Perfect Prints With Silly Old Sea Dog

That's it folks, I'm moving on to pastures new. Foral prints are done for!

Okay, that's obviously not entirely true. But while I love my big daisies and sparkly rose prints, recently my attention has been directed towards bigger, bolder and dare I say more exciting prints?

After a short love affair with Modcloth (which might have been a lifelong relationship if it weren't for postage costs and customs fees), during which I received three dresses with gorgeous prints and not a flower in sight, my eyes have wandered to find more of these petal-free pretties. I wasn't quite sure how I might trump a woodland print, scottie dogs and a tropical fruitgasm but I think I've done it.

You may have already heard of Silly Old Sea Dog, a wonderful company producing 50s style clothing in not-so-50s style prints, possibly due to their fantastically popular Cartoon Dress (available up to a size UK28) which is so high on my Wishlist Of Awesome Things right now. I have to get me one of these.

I've been an admirer of Silly Old Sea Dog for a while now, so I was rather excited when they contacted me showcasing some new and upcoming products. The first dress to catch my eye was this awesome quirky fox print. How cool is this little guy with his hats and neckties!

This foxy dress will be available up to a size 20 which, while great news for some, is unfortunate for a lot of us fat babes who are far too flabulous to squeeze into such sizes. My chest would be bustin seams all over the place!

Not one to be deterred however, I kept a keen eye on the Silly Old Sea Dog new arrivals and found the gorge turquoise Forest Friends dress which is available now up to a size UK28.

What a beaut! I absolutely adore the colour of this dress and it makes such a refreshing change from the butterflies or owls that seem to have overpopulated plus size fashion of late. There are wolves and eagles and bears, oh my! A fantastic take on a wildlife theme.

And now they're producing a Christmas collection which I cannot wait to see, so keep an eye out for that!

Have you bought anything from Silly Old Sea Dog? What's your favourite print?

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/

Money Saving Monday

As you may have seen me mention last week, I am on a self-imposed spending ban for all things fashion and beauty for July. There are a few things that have caught my eye this week that I am gutted to be missing out on but I don't need these things, so I can go without. For now!

To start with it was okay. On day 1, I just didn't think about it. On day 2, my You Beauty Discovery Box arrived. On day 3, a small free sample of Mac primer. Day 5, my gift from the Joyful June blogger gift swap.

And then yesterday. Day 6. Oh, how naughty I was yesterday.

Feel Unique currently have an active voucher code for £10 off a £25 spend (code MSEJUL14 valid until midnight Wednesday). They happen to stock my Bare Minerals foundation and I happen to be running out. So with the foundation and a Cosmo brush coming to £25.90, I would have been foolish to have missed the opportunity to get a tenner off, wouldn't I? That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

All in all I think I'm doing okay with the ban though. I didn't realize how much temptation there was to buy all the things, but the items I've seen this week that have made me think "ooh, I could do with that..." have far outweighed the two items I bought for fifteen quid. Take a look at my top 5 (in no particular order):

I love records. And I love cake. Records and cakes combined is basically a dream come true so this beauty of a cake stand from Modcloth is right up my street.

Some people (most people) say I'm slow. Or lazy. Or slow and lazy. I know how this sloth feels. You just gotta relaaaaaaaaaax.

The narwhal. Think of it as the unicorn of the sea or a big horny whale, either way it's pretty awesome and this brooch from LucysHappyPlace on Etsy is simply beautiful.

I started my Christmas shopping last month so forgive me for feeling a little festive already but I can't help but adore this Oh Deer brooch from The Crafty Show Shed on Etsy even during the summer month.

Last but most certainly not least, ever, is pretty much every swing dress available on the Lindy Bop website.

The Ophelia (right) is still my favourite but the new prints on the Audrey dresses (middle) and the stunning new Bella dress (left) give the Ophelia a run for her money.

So there you have it.

My confessions. My obsessions. And my word that I will try harder this week, I promise!

Take a look and see how the other bloggers taking part in the July spending ban 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://www.fatfitfine.blogspot.com/

Hump Day Blues

Happy Hump Day, my lovelies!
Is it just me or does banning yourself from something make it that much harder to resist? Had this been a normal month I probably would have gone through the past two days not really thinking about spending money. But this isn't a normal month. This is No Spend July. I have banned myself from fashion and beauty shopping which means I want to do it more than ever. Especially since the new Lady V dresses are screaming at me to buy them ALL this week.

