The Em Edit

Plus Size Plisse - The Elvi Pleated Top

Monday, March 06, 2017

I've said it before but I love plisse; It's light, loose and so lovely to wear whilst still looking dressy. This Elvi top is no exception to the rule and I'm already a huge fan.

Plisse Top* - Elvi
Jeans - Simply Be (Customised myself)
Sandals - Primark (Similar)

Isn't this colour to die for?! Burnt orange is so my bag, I just can't wear it head to toe or I look like a lost tangerine... With that in mind, there are matching culottes which I've seen other people looking incredible in but that are just a bit too cool for me and my middle of the road sensibilities.

A top like this is a wardrobe staple, as good tucked into a skirt as it is worn over skinny jeans. These particular jeans are the Simply Be Chloe Jeans which I'm a big fan of - in fact, SB have recently changed their "recipe" and they've improved even further - I'd just recommend sizing down (I'm generally a 16-18 in skinny jeans but am a 14 in Chloe).

I need to apologise once more for looking so surly in my blog photos; I'm absolutely shattered right now. It was my birthday last week (33 HOW HAS THIS HAPPENED?!?) and despite having a marvellous time, it really took it out of me. I can only assume it's a combination of old age, late nights and a veritable smorgasbord of alcohol...

I'm not going to lie - I hate my ass in this picture but that's just life, sometimes your ass is amazing and sometimes it looks like a sack of squirrels...

Em x

* Denotes items gifted for review - All opinions remain my own.

A Plus Size Bridesmaid - Part 2: Joanie Clothing

Saturday, March 04, 2017

How fortuitous for the Plus Size Bridesmaid series that one of my absolute favouritest of all of the brands in the whole entire world should choose this year to launch a wedding shop. Not only this, but they asked whether a fabulous, not to mention GORGEOUS, group of bloggers (and me) would be willing to join them for a photoshoot to launch the range. This means that not only can I show you the dresses but I can actually tell you in a bit more detail how they fit, feel and move which is the whole entire point of fashion blogging and therefore means I am providing you with the top notch fabulous service you have always hoped for from me.

The Dresses:

You'll see from the pictures, the dresses seem to fit into two clear aesthetics. The first is romantic and ethereal, with rose gold highlights, floaty chiffon and satin bows. For me, this is the more traditional bridesmaid dress, albeit with a modern twist via a stunning colour-way which makes it accessible to bridemaids of all skin tones. Pastels with the added bonus of an extremely versatile navy blue. All at a length to suit all heights.

The other highlight of this look is the embellished capelet in two colour-ways. I'm a big fan of the old cleavage but also like the option to tone it down a little (You know, so I don't burst into flames on entering a church) and this addition allows a small yet beautiful amount of coverage without taking away from the line of the dress.

The next theme screams vintage glamour, vibrant reds with structured skirts, eyelash lace and Bardot necklines. These dresses change the mood from sweetness and light to snogging the best man and doing the worm on the dance floor. I LOVE THEM. Plus, these dresses bring in the options of sleeves which is something so utterly rare in bridesmaid world.

As someone who had never considered red as a bridesmaid colour; Just look how fabulous the pictures look, the bride (Sade - Not only is she bloody gorgeous but she is super mega intelligent and one of the nicest most considerate people I've met - It was an honour to be her maid of honour and I hope she doesn't mind that I'm going to gatecrash her real wedding at some point and resume the role...) is still the centre of attention (In a Joanie dress no less) but the pop of colour creates such a vivacious and fun look.

Models: Karen, Chyaz, Sade, Donna

All Dresses and caplets - Joanie Clothing

Hair & Makeup - The Vintage Beauty Parlour

Flowers - Venus Flowers

Photography - Tanzaro Studios

Cake - Time for Sweetpea

The Sizing:

All dresses above currently go from an 8 - 22. If you are busty, I would suggest sizing up where possible. The midi lengths are ideal on most heights - Models on the day varied from 5"2 - 6".

The Prices:

The dresses above range from £22.50 - £55 for fully embellished. This means you could dress four bridesmaids for under £100. ISN'T THAT RIDICULOUS?!?

Availability :

The Joanie Wedding Shop is online so you can have a good old browse together no matter how far apart your bridesmaids are HERE.

Summary:

This is an incredibly considerate range that was an absolute delight to wear. At no point was I uncomfortable, all of my body parts fit into the relevant areas. The price range is frankly phenomenal for what you're receiving and with Joanie also selling petticoats, stockings and shrugs; You can buy everything you need for the big day, all from the same place.

