The Em Edit

'Tis the season to be sultry with Live Unlimited

Sunday, November 27, 2016

One of the things I struggle with in Winter is dressing for the weather when I'm going to be in and out of bars (Literally the whole of my Winter). Jumpers are too sweaty and shrugs are too...well..they're shrugs aren't they. That's why I was over the moon when Live Unlimited sent me this gorgeous plus size lace jacket.

Lace Jacket* - Live Unlimited
Jumpsuit - Yours Clothing (Similar)
Shoes - New Look (Similar)
Choker - ASOS

All of Live Unlimited's AW16 collection is dark, sultry and extremely elegant but this jacket is very much a standout piece for me. The quality is amazing, the lace is so delicate, running down into a scalloped edge at the bottom which would look incredible over a contrasting colour. The length is spot on and the herringbone detailing gives it a bit of an edge. This jacket is the perfect mix between delicate and rock-y and I'm really looking forward to finding other ways to style it.

It's rare that I wear an item which I like equally fastened up as I do open but the top fastening on this jacket is really sweet and gives you a little bit more coverage should you need or want it. I've styled it here with a simple black jumpsuit and a wide choker (I've gotten into chokers now that they're going back out of fashion, I'm so bloody contrary)

I'm wearing a 16 here and I would say that it is absolutely perfect to size - I wouldn't be able to wear anything too chunky under it but then I'm not sure that I'd ever want to. For me, simplicity is key with a statement item like this. If you're looking for a timeless, piece for the party season, I wholeheartedly recommend perusing the Live Unlimited website - There are sequins and beads a-plenty.

As you can see, I've been able to take advantage of some good lighting so I have a few posts for you this week, including a festive frock which gave me the opportunity to legitimately drink whilst I posed - WINNER.

Em x

* Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own.

I'm a Ssssnake - The Elvi Shirt Dress

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Look, I'm wearing clothes again. Well done me.

Now you all know I like Elvi, their clothes are consistently stylish, well made and fit me like a dream - This shirt dress is no different.

Printed Dip Hem Shirt Dress* - Elvi
Leggings - H&M
Over the knee boots - Primark
Gold Tassel Earrings - H&M (Similar)
Bag - Vintage

Shirt Dresses are just so flipping easy to wear, I've worn this one with and without the belt, over jeans and leggings. I love how this sheer one it looks with gold accessories and my much loved OTK boots. The side splits are extremely high so I don't think that I would wear it with tights but I know plenty of women who would brave it and look incredible. I'm currently considering some leather look leggings (WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME) that this dress would look BANGING with.

In terms of sizing, I could have definitely gone for true to size here but usually size up with anything shirt related due to my broad back, so this is an 18 and it is lovely and loose, hence me cinching it up over the belt. The Dip hem means that it is on the knee for me at the front the calf length at the back when not cinched - Ideal for you taller ladies.

I've got another lovely Elvi dress with a very 70s vibe to show you soon - Watch this space!

Em x

* Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own.

Style | A different kind of Black Friday with Brastop...

Friday, November 25, 2016

This Black Friday I've managed to spend a lot of money. Like a REAL lot of money, every single penny of which has been on other people... With this in mind, I'm very lucky that the lovely team from Brastop sent me this beautiful Pour Moi fuller bust lingerie set in order to enjoy a prettier and less expensive kind of Black Friday.

Taking Floral into Autumn with Lovedrobe

Sunday, October 30, 2016

I've heard of people who pack away their Summer wardrobe. Like they actually put everything they wear in the warmer months into suitcases and then get them out again the next year.

1. Who is this organised?

2. How do they have this much time?

3. Why would you do this?

Shift dress* - Lovedrobe
Block Heel Ankle Boots* - Simply Be
Aviator Jacket - River Island (Similar)

Most of my wardrobe is incredibly versatile in that I wear it all year round; Sometimes I put a roll neck under an item, sometimes I swap a skirt for a pair of skinny jeans. More often than not, I bang on a pair of tights, ankle boots and a big old coat to keep out the cold, just as I have with this Plus Size Shift dress from Lovedrobe.

