The Ginger Peardrop

This T-shirt...

2012-02-23T00:28:00.000Z

...it makes me happy.

Speaks for itself really - Beth Ditto naked + glorious colour mix = LOVE (magazine)

I picked it up after a recent wander round Camden market when I was London flat hunting* last week. I was reliving my teenage wanderings and just noticing that nothing has changed when I spotted it. I bought it from the t-shirt stall to the back right and spent a good half hour nagging the supplier that if he's going to stock Beth Ditto prints he'd better stock up on some plus sizes. His range annoyingly stops at XL and the one I'm wearing here is an M which I most certainly am not but it's all that was left and with a bit of snipping and off-the-shoulder-ing (my fave) it's now a firm favourite in my wardrobe especially after haggling to get it knocked down to £10 from £15 considering he didn't actually stock my size! The guy selling them - his name I forgot, funny how that happens when I know a retailer doesn't really stock my size, I lose all interest- told me that out of all his 'naked celeb' range featuring the likes of Kate Moss, Ditto and Gaga - it's Beth that gets the most complaints.

Shocking eh, apparently it's perfectly acceptable to see a naked Kate Moss which to be honest it something we're all pretty used to looking at these days compared to a naked Beth Ditto. So I bought one. I'm determined to flaunt it out and about at every given opportunity and give Ditto a bit of overexposure. Naked is naked whatever the size of the model and to me this t-shirt just screams beauty/lust/dirt/heat - and who can argue with that?

TEXTILE RECYCLING FOR AID AND INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

On my way back to the station I spotted a TRAID store and as I love their TRAIDremade pieces I had to take a look. If you've yet to check out a TRAID store I urge you to, not only do they resell items like a standard charity shop they collect materials and re-make them into beautiful items and accessories and some of them I noticed were in the 16-18 range although a dedicated plus-size section would be AMAZING.

TRAIDremade - Remade in the UK

TRAIDremade is an environmentally conscious fashion label launched in 2002 by clothes recycling TRAID. TRAIDremade design and produce gorgeous clothing for women and men using second hand textiles that would otherwise be thrown away.

Buying TRAIDremade helps to protect the environment by reducing landfill and the profits raised from every garment sold, support international development projects to fight poverty.

Each piece is a complete one off and sustainably remade by hand in our workshop beside the seaside in Brighton. Each season, TRAIDremade designers work exclusively with old clothes and textiles donated to TRAID to create wearable, original fashion gems that you won't find on the high street.

Whilst there I found this amazing leopard shrug and tried it straight on but I was instantly struck with a crisis of conscience. It's fur, REAL fur. Now I love a bit of fluff but all the 'fur' items in my wardrobe to date have been faux so to contemplate a piece of the real stuff sort of made me uneasy. I was torn - it's lush and beautifully made and it's 'brand new' in the sense the material had been sourced and someone had now lovingly re-lined it and stitched it back together along with some Joan Collinsesque shoulder pads to create it.... but again - I ummmed and ahhhhed.....it's REAL.

Argh.

After lots of trying it on and putting it back and stroking it and staring at it I decided to just bite the bullet and get it. I love the way it tapers at the back and it really is something that I feel I might keep forever and I'm guessing it was once a rug or throw and is probably quite old as there are some noticeable worn patches across the piece. I think for the right occasion it could really work and I'm just going to be honest here - I fucking LOVE animal print and I appreciate it's fantastic to recycle. I'm just not quite sure how much I love the real thing so your opinions on this would be greatly received as it's something that really interests me.

Would you wear it? Have you got any real fur pieces? How have people reacted to you wearing it?

Either way, you should check out a TRAID store as I think they're seriously underrated at the moment and I feel this kind of 'anti-Primark' shopping is truly going to be the way forward for the high street.

*If anyone knows of any good flat shares in town feel free to send them my way!!

VOLUP2 MAGAZINE FOR VELVET D'AMOUR

2012-02-22T09:18:00.003Z

This is going to be another short and sweet update as I'm so overwhelmed right now, short story is it suddenly turns out I'm moving back to London to start a new job mid March. I'm currently riding a massive wave of emotions - ecstatic about the new job, scared about my new life and sad to be leaving Bristol and my lovely friends here - but I know I'll be back one day because I love it too much, I can't believe it's been 5 years!

Amidst all the chaos I was thrilled to see the launch of Velvet d'Amour's new online magazine volup2.com last week. It's a glorious mix of imagery inspired by all walks of life and I couldn't love it more. I was lucky enough to get to shoot for the magazine with Velvet last November through the fantastic PLUSIZETALL.

Modelling for Velvet d' Amour was everything I expected it to be and more. There were feathers, there were sequins, there was even barefoot dancing in the dark and I am happy and proud to be part of something so glorious and unashamedly creative in the name of high fashion against body shaming. Shooting with Velvet -a woman who really understands the plus-size body a work of art and not as a 'problem area' that needs fixing - was a real treat and something that every fat girl needs to experience at least once in their lifetime. Creative, unapologetic and with just the right sized dollop of quirkiness, this was an experience I'd repeat in a heartbeat.

