Collectif Dolores Doll Red Polka

If you're a regular reader of my blog you will be well aware of my love of Collectif's Dolores Doll dresses. I have accumulated quite a collection over the past few months and currently have more than 12 in my wardrobe.  The fit of the dress is almost perfect for me and I adore the feminine shape it gives.

I've previously written about the Dolores Doll in Navy Polka; today I will show you the dress in Red Polka.

Marks and Spencer Outlet Black White and Red Dress

A few months ago I visited the Marks and Spencer outlet store at Lakeside, Thurrock.  I was driving back from a work meeting and wanted to break up the journey so a bit of retail therapy seemed just the ticket!

I tried a few dresses on but there was one that especially appealed to me and, after tweeting a photo of it and getting a positive response, I bought myself two: one size 10 and one size 12.

Marisota Magisculpt Leopard Print Jersey Dress

As you will be well aware by now, I am a fan of bodycon dresses.  I love the way they follow each and every curve of my body and show off my hourglass shape perfectly.  I was recently approached by online shopping brand Marisota to review an item for them and of course I chose a bodycon dress:

The Magisculpt Leopard Print Jersey Dress.

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.

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.

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

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.

Curvissa Tamaris Leather Platform Court Shoes

Before Christmas, I was contacted by the team at Curvissa to see if there was anything I wanted to try from their Spring 2013 collection.  I picked out some shoes and then completely forgot all about them as I didn't hear back for quite some time.

A few weeks ago, I had a mystery package arrive.  I love it when that happens - something unexpected arrives and it's really exciting opening the box and finding out what it contains.

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 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!

Rocket Dog 'Lift Off' Patent Lace Up Wedge Shoe Boots from Barratts

You might have noticed that I've posted several footwear reviews lately, but they have all been for flat or low heel shoes.  I tend to wear this sort of thing most of the time; partly because my job requires me to wear shoes like this, but also because I often find higher heeled shoes uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time and very difficult to walk in.

The exception to this rule are wedges.  I love wedges - they are the perfect way to get height without the discomfort.  Just before Christmas, I was given the opportunity to review some shoes for high street and online retailer Barratts so I gave them a few suggestions for shoes that I liked and they very kindly sent me these beauties:

Image courtesy of Barratts

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

Earth Spirit Mary Jane Shoes from Barratts

I always get very excited when I find new shoes.  That's because my feet make it very difficult to get a good fit, as I discussed in this post.

On a recent trip to Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, I popped into the Barratts store.  Once upon a time, Barratts stores could be found on every high street, but in recent years the company has had to adapt to meet the needs of online shoppers, whilst experiencing a reduced presence in some towns.  However, there are still a number of stores around, and you can find your nearest one by using the Barratts store locator on their website.

Whilst instore, I had a good look around the women's footwear section.  The sale was on so I had plenty of bargain options to choose from.  I was served by a very helpful young lady called Anika and ended up purchasing these lovely Mary Janes by Earth Spirit:

Image courtesy of Barratts

IGIGI By Yuliya Raquel Natasha Dress

Back in the summer I was lucky enough to review the gorgeous Naime maxi dress from IGIGI By Yuliya Raquel.  It was so beautiful and the fabric so luxurious that ever since I have been itching to get my hands on more from this brand.

I was contacted a few weeks ago by the lovely people at IGIGI who offered me the chance to try a dress from their latest collection.  I went with the Siren dress in Tanzanite but unfortunately it ended up being too small on my boobs and too big on the waist.

Not to be beaten, IGIGI very kindly said I could try something else and after some advice from Yuliya Raquel herself it was agreed that I should try the Natasha dress in size 12 US/16 UK with an Obi Belt to bring in the waist.

Image courtesy of IGIGI By Yuliya Raquel

IGIGI By Yuliya Raquel Siren Dress in Tanzanite

For some time now, I have been a huge fan of the gorgeous dresses and separates available from IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel.  I have previously blogged about the stunning Naime maxi dress I tried back in the summer and I have been longing to try more dresses ever since.

A few weeks ago I was offered the chance to try the Siren Dress in Tanzanite.

Image courtesy of IGIGI By Yuliya Raquel

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

Collectif Dolores Doll Ivory Hibiscus Dress

Ever since I bought my beloved Collectif Dolores Doll Polka Dot Dress I have been itching to try more.  The fit, style and look of the Dolores Doll dress is so wonderful and made me feel so special that I wanted to get it in every possible colourway and pattern.

There are not many Dolores Doll dresses currently available on the Collectif website but I have been trawling the internet to see if I could find any offerings from previous collections.  Luckily I am very dogged with these sorts of searches so persevered when I didn't initially find a great deal of options...and was thrilled when my hard work eventually came up trumps.

My first purchase was the Collectif Dolores Doll Ivory Hibiscus dress.

Image courtesy of Collectif

Curvissa Wider Style Wedge Court Shoes

I love wedges.  They add height but feel more secure to walk in than thinner heels.  All of my most comfortable shoes, boots and sandals are wedges of some sort and I am always on the lookout for my next pair.

Wedges look great with all sorts of outfits.  High wedges can look classy, elegant and sophisticated, and lower wedges add a hint of height without compromising on comfort.

I was recently contacted by the lovely people at Curvissa who asked if there was anything I would like to review.  I have been after a comfortable pair of wedge shoes (rather than boots or sandals) for a while so I was absolutely over the moon when I spotted the Wider Style Wedge Court Shoes on the site.  I ordered a size 5 in the black.

Image courtesy of Curvissa

Anna Scholz for Simply Be Contrast Pencil Skirt

Ever since I got to try on an array of gorgeous dresses at Anna Scholz's London HQ during Plus London Two, I have been keen to add some of her pieces to my wardrobe.  I mean, how can a girl resist beauties such as these...

Image courtesy of Anna Scholz