One thing I can do is window shopping. Wishlists will get me through.
This first of probably several No Spend July wishlists, was put together because of a serious lack of pretty blue things in my possession. I hope you see something you like.

Vintage Inspired Blues

Lindy Bop Ophelia Sky Blue Floral / Hell Bunny Francine / Lindy Bop Ophelia Blue Polka Dot

China Blue

Oriental Blue Floral Tea Dress / Jan Constantine Mini Bag

 I definitely need more blue in my wardrobe. What's your favourite dress from this wishlist?
Maybe, just maybe I'll treat myself to one of these when the ban is over. We shall see.

Lady Vs New Estella Dress

This morning I had plans. Exciting plans like hoovering my living room. Plans that went wayyyy out of the window when Lady V London released their new Estella range.

Together with George from Fuller Figure Fuller Bust, they have created a beautiful dress in no less than 8 gorgeous prints. With the crossover bust, cinched in waist and flared skirt, this dress is a dream come true.

all photos from the Lady V website

With a dress as stunning as this, I just wish I could buy all the prints but unfortunately I am on a budget. (Actually I'm on a zero spending month but I may have to make the exception for one of these!)

I think my favourite is the cream floral print but I also love the green birdcage and turquoise floral prints too.

The best thing about this dress is the size range. You can buy this dress in any size from 14 to 32 which is practically unheard of in vintage inspired clothing and a major breakthrough for top end plus size ladies everywhere. Colour me impressed!

I can't wait to get my hands on one of these beauties. Which is your favourite?

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)?

Yours Clothing, Bluewater

Have you ever had one of those experiences that leaves you beaming with confidence and feeling better than ever?

When visiting the new Yours Clothing store at Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent last month, that's exactly what happened to me.

Yours has such a wide range that this shop is bursting at the seams with a variety of basic and on-trend styles, colours and patterns. The sheer amount of clothing can be a little hard to navigate when you first walk in. I didn't quite know where to start, but once I found my rhythm there was no stopping me as I scurried from rack to rack picking up all manner of things to try on.

The gorgeous Abi (staff member and fantastic blogger over at aisforabi) treated me to the Worlds Biggest Changing Room. Plenty of room for groups, wheelchair users, mums with buggies or a cat swinging convention. Or, as was the case for me, enough space to go crazy trying on too many clothes.

But the size of the changing room isn't what impressed me the most. The greatest thing about my trip to Yours Clothing that day was the people. I've already mentioned the fabulous Abi (expect a blogger meet up in the future, I need to hang out with that girl!) but the experience doesn't even stop with staff. No, it was everyone. The staff made customers happy and in turn the happiness bounced off every single shopper in the changing room.

I felt so good I even put on a maxi dress!
Sadly it didnt fit my 5ft 3in, big boobied frame.

I've never experienced such community in a fitting room before. Everybody was chatting, comparing sizes, giving opinions and tips and swapping clothes. I tried on things I wouldn't normally dare to because I felt secure in knowing that there would be no fat-shaming or body snarking. Everybody was just themselves. (Or a happier version thereof.) I was stripped to my bra and leggings and comfortable enough to let the other women in the adjacent rooms wander in and see how I was getting on. With the exception of my husband and children, it's the most naked I've been in front of anyone for years!

I don't know what happened to this picture- it's so fuzzy-
but I neeeed this blazer.

Thanks to the amazing people at Yours Clothing,  Bluewater, I tried some new things, met some great people and had the best shopping experience possibly ever. Excellent! Bring on the new Ashford and Maidstone stores!

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred/World Cup Challenge

I've put my body through a lot in the past 3+ years: two pregnancies, three kids, surgery, sleep deprivation, stress, 3 house moves... It's all taken its toll and I am aware of my body's struggle to remain intact recently. I think I need to change my lifestyle a little bit in an attempt to slow down this gradual falling apart. My joints are stiff, I get out of breath just walking for 20 minutes and I am always tired.

I'm not desperate to lose weight. I've come a long way in learning to accept and love my body just the way it is. And think of all the pretty dresses in my wardrobe that would no longer fit! No, losing weight is not my aim here, however I am keen to try and stave off the pitfalls of being unhealthy. (Unhealthy and fat DO NOT go hand in hand; I just happen to be both.) Any weight loss or gain will be a bi-product of what I am hoping to achieve. 