I can truly say that I had an absolutely wonderful day with some of the best people I know, please be sure to check out their blogs/websites and if you're considering the big day yourself I can wholeheartedly recommend every single person involved in the making of this shoot. Thank you Joanie! x

Em x

Five Minutes On Being Too Much

Friday, February 17, 2017

I haven't been sleeping well lately. I don't know why, it's just one of those things that happens every now and then, but lying awake at 3am this morning I started thinking bad thoughts. You will know the ones, the ones where you remember every negative thing said to or about you from the age of two onwards... One thing each of these thoughts have in common for me is the word "Too"; You're too big, too lazy, too nice, too clever (The latter is less of an issue for me personally...). but it's incredible how putting this one word in front of another can turn it into an immediate negative. Try it: think of the adjective you'd most like to be described as and put the word "Too" in front of it - Weird isn't it? This word is used by other people to take away any control we have over ourselves and how we present to other people. GRIM.

Stupid Cupid - A Joanie Valentine

Sunday, February 05, 2017

With their romantic vintage prints and styles, Joanie Clothing seem to be just like me in that they were positively made for Valentines Day. Alright, so I only go to Morrisons for sausage, chips and beans (minus the beans), it's still nice to know that every year, there is a day put aside purely for getting mushy - whether this be with your partner, your friends or family (My Dad has sent me a card every single year as far back as I can remember which means more than any others) I'm all for the hearts, kisses and declarations of love.

Stupid Cupid Jumper* - Joanie Clothing
Pussy Bow Dress - Primark

Ankle Boots - Dorothy Perkins

Heart Bag* - Joanie Clothing

As someone who isn't big on accessories it's somewhat controversial that I start a post by singing the virtues of a handbag BUT LOOK AT THIS BAG. Isn't it just sublime?!? I managed to fit all of my usual handbag things (Purse, phone, makeup, keys, crisps, hair brush, 7,000 receipts, wet wipes) and still fit a jumper in there too. It's a novelty bag without being too OTT, to the extent that even I can pull it off.

Joanie are the Queens of jumpers, from Maybe Baby to Brunch Club; fashionistas across the country are going wild for the kitsch colours and sweet slogans. The Stupid Cupid jumper is no different and I think you will concur, incredibly apt for this time of the year. The fabric is lovely and soft and the chain stitch embroidery is such high quality. I'm wearing a Large here which is a 16-18, be aware that the jumpers aren't very long so I don't tend to wear them by themselves but they're the perfect length for layering over a shirt, or in this case, a pussy bow dress - the cropped sleeves make it ideal to show off a bit of cuff.

I'm off to see the ladies at Joanie this week, so keep your eyes peeled on my Twitter and Instagram for some sneak peaks!

Em x

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

Keeping It Casual with Pink Clove

Friday, February 03, 2017

February is such a slobby month for me. I try wherever possible to stay in bed at all times and when I do eventually leave the house I'm all about the oversized jumpers and elasticated jeans. I basically channel Waynetta Slobb at all times...

Rollneck Jumper* - Pink Clove
Joni Jeans - Topshop
Marc Ankle Boots - Topshop

With this in mind, I was extremely pleasantly surprised when I stumbled upon this rollneck jumper from Pink Clove. With its sweatshirt material and slouchy fit, it ticks all my slob boxes, but that's where the similarities end; The high neck, raglan sleeves and longline length take the jumper from oversized PE kit to chic, casual Sunday.

I'd forgotten about these Topshop jeans but have worn them non-stop since I found them - For such thin denim they have a lot of life in them. The ankle boots are also Topshop - Now I have to be completely honest with you: Topshop's size 9s are a 42 - This is actually a size 8 in my eyes, HOWEVER, some of the 42s are actually a good size 8, so they fit me. These ones are pretty tight but with them being leather, they'll give bit, plus they look banging. Topshop are my fave high street store by a country mile, so it regularly breaks my heart that in most cases both their clothes and shoes are just that bit too small.

I've just started with a cold so there's a strong chance that I'm going to be living in sweatshirts, pyjamas and big coats for the next month (Sounds overdramatic but trust me when I say that I am NOT good with colds!)

Em x

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

Five Minutes on What Now...?

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Trigger Warning - This post mentions fertility and motherhood

I’m going through this thing right now. An internal debate if you will. Not a particularly fun or fluffy one, so If you’re reading this post in the hope of clarity or a deeper understanding of a woman who has her life together READ NO FURTHER.

