The Em Edit

Floral Fashion with Matalan

Sunday, August 28, 2016

Happy Bank Holiday Everyone!

Instead of going out and having a fabulous time with my mega cool friends, I've decided to stay in bed today with a stomach bug. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE.

Luckily, I was well enough yesterday to pop out for a cheeky bank holiday glass of wine and decided that even though the sky was grey, it didn't mean I had to be (I'm green today).

Longline Embroidered Blouse - Matalan
Ripped Black Joni Jeans - Topshop
Ghillie Sandals - New Look (Similar)

I brought the brightness into my life via this Longline Embroidered Blouse* from Matalan. Guys, firstly let's have a little chat about the embroidery. It is REAL embroidery - Not just a drawing of some sewing. The detail is so very beautiful and the colours are incredibly eye-catching - In fact, because of bedazzlement, a really cool young person in H&M asked where it was from and I basically tried to marry them because THEY HAD NOTICED ME and made them wish they'd never said anything. It is just THAT good a blouse.

Normally longline isn't longline on me, it's just a normal length (Particularly when my bubble butt gets involved) but this blouse goes all the way down to my knees HURRAY. It buttons from top to bottom but I quite liked to have it open to the waist so that it flapped a bit in the breeze - I'm a modern superhero.

I'm genuinely surprised this shirt isn't 100% cotton because it is so light and soft against the skin; I actually spent a lot of time stroking myself for just this reason. I didn't get a good picture of the back of the shirt but it's gathered at the middle of the shoulders (You can see this better on their website) which, coupled with the waist-height side splits, gives it a lot of movement and makes it ideal for over skinny jeans or leggings - it's such an easy look to wear.

Some advice on fit: I'm wearing an 18 here and although there looks to be a bit of gaping on the bust, it's actually really roomy. I think the gaping was more to do with it needing a quick iron and I could have definitely sized down with this if it wasn't for the sleeves; they're not tight exactly however, with the fit of the shirt, I think they would sit a bit better if they were maybe two inches more generous. The same with the collar, a 16 would have fit better on the torso but I would have struggled with the top button. If anyone else has this shirt, let me know what you think in the comments below.

You'll have to excuse the white dust on the picture above - I'd had a chip butty, the breadcake flaked onto me and my "photographer" didn't make me aware...

Matalan have some fab seasonal stock coming in at the moment (I'm WELL into this Ditsy Print Blouse) and with such low price points as £20 for the blouse I'm wearing, it's worth a look for your early Autumn wardrobe.

Em x

*Denotes Items Gifted for review - All views are entirely my own.

A Plus Size Bridesmaid - Part One: David's Bridal

Friday, August 26, 2016

Last month I was asked to be a bridesmaid. Well I say "asked" - My sister got engaged and I just assumed. Even if she says not, I'm still going to wear a bridesmaid dress and walk down the aisle in front of her so she might as well give me the job to be honest. This is all of the following: Wonderful, magical and HARD WORK.

There are going to be five of us bridesmaids. What we have in common is that we're cool as f*ck, drop dead gorgeous and generally just a pleasure to be around. What we don't have in common is our sizes, heights or body shapes - Hence this being the first in a series of "A Plus Size Bridesmaid" posts.

What I want to do in this series is to source as many potential dress stockists as possible, not only to help you guys but also to try and help Our Kid in ensuring that we are all appropriately dressed on her special day and don't look like a mismatched bunch of bridesmaid wannabes. For this reason, I'm going to be looking out for size 6 - 20 floor length coral-toned dresses, in keeping with (this week's...) theme of her wedding.

I'm sincerely hoping that I'll get the opportunity to try some of these brands in real life but guys, it is difficult. So many stockists are available purely online and in most cases you're forking out over £100 for a dress that may or may not fit. When you factor in the fact that most brides have at least three bridesmaids, it's no small change. If I do manage this, I'll be sure to post updates on the blog and my Social Media feeds. Likewise, if you have any brands/styles you've worn yourselves which I can feature I'd be over the moon - Nothing's better than the recommendation of a wonderful woman!

The Dresses:

The dresses above are all "White by Vera Wang" and I think they're utterly stunning. I'm pleased that there is a range of styles within the maxi dress category, also some sensible yet attractive straps for us bustier bridesmaids who don't want to give the congregation a coronary.

The Sizing:

All of the dresses above are available in sizes 4 - 30. David's Bridal also have petite and extra length options in other styles which you can see on their website.

The Prices:

All dresses above range from £160 - £186. These aren't budget prices at all BUT when you think about what you'd pay for an occasion dress, it seems reasonable for what I'm assuming would be a well made dress.

