items and save yourself some money, but I still get surprised at how many people who don't realise you can pick up plus size items too! When you search via the fashion section of the website you can put in size and even what type of clothing you want, which helps to narrow it down. Of course shopping this way on eBay is hit and miss and you have to search out the bargains, but as you can get some great pieces - it is well worth doing this!

Supermarkets

Places like Asda and Tesco are known for having their own ranges of clothes and if you look at their pieces you can find the odd hidden gem! What many people don't realise is just how big the clothes sizes go - both on their websites and in-store. Next time you are picking up some bread, why not have a browse their the clothing section and see what you can pick up. 

I'd love to hear about your hidden clothing shops & places you'd recommend

Debz xx

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Comfy Casuals

Last weekend I made the journey home to be a bridesmaid - you can see the post here. My family live in Lancashire which means that journeying home usually takes between 3-4 hours door to door so I obviously want to be comfortable when I travel. 

Here's what I wore this weekend:

Dress: ASOS
Leggings: Love Ur Curves
Cardigan: Pink Clove
Boots: Primark
Belt: Yours Clothing

When you're travelling, going up and down the tube stairs and then on a packed train with a heavy suitcase you really dont want to be layered up to much because you just get too hot and bothered too quickly. This is perfect for travelling because it's comfy to wear, cosy and I can easily remove the cardigan if I get too hot!

What are your comfortable 'go to' items?

Debz x

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ABC of Dresses From Curvissa

I have to admit that Curvissa is quite a new website to me. When I am looking for new clothes it is often a website that I overlook for forget to check - but without good reason! When I was looking for Christmas dresses and going through all the plus size retailer websites I thought I would check theirs out, I was not left disappointed. Ever since I saw their check print pinafore dress, I was hooked!

These dresses could be worn at Christmas (I found them while researching that after all) but mostly they're just nice, pretty plus size dresses - which we all know can be a bit of a rareity.

Affordable - Printed Tunic Dress

I really like how the pattern of this dress works and that it is a little different to alot of the dresses on the market at the moment. If you look at lots of the dresses that are on offer you'll see that many of them are skater dress shape or similar, I love those but it is nice to see Curvissa offering something different. This tunic dress is only £35.00 and I think could be accessorised for either night or day wear. You can get this dress here. 

Bargain - Leaf Print Tea Dress

I have been looking for a vintage style tea dress for ages, so when I saw this one I had to blog about it! This is definitely a dress to add to my 'must buy when I am rich list' - it's lovely! I love the fact that it is a classic style with a classic black and white colour throughout most of it, with a pop of colour at the bottom to make it stand out! I love the sleeves but also it is the type of dress that could be teamed up with a pretty cardigan if someone didn't want their arms on show. This dress is only £42 and can be bought here. 

Cash To Splash - M.I.M Evening Dress

If you have a little more money to spend  then this is definitely a dress you could invest in. Although it is £110 I think it would be a good investment piece. You can easily keep the dress (which is also available in black) in your wardrobe and bring it out for any number of occasions. I love the pattern and shape of the dress, it's definitely one I would love to own. You can buy this dress here.

Have you ever shopped at Cuvissa? What did you like about them?

Debz x

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OOTD: Leather Biker Jacket & ASOS Wrap Top

I know, I know - what a lovely, imaginative title - you lucky bunch! My creative juices are really flowing this morning, can you tell?

Anyway, I finally got around to wearing this lovely purple wrap dress that I got from ASOS for my birthday (thanks Gem!) and thought I should blog about it! - It's also now only £15.00 in the sale - bargain!

I teamed it with leggings (obviously!) and then to leave the house I wore my New Look biker jacket and a pretty cake scarf which I also got for my birthday!

As always I am loving my accessories - I teamed this outfit up with my new Black Heart Creatives necklace (Thanks Leighanne) and a long, heart necklace from Primark!

I am notoriously bad for wrapping up warm for winter - I hate layers and wearing too many heavy clothes so generally I don't wrap up at all! This is the first coat (jacket!) I have owned in years. That said, I do love the look and the fit of the jacket so I don't see any reason why I wouldn't carry on wearing it for winter - seeing as it's freezing already, I think we're in for a cold one!