I saw a quote recently that really stuck with me - it said something about there being two kinds of childless women; A loving and caring Auntie type and the other a drunken old floozy. Luckily I can’t find the exact quote again because I’m in exactly the kind of mood where I’d find the Earth mother who wrote it and kick their face off... Child loss broke my heart, there’s no doubt about it. MPW and I went from knowing exactly who we were as a couple, to getting our heads around the fact that there would be new element to life as we knew it, to actually looking forward to having another little dude to knock about with and take to McDonalds. Despite this, as a couple who had never formally written the “Along came a baby” chapter into our book, it’s since been very difficult to work out what exactly it is we grieved for.

Northern Lights - Plus Size Winter Warmers

Sunday, January 22, 2017

January can be grim can't it? It plays havoc with the weather, the light and more annoyingly our moods. My new job means that I literally don't have a moment to think about anything except all of the long words I need to learn (HELP!), but I'm still longing for natural light, warmth and a bit of extra brightness to my days. Hence this scarf.

Dress - Primark (Similar here and here)
Coat - Marks & Spencer (Similar)
Scarf - River Island
Ankle Boots - Dorothy Perkins

I bought the scarf just before Christmas in a "Treat yo'self" moment on a particularly bloody freezing cold Yorkshire day and have worn it constantly ever since. I honestly thought it was green but I have since realised that it is definitely yellow. VERY yellow. It's also the softest thing I own and the perfect addition to an otherwise quite gloomy outfit. It certainly seems the case that wearing something flamboyant (even just a scarf) can really up my mood.

Dress - Primark (Similar here and here)

The dress is a really cheap one from Primark, bought last year and worn very occasionally - I'm not sure how I feel about the proportions of it. In the past I've lived in vintage look mini dresses and ankle boots but I think my style and body shape are evolving and this dress may become a top very soon. I just feel more put together with a longer dress or trousers AND I NEVER THOUGHT THIS DAY WOULD COME. ALSO, I don't like flashing my knickers as much any more - This must be what being an adult feels like...

The coat, however, is a different story. This is my work coat and I LOVE IT. The joy of having a coat that you can throw on over pretty much anything and still look smart is a feeling I can very much get along with. I bought this double breasted woollen coat at the end of 2015 in lieu of being able to find a camel coat that I felt strongly enough about, Marks and Spencer very much provided on the navy blue front (I've since bought a camel coat but it's not to be worn until my birthday - Yes I am just that skilled at depriving myself of joy).

I would like to thank lovely Violet for sharing a rather lovely afternoon with me in Hull (My hometown and the UK City Of Culture in 2017 "YORKSHIRE! YORKSHIRE! YORKSHIRE!") and taking these fabulous pictures - Violet has just been named as one of the Yours Clothing Bloggers so you'll be seeing a lot of her in 2017 and quite rightly too!

Em x

A Winter Hero - The Rollneck Jumper

Sunday, January 15, 2017

Just a quick Sunday post from me to allow me to share my new found love for wearing rollneck jumpers underneath things. A public service announcement if you will.

Shift Dress* - Elvi
Roll Neck Jumper - Jette at Navabi
Tights - Primark
Ankle Boots - Primark

This particular rollneck is Jette from Navabi. Hilariously, I ordered it by accident (Yes, I am THAT stupid) but when it arrived, I thought I'd try it on... I've hardly taken it off since then. I must confess that I don't know an awful lot about Jette but Navabi have some of their office basics on their site at the moment and if they're even half as good quality as this jumper I wholeheartedly recommend them.

I had always thought that black rollnecks were for mimes or jazz musicians but actually they're an INCREDIBLY useful addition to any Winter wardrobe. I've worn this one with checked work trousers, under a plethora of pinafores and with my A-line midi skirt. I'm going to try the rollneck under some other dresses this week. in fact, it's that cold I may well be wearing a rollneck under another rollneck...

This shift dress is from Elvi, it's ideal over a jumper as it's loose fit (I'm wearing a 16 here) I do think Elvi do shift dresses well in that they're always a good length and have the attention to detail (Hems, raglan sleeves and pattern) that so many brands miss on basic items.

I've got an extremely busy week ahead of me, I assume I'll be wearing clothes but it seems unlikely that I'll be standing still at any point so it may be a quiet blog week, please accept my apologies!

Em x

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

Style | You Brought Me Violets - Scantilly Peek-A-Boo

Saturday, January 14, 2017

I've got something a little different for you here - A lingerie post with pictures that haven't either been taken in a dusty mirror or by a harassed man shouting "WHY DO YOU ALWAYS DO THIS WHEN WE'RE GOING OUT?"

The wonderful ladies at Scantilly recently presented me with the Peek-A-Boo in black, which I utterly adore - It's so different from anything else I own in that it's not a full cup and it's ACTUALLY sexy. Even on me; the girl who laughs at the words "three-way" during conference calls. So when I saw it had been released in violet I became the literal heart eye emoji.

