A Review Of The BiuBiu ‘Portofino’ Top

I am very much a flouncy dress person, but sometimes I do like to rock an outfit that doesn’t blow up with the slightest gust of wind! And I have the ideal skirt from New Look, but it can never hurt to have a few more tops to go with it…

One perfect top has to be my 44BB/BBB BiuBiu Portofino top.

I have tried many a BiuBiu top in the past, but I’m always happy to add a few new styles to my wardrobe!

The Portofino top ticked many many boxes for me. The length was perfect on my longer torso, and the clingy fit was flattering enough to show off my shape without being too tight.

The way it ruched across my stomach was fabulous, as that is an area that I struggle with when things are too tight.

The v neck was cut rather low, but the fabric crossed over in such a way that meant that that top was still very modest. I could easily have sized down to a 42BB/BBB or maybe even a 40BB/BBB, and in those sizes I may have found myself spilling out a little more. But this top fit me well, and I liked the way the neckline sat.

This top does come in several more colours, and ideally I would go for something a little more stain friendly. But I do love the way the white looked against my skin tone and hair.

The sleeves were perfect. Loose enough to not give me sausage arms, and tight enough to not add extra bulk.

This top will go perfectly with jeans, trousers and skirts, and with the right layering (probably another BiuBiu top underneath it!) this top will be perfect during the cooler seasons as well. A big thumbs up from me!

In these photos I paired my top with an old skirt from New Look, my trusty Maidenform shapewear, a plunge bra from Ewa Michalak and my old Marks and Spencers high heels.

Special thanks goes to the beautiful patient CurvyWordy for taking these photos for me.

Being Fat.

I apologise in advance for what is going to be a very selfish post all about…me. My life, my experiences and my views.

I’ve been bigger for most of my life.  Not as large as I am now, but compared to my peers I was a heavyweight.  I must have been, or else why would they and my family have constantly found new and interesting ways to bring it to my attention? ‘Heffalumpa’, ‘tree trunk thighs’, ‘Georgie Podgy’ and all manner of other creative terms were flung my way throughout my teenage years.  I sometimes wonder whether I would have loathed my body had no one brought my larger frame to my attention on an almost daily basis, or whether I would have still compared my shape and size to those around me and despaired at it’s apparent heftyness.

These days I have a healthier approach to my body.  Just because I am a larger lady, it doesn’t mean that that is all I am.  I am Georgina.  I am someone’s best friend. I am someone’s girlfriend.  I am a blogger.  I work in marketing.  I have done the odd bit of modelling. I have fat on my body, but I am not fat – a mere lump of the stuff. And so what if I do have a bit of chub? What has my extra wibble stopped me doing? I’ve travelled, bungee jumped, sky dived, danced all night long. I’ve gone swimming in rivers, pools, streams and oceans. I’ve been flirted with, hit on and chatted up enough for me to safely conclude that I am not just an undesirable blubbery mess with no other attributes. I go running sporadically, I can climb several flights of stairs without collapsing and although I could be fitter, I’ve never felt hindered by my physical abilities. I fit comfortably into bus, train, plane and rollercoaster seats, and I’ve never capsized a boat. I have never experiences any ailments or illnesses due to my size. Diabetes? No, I am not a silly nonsensical cliché. Raised blood pressure? Only when people push onto a tube that I am getting off (you think they would see me…) Cholesterol problems? Give me a break! I could go on and on with a smug self important things that I have achieved DESPITE my weight and a list of problems that do not go hand in hand with squishy frame, but I think you all get the picture!

There are only ever two occasions that my lardy body gets my down. The first is when I catch a glimpse of myself in photos not looking my best. I am generally happy with my appearance, but when someone with a camera catches me off guard the end result can be monstrous. I do accept that they are capturing me as I look at that time, but I still get hung up and ‘detag’ myself in photos! Likewise, when I sometimes look in the mirror in something that doesn’t suit me or is too small for me, I feel horrid. I feel ashamed. However, would I still feel that way if I were smaller, but just about other parts of my body rather than my fat? And would I still feel that way if I didn’t live in a country that is obsessed with diets and cellulite and the idea that the only way to be perfect and happy is to be slim? Who can say.
The other thing that gets me down is… other people’s reactions to my size. Because as much as I want to make friends with the word ‘fat’, being branded a ‘fat lazy slag’ or any other random throwing together of seemingly negative words DOES hurt – how can it not? Sometimes I dwell on that hurt for days, sometimes I laugh it off within seconds, but it does make a mark on me and make me mentally regret every bite of chocolate and drunken burger I ever scoffed down. I curse myself for allowing my body to take on this vast form and I wonder how anyone could have ever liked me, loved me, seen me naked and felt anything other than nausea.

