Curvy Girl's OOTD- Big Night Out

Aloha Bloggerinos,

This weekend I have been very poorly with a horrid cold, but here is an OOTD from last weekend when we had a full house for Mattmoo's friend's birthday BBQ. It was the best weekend I have had in a very long time and I can't wait for another!

After spending the day in the garden frolicking around like garden gnomes on a sugar high, the girls (me, Emma. aka Chummy, and Amanda) headed upstairs to play with hair, makeup and dresses. Mmmm heaven. Now, I don't encourage drinking to my lovely younger readers, but I had divulged in a few white wine spritzers and this lead to some rather tricky eyelash applications. Sadly, Amanda's eyelashes fought a good fight but I just couldn't get the little blighters to stick so we ripped them off with relish and went ceeeeerrrrazy on the mascara!

So here we are with the OOTD:

Due girlie camaraderie (Amanda didn't have any heels with her), I am once again wearing my gold sandals (I promise you I have other shoes!!).

The dress was from New Look 2 years ago and was £40. It's vibrant and silky and I enjoy it very much.

This dress works well on my curvy size 16-18 pear shaped frame for the for the following reasons:

It is low cut which draws attention to my cleavage (something I like).

It pulls in on the bit below my bust which is the slimmest part of my 'trunk'. This is good because it creates a feature (with the gold embroidery and cutwork detail) on a positive place.

It is floaty from the slim (in proportion to my body! Not slimmy slim slim!) bit down. The 'bit down' is the bottom of the pear shape and the part I don't overly enjoy so it's nice to disguise that a bit.

The cutwork detail by the knee makes you look at my lower legs, which I think are alright.

I chose to do a bit of a quiff to add a bit of height being as I was wearing flats and also to slim my face out a touch. I always think quiffs do that because they elongate the silhouette of the head/face and that kind of draws away from my chubster cheeks. I think anyway. Meh.

I chose a big-ass clutch bag because the bigger the bag, the smaller the person looks. Excellent. 

So that's my Big Night Out OOTD and the reason's behind it. I had a great night with the Liverpool boys, Amanda and Chummy and I'm fairly sure they did too! 

Here is what the gal's wore:

Amanda: Cute floral playsuit (I luurrvvee playsuits but not sure if they work for a curvy figure- any thoughts?) from Next, this season, £30.

Chummy: Greige ruffle skirt, River Island (can't recall exact price but I think about £25. I have it too and I love it). Black vest top. Not sure wear from but I have one very similar from H&M for about £3.99.

Necklace- Mine from Newlook last year- cheeky monkey!!

Don't they look lovely?!

I have had such great feedback from all you super Bloggerinos, but for the very few that feel they need to leave comments like "gross", please mind your manners and bugger off, it's tres uncool and not good for your karma. Tehe!

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews- Lush Fair Trade Foot Lotion

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Do you remember agggeesss ago when Becky from Lush sent me a big box of Lush freebies? (If not, have a look HERE) All these weeks I have been busying myself like a busybee, trying all the goodies and now it is the turn of the Fair Trade Foot Lotion for it's review.

(Picture pinched from lush.com because my sample pot is looking a bit cacky. Mmmm)

I deliberately waited this long because now that flipflop season is here, we all want our tootsies looking their best! Now, can I tell you a secret? Shhh don't tell anyone but my. feet. are. not. nice! They go all dry on the heels and despite ped-egging (funny story at the end) and moisturising to within an inch of their feety little lives, nothing worked. Until now. 

Fair Trade Foot Lotion is pink in colour and minty in scent. A winner already! I slather this magic cream on before bed (not every night, perhaps once or twice a week) and by the time I awake from my slumber, my feet are fresh as daisies and b-e-a-utiful! I find it to be a touch oily which is why I put it on before bed rather than greasing up my summer pumps, but I think that's what it needs to quench my thirsty feet. The smell is minty as I mentioned before, but not pungent, so you won't be 'Mrs-Smelly-I-Need-Foot-Cream' all day!

