The Em Edit

Summer Holiday Swimwear - Simply Be

Wednesday, July 05, 2017

This is the second in my Summer Holiday Swimwear Series and today I have my top picks from Simply Be, who are all about poolside glamour this year - with bold prints and cutout detailing, I was spoilt for choice.

Longer Length Magisculpt Swimsuit - Simply Be

I spotted this swimsuit at a recent Simply Be event and was immediately VERY into the colour - IT'S JUST SO AB FAB. This is the kind of swimsuit that you would wear to a spa. When I say spa I mean bar by a swimming pool. Which is exactly what I did... I also have matching lipstick. Which I wore with it. Because I am just. that. glam.

The longer length makes it utterly perfect for my height. I have to confess that I was put off by it being shape wear - I assumed it would be a bit too thick for the poolside and I'd end up sweating my tits right off. Luckily this wasn't the case at all - The magisculpt lining does mean that the suit is hard work to pull up (and down if you're in a rush for a wee . Which I always am) but it is otherwise spot on.

String Tie Bikini Set - Simply Be

The cutout detail of this string bikini is the kind of thing you see so rarely in plus sizes and I LOVE IT. Let me be honest, you won't be running any marathons in this top - The support is pretty non-existent despite the foam cups and silicone tape (The sticky stuff that holds it in place) but it's ideal for lounging about and is mega comfortable.

Obvious words of advice - Watch your tan lines with this one. It's actually really good for pulling the straps down on so I managed to avoid any issues but I really don't know how you'd cover up these lines... Maybe go topless? I don't know, it's up to you. Be your own sexy self.

Isn't it amazing how quickly you slip out of the holiday mode...? At least I can keep it going on the blog with one more bikini post after this!

Em x

Summer Holiday Swimwear - Curvy Kate

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

If you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that I've just come back from my holidays and OH BY HECK I've had a lovely time. I pretty much spent ALL week in swimwear because we did absolutely nothing but read, drink rum and relax. With this in mind, I thought it would be entirely appropriate to share my favourite bikinis and swimsuits with you, good reader.

Set Sail Balcony Bikini Top - Curvy Kate
Set Sail High Waist Briefs - Curvy Kate

Part one of my Summer Holiday Swimwear Series (Renamed from Big Boob Bikinis because I thought I'd get the wrong kind of attention...) is the incredible Curvy Kate. All of the swimwear you see here is a 36F on the top and on the 18 bottom (With bikinis I tend to go up one back size just because I don't want them to be quite as tight as my bras) On my jollies I like to take a mix of high waisted and hipster briefs away with me as well as different style tops to support with the anti-tanline battle (More important than ever as I'm a bridesmaid on Saturday!) so the ability to mix and match every piece of Curvy Kate swimwear is ideal.

Reflex Balcony Bikini Top - Curvy Kate
Reflex Short - Curvy Kate
Sarong - H&M
(This is a stupidly small sarong - I wouldn't recommend beyond a size 18)

I've said it before but I've not always been as confident in wearing bikinis, however, I can honestly say that with most things (Like eating broccolli) it gets easier the more you do it. This year I didn't even think about it, I just put a bikini on and frolicked about, almost like I was just a human woman on holiday with a body in swimwear - WEIRD RIGHT?!?

I've also mentioned how important it is to be around people who respect you and your body - I know that this isn't always easy and I'm very lucky that after 33 long years I'm finally at the point where I can honestly say that I don't have to think about this any more. My husband sees me on a daily basis and as such my body is no surprise to him - He knows exactly what he's getting and he, I quote; "likes that it's all smooth" (Freaking weirdo...) Any people in my life who may still take issue are very aware that the "body" discussion is well and truly off the table and that my happiness is far more important than any opinions they may have. I cannot tell you how liberating this is.

Reflex Plunge Bikini Top - Curvy Kate
Reflex Short - Curvy Kate

I want to say something a bit weird here and I don't know how it will come across but I'm going to say it anyway: I get quite a few messages from people saying they wish that their body was more like mine.

1. I'd firstly like to say thank you, I know that these comments are made with loving intention and that you mean what you say. There have been times when I've battled with my figure, I've never looked anything like my friends, I am a large person from all angles- 6ft tall with everything to match (plus the squish) but I do love my body now - It's the one I have and it would be silly not to.

2. These are photos of me standing still in great lighting, I still love my body in other lighting and at other angles but I certainly don't always look this poised and sweat-free. When I move I fall over or bump into things (Check out the thigh bruise above and the fact that I currently have two broken toes...) Basically, don't believe the hype.