Have you bought anything new for your winter wardrobe?

Debz xx

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Gemma Cruickshank Collexions: The Launch

Earlier this week I was invited down to Mary Janes Bar in Tower Hill to see the official unveiling of the Gemma Cruickshank Collexions. If you're not sure who Gemma is or why you should be excited about this, you can see my interview with her here.

Gemma is an independent fashion designer and this week unveiled her first collection - and what a collection it was. 

I apologise for the bad quality of the photos  - it was SO busy and everyone was SO keen to see the collection that we couldn't all get the photos we wanted. However, what a great sign for Gemma that SO many people are keen to see what she has to offer - Go Team Gemma!

With live music, fantastic organisation, buy one get one free cocktails and banana cake made by Gemma's mum to die for  - it was a night not to be missed!

It was also nice to meet lots of new people and catch up with a few familiar faces!

And of course, catch up with the lovely lady herself!

I am sure there will be a whole host of better photos up very soon - as well as her line being launched for sale properly. In the meantime check out her website or #TeamGemma on most social networks to see what is going on and all the photos from the night!

Debz xx

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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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Gemma Cruickshank Collexions: New Fashion Line Launch

If you follow any aspect of the 'plus size world' then the likelihood is that you will have heard of Gemma Cruickshank - Of course it's still a shame it's a separate world, but that is another blog post! 

Whether you saw her win the Miss BBW International Beauty Pageant in 2012, you discovered her many 'self love' rants on Facebook, you have seen her on Twitter or met her at an event there can be no denying that she will have made an impact. 

I won't talk about how at a size 22 it is a surprise she is so confident and I won't take about how she's pretty for a big girl because we all know being good looking and confident isn't linked to body size.

What I do want to talk about is the very exciting Gemma Cruickshank Collexions which are due to launch soon! I am very excited to see what Gemma has come up with and I know I won't be disappointed! Having someone who understands a bigger body design clothes for me is amazing and I can't wait for the line to be launched!

In a lead up to the launch I caught up with Gemma to talk about fashion and her new line - her is what she had to say!

For anyone who doesnt know you in the plus size world (or the 'normal world' for that matter) who are you?

My name is Gemma Cruickshank, I am 23 years old and I am an up and coming size inclusive fashion designer. I graduated last November and have had a whirl wind of a year; I am excited to be sharing the fantastic news that my brainchild ‘Gemma Cruickshank Clothing’ will be launching this October 2013.

Celebrating the curvaceous form and non commercial silhouette is my passion, I definitely consider myself to be a body confidence and self esteem activist. I believe that boosting self esteem enables us to achieve our goals and better our lives. I have done lots of work around size acceptance, body confidence and self esteem boosting in the run up to my business launch. 

Being tall and fuller figured myself, and knowing the struggle women of different shapes and sizes face when buying clothes. I initially went to University to study fashion & printed textiles which I knew would equip me with the knowledge I needed to build my dream and enable me to provide quality, size appropriate clothing. 

We're hearing rumours on Twitter and Facebook of you launching a clothing range, tell us more?

I am indeed launching a clothing range, it is something I am so excited and so passionate about. I am lucky enough to be the proud occupant of a BA Hons in fashion and printed textiles.  I am literally now turning my dreams into my reality. I am currently working with the Princes Trust to build my business, which I am launching on the evening of Tuesday 8th October 2013. This will be a fantastic opportunity for me to meet all the fabulous people who have been supporting me for the past year, release my first official collection and celebrate the launch of my awaited website.

Did you do all the designs yourself?

I do everything myself which I love, initially I am a digital printer which means I am able to design my fabric surfaces myself, which enables me to get the exact fabric design I want to use. I design all my own stuff, pattern cut, sew and finish all myself. Up until now I have been doing bespoke orders but the time is definitely here to unleash a small collection of my own little ‘Gems’. As my business is growing and the only way is up I will be on the look out to grow #TeamGemma, I am looking for skilled pattern cutters and seamstresses to join my team.
   
