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!

Wednesday Wishlist - Be My Valentine

It feels like Christmas has only just been and gone but here we find ourselves with only two and a half weeks to shop for Valentines Day. We could argue all day about whether it's a truly love-filled romantic day or if it's a way for companies to profit from another commercial holiday, but however you see Valentines Day, I can guarantee nobody will be thinking about the actual Saint Valentine, the patron saint of love and beekeepers.

Actually beekeepers are greedy little feckers and have no less than three patron saints. But I digress. If I had a lot of money, and was my own boyfriend, I'd be asking myself for all the things on todays wishlist. Which has absolutely nothing to do with bees, sorry.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 /5 / 6 (Leopard Print here) / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

I think I have pretty much everything covered. Red, hearts, jewellery, underwear, makeup, date night outfit, cuddly toy, chocolate, candles. I've unintentionally managed to create the most cliche Valentines list possible. Oops. All I'm missing is a dozen wilting red roses from the garage forecourt.

Cliche or not though, I'd be pretty chuffed with anything (or everything) on that list. As it is, I'll just keep my fingers crossed for a card!

Do you "do" Valentines Day? Anything on the list tickle your fancy? 

High Street Activewear: Not For Fats

When the numbers change on our calendar it prompts a lifestyle change in many people, with "new year new me" attitudes and various promises to get fit. That way of thinking is not for me (as I explained here) but if that's the goal someone sets out to achieve then I will gladly cheer them on their way.

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that this is when the new sportswear and active ranges start hitting the shops with "new" technology, bold colours, air max extras and the like. But I've noticed a problem on the high street that goes against what the "experts" are telling us.

With Katie Hopkins being forced by fat people to eat her way to 3 stone heavier and whatshisface promoting Tell A Friend They're Fat Day, these people are everywhere and their message is clear. LOSE WEIGHT. FAT IS BAD.

Shut up and gimme that pizza

Let me say now that I 100% disagree with their message. Fat is okay. Fat is absolutely fine. Im fat. I'm more than okay. I'm not diabetic, my blood pressure is great and most importantly I'm HAPPY.

But my fitness... Well, I'll be the first to admit there's room for improvement there, if only to keep up with the kids. I would love to be fitter and I don't particularly care either way if I lose weight or not.

So here we are. I want to get fit and as a fatty, I'm encouraged to do some form of exercise. Well, imagine my disdain when I see these new active collections from the likes of Boohoo and Missguided, two companies who have tirelessly promoted their plus ranges over the past few months, and it all stops at a size 14. A size which is in fact below the UK average for women. Where's the plus size activewear? Where are the sports tops for the very people the media are telling to get out there and move?

I look to Tesco who are also currently promoting their sports range to find that their activewear stops at an 18, just one size larger than the national average. 

Up to a size 14? Boo hoo indeed.

So where do plus size ladies of size 20 and above stand? The media says Get Fit and the fashion industry responds by saying "only if youre already small enough to fit into our stuff!"

I know there are other options (Fabletics I believe go up to size 22 and Taking Shape have a range of sports wear), but these other options cost more. If you are a big girl on a small budget, chances are you'll be stuck as I am, chub-rubbing dirty great holes into my Primark leggings because nothing else in my budget goes up to my size.

So this is an open request to any and all brands with a plus size selection. Fatties can be fitties too but we need your help to dress for the occasion. PLEASE give us a couple of options for fitness clothing. Give us bigger sizes. Give us patterns and colour. Just give us something.

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

Pick Of The Sales: High Street Novelty Bags

I could make a list as long as both arms of novelty handbags that I love, want and absolutely definitely need in my life. But unfortunately the majority of these bags are designer accessories runnung into the hundreds or even thoudands of pounds. Dream on, Cupcake, dream on...

But wait! All is not lost! The high street and affordable fashion websites are forever upping their game when it comes to their cute and bizarrely fantastic handbag offerings. Many of them are currently on sale too so now is an excellent time to grab a bargain. Here are a few of my sale picks:

Camera (Accessorize) was £29 now £14.50 - Donut (New Look) was £12.99 now £4 - Chocolate (ASOS) was £12.99 now £9 - Clock (Accessorize) was £25 now £19 - Unicorn (ASOS) was £12.99 now £7.50 - Tape (Accessorize) was £25 now £12.50 - Milkshake (New Look) was £12.99 now £4

I'm finding it incredibly difficult to pick a favourite but the camera and the unicorn are probably the ones I'd use the most.
Which one would you pick?

New Year, Same Me

Hooray, it's 2015! Happy new numbers everybody. I hope you spent New Years Eve exactly as you wanted. For me that was eating pizza and ice cream at home, being in bed by 11pm and seeing in the new year beside my snoring husband with a toddler nestled under my arm. What can I say? I'm no spring chicken. I've come to appreciate the finer things in life... and I'm extremely fond of my bed.

Of course for many the welcoming of a new year comes with a new start. New promises. Resolutions. But that's not me. To make such a strong vow to change would be to say that I am unhappy with my current self.

Last year I ditched the resolution and instead I have been focused on making daily decisions based on how I feel and this year will be no different. Feeling sassy? Work it. Feeling self conscious? Do whatever makes your confidence soar. Is the day a non-starter? Don't stress over it, take a day off. Start fresh tomorrow. Or the day after. Or next week. Do what you need to do to make the best of today. You can't make a blanket resolution for an entire year. Who knows what will happen in that time? So forget the annual resolution, take each day as it comes and just continue to be the same fantastic human being you've always been.

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.