Beth Ditto Collection - It's Here!

When that first Beth Ditto tee shirt with Jean Paul Gaultier emerged online a couple of months ago, I remember thinking that if this is was a precursor of what was to come then we were in store for something pretty epic. Beth Ditto has wowed us many times in fashion and has broken down some pretty major walls for plus size folk everywhere and for that I am eternally in awe of her as a person and even more as an artist.

Beth Ditto is a force, she speaks for so many and really lives by her own advice, something that  I think a lot of people with her platform could do much better at.

Today was the big day, when Beth Ditto's collection was released and I am on the fence. I want to first say that I appreciate so immensely the hard work and passion that has gone into what she has released and the emphasis on ensuring that everything was made in the USA in an ethical way - this is huge for any collection of any kind. It's also an absolute triumph that it goes up to a US size 28 - this is basically unheard of so THANK YOU Beth for doing this for the plus size industry - for showing companies that it can be done!

There are pieces that I think are beautiful which I have included here and that I would love to have in my closet but I still want to address one thing that bothers me. I feel like the collection is very much catered to the typical plus size hourglass figure and I'm a bit sad about this.  I think the 70s vibe and prints are beautiful and lookbooks are really cool and on point. 

I guess what I am trying to get at in this post is that, I wish that I felt like how I did 5 or so years ago when I travelled to London from Paris to try on her second collection at Evans. I remember thinking, that this had never been done, and the cuts were versatile and interesting and the prints were a bit crazy - there was something for everyone. I realize that working with a large brand affords different options so I don't want to sound naive in my critique, I just expected something different in my mind based on a past experience.

I don't want this post to be negative because I want to recognize the achievement and incredible example that this epic collection is going to set for the industry but I also wanted to voice my thoughts on how I felt when it launched this morning. I'm just not sure if this collection sits well with what I feel like we were set up for, between the cuts and the cost, I'm just not sure.

I'm so glad to see that so many people are loving it and I can't wait to see people wearing it, perhaps it will push me to think otherwise! Regardless, thank you Beth for doing this for all of us!

Go check out the collection over on Beth Ditto's website!

Dressing in Dresses for the Holidays

It's that time of year again - the holidays are upon us and it feels like every other evening is another exciting party. I thought I would put together a wish list of fun party dresses for every event leading up to Christmas and New Years eve.  I am officially heading back to Canada permanently on December 7th so will have plenty of holiday parties to attend there too!

I have featured Asos, Navabi and Yours Clothing as they all have a great selection of dresses in every price range. I have found that this year I have needed both super fancy and some more casual and versatile looks depending on where I am going out or if I have to dash there after work.

You can click directly on the pictures of the dresses to find out more or purchase them.

I love the first dress, with the black and silver detailing and fun princess skirt - with a faux fur stole or bolero jacket to keep warm this is perfect for fancy soiree with an after party.

The second dress, a lavender sequin mini dress, is so fun and sparkly and finally is veering away from the typical mermaid turquoise sequins that we have had so much of over the last couple of Winters. I'm thinking this would be perfect for glitzy New Years Eve out.

Next up, is this amazing kimono sleeved Asos dress which is like a mega glammed up version of the last dress. A sophisticated yet fun and sparkly dress for a Friday or saturday night out.

The next two dresses, one red and one black and blue flocked skater styles are great to wear with tights and heels or leggings and flats depending on the occasion. I have the odd lunch do that these would be perfect for!

I love this dark blue sequin number from Asos - the sexy slit up the side is both fun and an excellent opportunity to get your legs out, even during winter time.

I chose this striped red and black dress from Navabi because I like that it looks comfortable and would look great with a chunky knit scarf, tights and boots - the perfect outfit for an afternoon at the pub or over at a friend's for hot chocolate.

Last of all, is this gorgeous Truly You dress from Asos which has a beautiful floral overlay. I just love this dress and think it's a chic and delicate way of dressing up without a need for floor length gowns and over the top accessories.

So tell me, what are you looking out for this season to wear to parties? I can't decided what I will get next out of this list - they are all so gorgeous!

Burgundy in Bournemouth featuring Society+

Hello friends!

I can't believe how busy I  have been, but the cat is out of the bag and I am officially moving back to Canada in December with my handsome fiance, Steven! Since we decided to make this all happen, some two weeks ago, life has not stopped and I have hardly been able to sit down and share all these posts that I have saved up. 

Today I bring you one of my most favourite outfits that I call "casually dressed up" because I feel fancy in a skirt and cute shoes but have the comfort of a cool shirt on top.