Availability:

David's Bridal is available online as well as instore:

London - The Street, Westfield Stratford City,

Watford - Waterfields Retail Park,

Glasgow - Braehead Shopping Centre,

Not good news for most of us - I'd really like to try before I buy. However, delivery appears to be 5 - 11 days in the UK and as long as your item is not bespoke, there is a 14 days return policy. It seems a pretty safe and clear policy to me, unlike many other online vendors I've looked into.

Summary:

I like David's Bridal - The pricing is reasonable for an occasion dress, the items look incredibly classic, well made and I love that they have a "Real Bridesmaids" gallery which allows you to see how the dresses look on a range of gorgeous shapes and sizes. It seems likely that I'll be making an order from here, so expect pictures!

Have you tried David's Bridal? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below...

Em x

A Plus Size 70s Dream - The Navabi Faux Suede Midi Skirt

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

Have you ever tried something on and not been able to think about anything else since...? Well this Faux Suede Midi Skirt from Navabi was just that for me.

Faux Suede Skirt* - Manon Baptiste at Navabi
Black Body Suit - New Look Plus
Tan Sandals - Topshop (Similar here)
Rose Gold Shopper - Primark
Tassel Earrings - H&M

Cagney and Lacey eat your hearts out - This is so my aesthetic it is RIDICULOUS. I first tried this skirt at an utterly wonderful night with Navabi and my heart was lost until the moment their glorious team offered to send me one (If I could do emojis there would be roughly 75 hearts here). The skirt is a true button up from bottom to top, is incredibly soft like a bunny and guys: Pockets. Big pockets.

The length is spot on for me, it sits perfectly mid-calf, meaning it looks fab with both heeled sandals and blocked ankle boots. I'm positively DESPERATE for a pair of burgundy clogs to wear with this and my maroon cowl neck jumper, the more I think about it, the more it inspires my Autumn wardrobe.

This is a 16 and it fits absolutely perfectly, which makes me think it may be a generous fit across the stomach. I'm generally quite nervous with anything that buttons up due to the potential for gaping but the cut of this skirt means that it hangs perfectly and I didn't flash anyone, not one bit.

The plan was to style the skirt with a bell sleeved 70s size blouse but I love how it looks with a plain black body suit SO MUCH I just had to share it - Sometimes you need to let the statement piece do the talking, right? This body suit is a New Look Plus/Curve/ Inspire/Whatever they are right now and I have three of them because they fit incredibly well and I don't want to risk being without. The sandals are my old faithful Topshop ones and the earrings are some little beauties from H&M which go with utterly everything.

Navabi are absolutely owning it right now, the Manon Baptiste range alone blows my mind - I would happily wear any/all off it and be chicest damn woman that ever there was. Please don't just take my word for it - They have 20% off their five biggest brands right now so it's the perfect time to give them a go!

Em x

* Denotes gifted item - As always, all views are entirely my own.

New Plus Size Brand - Want That Trend

Monday, August 22, 2016

NEW PLUS SIZE BRAND ALERT

Introducing for your delectation and delight: Want That Trend

Adolphe Floral Skater Dress* - We Want That Trend
Shoes - New Look (Similar here)

Want That Trend have recently taken a foray into the plus size world with a HUGE range of dresses in sizes 16 - 24, Seriously, there are more than 100 to choose from, all of which are chic, feminine and if they're anything like this one; incredibly easy to wear. Most importantly, they're all priced at around £23, which is unheard of for the majority of PS brands. I decided to go for the Adolphe skater dress due to the rich Autumnal print. GUYS I AM READY FOR AUTUMN NOW. Frankly, I miss my tights and am sick of having orange ankles THANK YOU.

I’ve said before that I’m not a fan of the skater dress shape but I honestly think I need to re-evaluate because this is the last in long line of dresses in this style that I’ve fallen for; Especially when they have an interesting sleeve like this one. These cap sleeves have some REAL height to them - Proper power shoulders, which is always a winner for me.

TALL LADIES, I was actually sent five dresses from Want That Trend and this was the only one which maintained my modesty, so I would very much suggest you check the length on the description (I didn’t do this – When will I learn?!?) WTT state the length of most items and I’ll definitely know for future that the 93cm+ dresses = Yes and the 90cm- dresses = Not unless I want to be arrested.

Other than length, the fit is fine; this is an 18 and although the fit is snug, (I’d say size up wherever possible) the arm holes, shoulder and back are accommodating, plus the scuba material allows for a bit of give if required - Just remember that patterns can fade when stretched! I also like that this is a dress I can just pull on over my head with a pair of tights and I'll immediately look work ready without messing about.