This dress is already pretty seasonal in that it is knee length, fully lined and has a beautiful embroidery to the front and sleeves. I'm an eternal fan of navy blue but this particular dress is also available in maroon (As seen here on gorgeous Lucy) Size-wise, I opted to size up twice due to the generally small fit of Lovedrobe, actually an 18 would have been fine but I like the looser fit of it, particularly around the sleeves.

I've been pairing the dress with my River Island aviator jacket which I invested in after getting hold of a 25% discount in October and I LOVE IT. It's so warm and the over-sizing of it means that it sits in exactly the right place and isn't at all boxy. Plus I get to look like Del Boy - What more could one want from life? I've looked online and can't see it in stock other than in black but have definitely seen it still in store so if you're interested it may be worth having a look about.

I've also been wearing these Simply Be Ankle Boots* non-stop recently, they go with absolutely everything. If you fancy reading a bit more about them I've written the first of two Autumn guest posts for them over on the Simply Be blog - Why not have a read.

Em x

*Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own FACT.

A Retro Autumn with Yours Clothing

Sunday, October 23, 2016

You all know I love a good year round retro look and this Autumnal outfit of bell sleeved mini dress and over the knee boots is currently rocking my world.

Khaki Swing Dress* - Yours Clothing
Dogtooth Blanket Scarf* - Yours Clothing
Over the knee boots - Primark

The ladder detailing at the front of this Yours Clothing Swing Dress give it the feel of a dress much more expensive than its £26. It may be mini but as long as I don't stand in any wind tunnels my dignity will remain in tact. I'm wearing an 18 here but could have probably sized down to a 16, I just wasn't sure about that waistline -Turns out it's less skater cut and more swing which makes it nice and loose. The sleeves are also very true to size SO I'd recommend that if you're into this frock, go for your own size or the lower if you're between. Coupled with an extremely versatile (and delightfully big!) monochrome Dogtooth scarf I'm feeling very mod chick.

So I did it, I bought some over the knee boots. You may have noticed from this here blog that you read, I have long legs, looooooooong legs. I also have a pair of legs which are smack bang in the middle of regular and wide. This means that OTKs have always been well off my radar despite loving them deep down in my heart. Enter Primark with this utterly bloody perfect pair of size 8, block heel, pull up pair of dream boots. They fit me perfectly both in length and width, are comfortable and were only £20: WINNER!

I love, love, LOVE this look.The 60s aesthetic is everything to me and Autumn is the perfect time to showcase it. It's likely that I'll put a pair of tights on with this from this day forward because BOY IS IT COLD but with a long woolen coat and my bobble hat I can see this being a key outfit for 2016.

I'd just like to thank my wonderful sister Tomato for taking these pictures - She's got MAD skillz.

Em x

*Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own FACT.

Style | Gothic Glamour with Missguided

Monday, October 17, 2016

Unlike most people, I'm not that big on Halloween, I feel like it's become a big deal out of nowhere and I can't keep up with the pressure to be a sexy cat/zombie/squirrel/piece of cutlery. That said, I do quite like a good old fashioned gothic look so this weekend that's what I've done. Right here.

A walk on the wild side with Elvi

Thursday, October 13, 2016

With their classic, easy to wear plus size capsule ranges, Elvi have been a key contributor to my wardrobe in 2016. Today brings the turn of their luscious Animal Print Dress*.

Animal Print High Neck Dress* - Elvi
Jersey Leggings - H&M
Ankle Boots - Primark
Patchwork Clutch Bag - Simply Be

I'll be entirely honest, I cant work out what animal this is a print of - The closest I can get is a sort of leopard/snake hybrid (Can you imagine?!? TERRIFYING) with its green and grey highlights. The dress itself is a lovely light silky poly blend which, along with its simple shift cut, makes it an utter delight to wear. I'm well into a high neck at the moment (I can keep my chins warm in them) and I like how this one gives a gentle nod to the 1960s.

I'm wearing an 18 here and I would say it is very true to size in all elements except length. It's much more like a tunic on me but that's just fine because over a pair of jeans or, in this case, leggings, it is such an easy item to wear. I wore it for tea with my husband and he did an awful lot of stroking of the silky fabric so I wouldn't recommend it if you don't want to be gently manhandled.

I've seen a bit of what Elvi have to offer going into the festive period and all I can say is: If you like sequins, gird your loins!