Here is what Lush has to say for itself: 

"Minty revitalisation for feet with fairly traded cocoa butter. Pink and perky, one mightily minty cream for your feet, which also helps to ease the abuse they get when trapped in shoes all day. We use both spearmint and peppermint essential oils to relieve aches and cool hot feet again. Arnica and marigold herbs take away the weariness and get your feet ready to wear your highest heels or to be seen naked and proud of it."

This delightful cream retails for £7.95 for 225g which is one of the big tubs and will last you allll summer. I'm still using my test up and I've been using for a few weeks now so it's well worth the mula, I'll be picking up one of these babies tres soon!

Have you tried this? What did you think dear Bloggerinos?

Toodlepip!

xx

Funny (hehe I think) story as mentioned above: My little sister Tiyana (13 years old) has a really ennoying habit of coming over and poking about in all my stuff and being an all round pain. Well last year she came over and I had just had a good ped-egg session (yes I know it's gross with a capital G, but it's needed!). She prodded around my stuff for a bit and then picked up the ped-egg not knowing what it was. Mwahahaha. I didn't say anything, watched her twiddle it around a bit and then made a fatal error. She yanked it open. Grossness scattered all over her hands and lap! Ahahahahahahaha! That'll teach her!!! Funny or cruel? Mwahaha!

DIY Wedding Invitations

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I have done it!! I have finally, finally, FINALLY, finished my wedding invitations! It has taken months (this could be due to the terrible bout of Bridezilla that I seem to have caught, despite telling everyone I'm laid back and not bothered....turns out, not so much) but after being taken over by ribbons, glitter, heart cutters, glue gums, more pink and cream card than you can throw a stick at, gems and stickers, we have lift off!

Here is a quick snap, I may well post some more in a few days when I have time to take some better shots (let me know if you would like this, I don't want to bombard you).

These were super easy and simple to make, just a lot of sticking and ribbon tying :)

We decided to make our own invites because we are on a budget and because I enjoy to do things like this. Making your own if definitely economical financially, but not time-wise! Cripes!

The theme for our wedding is "Pink Sparkle!" and this is being carried right the way through, expect lots more wedding updates over the next few weeks :)

Toodlepip!

xx

Sunday Tag- 8th Picture

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As I promised yesterday, I hadn't forgotten about my Sunday Tag feature and here it is. I have seen it on a bajillion other blogs and wanted to jump on the bandwagon to. The tag is to choose the 8th picture from the 8th folder in your Pictures.

Now, I was hoping for a picture full of fun, or me looking nice, or something truly amazing, but alas, sod's law says it isn't!

This is a picture of the little plush star decorations I made to sell at a craft fair last year. The fabric is from John Lewis and I remember liking it because I thought it was a bit Cath Kidston-esque and a love a bit of Cathy K! Mint green button stitched on with red thread to tie in with the fabric and white satin ribbon so you can hang the star on doors, drawers and hooks. Simples.

Do you ever sew anything and have you done this tag? I tag you all!

Makeup reviews coming soon (it's been payday-woop woop!!)

Toodlepip!

xx

Woe is me...

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Cough cough. Sorry for my few days off, I was shlepping round Liverpool and Manchester and catching a terrible cold and now I feel very sorry for myself.

(Glitter makes me happy. Very happy)

I haven't forgotten that it is my Sunday Tag day, I will do one tomorrow for you my chummies.

Thank you for all your comments and Hellloooooo Out Thhheeerreee to my new followers!! If you haven't already, hit that follow button...new giveaway coming soon!

Toodlepip!

xx

PS.

Just bid on 6000 pink scatter crystals for my wedding to jazz up the tables. Wish me lucky bidding!

Curvy Girl's OOTD- Lace and The BodyCon!!

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Today's OOTD is a risky one and perhaps not one of my best. The BodyCon, dun duuunnn dduuuunnnnnn! I know I don't look like Miss World in these pictures but I thought you might enjoy the jolly-ness of them, so no meanies please :)

Just to let you know, I usually wear this with a loose long cardigan to give me a smidge of dignity but I felt that with all my posing efforts, these deserved to be shown! I was only going to show you the back of my snazzy top/bodycon dress jobby but then I got carried away.

What goes up.......

