OOTD - A new arrival

Hello lovelies..... hope you are all well?

How amazing was the weather over the bank holiday weekend?

I have been a bad blogger..... I very kindly got sent a beautiful dress By Live Unlimited at the beginning of May and I am only just reviewing it....

I honestly have no idea why I have only just worn it as I love it. I first saw this tunic on Becky and started lusting after it, but with a £65 price tag, there was no way I could afford it! The tunic is still available from Evans and currently has 10% off.

This is what I call my summer gothic look. It was warm and sunny but I still wanted to wear black....

I actually wore it with a clinched waist belt, but looking at the photos I prefer it with out.

The cut of print it very pretty, but extremely delicate. After having a 2 year old clinging on me all day I had to check that all the flowers where still intact... and that brings me to my title...

We have a new arrival to the family.. My sister gave birth to my second nephew on Monday.... Zachary Andrew. Weighing 7lbs 12 and nearly 3 weeks early he is beyond perfect.

I will hopefully be able to show you some pictures soon!

Fat Fabulous Four - Sport Luxe

Hello my lovelies! Hope you are enjoying the sunshine?

This weeks FFF is Sport Luxe..... the words alone fill my head with dread! I don't know why but it's just not me. I have images of cropped tracksuits, trainers, Adidas vest tops etc etc. I won't lie it has taken me ages to decide what I should wear for this post.

I initially thought I'd wear body con and converse, but It looked ridiculous! One day ill show you the out takes!!

In the end I settled on this!

Maxi dress, Pumps and Denim jacket. I'm still not sure if  I can call this sports luxe, but hey ho!

What I wore......

Maxi Dress - Simply Be
Pumps - Clothing at Tesco (old)
Denim Jacket - New Look Inspire

What do you think?

Done forget to check out Becky, Mhairi and Rosie posts too!!!

Toni x

Swimwear edit

Although my holiday isn't until Septemeber I have already started the hunt for some good swimwear.

I only travelled abroad for the first less than 10 years ago, and during that time I have varied between a size 18-22, but in the last few years I have noticed a considerable improvement in plus size swimwear.

Here are my favourite items of swimwear available at the moment.

I'm not a huge fan of swimdresses as I think they lack shape, but I love the Evans variation of a swimdress. It still has shape to the hips but then a cute little skirty thing attached to it!

I've always know Elomi for lingerie, but happened to look on their website ans found this!!!! I adore it! I love tankini tops that are a bit looser, and this nautical style one is my favourite, however, it is quite pricy!

As you will have more than likely seen Clements Riberio has recently launched a new holiday range with Evans. This swimsuit is from that collection and is a bit more 'trendier' that some swimwear that is available for the plus size market.

Simply Be have always had a decent range of swimwear and, to be honest, I normally end up purchasing from them. They have a range of brands, Beach to Beach, they stock the likes of Freya, Cleo, Panache, Zoggs, Figleaves and magisculpt, and more importantly a good range of size. Some by actual size and others by bust size. I love this MAGISCULPT bandeau swimsuit!

Panache, Panache,  Panache! You really are spoiling us with the New Cleo range. I love tilly. I love the tankini dress (which comes with matching pants!!!!) I actaully have this swimdress, its a bit snugg and the size 18 pants, were laughable, but its so nice I can forgive Panache! The only down side to panache is sizing. The biggest cup size available with the tankini dress is a 38G. I would guess that if you are bigger than a size 20/22 this tankini dress wouldn't fit :-(

What do you think?

Have I missed any that you would recommend? Where do you normally buy your swimwear from?

Toni x

Holiday Guide Pt1 - Hisaronu, Turkey.

Over the next few months I have decided that I am going to do a 'Holiday Essentials' guide. Basically, it’s my way of planning and been organised for my holiday and an insight to what I think are the most important things you need to plan for when travelling!

My first post will be about my favourite place in the world, Hisaronu, Turkey. This year will be my 7th visit to the area and the 3rd time I have stayed in the same hotel. I know some people knock Turkey, but I honestly can’t rave about it enough.

Located on the west coast of the Mugla province of Turkey, the hill town of Hisaronu is surrounded by the beautiful, lush green pine trees of the Babadag Mountains. Situated just above the famous Blue Lagoon beaches of Olu Deniz and the bustling town of Fethiye, Hisaronu has become a popular holiday destination over the last 10 years.