Em x

* Denotes gifted items - All views are absolutely 100% my own as I'm not imaginative enough to make things up...

Finding the perfect fit with the Wide Calf Boot Store

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

With Autumn comes leaves, with leaves come wet toes and wet toes need the protection some good footwear. More specifically, if, like me, you have incredibly strong legs due to all of the shapes you throw around the kitchen, a pair of wide-fit knee boots. That's where the Wide Calf Boot Store come in.

"Alliance" Wide Calf Knee Boots* - Wide Calf Boot Store
Denim Skirt - ASOS (Similar)
80s Mono Cowl Long Sleeve Top - Topshop

Finding the right fit on the site is SO FLIPPING EASY. At the top of each page is a "Calf Size Calculator" which asks for a few basic details and then presents you with a range of gorgeous boots which will fit you like the proverbial glove. I often find that I don't fit into standard width boots but high street wide calf boots are baggy on me. This bespoke fit means that you have the option of boots which will fasten on the calf perfectly without any gape - Such a rarity.

My measurements brought me out at a 9 M/L which gave me the choice of around 30 different boots in varying colours and styles. After much internal debate, I finally went for the JJ Footwear Alliance boots in black* because everyone needs a good pair of black boots innit.

The Alliance boots are a perfect fit and have elasticated panel so there's no restriction with movement. They are also the holy grail of new boots in that they have non-slip soles - No more sliding around for the first month or scoring crosses into the bottom in order to maintain your "Staying Alive" status when walking through shopping centres. They also have removable insoles which is fab if you like to use your own. Finally, the pairing of genuine Italian leather and suede gives them a really (dare I say it) grown up look and assures me that I'm not going to destroy these boots in ten minutes flat.

I've worn these boots a number of times already and can honestly tell you that the perfect fit makes a huge difference - There has been no rubbing, no aching calves and most importantly; I have not trapped my skin in anything at any point. I have nothing but gratitude for the Wide Calf Boot Store.

I'm going to leave you with an "Action" picture. This is where my talented photographer has caught me moving in a totally natural, not at all staged manner. I think we're going to stick to the leaning against a wall photos...

Em x

* Denotes items gifted for review. All opinions and words are entirely my own

Style | Christina Forever - The Joanie Clothing Hendricks Pencil Dress

Sunday, October 09, 2016

Every now and then you find a dress that puts a huge smile on your face and a little wiggle in your tummy. This is that dress.

Style | A Plus Size Wedding Guest

Thursday, October 06, 2016

I'm sorry that this post isn't a little more timely but sadly I somehow put the pictures in a folder on my phone I couldn't see. Don't ask. Anyway, these are a couple of outfits I've worn to weddings this year and they seemed too lovely not to share.

Plus Size Work Wear - The Elvi Checked Tulip Skirt

Friday, September 30, 2016

A quick post here because I couldn't wait to share this incredible checked tulip skirt* from Elvi with you all [Insert heart eye emoji times a million]

Black Roll Neck - Jette at Navabi
Checked Tulip Skirt - Elvi
Tights - Primark
Ankle Boots - ASOS (Similar)

Now I've always been a fan of defined waists, asymmetry, ruching and check prints (think Vivienne Westwood) and this skirt ticks every single box. The elasticated waistband ensures a perfect fit and the visible zip at the back gives it a more modern feel, plus it's incredibly strong, which is essential to a good fitted skirt.

I'm wearing a 16 and it fits perfectly in that it's fitted but I have no issues eating/moving/breathing/being alive. Plus the length is absolutely spot on for me, sitting at just below the knee at its shortest point. Finally, what a glorious shape!

Being extremely high waisted, when it comes to separates I'm often reluctant to tuck the top into the bottoms. This isn't an issue at all with the tulip skirt as the waistband is lovely and thick and the tulip shape lends itself perfectly to my shape. What I will say is that I prefer this look with a fitted top - I can't stand the feeling of excess material around my middle. Because I'm a weirdo. I wore it this week with the Navabi Black Roll Neck featured in my last post, tights and my buckle up ankle boots and felt so incredibly put together it is ridiculous.

I also love the silhouette the skirt gives me from the back. The very definition of "I hate to see you go but love to watch you leave" Totally going to wear this with heels and a fitted short and take over the world...