This outfit was perfect for the super foggy day that Hollie and I spent in Bournemouth a few weeks ago. 

I'm sure you have seen this shirt before, and if you haven't you should definitely check out the company that sells them - they are called Society + and they are changing the plus size clothing industry in the USA and beyond. It was started by the amazing Jessica Kane, who started as a blogger and is now the proud co-owner of Society +.

This is their tshirt that says "No Edit No Shame" which I love because it's really how I feel most of the time - I don't change much, if anything in the photos on my blog, unless it's to lighten up the background or something  to make the photo better to look at it but I don't feel the need to ever change my actual appearance in photos which is amazing! 

I can also say that this shirt fits like a dream - it is soft and cut so well - it doesn't tug the way that that tshirt normally do over my bust or arms and although you can't see, it is long enough to wear with jeans but not overly bulky for wearing with a skirt like I am.

My skirt is an Asos midi skirt that is light and comfortable with great little belt loops too! I have paired it with some Primark flats, and their new Fuller Figure tights (which are epic) and a belt that I snagged at a swap many moons ago.

I'm really enjoying my bob haircut in these photos - sometimes I'm unsure about it but then I see it in photos and feel better - growing my hair is a challenge for me but I am determined to make it last!

So friends, challenge for this holiday season is to look great, feel great and always feel enough because you are all of those things!

2Plus2 - Way Back Wednesday in Dots!

Good morning everyone!

So today, Hollie (from Pretty Big Butterflies), and I are sharing an old post that we somehow let fall in to the "to post" pile a while back. We both got this super cute polka dot dress from Evans * a while back and it is so cute with a peekaboo back and soft material and the cute polka dot print!

We both wore our dresses with the same shoes that we found whilst shopping in Sainsburies - what a deal. They are adorable pointed flats in black and white stripes. It was also a perfect excuse to mix and match prints.

We both wore it differently, Hollie tying hers in the back to create a more wiggle dress like silhouette, and I wore it more loose, as it was made. I really love how we can wear things differently and how nice this dress looks on both of us!

How perfect does that little knot look in the back!?

I think it's great how this dress, although very simple and inexpensive hits the spot when it comes to simple yet stylish fashion. Both Hollie and I look fab and effortless but very different!

I must admit that looking back on these photos makes me miss the ease of throwing on Summer dresses, but I am also loving my Autumn wardrobe - it's hard when we are caught between seasons like this!

What do you miss most about Summer, and what are you most enjoying about Autumn?

Shop the post below:

The Navabi Collection & Blogger Evening

Hello everyone!

So a couple of weeks ago I had the amazing opportunity to attend Navabi's first blogger event. If you don't know navabi, it's a website that stocks some of the best high end plus size clothing that money can buy - and I mean that honestly.

Designers from all over the world are available on Navabi and this year they decided to take on the challenge and exciting endeavor of launching their own brand, which resulted in The navabi Collection. From beginning to end, navabi took the task of designing plus size clothing seriously and pulled in some of the best people in the industry to get it done right, and all of this shows in the collections.

The blogger evening was a lovely combination of opportunities to meet and chat with the designers and hear their stories, along with a proper show case and try on session of the new collection. I fell in love almost instantly with a tartan wool coat that I couldn't resist going home with - A proper review of that to follow in the week. As always, Hollie and I took a selfie and then tried on lots of lovely things.

One detail that is very noticeable in the collection is the quality and luxury of the fabrics which is even more pronounced by the wonderful cuts and fit details that have been carefully planned for each garment.

And last of all, I had to share this wonderful photo snapped by the Navabi crew themselves of the entire blogger gang. Aren't we all gorgeous?

Here are my absolutely favourite bits from the collection but there are so many nice pieces so be sure to check out all of it on the navabi website!

Curve Fashion Fest - What a Weekend!

Hey everyone!

I have so many posts to write and so little time! I am heading to Canada in a couple of weeks time as well so the word busy doesn't even begin to describe how I am feeling. Regardless, I just had the most fun weekend ever in Manchester. It feels like forever that we have all been waiting and anticipating the arrival of the first Curve Fashion Fest. With meet and greets planned with some of the biggest names in the industry like Tess Holliday and Nicollette Mason, I was super excited to for the event. It really was like no other event that has happened in the UK and I think has set a precedent for more collaboration and communication between the UK plus size industry and the US.

I wore New Look all weekend so check out what I wore at the end of this post!