C'était magique! - Lorna Anne Campbell

More photos from my shoot can be found in the magazine and the whole issue is fully available to download, available in both English and French formats. I highly recommend that you check it out because it's jam packed with page after page of delicious photos for you to drool over with a lot of familiar faces too including the pneumatic Georgina from Fuller Figure Fuller Bus t flying the flag for dangerous curves in a set of sensational photos.

As you can imagine I feel very proud to be part of something so unashamedly beautiful and I really hope I can get my hands on a print copy to keep - you can too by contacting Velvet d'Amour directly HERE

Vive la révolution!

PLUSLONDONTWO

2012-02-07T23:09:00.003Z

Apologies if this sounds like a crazy old pic heavy ramble but I have so much going on (fun stuff) at the minute that my head is in a bit of a spin. I just wanted to say PLUSLONDONTWO was brilliant. I was so excited to go to the Anna Scholz studio on Saturday to check out the new collection and it was such a treat to actually try on the garments and have a good old feel and poke around. The new range is a feast of colours and textures with lots of lovingly sourced and scanned snake print and hot Miami-style silhouette's and bright juicy jewels - all right up my street and very wearable. I managed to try on a few dresses my favourite being the little black and orange number above. Firstly, I'm loving the devil look on the print there at the bottom, is it just me or can you see a fetching mustachioed devil face in the print too? I'm sure it's it's a total fluke but even so... AMAZING. The colours are vibrant and the fit was beautiful, it clung in all the right places without coming up too short at the back and the best thing was the fabric was gorgeous and from the feel of it the kind of dress that you could easily wash and hang up and would dry super quick - perfect for the holiday season. I also love the hang of the little cap sleeves and think they look really flattering on me.

I then tried on this classic little black dress, again in a great practical yet glorious material with a really nice fit. It has a secure under layer that smooths out the overall silhouette with a softer more floaty layer over the top which drapes beautifully. I loved how it looks but can't help wishing it had the sleeve shape from the orange dress above, then it would be the most perfect dress for me personally, even so, it's still a great wardrobe staple. It's definitely one of those dresses that doesn't look much on the hanger but looks sensational on so if you get the chance try one one and it's also available in fuchsia.

After a good old rummage and catch up we settled down to Q&A session with the lovely lady herself, Anna Scholz. Anna was an absolute pleasure to meet and seems very keen to chat to her valued customer and try to take on board comments and suggestions, even humouring my pleading suggestion of coming up with a 'basics' shoe collection - a real leather perfect biker boot, kitten heel and spike - all in a range of sizes/widths *sigh* I can dream!!

As a naturally tactile girlie I was really impressed by the range of fabrics used in the collection, especially the 'double-silk' - a ingenious silk fabric with a hint of stretch so you get the expensive look of silk but the comfort and security of knowing it's not going to tear at the worst moment so this was a definite favourite of mine for the day and something I will be investing in asap and hope to see more of in the future.

That evening we headed off to the evening event and because of the heavy snow fall we were late and missed the fashion show but we finally arrived and soon warmed up with a glass of wine and look at all the contributors, my favourite being the amazing bra-fit service from Elomi. I soon discovered I was wearing completely the wrong size and even bagged a great set on my way out, the perfect way to be introduced to a new company so I'd like to say a big thank you to Elomi and I'll talk more about my fitting in a future post as I have so much to say.

I'd worn my new Phase Eight dress that can only be described as 'Mills and Boon meets Benidorm' and teamed them with my new Office Biker boots for a bit of a grungy 90's feel so you can imagine my glee at spying this dress on the Navabi rail...OMG it's divine and I'm definitely gonna buy it and I just need to dig out my DM's from my dads garage and I'll be sorted!

The Navabi Velour dress

Easily distracted by wine and shoes..

I had such a great weekend and it was lovely to meet you all especially and still all new and shiny on the blogging scene I'm just so also AWFUL with names so I spent a lot of the time looking at people going 'hey, I know you...' but not managing to actually get your name so I'll be better next time, I promise! x

Heading into the Elomi booth for our tailored fit (I chatted yet I cannot remember names...help!)

I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GIRL - the glorious Amy from TheseGirlsTurnHeads

Lauren from Pocket Rocket Fashion who if you haven't read already you should check out for THIS post alone - GOLDEN - this girl knows her stuff.

I just want to say a massive thank you to the organisers of this years PLUSLONDONTWO and I really hope I can make it to the next one and finally, this is what happens when you've got your beer jacket on on the snowy streets of London... I think I put this dress through it's paces, what do you reckon?!

And so to bed x

PLUSOCIAL FORUM GOES LIVE...

2012-01-30T23:01:00.000Z

The Plusocial website is under construction but for now we have the FORUM section up and running so come along and say hello. It's still early days yet and brand new and shiny but we're hoping to get some general chatter going to develop your social network. So women and men, we need your help to get it going, we want to know what it is you're after, come along and register, list your blog, your favourite stores, any stories, info or events... just let us know what we've forgotten and we'll get right on it....

...I'll be back soon with a blog update and hopefully some more news on Plusocial but for now, happy chatting and spread the word, let's make this thing BIG.

Why I write this blog...

