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!

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.

ASOS Curve Spring/Summer 2014

Being a plus size female is not what it used to be. Gone are the days when we struggled to find clothes that fit, let alone clothes that we liked and suited us. More and more brands are popping up or extending their current lines to accommodate for the larger lady, and we have more choice than ever before.

One company that has been around for a while now is ASOS Curve. I have been aware of them for quite some time, but after one unsuccessful try on of their clothes a few years back, I wrote them off as being no good for me. However, upon being invited to their Spring/Summer 2013 press event at Duck & Waffle my interest in them was rekindled, and I couldn’t wait to see what would be hitting the site in a few weeks.

I had not heard of the Duck & Waffle until a few days before the event, and nothing could prepare me for the experience that awaited! The glass lift took a matter of seconds to go from floor 0 to 40 – my stomach caught up a bit later! I have a mixed relationship with heights, but the views over London soon made me forget how high up we were.

The view looking DOWN onto the Gerkin!

After surviving the lift journey up, myself Bethany, Lauren and Rivkie made our way into the private dining room, where we met the lovely ASOS team, and a well stocked rail of gorgeous clothes.

We had an amazing evening of bone marrow martinis, octopus, the famous duck and waffle, mini lamb chops… I had to literally waddle home! Pretty clothes and gorgeous food, drink and company certainly make a fat girl happy!

I’d like to share some of my favourite pieces with you if I may. They will come in the usual ASOS Curve sizes, and once they become available in the next few weeks you will be able to get more info about measurements and exact colours.

I love the mod feel of this dress.

Dungareeeeeeees!

SO pretty.

I love the aqua colours.

Amazing embellishments.

Beautiful coral.

Sleeves!

Fab maxi.

Gorgeous pretty flowers.

Stunning florals.

I love skinny jeans.

Spots!

More gorgeous floral patterns.

I love this colour gradient effect.

Amazing pattern.

After seeing the wonderful patterns and prints that will be gracing ASOS Curve very soon, I was just dying to see whether the brand would work for me the second time around. Jenny from ASOS kindly let me choose one item, and so I went for this dress:

The ASOS CURVE Bodycon Dress In Geo Mono Print.

I would usually go for a stretchy dress like this in a 16 or 18, but as ASOS Curve start at a 20 I went for that.

I loved the look of this dress as it was very out there pattern wise. The sleeves and length were a huge tick for me, as was the tightness contrasted with a higher neck line. Here is how it looked on me.

I went for quite a pin up/flamboyant look with this dress as I felt that it was necessary! As you can see it is quite a statement piece that fits quite nicely – bar in one spot, my waist…

That’s better!

The pattern on this dress trod a fine line between flattering and bulge enhancing. The way that it sat on my tummy did help show my gut off somewhat, and the belt was a welcome distraction.

The sleeves were a little baggy on me, but I would probably wear this with a cardigan or jacket for comfort.

Ideally, this dress would be better on me in a 16/18, but the 20 still works well, and this zany look is a trendy modern twist on my usual retro style.

I have to say that I am impressed with ASOS Curve. They have some gorgeous funky DARING affordable clothes that plus size women have been crying out for. Not all of us want oversize muted shades of black in our wardrobes, and ASOS are aware of that. I am excited to see how their new collection is received, especially by my fellow bloggers. They are certainly one to watch when it comes to plus size lines evolving to meet the insatiable tastes of the women who need them.

Are you an ASOS Curve fan? What is your favourite piece from your wardrobe, or the forthcoming collection?