I'm in love with a royal fox!

You may remember that a few days ago I was faced with a shopping dilemma. I was struggling to decide whether to concentrate on others and start Christmas shopping, or if I could postpone the gift shopping for a fortnight and allow myself one last little splurge before Christmas.

 I eventually allowed myself to indulge, but couldn't decide between a fox jumper, a raccoon print tee, and a snood in two colours. I could afford two, but which two? You were all such a bad influence (I'm blaming you guys for my purchases!), and the fox jumper was your firm favourite. After many hours of debating, I bought both tops on my store card, realising if I paid for them both straight away, that would more than cover the minimum balance, so I was free to order the teal snood, too! I don't know why that hadn't occurred to me earlier!

Well, my Dorothy Perkins package arrived this morning, and I immediately fell in love with the fox jumper. I had to wear it straight away layered over my leopard print maxi dress...

The jumper has the cutest motif ever. A beautiful red fox with a crown upon his noble brow. It's gorgeous, and the fabric is super soft. It's a thin knit, which makes it perfect for layering, and wearing on those in-between days, which is actually perfect for me as I hate over-heating. I purchased the jumper while a promotion was running, so I saved about £10 off the original price- which is fantastic- but I would have happily paid full price. It's the best sweater I've owned in years.

 I chose to layer it over the leopard print maxi dress that I got for my birthday back in July. I've only worn it a couple of times because I'm convinced it draws attention to my stomach, which makes me feel self-conscious; I don't like flaunting it. It's far from tight or clingy on me, but I can't move past that feeling, even after my family have ensured me that it flatters my shape. With the jumper layered over the dress, all those doubts have dissipated. I quite like the two together. I don't often wear maxi skirts, especially in the cold seasons, but this look works for me. Sure, it might be a little slouchy and shapeless, but today I was struggling, and needed comfort, and this outfit delivered. I think teamed with a pair of ankle boots and a leather jacket, this could work as a Winter outfit. What do you think?

I kept the accessories to a minimum because I didn't have the strength to put any effort in. I wore the two black and silver bracelets my best friend bought me last Christmas. I don't know where she bought them, but I love them. As my clothes had quite an Autumnal colour scheme, I contrasted the browns with a splash of red in the form of my red flower ring. The ring is made up of hearts layered to create a flower!

I added another dash of red with my little cherry studs. Aren't they cute?!

Outfit Details:
Jumper: Dorothy Perkins
Dress (worn as a skirt): New Look
Earrings: River Island
Ring: Evans
Bracelets: Both gifts from my best friend

I'm so pleased that I went with my heart and bought the jumper. I know I would have been upset if I hadn't adopted such a handsome fox knit.

I've loved foxes passionately since I was a small child. I remember having an obsession with The Animals of Farthing Wood books and cartoons for a couple of years. I had a stuffed toy fox called Charmer after one of the characters when I was eight or nine, and a black t-shirt with a fox on it, too.

I guess some loves never die.

It's been eighteen years since I last wore a fox motif top. I'm a little bit, *cough*, a lot older, a little bit wiser, but still very much bewitched by wildlife. One thing's for sure: I don't think I'll ever grow out of my love affair with animal prints and motifs. I passed the point of no return a very long time ago.

I see myself holding on to this jumper for a very long time. I'm sure I'll be wearing it year after year. And I can't wait to work it in to my wardrobe and wear it to death

Do you have a soft spot for animal motifs?

Have you embraced the trend of woodland animal motifs yet this season?

Nails | Grey and Teal Floral Nail Art

Yesterday evening I tried my hand at floral nails. I've never attempted them before, and the result was far from perfect, but they were fun to create and I'm sure with a bit of practise I'll be able to perfect the look.

I chose to alternate the nails with teal and grey nail polishes, and used white and blue nail art pens to create the flowers.

I used Barry M nail paints in Teal/334 and Grey/293, and Models Own WAH nail art pens in white and blue.

The teal Barry M is one of my latest buys. I was attracted to it because it looked like the sea. It's a little bluer than it appears in these photos, and it's absolutely stunning. It was a great investment for just £2.99, and I think this has earned a place in my favourites.

I painted three coats of this polish on alternating nails, leaving them to dry completely before beginning the flowers.

I've had the grey nail paint for over a year, and had barely used it. I had a brain wave on Sunday night about wearing it alongside the teal, so I excavated it from the nail drawer and the look was born.

Again, I painted three coats (but two would have been sufficient) on alternating nails, and left them to dry thoroughly.

To create the flowers, I used the white nail art pen to dot about six dots in a circle to create petals, and finished each flower with a blue dot to the centre. I painted them in different areas on each nail so they wouldn't look too matchy. 

I had a little difficulty overlapping the dots without causing them to bleed in to each other; a few of them turned in to smudged blobs due to my shaky hands. But, that's all part of the experience, and I'm happy with the result. They don't look too bad from a distance!