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000Z

It's been a month since I set up this blog and a whirlwind of getting my head round Twitter (I'm old), making new friends and unravelling this massive yet intricate world of plus-size blogging. I now feel like the dust has settled and it dawned on me that I don't fully understand why I felt the need to finally join in.

I've always been a 'fat-girl' and to be honest I don't think it's made my life much harder or easier either way but I do think I'm lucky that I have always seen myself as this person and maybe it's from being surrounded but good people and understanding that a persons exterior and interior is a consistently transitional thing, with the interior being the priority. I do however think if I had been thin and then suddenly became fat for one reason or another it would have been a very different journey.

My first discovery into the 'plus-size' world happened in 1998 when I was 16 years old and working in a now defunct traditional style sweetie store in my home town. You know the type - glass jars, staff weighing dolly mixtures out on an old fashioned scale whilst wearing a 'Victorian' style maids outfits - pretty dull, but great work for a money hungry teenager looking to save up for her first proper going out-outfit. One of the perks of the job was being shoved in a glass booth for a few hours a day and looking out to Mall to serve ice-cream to the shoppers. I hated it. It was so boring because no-one wants ice cream when they're shopping especially on a cold winters day in the middle Hertfordshire so I spent most of my time in that booth staring at the passers by, developing my sneaky love for people watching. One day, whilst I suspect I was looking truly miserable a lovely plus-size customer came up to me to order a handful of ice creams for her staff. We chatted a bit whilst I served her the ice creams and I watched her wander off to the store right next door, the now also sort of defunct retailer Rogers & Rogers (the plus-size sister store of Jeffery Rogers and now known as Jeffry and Paula for Simply Be). As I watched her hand out the ice-creams to her staff I was just wondering what it would be like to work there when she came back and offered me a job. She must have read my mind, she'd seen how bored I was and said that she thought I could do better and offered me a retail assistant position there and then. I jumped at the chance and handed in my notice at 'Ye Olde Sweetie Shoppe' that very day to became a professional 'R&R' girl...and by handing in my notice I mean almost vaulting over the counter not even stopping to take my lacy 'Victorian' hat off.

I loved it straight away and working at R&R was such an eye opener because I never realised so many women actually hated their bodies. I'd always just sort of bumbled along in mine not really giving it much thought and I also never realised how many men loved plus-size woman and loved seeing couples come in to the store for that very reason. Over time and with the help of regular customer loyalty I developed friendships and I discovered that I was quite good at dressing plus-size people up to they feel and look their very best. Back then it was easy to get excited because the clothes R&R stocked were pretty 'fashion-forward' for the time considering the only other high street plus-size retailer was Evans (with the only wearable 'young' clothes from the limited Seven range) and Ann Harvey. Most other stores stopped their sizing at a UK 16 and online shopping was still getting off the ground. So as my love of dressing up developed my salary whittled away on buying the hot item of the month...we had Zebra print minis with matching jackets, leather skirts and Victoria Beckham style biker jackets, sparkly sleeveless tops that revealed the arms (shock horror), long sweeping coats with furry collars and accessories galore... I was in heaven and so my love of plus-size fashion began. I started dressing in clothes that I wanted to wear rather than clothes that just fit me. I cut my hair short, started experimenting with make-up (there was a lengthy phase of lilac eyeshadow love) and I even started talking to boys.

Thinking back I'm so lucky that I was plucked out of that ice-cream booth because I sometimes wonder what I would be like now if I hadn't been. I needed someone to give me the boost so I could wear what I liked and realise that I deserved to dress in clothes that suited my age. Nowadays I guess it's a different story because we have many plus-size retailers although mainly online which I think is such a shame because dressing the plus-size figure is always going to be a little trickier so I really wish there were more quality stores for me to go in and actually try on a garment before buying. I like to feel the fabric, check how it drapes on my frame, scour for any bobbles or dropped hems, hold something up in the light to see (how my mother would describe) if I could 'shoot peas through it'. I feel cheated as a fattie that I don't get the joy of shopping on the high street so much as 'regular' sizes and sad that we have to make do with increasingly unfair returns policies and worryingly low quality garments. I understand the factors that come into the decisions retailers make to lower quality such as stiff competition and fast fashion turnover but I think if we're not careful and mindful as a consumer we'll be stuck with a permanent abundance of low quality over well made so remember to contact customer services if you feel you're being fobbed off and never be afraid to unleash your inner 'Mary Portas'. Don't forget - you are the customer.

I miss retail but not enough to go back to the shop-floor full time so writing this blog satisfies my need for being a girlie girl and helping others feel good about their bodies, no matter what shape you are or what the scale says. I'm not a self declared fashion maven by any stretch and I prefer wearing what makes me feel good over something ' bang on-trend'. Simple fact is, life got a lot easier once I realised that no-one is really that interested in berating me for how I look or dress and if they do that's a handy 'wanker-filter' that allows me to dropkick them out of my life.

In the words of the inspired Coco Chanel - “I don't care what you think about me. I don't think about you at all.” booyah.

January sucks...

