I've moved..

Don't forget I have moved to a new domain.

You can find me here

www.theonlywayist.com

I would love you all forever if you'd give me a follow on there or Bloglovin!

Toni x

I have a new home!!!

I have taken the plunge and bought a new home!!!!

No, not that kind of home!!!

A blog home!!!!

You can now find me here

www.theonlywayist.com

Fancy Dress?

It’s that time of year where the phrase ‘Halloween Fancy Dress Party’ fills me with dread. The mere thought of having to find a fancy dress outfit to sufficiently cover my plus size body without my girly parts been on show is enough to make me have a panic attack. 

With a fancy dress party just around the corner I decided to have a look at what I could dress up as.

The first place I looked was Lingerieseduction.co.uk. As well as a host of Lingerie sell some amazing fancy dress outfits.

 Alice of Wonderland £29.99 From Lingerie Seduction

Snow White 29.99 From Lingerie Seduction

The states have a huge choice of fancy dress in a multitude of sizes. I always find the choice of costumes much larger as well. Roamans.com have over 70 outfits all in Plus Size!

Putrid Prom Queen $69.99 Roamans

Wicked $54.99 Roamans

Where's Wenda $39.99 Roamans

The last site I looked at was largeandlovelyfancydress.co.uk

Princess Fiona £62.95 Large and Lovely fancy dress

Deceased Dorothy £29.95 Large and Lovely fancy dress. 

What do you think? My favourite one is the Wicked one from Roamans.... 

Toni x

OOTD

Just a quicky from me tonight as I am having a horrid day.

I picked up this cute swing dress from George for £10!!!

I am loving all the swing dresses that are about at the moment. I have my eye on a black and white heart print one from the G21 range at George! I have a bad addiction to Asda!!!

What I wore -

Dress - George as Asda
Boots - Simply Be
Tights - M&S

Toni x

The Big Boot Challenge revisited pt2 - Simply Be

After revisiting The Big Boot Challenge a few weeks weeks ago I decided to review a few more pairs of boots to show you some of the choice that are available this year. 

The second pair I have to show you is another pair from Simply Be*.

These boots are from the Legroom range and retail at £89. 

For this pair of boots I decided to get a leg fitting down and try the Curvy Plus in an E fit. Curvy Plus fits up to 518mm calves.

As you can see on this pair I have less bagging around the ankles and although I would struggle to get a pair of skinny jeans tucked in to these, I actually prefer them.

As with any leather boots they are very stiff and took a few wears before they stopped hurting, but now they fit like a glove.

I will definitely get my wear out of these boots this winter. I never realised how well tan boots go with everything!!!

Toni 

*these boots were gifted to me. All opinions are my own.

I Feel Good #2

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 only 'rule' for this challenge is that you shouldn't use any photograph that you have used before. It can be an old photo or a new photo, as long as when you took it, you felt that you looked great.

This photo was taken about 3 years ago. I love my hair and my face on this phone.... just goes to shoe that if you try hard enough you can take the perfect selfie!!! lol

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

Becky http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com/ 

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

Felicity http://felicityhart.blogspot.co.uk/ 

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

Kaye http://www.polishedcurves.com 

Laura http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot 

Mhairi 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/ 

Amy Elizabeth http://thelifeofalphamikeyanky.blogspot.co.uk/

The Big Boot Challenge Revisited - Simply Be

One thing I find extremely difficult to buy is knee boots. Over the last few years more and more brands have taken the plunge and stocked wide and extra wide calf boots.

Last year I was lucky enough to review a variety of different wide calf boots that were on the market.

This winter there seems to be an even wide choice of boots available to women with wide calves. 

The first pair that I am looking at are these beauties from Simply Be.

I ordered these boots with the intention of returning them once I had tried them on and taken pictures. However, once I had tried them on it quickly became clear they weren't going to get returned!

I ordered the Extra Curvy Plus in an EEE fitting. The calf sizes on these boots is 556mm, which is 55cm. I ordered the bigger calf fitting with the hope that I could tuck my skinny jeans in to them.

