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Friday, August 26, 2011

Finding The Right Support


Choosing underwear can be a daunting task for any woman; some love it but there are those of us who just don’t feel comfortable browsing underwear and choosing shapewear to hold it all in. Frankly, buying Bridget Jones style pants can be embarrassing so we want to give you an idea of what you might need before you hit the shops.


If it’s a slimming effect you require then you need to choose how much slimming you want to take place; for instance, is it a specific area? Underwear can now be worn to work on certain problem areas such as tummies, thighs or bottoms. You can visit www.onestopplus.co.uk for a great range of plus size lingerie collection and you might be pleasantly surprised at what you will find.

There is also the option of an all in one body suit that smooths out all these areas and works well under snugly fitted clothes, such as tight dresses and pencil skirts. These garments create beautifully sculpted hourglass shapes and with a well-fitted bra can add a lot of oomph to an outfit.

Bras are particularly important for plus size ladies, as we do tend to have a chest to match our cuddly tummies. A well-fitted bra that holds everything in place and upright is absolutely essential. Plus size bras tend to be very structured and not the most attractive pieces of underwear going but retailers are getting better and better at creating supportive but pretty pieces.

Underwear on our no-go list includes thongs, g-strings and corsets. Three uncomfortable and, in our minds, unflattering pieces of clothing that we think plus sizes should avoid at all costs.

Choosing underwear ahead of your shopping trip should be a little easier if you know what is available out there but alternatively, you do not have to brave the shops and you could opt for an online underwear retailer of which there are now many more plus size specialists. Onestopplus.co.uk is one of our favourites that we would recommend all larger ladies take a look at.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

15% Off at Oasis

I can barely contain my excitement! Oasis are offering 15% off everything when you use the code 15AUG2011 at checkout until midnight on Sunday 21st August.

Oasis have an amazing collection for Autumn and Winter featuring sixties style shift dresses, pretty prints, cute knits and must have accessories.  I think I am going to take the opportunity to treat myself to a new Oasis dress. Here are just a few of my favourites on the site at the moment.





sequin Oasis top


animal print blouse


Cherry Coloured Jeans

Follow us on Facebook for more great fashion offers! 

Weekly Shopping and Goodies 16/08/11


We have plenty more interesting and informative posts on Shopping and Goodies this week. From skincare to handbags, jewellery and celebrity fashion, there should be something for everyone. Enjoy!

A Few Goody Gumdrops loves shopping online at Complete Skin Care. They have all your favorite skin-care and beauty products!
Fab Over Forty discovers a cosmetics line that offers beauty and anti-aging skincare all in one.
Handbag du Jour shares a haute handbag pick for Fall: the lovely Prada Nappa Antique Tote in emerald green!
Shopping and Info just found Aly Michalka slouchy Astars top!
The Fashion Buzz gives some tips on How to wear a leather pencil skirt for Autumn Winter 2011
The Find is excited to show you the latest accessory trend of Knotted Chain Jewelry!
What's Haute features what Kate & Pippa Middleton might be rocking from Reiss this Fall!

Image - What's Haute

Monday, August 15, 2011

How To Wear The Leather Pencil Skirt For Autumn Winter 11

Leather is right on trend this winter. With Louis Vuitton working the bondage theme to the maximum, there is plenty of inspiration to refer to. But if the thought of making such a strong statement puts you off, don't worry, it is entirely possible to do leather in a much more subtle way.

The leather pencil skirt is a key piece for autumn winter 2011 and is a truly versatile item. You can even get away with leather in the office (depending on where you work) if you style it carefully but it is also a great everyday piece that you can dress up for the evening. The beauty of a leather pencil skirt is that is is both incredibly luxurious and flattering. By mixing up soft textures like silk and cashmere, you can create a subtle and very sophisticated look but if you want to go a little more racey, choose a black skirt and top and some statement accessories.

A leather pencil skirt is great for both the fifties and seventies trends that look to be popular this autumn and winter. For fifties, add a cashmere twinset and for seventies a pussybow blouse. High heels are the only way to go when wearing a leather pencil skirt.

Here are just a few ways to wear your leather skirt for Autumn winter 2011

For Work


 3.1 phillip lim black leather pencil skirt
Both from My Wardrobe 

Philip Lim is the master of understated chic and this patch pocket leather skirt can be combined with a classic blouse for a smart and elegant work outfit. Add either classic court shoes or more on trend ankle boots.


Daytime


 sparkle and fade balck leather pencil skirt
Urban Outfitters

For a comfy and cosy casual daytime look, team a slightly shorter length leather pencil skirt with a supersoft knit jumper.


camel leather pencil skirt

For a really relaxed look, try camel tones which work well when worn with either brights or other neutral shades. Keep the look casual with wedge heels.