2012-01-21T00:39:00.000Z


Accessorize Union Jack clutch £30.00

The days are short and the dark nights are long and all we seem to do is work, work, work and moan. It's official, January sucks but it's nearly over and it's not too long till payday so I thought I'd celebrate by mulling over some of the little things that have gotten me through. Firstly, and I realise this makes me look like a bad 'Ginger Spice' throwback (I bloody love a bit of sparkly Union Jack me) I couldn't resist grabbing this bag from Accessorize. Seeing as flags are going to be everywhere this summer (hello Olympics!) and it's just the right level of 'gaudy' to satisfy my inner kitchbitch that I had to invest and I foresee a lot of this sort of thing in my future for 2012 and if I had the matching leggings I COULD DIE HAPPY.

I've also been cheering myself up with some very beautiful faux furry fingerless gloves gifted to me this Christmas from my lovely cousin. I have no idea where they're from (sorry) but I thought I'd just show how cute they are and ever so soft, ahh it's definitely the little things in life eh and anything that makes me feel remotely like a Russian Bond girl is always going to be a winner for me, she knows me so well!...

I need the matching hat now!

...which brings me neatly to this little number - my favourite purchase of all this season - my beloved 'superspy' mac by Ben de Lisi for Debenhams. It's lightweight, chic and can be easily dressed up or down and I very nearly didn't even try it on as I thought a size 20 (biggest size in that range) wouldn't fit me.

I'm so glad I gave it a go because it fits like a dream with loads of room on the bottom and not a pleat or buttoned flap in sight (these are a pear-shaped girls worst enemy). It's well made, properly lined and the overall outline is smooth with just enough gorgeous ruffle detailing without being too fussy. I'm a total convert now and I look forward to rummaging in the new Ben De Lisi collection to see what else they have on offer in Spring *fingerscrossed*

Ben de Lisi Mac £100 (winter season - so long gone now but hopefully a positive sign of things to come?)

As for keeping myself busy with work and other commitments I haven't really been going as much Bikram Yoga as I'd planned and considering my squeaky arthritic knee joint I really need to kick it up a notch. I'm still celebrating the fact that I haven't given up yet but I don't want to lose momentum and I'm looking forward to seeing improvements in my flexibility throughout the year so I'm going to try and document as much as I can on here as I (hopefully) improve. Starting off with Tadasana (tree pose), it's a very simple and ideally I should be able to put both my hands to my chest but for now this is all I can do. This time last year I had trouble even touching my toes I should be more pleased but I really can't wait until I can do it properly.

Please forgive the rubbish picture but it is so hard to take a picture of yourself at the best of times but when trying to do a yoga pose too it's almost impossible! The pose is meant to look like this but as you can see I'm a long way off...

Tadasana (tree pose)

This year I really want to find some decent plus-size sports wear and most specifically something for Yoga. I think some plus-sized people might be put off from exercise purely from the sheer terror of wondering what to wear and I can understand how that feels some days so I want to feel as good about myself as possible but for the moment I wear (in the hot studio) leggings, a sports bra and a very light top but I want something that wicks moisture away from the skin, supports me and looks good...I wonder if I'll ever find such a thing in my size? Watch this space because I'm determined to hunt something down, any ideas let me know!

The Bikram Yoga Poses (22 is a KILLER)

It's been a long day and there was even an exciting little development in the Plusocial.net world today and hopefully I can update something exciting next week but for now I'll say night, night and namaste and this is what happens when you don't know how to use your camera properly, who says fatties can't be graceful eh?!...

doh.

ETA- found this great NYT article on plus-size yoga, interesting piece, wonder if such a thing exists in the UK?

PLUSOCIAL update...

2012-01-14T10:02:00.000Z

'A unique online-magazine and community for plus size people of all shapes, sizes, ages and genders. Website launching in February so send us your contributions if you would like to reach an audience of like-minded people, worldwide...'

The PLUSOCIAL bandwagon is in full swing and we need your feedback. Please check out this link to see what we're all about (remember this is just the beta holding site) - our exciting, full content network is currently being whisked together this very moment and will be live very soon but you can still join in the fun...

We want as many of you lovely people involved, right from the very start -

Fellow male and female plus size bloggers, industry peeps, plus size retailers, staff and designers...anything and everyone in the plus size world, anywhere in the world, we'd love to hear you from all of you!

So, what are you waiting for?

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST TODAY

Let us know what you think and if you like what you see, please spread the word!

Tweet us
Facebook us
Email us here for more info

Update coming soon!

Article review - Daily Mail, The plus side...

2012-01-10T22:39:00.002Z

I took a little leap of faith last year and agreed to participate in an article for the Daily Mail YOU magazine - The plus side: meet the women who are flying the flag for the fuller figure. We were sold the idea of it being an upbeat, positive example of how plus size women get on with their lives without letting weight or clothes size hold them back. When it came to reading the published article I can't really say that I was thrilled. Apart from numerous little things like the fact I'm nowhere near 'six foot in my heels' and I never said anything about owning a pair of 'metallic leggings' (although thinking about it now, I would LOVE a pair) and the obvious overstyling/awkward posing - the thing that really galled me was my apparent statement of '...I love being fat'. I didn't say that. In fact I was very careful to not say anything remotely like that and not because I'm ashamed but because I want to promote something different. Being fat doesn't make me a 'real woman'... ALL women are real. I wanted to get across my love of working with what I've got today, the body I woke up with this morning and not focusing on some warped image of who I might be in the future. I wanted to tell every plus-size girlie that saw that article that they deserve to nourish their body as much as the next 'average' sized person. I wanted to shout out that with good food and exercise, stretch and movement we can accept our bodies for what they are and most importantly love them. Being fat doesn't mean you have to limit yourself or beat yourself up in anyway. You can still be sporty, you can still be sexy and you can most definitely still be fashionable, even if you don't fit in that magic bracket on the BMI chart.

