The wedding planning is pretty much done which means I can get back to my passion of blogging!  I have missed it so much and felt like I have let my readers down....To get back into the swing of things, I have an amazing offer for my readers and it's all about Yours Clothing.  Let me explain how I found this awesome retailer...

I first heard of Yours Clothing from another plus size fashion blog (I think it may have been What Laura Loves).  and of course met with Charlotte at Plus North where I had a good nosey on their rail they had displaying their clothes.  After the event, I also popped into their store in the Arndale centre to have a look at a wider range of their offerings.  I was being very good in Manchester and trying not to spend too much money due to the cost of the hotel and travel so I came away empty handed.

Regularly, I look online at what new items are available across a wide number of online stores and Yours Clothing is no exception.  I guess it's similar to window shopping but if I see something that I really love and would hate for it to be sold out, i'll place an order.  In January hopefully my normal shopaholic self can return!  

What I really like about Yours Clothing is that the clothes on offer aren't all old fashioned - they have some really on trend pieces suitable for all age groups.  There is nothing worse than having an online plus size clothing brand that is set on covering you up from head to toe - or everything being extremely baggy and unflattering.  Yours Clothing does neither of these things yay!

Here are a few of the recent items that I have picked out to share with you...

Firstly, I'm not going to make a clothing post without including a dress!  With Winter on it's way, I think that there is more of a need for darker dresses so that they don't look out of place and this purple and black flock skater dress really suits the season.  It is a stretchy dress made with viscose and elastane and I don't know about you but in this weather I really like to eat warming, comforting foods like stew and pasta and meatballs so I always put on a few pounds!  This dress is available in a 16 to 26 (the 26 is currently out of stock) and is a really reasonable £30.  

One thing I think this dress offers is versatility.  Combine it with ankle boots and a leather jacket for an on trend daytime look or alternatively, a paid of killer heels with a gorgeous embellished or lace jacket/cardigan would suit evening wear for a meal out or party.
 

 

Purple and black short sleeve flock print skater Dress, Yours Clothing, £30

Second up, a warm jumper!  I must admit I am a little less creative with my outfits for Autumn/Winter purely because I don't really own much for this season! I am not really a fan of this new trend of Christmas jumpers so I'll stay safe and showcase a jumper that you would wear out in public!

This nude coloured "LOL" jumper is still a bit quirky but a little less offensive than dressing yourself up as a Christmas pudding or with a bunch of reindeer on your tummy.  I love the colour of this and I think that with a pair of blue jeans and some nude coloured heels, this look would still be quite glamorous rather than another boring jumper.  This jumper is available in sizes 16-26 and is £25.  What I particularly like about this jumper is that it looks warm and cozy and although I can't feel the fabric through a computer monitor, I'd hope that it was soft too.  

 

 Nude 'LOL' Slogan Knitted Jumper, Yours Clothing, £25

Needing a new coat this winter?  I already have a cream faux fur jacket, but I need a black one too ,right?  This black faux fur coat looks absolutely gorgeous and would be perfect for a cold night out or a "date night" meal.  It's available in a size 16 to 28 and is really good value at £60.  I imagine that it would be really comfortable to wear and stylish too, without being too garish.

Faux Fur Black Coat, Yours Clothing, £60

I hope you'll agree that I have been a bit more practical with my picks from Yours Clothing, yet all of the items I have chosen are also very trendy and beautiful.  You don't need to look frumpy when it's cold!  

Now onto my amazing offer.  Yours Clothing have given me a discount code for all new customers, on full priced items...  £10 off a £20 spend.  Simply use the discount code BLOGGER10 when you are checking out and this will be applied to your order...   How cool is that!?






 

I know that some of my regular readers are quite interested in how my wedding planning is going, so I thought I would post a little update on recent events.

Last weekend, not only did we manage to sort my bridesmaid's dress (it's going to be an Eggplant/Aubergine colour instead of Cadbury's purple, eek!) but on the Sunday me and my mum went to a wedding fayre.  We weren't really expecting much due to previous wedding fayre's being tiny and having hardly any exhibitors so imagine our surprise when we turned up just before it was due to open and there was a massive queue!  Outside were vintage wedding cars and even VW campervans that were available to hire.

We don't need any transport for our wedding as we are all staying in the hotel the night before, so we ventured inside as soon as the doors were opened.  The first so many brides were given a goody bag with various treats and there were numerous rooms with exhibits which were all really pretty.  In the first room there was a bridal store, photographer, cake maker and a table with a lady who made guest books and post boxes.  Mum picked up a glass of bucks fizz as we made our way into the second room where there was another photographer, florist and a rack of wedding dresses.  There were literally around 5 or 6 more rooms packed with tables!