I can easily fit jeans in to them. I could have actually tucked jeans in to the next size down, which fits up to 522mm.

As you can see from the first picture they are slightly baggy around the ankle to that only due to the fact that the EEE fitting is very very generous.

For £65 these boots really are value for money. They look great will dresses, jeggings and skinny jeans.

Toni x

#WearItYourWay from bonprix

Shortly after Plus North, bonprix contacted me and asked if I would be interested in taking part in a style challenge to promote there #wearityouway campaign.

I love reading these types of posts to see how different bloggers create a outfit from one main item.

Myself, Becky, Betty, Elena and Kaye were all sent this lovely stripy jersey dress to style.

I could have worn this dress a number of ways but I went with classic meets edgy by wearing it with a vintage biker jacket and knee boots.

I ordered the dress in a size 22/24 as its only available in dual sizes and its fit really well and I was quite surprised. The dress retail at £34.99 which is rather high for a jersey dress, but its quite heavy jersey so I think It will keep its shape well.

A big bonus for me is that it has 3/4 sleeves. Which gives me the opportunity to wear it to work and not have to wear a cardigan. The dress also has a cute little coral zip on one of the shoulders.

What I wore...

Dress - bonprix*
Biker Jacket - Vintage via eBay
Leggins - New Look Inspire
Boots - Simply Be

Why not see how the other ladies styled there dress...

Elena
Kaye
Becky
Betty

Toni x

*gifted

Do you have #BoPo??

When I started blogging I wasn't in a very good place confidence wise. I wanted, and needed, to feel better about myself. I became part of the 'plus size' community long before I started blogging and seeing photos of clothes on women I could relate to really opened my eyes. Still to this day I search blogs of someone the same size as me before I make a purchase to try and get an idea of how something will look on me.

Then I was introduced to BeauCoo. A body confidence site for every women.

Over the last few few years my body confidence has no doubt grown, and all though I am still not 100% happy with my body, and as the founder Victoria says, its about feeling good about yourself at the moment you are at now, sites like BeauCoo definitely make it easier to gain more #BoPo as well as gaining style ideas at the same time.

BeauCoo is a website/App that allows you to search for people of your shape and height to get an idea of what a certain item of clothing will look on your body shape. There is no restriction to the size you have to be on join BeauCoo, it really is just about every women gaining body confidence through the seeing other fabulous women embracing their shape and size.

By simply entering your measurement you can find other women with the same measurements as you.  So the the sizes, either end of the scale, are a little light on the the ground, but as this site grows, I am sure the fit matches will too!

Over the last month or so I have definitely seen an increase in UK users and blogger that I am familiar to sign up and use BeauCoo, so I took the plunge and signed up myself! You can follow me here or by finding the link to the right hand side!!!!

I have also found some familiar faces.....

As with all new sites, I do have some issues with BeauCoo. You can't upload from your blog or computer via the desktop site, you can't add friends or login with twitter and I can't see if my blog is linked to my profile. But I am sure all these issues will be resolved overtime.

BeauCoo is available on both Android and iTunes as well as a desktop site!

If you are already a #BoPo member send me your link. If not, why not join?

Toni x

*sponsored post

I want it all and I want it now!!!

I am really feeling the effects of moving house and the forth coming Christmas festivities, so have been doing lots of online window shopping of late. I thought i'd show what I am currently lusting afterwards.

Evans 

 Fan Print Top £32

Live Unlimited Ponte Biker Jacket £65

Black Swing Tunic £23

Live Unlimited Purple Top £45

Monochrome Jumper £35

Yours Clothing

Skater Dress with PU Sleeves £30

Floral tunic £30

Cowboy Boots £75

Black PU Waterfall Jacket £49.99

Start Print Jumper £26

Simply Be
Rose and Lace Print Dress £35

Chloe Skinny Jeans £40

Floral Print Doll Dress £45
Regatta Jacket £90
Animal Jacquard Dress £35

These items would be part of my perfect winter capsule wardrobe. Add leggings, tights, a couple of cardigans and a few pairs of boots et voila!

OOTD

Afternoon campers! 

What a lovely autumn days we have had of late..