It could have been worse though considering the Daily Mail are notorious for focusing almost every article they publish on body image, 'journalists' desperate to highlight any sign of a loss or a gain in their most caring yet passive aggressive approach *blech*. It's no wonder so many people have issues with body confidence if this is what we're fed every day. I just hope that somewhere amongst the backlash and readers comments (that was an eyeopener I tell you) that someone read our article and took a little positivity away from it.

*rant over and on to the fun stuff*

Dear Daily Mail fashion stylists - please GET A PLUS-SIZE PEARSHAPED CLUE *sigh*

At the shoot were greeted with a rail of garments that annoyingly and predictably didn't really work for us. The stylist knew we were coming, we didn't sneak up on them ninja stylee and they had our measurements weeks beforehand but somehow the general consensus from us plus-size models was quite simply that they just didn't get how to style a plus-size body. Stylists take note, we don't need smocks and draping or concealing with baggy layers, we need garments that are tailored and cleverly cut to emphasise all out best bits - just like any other 'normal' model would get at a shoot but oh well, it's the thought that counts eh...

With my sister Marnha who also took part, waiting to get our hair done

I was handed piece after piece knowing full well that they just wouldn't work and I felt like the stylists were clutching at straws when at one stage there were audible sighs of exasperation when I didn't fit into that size 24 silk jump suit (thaaank fuck) and the size 22 non-stretch shirt dress they had planned for me wouldn't even wiggle over my hips. Luckily I have a sense of humour about this kind of thing and decided to rummage through the rails myself and I eventually spied a great size 18 zebra print stretch dress from Wallis. One stylist scoffed at me saying it was far too small...bollocks to her I thought, tried it on and it fit. Not only did it fit, it fit properly and it looked good. I'd slipped it on over my trusty Gok Wan Simply Yours Ultimate Multiway shapewear (I always come prepared!) and it hugged my curves without being too big on the top and obscenely snug on the bottom, taa daa! another example that you should just ignore what the label says and start experimenting with smaller sizes in a range of stretch fabrics because the results might just surprise you.

Although the clothing range featured the fantastic Anna Scholz, with my sister styled in one of her bright Aztec dresses from Summer 2011, it was a shame that the article didn't showcase even more plus-size designers like Carmakoma, Igigi or Monif C as it would have been a great opportunity to reach out to the UK market considering the massive readership figures YOU magazine currently hold.

Even though I was initially annoyed that I had to make-do (as I'm convinced that wouldn't have been the case with standard fit models) I still enjoyed the day, especially with the help of the brilliant beauty team who worked their magic with our hair and make-up. So I have no regrets about participating but I just look forward to the day when mainstream media feature plus-size styling and designs as standard without having to make a case-study out of the models.

Marnha in the make-up chair with our brilliant MUA (me in the mirror flashing my Gok Wan shapewear!)

Two stylist working on my hair at the same time - bliss!

It was great to be at a shoot and not have to worry about all this stuff for once...

Wish I could have my hair done like this every day

Marnha getting primped for her close up

Tired but happy after a long day, it's hard work walking in those heels!

The bane of my life...

2012-01-03T21:31:00.002Z

Finding trousers that fit me properly (leggings excluded) is near on impossible and finding jeans...a NIGHTMARE. I was lucky enough to score these Seven by Lane Bryant jeans last winter for $80 and I've worn them to death. Luckily they haven't bobbled, so fingers crossed a dunk in some trusty Dylon should bring them back to life. I really wish I'd bought more pairs as the quality is great - non of that flimsy fabric blend fobbed off to us by most UK high street stores in the guise of 'quality denim'. I'm sick of buying jeans that only last a few wears before bobbling occurs or worse- the dreaded knee/arse sagging. Unless I get myself back to the US anytime soon (I'm off in June but that's way too long to wait) I need a replacement. I'm a quality over quantity girl and I HAVE to try before I buy so I wont commit unless I'm convinced it's worth it. As you can see* by my figure 40"-43"-58" it's a challenge and a half to find a great fit, so watch this space while I try on as many plus size jeans I can get my hands on. THE CHALLENGE IS ON!

My beloved Seven jeans, love the fact these taper nicely to wear with knee high boots, who says pears can't wear skinny jeans?

A must for any frugal fatty, the fabulous Dylon Wash and Dye (salt included) usually does the trick in reviving an old pair of jeans. Same goes for the Velvet Black option - great for any fading cotton blend jersey garments.


Love that these can be worn without any gaping at the back, nice smooth outline - yay! * I reaaally must invest in a decent cameraphone soon

¡¡FELÍZ AÑO NUEVO!!...