Upstairs, there was a beauty salon offering free makeup and hair trials so I decided to queue and have mine done, especially since some places charge up to £60 just for a hair trial. I had my makeup done first and if I'm honest it wasn't really something I would want for my wedding.  I told the lady that I wanted dramatic eyes - covering my whole eyelids in black eyeshadow wasn't quite what I meant!  It was free, however so I didn't complain.  Next my hair was done.  The hairdresser curled my hair, then did some fancy thing where she pinned curls that were rolled onto the back of my head on the right hand side.  She also gave me a mini "beehive".  Once she had finished I wasn't quite sure I liked it, but as soon as I put on my tiara (I had taken it with me) I thought WOW! People in the room were taking photos which was a bit odd!  Unfortunately 30 minutes later all the curls had fallen out of the bits that were hanging down which sucks but I'm hoping that it was just because they were rushing free trials out.  I may book in for a proper hair trial with them one morning and see how long the curls last.

Also at the wedding fayre was a really lovely lady who had the most beautiful cakes and sample slices to try.  Like i'm going to turn that down!  We spoke to a few florists, other cake makers and the local bridal store where I bought my wedding dress from.  The people who run it are absolute gems and the owner even wants to take a look at some of my tiara designs!

So that was Sunday... In the week, Mr FH and I met a local photographer who was really friendly and a lot of fun. Before we went in I told Mr FH we weren't making a decision on the day but her style of photography and her manner sealed the deal there and then :) We're even getting an engagement shoot to see how we are in front of the camera together.

Thursday, mum and I went to meet with one of the florists we met at the wedding fayre.  I took along one of the cream birdcages I have bought for the centrepieces and we sat literally for hours discussing my vision and going over various flowers.  We also decided we wanted them to do our wedding flowers and ordered a bunch of things, all with cream, peach and pink roses, purple flowers (no idea what they were) and pink calla lillies.  From their sample bouquets that I held, it is going to be stunning and I can't wait!

Today we all popped to do a bit of shopping and I ended up buying a candleabra and a massive set of vintage looking letters that spelt "LOVE" for added venue decoration.

Decorative Jewel Tealight Holder, The Range, £16.99

Vintage Style LOVE Letters, The Range, £14.99

So that's photographer and florist crossed off the list. Next to tackle is the cupcake tower, bridal shoes and faux fur wraps for myself and my bridesmaid... :)

As regular readers of my blog and twitter will know, last weekend I went bridesmaid dress shopping with my lovely Bridesmaid to be.  Now don't stop reading as this post isn't another boring wedding post...  It's all about SHOES!  We found ourselves in the usual places looking for that perfect dress when we stumbled into John Lewis.  I must admit I'm not a regular shopper of John Lewis apart from around Christmas time when they sell the most delicious gingerbread houses and Christmas treats but after looking online I thought we'd give them a go.

I found myself getting more and more distracted by the shoe section.  While my bridesmaid was looking for her dress, I still needed bridal shoes so left her to it while I ventured off in the direction of the shoe department.  This is where I stumbled across Kurt Geiger.  This is in all honesty not a brand I would have previously considered due to my bargain hunter instinct in me but I was really surprised by the different styles of high heeled shoes they had in store! I came away empty handed on the day but when I got back I thought I'd take a look at the John Lewis website and have a proper nosey with a cup of tea and my pyjamas in tow!

I am a little magpie when it comes to shoes and once I had settled myself into the website I came up with numerous pairs of shoes that I bookmarked for my wishlist.  You can never have too many shoes since your feet pretty much always stay the same size!  That's my theory anyway and I am sticking to it. I thought I would share with you my top picks of Kurt Geiger* shoes that I think would be equally as perfect for work wear or parties! (shove the bridal shoes!)

Kurt Geiger* Empire Court Shoes, £216.00, John Lewis

How could anyone resist these beauties?  With a massive heel and platform these are really glamorous.  When people mention John Lewis to me, I always think of older people but how wrong I am!  I can imagine wearing (teetering in) these with a pencil skirt and blouse.  These also come in black patent.

 

Kurt Geiger* New York Court Shoes, Currently reduced to £109.00, John Lewis

Speaking of glamorous... hello spike heels!   These shoes remind me of Sex and the City and with a pricetag of £109 in the sale, I am sorely tempted by them.  Being in black, these heels would go with anything and last forever so really it's an investment right?  That's what I'm telling myself anyway!

Kurt Geiger* Britton Court Shoes, £200, John Lewis

Finally, I couldn't resist showing you these gorgeous animal print court shoes. Again with a super spike heel, these beauties would look stunning with a little black dress.  They look seductive and although they are animal print, in my opinion they look really classy.  

Who says a bride needs white bridal shoes anyway? Imagine me rocking up in these animal print heels! I am so tempted!

Just a quick little post from me to let you all know that Yours Clothing is offering free delivery & returns on all full priced items on their website this weekend :)

This special offer ends at Midnight on Sunday and all you need to do is add the coupon code: FREETREAT at the checkout...

http://www.yoursclothing.com

And best of all, there is no minimum spend!  Have fun ladies.. I'm off bridesmaid dress shopping so I have to be good :'( 

Felicity
xx

I'm late... I know... I'm very late with these challenges and all I can say is that I'm putting it down to real hectic life, the weather and my cold that has knocked me for six.  I decided today that although I still have my cold that I was going to get myself all dressed up to make myself feel better and to make myself look more human.  There's only so long you can lounge about in fleece pyjamas right!? (Major perk of working from home though!).