It’s always nice to be able to add another brand to the plus size list, especially when they're offering something that I've not seen anywhere else. I can't wait to see what's coming next from Want That Trend.

Em x

* Denotes items gifted for review - As always, opinions are my own.

A Warm Weather Jumpsuit with Simply Be

Saturday, July 23, 2016

ISN'T IT HOT?!?!

As such, I've been knocking about in this here Floral Jumpsuit from Simply Be, being an effortlessly cool flower queen, eating ice creams and sweating minimally wherever possible.

Tie Front Playsuit - Simply Be
Tan Ankle Boots - Simply Be
Tan Clutch Bag - Simply Be

Firstly: This print. Isn't it fabulous? I'm a big fan of a floral as you may have noticed in the past like a million times. I'm also very drawn towards all-in-ones in the warmer months because they're just so easy - This one has an elasticated waistband and buttons at the back, meaning that you can get out of bed, step straight into it and off you go (Sometimes I even brush my hair. Sometimes).

I think there's been a tendency for brands to think that a plus size jumpsuit has to be dramatically oversized, have a dropped crotch and basically be as close to a onesie as possible, I'm pleased to report that Simply Be do not prescribe to this. I sized up here - This is a size 18 and is a perfect warm weather fit (no sweaty gussets please) but otherwise the fit and style is .

The boots are also from Simply Be and may be a tad premature weather wise but are going to be ideal with my tights for Autumn (YES, I'm thinking about Autumn, as it is the most wonderful time of the year and frankly I'm bored of always having a hot red face right now) They're ever so terribly comfortable and I do not say this lightly, just like my face, my feet hate Summer; they like to be all folded up where nobody can see them.

How are you keeping cool at the moment? All advice greatly appreciated...

Em x

Plus Size Leopard - The New Look Midi Dress.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

I've been eyeing this New Look dress up for a while but when I saw the ever radiant Bethany from Arched Eyebrow wear an extremely similar frock SO successfully I realised the time had come to part with my dolla.

Leopard Print Midi Dress - New Look
Tan Suedette Ghillie Sandals - New Look
Turquoise Earrings - Gift, Ti Sento (similar)

Yes, I am posing in front of a "Cool" wall here. I needed to get as far away from my back garden as possible due to very nearly killing myself with weed/ivy and nettle removal. I've genuinely never sweated as much in my entire life. And the garden still looks crap. So I took myself off, ate a tenners worth of Taco Bell and leoparded it up in front of some cool things.

I love the neckline here - it's very similar to a slash neck, making it just that bit more glam. Added to the elasticated pleating, perfect length and sash belt, you have an extremely easy to wear and versatile Summer look.

I'm wearing the dress with my Tan Ghillie sandals; also from New Look and my very favourite turquoise teardrop earrings which were a 30th birthday present from my lovely mum and dad. Isn't turquoise wonderful? I feel like it's a neutral shade in the same way that leopard print is - meaning that it goes with EVERYTHING.

I'm on the look out for more Tshirt style midi dresses of this ilk, recommendations greatly accepted!

Em x

A Plus Size Holiday Wardrobe - The Warehouse Stripe Midi Dress

Thursday, June 30, 2016

It's time for Part Three of my Plus Size Holiday Wardrobe, which brings us to the fabulous, dream to wear; Warehouse Stripe Midi Pencil Dress.

Stripe Midi Pencil Dress - Warehouse
Sandals - Primark (Similar here)

What really sold this dress to me was the fit. This is an 18 and other than a little bit of bagging around the bottom (Goodness knows why, my ass is one of my more voluptuous regions!) it fits like an absolute dream. It's like it was made for my proportions - At 6ft it hits just the right place in the calf for a midi, the zip up back means that the bust and waist can fit snugly without pulling at the seams and the straps sit in exactly the same place as my bra straps - HURRAH!!!

This really is such a lovely dress to wear - It is a soft cotton which looks and feels more like a light linen. It's one of those "throw it on and you'll be fine" frocks. Plus: Pockets.

The only issue I did have with the dress is that the straps are attached at the back with buttons, not the strongest buttons may I add. Luckily my Mum is a dab hand with a needle because I very much needed stitching back into the dress on its second wear... beyond this, the quality is utterly excellent and I can see this being a dress that lasts me a really long time. Unless I spill more crap on it. Which I inevitably will.

