Bodyshaming Instagram has banned #curvy

Only a few months ago my account with Instagram was closed without warning. On the same day, I encountered a group of other users raising the same issue on the Instagram Facebook page. The only thing we had in common? The word curvy in our usernames. I kicked up a bit of a fuss and my account was reinstated with no official explanation. 

I thought that was the end of my experience with their unacceptable body shaming but Instagram has caused a storm once again with its shameful restricting of certain search terms. 

From today, if you search for the hashtag #curvy, you will be met with this page.

That's right folks. The curvy hashtag has been filtered out of Instagram searches to show no results. 

I was informed that this was also the case for #skinny and #thin but upon investigation I have found that you can search for these hashtags and after accepting a content warning popup, you can browse the results freely.

So... why the total ban on #curvy? Can they not think of an appropriate warning?

An update from Buzzfeed:

A spokesperson from Instagram said the hashtag #curvy is not searchable because, according to the company, it was being used to share images and videos that violated Instagram's community guidelines around nudity.

But of course searching for clitoris or cunts is still entirely okay.

I find it disgusting that this filter is in place yet you can find hundreds of fatshaming images with a few clicks.

So heres the deal: I don't want to miss out on all the beautiful curvesome photos that the users of Instagram have to offer so from now on I will be using #curvee on my IG photos instead.

Please feel free to do the same and spread the word. 

Money Saving Monday Part Deux

Hello lovelies! Another week, another Money Saving Monday.

As you probably know I am on a spending ban for July with the exception of essentials and gifts. Last week I confessed to a little slip-up with my Bare Minerals foundation but I've done surprisingly well this week.

I've barely looked at clothes at all! There are sales everywhere beckoning me, testing me, throwing the proverbial banana peel underfoot, but I've somehow managed to avoid temptation. Of course that doesn't mean I've been walking around with my eyes closed. I've been looking at other things (that I'm also not allowed to buy, grr) such as fabric:

And home stuff:

Unicorn Jewellery Dish

Brunch-osaurus Salt & Pepper Shakers

And also tattoos but that's a post for another day.

So, not much to report as you can see. I am eagerly awaiting a phone case which I pre-ordered about 6 weeks ago so hopefully I can show you that without guilt before the next installment of Money Saving Monday.

I wonder how the other money saving ladies are getting on...

Abi - http://aisforabi.blogspot.co.uk

Debz - http://www.wannabeprincess.co.uk

Lucia - http://www.ucantwearthat.com

Sarah - http://plussizeproud.wordpress.com

Katherine - http://acurvycupcake.blogspot.co.uk

Kelly - http://misskittykaos.blogspot.co.uk

Nikki - http://www.nattynikki.com
Gina - http://fatfitfine.blogspot.com/

Science-Fashion

Last weekend I went to my first ever sci-fi event. Being held right behind my house, it was the perfect excuse to dip my toe in the pool of science fiction conventions. 

Sci-Fi By The Sea in Herne Bay is in its second year and has already gathered quite a following and grown significantly in size and quality since last years debut.

As a Doctor Who fan, I already had in mind exactly what I wanted to wear for my T.A.R.D.I.S. photo. (Because there had to be a tardis photo!)

My mini-geek joins me for a photo

The Look Magazine for Simply Be bardot dress is perfect! When I first saw it, I instantly thought it was a Doctor dress in a wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey spacey sort of way. It's long enough that for the first time in years I felt comfortable showing off a bit of calf. It's a wonderful dress, true to size (if not a teeny big generous) and is forgiving in the boob area despite the non-stretch material. This is a quality dress I felt great wearing it.

Thanks to the anti-chaff shorts from the Big Bloomers Company and a weekend of bare legs, I think I'm finally happy to show off a little bit of leg!

The necklace I wore for the event was a custom order from Black Heart Creatives. I wanted a Doctor Who necklace but not something as obvious as a Dalek or a police box so I went with "Hello Sweetie" as River Song is my favourite female character of the new era Doctor Who. I absolutely love this necklace, it's my first piece from BHC and it definitely won't be my last!

Did I manage to pull off the geeky-but-not-too-much look? My neighbour had me sussed as a bit of a nerd from the day we met apparently. I didn't think it was obvious!

What would you wear to a SFX event (if you, like me, are into that sort of thing)?

