Lucabella Red Black Panelled Cowl Neck Tunic M

Earlier this year, I attended the inaugural British Plus Size Fashion Weekend.  During the main event on the Saturday, I got the opportunity to speak with a number of plus size fashion brands from all over the world.

One of the brands who were particularly friendly and easy to talk to were Lucabella, who had come all the way from New Zealand in order to attend the event.  To me, that demonstrates their commitment to working with plus size women to produce clothing that works for them and, having spoken to the team, I can confirm their passion to make a success of their brand.

F&F Clothing At Tesco Black Ponte Pencil Skirt 16

Before midi skirts became all the rage, I was looking for a black pencil skirt that I could wear with blouses and tops.  You know the sort of thing - something that skims curves and is stylish and elegant.

I discovered the F&F Clothing at Tesco Black Ponte Pencil Skirt - an absolute steal at only £10.

Image courtesy of F&F Clothing at Tesco

Evans Live Unlimited Black Slinky Maxi Dress 14

Back in January I was fortunate enough to attend a fab event run by plus size fashion retailer Evans.  A select group of bloggers got to try on a range of items from the forthcoming collections and we were spoilt with bubbly, hors d'oeuvres and fab company.  Additionally, the Evans Shape Studio included the opportunity for us to get our hair and make-up done and pose in front of the camera in the gorgeous Evans clothing.

One of the dresses I got to try on the day was the Live Unlimited Black Slinky Maxi Dress.

Image courtesy of Evans

Clarks Trilby Tweed Platform Heeled Sandals 5.5 E Wide Fit

I visited Bluewater shopping centre a couple of weeks ago with Hanna from The Wardrobe Challenge.  We hadn't seen each other for quite a while so it was great to meet up and have a proper natter.

Elomi Betty Black Babydoll 34H

I have always wanted to own a babydoll lingerie dress.  Why?  Well...for obvious reasons I guess but as I'm currently single it's simply something I'd like to have in my lingerie drawer just in case the need ever arises!

Babydolls in larger cups are a relatively new option for those of us with big boobs so I was absolutely thrilled when I discovered that plus-size lingerie brand Elomi was bringing out their gorgeous Betty bra in a babydoll option.

Freya Active Sports Bra in White and in Black

Ok, I'll admit it.  I've never really been one for sports.  I guess my lack of co-ordination and skill, as well as having dizzy spells and regular giddiness, mean that I'll never be much good at sports and I'm someone who doesn't much like doing things they're not very good at.  I daresay that's true of most of us but I definitely need to feel like I can do well at something in order to stick with it.

AX Paris Curve Contrast Scuba Midi Dress Green Black

Earlier this year I was contacted by the lovely people at AX Paris who offered me the chance to review a different item each month.  Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances, I have fallen behind on this somewhat but I am pleased to bring you my latest review today.

You may have seen my previous review of the AX Paris Monochrome Dress.  That dress was from AX Paris's 'straight size' range so seeing as I vary in dress size but am on the plus-size spectrum I wanted to try something from their 'Curve' range this time.

F&F Clothing Limited Edition Ponte Dress Blue/Black

I recently ordered a few dresses from F&F Clothing at Tesco whilst trying to find something suitable to wear to the British Plus-Size Fashion Weekend.  

The F&F Limited Edition Ponte Dress in blue/black really caught my eye on the F&F website.

Image courtesy of F&F Clothing

Evans Shape Studio - Scarlett and Jo Side Panel Dress (and another GIVEAWAY!)

A few weeks ago, a handful of lucky bloggers were invited to a fab event hosted by Evans: the Evans Shape Studio.  I was thrilled to be one of them and duly trotted off to London to meet up with my pals.

The event was held at the Arcadia Group HQ and we were treated like old friends by the ever-wonderful Evans team, who plied us with fizzy alcoholic yumminess and scrumptious nibbles.  We were given the opportunity to browse the forthcoming collections from Evans and some of their key ranges, including Scarlett & Jo and Live Unlimited.

Apricot Clothing - Spring Summer 2013

You may remember that I previously posted some Apricot pieces I'd tried on a visit to M&Co a while back.  I've long been a fan of the Apricot brand and back in December 2012 I visited their Bluewater store to try some pieces on.

AX Paris Monochrome Dress

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by the lovely people at AX Paris.  I have to admit that AX Paris wasn't a brand I was overly familiar with but I knew they had concessions in New Look, Republic, House of Fraser and Debenhams.

I don't tend to buy many items from 'trendy' brands as I always assume they won't suit me or have the right dimensions to be able to fit my proportions.  I was therefore a little hesitant to work with AX Paris but after a quick browse of their website I knew I could not turn down this opportunity.