2012-01-01T15:19:00.001Z

Another January is here and I'm lucky enough to be sunning myself in Malaga although sadly I'm flying back home tonight. The weather has been amazing for this time of year and I've been wearing all my favourite summer dresses (better, non phone pics to follow). I didn't quite brave it to go into the sea this time because it was a bit too cold even for me even though there hasn't been a cloud in the sky all week. I managed to avoid sunburn using my trusty P20 sunscreen - seriously this is a must for fellow gingers/pale skins and I cannot recommend it enough and it's totally worth the extra expense. It tends to go on a bit sticky but once its soaks in it really does last all day and leaves your skin hydrated and 'sunkissed' without any redness and you only usually need to apply it the once.

Genius stuff, the fabulous P20

This update is a bit short and sweet but I'm writing it to kickstart my goal for January - to give my wardrobe a good old sort through and start the year fresh. I'm going to be ruthless and sell/thrift anything I haven't worn in the last few months. Oddly enough I'm actually looking forward to it, clean slate and all that and once I feel like I've made enough space I will hit the sales/thrifting and see what I can come up with for spring.

On the balcony in Torrox, relaxed and dopey.

Big thanks for all the lovely messages of support and I look forward to keeping this blog going through 2012. Happy new year and all the best for the upcoming months x

You call that snow? THIS is snow...

2011-12-25T20:41:00.000Z


Before the blizzard, Christmas 2010 Harlem NYC

I can't believe it's that time of the year again and I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that this year has flown by. Whilst enjoying the festive cheer with family today I was reminded of where I was this time last year - NYC and LOVING it. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to stay at the apartment of a very kind friend of mine who was out of town, so before I knew it I was on a aeroplane and off to enjoy time off in one of the biggest and bustliest cities. I like to get in some serious shopping when in NYC and one of my favourite haunts was the gorgeous plus-size vintage retailer, Re/Dress NYC Brooklyn. Re/Dress sadly closed down their Brooklyn store this year due to rental costs but they continue to sell stock from their online store but from what I've heard on the grapevine some customers are finding this change disappointing. I think it's best to bear in mind that they are still in their transitional period and I reckon after a bit of time they'll be back to the business that we know and love. Considering rental costs in NYC must be bananas at the moment, I can understand why they had to shut shop, saying that, it would be fantastic to see Re/Dress reappear as a 'pop-up' type store in the future (think Vivien of Holloway at Goodwood) at festivals and such like. I know I'd be first in the queue to rummage through their plus-size vintage stock if I saw them whilst out and about.


The inspired Vivien of Holloway pop-up store at Goodwood Revival 2011

When myself and Miranda set off to Re/Dress to max out credit cards we had heard that there was a bit of snow on the way but us being the robust British girls that we are we didn't let that put us off. Off we went smug and bundled up and ready to shop but as we travelled south we came to the slow dawning realisation that...OMFG this wasn't a little flurry like we're used to in England...this was a blizzard... a proper head pounding, outer extremity freezing, car covering BLIZZARD...wow.

Mesmerised by the snow in Brooklyn 2010 - seriously it was like something out of a disaster movie for us soft Brits

After the lovely distraction frolicking in the snow we got to Re/Dress late and soggy toed but their welcoming staff and selection of unusual goodies soon got us warmed up and I was very pleased to bag a couple of fab jersey dresses, a fistful of unusual accessories and a great little tuxedo jacket (pics to follow soon).

With Miranda outside Re/Dress NYC Dec 26th 2010
bye bye Re/Dress *sniff*

Whilst there I also checked out one of the best selling products at Re/Dress, the fabulous Teggings -

"You're heard this word TEGGINGS, bandied about on the blogosphere, but WTF is a Tegging?
They're described by Marianne Kirby of "The Rotund" as MAGIC. They are beloved by so many of our local Re/Dress NYC customers as the ultimate fashion solution!
We like to describe teggings as "what if tights and leggings had a baby?"
(button picture from Rachel Kempster's blog)

Teggings are the wardrobe game changer everyone's been talking about!
Part tights, part leggings, these are quite possibly the most comfortable yet eye-catching fashion fad of all time! You can wear them all day long and they won't slip or slide. They're so perfect for turning that tunic into a wearable minidress.
They come in COLORS! No more are plus sizes confined to only black, brown, navy or grey!
92% Nylon and 8% spandex elastane make for the stretchiest, yet most wearable,
blend that will fit all the way up to a 4x. They're very durable and long lasting, too!
You have to try a pair of teggings once and you'll be a believer too!"

These really are a true wardrobe staple - fail-safe, thick but not too thick and great under a favourite dress or tunic top. I wish I'd bought more pairs because as a typical pear I'm always worried about stretching and the opacity of leggings and tights under some of the shorter dresses in my wardrobe. These really do the trick at making you feel secure and covered up without feeling like you're out in Nora Battys tights and they're available in loads of great colours. I need to stock up soon so if I manage to stray from my favourite muted shades (black/brown) I'll be sure to blog about it.

I'm still sad that I couldn't get over to shop at the closing down sale as from the sound of it I missed out on some serious bargains but it's great that we can still shop online - so check it out.