3. Please never wish that your body was like mine. Please never wish that you look like anyone but yourself. Please use some of the energy you put into admiring other people into admiring yourself. I regularly say that "Comparison is the thief of joy" and I mean it - I freaking ADORE Sofia Vergara's body but I don't wish I had it because I already have a body. There will always be someone out there who looks at what you have and thinks PHWOAR. in fact, it's probably me. So send me pictures...

Curvy Kate are huge advocates of self-love and are currently running a campaign asking YOU you take the month long challenge of treating your body the same way that you treat your best friends. Think of the way that you see your friends, you love them unconditionally, you would walk through buzzy wasps for them, yet we are often our own worst critics, I know I can be guilty of it BUT this is really making me think - It's just one month, all you have to do is adore yourself as much as you adore all the other babes in my life. Who knows, it may even stick...?

If you tag @curvykate and use the hashtag #MyBodyMyBFF on Instagram then you could be in with a chance of winning amazing prizes every single day (Check out their BLOG for more competition details)

Em x

Style | Plus Size Occasionwear with Live Unlimited

Thursday, June 15, 2017

I've got some more plus size occasionwear for you - This time it's something a bit pared back and cool. Think chic city wedding followed by a merlot or twelve in a classy wine bar.

Style | Plus Size Occasionwear with Studio 8

Thursday, May 11, 2017

It's that time of year when there's a posh frock occasion around every corner. Weddings, Christenings, proms and, on this occasion, a day at the races care of the lovely people at Studio 8.

Five Minutes on Small Fat Privilege

Friday, April 28, 2017

I’ve touched on the topic of small fat privilege before on both this blog and in this article for Bustle but one of the predominant reasons I've decided to write this post is in the hope it answers some of the questions I'm most frequently asked by other smaller fats.

'When You're Accustomed to Privilege, Equality Feels Like Oppression'

Spring Is Blooming...?

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

This is just a quick post to stop by, say Hi and share in some extreme confusion around what the heck the weather's doing.

Dress - Primark (Similar)
Sandals - Simply Be

When I took these pictures it was hot. Hence me wearing a floaty dress covered in flowers. Right now it is snowing. Hence me wearing my pyjamas.

Midi dresses are the way forward for me right now, the proportions seem to work well with my figure and they look great with trainers, sandals and ankle boots alike

The dress is from Primark so I can't link directly to it but Simply Be have a similar one here. The sandals are also Simply Be, I have them in three colours and they're SO comfortable it's ridiculous.

I'll be back with a longer post at the weekend but, until then, I hope the weather starts to perk up a bit where you are.

Em x

Style | Sexual Happiness Day

Friday, April 21, 2017

Happy Sexual Happiness Day one and all. Did you know that's what today is? I had no idea but then why would I, it's not on my UK national holiday calendar. Yet. Anyway, I hope Father Sexmas came and filled your stockings with big juicy packages (REVOLTING)...

All Wrapped Up With The Towel Shop

Friday, April 14, 2017

For a really, really long time my blog has consisted purely of fashion and opinion, because this is the stuff I know ya know. If ever an opportunity was to present itself in order to persuade me to diversify from this in any way whatsoever, lovely big towels were entirely the one. For the simple reason; When I'm not wearing clothes or having an opinion, I'm in the bath. So this is an incredibly relevant to my interests post. Second only maybe to "Tall men with large faces" and "Rum".

Extra Large Bath Towel* - The Towel Shop

One of my mega issues throughout my entire life has been around the fit of everyday items most people take for granted: Tights, slippers, cycling helmets (Don't ask...) handbags and more often than anything: Towels. Whenever I stop in a hotel you can guarantee that the towel will reach to halfway down my ass with a great big gaping gap at the side. In Carry On films this is sexy (If not epically misogynistic) but on a 6ft tall half-blind woman who is slippery and cold, it's irritating and not at all cute. Trust me.

This issue extends further; I love a good spa day, but while the other guests are encased in huge fluffy towelling robes, I'm there trying to cover my bits with something made for a woman two foot shorter than me and a good thirty inches narrower... That was until The Towel Shop came to my rescue. They have a range of towels, towelling robes and other luxury itemsdesigned for Plus Sized peoples and to prove their dedication to the chub life, they sent me a couple of gifts to slob about in.