I've been trying to dress smarter for work, even on the days where I can be a touch more casual, so it could not have come at a better time for me.

I should be travelling less for a little while, which means more time to put on nice clothes and leave the house HURRAH!

Em x

Note: The image for this skirt on the Elvi website shows the skirt as having a lighter coloured contrast waistband - Elvi have assured me that the project is as shown in this blogpost, with black detailing.

* Denotes gifted items - All views are absolutely 100% my own as always.

Winter all wrapped up with V by Very

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Never one to shy away from a million layers and the premature adoption of cold weather seasonal wear, I present to you: The first coat of the year.

Oversized Drape Coat - V by Very
Black Roll Neck - Jette at Navabi
Chloe Jeans - Simply Be
Rose Gold Loafers - Yours Clothing

Very recently invited me celebrate the start of London Fashion Week and have a look at some of their new garms with the support of a great deal of fizz, it was a fab night and I saw a lot of faces that I have previously only seen on the TV. I sweated a lot. The TV people did not. There's a reason I'm not famous. Anyway, that's beside the point; The V by Very range has some very exciting pieces for Autumn/Winter 16 (this leopard print sequin tee for a start) Daisy Lowe was there in a sheer floral dress which absolutely rocked my world, however, knowing that the weather was on the turn, I was most taken by this fab Oversized coat.

I'm a big fan of a waterfall front, it's so easy to wear and there's plenty of extra fabric to cuddle up in. For those of you who worry about the itch - The coat is fully lined and not a tickle is to be had. I'm actually wearing a 14 here which fits perfectly due to the fact that the coat is oversized. I am not a size 14. It is not 1998. The drape coat is available up to a size 24 and in Navy if oatmeal ain't your bag.

I'm wearing the coat over a seasonal staple, the black roll neck jumper. This particular jumper is from Jette at Navabi and is definitely amongst the more luxury jersey basics I own, albeit at an excellent price. The jeans are a very old pair of Chloe skinny jeans from Simply Be which I wear rolled up at the bottom in order to look cool. I've also finally managed to find a pair of loafers which I can wear casually without feeling like Simon Le Bon in the 1980s, the Rose Gold Loafers are from Yours Clothing and very true to size (I'm wearing a 9).

I get the feeling that this will be first of many coat posts this year because I JUST LOVE A COAT ALRIGHT?

Em x

#ShareTheLove with Curvissa

Friday, September 23, 2016

I'm not shy when it comes to sharing the love, if I like something, you will almost certainly know about it because I am loud, awkward and a bit romantic. This means that when Curvissa asked me to write about a blogger I love, I panicked a bit. I LOVE A LOT OF BLOGGERS. If you are a blogger and reading this, the likelihood is I GENUINELY LOVE YOU, like seriously. I. Love. You. However, I am just one woman and I do not have the available leisure time to write an encyclopedia of my love for you. With this in mind, I've brought it down to the four blogs that I would take with me to a desert island and I am now going to tell you for why.

Chloe from ChloePierre.com

Photo c/o ChloePierre.com

I was trying to describe Chloe to my husband this week but the closest I could get was "You know, she's just really good at things, like capable. And strong. And sexy". Pretty sure he thinks I'm going to leave him now but more to the point, Chloe is just one in a million. It takes a real Queen to rock up to an event late and covered in lube and this Queen is Chloe Pierre.

Her blog is aesthetically glorious, full of strong looks and interesting articles; all with Chloe's signature professional yet personable style. If you are ever fortunate enough to spend time with Chloe you will get to know her as someone who is truly interested in the people and world around her, five minutes in her company and you feel like you've known her forever. She is someone who I will always look forward to seeing, a true true diamond amongst women.

Bethany from ArchedEyebrow.com

Photo c/o ArchedEyebrow.com

I've always looked to Bethany for fashion that takes me out of the ruts I so easily fall into but at the moment she is sartorially KILLING IT. It's almost like she is a beautiful butterfly who has become an even more ridiculously beautiful butterfly without having to create a gross little chrysalis.