I am itching to get all my winter clothes out and I'm a bit stuck in the transitional period at the moment. Its chilly enough for long sleeves, but too warm to go all out 'winter'.

Yesterday I had a dig though my wardrobe and found this beaut that I had forgotten about. I think I bought it in the summer sale from ASOS. I remember it was a firm favourite when it came out.

Once the wether turns I think this will be a dress I wear a lot with thick tight and boots, but for now I wore it with a pair of leggings and what seems like the only shoes I own at the moment!

What I wore - 

Dress - ASOS Curve

Cardigan - George £12

Leggings - H&M £6.99

Shoes - Evans

Toni x

OOTD

I have to admit, since I started blogged and especially in the last 6 month, I have become an avid dress wearer.

I dont know if its because of the gained confidence or the fact they make me feel more girly, but around 70% of my wardrobe is now dresses!!!

My latest offering comes from the one and only Simply Be. As always I know that I can rely on Simply Be when I want dresses... I am currently lusting after about 7!!!

This dress is available in three different prints. This one is the bows and spot print.

I got a size 22 and it is a tad big, mainly on the arms, but it was still wearable!

What I wore...

Dress - Simply Be*

Tights - M&S - THEY HAVE TAGS IN THE BACK!!!!

Toni x

* donotes that the item was gifted to me. 

OOTD

On Saturday night I had a rare night out with three of my best friends. We don't see each other as much as we would like to but when we do get together it always gets messy. Saturday night was no exception.

I always have a battle with myself when it comes to picking an outfit, so decided to only take one option with me.

Whilst recently browsing on the Simply Be website I came across this beautiful fishtail top in the sale for £19.

I am not sure how I missed this when it came out but I knew I had to have it!

Teamed with my trusty black skinny jeans, a black vest (as the top is quite see through) and some silver heels.... I was ready to go!!

I love a good night out but 6am bedtimes are no go for me.... two days later and I am still feeling it!

Toni x

La Isla Bonita.....

Jet2 are currently running a bloggers competition for one lucky blogger to win a weeks holiday to Gran Canaria. All you have to do is tell them in less than 200 words they you are the blogger to win! Here's my entry...

There are many reasons I love to travel abroad. The Sun. New places to explore. New People. A new culture. The list could go on and on. One of the things I really love about travelling is the sense of 'family spirit' that you see. Whether it be around the pool, in restaurants or on the beach. There is something free about being on holiday. I don't know if its due to the fact the the stresses of work are forgotten or that the best of people seem to come out when they are relaxed or maybe a bit of both. But it makes me happy. One of things the makes me happy is when other people are happy and laughing. They say laughter is infectious. And right now I could really do with catching that infection!

The closing date is the 15th October and all the information is here!

OOTD - I've got the Power.....

As a few of you may know, Scarlett and Jo recently launched their new power fit dresses and I was lucky enough to be asked if I would like to try the Black Yoke Powerfit dress.

Available from Evans, the dress now comes in a multitude of colours and prints and is a staple item for every wardrobe. Some of the dresses, including this one, also feature the new mesh lining.

For some reason I get total bitch face when I wear these kind of dress...

I did find the dress was true to size, but I think for comfort I would have preferred a size bigger.

Toni x

Body Gossip

Whilst studying acting in NYC Ruth Rogers feel at first hand the pressure looking 'perfect'. On here return to the UK she decided to start start a movement that challenged 'perfection' and allowed all bodies to be in the spotlight.

Joined by Natasha Devon in 2008, who was already running Body Confidence workshops in school, Body Gossip was recreated...

Body Gossip campaign to banish body confidence by running Body Gossip Schools - aimed at teenagers ages 13-18, across both genders, teaching them self esteem and how to 'rock your own brand of gorgeous' - Body Gossip Tours - aimed at Universities, and also hold a Body Gossip Show.

Show your support to the body gossip movement by buying one of their awesome T-shirts...

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE STORE.

Unfortunately the tees only go up at a size 22, but they do stock mens tees and baby grows..

Toni x

OOTD - Autumn is upon us...