Rock Chick


exposed  zip blakc lether pencil skirt

For a casual and contemporary take on the rock chick look try wearing your pencil skirt with ankle boots and a jersey top for a look that will work for both daytime and evening. Combining lace and jersey is also a great way to work this look in a contemporary way.

l
My Wardrobe

For the evening you can opt for a slightly shorter length leather pencil skirt with an assymmetric cut. Keep the look classy by adding a tailored jacket and a minimalist top.

Will you be wearing leather this autumn and winter?

Looking for a great place to find leather jackets? Why not check out www.kandco.com for some more information.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Jeans Update - What's Hot For Autumn

As the cooler autumn weather hits us and we discard our flimsy summer dresses in favour of something a little warmer, it is a great time to update our wardrobe with a new pair of jeans. Jeans are probably the most versatile item of clothing that you can own, they can be dressed up for the evening or down for the daytime and work with a variety of footwear from old Converse boots to a pair of killer heels.

As you are likely to get plenty of wear from your jeans, it is well worth taking a little extra time to find just the right cut, style and wash for you. As well fitting pair of jeans can transform your wardrobe. Whilst brightly colour jeans and patterned jeans have been really popular, a pair of classic indigo or blue jeans is still the most classic and stylish choice. Here are some of my favourites of the jeans arriving in stores now for autumn winter 2011.


UJ Collection at Uniqlo



As with all of the clothing at Uniqlo the UJ denim  collection gives you excellent quality at very affordable prices. The denim is from Kaihara in Japan which is considered to be one of the best denim mills in the world and is made using the best Pima cotton and special Japanese dyes. The brand is ultra cool and the collection includes the full range of on trend cuts from the super skinny to the incredibly flattering perfect shape bootcuts jeans. The Autumn collection has a strong emphasis on shape and solid colours. I love this collection because with all of the jeans costing just £34.90, I can afford a few different styles. Pictured above the Super Skinny Fit Tapered Jeans.

Oasis Premium Denim Collection


oasis jeans

I have always been a big fan of Oasis as their clothes just always fit me so well, so when I heard that they had launched a new premium collection of Oasis jeans I was really interested. I haven't managed to get myself a pair to try out yet but from the feedback that I have seen so far, they look like a pretty good choice. There are four on trend fits, the Amber, the Cherry, the Scarlet and the Jegging. To promote the launch, they also have a great competition here where you can win jeans and vouchers to spend on site. If you like the look of the Amber jeans (pictured above) I would recommend you buy them quick as they are sure to sell out.

Which jeans are you loving for Autumn?

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Phillip Lim - Classic Feminine With A Twist

I love Phillip Lim for his ability to design beautiful feminine clothes with a twist. We all love classic pieces for their versatility but sometimes plain classic can get a little boring. By adding an unusual and unexpected twist to his clothes, like some leather or lace or a bit of daytime sparkle, Phillip Lim manages to give them a fresh but flattering style which has earnt him a major following including many celebrities.

Phillip Lim tops are a great investment as they will work in so many ways. Pair them with jeans and heels for a smart casual look or a pair of tailored trousers or a pencil skirt for a smart but trendy work outfit. For the evening, add a bit of sparkle to a pair of leather trousers with one of Phillip Lim's signature sequin tops. Any of his tops have the ability to turn an ordinary pair of trousers or skirt into something really special.



I have been on the look out for a beautiful silk blouse lately and this Henley blouse by Phillip Lim is so perfect. It has a super flattering cut and would go with so many pieces in my wardrobe for the autumn.


This top adds an unusual twist of chiffon sleeves to a casual jersey top.



This sparkle tunic has just about the right amount of subtle sparkle to make it perfect for both daytime and evening. 

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Get Katy Perry's Cartoon Style


Katy Perry always manages to grab our attention from her cartoon style Smurf dress and matching Smurf nails for the recent Smurf premier to her Tweets about the ins and outs of her life and much speculated about wedding to husband Russell Grant.

I love Katy Perry's sense of fun that really comes across in both her personality and sense of style. Don't you sometimes feel that life gets to serious? What better way to lighten things up a bit than with a cute Smurf dress. OK Katy Perry had good reason to wear a dress emblazoned with the retro favourite Smurfette, as she was promoting her new newest movie, but seriously I would wear this dress out to perhaps a party or even a festival.

I haven't managed to find a Smurfette dress yet, but I have found these cartoon inspired designs on Sense of Fashion by a New York based designer. What do you think?









Perhaps they might come across as a bit crazy but for me it makes a refreshing change to the bland colours and minimalist looks that I see everywhere that I turn. What do you think?

For those that aren't quite brave enough to make such a bold statement, but want to add a fun twist to their outfits, cartoon nails have got to be the way to go. Katy is quite used to make a statement with her nails, for the Royal Wedding, she had pictures of Will and Kate emblazoned on her nails. To accessorise her Smurf dress, it seemed fitting that she try a bit of Smurf nail art.

I found this great You Tube Tutorial on how you can create your own amazing Surf nails!