(Mmmm what a tres composed face I pulled!)

........must come down!

(Jazz hands!!!)

Gad zukes that took a long time to get that shot! Look how high I lunged myself! Sheesh gravity is strong!

Today I wore my cheapy gold sandles from Primani (£2), long black lace detail leggings from Newlook (£7- pricey for leggings but they have lasted me a year!) annnddd my long top/short dress from F+F at Tesco (£9...I think).

As a larger lady (size 16-18), I think we all know that I'm not going to look like a goddess in a tight dress, but that's not to say large lovelies can't look like a goddess with some careful tweaking ;)

First of all, I am an hour glass shape (broad shoulders, boobies, small waist, big hips and bootiliscious bottom) so I dress this to its best. Low cut long tops are my friends. They draw attention away from my problem zone which is my mid region and cast the eye to my neck and bust (tehe) and with a hemline on my thighs, it makes you look at my legs, which although chunky, are in decent proportion to my body.

I wear leggings with very short day dress because I don't want to look trampy and also without a lot of tan and dusk lighting, they look a bit cellulitey (..because they are! haha).

Tan + Lower lighting= OK legs, No Tan + Office Lighting = Yikes!

Leggings are also a curvy girl's friend because your eyes are drawn to the hem (especially if they have a detail on such as lace, zips, beading, cutwork on the trim etc) and if the hem is near the ankle then you're laughing because your wrists and ankles are always the slimmest part of a woman. The sleeves on this cover largest part of my arms (upper) and displays the nice part (lower). Simples.

As mentioned earlier, I would have worn a coloured cardi with this so that I didn't feel too self conscious and to break up the black a bit. I accessorised with watch, bangles and earrings from Avon, Primark and Accessorize respectively.

Here is the 'feature' that I wanted you to see. Luurrrvvveellyy lace detailing really gives this a saucy twist. Wear hair up in a sexy knot to show this off.

So as you can see, with a bit of thought, curvy girls can jump on the lace and bodycon trend just like everyone else!

Toodlepip!

xx

Pretties I'm Loving

Aloha Bloggerinos,

As I mentioned before, my office is fairly restrictive on dress code, so I've started to take a lot more joy in accessorising. You may not be able to wear leggings or floaty dresses, but there's nothing about cocktail rings or charm necklaces! Wooop!

So here are a few things I have been wearing lately a lot:

I lurve this pearl necklace. I bought it 2 whole years ago from Accessorize for £11. I love pearls and these are cool because they are quite abstract shapes. I loved it so much I remember buying my friend YinYin (remember the YinYin that knitted me the pink cushion? Her.)

This is a more recent buy from Accessorize. It's a medium-long charm necklace and is uber summery. I love the golds, creams, pinks and corals and the funky charms. I believe it says "I'm a fresh and fun gal and I welcome the summer and all that it brings!". Yes that's right, my jewels speak to me, don't yours?!

A worryingly small selection of cocktail rings (and my engagement ring!). I am OBSESSED with cocktail rings. I think it's because I type a lot at work so I look at my hands all the live-long day and a bit of bling makes me happy. If you'd like to know where any are from, pop a comment down below and I will tell you.

Aside from the lilac and the engagement ring, they were all from highstreet shops. Bargain!

And yes Ceri, I know the lilac one is yours......and I'm never giving it back! Mwahahahahahahahaha!!!

What are your gem obsessions, or is it just me?

Toodlepip!

xx

What's In My Clutch?

Aloha Bloggerinos,

After the rather unexpected popularity of my "What's in my bag?" youtube video (see the link in the right side bar, subscribe s'il vous plait), I thought I would do a blog version.

So this is one of my favourite summer clutch bags. I bought it last year from New Look for £20. It's large, sturdy, coloured and textured. What more could a gal ask for?!

Now I'm tres sorry for the pinkish photos, I was a little worse for wear after Saturday night and the hot pink curtains remained shut all day! Cripes!

So these are my 'night out' essentials. I always pack the same kind of stuff on a night out and try to keep it light because the less you take out, the less you can loose/break/spill cocktails on!

Most Important- Purse. Mine is LIPS from H&M- woop!