A Fine Romance - The Joanie Valentina Dress

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Guys, there are only 36 days until Valentines Day. This means only 36 days until Morrisons, sausages, chips, sachets of ketchup and a formica table with my beloved. As such, I'd like to take this opportunity to show you one of Joanie Clothing's romantic new frocks: The Valentina.

Valentina Dress - Joanie Clothing

Isn't it lovely? It's giving me serious garden party vibes, despite the impending snow in my part of the world... If you look closely at the print, you'll see some lovely little chickens, because there is nothing more romantic than chickens. In all seriousness though, aren't the print and colourway stunning? Coupled with the full skirt and bow detailing to the waist, it's an incredibly sweet dress without being cutesy.

I think I'm wearing a 16 here but I can't guarantee it as my inclination is to size up x1 with fitted items at Joanie. I can, however, tell you that there is no stretch with the Valentina but there IS a zip at the back and the sleeves are proportional to the size - PRAISE BE.

I can't wait to see more of what Joanie have to come this year - What I've already seen is stunning, and with models like Sade and Harriet it's impossible not to be besotted <3

Em x

Photography by Tanzaro Creative

Windswept - Hayley Hasselhoff x Elvi Collection

Monday, January 09, 2017

I feel like plus size collections have come a long way in the last twelve months. With retailers like Navabi bringing classic fashion to our fingertips, I've personally been able to go from spending a fortune on fast fashion to investing in timeless, well-made pieces which will last me years, a fabulous example being these pieces from the Hayley Hasselhoff x Elvi collection.

Longline Knitted Coat - Hayley Hasselhoff x Elvi
High Neck Dress - Hayley Hasselhoff x Elvi
Black Boots - Primark

I'd been eyeing up this for a VERY long time. What. A. Statement. Piece. I feel incredible when I'm wearing it, such effortless glamour. It is made from a thick white/navy herringbone knit and is fully lined (I know how much you guys like this).

A word to the wise - The coat is LONG, utterly perfect for me but if you're under 5"9 you may need to think about having it taken up unless you want to collect every single leaf, crisp packet and stray cat on your street.

This dress is simply perfect - I love a high neck and coupled with the tailoring and waist high splits, you have a dress which will work equally as well over leather look leggings and high heels for a night out as it would with wide legged trousers and sandals on holiday. I have to specify, I AM wearing underwear below, you just can't see it. I'm not in the habit of public indecency at public beauty spots.

I've actually met Hayley a few times in real life and can honestly say that she is one of the most beautiful people I've ever seen. She literally glows. Not only this but she has clearly put a lot of thought into this range and I get the feeling that she would wear every single piece herself; describing the range as "Sophisticated, minimalistic, tailored and timeless" - I really couldn't think of a better way to put it.

I bought both items in the Elvi sale, meaning that the coat was just £59 and the dress £29, absolutely phenomenal for such high-end pieces. The new Hayley Hasselhoff x Elvi collection is out later this year and it is STUNNING - the longline silhouettes and luxe fabrics are still there with the addition of mixed textures and incredibly versatile statement pieces - Keep your eyes peeled!

Em x

Five Minutes On You Are Perfect.

Tuesday, January 03, 2017

Trigger Warning: This post mentions diet culture negatively. If this is something which may cause you upset or trauma at this point, please skip this post, do what's right for you and take care of yourself you lovely person.

I don't often write about this topic because frankly, I find it dull. Dull and infuriating. This said, I just want to take the time to interrupt our regular January schedule of "Please self-loathe in order to buy this crap" with some of my own thoughts. These are thoughts which my body positive friends regularly share in the hope that they will dilute the nonsense you are being bombarded with, you may have read them, shared them, maybe even ignored (as I did a million times over in the past) under the assumption that this doesn't mean you, that good things are only going to happen for you when you eat that thing/subscribe to that place/deprive yourself of that pleasure because you are somehow different and you do not deserve to love yourself.

But I would like it if you could read this post from me and please at least consider making this about you. Even if just to keep me quiet for another year.

I've been reluctant in the past to describe myself as Body Positive. I am without a doubt positive about other people's bodies, but here's a secret....

Sometimes I am not positive about my own body

"WHUT?!?" I hear you cry, "How can someone who likes all bodies not like their own?!?" Well here's an even bigger secret, if not THE biggest secret:

Everyone has body confidence wobbles. EVERYONE.

Merry Christmas and Thank You

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Hasn't 2016 been a wild ride?!?

But we've done it, we're here with just eight days left to go and fun and games with Father Christmas to look forward to.

My plans for the next week are to do the following:

Eat,

Drink,

Be massively merry.

