Vintage Summer with BBW Couture*

The 50s style swing dress has always been a firm favourite of mine as I think they look beautiful on all shapes and sizes, so when BBW Couture arrived on the scene with a range of gorgeous vintage inspired dresses amongst their vast array of plus size clothing, I was desperate to find out more.

I am very grateful to have be sent a couple of these lovely dresses to try and it was perfectly timed as we are currently experiencing The Hottest Days In The World Ever.

This Pink Rose Dress* is a beautiful bright print on an off-white Base and shouts summer! The best thing about these dresses at this time of year is just how light and floaty they are. In the midst of this heatwave you won't find a more ideal dress.

The dress is long enough to have your legs out which is ideal in this weather. It's got coverage while also being very freeing in the arms and the chest. In fact due to the small amount of fabric in the wrap style top, my usual size was far too snug and I actually sized up twice for a better fit and popped a safety pin in for modesty. I would recommend sizing up in these beauts, twice if you are particularly generously proportioned on top!

The belt loops are quite wide allowing you to tie it at the back or the front of the dress. I chose to tie it at the front as for me that gave a better shape.

But the best thing about these dresses is the value. Ranging from £27.99 to £29.99, they are budget friendly and come in a wide range of prints to suit all tastes. I have another to show you next week so stay tuned!

If you simply cannot wait for the next installment, don't forget you can see the entire range at BBW Couture now.


*This item was gifted for review

Wingz Have Got You Covered

You know how sometimes a product comes along that is a total game changer?

That's what the product I'm reviewing today has been for me.

There are a few reasons for wanting to have sleeves on a garment. Maybe you don't like exposing your arms. Perhaps there's a chill in the air. Maybe you want to change up the look of an outfit without having to chuck on extra layers. Maybe it's all of these things!

Enter Wingz*. The perfect sleeve addition for those who want to cover up their arms without adding extra bulk to an outfit. This product is pure genius and there are so many varieties and colours to choose from that I found it hard to decide which ones to try!

In the end I opted for the long black regular Wingz as I think they are the best way to show you what these beauties actually do and just how easily you can wear them. Here I've worn them with a contrasting dress so you can see where the dress ends and the Wingz begin. For reference I am wearing their size 3.

I tried them on during a typical spring evening when there was a slight chill in the air but not enough to warrant a jacket. The Wingz did a perfect job of keeping the evening shivers at bay.

One thing I did notice is that a larger chested lady like myself will suffer gaping or stretching around the arm holes of sleeveless dresses often exposing the bra. This also means it shows off a bit of skin where the dress ends and the Wingz begin. This is not a design fault of the Wingz. It's an issue with this particular style of dress that I see all the time.

Ever so slight skin exposure thanks to Giant McBoobersons

However there is a way to solve this issue but I've had to strip down to my bra to show you. You've been warned!

On the Wingz website you will find a great little instruction video demonstrating how to put your Wingz on. This clearly shows that you put the band underneath your bra.
However big boobies push a lot of the Wingz fabric to one side causing that exposed skin around the tops of the arms. But if you wear your band slightly higher (not so high that it'll slide up your chest), it gives you a lot more fabric to work with. Problem solved!

Under boob vs On boob: Notice the extra coverage!

How Wingz should be vs How I found the Wingz worked best for me

With this discovery under my belt, I set about doing bits and pieces around the house waiting to see if the Wingz would ride up or roll down or bother me in any way but the garment stayed exactly where I positioned it (probably due to the amazing stretch of the chestband). Colour me impressed!

No more white bits

I've worn this particular set of Wingz a few times now. They're so quick and easy to pop on and off that they'll definitely be a staple in my wardrobe during the unpredictable spring months. And if you find yourself needing to remove them in public it's very easy to take your arms out of the sleeves and slide the whole garment down over your feet without having to take off your dress. Splendid!



*These Wingz were gifted for review but all opinions are my own.

Vevina - Anti-Chafe Cream Giveaway

Cast your mind back if you will to that mini heatwave of last week. (It'll be back, just not right now- it's the bank holiday after all.)

What were you doing? Skipping in the sunshine, running through sprinklers, chasing the ice cream man... or worrying about how to stop the tops of your inner thighs from painfully loving each other?

For those of us who are potential mermaids, chafing (aka chub rub) has been a real problem... until now!