#OMCZ 28: Heels

So here we are again for another OMCZ. This fortnight's theme was chosen by Mary:

"I know that heels make our feet hurt and sometimes is quite difficult to walk however, is there anything more stylish than a woman in high heels?
You may have a simple dress and no accessories but if you put your heels on you will be the most elegant girl in the room so ladies I want to see your heels!!"

I love shoes but nearly never wear heels. The last time I wore heels was on my wedding day two years ago. Even then I took them off as soon as I arrived at the reception and changed into a pair of converse. (Ohhh I love my converse!)
I do have a few pairs of heely shoes however. Most are chunky or short heels but I thought I'd get out my skinny heels for this challenge. Poor things have been boxed away for yonks.

The "I need to dress up my skinny jeans" heels.

The Valentines/Christmas heels.

As you can see, I always wear my heels with a pair of tights (unless they're peep toe, but I generally go for full coverage).
How do you wear your heels?

Take a look at the other Outside My Comfort Zone contributions from these gorgeous gals:

Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk/
Nikki http://www.nattynikki.com
Becky Brown http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com
Mary  http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt
Hollie Http://www.prettybigbutterflies.com
Erin http://erinslittlebigcorner.blogspot.co.uk/
Debz http://www.wannabeprincess.co.uk/
Stephanie http://www.seeingspots.co.uk/
Becca http://thegirlwiththeplait.blogspot.co.uk/
Rebs http://sullen-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/
Katt http://acurvycupcake.blogspot.co.uk/
Leah www.justmeleah.co.uk
Mookie http://muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk/
Betty http://www.bigfatbetty.com/
Danielle www.daniellerharris.com
Beverly www.thecurvyword.com
Sam http://fattyboomtatty.blogspot.co.uk/
Gillian www.weegillie.com
Sarah http://plussizeproud.wordpress.com/
Abi http://aisforabi.blogspot.co.uk/

Primarni Haul

As mentioned in my previous post, I found myself in Primark once again. I am both proud of myself for managing to spend under £25 but also kicking myself for not getting a couple of things.

This is my little stash.

Pale pink cardi (20), Foxy night tshirt (22-24),
hair bits, earphones, sunglasses, skinny waist belt

I had to put back the gorgeous light pink satchel style handbag and THOSE maternity leggings I picked up. Sooo comfy but I just don't have enough money this month. It's hubs' birthday and my eldest babys birthday at the end of March. Expensive times.

I'm getting a refund from a New Look return next week so maybe I'll go back when that's cleared.

Primark Public Service Announcement

Good afternoon my lovelies,

Please excuse the formatting of this post for I am sat in Costa (in LEEDS! I've never been here before), posting from the app on my phone. I just need to get excited for a moment...

Primark have a maternity range.
Yes! I know! I didn't know either until today!

Now, my twins were evicted from my belly nine months ago. So why am I getting excited? There are two reasons.

1) As we all know, Primark mostly only caters for those under a size 20. So when I saw the maternity range I wondered about the shape and whether my size 22-24 belly would benefit from the extra bump space.

I chose a daisy print swing dress to try on and went for the 20. It was so generous I needed a belt to gather the fabric and take away the tent look. This dress is made of a medium weight jersey cotton with a lot of stretch so I could have sized down a couple of sizes. Where was this dress when I was preggers?!

From the changing room

I also tried on some maternity leggings (not pictured). I like my leggings to stop at my bra so maternity bellywarmers are perfect. The size 20 gave me baggy knees so I went for an 18. And guess what! They are completely opaque! At only £4 they're a complete bargain.

2) The second reason I think we can get excited about the maternity range? Hopefully if the company are starting to broaden their horizons and make clothes for pregnant ladies, maybe... just maybe, plus sizes will be next.
We can but hope.

Yours for 99p (Part 1) Black & Ivory Chiffon Dress

A few weeks ago Yours Clothing held an incredible offer, selling five of their current dresses for only 99p each. Since so many plus size babes snagged a bargain or two, the lovely Debz from Wannabe Princess stepped up and created the #99pdresschallenge. Each weekday this week will feature a different dress from the offer. This is day two of the challenge but as I didn't buy the dress featured yesterday I couldn't take part.

Today I am looking at the black and ivory chiffon dress, which I really rather like. I've worn it a fair few times now and it's a very comfortable day dress.