I made such a mess of my thumb nail! Oops. Oh well...

And voila! Grey and teal floral nails!

Have you tried or perfected floral nails yet? 

If you've got any tips I'd love to hear them!

Black and blue and a little bit dotty

I've been a Dorothy Perkins shopper since my mid-teens, and it's no secret that I have a soft spot for their dresses. Over the last year or so in particular, they've stocked some truly beautiful numbers in fabulous prints, with peter pan collars, fitted waists, and lovely billowing skirts. As a fan of fashion from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, such dresses always appeal to me, particularly if it has a quirky print and a circle skirt.

 There have been plenty of knee length and midi length dresses in their collections, too, which I love as I'm not comfortable exposing much thigh to the world. It used to be so difficult to find great dresses that fell past the upper thigh, but over the last couple of seasons that seems to have changed, and I've snapped up so many gorgeous frocks from Dotty P's this year I could open my own dress shop.

I bought the polka dot number I'm wearing in these photos right back at the beginning of the year, but prior to Sunday, I'd only worn it once.

I had seen this dress advertised in Company High Street Edit in other colours a month or so before they went on sale, and I was excited because I thought it would live up to my favourite black polka dot shirt dress. Although the dress is pretty and a lovely shape, it's made from thin slippery polyester which gets so static, and the fitted waist is a little uncomfortable as it's far lower down the torso than it should be. I still love it, but it wasn't quite what I hoped.

So, on Sunday afternoon, I picked it out of the depths of my wardrobe and decided to pretend I was a civilised human being and got dressed up. I wanted to see how the bow collar looked with the dress. I still need to buy some black ribbon to extend it to fit properly, but I really like how it looks with this dress, and how it completely transforms it. I feel it gives an elegant touch to an otherwise simple outfit, and would be perfect for an event. I felt so lady-like in this outfit. Since the collar is so formal, I accessorised it with a lace and pearl corsage bracelet; it contrasts with the masculinity of the collar. Once again I popped the studded tartan flatforms on my feet. I've barely taken them off my feet since I bought them.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins
Cardigan: New Look
Shoes: River Island (via ASOS)
Bracelet: Dorothy Perkins
Collar: ASOS

I'd just dyed my hair with the new Schwarzkopf pillar box red semi-permanent hair dye before taking these photos, and since it was pitch black I was trying to see via the camera if it had made my hair colour any brighter. The findings were inconclusive and I had to wait until morning. I can't actually see much of a difference in the colour; it's only ever so slightly redder.  I'll be sticking to my usual colour, I think.

 I'm also in desperate need of a fringe trim.

I did, however, discover that my camera's timer works on the 'indoor' setting, and it seems to create half decent images, so I may be able to do some outfit posts on those days I wake too late but have enough strength to get dressed. Just don't hold your breath!

Do you love Dorothy Perkins dresses as much as I do?

Barratts' Competition

When I was recently contacted about a giveaway shoe brand Barratts is hosting through Hello, Terri Lowe's blog, I was very excited and immediately started putting my entry together.

 There are two competitions running through Terri's blog, with a chance to win up to £100 of Barratts vouchers. One is a rafflecopter giveaway with a chance of winning £30 to spend at Barratts, whilst the other involves putting together a post about which shoes you might buy if you won the £70 voucher.

For my entry, I chose six of my favourite pairs of shoes from the website. I chose mostly plain coloured shoes, as I wear printed clothes so often, and tried to pick out a variety of styles to keep things interesting. I then attempted to make a wardrobe collage, to show case my picks where they belong! The image is of my wardrobe, with stacks of shoe boxes either side and shoes on display.

So, here goes, this is my entry...

And a closer look at my choices:

1. Truffle spike stud trim platform court shoes

was £35.00, now £25.00

Let's start with this amazing pair of killer court heels. When I came across them, I was pretty much salivating at the laptop screen. The burgundy suede-like material is so gothic and wintery, and the spikes really make a statement. I'd wear them with feminine tea dresses to bring an edge to the outfit, or with a great pair of jeans, plenty of black, velvet and lace. At 27, I still haven't learnt how to walk in high heels, but it's a skill I aim to master someday. And this beautiful pair of platform courts would be worth a sprained ankle or two- I'd no doubt look like a new born giraffe while trying to master the art. I'm amazed by the very reasonable price of these beautiful heels- just £25.00. For that price I'd buy them in every colour!

2. Barratts red flatform casual shoes 

was £25.00, now £20.00

After getting a taste for this style of flatform with my recent River Island purchase, I'm keen to invest in many more pairs in various designs. And at just £20.00, they're a steal! I've fallen in love with this shoe in several colours, but of course, the red is my favourite. I can't get enough of dark reds this Autumn. There's something so decadent about them. This colour works with so much of my wardrobe, and I've chosen a simple design as I wear so many patterned clothes. This shoe also appeals to me because it gives me a little extra height, whilst still being accommodating and safe to walk around in with a back injury without fear of slipping or strain.