Whilst keeping its traditional Turkish feel, Hisaronu still provides everything you will need to make your holiday one you won’t forget. Whether you prefer to spend your days relaxing around the pool, taking in the local history or going on one of the many excursions, expect to find the locals welcoming and friendly , with many treating you as ‘one of the family’.

 

Once the sun goes down Hisaronu really comes to life. With the main shopping area becoming a pedestrian only area, you will be spoilt for choice with restaurants. From fine dining at The Olive Tree, Italian and steak at Castelloe’s or world cuisine at The Turkey Ivy, even the fussiest of palettes will be catered for. For something a little different, try Talk of the Town, the musical drag show which will have you crying with laughter. If you still have energy to burn, Hisaronu also has a number of late night bars where you can dance the night away!

Lying in the sun all day isn’t for everyone, but thankfully the number of excursions available in Hisaronu is endless. Perhaps The Daylan Discovery would be more your scene, which takes you down the Daylan River to the world famous Mud Baths, past the historical Lycian rock tombs and finally on the Iztuzu Beach, famous as a protected heritage site for Loggerhead Turtles. Or maybe the Jeep Safari through the tombs of Tlos, up to the top of Xanthos Valley and back down to the breath taking Saklikent Gorge is more your cup of tea? If it’s just a change of scenery you want, there are boat trips galore leaving from both Olu Deniz beach and Fethiye Harbour every day.

 

If it’s a bargain you’re looking for both Hisaronu and Fethiye have weekly markets where you’ll find anything from spices and fresh fruit to the latest ‘designer’ handbag. But make sure you take your bartering skills, the only things you should ever pay asking price for is food, medication and accommodation, and it is expected of tourists to haggle.

Hisaronu and its surrounding areas provide excellent accommodation choices for families and couples alike. The recently refurbished 4* Club Orka, just a short walk from Hisaronu, offers both a hotel and private villas. With three pools, a gym, on site Spa (I recommend a Turkish Massage), hair salon, and much more, Club Orka has everything you need for a self-catering holiday. If it’s an All Inclusive holiday you’re after why not try Club Orka’s newly opened Orka Sunlife Resort and Spa?

Top Tips when travelling to Turkey.

 • Make sure you have a £10 note for each individual traveller to pay your visa fee upon entry to the country.

 • Turkish people are very friendly and love the British holiday makers. Remember to be polite to them and if they try to sell you something you don’t want, or try to get you to eat at their restaurant when you don’t want to, politely say ‘No, thank you’ and carry on walking. Try learning a few phrases to impress the locals.

 • Respect the local cultures and religions. Turkey is predominately Muslim, therefore be prepared to cover up in places such as restaurants and large cities.

 • Don’t drink the local tap water. Even the Turkish drink bottled water.

 • Temperatures in Turkey can reach the high 40s so adequate protection is needed. Take refuge in the shade between 1pm and 4pm when the sun reaches its peak. Be especially careful if you stay in a mountain resort, the breeze can fool you in to thinking it isn’t as hot as it actually is.

 • Shop around! Prices for the same item will vary between shops and the market. Once you have decided where you are going to purchase your item, still barter! The Turkish love bartering and on average you can get at least half knocked off the asking price.

Have you ever been to Hisaronu? or Turkey? Where is your ideal place to holiday?

Toni xx

As featured in March Edition of Curvaceous Inc

Scarlett and Jo Review

A few weeks the lovely Lucy from Scarlett and Jo contacted me and asked me if I would be interested in reviewing a item from the their range. As I missed out on the Style Session I was invited to, I jumped at the change too try something.

A few days later I received this little beaut.

In all honesty, it isn't something that I would pick myself. However, saying that, I love it.

I have styled it with black tights and some black heels, which is perfect for the cold night at the moment. I think the next time I wear it though, I will wear it as per the model, with the tie at the front. I chose a size 24, but would have definitely got away with my normal size 22.

I can't wait for the summer to arrive when I can wear this with out tights. I am now on the look out for some blue sandals to wear with it, so if you see any, let me know!!

The Scarlett and Jo range is available from here from Evans.

toni x

OOTD - Joe Browns

 A few weeks back I was lucky enough to get hold of some of the new items from Simply Be.

