The Em Edit: Skirts

Showing posts with label Skirts. Show all posts

Five Minutes on Feminism + Fashion

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Feminism in fashion is "having a moment" as they say and high street store Peacocks have sasheyed in with their fab The Future Is Female t-shirt, which you may have seen gracing the body of celebrities and bloggers aplenty. It's a beaut tshirt - Lovely soft cotton, great fit and most importantly, a message we can all get behind.

Alternative Glamour with Elvi

Saturday, December 17, 2016

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.

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

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.

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!)

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.

Leather and Lace with Bonprix

Monday, October 05, 2015

Do you ever put an outfit on and immediately think YES I LOVE THIS HURRAY! For me it's been happening less of late as I've been rushing about all over the shop and not had the energy to get inside my wardrobe/floordrobe/pile of clothes, meaning that inspiration has been at a minimum. Until now.....

Lace Sleeve Polo Neck Jumper* - BonPrix
Leather Look Pencil Skirt - F and F
Cut out Pointed Ankle Boots - ASOS

Bonprix were utterly delightful and offered to send me a piece of their plus size knitwear with a view to styling it for Autumn/Winter - I went for the Lace Sleeve Polo Neck Jumper and I could not be happier.

The knit is just so soft, light and drapy and I really like how the lace sleeves take this away from being a plain old polo neck. It also breaks up an all black outfit, making it just that bit more interesting. Finally, I love a bit of aeration on my elbows.

Who doesn't.

The Leather look pencil skirt was bought last week from F and F at Tesco and I'm already pretty excited about how else I'm going to wear this. Online it's only available up to an 20 but I can say in all honesty - Size down. This is a 14 which is unprecedented for me with pencil skirts. The Pointed ankle boots are ASOS - Size 9 (Size 8 in the rest of the world...) and are stupidly comfortable. Again, an Autumn wardrobe staple for me. Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm falling in love with fashion again. HARD.

Em x

* Denotes items gifted for review

High Fashion With Yours Clothing

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Fashion week is almost upon us, as such I have taken the unprecedented seasonal step of FLASHING MY LEGS. These legs are very brown. Very brown indeed. They've had a full week in the sun so even if they look whiter than a polar bear, I can assure you that they are not (They are. They really are)

Floral Skater Skirt - Yours Clothing
Chiffon Blouse with jeweled collar - Yours Clothing
Wedge Ankle Boots - Yours Clothing
Earrings - Yours Clothing

I can't lie, when I hear the words "High Fashion", I think "not terribly wearable" but these last three words are not synonymous with Yours Clothing so in putting together this outfit I've gone for a wearable yet fashionable silhouette which is one you won't usually see on me. Saying this, I love the shape that you can get from scuba - the effect of a full skirt without the masses of fabric, and over a fitted shirt I think it looks very chic indeed. The detailing on the collar of this shirt is utterly beautiful - to be honest, there was no need for the earrings but I just like them so very much that I bling-ed it up to the max. Finally, the boots are a size 9 and are ridiculously comfortable (Again, not very high fashion of me...)

My absolute dream high fashion look is basically anything Vivienne Westwood - I know so many women love a bit of Viv - For me it's the structure, the bold prints and STUPIDLY high platforms. In fact, Yours are giving a strong nod to this look in their A/W range: Tartans shawls, chunky ankle boots and tailored shirts - I can't wait to get my grubby little mits on some of it.

Just a few words of advice with these items:

The skirt comes up big - Like REALLY big. This is a 16 and I think I could have gone at least two sizes smaller to wear it on my waist - So size down!

The shirt is a bit on the tighter size. This is an 18 and it is a bit gapey around the busoms - So size up!

(Yours' sizing is generally spot on for me so this is a one off)

UKPSFW is this weekend and it looks to be fabulous - I'll be keeping my eyes open for some catwalk inspo!

Em x

Five Minutes on Feminism + Fashion

Alternative Glamour with Elvi

Finding the perfect fit with the Wide Calf Boot Store

Plus Size Work Wear - The Elvi Checked Tulip Skirt

Cosying up with Elvi - The Autumn Gilet

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

Leather and Lace with Bonprix

High Fashion With Yours Clothing

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