Today's Style It My Way Challenge is from week 4 - Bodycon. I still have week 5 and this week to style and will aim to do that asap so that I am back on schedule.  The outfit I have chosen for the bodycon challenge is the same outfit that I wore to Plus North 2013 for the day event, minus a belt.

I am completely new to bodycon and if someone had suggested to me 5 years ago to wear it I would have told them where to go.  I always thought that bodycon actually meant "Body Conscious" and was corrected at Plus North that it means Body Confidence by a group of lovely bloggers and I felt like such an idiot! 

I am a lot more comfortable with my body and the way I look these days so when I saw this mini dress in New Look, I immediately loved the print and thought "What the heck!" and tried it on and here is the result...

 

 

Bodycon Mini Dress: New Look, £14.99 - Size 18,
Faux Leather Jacket, New Look, £39.99 - Size 18, Statement Necklace: New Look, £12.99, Ankle Boots: Tesco, £19.50 - Size 4

I'm like a walking advert for New Look! In all honesty I was panicking about what to wear to Plus North so found everything I needed in one go.  I love putting outfits together in a shop - it's so much fun!   Both the dress and the jacket are available up to a size 18 and the dress comes in either a mini style or midi if you'd like it that little bit longer.  I'd say that a size 20 would easily fit into the dress, but the jacket is kind of snug - I can just about do it up.

At Plus North, my necklace was commented on a lot which made me feel really great about myself and although I don't think I would wear a bodycon dress without some sort of jacket over the top just yet, I have since ordered 2 more bodycon dresses that will be arriving in the next few days.  They are sure to make an appearance on the blog soon!

I was reading my daily dose of fashion blogs when I stumbled across Betty Pamper from Pamper and Curves most recent blog update - "Are you size wise".  I found this post very intriguing because it explained about a new tool that the brand Marisota had released to see the difference in what we think we are and what we really are.

I thought I would give this tool a go.  Before I started, I had to choose a body size that I thought best represented me.  Easy so far.   You aren't asked what "shape" you think you are, however for years I have assumed that I am an apple and at high risk of heart problems etc which if I'm honest has been worrying me...

Once I had clicked on the body size that I thought I was, the tool then asked me for my measurements.  I have these to hand as I have been measuring these for the last few months since I started spinning.  I don't mind sharing these with you - I am currently a 42, 37, 47.  My ass has actually come down from 50 inches since I started spinning.

Once the tool calculates your measurements, it then loads a screen which shows you what your actual size is compared to what you thought you were.  I over-estimated my size by 17.5%!!!  That is how warped my view of my own body is.... the one that I look at in the mirror daily.  Betty Pamper also over estimated the size she was too by over 22%.  I am prepared to bet that 85% of women would over estimate how big they think they are.  

This tool also told me that I am a pear shape.  I guess from looking at my measurements that does make sense but I have never considered myself as a pear.  I have chubby love handles and back fat and I've never really considered my ass to be that big before... up until now!

Why don't you have a go and see what you come up with by clicking here... I'd be interested to know your results!

When Vicky from put a shout out that she was starting a new blog challenge I was excited to find out what it was.  I am still participating in the "Style it My Way Challenge" even though I am a few weeks behind due to various reasons.  Anyway, Vicky's challenge is completely different to any I have taken part in before...

"You know sometimes when you spend ages getting ready for a night out, an event or even just a blog post, and the reflection in mirror isn't what you hoped?  This challenge is for those times when you look in the mirror, no pre planning involved, and think "I look good today.

We all have our good days and our bad, but this challenge is to record those good days and to remember that confidence, at any size, is beautiful."

The photo I have chosen is one that I took on my iPhone quite a while ago and although I'm not wearing any makeup I was pratting about with my hair trying to curl it and anyone who knows me knows that I always straighten my hair.  I think that I genuinely look attractive which is not a regular occurrence for me! I may even use this hair style for my wedding hair in one way or another...

 

Check back next month for another "I Feel Good" photo - It's funny really because I feel so ill with my cold today - I Feel Poorly! lol :) Do you want to see the other lovely ladies taking part in this challenge? Click the links below:

Becca - http://bekasstuffystuff.blogspot.co.uk

Becky - http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com

Bee - http://www.thelittlestbuzz.blogspot.co.uk

Hallie - http://knitteddaisy.blogspot.co.uk

Hollie - http://www.prettybigbutterflies.com

Karen - http://toodulltoblog.blogspot.co.uk

Kaye - http://www.polishedcurves.com

Laura - http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot.co.uk

Leah - http://justmeleah.blogspot.co.uk

Mhari - http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com

Natalie - http://awheelbarrowfullofstyle.blogspot.co.uk

Nikki - http://nattynikki.blogspot.com

Toni - http://theonlywayistoni.blogspot.co.uk

Vicky - http://www.thecurvedopinion.com