As the UK Eff Your Beauty Standards girl, I was so looking forward to having Tess back in town and to spend some time with her. I tagged along to the Friday night press dinner where I got to hang with some of my absolute favourite people and meet some new ones too!

Check out Felicity, Danie and I!

On Saturday, I worked the Eff Your Beauty Standards booth selling the new t shirts and meeting so many gorgeous people. It was so wonderful to see so many positively radiant people in one place who are excited about the movement and so very supportive.

The day went by so quick and I could hardly believe it when 6 pm rolled around and we were packing up. I was so glad that I had time to hang out with my girlies that evening, have a takeaway and relax in our fancy apartment hotel.

We watched telly, chatted, laughed so much and then went to bed exhausted from such a big day.

I think The Curve Fashion Fest was a major success and I really next is even bigger and better. It was so wonderful to be a part of something that showcased brands from all over the world, and international talent. The plus size industry is really broken up by location and this event was one of the first that really felt like it was encouraging a mixing up of the industry.

Here I am with the gorgeous Tess Holliday and Danielle Vanier 

It has just been announced that next year's event will take place on October 1st 2016! It's after payday and there have been lots of little updates and exciting things changed to make the event bigger and better. I'm not sure that I will be able to be there as it's just after my wedding and just before my best friend's wedding and who knows, maybe I'll be on a honeymoon?

Also if you haven't checked out what I did on the Sunday after the event, you probably should - it involves hanging out with some epic babes - Hollie and Gloria!!!!

See the video we filmed below - all my dreams and chins come true!

Did you attend The Curve Fashion Festival? Did you see me and say hello!?

Tell me all about your experience what you hope to see more of next year or what you would like to see different!

Here is what I wore this weekend:

#StyleHasNoSize Done Right

Yesterday morning, Evans launched their new #StyleHasNoSize campaign in anticipation of UK Plus Size Fashion Week which they are sponsoring.

This could have been an amazing opportunity to show the world that plus size doesn’t mean without style and to push Evans into the spotlight for being a brand that genuinely campaigns for the customer they cater to. Instead, Evans chose to take no risks, to ignore their true customer and to ultimately kill their entire campaign by featuring five beautiful women who are all in the range of a size UK16, relatively lacking in diversity with toned bodies, long hair and chiseled faces - Models.

I look at this campaign and I don’t see myself or any of my peers represented, and have a very hard time of being supportive of it. Having a revolutionary hash tag means nothing if the brand doesn’t truly believe and show their support of the community. This campaign was one that deserved to feature women of all shapes, sizes, colours and abilities and has been completely drowned in safe, standard, and “acceptable norms” that do nothing for the promotion of actual style at any size and ultimately the brand itself.

This campaign is reminiscent of the Lane Bryant #ImNoAngel campaign last year which got a similar backlash and even it featured more diversity and size in comparison.

So as a comment on this royal flop of a kick off to UK Plus Size Fashion Week, five of us (all UK based plus size fashion bloggers) got together to suggest how this campaign could have gone.

Take a look:

From left to right:
Michaela – Cardifforniagirl

Katie – ToodalooKatie
Abi – A is for Abi

Hollie – Pretty Big Butterflies

Stephanie – Nerd About Town

We hope that Evans will see that they have missed an opportunity and are setting back the genuine movement of women having style at any size.  Take risks, showcase the beauty that you apparently see in your customers and put it out there. With so few big plus size brands on the market, you have real opportunities to be the one changes things and it’s disappointing to see you ignore them.

Let’s hope for something better next time…

Summer is for Sandals!

Hello everyone!

So today I bring you an exciting PSOOTD post that incorporates my favourite new Summer sandals. Now, as a Canadian, Birkenstocks have always been a Summer footwear staple. I have a pair waiting for me back in Toronto that I have had since the beginning of high school - they grow with you and will be resoled many times before they are done for good.

With this is mind, you can imagine my excitement when they seemingly came back in to fashion in the last 2 years. I have lusted over so many cute designs and longed for my good faithful pair back home.

When Jones Bootmaker got in touch with me recently seeing if I wanted to try out something from their Summer offerings, I was really excited. I've purchased shoes from them before and have nothing but good things to say, and to find out that they had Birkenstocks was even better!

I chose these gorgeous rose gold Gizeh model Birkenstocks* and received them very quickly.

I have been wearing them for a week to really test them out and I am happy to report that they are super comfortable and look so cute - they even sparkle in the sun! They really remind me of my best friend back home because I know that she would love them - they are very "Sarah".