However, I do bounce back, more determined than ever to carry on with my life, doing all of the things that most other people do, unhindered by my size. I would like to shed some flab, as I do think that I would feel a little more content with some weight off. But my life will not stop until that point, and nor will the opportunities and amazing experiences that I have had and will encounter. I am not my weight. I am not simply ‘fat’ and every negative connotation that goes with that word. I am so much more than that, just like every other person out there who constantly gets reduced to being nothing more than a body size.

‘Being fat’. It’s not a disability, or the worst thing someone can be. It’s not an adequate singular way to describe a person. It’s not a term for a life half lived. It doesn’t call for the faux concern brigade to start firing out phrases like, “I just worry about how their weight will impact their lives in the future.” It’s just the way some people are.

Get over it.

A Review Of The BiuBiu ‘Marsala’ Dress

Many of you will know that I am a huge fan of BiuBiu. They make bust friendly clothing at very reasonable prices, and I have always found the fit to be excellent and consistent.

I was recently sent two dresses in sizes 44BB/BBB – which translates as ‘size 16 with huge boobies’ – check the BiuBiu size chart for more info on how their sizes work.

The Marsala dress in red.

The Marsala dress in blue.

I found the dresses to fit exactly the same, despite them being different colours.

They have a wonderful high neckline – not so high that create a ‘shelf boob’ look, but high enough to be modest in situations that call for it.

The length is perfect on my 5’7 frame, hitting me at that magical point just below the knee.  The capped sleeves didn’t cut in or make my arms look any bigger than they already are.

The stretchy cotton helps accommodate my figure, and is a nice cool material to wear in this amazing hot weather. I can see me adding a long sleeve tops underneath them, and some leggings and boots in the winter – versatile dresses, perfect all year round.

I wore the red dress to work yesterday, and it really is a perfect office dress. If I were going out after work I could have changed my flat shoes for some heels, instantly the look of the dress.

I did of course add a belt when I wore this dress to work.  As you can see the dress fits amazingly well, but I just wanted that extra bit of definition and something to break the outfit up and match the  dark shoes I had on.

I found that the tulip shaped skirt added a bit of puff to my stomach.  I don’t mind this too much as it also helped conceal it somewhat, but at certain angles it did add some bulk. However, the adding of a simple waist belt did help draw attention away from the puffiness.

In conclusion, I love these dresses.  They really do accommodate my bust whilst still being flattering on my body.  In these photos I paired them with my trusty Maidenform shapewear, a plunge bra from Ewa Michalak and my old Marks and Spencers high heels.

Special thanks goes to the beautiful patient CurvyWordy for taking these photos for me.

If you want to check out another view of the Marsala dress then visit A Sophisticated Pair for her review of the dress.

Bella!

I was recently sent a gorgeous dress from Pieces Of The Past – the beautiful Bella dress. Paula from Pieces Of The Past had asked me my stats prior to sending it to me, and as luck would have it we are very similar in figure. She selected a blue size 18 Bella, and she was spot on with her predictions!

It is suggested that the 18 is best for a 42 inch bust, but my 48 inch bust fit perfectly! The seams didn’t quite sit in and under my boobs, but the shape of the waist detail diverted attention from it.

The dress is made of a slightly stretchy polyester bengaline, and because of this it arrived with barely any creases. It flowed down to my mid calves – the perfect pairing with the rather daring neckline!

The cut out back section is adorable, and gives the dress an almost gothic twist If you would rather wear the dress off the shoulders you could just tuck the ties in and ta da! One dress, two styles! I did find that the sleeves came up rather small on my meaty arms, but it didn’t restrict the movement or feel uncomfortable.

I wore this dress out and about in the blazing sun the other day and it was an inspired choice!

I paired it with my gorgeous wide fit sandals from New Look, my Ewa Michalak Malachit bra and…shockingly…NO BELT! Whilst the dress is not perfect on my waist, the nipping in and military button embellishment means that I can be without the sweaty sensation of elastic wrapped about my torso on a hot summer’s day!

There was a slight breeze blowing that day, but the heavyish skirt stayed put whilst not making me feel too hot! I do however now have a rather interesting tanned back…

If you fancy a Bella dress of you own then head to the Pieces Of The Past website and snap one up! The code ‘FULLER’ will get you 10% off any order for the next six weeks. Bargain!

And whilst your there why not pick up some quirky statement necklaces to go with it – your whole outfit sorted for a great day in the sun!

