City Chic Wild Floral Dress and Wild Crane Dress 14/XS (US)

Here in the UK, we have quite a range of plus-size fashion brands to choose from. The biggest and perhaps most well-known include Evans, Pink Clove, Asos Curve, Yours Clothing, New Look Inspire, Collectif, Curvissa, Boohoo Plus, Simply Be, Forever 21+, and Taking Shape. However, if you're looking for an even broader range of choice for clothing for larger ladies, you might want to cast your net a little further and look across the pond to the USA. In America, women seem to be spoilt for plus-size choices, with brands such as Pinup Girl Clothing, Torrid, IGIGI, Ashley Stewart, One Stop Plus, Lane Bryant, and Avenue really leading the way and providing an incredibly wide range of style choices. Most recently, super-cool plus-size brand City Chic, originally founded in South Africa but perhaps better known for its stores in Australia, opened its first store in the US. 

(I am keeping my fingers VERY tightly crossed that all of these brands will soon be coming over here to the UK, but in the meantime I am often tempted by the gorgeous threads available from these overseas retailers.)

A few months ago, I saw the stunning Chastity from Garner Style showing off a dress from City Chic; it was the Wild Floral Dress (US sizes 14/XS-24/XXL, $138.00):

Image courtesy of City Chic

Cleo By Panache Maya Balconnet Bra 36J and Briefs 18

I recently reviewed the very pretty Cleo By Panache Minnie Red Spot Balconnet Bra and Briefs on my blog; today I'm lucky enough to be able to review another set sent to me by the very generous Panache team.

Step forward the Cleo Maya (bra available in sizes 28-38 D-J, briefs and thong available in sizes 8-18 (UK)).

Image courtesy of Panache

Cleo By Panache Minne Red Spot Balconnet Bra 36J and Briefs 18

It's been quite some time since I wrote a lingerie review on my blog so when the lovely people at Panache contacted me to ask if I'd like to review something from their Cleo range I jumped at the chance.

Panache's Cleo range is described as being 'crafted for fit; styled for fun' and I'd completely agree with this. The vibrant prints and colours are varied and exciting, and perhaps typically appeal to a younger customer, but as the fit is so superb I know these sets are worn by women of all ages.

The Cleo Minnie Red Spot (bra available in sizes 28-38 D-J, briefs and thong available in sizes 8-18 (UK)) is a pretty red and white set featuring my beloved polka dots:

Image courtesy of Panache

Curvy Kate Lola Babydoll 32K and Thong 20

For many years, women above a G cup have had very few lingerie choices.  We've had to count ourselves lucky that lingerie brands finally clocked on to the fact that we'd like bras in colours other than just black, white and nude, and some savvy companies even gave us choices in bra style.  Yes, we're so fortunate to not just have to stick to full cup bras, but many of us can now also choose from plunges, half cups, balconettes and even multiway and strapless bras.  Lucky us!

Forgive my flippancy...but sometimes it feels like those of us with larger boobs have to be grateful for these things and not ask for more.  Don't get me wrong; I am incredibly grateful to brands such as Ewa Michalak and Bravissimo for really pushing the boundaries with bra styles in larger cups.  But what has been missing for so long are options beyond this.  We want longlines, we want bustieres, we want basques, we want bra-sized nightwear and we want babydolls.

That last 'want' in my list is one that has been addressed by several brands in the past year or so.  Plus size lingerie brand Elomi brought out the Betty babydoll, but the largest cup available was an H.  Fortunately, this has been followed in recent months by other brands bringing out their own babydolls and large cup lingerie trailblazer Curvy Kate has done just that.

Image courtesy of Curvy Kate

Anna Scholz for Simply Be Mock Wrap Dress in Blue

Around 18 months ago, I attended a fab plus-size bloggers' event called Plus London Two.  This was the first such event I'd ever been to and I had a wonderful time meeting ladies who I'd only ever spoken to virtually before.

During the day, we were lucky enough to spend quite some time at the lovely Anna Scholz's HQ.  We got to try on items from the latest collection and generally had heaps of fun.

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.

Curvy Kate Portia in Seafoam/Pink

It's hard to believe that popular British lingerie brand Curvy Kate has only been around for about 4 years - they've done so much in such a short space of time that it seems they've been in business for decades.

Constantly working to improve lingerie and swimwear options for ladies with a larger bust, Curvy Kate brings out a range of new delights for us to enjoy every six months or so.  The range for Spring/Summer 2013 is nothing short of gorgeous and I was absolutely thrilled when the Curvy Kate team asked me to try the Portia in Seafoam/Pink.

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.

Panache Cleo Marcie Bra in Red 34J and 36J

I have long been a fan of the Cleo lingerie range by Panache.  Their designs are young, fun and a bit different.

I've previously reviewed the Cleo Zia in 32J and found the cups too small so when I saw the Cleo Marcie at a bargainous price on Amazon I knew I had to give it a whirl.

Image courtesy of Panache Cleo

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

Ewa Michalak PL Milady 30L/65L and Briefs 16/44

I have not written a lingerie review for a little while.  The reason for this is that for a time I did not have any new lingerie, nor had I tried anything on, so there was nothing to write about.  However, I'm delighted to report that I have had several deliveries of gorgeous new lingerie arrive within days of each other so you can expect quite a few blog posts about it over the coming weeks!

It's been a few months since I last wrote an Ewa Michalak review.  Fortunately, one of my recent lingerie deliveries was a selection of EM items to try, including this beauty: the Ewa Michalak PL Milady:

Image courtesy of Ewa Michalak

Collectif Dolores Doll Red Riding Hood Print Dress

I have been meaning to write a review of this dress for several weeks but other commitments have meant that I've had to put it to one side.  Now I am delighted to be able to tell you about my latest Dolores Doll dress from the amazing Collectif.

Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce you to the Dolores Doll Red Riding Hood Print Dress.

Image courtesy of Collectif

F&F Clothing Julia Animal Print Gold Ring Wrap Dress...AND GIVEAWAY!

Just over a week ago I attended The Official British Plus-Size Fashion Weekend on behalf of F&F Clothing (the new name for Clothing at Tesco).  You can read all about my day out here.

As part of the arrangement, the fab team at F&F Clothing kindly provided me with a voucher so that I could buy something from their fabulous clothing range to wear on the day.  I went crazy and ordered a variety of dresses, way outspending the value of my voucher (oops).

What Katie Did Morticia and Mae Corsets

For some time now, I have been lusting over the gorgeous corsets available at What Katie Did.  I have seen them on several blogs, including (of course) Georgina's at Fuller Figure Fuller Bust.

In particular, I have been itching to try the Morticia corset.

Image courtesy of What Katie Did

Collectif Dolores Doll 'English Rose' Dress

In Autumn 2012 I tried my first Collectif Dolores Doll Dress - the polka dot in navy.  I absolutely adored it and was instantly hooked!

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.

Simply Be Pleat Dress

The lovely people at Simply Be have been getting in touch with some of us bloggers lately to help them promote their 'Find your perfect Christmas party dress!' campaign.  I jumped at the chance when they emailed me - any excuse for more pretty dresses!

I had a long look through the items available at Simply Be and in the end settled on the Pleat Dress.

Image courtesy of Simply Be

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