I'm so pleased that I've been able to spend more time with Bethany in the real life world lately and I can assure you that she is a freaking delight; she's fun, she's interesting and if you spill ice cream on yourself outside of a luxury hotel like a Northern street urchin she will rescue you almost immediately.

Bethany takes the time to think about what she's saying, she looks at the big picture, she's just so damn intelligent and measured - like that gorgeous art school girl with shiny hair who speaks French and never has chipped nails who we all want to be when we grow up.

I want to be Bethany when I grow up - Who wouldn't.

Danielle from DanielleVanier.co.uk

Picture by JKGPhotography c/o www.daniellevanier.co.uk

In almost every plus size roundup in the history of my knowledge, there sits a bright star; Glamorous, funny and just a little bit naughty. That woman is Danielle Vanier. This hasn't happened by accident; in a world of fashion bloggers, Danie is special in that she really, really, REALLY knows about fashion. I have never seen her wear an item that I've not immediately coveted and then thought about for a long time afterwards.

Great things are happening for her this year and I cannot think of one person more deserving of them, because not only is Danie a style goddess, she is also very well known for being utterly marvellous to everyone she meets, warm, friendly and just so incredibly easy to like. Life is better for having Danielle Vanier in it and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise.

Becky from Becky Barnes Blog

Picture c/o Becky Barnes Blog

I really hope that Beebs has read all the way through this thinking "Where am I bitch?!" Well I've saved the best til last here haven't I. Three things I like about Becky Barnes:

1. She is so stylish it's ridiculous. Every time I consider leaving the house looking like a bag of parsnips I think "What would Becky do?" and begrudgingly slip into something a little more chic. She makes me a better and less slobby Smyth.

2. She fights every life battle with grace, humility and a shit load of laughs. The past few years have been pretty harsh towards this Chick yet she thankfully just keeps on going. She raises her gorgeous daughter (Nearly put MY daughter there which is tres Freudian), brings in the dollar and still manages to pick up her plethora of friends whenever they need it. When my confidence is a bit shaky, all I have to do is think about her saying "Every Room" to me and I'm able to pick my substantial chin up and sashay onwards.

3. She's got a great ass.

I love the very bones of this woman and couldn't ask for a better mate if I tried. Oh and her blog is BANGING too.

Feel free to get involved in #ShareTheLove, everyone who writes a post will be entered into a prize draw to win £250 to spend at www.curvissa.co.uk and seeing as we're sharing the love, maybe we can share the spends...?

Em x

Style | A Plus Size Superhero - The Want That Trend Cape Dress

Friday, September 16, 2016

At last weekend's fabulous Curve Fashion Festival, I was invited to meet Geordie Shore's Holly Hagan to discuss the launch of her new plus-size range with Want That Trend.

Navy Fiona Bodycon Dress* - Want That Trend
Fringed Earrings - H&M
Court Shoes - New Look (Similar)

Now I must confess, I didn't know what to expect with Holly at all but I really liked her.

I have to say despite this, I'm not entirely in agreement with Holly's rationale behind the range; There's a lot of talk of "health" and use of the word "flatter". For me, fashion is fashion, health is health - The two bear no relevance to each other whatsoever and it's part of the anti-fat agenda to suggest otherwise.

Holly is not currently plus size and the world in which she's lived for the past six years is diet and fitness-centric - She can be sympathetic to the needs of a plus size woman but can't truly understand it. What I will say from speaking from her is, there is no sense of dislike for how she looked in the past, quite the opposite, there is also none of that dissociation from herself as a larger woman that we've come to expect from the exercise DVD generation of celebs. This means more to me than a few poorly worded tweets.

Holly Hagan at the 2016 Curve Fashion Festival

I know it's very fashionable to berate reality TV stars as being inappropriate role models to young people, but Holly has never been anything other than herself; she works her ass off, stands up for herself and her family and comes across as an incredibly smart young woman. The amount of hate she has received over the past six years is obscene, the fact that she's come out of the other side as sensible and self-aware as she is simply phenomenal. That has to count for something.

By far, my favourite item of Holly's range is the Navy Fiona Bodycon dress* which I was very fortunate to be gifted by the lovely WTT team at last week's Curve Fashion Festival. The dress is a textured elastine which means that it has a bit of stretch but still keeps its shape perfectly. Also, IT HAS A CAPE FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.