A Review Of The Scarlett & Jo Floral Prom Dress

Since I first laid eyes on the Scarlett & Jo collection at Evans I have been in love. They make well priced fun funky garments that have suited ladies of so many sizes, shapes and ages. They run from sizes 14-26 at present, and so fingers crossed they go up to a 32 in the very near future.

I recently spied this gorgeous sheer yoke print dress in an Evans store, and I shockingly adored it! Shocking because I’m not a fan of pinks and purples, but you can see why…

And so imagine my joy when Lucy from Scarlett and Jo was kind enough to send me the dress in a size 16.

This dress has no stretch too it, and so the 16 was a snug fit across the chest.

The mesh panel at the top of the dress does of course show my bra straps off, but not in an obvious way.

The dress comes with a tie up sash to help cinch it in at the waist. I will no doubt add my own belt, but I did like the dress as it was.

The cute V neck back made it easy to zip up on my own AND was rather flattering.

The dress comes with a silky underskirt that helps give it a bit of flounce and body. Not so much that the dress is comical, just enough!

The dress is a perfect length for me. It hits me right on the knee, showing off my slimmer lower legs.

Sleeveless dresses are something I do usually have to modify with a bolero or cardi, and this will look great with a variety of colours – pink, purple, black, silver. I can see it working well for a wedding with some shoes to match the bolero. It will also make a great party dress, or something to wear on a casual summer’s day.

You can see what Hanna from ‘The Wardrobe Challenge’ thought of the dress here – you will have to agree, it looks sublime on her!

What do you think of Scarlett & Jo’s range for Evans? Have you tried any pieces or would you like to?

Aztec Prints

When I visited Vietnam back in February and roped Robbie into haggling for gorgeous bag, I had no idea that I was unwittingly buying a ‘fashionable’ piece of clothing…

It was only upon returning to the UK that I saw Aztec prints everywhere. I got my first taste of the print when I tried out some New Look Inspire pieces – and I really loved the print! And so when I spied Beth from Butterfly rocking a gorgeous Aztec midi dress, I just had to have it…

The dress is currently available in size 16/18, 20/22 and 24/26. I went for a size 16/18 and it arrived in no time at all…

The dress is made of a stretchy polyester, and is finished with a gold foil. It stretched to accommodate my shape, and finished just on the knee. The horizontal pattern felt very flattering, busting that myth that it adds pounds to the figure! I loved how many colours were in the dress and how well it would lend itself to a number of accessories.

The scoop neckline finishes high enough to conceal cleavage, but low enough to still be flattering. The capped sleeves felt comfortable over my arms and didn’t restrict them.

The dress didn’t quite nip me in at the waist like I would have liked, and so I naturally added a thrifted belt. I also paired this dress with my Freya Deco, my Maidenform shapewear and my shoes from M&S that are now several seasons old.

What do you think of the Aztec print trend? Do you own any Aztec print pieces or would you like too?

My First Taste Of Curvissa

Curvissa is one of those brands that I have always been curious about.

“Plus size fashion shouldn’t be about compromise, it should be about choice. Curvissa.co.uk offers a selection of over 3,000 quality fashion items in sizes 14 – 32, giving you a comprehensive collection of plus size clothing that includes everything from trousers and tops, to jackets and jeans.”

I was recently given the chance to try out a Curvissa item, and I naturally headed straight for the dresses! As I scrolled through the pretties, one dress in particular caught my eye – the 50’s Inspired Dress. Hello retro style + polka dots!

When deciding what size to order in this dress, I consulted the customer reviews and size chart. I have to say that I was rather amazed to see my measurements indicating that a size 26 would be most appropriate! I’m used to needing to size up to accommodate for them, but I’ve never needed to go beyond a 20, 22 at a push. And so I went against the recommendations and decided on a size 20, although the reviews did make me apprehensive, especially for the fit on the arms.

The dress arrived, and I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the material felt, and how it was barely creased. The dress is designed to be slipped on like a t shirt, although it has no stretch.

I didn’t even have to unbutton the buttons at the bust to get the dress on, and after years of twisting my arms and awkwardly zipping up various zips, it was a refreshing change!

I quite liked how the dress looked on me. The fit on the arms was spot on, and although the tier felt a little snug, it fit rather nicely across my mega hips. However, to make it perfect I knew I had to add one thing…

Ta da!

My belt, which came with one of my Pinup girl Clothing dresses made the dress a lot more wearable and a lot more ‘me’.

As you can see, the sleeves have a slit at the back of them, which makes them very comfy on my large upper arms. The length is pretty much perfect, and the ruffled button up neckline means I can vary my modesty!