Sadly, these old reliable Primark lace up sandals died on the last day of the holiday (Whilst I was out. It was great) so I have had to replace them with some very similar ones from New Look which are actually a tad more comfortable. Has anyone else found that they need a small heel as they get older? I do hope so because I have and I'm not even that old (am I?!?!)

I'll definitely be considering Warehouse more in the future if this dress is anything to go by, in fact, I already have my eye on this floral print midi for Autumn; Hurray for surprise shop successes!

Em x

A Plus Size Holiday Wardrobe - The Pleated H&M Dress

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

It's time for part two of my Plus Size Holiday Wardrobe, and today's item is one which ridiculously very nearly didn't make it into the suitcase...

Pleated Dress - H&M (Available up to a 20)
Sandals - Primark (Similar here)
Earrings - H&M (Similar here)

I first saw this Mustard yellow Pleated Dress in the Birmingham Bull Ring H&M and got a little twinkle in my eye...until doubt kicked in... Thin straps?!? It's been a loooong time since I wore thin straps. Even as a gangly teenager, my shoulders felt too broad for such a dainty style. So I left it. Until the day that I returned an epically misjudged bikini purchase the store in Meadowhall and the dress reared its pretty little mustard face once more, begging me to reconsider. Now I'm not one to let a pretty dress down so I bought it without even trying the thing on.

I AM SO GLAD I AM STUPIDLY IMPULSIVE; This dress is a dream - Calf-length, double layered with an elasticated seam under the bust, cut-out at the back and slits in the sides, it just screams HOLIDAAAAAYYYYY! I am over the moon with it.

This is a size 16 and INCREDIBLY it is true to size (H&M and I do not see eye to eye on our sizing in that their sizing is wrong) Available up to a size 20, I feel that this is the Summer dress many of us have been waiting for. Sadly, I spilled garlic oil right down the middle of it but my Mum assures me she can fix it which is bloody lucky because I don't have a flaming clue when it comes to this shizzle.

A word of advice: This skirt is VERY transparent. I just put a pair of my shapewear shorts on underneath and it was all OK but I would hate for someone to buy this for a wedding on my recommendation and be subsequently excommunicated from the family for showing up the bride... Other than this, the pleated dress is yet another incredibly easy to wear holiday item which, even just paired with a simple pair of sandals and gold earrings, made me feel utterly gorgeous.

There you go, further evidence that it's worth shopping outside of your comfort zone!

Em x

A Plus Size Holiday Wardrobe - The New Look Bardot Dress

Sunday, June 26, 2016

I HAVE BEEN ON MY HOLIDAYS!

Therefore, over the next fortnight I'm going to post my favourite looks from the week. It made such a lovely change to have the time, lighting AND a willing photographer, in fact, I may book another holiday for these reasons alone. Definitely not because I want another week of unadulterated eating, drinking and general slobiness...

Floral Print Button Front Bardot Dress - New Look
Sandals - Primark (Similar here)
Bag - ASOS (Similar here)

This is my first look for you - The Floral Print Button Front Bardot Dress from New Look. You may have seen this on some other babes and it truly is the dress that keeps on giving - I've genuinely not seen it look anything but gorgeous on everyone, at all shapes, heights, skin tones and ages.

The dress is 100% viscose but it feels more like a cheesecloth cotton to me - Light to the touch and in terms of general sweatiness but heavy in how it hangs and moves. And the oversized floral print? SO romantic and utterly perfect for a day in the sun.

With regards to size, this is an 18 and is extremely roomy - I could have done with a 14/16 but there wasn't one in store and I am extremely impatient... I wore the dress out for a meal along with my simple heeled sandals from Primark last year and my tan ASOS clutch - Also an old favourite. I really enjoy how easy this dress is to wear, the length sits perfectly on my calf and the neckline sits in exactly the right place to avoid movement and rolling up as can often be an issue with bardot necked clothing.

Please excuse the quality of the pictures over the next week - Unfortunately I filled my case with giant shoes; leaving no room for my camera meaning that these are very iPhone based!

Em x

Floral Fashion with Matalan

A Plus Size Bridesmaid - Part One: David's Bridal

A Plus Size 70s Dream - The Navabi Faux Suede Midi Skirt

New Plus Size Brand - Want That Trend

A Warm Weather Jumpsuit with Simply Be

Plus Size Leopard - The New Look Midi Dress.

A Plus Size Holiday Wardrobe - The Warehouse Stripe Midi Dress

A Plus Size Holiday Wardrobe - The Pleated H&M Dress

A Plus Size Holiday Wardrobe - The New Look Bardot Dress

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