I planned my entire outfit around them, wearing a bright coloured top that matched my bag and some soft denim capris. I feel like I am all set for the Summer now!

Top - Geoge at Asda | Bottoms - Alice and You via Asos | Sandals - Jones Bootmaker * | Bag -Boohoo | Necklace - Primark | Glasses - Crap Eyewear

Thanks Jones Bootmaker for the amazing sandals - I am so pleased and can't wait to wear them on my holiday and everywhere for that matter!

Head over to the Jones Bootmaer website to check out all the other great brands they have, and plenty of shoes are on sale at the moment, so get in quick! Everything they sell is high quality and will last so well worth whoever you spend.

Shop the post below:

Black and Blue with Style All Over

Good morning lovelies!

So last week I attended the George @ Asda Autumn Winter 2015 press day and all I can say is "WOW"! They have so many amazing things coming up and are so on trend, it's ridiculous!

Whilst there, I was very kindly offered a few bits to try and this top is now one of my favourites for easy on the go looks. It's a blue bell sleeve top in a sort of crepe fabric and the necklace come with it, so you can pop it all on with simple black bottoms and cute shoes and go - it's a no brainer!

I love the colourful light up W outside the W Hotel in West London and walk by it often so thought it would be a great spot to shoot these photos. It feels very modern meets old school, like a dressing room table with all the lights.

My shoes are my favourite Dorothy Perkins gold flats that never fail me and could probably do with being replaced - but I keep telling myself that I will get around to it next week.

My bag is my trusty Hotter Shoes bag that I featured in my "Pretty in Pink" post - pop over to it if you want a better look but it's a gorgeous bag!

Blue Top - George @ Asda 

Wonderfit Black Cropped Denim - George @ Asda

Gold Flats - Dorothy Perkins 

Purse - Hotter Shoes

So there you have it! A quick outfit post and more to come this week! I have so much to tell you about including a cheeky 2 day trip to Amsterdam that I took!

Shop this Post:

Asos Curve - Dress Wish List

Good morning and happy Sunday everyone!

So I spent a good part of last night procrastinating on Asos Curve instead of packing my suitcase for my mini jaunt to Amsterdam today, so I thought I would share with you my current list of wants from Asos Curve and it happens to be entirely dresses. As soon as it gets warm out, I start wearing dresses as much as possible - I love the freedom and feminine look that a dress has and every single one of these dresses is super on trend. You can click on the photos directly if you want to have a look on the Asos site at them.

The first three fit right into the 70s bohemian style that is making it's comeback at the moment and they are so cute and fresh for Summer. The second three are a bit moodier - especially the epic metallic animal print dress.
I really love what Asos Curve have at the moment and really feel like I can have my pic of trends that I want to follow and be a part of.
Have you got any favourites ? I'm thinking a couple of these might be perfect for my holiday to Turkey that's coming up!

2Plus2 Covered in Carmakoma

Hello lovelies! 

We are back again with another #2Plus2  - I told you we had loads in the pipeline! We've been so excited for this one as it's amazing! So, much like our first #2Plus2 post, Hollie from Pretty Big Butterflies and I made another trip to Evans recently to check out what was on the rails. We chose lots of lovely bits, but the item that surprised us the most was this gorgeous Carmakoma Coat. 

I will admit that at first glance, it didn't look amazing on the hanger but we had both seen the gorgeous Nadia Aboulhosn wearing it on her blog and thought we best try it on to be sure. I am so glad that we did! 

This coat says fashion and style regardless of how you wear it and so the idea for this post came about- with the plan of doing two looks - one dressed up and one dressed down.

I took on dressed up and Hollie took on dressed down.

I'm 5 foot 5 and Hollie is 5 foot 6 so you can see it hits perfectly below the knee. I have styled mine by tying the belt in the back to nip in the waist and show off my fancy dress. Hollie has worn hers with a casual pair of leggings and striped shirt which looks so great. 

It has this fabulous panel on the front left side that really keeps it chic - and the coat is lined with hidden buttons to keep it looking sleek.

We both loved the coat and it looks really different on our two bodies and two looks, but that's part of what makes it great! 

Katie is wearing:

Coat - Size 20 - Carmakoma via Evans*

Dress - Scarlett & Jo via Evans*

Heels - Donna Heels by Hotter Shoes*

Hollie is wearing:

Coat - Size 24 - Carmakoma via Evans*

Leggings- Evans

Flats - TU for Sainsburies

Bag - Deana Purse by Hotter Shoes*

Shop the post below: