Collectif Dolores Doll White/Black Polka Dot Dress 12

Like many women, I am a huge fan of polka dots, so any time I see a piece of clothing with a polka dot print I am sorely tempted to buy it.

I've already reviewed the Collectif Dolores Doll Red Polka Dress here, and have had the Black Polka in my wardrobe for quite some time. I was absolutely gutted that I missed out on the version with a blue background and red spots a few years ago, but last summer I was excited to see that Collectif had brought out a new colourway: the Dolores Doll White Polka Dress (£50, UK size 6-22).

Image courtesy of Collectif

Boxing Day OOTD: George at Asda Jacquard Skater Dress 14

Boxing Day, St Stephen's Day, 26th December...whatever you call it, it's the day after Christmas and it happens to be my birthday. This year I spent the day at my brother's (as I did on Christmas Day) and again I was looking for an outfit that was versatile enough to be comfortable and stylish.

I opted for the George at Asda Jacquard Skater Dress (£14, UK sizes 8-24 (now sold out)).

Image courtesy of George at Asda

Christmas Day OOTD: Pink Clove Claret Velvet Dress and Black Velvet Shrug 16

For most people, Christmas Day typically involves eating a hearty lunch, followed by lots of sitting around, opening presents, playing games and watching tv. It's therefore crucial to wear a comfortable outfit as the last thing you want is to feel constricted by your clothing. Some people opt to wear their pyjamas all day but seeing as I would be going to my brother's I knew I would have to get properly dressed and so decided to make the most of it and go for something festive and fancy.

A couple of weeks ago, I was contacted by the lovely PR team at fashion forward plus size brand Pink Clove. They offered to send me something to review from their partywear range and immediately I knew what I wanted: the Pink Clove Claret Velvet Dress (£35, UK sizes 16-32).

Image courtesy of Pink Clove

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.

AX Paris Curve Splash Printed Strapless Maxi Dress

You may be aware that I have been invited to review a number of items from the fabulous online retailer AX Paris.  I've been given the rather wonderful opportunity to select one new item a month to try out for my blog, which is a real privilege.  I am rather behind with these posts I am afraid but here's my latest item: the AX Paris Curve Splash Printed Strapless Maxi Dress.

Image courtesy of AX Paris

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

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 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

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

Collectif Dolores Doll Navy Blue Polka Dot Dress

For some time now, I have been wondering if I should invest in a circle/swing dress.  I have been wearing bodycon-type dresses which follow my curves and show the shape of my figure, but I have always been drawn to the feminine and fun look of a circle/swing dress.

Back in April this year, I was lucky enough to try on some of Georgina's Pin Up Girl Clothing Heidi dresses.

My Blog's First Birthday Giveaway - Excite Clothing

I first discovered Excite Clothing over a year ago when I was searching on eBay for some reasonably priced shrugs.  They had several different options available and all at low prices.  Great - I love a bargain!

Image courtesy of Excite Clothing

I love to shrug!

I have long been a fan of the humble shrug (sometimes called a bolero).  It can completely transform an new outfit or give an old favourite a completely new look.  Over the years I have worn all sorts of different styles, from ones that tie under the bust, to ones with buttons, wrap-arounds and zips.


However, a while ago I found myself in a position with no shrugs at all in my wardrobe.  I am not entirely sure how this happened - I know I sent a lot of things to charity last year but I hadn't realised I had got rid of them all.