MAC Oyster Girl Lipgloss for Amanda who took a bit of a shine to it (she was like a kid in a candy shop when she found my makeup stash- yay!)

Snazzy Vivaz mobile. Essential for safety and social-ness.

House keys so I don't have to sleep in the gutter in a most undignified fashion.

Eyeliner. I don't know what happens on nights out but I think my eye skin EATS it or something. Very odd.

Bourjois Menthol Gloss for minty fresh lips.

Chewing gum for minty fresh kisses.

An old bronzer. I never take my good ones out because I generally drop and smash them or loose them. I would usually take a brush but I buddied up with my chum Emma and she took a brush in her clutch.

Little deo for dancing the night away with an air of freshness.

A sticker that says "Disco Henry". Where the hell did that come from?

And of course, my camera, but I was using that! haha.

What are your going out essentials? I once met a girl who took an electric hand fan out with her in case she got hot- imagine that!!

Toodlepip!

xx

Let's Support Stacey

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Bit of a serious one tonight if you don't mind.

You may remember a while back I posted a little Mother's Day tribute to my lovely Mummy who is chilling out in heaven. Well one of my readers got in contact because she has gone through the same thing (loosing her Mum to cancer) and we have been talking for a little while now about our shared losses.

It has been so therapeutic talking to someone who has been through the same thing and I would welcome anyone who wants to talk, it really has made me feel like I have let go a tiny bit more and I think Stacey has felt the same.

So after telling our stories and how we feel all these years later, Stacey has had some awful news. She has a very rare condition called Takayasu Arteritis which is where the main arteries coming from her heart are extremely inflamed and to combat this Stacey will now need to undergo a course of chemotherapy. This is frightening for any person, but for a young lady who recently watched her own lovely Mummy go throw the same treatment, it will be doubly hard.

Stacey has decided to share own own unique story on her blog which you can find HERE. Stacey is sharing her experiences on this difficult journey because she hopes to raise awareness for the things that chemotherapy brings, to offer support to other people going through the same situation and also for the support she will undoubtedly receive from the wonderful blogging community. 

I have seen and felt how wonderful you have all been with me when I have written about my Mum or about how fab you have been with my new "Curvy OOTD's", so it would be so good if you could pop over to her blog (link above) and show your support to this lovely lady. 

Thank you Bloggerinos.

Toodlepip!

xx 

Curvy Girl's OOTD- Casual Office

Aloha Bloggerinos,

After all the super duper positive feedback on my BBQ OOTD, I have done an Office BBQ for your (hopefully) enjoyment.

My office is pretty restrictive on colours- you can only wear black, white, cream, red or blue and it has to be smart, so this was probably stretching it a bit smart-wise. Oh well.

So lets go from top to toe.

Navy Cardigan- Newlook Menswear (yes, I stole it off Mattmoo-naughty me)

Black Vest- F+F at Tesco. Size 16.

Cream Zip/Pocket Skirt- River Island. Size 18 (but wish I'd bought a 16 because it is TRES stretchy!)

Light Gold Ruffle Pumps- Primark. Size 7

Here is a close up of the skirt because I feel this was the "feature" of today's outfit.

It had an elasticated waist band, cutsie pockets deep enough for hands and a pretty lacey overlay. I usually just stick to tops and accessories in River Island because I am bottom heavy, but they have a lot of stretchy skirts in there at the moment which I am slowly but surely stocking up on!

I like this skirt because although it sits on my hips which is my widest part, it flares out a bit to hide any thigh wobble (urgh) and creates a girlie summery look.

The boy cardi balances it all out a tad and the navy against the black (yes I know you aren't meant to do that but you aren't meant to have prawn crackers for dinner and I just did that too!) adds a bit of interest and a softer look from lots of black.

I promised one of you (I think Bella Sugar) that I would try and do 'intersting poses' so here is my action shot. Good grief.

So there you are Bloggerinos, size 16-18 and wearing cream on the bottom half, clashing black with navy and wizzing a frisby. Maybe not groundbreaking, but enough for one day.

More curvy girl OOTD's to come.