First I tried out the 500GSM Egyptian cotton XL bath towel in cream. This measures in at 90 x 180cm and WRAPS ALL THE WAY ROUND ME. All the way round and then some more. It also well and truly covers my ass. Get in. It's lovely and soft and I can actually sit and dry my hair in it without it falling off or getting on my nerves. This towel is available in more colours but I went for cream because I wanted to pretend I was at a luxury hotel and not my in-laws bathroom with someone telling me to hurry up because they need a wee...

Next up was the Turkish Cotton Terry Towelling Bath Robe in XL. I have to be completely honest and say that this robe isn't as big as I'd hoped. With this said, it IS long and it does more than go round me, I just hoped for HUGE you know? The robe is soft but also absorbent (This is turning into a sanitary towel advert...) unlike some of the more trendy dressing gowns on the market and I've now earmarked this as my guest gown for when I stop at the in-laws because I spend a lot of time in their roll-top bath and can now avoid totally drenching the floor, stairs and everywhere else I go.

Towelling Robe* - The Towel Shop

With a pack of four bath towels at only £31 I can sincerely recommend The Towel Shop, you'd pay a lot more than this on the high street for tiny towels of a much lower quality. My very own precious love Becky has also got something to say on this subject and she looks bloody good doing it so be sure to have a look at her post here.

Em x

* Denotes gifted item - All views are entirely my own.

Summer Casual With Navabi

Sunday, April 09, 2017

I recently asked people on my Instagram page what they would like to see more of on this blog. In and amongst the "boobies", "bottoms" and "NOTHING" came the resounding answer of Plus size casual wear. Now I've never really seen myself as anything other than casual - Certainly not glam, but this got me thinking about what I really wear, particularly on those days when I'm just loitering about not doing much of anything. SO, with this in mind, here is my ultimate in Summer casual looks.

Shirt* - Marina Rinaldi Sport @ Navabi
Straight Leg Jeans - Evans
Wrap Detail Sandals - Simply Be
Tote Bag - Mango
Sunglasses - MONKI

A couple of months ago I fell in love with this printed shirt from Marina Rinaldi Sport. I watched the Navabi website like an absolute hawk for months on end to no avail. THEN THERE IT WAS. Except I had missed it and my size had been and gone. WELL DONE ME. But all was not lost! The incredible team at Navabi did some magical detective work and the next thing I know, the shirt was all mine.

The shirt also comes in a navy but I'm a total sucker for green as you know. I'm well into the retro feel to the abstract heart print and the contrasting blue stripe detail at the edges, I've never had such a snazzy shirt. The side splits make it easy to wear either tucked in or loose meaning that so far, I've been able to wear it under a pinafore for work as well as with both black and blue jeans - It's a proper versatile high end item. As for sizing, this is the 18, a 16 would also have fit but the 18 is lovely and loose and looks SO flipping good tucked into jeans with the sleeves rolled up - Perfect for the warm weather we're having right now.

Tan accessories are my go-to all year round. Every time I try another colour or shade of brown, I'm like NAH NOT FOR ME THANKS. This Mango tote is a bit of a lifesaver right now in that I am epically disorganised and this bag is vast enough for me to empty all of my various other bags into. This means that it's currently 95% full of garbage but at least I haven't left my purse at home for at least three weeks... The sandals are Simply Be, size 9 and remarkably comfortable meaning that I will still happily class them as casual shoes despite the heels.

As casual looks go, this is one I love. It's cool, light, versatile but still just dressy enough to stop me breaking out in a rash....

Em x

*Denotes items gifted for review - All opinions are my own. I'd also like to apologise for the quality of these pictures - Some moron (me) forgot their camera....

Style | I Love What I See With Lovehoney Plus

Wednesday, April 05, 2017

When you're a busy and perpetually tired person, it can be hard to remember that you're also a human being, maybe even a sexy female human being who should probably have a bath and brush their hair every now and then (Hot eh?) With this in mind, now could not have been a better time for my beautiful friend at Lovehoney to send me an item of their Plus Size Lingerie range.

Jumping into Spring with Navabi

Saturday, March 25, 2017

It's that time of the year where we start to see brands' Spring/Summer ranges hit the streets and I'm FULLY ready to embrace them. Top of the Pops (Remember Top of the Pops?) for 2017 have got to be yours and my favourite premium plus-size retailers Navabi. Think floaty florals and chic tailoring mixed with fabulous colour pops of Summer brights. it's genuinely a pleasure to behold.