After some deliberation, I decided to go for the Monochrome Dress in white and black in size 14.

Image courtesy of AX Paris

Collectif Ashley Coat

I have been on the lookout for a winter coat for the past few years.  It's something I find incredibly difficult to get - a coat that is warm (so must have some wool content), stylish, feminine and practical.

Over the years I've had a range of different coats, from double-breasted to parkas, but I've never found anything I absolutely adore.

Simply Be Mary Jane Block Heel Court Shoes EEE Fit

Several weeks ago, I was feeling particularly fed up with having hardly any shoes that fitted me properly and were comfortable so I went on a footwear binge and ordered a TON of shoes from Simply Be.

I have long relied on Simply Be for wide-fitting shoes - did you know they stock footwear in a range of widths all the way up to EEEEE?  I usually find that the EEE works best for me, but this varies depending on the style of the shoe/sandal/boot and sometimes I size up or down in shoe size and/or width.  It's great to have the luxury of options like this, which is not something easily found on the UK high street, so I am eternally thankful for brands like Simply Be who really understand the varying sizing needs for footwear.

When my huge order arrived, I had great fun trying on all the shoes.  I ended up keeping several pairs, with one of them being the Simply Be Mary Jane Block Heel Court Shoes EEE Fit:

Image courtesy of Simply Be

Marks and Spencer Per Una Teal Flower Print Dress

About a month ago, I visited the Marks and Spencer Outlet at Ashford's Designer Outlet.  It comprises a range of stores selling items at knock-down prices, and there's usually many a bargain to be had.

The items sold in the M&S outlet store are usually end of the line or last season's/year's stock.  None of that really matters to me - I just want to get fabulous clothing at reduced prices!

Simply Be WOW Peplum Illusion Dress

What do you think about peplums?  My opinion varies, depending on who is wearing it and how.  For example, one of the local weather presenters on tv sometimes wears them and they look awful on her.  She is fairly tall and has a long torso but wears regular sized dresses (as opposed to those specifically for tall people) so they just don't sit in the right place on her.

I have never tried on a peplum skirt or dress myself.  I have been told that the purpose of a peplum is to highlight one's waist and/or hips...well, I am lucky enough to have been blessed with a figure that does just that all by itself, without the addition of a frill on my clothing.  But I have also been told that a peplum would look amazing on me so it's something I have wanted to try, merely out of curiosity.

Collectif Dolores Doll Leo Red Velvet Dress

I will always be thankful to my lovely friend Georgina at Fuller Figure Fuller Bust for taking me to the Collectif store at Covent Garden a month or so ago.  That's where I discovered dress heaven...and the beautiful Dolores Doll Polka Dot Dress.

Since then, I have been searching the internet regularly to try to get my hands on more Dolores Doll dresses - it has undoubtedly become an addiction of mine - and recently posted a review of the very delicate and feminine Dolores Doll Ivory Hibiscus Dress.

During my search, I happened upon the Dolores Doll Leo Red Velvet.  

Image courtesy of Collectif

Matalan Sunray Metallic Dress

About a month ago, I popped into my local Matalan.  I hadn't been in the store for some time - probably around a couple of months - so it was great to have so many new items to look at and try on.

I saw the Sunray Metallic Dress on a rail and although it didn't look anything special on the hanger I decided to pick one up to try, along with a few other pieces.

Image courtesy of Matalan

Matalan Print Midi Dress

When browsing my local Matalan store recently, I happened upon a couple of wrap dresses that I hoped would work as well as my beloved George at Asda Moda Wrap Dresses.  

The Print Midi Dress is available in blue:

Image courtesy of Matalan

And also in black and white:

Image courtesy of Matalan

I tried the dresses on in store in size 14 but they were far too big on me so I got them both in size 10 and took some photos when I got home.

I'm going to review both dresses together as they are exactly the same dress, just with a different print.  So, first of all, we have the blue dress:

Ewa Michalak CH Bikini and Shorts in Black

I recently posted a review of the Ewa Michalak PL Bikini in Black and now it's time for me to tell you about the CH version.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I discovered earlier this year that Ewa Michalak's swimwear would not be available on the website but instead could be ordered by email (via sklep@ewa-michalak.pl).

Image courtesy of Ewa Michalak

Ewa Michalak PL Bikini and Briefs in Black

Ever since I first discovered Ewa Michalak lingerie, I have been longing to try their swimwear.  I got all excited earlier this year when I saw pictures on their Facebook page of the new designs and couldn't wait to try them for myself.

Image courtesy of Ewa Michalak