3. Ruby Rocks glitter trim platform shoe boots

was £75.00, now £67.50

At first glance, these shoe boots look like a pair of simple, ordinary boots, but on closer expection, they're trimmed with glitter! Glitter! The five year old in me desperately wants to play dress up with glittery shoes. There are also horses all over the outer soles and heel. Glitter, horses, and pretty shoes? Show me an inner child who doesn't love those things! The glitter would add a bit of fun to a simple outfit for day (such as with blue skinny jeans, and a jumper), and would look equally stylish with a little black dress for night. On offer for £67.50, they're still a little expensive but I'd find a million outfits to wear them with... after I've learnt how to glide about in them first, of course!

4. Barratts round toe wedge court shoes

was £35.00, now £30.00

Another pair of shoes I'd love to own is this wonderful pair of purple wedges. They're a little higher than I'm used to but I'm trying to break out of my comfort zone with shoes and learn how to wear lots of different styles and heel heights. I love this deep shade of purple, and they'd fit in nicely with my wardrobe. I can particularly envision myself wearing these with my black polka dot dress, and the black bird print dress I did an OOTD post about a couple of days ago. I think £30.00 is a very reasonable price for this pair of beautiful shoes, I would happily treat myself to these if I won.

5. Barratts studded pointed toe ballerinas

was £28.00, now £15.00

When it comes to shoes, my most worn style is a ballet shoe, and I have a slight infatuation with studs, so this pretty red pair naturally called out to me. The studs and colour are so on trend for Autumn/Winter, and they're perfect for brightening up a grey day, adding a pop of colour to any outfit, and for colour blocking. With my back injuries, it's essential for me to have comfortable shoes that I can slip on and off (as I'm not very bendy right now), so these tick all the boxes. I'd wear them with everything from dresses to jeans. They're such a bargain at £15.00... maybe I'd be able to buy them in black as well?

6. Barratts casual lace up creeper style shoes

was £25.00, now £22.00

I've been wanting to try creepers for myself for quite some time now, after seeing friends and other bloggers rocking them. They appeal to my edgier side, and look like they'd be so comfortable, whilst adding a precious inch or two. And Barratts have some pretty fantastic dupes in a range of wintery hues for a fraction of the price. This pair is just £22.00, yet many other brands such as Underground start from £70 and keep going after £100. Bargain! Predictably, the bright colour of this green pair lured me in like a moth to a flame. I'd wear them with black skinny jeans and jeggings, perhaps with my red and black chequered shirt, a band tee, or some form of lace or velvet top. I'd find myself wearing these to lots of gigs and concerts when I'm back on my feet.

These are just six of the pairs I would consider treating myself to, but there were dozens if not hundreds of beautiful shoes I would happily buy. I haven't shopped with Barratts since I was a little girl, and am so surprised how great their selection is now.

Have you entered this competition yet? No? Check out the giveaway here.

If you have or do enter, link back your post so I can have a look!

The Fat Girls' Closet Club

About two weeks ago, I was catching up on my blog reading, when I came across an online article dedicated to the wardrobes of ten plus size female bloggers. It featured a few of my favourite bloggers, and introduced me to some new plus size style blogs to follow, too. As I'm quite nosey and love seeing how other ladies store their fashionable things, I found it quite interesting and thought many of you would too.

Here's the link if you want to have a read.

This is the introductory quote to the article:

 "Here we will delve into the closets of ten women who have invited us into the inner sanctum of their clothing storage.

The media constantly makes jokes about women and their closets. We all know that the truth is often spoken in jest but now we get to see the different kinds of "real" closets out there as well as get the short and the sweet about how fat girls feel about their clothing storage space (s)."

I thought I might do my own take on the Q&A, and share my wardrobe with you all (again) to give you a look in to this plus size girl's little piece of heaven.  It's the place where the foundations of my self-expression are stored and collected.

Is my wardrobe organised and easily browsed, or chaotic and impossible to search?

To the untrained eye my wardrobe may look disorganised, but it is organised, and I know where to find what ever I'm looking for. The hanging section of my wardrobe is separated in to cardigans, dresses, and jumpsuits- each by hem or sleeve length. (Such as cropped cardigans together, then boyfriend cardigans etc). Underneath I have my 'fashion' tops folded in a pile, next to my cropped cardigans, and my some long sleeved cardis. The drawer underneath holds my basic tees and leggings, and now my skirts; the chest of drawers holds underwear, jeans/trousers, PJs and swimwear. And the cupboard on the landing currently stores my small collection of winter knits, some sun dresses, and my pitiful collection of shoes.