Jumpsuit - Manon Baptiste at Navabi
Bag - Simply Be (Similar)
Shoes - Topshop (Similar)
Sunglasses - MONKI

When I saw this jumpsuit I audibly gasped and can only assume that my eyes turned into love hearts. As a sailor girl at heart (Fake News; The biggest sea-faring vessel I've ever controlled was a pedalo) the deep navy blue, gold buttons and flared leg spoke to me on a whole new level. The chiffon split-sleeves soften the look and keep the jumpsuit from being too tailored for a warmer day, while the zip back means you can zip in even the most voluptuous of bosoms/stomachs/thighs.

The only part of the look I was initially dubious about was the cropped length. I have a strange relationship with my lower legs in that they anger me because no matter how tanned I may get, they remain the same colour as something that has never seen sun. My ass potentially. This said, think they fall to the perfect length - It's the length I'd wear a dress to so why not trousers...?

In the SS17 lookbook, the jumpsuit is styled with red shoes, red lips and a black clutch and it is just the most effortlessly chic outfit I have ever seen. Genuinely. I've played it mega safe here with tan accessories and my new MONKI sunglasses to prove that cropped jumpsuits don't have to be dressy. I can see it looking equally as magnificent with some flat clogs or even ankle boots (in fact I'm going to check this out tonight)

Now the sizing with this jumpsuit is a bit odd. I'm currently a 16-18 and went for a size 18 with it being a fitted item. It's FAR too big on me. Like two sizes too big. I've just ordered a 14 in the hope that it will fit better because I genuinely need this jumpsuit for my Summer wardrobe and I'll feed back on how much better the fit is. Until then, my recommendation would be; SIZE DOWN.

I'm thoroughly delighted to be back out in the sun again and am doing my upmost to absorb some of those vitamins that stop you from feeling like a human slug, so fingers crossed I'll be less Casper and more sun kissed and energy-filled by the next time I post. WATCH THIS SPACE.

Em x

*Denotes gifted item - All views are my own

Delightful Denim with Simply Be

Sunday, March 19, 2017

A couple of weeks ago, I had a day out with my beautiful friend Steph. We drank some drinks, ate some food and attempted to take some decent pictures. Despite inadvertently dressing as each other, I think it was a successful day. Not least because Steph is an awesome woman and I had chips twice.

Bardot Top - Simply Be
Jeans - Simply Be
Sandals - Simply Be

We'd been sent some items from the "new in" section of Simply Be after getting involved with their London Fashion Week Instagram takeover and had both managed to go for a lil bit o' gingham. I went for this Bardot top and Steph was wearing a peplum blouse in the same fabric which I have to say, looked utterly banging. I have to be honest, I'm not certain I love gingham on myself, I prefer a bigger, bolder print. This said, with a blue denim, I think I could do a lot worse.

I'll always be a big fan of a Bardot neckline, they stop me overheating (Have I ever mentioned how sweaty I am? I'm really sweaty) but are incredibly easy to wear. This particular top is loose and light with a fabulous addition of tie details on the sleeves. I'm wearing a 16 here and it's perfect - The neckline is the ideal width, even on my broad shoulders, meaning that there is no digging in or the dreaded "hoik".

These sandals are fab - perfect heel height, good and sturdy and SO comfortable. I could have easily worn them all day no beef. I'm never without a pair of tan coloured sandals, they make warm weather outfits so much easier, whether it be jeans, a midi dress or tailored jumpsuit, they seem less dressy than a black sandal but more versatile than flip flops or the such (My toes are too long for such frivolities...)

Thank you Steph for a thrilling day despite the epic rain - Here's to many more cocktails, accidental twinning and dry pies.

Em x

*Denotes items gifted for review. All thoughts are my own from my own brain.

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.

Summer Holiday Swimwear - Simply Be

Summer Holiday Swimwear - Curvy Kate

Style | Plus Size Occasionwear with Live Unlimited

Style | Plus Size Occasionwear with Studio 8

Five Minutes on Small Fat Privilege

Spring Is Blooming...?

Style | Sexual Happiness Day

All Wrapped Up With The Towel Shop

Summer Casual With Navabi

Style | I Love What I See With Lovehoney Plus

Jumping into Spring with Navabi

Delightful Denim with Simply Be

Plus Size Plisse - The Elvi Pleated Top

A Plus Size Bridesmaid - Part 2: Joanie Clothing

Five Minutes On Being Too Much

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