Fatale Dress - Revival Retro

I hope that your plans are similar and that you all have a beautifully restful, safe and happy festive period readers and I'd like to take this opportunity to wish those of you who celebrate it a very, very

I would also like to say a huge

for your love, support and general ace-ness in 2016 - It means the world to me and I think you are all marvelous!

I would also just like to take a moment here to acknowledge that this time of year can be incredibly difficult for so many of us. Below is a list of organisations and helplines compiled by Lovely Kellie from Big Fashionista and displayed so beautifully by Lottie L'Amour. Please keep a copy of this to hand and don't hesitate to reach out if you need support this festive season.

Please know that you are loved, you are important and You Are Not Alone.

I'll be back with you all in 2017, if not sooner!

IT'S CHRISTMAS with Joanie clothing

Saturday, December 17, 2016

I've been desperate to share this Joanie Clothing dress with you all but a bit like with Christmas decorations, I didn't want to share it too soon and for it to lose any sparkle!

Odette Cocktail Dress - Joanie Clothing
Shoes - New Look (Old)

As you may know, I was extremely lucky earlier this year in that I modeled some of the Christmas range for Joanie, meaning that I not only got a sneak peak but also got to wear it. Which is where I fell for the Odette...

The epitome of 1950s cocktail dress fom the scalloped neckline to the full skirt, this dress is an item which I am genuinely excited to have in my wardrobe. Just look at that print (CAN YOU TELL I'M IN LOVE?)

Bag - Vintage Gift

There is also an utterly stunning cocktail skirt in the Cocktail print (The Noelle) which I am the proud owner of and have already worn on three separate occasions - It really is gorgeous. With both the dress and the skirt, the volume comes from the cut - This means that there is no need for an underskirt to achieve the beautiful 50's silhouette which brings me such joy.

As with most of the fitted items from Joanie, I have sized up half a size with the Odette meaning that this dress is an 18. There is plenty of room around the bust and hips and it sits beautifully close around the waist.

I honestly could not ask for a more beautiful dress for the festive season, it is total perfection. For me, Joanie Clothing have been instrumental in brightening up what has otherwise been a pretty grim year and I'm hugely enjoying seeing them go from strength to strength. If you like brands who care about style, elegance and most importantly their customers; Joanie clothing are the guys for you.

Em x

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

Alternative Glamour with Elvi

I was going to save this Elvi post until after New Year but it ended up looking so effortlessly glam I just needed to get it out there before we all start the January pyjama party.

High Neck Jumper* - Elvi
Leather look skirt* - Elvi
Earrings - Topshop (Similar)
Shoes - New Look (Similar)

Elvi's 2017 Transitional collection is utterly stunning, with a plethora of textures, prints and tones but my favourite piece by far is this leather look hi-low skirt. Isn't it utterly banging? It's just such a versatile piece - I love how it's styled here but I also can't wait to wear it with strappy sandals and a silk shirt.

I knew that the elastic waistband of the skirt would work on me after falling in love with the checked Tulip Skirt I reviewed earlier in the year. This particular skirt doesn't zip up the back but the elastic is sufficiently stretchy that its goes up over my hips easily and springs back into shape around my waist. The front sits just below my knees and the back just above the ankle - It's utterly perfect.

The jumper I have styled it with here is also from Elvi and IS SO FLUFFY I COULD DIE. It is just the most delightful thing to have against your body, albeit VERY warm. The neckline is also delightful, the height with the raglan sleeves means that it sits really nicely across my shoulders and gives the perfect base for some glam earrings. I've tucked it into the skirt here so it's hard to see in the pictures but the jumper is cropped length which works perfectly with a higher waistband. Both items here are a 16 and completely true to size.

The whole look is ideal for a mulled wine with the family which, funnily enough, is something I'm just about to do! My next post is actually going to be a bit/very festive and I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU TO SEE IT.

Em x

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

Plus Size Plisse - The Elvi Pleated Top

A Plus Size Bridesmaid - Part 2: Joanie Clothing

Five Minutes On Being Too Much

Stupid Cupid - A Joanie Valentine

Keeping It Casual with Pink Clove

Five Minutes on What Now...?

Northern Lights - Plus Size Winter Warmers

A Winter Hero - The Rollneck Jumper

Style | You Brought Me Violets - Scantilly Peek-A-Boo

A Fine Romance - The Joanie Valentina Dress

Windswept - Hayley Hasselhoff x Elvi Collection

Five Minutes On You Are Perfect.

Merry Christmas and Thank You

IT'S CHRISTMAS with Joanie clothing

Alternative Glamour with Elvi

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