So anyway I'm setting a challenge for myself and for anyone else who wants to join me.

The World Cup Challenge

The World Cup starts today and concludes in 31 days, on July 13th.

For the next 30 days, I would like to do the following:

1: Take daily cod liver oil for my joints.

2: Say no to takeouts and ice cream (this is currently out of hand and I indulge around once a week at the moment).

3: Do a modified 30 Day Shred with the hope that I'll improve my upper body strength (vital with 3 young boys) and my cardio fitness.

4: DRINK MORE WATER.

I am not going to do before and after bodyshots. To me that would be pointless and irrelevant. What is important to me is how I feel on the inside. Whether I feel my health is improving and how much energy I have. Body positivity isn't just about loving every shape and size, but about loving how you FEEL in your body, and that's what I will be focusing on in the next 30 days. (Of course on day 31 I'll probably be naughty and treat myself to a cheeky ice cream while I sit and listen to my husband tell me exactly why we're not watching the World Cup Final again.)

The first step is always the hardest. But today is the day. I'm going to do this. Wish me luck!

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.

Dress for 99p? Thanks Yours Clothing!

Warning: if you're on a no spend month, stop reading!

The wonderful Debz over at The (Not So) Secret Diary Of A Wannabe Princess has brought to my attention a fantastic offer from Yours Clothing that has me a little excited. It's too good not to share!

I'm not going to lie; I squealed, rushed over to the website, picked my dress and placed an order without checking whar was already in my basket so I spent more than 99p. Oops! Even so, what a bargain these dresses are.

It's not clear how long this offer is available for so get your skates on as they're selling fast!

CLICK HERE for 99p dresses. GO GO GO!

Have you or will you order anything?



NB: To qualify you will need to enter your email address for their mailing list. You can unsubscribe from this. There is also a p&p charge of £3.99 (or more for next day/nominated day delivery).

Pick Of The Sales: Just Another Blogging Challenge

Welcome to another installment of Just Another Blogging Challenge. This months theme is January Sales & Bargains.

I've been quite a good girl this year and haven't gone completely mad in the sales. I have however managed to put together an outfit with a couple of bits I snapped up in the post-Christmas frenzy.

Dress: Pink Clove £8 (Reduced from £20)

Belt: Yours Clothing £6.40 (Reduced from £12, currently £8)

Shrug: Yours Clothing £4 (Reduced from £12.50, currently £5)

Take a look at these girls' sales bargains:

Steph - http://seeingsp0ts.blogspot.co.uk
Toni - http://theonlywayist.com
Kim - http://www.callmekim.net
Gina - http://fatfitfine.blogspot.co.uk
Nikki -http://www.nattynikki.blogspot.co.uk
Becky -http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com
Kaye - http://www.polishedcurves.com 
Naomi -http://www.diamondsnpearls.co.uk
Victoria -http://www.thecurvedopinion.com
Em - http://terribletumbles.blogspot.co.uk
Beka -http://bekasstuffystuff.blogspot.co.uk
Gemma -http://www.pinkgemmaplus.blogspot.co.uk
Anne-Lise - www.muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk
Michaela -www.Cardifforniagurl.blogspot.co.uk
Katt -www.acurvycupcake.blogspot.co.uk
Betty - www.bigfatbetty.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!

My pick of the new Pink Clove additions

I don't know why I've never shopped from Pink Clove. There's always something that catches my eye on the website but for some reason I've just never taken the plunge.

There are some lovely new spring/summer clothes on the website so I thought I'd share with you my favourite pieces on the Pink Clove new arrivals page.

1) Blue sleeveless wrap bust

dress with lace panel 

£22

This dress looks so vibrant and the lace panel is a lovely addition. This would look gorgeous in other colours too.

2) Ballerina wrap bust

dress in red 

£24

Similar to the above dress but with no lace and additional sleeves. This would be ideal for chilly early spring. It's also available in a pale green but the particular shade would make my pale skin look washed out.

3) Stripe dipped hem top 

£16

My wardrobe is slightly lacking in long tops and I've become a bit of a fan of dipped and hanky hems recently. Horizontal stripes? Of course, why not! Love this top.

Have you seen the new bits at Pink Clove? What are your favourites?

Outside My Comfort Zone: Work Wear

I knew from the second I read the topic for OMCZ 22 that I'd struggle a bit. The topic is work wear but I don't work. I have no clothes that I'd consider work clothes as I instantly think to office attire and I've not stepped foot in an office since I went on maternity leave over 2.5 years ago.

However who's to say what I do isn't work? I'm a stay at home mum. I may not get paid but I am on call 24/7. This week alone I have spent three sleepless nights being a nurse, a comforter and an entertainer to three children who have been unwell, unable to sleep and in need of cuddles and distractions. All the while I have been unwell but unable to rest because I cannot (and will not) let them down. It's a harder job than the call centre I used to sit at taking abuse for 8 hours a day. It's more emotionally draining than the ambulance job I had before that. So it is work. Hard work. And I love it! So I'm going to show you some of my "work" wear.

I start my day between 4 and 6am. And for the first couple of hours I wear nothing. These little guys don't judge!

I can put on whatever I fancy. Clashing prints? Who cares! Antlers? Why not!

Dress and leggings: Everything5Pounds

Antlers: Wilkos

And sometimes my little toddler picks stuff out for me. In Asda on monday he picked me out some socks. How can I say no?

So there you go. Its not officey but a glimpse into what I have worn this week while working my bottom off to be the best mummy I know how.

I hope the other #OMCZ girls can give you more work related inspiration than I did:

Stephanie http://www.seeingspots.co.uk/
Leah http://www.justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk
Mary http://www.marysbigcloset.blogspot.pt
Becky Brown http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com
Rachel http://www.adressisforlife.com/
Natalie http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk/
Nikki http://www.nattynikki.blogspot.co.uk/
Rebs http://sullen-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/
Verena http://aplussizefashionobsession.blogspot.de/
Beka bekasstuffystuff.blogspot.com
Rebecca http://theplussideofme.com
Hollie Http://www.prettybigbutterflies.com
Sabina http://www.femmefatalexsabina.blogspot.de/
Betty http://www.bigfatbetty.com/
Katt http://acurvycupcake.blogspot.co.uk/
Mookie http://muki7x7.blogspot.co.uk/
Erin http://erinslittlebigcorner.blogspot.co.uk/
Debz http://www.wannabeprincess.co.uk/

Skater Girl: Dress Wishlist

I'm still not entirely brave enough to venture away from skater dresses just yet. I've found a style that I like and that likes me back. Because of my ample boobage and high natural waist, this style of dress suits my shape perfectly. It nips in at the right place and skims my hips nicely. Love em!

These are my current top three skater dresses on my wishlist... I just need a few paydays to hurry up:

1. Yours Clothing Wine And Black Sleeveless Flock Skater Dress With Patent Belt £35

 I absolutely adore this dress. Burgundy feels a bit like my safe colour now that I'm trying to avoid too much black but I feel so comfortable in it. This dress has a lovely stretch to it (yay elastane!) and is true to size. I am usually a 22 and tried sizing down to a 20 but it hugged a little bit too much above the waistline. I really love the large print, it's not something I would've gone for before but I keep going back to this dress. It will be my Christmas dress, somehow.


2. Evans Black Lace Skater Dress £45

This is a beautiful lace skater dress from Evans. It's very lightweight and I think it'd look lovely either dressed up with gold jewellery and heels or a bit more casual with a biker jacket and ankle boots. This was my original Christmas choice but it got bumped down to 2nd simply because a) it's more expensive than the dress from Yours and b) I caught my ring while trying it on and I would worry about snagging the lace maybe a bit too much. It felt so natural and comfortable to wear though, especially as it has the added bonus of covering the upper arms so it's still in my wishlist top 3!
Also worth noting I had to size down to a 20 for the best fit.

3. Topsy Curvy Navy Velvet Heart Printed Skater Dress £30

I've never tried on anything from Topsy Curvy so I can't comment on the sizing or feel of this dress but I do know it's gorgeous! It only went up on the website this week but it's got my attention already. It's 95% polyester 5% elastane, which is the same as the Yours dress so I expect it'll fit in a similar way- hugging all the right places and skimming over the rest. 

So. That is my current Wishlist Top 3.
Just for fun, here is a changing room photo of me in the Top 2 dresses.

Is anyone else as hooked on skater dresses as I am?