Toodlepip!

xx

My Review in LOOK Magazine!! Wowee wowee wowee!!!

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I'm all of a dither because I'M IN LOOK MAGAZINE!! I cannae bloomin' believe it!

A few weeks ago I was sent 4 full sized (!) gel face masks to try out and give my thoughts on as part of the reader Beauty Panel. As you can imagine, this is possible one of the most exciting things to happen to me in a long while!

For those of you English Roses, check it out in this week's magazine on pages 109 and 110.

For you overseas Bloggerinos, click on the image to enlarge and have a gander.

See anyone you know? :)

My bit!! And the star ratings are mine, not the actual Beauty Editor's!!! Yay!

The lovely masks I was sent! Pretty pricey eh?!

What do you think Bloggerinos? Are you as excited as me? hehehehehe!

Toodlepip!

xx

Lou's Reviews- Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss

Aloha Bloggerinos,

A few weeks ago for my birthday, Mattmoo kindly bought me two lovely lipglosses from Boots and I loved them both so much that I went back and bought another. They are Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Peach Petal (nude), Pink Pop (warm pink) and Coral Reef (orangey) and retail at £6.49 from Boots (according to the website there is a 3 for 2 offer currently running.

Now I will hold my hands up to being a lipgloss junkie, I love all of them from the cheapiecheapies to the high end wonders. Having tried them all (or at least lots and lots) I can safely say that despite the price, the quality of these glosses is FANTASTIC.

The packaging (which is always the first thing I notice, which is why it's usually the first thing I comment on) is very agreeable. I think it is demure and sturdy and I'm glad it has a doefoot applicator because I find these easiest to work with.

These lipglosses have a lovely silky texture that glides on easily and doesn't feel sticky or gloopy. You can apply one layer for a rather sheer look, or build up the coverage for a more opaque effect. Personally, I prefer the opaque look with these, especially pink pop which looks pretty with navy blue eyeshadow.

Peach Petal is a perfectly pretty nude. It has a peach milkyness to it and it is so far the only nude I can manage (I have GOSH Darling but I'm not getting on with it very well). It doesn't have any glitter or shimmer in it, just sheeny sheeny.

Pink Pop is my favourite by a million miles and I have been wearing it to work, to see friends and on nights out. It is a gorgeous Barbie-esque pink and gives a really cutsie look. It is a fairly blue toned pink too which is good because blue toned colours help teeth appear whiter and everyone wants a super smile.

Coral Reef, to its' credit, comes out the exact same colour as it look sin the tube. I try to apply this very lightly so that my natural lip colour shines through, otherwise it can look too orange. I know corals and oranges are in this summer but I think I would prefer this if it was more coral than orange. Hmmm, maybe I could mix them to make the perfect shade? I will definitely be wearing this more when I have a good tan (from a can! No skin damage for me thank you kindly) and it is a delightfully summery hue.

These lipglosses have a mediocre lasting power, but for a medium price, I am still really happy with this product and will use these as my summer staples.

In the last few weeks I have really taken to the Revlon range and am open to trying new things from them. Do you have any gems from Revlon? What are your recommendations?

Toodlepip!

xx

A Real Thankyou

Aloha Bloggerinos,

Well this is not the planned Revlon review I have coming up tonight, it is a THANK YOU.

Yesterday I did my first OOTD post and was a little apprehensive because 1. I thought nobody would be overly interested and 2. I'm not a skinny mini like a lot of the fabulous OOTDers out there are.

Within a matter of hours I had had so many positive comments saying that it is good to see a curvy OOTD and please could I do more etc. I was touched. Literally, I nearly cried, it was so supportive.

I was really taken aback by it all and felt the need to say thank you, it has meant so much.

To show you my bloggy love, I have scattered some pretty snaps from weheartit for your eyes to feast on.

Looking forward to posting some more OOTD's.

Love You Bloggerinos!

Toodlepip!

xx

Curvy Girl's OOTD- Summer BBQ

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I've never done an OOTD before because, in a nutshell, I'm a bit of a fattyfattybumbum! Depending on what shop I go in, I am a UK size 16 or 18 (although trousers are a big struggle because I am very hip-tastic). Anyway, I figured that not all of my readers and followers would be a slinky size 8, so why the heck not show a bit of plus sized fashion??