One of the dress I chose was from the Joe Browns range.

In the past I have been a bit 'meh' about the Joe Browns range. But over the last few seasons it seems to be improving. One of my issues was always the sizing. I generally had to size up by one or two sizes, the recently they seem a lot more true to size. The dress I am wearing is my normal size 22 and I reckon I could have actually been better in a size 20.

What I wore -

Jacket - New Look Inspire
Dress - Simply Be
Leggings - New Look Inspire
Sandals - Primark

The only think I would change on this dress is the lining. Not all of it mind. Just the frilly bit around the bottom. Apart from that I really love it and can see it becoming a staple item in my wardrobe, especially during the summer!

I have currently set up a Facebook Page for my blog and would love it if you would give me a 'like', thanks in advance!!

Toni x

Fatshionologie - Work Meeting

Fatshionologie is a blogger style challenge born out of a discussion on twitter in the hope that it would help us create exciting new content for our blogs as well as show that each new style 'theme' can be rocked by a variety of different body shapes!

This months theme was dressing for a work meeting or interview. 

This one should have been a walk in the park for me as I work in an office and attend meeting almost weekly. However, that said, my office is fairly relaxed as we only deal with internal clients.

Whilst looking through my wardrobe one item instantly popped out.  My lovely Swan dress....

I think its perfect for the office/meeting/interviews as its smart but fun at the same time!

what I wore :-

Blazer - Next

Dress - Clement Riberio at Evans

Tights - Marks and Spencers

Shoes - George at Asda

Dont forget to check out the other amazing ladies!!

Mel - Glad rags and handbags

Rachel - A dress is for life

Becky  - Does my blog make me look fat

Lisa - Looking for Lisa

Joanna - Just Joanna

Charmaine - My twenty1

Steph - Seeing Spots

Kim - Call Me Kim

Leah - Just Me Leah

So Fabulous pt2 - Photo's!!!

So a few posts ago I wrote about the So Fabulous event that I went to last week. Through out the event there was a professional photographer snapping away.

Here are a few of the photos that I was sent! (very picture heavy!!!)

You can check out the full So Fabulous range here!!!

Toni x

I'm a new guest blogger!!!

Short and sweet today as I am playing catch up!!

If you follow me on twitter you might have seen a few tweets about an article I have written for AbbeyPost.com, the post went live last night and can be found here......

http://abbeypost.com/blog/5-plus-size-blogs-you-must-know/


Toni

Summer loving swap

A little while ago the lovely Kim suggests that we have a little blogger swap. I thought I was an amazing idea! Not only do we get a little gift from a 'mystery' elf, we also had to research our giftee and find out what they like!

We set a limit of £5 and began asking secret questions on elfster. We were asked to post our gifts on the 2nd so they could received by the 5th......

Here is what I received....

Barry M Gelly polish, MUA eyesp shadow and a lip stain.

Once everyone has received their gifts, Kim is going to do a npbig reveal!!!!

I hope my giftee liked her gift!!!

Toni x

So Fabulous range with Littlewoods.com Bloggers Event!

Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to a So Fabulous range with Littlewoods.com bloggers event at their press office in Soho.

For those of you who are unaware of So Fabulous, they are the Plus range of Very and Littlewoods.

Upon arrival of the venue we were greeted by Elly and the So Fab team.

After a quick look around the current range and a sneak preview of the AW13 range, we were split in to two groups for a style challenge. Becky was our willing volunteer model and we had to dress her for a night out to the theatre.

Myself, Lauren and Kirsty decide on a feather print dress with mesh arms and neckline. To be honest, the dress didn't look like much on the hanger, but it looked amazing on Becky.

We also managed to find an amazing pair of shoes which match the dress perfectly....even if
Becky couldn't walk very far in them!

So Fabulous have some amazing items coming out shortly and I cant wait to get my hands on them!!

This is my favourite dress ever...I'm a bit addicted to Nashville and the whole country thing at the moment!

I love this dress but I would never wear it.

I also got to meet the amazing Lauren for the first time. I am a long time admirer of her blog and can't wait for Plus London in November

After the event a few of us went out for a meal. We found an amazing little Greek place which is delicious!

Thank you So Fabulous for a wonderful evening......maybe your next event could be in Liverpool???

Toni x