It's original retail value was £30 and you can see why. It's a great quality lined dress with sheer sleeves and comes with a good sized belt. I actually removed the belt and have paired this dress with a different belt to add a pop of colour.

The dress is still available online here for it's original price of £30.


Below is a list of the ladies taking part in this challenge. Not everyone will be posting every day but check back because each of these beauties listed below will be posting about a 99p bargain at least once this week. I will show you my other 99p Yours Clothing bargain on Friday.

Be sure to check out these beautiful bargain hunters:

Debz - www.wannabeprincess.co.uk
Leighanne - www.bumpandbeyondblog.co.uk
Lucia - www.ucantwearthat.com
Helen - www.candyflosscloudssss.co.uk
Charlie - www.freakumdress.co.uk
Sally - www.thehumanmannequin.co.uk
Mookie - www.muki7x7.blogspot.com
Abi - www.aisforabi.blogspot.co.uk/
Nikki - www.nattynikki.com
Sarah - www.plussizeproud.wordpress.com
Vicky - Www.thecurvedopinion.com
Emma - http://emmaatouchofsparkle.weebly.com/
Leah - http://www.justmeleah.co.uk/
Becky - www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com
Hannah - http://fabulouslyfatfashion.com/

#OMCZ 24: Keeping It Casual

Morning all and welcome to another installment of Outside My Comfort Zone.

This weeks theme, chosen by the lovely Natalie, is Keeping It Casual.

I confess this was a bit of a rush job for me as I was in the middle of moving house when this post was due. But I thought to myself, what's more casual than chucking on some clothes to lug boxes and furniture around?

So this is my moving day self portrait as taken in my in-laws mirror. Complete with dirty hair and sans make up. 

This AX Curve dress used to be one of my party dress options but I've worn it so much that its now a bit scruffy and has become "everyday" wear. It's so comfy though, I can see it sticking around for a looong time yet.

Please remember to check out the other OMCZ ladies:

Betty http://www.bigfatbetty.com/
Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk/
Nikki http://www.nattynikki.blogspot.co.uk/
Stephanie http://www.seeingspots.co.uk/
Becky Brown ttp://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.comMary http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt
Hollie http://www.prettybigbutterflies.com
Erin http://erinslittlebigcorner.blogspot.co.uk/
Debz http://www.wannabeprincess.co.uk/
Beka bekasstuffystuff.blogspot.com
Rebs http://sullen-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/
Katt http://acurvycupcake.blogspot.co.uk/
Verena http://aplussizefashionobsession.blogspot.de/
Mookie http://muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk/
Leah

http://www.justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk

My Favourite Dressy Purchase of 2013

You know sometimes an item of clothing catches your eye and from that moment on becomes something of an obsession? That's what happened to me and this dress. 

I first saw one very similar online at Topsy Curvy and I vowed I'd buy it. Treat myself. Then it disappeared and I was heartbroken. 

Fast forward to a month later and this popped up on Yours Clothing along with a didcount code. How could I refuse?! I snapped it up even though I had nowhere to wear it so it was saved for new years eve and has since been worn to a wedding reception. 

I love this dress. The fabric hangs beautifully on every curve making the shape very flattering. It's got a good amount of stretch to the fabric. It does thin out the pattern across my boobs as the white shows through under the print but it's such a busy pattern that I dont think it matters. The sheer panel at the top is a touch of genius. I can show a bit of cleavage without actually showing a bit of cleavage. Fabulous! 

Dress: Yours £35

Shrug: Yours £12

This dress is still available at Yours for £35 and is more than worth the money!

The Awkward First Blog Entry

This is my blog of self discovery. Of plus size fashion. Of rebuilding my confidence and loving my body no matter it's size or shape. I recently gave birth to twins and as such my shape has completely changed. Completely. I struggle sometimes to find clothes that suit my new body and I'm sure there are thousands of girls who feel the same way. Here I will endeavour to talk about the clothes I am comfortable in. The clothes I'm daring to wear despite being outside my comfort zone. New outfits, old habits, guilty pleasures. The small victories and big achievements.

I will no longer be defined by jeans, tops and converse. I will wear dresses. And knee high socks. And boots. Heels. Lipstick. I am redefining myself starting right now.

Join me.

Kx