Introducing: Dearcurves

It’s always exciting to see new plus size brands popping up on the market, and especially exciting when those brands bring something completely new to the table. One of those brands that has recently popped up is Dearcurves.

I love the look of the clothes, and so I asked the brains behind it, Linda Idegwu, a few questions about the brand…

o How long ago did you come up with the idea of Dearcurves and what made you actually start up?
Dearcurves, amongst other factors is my way of positively promoting Africa and one of our ways of life in the western world. Through fashion, I give a bit of Africa to the western. Dearcurves was founded in January 2012, the brand is a work in progress, wholly dedicated to making our customers look even more fabulous. I did a lot of research and found that though, there are brands that cater for the plus market, none of them offer something unique, flattering and exotic, that, along with the fact that I think we should love our curves lead to the formation of the brand. We consistently sought and use the finest prints available for our designs. And because we are focused exclusively on the plus size market, coupled with been a plus model myself, I wholly understand the challenges woman with curves face and make sure my clothes are not only wearable but flattering too.

o When can we expect new items to become available, and can you give us a hint of what to expect?
I’ve launched some lines from the new collection, we are however working towards a big launch in couple of weeks,presently putting final finishing to clothes. for this collection think Stepford’s wives, think spring!!! With a touch of 1970’s.

o What made you use the gorgeous models that you use?
The models I use accurately represent my target market; the plus size community.

Linda was kind enough to send me a skirt to review from her forthcoming collection. Her items of clothing have no stretch to them, and so Linda asked me my measurements to make sure that she would select something that would fit perfectly. My 48 inch hips put me in a size 18, and so I eagerly waited for my skirt to arrive…

The skirt fit me like a glove! The size was spot on on my hips, a little large on my waist but nothing drastic.

I wore my trusty Maidenform shapewear with it to help smooth out lumps and bumps.

I LOVED the pattern and found it extremely flattering. It would suit a whole range of occasions and accompanying tops – fitted, peplum, empire line.

I did find the skirt to be ever so slightly restrictive, and I would be curious to size up in my next DC item.

All in all I rather liked the skirt. It was something a little different to my usual style, but the shape and glorious bright colours meant that I wasn’t too far out of my comfort zone. I must confess that I would rather this item had a little bit of stretch too it, but I appreciate what the brand is about, and the style suits that so well.

What do you think of this brand new plus size line? Do you like the African influences? Have you tried and items out, or would you like too? Let me know in the comments.

Inspired By New Look

When you’re a fat girl, shopping on the high street can be a royal pain in the arse. Some shops stop at a 16, some at an 18, and some have plus size lines that in no way reflect the gorgeousness of their smaller clothes.

One shop that I have always found to fall in that latter category is New Look. New Look are famed for selling amazing affordable fashionable high street pieces, and yet their plus size line always seemed so…frumpy. So boring. So safe. And so I avoided them!

Recently I was asked if I would review some items from New Look, and I instantly thought of the Inspire range. I has seen some more impressive pieces from them on a recent shopping trip, and I felt it was time to see if they had some more appealing pieces in stock.

I selected several items and some shoes to go with them, and excitedly waited for them to arrive. It wasn’t long before they did, and this is how I got on…

The first item that I tried, and tested on a lovely sunny day was this Aztec dress.

I got it in a size 18, and the fit was great – although ideally a 16 would have been better.

The dress was a perfect length on me, and I loved the modest neckline.

The pattern was so unlike anything I have ever tried before, but I loved it! I was worried that it may be a bit too much, but it was surprisingly flattering.

This dress looks complete with a nice thick waist belt added too it, and it is a versatile dress that will look great on many occasions all year round.

The shoes I added to the dress were these gorgeous wide fit sandals:

My feet are of the wider variety, and these sandals were ideal and gorgeous looking! My only gripe is that the soles have absolutely zero grip, and so be careful how you go if you are inspired to buy a pair!

I was really excited to try the Aztec print skirt and I chose to pair it with a peplum top.

I found the size 18 skirt to look and feel great, and I have already worn it many times with several different tops and shoes.

I didn’t find the peplum top to be as flattering as I had first envisioned, and I feel it will take a bit of experimentation to make it work for me.

The skirt sat nicely on my waist, and it is figure huggingly flattering.

The shoes that I teamed with this look were these cork wedges.

These wedges are AMAZING! Them being wide fit means that the straps actually fit which is fab, and they look great with everything! They are very sturdy and comfy to walk in and I think I need the black pair…

My last purchase was a nice light raincoat. The was my first foray into trying some coats and jackets at New Look and this plum number in a size 20 was a great choice.

It’s not quite as smart as I had hoped for due to the material being rather soft, but it fits fabulously with room for a jumper or more layers underneath.

The colour is great for a mucky pup like me, and the deep pockets are great for storing my phone and oyster card in.

I have worn it over a variety of outfits, and it dries quickly and folds up neatly to fit into my handbag.

Overall I am extremely impressed with my haul from New Look’s Inspire and wide fit range. I have already had so much wear out of my outfits and I can’t wait to see what Inspire come out with next season – if only their instore range was extensive as the online selection…

Bella Bella!

As you may know I am a massive fan of Collectif – especially the flared Dolores dresses. However, I thought it was about time I tried a skirt before my Dolores collection got out of control!
The skirt I decided to go from was this gorgeous Bella skirt in green. I am a huge fan of fitted pencil skirts, but I thought it would be fun to see how a fishtail style would work on me and my shape. Due to the size of my hips and bum I decided to go for an 18.

It was pretty spot on! I am 5’7 and found that I had to pull the skirt down towards my hips to make the length work for me, plus it was big around my waist and would not sit there. The fabric is fabulous, it was barely creased and is fully lined. I have split many a skirt and dress in my time due to my love of fitted items and my big bum, and so this fishtail style felt perfect on my proportions. The colour fits in well with wardrobe and I think it looks fabulous with the Bravissimo shirt from many seasons ago.  It is versatile and I can see it being perfect for office wear and then dressed up to hit the bars after work. As you can see I teamed mine with a belt but do you expect anything else?

I do struggle to wear skirts as I have such a huge dress collection and I tend to favour them, but I may start to wear them a little more now, especially as I know a great place that does amazing bust friendly tops…

So check out Collectif’s amazing skirt selection now, something that is sometimes overlooked by the fabulous dresses but really shouldn’t be!