Last year a little miracle tube of Vevina dropped through my door. (Review here.)
Designed to banish chafing from all problem areas, Vevina cream is not sticky or sweaty and leaves no residue. It's actually quite silky smooth on application and it's so freeing!

 A pea sized amount is more than enough on your chafe-zone. Just apply it to the skin and you'll be rub free for hours and hours!

Vevina literally saved my summer last year and I'm so happy to have some to give away in preparation for this summer! I will be giving away one botttle each of this wonderful stuff to five lucky so-and-sos.
Just enter the competition below.
Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Winners will be notified within 24hrs of the end of the giveaway.
UK entries only please.

From The Changing Room - Scarlett & Jo

Yesterday I returned to my former people-watching haunt, Bluewater shopping centre. Over the past year they've improved their Evans store and relocated it to right in front of the food court which pleases this fatty greatly.

Although the new store is bigger than it's predecessor, it's still not exactly huge but it does have a rail for Scarlett & Jo stock. To my joy I found two of the latest S&J offerings from their recent blogger campaign.

First up was this fan print 40s inspired dress designed for Hollie at Pretty Big Butterflies.

Normally I don't like this kind of fabric. It clings to my lumps, shows off my bumps and gives me a VBO that I am not entirely comfortable with. But this dress lays to rest those issues. The cut is wonderful; I love the wrap top with the tie-up neckline (although as with all wrap front dresses I appear to have my bra on show, whoops!) and it hangs in such a fabulous way that it skims over my belly with relative ease.

I should point out that I was wearing fat pants that even Bridget Jones herself might be horrified by. That would be fairly standard for me in a dress like this though.

The second of the new blogger inspired dresses was this gorgeous 2-in-1 lace prom dress.

This is the first time I've tried on one of Scarlett & Jo's infamous prom dresses, for no other reason than they're generally a little over my Stay At Home Mum budget. But oh my goodness I need to get me one of these!

It's beautiful, it's flowy, it's fully lined and it feels amazing. It feels glamorous and comfortable all at the same time and LOOK!

A WAIST! The elasticated band is a thing of miracles. I'm blessed with an hourglass-ish (ish!) figure anyway but the way the waist is defined by this dress is glorious.

And the lace! Oh the lace just gives the entire dress that extra oomph. I adore the black overlay on the vibrant blue dress and it's perfect for those who might want to cover their arms a little without wanting to take away from the outfit with a shrug or a cardi. I'm in love.

So far the new Scarlett & Jo collection is far exceeding my expectations and I simply cannot wait to try more. Big cheers for all at Scarlett & Jo and even bigger cheers for the bloggers who took part. Hurrah!

Panties-To-Go with Caught Short*

In the mad rush of gift deliveries before Christmas, a mystery packet arrived on my doorstep that I knew wasn't a present I was waiting to wrap. I opened it up and to my amusement, a pair of knickers dropped onto the floor. These are such a nifty idea, I just had to share them with you!

These aren't just any panties. These are Caught Short Panties.

I don't think you need me to give you examples of those times when you could've done with that extra pair of pants tucked away in our handbag and this is what Caught Short is all about. Coming in white, black or ecru, these "Panties-To-Go" come in sizes S-XL (XL being a UK20-22) and the slimline, resealable and reusable pouch fits neatly inside your handbag for those "just in case" moments.

I tried these on and they have a lovely stretch. However I'm not a fan of the high leg bikini cut (they don't sit well on my frame) and I would love to see these coming in shorts and full briefs to suit a wider range of people some time in the future. But the idea and product are a great solution to an age old problem. So don't get Caught Short! If you fancy picking up a pair for those whoops moments, the Panties-To-Go retail at £7.50 per pair and you can purchase them via the Caught Short website.

*These Panties-To-Go were gifted but all opinions are my own

Vintage Inspired Monochrome With Taking Shape*

Recently I was browsing the Taking Shape website, eyeing up the new collections and taking a peek at the sale items when an outfit came together into my head around the dress I had my eye on.

Dress, Coat, Petticoat, Tights

I snapped up the petticoat (currently £15 down from £65) and tights, and Taking Shape very kindly sent me the dress and coat to complete the outfit.

When I first laid eyes on the Carnival Rose dress I was skimming the Taking Shape page and the flash of black and white caught my eye. In that split second it almost reminded me of the cover of The Beatles' album Revolver. I know, ridiculous, but that's what registered in my sleepy brain and I've been smitten by the dress ever since. I feel so lucky to have been given the chance to try this dress and it most certainly doesn't disappoint.

This vintage inspired dress has a flared skirt that sits a fair bit below the knee (I'm 5'4") and the waist hits exactly in the right place for me. It's not too high-waisted so there are no problems for ladies who are larger in the chest department. The contrast of the monochrome and clash of stripes and florals makes the print really pop and the piping along the panels of this dress fit and flatter in all the right places.

I opted for my usual size in this dress but as you can see I may benefit from sizing down. There's a bit of gaping in the top and I prefer a slightly more fitted look around the chest and waist.

The Lavish Coat is a thing of utter beauty. The modern velour feels so luxurious and compliments the sateen dress perfectly. There are so many things about this coat. The asymmetric hem, the puffball collar with the scarf intertwined throughout and the single button make it truly special.

I sized up as I do have very wide upper arms but I would say this coat is perhaps a little generous so getting my regular size would have sufficed as I doubt I'll be layering much under this. It's not that kind of coat. It's very much an "occasion" piece for this season however I can see it getting much more use when the evenings turn a little warmer.

I have had so many compliments on this outfit and it really does make me feel glam! Despite choosing to let the dress speak for itself, after seeing these photos I think I need a nice vintage necklace to fill the space and bring it all together.

I can't wait to try this outfit in the warmer weather with bare legs and bigger petticoat. I think it'll look fabulous!

Both the dress and the coat are currently reduced on the Taking Shape website. Head over there to check out their daily Glitzmas offers.



*The Lavish coat and Carnival Rose dress were kindly gifted but all opinions are my own.

Comfort In Coatigans with JD Williams*

When JD Williams contacted me to review some items from their knitwear range, I knew there was something I had to try.

It seems there is a trend for combining two items of clothing to make something newish, and this is one such item. So move over skorts, jog on jeggings, make way for the mighty coatigan.

Not quite a coat, not quite a cardigan, this badboy is a a cut above the rest. I am seriously in love.

I wore this on a fairly nippy school run one morning last week and I can honestly say I was surprised at how warm it kept me! It beats my autumn trench coat hands down in both warmth and comfort and is perfect not only for those dry crisp winter mornings when you don't want the bulk of several layers, but also when you want something to snuggle into of an evening when the heating's off.

I sized up for this as I always do for outerwear and I'm glad I did since I love my outerwear baggy but if you like a normal fit, then stick to your usual size as this coatigan does run true.
The coatigan is available to buy now here and is currently reduced from £40 down to £20-24. Up to half price and worth every penny.

I'll be honest, I do have one hangup on the coatigan and that is the lack of a button. On the school run I'm juggling with backpacks and lunchboxes, hats and gloves and could do with a button to stop it flapping open in the wind but then I suppose that's what shawl pins are for!

Its not the end of the world, mind you and it hasn't stopped me wearing it almost every day since it landed on my doorstep. It even accompanied me to Harry Potter World on Friday.

So go now! Grab yourself a bargain and stay warm this winter.

*This item was gifted but all opinions are my own.

My Thighs Have Never Felt This Good!

Hello my beauties! It has probably come to your attention that we are currently enjoying the hottest week of the year so far. But as much we would love to toss aside the leggings in favour of floaty dresses, many of us will be fighting against the dreaded chub rub this summer. Well, stop walking like John Wayne ladies, relief is here in a little red tube. Vevina* is a new friction protection cream for all kinds of uncomfortable situations and I was kindly sent some recently to try out.

At first glance it simply looks like a moisturising cream. I was expecting a gel or balm, so with a little skepticism, I rubbed a generous amount on my inner legs and set off on an almighty 6 minute walk. (Well I didn't want to push my luck on the first try did I?) I came home with no red skin and absolutely no pain. Ay caramba, it worked!

I've slowly built up my confidence in this product and it's been something of a summer saver for me. My thunder thighs have never felt so free! Vevina leaves no oily or sticky residue, it's silky smooth to apply and the packaging is discreet enough to be kept in your handbag. What's more is that it's not just for thighs-It'll fight any of your chaffing battles for you. Armpit and bra not getting on? Pow! Underboob rubbing? Bosh! Belly overhang giving you a hard time? Thwack! Sorted.

You get a generous amount in one tube. I don't think you'll need more than one this season so it's well worth the excellent value of £9 and you can buy it here.

*This product has been gifted for review but all opinions are my own.