The most used area of my wardrobe:

Without out a doubt, it's the dress section which takes up three quarters of my wardrobe. I wear dresses the majority of the time.

My most loved pieces from my wardrobe:


That's a tricky one. I suppose I'm most in love with my black polka dot dress- I feel like a million dollars in it; my hummingbird print skirt- because it's the perfect skirt I feel confident in; and my black bird print maxi dress- because it's stunning and I love the shape on me.

 For a girl who wears little black, that's odd how each piece is black with a pattern!

 I also really love my cobalt blue cardigan- the colour is divine and it works with everything; my yellow polka dot dress- I love the shape, and the colour makes me feel so cheerful and summery; and my cream/navy flamingo print dress- I adore the quirky print and the great circle skirt.

My vision of the perfect wardrobe:

 I would love a beautiful dressing room all of my own with cream wall to wall storage, great lighting, and soft cream carpeting. Everything would be organised by garment or item, and each colour-coordinated, and on matching satin hangers. I would have racks and racks of beautiful (imaginary) shoes; and glass fronted cabinets with plentiful room for my bag collection. Everything would be on display for easy browsing, and admiring. There would be room for a beautiful ornate dressing table with all my nail polishes on display; comfortable seating for deciding, dressing, and chatting over a few glasses whilst getting ready to go out; and an area with a raised platform and mirrors just like in fancy bridal gown boutiques.

The wardrobe Big builds for Carrie in the first SATC movie is heavenly, so something like that would be perfect.

How often do I organize and clear out my wardrobe?

At least twice a year, or sooner if I have an event coming up and need to raise a little extra spending money, as I'll put unwanted things on ebay or sell them at a boot sale. Although, now I'm buying more sensibly I've got very few pieces I would actually part with!

My wardrobe in one word:

Colourful!

And a few photos...

Tops, cropped cardigans, and a few long sleeved cardis. Oh, and a jumper with a geisha doll on it.

Lots of dresses, colour, and print.

Most of my bags are stored above my wardrobe. There are two rows of them, and about forty bags gathering dust up there at the moment. I've been collecting them for about a decade.

I won't show you the drawer with the basics in, as it's pretty boring, and the other cupboard is currently a dumping ground and needs overhauling, so I'll save that for some other time, too.

I hope you've enjoyed reading my wardrobe ramblings!

How do you organise your wardrobes/closets?



No matter what I do, all I think about is you

With Christmas coming, I'm having a bit of a dilemma. My heart and head are locked in a battle fighting over personal gain and generosity. Roughly translated, I can't decide whether to treat myself to a couple of things I love and can't get out of my head, or to ignore my desires and start my Christmas shopping.

I don't have much money left this week, but do I allow myself one little last treat before the end of the year, and begin my Christmas shopping in two weeks time? Or should I put my sensible head on, forget about myself, and start concentrating on others? I have three or four fortnightly pay days before Christmas. I just can't decide what to do! Thoughts?

This is my short list. Theoretically, I could buy myself two of the following, but which two?

The Dorothy Perkins Oatmeal Fox Jumper

There are animals adorning everything from every direction this season, and I think this adorable royal fox has to be one of the cutest motifs I've laid eyes on. It's currently on promotion for £19.60 instead of £28.00 until Monday, I believe, so this would be the best time to buy it and grab a bargain. I don't have many winter knits, and this one would work over jeans, jeggings, skirts, shorts and tights, maybe even over a dress or a jumpsuit. The only cons I can think of is the crew cut neckline and the colour.

The Dorothy Perkins Ivory Raccoon Print Tee

Raccoons are quite an unusual print to see on a piece of clothing- maybe that's why I'm attracted to this t-shirt. It's a little quirky, and that sums up my style perfectly. I missed out on the amazing ASOS raccoon print shirt, so when I saw this top I had to really restrain myself from hitting the checkout button there and then. The little bandit critters are enchanting, and I'm certain I'd wear this top to death. It's on promotion for £17.60 instead of £22.00, and I'm sure I could wear it at least a dozen ways. Plus, my top collection is quite small these days.

The ASOS Textured Knitted Snoods- Burgundy and Teal

Now that many parts of the UK are already getting snow, there's no denying that Winter is on it's way. It's becoming bitterly cold outside, and an extra layer in the form of a knitted snood can really make the difference when it comes to keeping warm.

 I've been wanting to add one to my Winter wardrobe for a while now, and I think I've narrowed it down to these cosy looking ASOS ones. They're both just £12.00 which is really reasonable and a fair bit cheaper than most on the market. My only problem is deciding which colour I prefer out of the two. I was set on buying the teal, but after coming across the burgundy I just can't decide.

Now, what do I do?

Should I begin Christmas shopping?

Should I treat myself? Which pieces do you like best?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions!

Help!