Looking Cool When It's Cold Out

Hey friends!

So since arriving in Canada, I have been trying to settle in to a routine of some sort and it's actually a lot harder than I thought! One of my major distractions has been the freedom of going out to walk with my family's dog Toby. He is part hound and part mutt and loves nothing more than to run free in the woods and so that's where we take him. Whilst out galavanting, I thought I would take the opportunity to check out whether I had made a wise weather appropriate coat for Canada.

As the weather has started to get colder, my favourite cute winter coats were no longer cutting it, and I needed something that was warm, friendly for running about in and easy to clean, but of course, that still looked awesome. I went on a search and it was harder than I thought, because finding good quality and very warm coats in plus size is still difficult, even here in Canada.

I was really glad to find this Concept K two tone faux fur hood parka* from one of my favourite online shops, Navabi. This coat is an absolute must for anyone that spends time outdoors, lives somewhere that gets real cold but that also still wants to feel stylish and cool.

I have worn my new coat loads since the temperature dropped, including to an epic Christmas market with a giant tree,  and here are a few of my favourite things about it. It has a sort of faux-vest layer on the inside, which means that if you drive, you can unzip the actual coat for ease of movement, but still feel warm and cozy.

The two toned arms and body make it feel upscale and cool which is a nice touch. It has great deep pockets, a huge hood and good cuffs and neck coverage to shield you from the rain, wind and snow. You feel warm and safe in this coat - no amount of bad weather is going to leave you cold and wet - it's an absolute winner. I would recommend that you buy your true size, as I sized up and find it a bit big. I am wearing a UK 22 and have lots of room for layers and anything else I want to wear underneath.
Thank you again Navabi, for providing us with beautiful, practical, plus size garments - I know this coat will be in my wardrobe for several seasons, keeping me toasty.

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Checking out Xandres Xline at House of Fraser

Good morning everyone!

It's Tuesday and I am back after a long weekend of absolute insanity. I live on the Notting Hill Carnival route which is borderline too much even for the most avid music lovers. I've had two endless days of sound systems blaring below my windows and the carnival passing along the other side of the building, so after going out and dancing and enjoying it for a bit, coming home wasn't as relaxing as I had hoped.

One thing I was so grateful for, was my gorgeous new gold rain coat. For those of you not in London, it rained a lot this weekend and almost all of Sunday, so whilst out checking out the happenings in my hood, rain boots and a good coat were important - umbrellas were a no- go with upwards of a million people, you would stab someone in the eye if you weren't careful.

I was very kindly gifted this rain coat by House of Fraser and when I received it, I was really intrigued as I had never heard of the brand before but was immediately excited by the colour and when I flipped through the lookbook that arrived with the coat, I fell in love with so many lovely things. The brand is called Xanders Xline and this coat is called the X-immy.

It's a lightweight gold parka style coat with nice big pockets and it actually keeps you dry. I gave it a proper test run this weekend as I mentioned above and arrived home dry and happy. The hood is also the right size and doesn't block your view  ahead or blow off the top of your head so that's a nice bonus too!

This is the first time that I have been out in the pouring rain in a while and not been drenched so and on top of that I felt lovely and fashionable - how exciting! I think this coat will be a welcome addition to my fall wardrobe - bring on the rain... ok maybe not just yet!

If you like this outfit check out the links below to buy!

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Happy New Year And All That Good Stuff

Hello everyone and happy New Year!

Apologies first off for the silence over the month of January, but I promise I have a good excuse. I spent the best part of January in Canada with my fiance, Steven, visiting family and friends and showing him around Toronto. With all the excitement of being tourists and seeing everyone, I was completely wrapped up and busy and didn't spend much time near my computer. But, I am back in London now and have so much to share with you - so expect a busy February on here.

Before anything else - I have a few fun photos to share from our trip - it was cold, snowy and just so magical!

   Here is our couple selfie :)

We tried to cram in as much touristy stuff as possible, which included a trip to the frozen Niagara Falls - which I have never seen in winter. It was pretty neat to see the mist almost frozen mid air but the falls still pouring over with such a force.

After the falls we went to Buffalo and enjoyed girly pink martini's with our dinner.

While I was home, I also chopped off the awful mullet I was unintentionally growing. I look forward to getting to see my lovely stylist Laurie at Mad Factory Salon in Toronto because she always knows what to do with my mop.

Near the end of our trip, we were lucky enough to be invited to stay at a friends cottage up north of Toronto.  This is not far from the area that we are considering for our wedding, although it will be less snowy when we get married I hope. It became quite the adventure, when the weather took over and our car broke down, but we managed to have a fantastic time in the snow.

Steve enjoying his mini ice rink on the lake:

Pre snow angel position:

Snow Selfie:

It was such a great trip, although it went way too quick, and it was so nice to see all my family and friends back home.

Have you been to Canada and jumped in this much snow!? Tell me about it!

XXToodalookatie