Yep, that right! My favourite time of year! As much as I love sunshine and hot weather, I am kinda glad autumn is upon us!

Cosy jumpers, oversize knits, woolly tights and boots. All things that make Toni happy!

Whilst on one of my many weekly trips to Asda I saw this jumper and just had to have it!

It has fluffy shoulders!!!!!

What I wore...

Jumper - George as Asda
Skinny Jeans - Next
Flats - Evans

Toni x

I feel good.......

A few weeks ago Vicky put a call out on twitter to see if anyone was interested in a new blog challenge...

Compared to other challenges, this one is a bit different..

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 only 'rule' for this challenge is that you shouldn't use any photograph that you have used before. It can be an old photo or a new photo, as long as when you took it, you felt that you looked great.

The photo I hae chosen is one from Plus North last weekend. The after party was sponsored by Scarlett and Jo and they brought in a MUA to do our hair and make up for the catwalk. The theme was 40th Glam and i looked like this...

I would never do my hair or make up like this but liked the Hollywood feel to it! I never thought red lips would suit me, and I am sure that I will never be able to recreate my hair like this!

What do you think? Yay or nay?

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

Becky http://www.doesmyblogmakemelookfat.com/ 

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

Felicity http://felicityhart.blogspot.co.uk/ 

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

Kaye http://www.polishedcurves.com 

Laura http://laurapantslifestyle.blogspot 

Mhairi 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/ 

Amy Elizabeth http://thelifeofalphamikeyanky.blogspot.co.uk/

Plus North pt2

I apologise now for how picture heavy this post will be but I can't seems to find the words to say how much it means to Becky and myself that you all travelled, stayed came and enjoyed!

We need you guys just as much as we need the sponsors!

For me, they day went buy in a such a blur and I didnt get to say hello to loads of people that I would have liked to.

As always we welcome all feedback, good and bad! We are not perfect or professional event organisers  and as such there is going to be things we learn from each year!!


Heres to Plus North 2014!!!

All photography is credited to Kitty Jackson Photography

Toni x

Plus North - Pt1 - Day Dress

As I already mentioned in yesterdays post, last Saturday was the day that me and Becky had been working hard to organise for the last year! PLUS NORTH!

From all the blogs and pictures I have seen I think we can call this years event a success, even if I do say it myself!!

Through blogging I have been lucky to build some fantastic relationships with brands. None more so then Simply Be. I kid you not, half of my wardrobe is made up of Simply Be and my bank account definitely knows when it payday and I have to pay my account!!

As Simply Be were one of our main sponsors this year they kindly offered to dress me for the day event.

I fell in love with the Project D London Piccadilly dress but sadly it was, and still is out of stock :-(

As an alternative I picked another Project D dress. The Lincoln Maxi dress from the past season.

As always, when you have your heart set on something and then it doesn't happen I was a tad gutted, and until Saturday morning I still wasn't 100% sure that I liked the dress.

But I have to say it felt faaaabbbulous on! I received loads of compliments on the dress!

Image courtesy of KJP 

I could have maybe done with a pin to cover my modesty around the boob area, but apart from that I am glad I stuck with the dress and wore it!!

What do you think?

Toni x

The Vanity Case

Helllooooo...

After a crazy few month with Plus North and moving house I think I have finally got my blog mojo back and am ready to bang out some posts!

As most of you know Plus North was last Saturday 7th September, in Manchester (post's to follow!)

The stunning Elena and I were sharing a room and I very nicely asked her if she would perform some magic and beautify me for the event!

For those of you that don't know, Elena is a beautician and runs The Vanity Case.

After deciding on a brow shape and tint, eyelash tint and individual lashes and a Gel manicure and pedicure Elena began to make me over!

Unfortunately I failed to get any pictures on my nails, but I had them a lovely Seafoam green ...

Here are my toes.... AMAZING!!! 

(Yes, I have odd feet)

My brows and lashes before....

Elena also runs monthly Pin Up Make up classes, as well as providing acrylic nails and Bridal make up!

If you are in or around the Northampton area and feel like a pampering, I highly suggest you give Elena a call... she is awesome!

Toni x