Miri - Red Polka Dot Dress - Vivien of Holloway/ Me - Black dress Re/Dress and Fur Shrug FCUK (size 14 perfect example of why you should always ignore the label)

Re/Dress NYC we're all sad to see the store go but here's to 2012 and the online revolution!

Carmakoma consumer coma...

2011-12-24T05:05:00.000Z

The phenomenal Fluvia Lacerda showcasing Carmakoma designs LOVE LOVE LOVE this

If I had to sum up one plus-size retailer that suits my daily style I'd have to choose Danish brand Carmakoma, which is shocking really as I don't actually own one garment from them but their stock is exactly what I'd love to wear about daily in an ideal world. They have a great website in English and stock UK sizes 14-24 and I love their take on simple designs with unique finishes.

Strong designs, striking plus-size models and all shot beautifully,
Carmakoma - what's not to love?!

Their range looks great if you're into layering and overall the pieces look effective for everyday stylish yet wearable looks. Lots of the range is in muted colours with unusual fabrics and finishes and I am totally lusting after this coat. The detailing is unusual and definitely not something you usually see on the UK plus-size high street.

Dalia Jacket from Carmakoma

The problem with being such an extreme pear-shape is that I have to think twice about ordering overseas before trying a size in a designers range first. Saying that I'm lusting after so many of their pieces I'm tempted to take a little weekend break the Denmark next year just to visit Camakoma so hopefully I'll be able to report back on sizings and quality asap.

Bikram Yoga and the plus-size body...

2011-12-24T00:50:00.000Z

For the last three years I've cycled past the local Bikram Yoga Studio on my way home from work and a month or so ago something clicked in my brain and I decided to take a wander in. I think it was the thought of foreboding winter chills combined with my recently diagnosed knee arthritis (localised to the right knee) that I finally got the nerve to sign up for a 14 day taster and I wish I'd done it sooner.

I challenged myself to complete the 14 day taster (£30.00) and tried to go every day consecutively. I made it up to 12 and upon finishing the 14 days I promptly signed up as a full time member. It's not cheap but it is worth it and if I make it to my target of 2-3 classes a week over the next year I'll be laughing. It's such an amazing practise that I'm almost amazed that more people don't do it or that I hadn't heard somebody rave about it sooner. If anyone is unsure of what Bikram is - in it's simplicity it's 90mins of 27 yoga poses in a room as warm and as humid as a sauna. Yes, it's a bit smelly and yes, it takes a bit of getting used to but the rush I feel when I finish a session makes it all worthwhile.

I was worried thar as a plus-size person who'd NEVER done yoga before I wouldn't be able to do anything but I was pleased to discover that most of the moves are obtainable (to some degree) and I can literally feel and see myself improve with each class. I never feel judged or pushed out of my own safe comfort limits and I was also pleased to discover that the class was full of people of all shapes and sizes so I didn't feel like I stuck out like a sore thumb!

I would recommend anyone to give it a go, the heat makes sure you're nice and warmed up so the chances of pulling a muscle are minimised and even if you have a 'bad class'* you at least experience the benefits of the heat and time to yourself. It's the perfect antidote for anyone who sits at a desk all day as I do and with time should minimise or even stop any forthcoming visits to the osteopath. I can already feel the results in that I feel like I have more of a 'spring in my step' and I definitely have more flexibility, especially in my legs and I look forward to seeing this increase. Overall I love that the focus isn't on weight loss but rather well-being and most importantly, health.

I'd like to blog more about this practice in the future so I think I'll give it a few months in the new year to see how I get on and I'll keep you all posted.

*there is no such thing as a 'bad class' but some days are definitely tougher than others depending on state of the mind, hydration levels and energy levels (I try and start hydrating myself a day before my class otherwise I get a headache in class).

Hungover window shopping in North London...

2011-12-23T21:51:00.000Z

A few weeks back after a pretty momentous night out with a couple of good friends I managed to haul myself hungover and sleepy into Vivien of Holloway, London. I can honestly say ever since that day when I tried on this circle dress (size 22 off the rack) I have been dreaming of it non-stop. From the flouncy yet sexy underskirt down to the massive selection of fabrics available I think I would dress like this everyday if I could. Although I doubt I'd get much work done as when wearing a dress like this it becomes necessary to 'prance' everywhere (try one on and you'll see what I mean!) but you will feel a million dollars. Even with the hangover.

Hungover yet thrilled (ignore the winter boots!)

The shop itself is quite small and boutique-y with a warm welcoming atmosphere and is jam packed with rails of beautiful dresses, underskirts, jackets and skirts. I'd heard of VOH a while back and had always assumed that to fit me on the hips their dresses would swamp me on the bust, I am very pleased to announce that this was not the case. Each dress has support in the form of internal boning and boy does it do the trick. My goal this year is to go back to VOH and grab myself a haul to be proud of. I think sizing greatly depends on the fabric so I recommend treating yourself to a visit to the shop before committing to order online. The staff were lovely and ever so helpful and you really get the feeling that they know their stuff when it comes to vintage 50's inspired fashion. Vivien of Holloway, I salute you (and I'll be back asap).

For the love of all things handmade...