I'm wearing a 16 here and it is very much true to size. I mentioned in my last review of Want That Trend that the lengths were a bit of an issue for me, I also fed this back to the WTT team and they told me that they're going to be working on more longer length designs in the future. Fortunately, the Fiona dress is a very true midi length even on my 6ft height.

The Holly Hagan range goes from a size 8 - 24 in many styles, up to a 32 in two of the designs (I love the lace skater dress here), and includes jumpsuits, dresses, separates and trousers. I'm not always great at articulating my admiration for brands but I want to make a point while I'm able: All WTT designs are a set price, regardless of the size - This is how it SHOULD be, but not always how it IS (looking at you ASOS...)

Finally, the owner of WTT, Victoria Molyneux, is a genuinely awesome (and utterly gorgeous) woman - It would have been so easy for her to carry on turning over a substantial profit without expanding the range, but she genuinely wants to make the same styles available to women of all sizes, as she said before Curve Fashion Fest:

"I'm really looking forward to launching our new plus-size items at Curve and meeting like minded ladies who are as fierce about fashion as I am."

The fact that she recognizes plus size women are capable of being passionate about fashion speaks volumes and I look forward to seeing this range go from strength to strength.

Rear view - I love my ass in this dress,

I have some fab posts coming up over the next week. Until then, you can always catch up with me across the plethora of social mediums which exist on this planet as below:

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Em x

* Denotes Item gifted for review - All views are my own because I'm an honest kinda chick,

Cosying up with Elvi - The Autumn Gilet

Monday, September 12, 2016

Avid readers will know that I've always been a big Elvi fan; Their designs are chic, classic and so different from much of what we've come to expect from Plus fashion. So I'm delighted to announce that their AW16 range is no different. I have two pieces to show you, starting with the faux pony skin gilet*.

Faux Pony Skin Gilet* - Elvi
Jersey Roll Neck - Primark (Similar)
Denim mini skirt - ASOS Curve (Similar)
Ankle Boots - Primark (Similar)

I've always seen maroon as a bit of a neutral, in that it goes with everything, I'm just so into the maroon, indigo denim and camel colour palette that sneaks into so many ranges this time of year - I could never not be a redhead in Autumn. The top half is a glossy faux pony skin, which is so realistic you would have no idea at all if it wasn't for the fact that it very clearly says FAUX on it, and the lower section is a thick warm tweed style material which pulls a slightly darker tone into the look.

The side splits prevent the gilet from looking boxy which is an issue I've had in the past. Elvi do longline extremely well, their catwalk show at Curve Fashion Festival showcased an extremely simple, tailored silhouette which I would never have imagined working on a voluptuous figure (The compromise between oversized and tailored is so rarely well executed) but BOY did it work. I'm wearing a 16 here and the fit is perfectly true to size.

I've styled it here with one of my favourite easy-to-wear Autumn looks of mini skirt and roll neck jumper. I'd usually wear a pair of tights with a skirt this length but my legs are spectacularly bronzed from a week in Seville (if it doesn't look that way it's totally your screen resolution...) However, I've also worn the gilet with a black jersey midi dress as well as blue jeans and a black bodysuit. Extremely versatile, I think you'll agree.

Guys, if you haven't seen the Hayley Hasselhoff x Elvi range I suggest you take a look as it is just GORGEOUS!

Em x

* Denotes Items gifted for review - As always, all views are entirely my own (I never fib!)

'Tis the season to be sultry with Live Unlimited

I'm a Ssssnake - The Elvi Shirt Dress

Style | A different kind of Black Friday with Brastop...

Taking Floral into Autumn with Lovedrobe

A Retro Autumn with Yours Clothing

Style | Gothic Glamour with Missguided

A walk on the wild side with Elvi

Finding the perfect fit with the Wide Calf Boot Store

Style | Christina Forever - The Joanie Clothing Hendricks Pencil Dress

Style | A Plus Size Wedding Guest

Plus Size Work Wear - The Elvi Checked Tulip Skirt

Winter all wrapped up with V by Very

#ShareTheLove with Curvissa

Style | A Plus Size Superhero - The Want That Trend Cape Dress

Cosying up with Elvi - The Autumn Gilet

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