The only thing thing that I would change about this dress is the tiered bottom. I don’t feel that it fits with the style, and it would be a little more flattering if the dress were a simply a line – or of course a circle skirt! However, this dress is something that I will be wearing to work as it is very comfortable and versatile – and so perfect for those cheeky post work cocktails!

If you haven’t already tried Curvissa then I would recommend them. I’ve only tried the one dress, but I can’t wait to work my way through some more items. Just take that size chart with a pinch of salt!

Just Curvy

As a plus size woman, I have struggled to find places that cater to my proportions, both online and on the highstreet. Therefore I am always overjoyed to find new places that cater to women – whether with their own collection, or a collaboration of others.

Enter: Just Curvy, an online store that caters for size 12-26 women.
“We specialize in fast fashion for the curvy girls and full figured women, providing the latest fashion styles off the runway, our ranges include dresses, tops, leggings, knitwear and much more, we stock a variety of labels and brands, we aim to deliver an easy shopping experience, we are the day and night fashion shop for girls and women with curves.”

Just Curvy kindly offered to send me an item of my choice, and I went for this dress, the AX Paris Curve Zip Front Bird Print Dress

My best friend absolutely swears by the zip up dresses by AX Paris, and her similar yet smaller body shape looks amazing in their size 12 dresses. I felt that it was time I gave them a whirl!

The corset seen in these photos is my What Katie Did Morticia.

I went for a size 20 in the dress, as Hanna from The Wardrobe Challenge warned me that it comes up a little small in the bust…

Her advice was spot on! I sized up one size, and the 20 fit me perfectly.

I was also shocked at the fact that the dress fit me so well on the waist. Kat is a huge belt lover, like me, but this is one style that she chooses to wear beltless – and I can see why! I would probably add a belt just because I love them, but it certainly doesn’t need one.

The dress comes with pockets which, cleverly concealed by the tulip shape skirt.

The dress has a zip fastening up the front, and it zipped up easily over my hips and my Deco clad boobs.

The dress is a bit too short on me, and so I’d pair it with some tights or leggings to make me feel a bit more comfortable, but other than that I can’t fault it. I love the fit, the pattern, the versatility of it and the ability to show a little or a lot of cleavage!

Check out Just Curvy for more AX Paris Curve dresses, as well as other plus size items.

Paloma By Panache

A few month ago I attended Panache’s first blogger event. Even though I feel that it should be ME thanking Panache for their amazing hosting and scrummy cupcakes the lovely Heather Kipling had other ideas! Quite unexpectedly I received a parcel from her with a 36HH/20 Paloma Superbra set and a note thanking me for attending the fabulous event. Spoiled or what?!

As I have mentioned before I really struggle to part with my padding when it comes to my bras. I rarely wear my non padded bras for a number of reasons that I have outlined here and yet find non padded bras to be the most gorgeous sets out there! Oh the trials and tribulations of having breasts!

In the end the gorgeous detailing of the flower stitching and vibrant colour combinations of the Paloma won me over and I decided to give it a go one day at work.

I do find that Panache bras come up quite snug – Paloma was no exception. I wouldn’t say that I found the bra uncomfortable in any way, but she definitely held me firm as I went about my working day which was long and fairly active. The band has 3 hooks and eyes which I love, the more the better! The straps are fully adjustable which is fabulous news for a lot of women. It wasn’t itchy or uncomfortable, the wires didn’t dig in and I felt secure and supported. I have tried a Superbra once before as seen here and I found the shape all wrong for my bust. Maybe it was due to my size and the bras size or maybe it just wasn’t for me! Paloma, however, suited me very well.

I didn’t really think of the bra as “sexy”, however, when my boyfriend saw me taking the photos in the set his reaction stated otherwise! Maybe it was the sheer fabric and my exposed bum crack, or maybe the fiery pattern – who knows. But don’t write this off as one of your plain sets ladies, the men have other ideas! He went on to suggest that I call this blog post “I Have Faith In Paloma” and then sent me this text:Paloma and I make a good seduction team!

Now for the most important bit – the shape! That is one of the biggest reasons that I avoid non padded bras, I can’t pull off the retro knockered look!

Paloma, however, was gentle on my tit ends and gave me a softer rounder look that didn’t scream “SHARP TITS” under my work shirt. Phew!

I think we can call this bra an unmitigated success! I went from not so keen to fighting off the bf, and it was all thanks to Paloma! Big thumbs up for the cheeky little firecracker, I hope I am not the only one who will be sampling her delights in the months to come.