Who will your range be aimed at?

I would hate to limit my range and say it’s only made for one group of people or a specific person. I would never produce anything I wouldn’t wear myself, and it is open for everybody to enjoy. 

Although I am plus size myself, I feel it is very important for us to be included in the fashion industry this is why I am doing size inclusion which covers 12-30. I want to be the change I want to see, I would love for fuller figure ladies to be able to shop at the same places as their petite friends, and be able to buy something because they really like it not because they have to, because it’s their size. I am open to everyone who wants to enjoy my passion.

Where do you get your design inspiration from?

Being part of my own target market means I am continuously inspired, I am a very visual person, I love the feminine form, I love the feel of fabrics, I get excited by colour, and I love the endless opportunities. It never gets boring, I love what I do, I love the wave of fuller figured women who are all doing their own bit for our community and showing that just because you are bigger doesn’t mean you can’t be beautiful – that to me is one of the most inspiring things ever and something I am so grateful to be a part of.

 Where can I find out more?

I love a bit of social media, I can be found exclusively at www.GemmaCruickshank.com
I can be found on my official Facebook page www.facebook.com/IAmGemmaC
I can be followed and tweeted www.twitter.com/IAmGemmaC - @IAmGemmaC

I can be contacted directly through all of these, I am known as IAmGemmaC via social media, if it’s not IAmGemmaC it’s not me :D
  
Where, when and how will I be able to buy your clothes!?

Starting Small, My clothes will be available to buy via my own website under the Boutique heading – www.GemmaCruickshank.com & www.GemmaCruickshank.co.uk 

Got my fingers crossed and I would love to work with a bigger brand either expanding their own plus size range or introducing a new one!! I am always open to new ideas and love a challenge. 


So there you have it - a VERY exciting new business venture by a lovely lady who knows what she is talking about. By living and breathing the clothes she is designing you can feel sure that her passion, experience and qualifications will make sure that the clothes line is worth checking out!

I'm going to the launch on the 8th October so I'll bring you all the gossip and news from there ASAP!

What would you like to see as part of Gemmas new collection?

Debz xx

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Clothes To Make You Feel Be-You-Tiful

You might have guessed - I like clothes! More importantly I like wearing clothes that I am in love with. I am passionate about people looking and feeling great in the clothes that they wear... I am happiest when I find a dress I can fall in love with and wear without worrying about what I look like.

Above all else... I love positive body image! I want people to love their amazing bodies - whatever they look like. Whether they're 'media beautiful' or not, people should love the skin that they're in, feel proud of who they are and be happy with everything that they are. The world is an amazing and diverse place, why should the people who live here be any different?

One company that feel the same is Body Gossip. I have blogged about Natasha Devon and the Body Gossip project in general before, truth be told - I probably will again. I love what they stand for and the way that they work (often tirelessly) to promote self confidence and love.

When I discovered that they offered a range of t-shirts to help promote the self love message I was over the moon. The t shirts are amazing and I'd love to own one. Sadly at the moment they only go to a size 22 (to small for me... boooo) but I have asked them and been told this is down to budget than ruling anyone out! You can be sure that if they ever expand their range to large sizes I will be first in line to grab one!

Here are some of my favourite shirts that they have.

You can get yours from www.bodygossipshop.com

Which one would you buy?


Debz xx

Of course my love for the Be-You-Tiful t-shirt has nothing to do with the fact it matches my tattoo ;)

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Drinks in Soho

Last night I went out for drinks in Soho and had the usual last minute worry of what to wear. In the end I was really pleased with the simple but pretty outfit I wore, so I thought I would do a rare Outfit Of The Day Post and put it up here for you all to have a nosey at!

Ignore the wonky neckline! Haha

Neckline Fixed!

Dress: AX Paris/Simply Be

Belt: Yours Clothing

Leggings: Love Ur Curves

Necklace: Love Ur Curves

Earrings: Primark

Shoes: Primark

I really like the pretty pattern of the dress as well as the fit - it's very comfy to wear!

Spinning Like A Girl In A Brand New Dress

What do you like to wear on mid-week nights out?

Debz x

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