(Mmmm next door's washing looks delightful! ha)

This dress is from H&M and was an absolute steal at £14.99! I saw soooo many nice clothes in there the other day but being as I am low on funds, I could only buy this (and that was only because I had something to exchange). I like that is nips in the waist, accentuates the bust and skims my problem areas which are my tum and upper legs.

Under the little summer number I wore flesh coloured boy-shorts (NB, white will show!! Nudey fleshy colours are the way forward) and a strapless bra because I tucked the thin straps in to prevent tan lines.

My gold sandals were £2 from Primark and I love, love, love them!!

So that was my Summer BBQ OOTD, what do you think? Would you like to see more or is this more of a slender gal's game? (Be honest Bloggerinos).

Toodlepip!

xx

Sunday Tag from Cupcakes and Rainbowdust

Aloha Bloggerinos,

I have been wanting to start a feature for quite a while now and have finally decided that every Sunday (or as many as possible), I will do a tag from someones blog.

So this week I have chosen a '12 Questions' tag from Cupcakes and Rainbowdust. If you haven't already checked her out, go have a looksie. I thought it might be fun to do a bit of 'getting to know me' stuff and I tag all my followers and all those who comment and read. I am really grateful for all of you and am always touched by your kind and supportive comments. :)

So let's get crackalackin'! 

1. What shoe size are you?

Size 7. Most of my Liverpool chums are a size 7 which was great when we were all at uni, but my Northampton chums all seem to be a 5-6 which is a bummer- no swapsies for me!!

2. Where do you work?

I work full time as a PA to the big cheese at a very large recruitment firm. Since working there I have met loads of really nice girls and boys and think that some of them will be my chummies for a long time to come :)

3. Favorite piece of clothing you own?

I am currently in love with a light blue floaty dress I bought from Primark back in March. I wish wish wish I had been savvy enough to buy one in grey but alas, I will carry on my love affair with the little blue number.

4. Your favorite blog?

I go through phases with blogs I love. Maybe I should make a Blog of the Week feature too?

5. Do you have any pets?

Yes indeedydoody. Mindycat is my little fluffy baby. She's a little weirdo though. She runs for the hills (or at least her behind-the-sofa-kitty-lair) at the slightest noise, has a really big body but tiny legs (we suspect if she were human she would be 4"5 and obese) and is sometimes bullied by this really big blackbird that comes into the garden when she's sunbathing and squarks at her. I'm trying to encourage her to stand up for herself but to no avail.

6. How many siblings do you have?

I have one half sister (same Dad) called Tiyana who is 13. I consider her my full sister because I love her to absolute bits and she is my little playmate. I like to call her Tiyana Banana or Lister (L ittle s ISTER). I have 2 step brothers who I only really see at Christmas and they are both older than me.

 

7. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

I would love to live in America. I have been there a few times when I was younger and am going there next year on my belated honeymoon (we're not going straight after the wedding for mula reasons). I love America looaaddsss. :) :) :)

8. What were you doing before this?

I was reading all your blogs whilst regretting having one too many Pineapple Punch Cocktails last night......and also the warm white wine we glugged before the taxi man turned up with the mentality of "It's bad to waste it, even if it has been in the garden all day and we are having to down it out of a plastic Alton Towers mug". Classy.

(Drinks in real pineapples and real coconuts- what is the world coming to??!!)

9. Your favorite food?

Dominos pizza or a full English roast. Yes please.

10. Do you have a middle name?

Yes, Alexandra. I really like it because my Dad said it's the one my Mum picked for me. If I have a little girl, I would give her my Mum's middle name (which was Jane) in memory of her.  ♥

11. Your favorite websites?

Blogspot, weheartit, YouTube, Matha Stewart (for her amazing craft ideas and instructions), Monsoon, John Lewis, Facebook, ETSY, the list goes on......

12. Who do you tag?

Everyone who reads, follows or comments. :)

 

Hope you enjoyed my Taggeroo and look forward to reading yours.

 

Toodlepip!

 

xx