2011-12-23T21:11:00.000Z

As I want to focus this blog on all things plus-size and customised I thought I should start with none other than the glorious Chubby Cartwheels - a US fashion and accessories designer specialising in US sizes 20-32. Not only are the designs unique and beautifully made with a great selection of fabrics the site uses an amazing plus-size alternative model and the designer herself also models the clothes and accessories (see below). All this makes me want to order everything...

Shawna at the fabulous Chubby Cartwheels/WhenInDoubtWearPurple

Wearing the fantastic Gisela Ramirez T-shirt

TOTAL LUSHBUCKET!!

Welcome to my thirties...

2011-12-23T20:55:00.000Z

Well, not quite... but I WILL be hitting my thirties in May 2012 and this blog is to show the shopping trials and tribulations of a pear shaped and plus-size girl getting older and not necessarily wiser whilst working out what works for her AND trying to stay on trend.

For the last couple of years I have been an avid follower of many plus-size blogs and decided it was about time I joined in on the fun whilst highlighting the issues met when you're pear-shaped AND small chested. It's near on impossible to find a cracking pair of trousers and a good pair of jeans are like gold dust and don't get me started on finding a good fitting bra in my size. If you have a back measurement over 40" retailers assume you must be at least a cup size C or above... NOT TRUE. I'm a small B cup and always struggling to find shopping solutions for this. This blog will be me trying to overcome these dilemmas as a UK size 20/22/24 bottom and UK size 18/20 top with a UK bra size 42B measurements 40-43-58. My aim is to include as many OOTD's as possible and help like minded/shaped girlie's stay connected with the best UK and worldwide plus-size retailers and designers for their shape and to explore individuality whilst finding out what works for them. I'll also link to other plus-size bloggers of all different shapes and sizes... we're all in this together so the more we can share the more we can shop!

Goodbye 2011...

2011-12-23T20:54:00.001Z

Well then, that was quite a year. Some great things happened AND some not so great... but I'm going to try and learn from all that and focus on the positive. It was quite a busy year for me on the fatshion and plus-size shenanigans front -starting with making it to the grand final of the Plus Size Tall model search competition. I attended the final in London in January and had a BLAST. It was a whole day of workshops, make-up and girlie gossip and although I didn't place in the top 3 I was happy to have the experience and meet so many inspiring people.

Keeping it simple in the 'jeans and white top' round

All made up and ready to go, with gorgeous fellow blogger Georgina Horne from Fuller Figure Fuller Bust (l)

Feeling a bit more relaxed

Smiling for the judges with Kelsie Arif (c) overall winner

Naomi and Miranda came to offer me some much needed support

I've been involved in fashion and editorial circles for the last 10 years but always as a working make-up artist, wig maker and stylist so to be on the other side of the camera was a real treat. Taking part in the Plus Size Tall comp not only gave me confidence but also gave me a taste for working it in front of the camera so I've been grabbing at every opportunity that's crossed my path.

Whilst taking part in the show I was lucky enough to lock down some connections for future plus-size modelling work with the lovely Dawn from Grace-ful who specialises in making simple yet flattering crepe, plus-size wrap dresses. I was so pleased to work with Dawn in April 2011 because not only is she professional and inspirational her dresses truly are a great wardrobe staple. Hopefully she'll be launching some new styles and increasing her size range soon, I'll keep you all posted.

Showcasing the Black Mamie dress from Grace-ful


With Dawn at Grace-ful trying to coax Ralph the studio puppy into shot...

Raaalph...

After a long day of shooting, tired but happy

Through Dawn I also got to take part in a Daily Mail YOU magazine feature that went to print in October. It was a bitter sweet experience that I will blog about soon as I have A LOT to say about it. It was a piece focusing on plus-size successful women and you can read the full article here.

A shot from that Daily Mail feature Oct 2011
Dress - Wallis Summer 2011

Group shot from Daily Mail feature with my sister Marnha Holton (c) modelling a gorgeous Anna Scholz dress Summer 2011

I quickly realised that I don't have the ideal measurements for corporate plus-size modelling although I wish it wasn't the case. I truly believe every plus-size shape should be represented in all plus-size fashion media not only those within size-chart-friendly proportions. Saying that I'd still like to be involved in as much of it as possible so I was thrilled to be selected by the luxurious Velvet d'Amour from Velvetography to model for her up and coming online magazine. I shot with Velvet a few weeks ago, the whole experience was fun, energetic and I cannot WAIT to see the photographic results. As soon as they're released I'll blog about the experience in full. The compitition was launched by once again the ever devoted Plus Size Tall and the winners chosen by Velvet d'Amour herself. It was fantastic to work with someone who really understands and appreciates fashion photography as an artform as opposed to only showcasing the garment. To see any plus-size model used in this way always brings a smile to my face so to say I am excited about this would be a massive understatement!

It has been an amazing year and I hope I can continue on this path and at the very least maintain this blog as a reminder to other plus-size pears, it's all about the attitude and the confidence and NOTHING about the size label in your clothes. Here's to 2012! x

My inspiration...

2011-12-23T20:54:00.000Z

Myself (l) and fellow plus-size fashion blogger Naomi from Diamonds 'n' Pearls (m) and girl about town, the gorgeous Miranda (r) on a recent night out.