Jacket- $399 USD

O-KAY now Lane Bryant, this is what I want you to come with. From now on when I hear you talk about catwalk inspired looks I don’t want to see anything less than the caliber you’re demonstrating here. After a rocky start you’ve proven that you can up your game and create a completely covetable item that any woman of any size would want in her wardrobe. This jacket is making me feel more badass by just looking at it. I’m glad you don’t have a UK store because I’d be in there right now thinking up a lie for christmas morning to explain why I’ve spent everyone’s gift money on myself. I love it.

I’m going through another all black phase that I seem to remember also going through around this time last year…

….this time round I think it’s the result of all the Twilight and True Blood I’ve been absorbing of late.

Jumpsuit- Evans

Jacket- Evans

Bag- Borrowed/ stolen/ liberated from my mom’s wardrobe

Shoes- Evans (yes, most of my clothes come from this one store)

Necklace- Mikey

Belt- Made by me!……. which is where the “giveaway” bit comes in.

Oh yes ladies, I am having a giveaway! I’ve started making belts (again)which will be available to purchase online from Saturday and between now and then I’m giving you the chance to win the one pictured…

…This belt comprises of strips of ribbon stitched to a black leather base and lined with satin. The ribbon is on the front half only and the back half is elastic with a press stud fastening. Belt will be custom-made to fit.

To enter all you have to do is leave a comment on this post telling me how you would wear this belt and on what occasion. The contest ends on Saturday 7th November, 21.00 GMT when a winner will be chosen. Good luck! 

£50, Evans

……and make it earn its keep…….

Daytime:

Bag- £265, Reiss

Body- £20, Fashion World

Cardigan- $42- $46USD (depending on size) Zaftique

Boots- £70, New Look (wide fit)

Evening:

Velvet Shrug- $40 by Igigi at Curvaceous Chic Woman.com

Bag- £30, ASOS

Polkadot Tights- £14, (pack of two) Fashion World

Shoes- £85, Dune at House of Fraser

Earrings- £9 Dorothy Perkins

I’ve had a few requests to post more OOTD photos which it has been noted, I rarely do. So at your  request and a poke in the ribs from Gabi at YFF (smiles) here’s what I wore a few days ago to go charity shopping. For some reason I always seem to wear thrifted clothes to go thrifting. It’s not deliberate, I guess I’m just sub consciously getting into the zone?

I don’t ask me why I’m looking down my nose like that. I have no answer.

Dress- Thrifted from COW. I live in this dress and never get tired of it.

Denim jacket- So old I’ve pretty much thrifted it from myself. Originally from Etam.

Bag- Save the Children charity shop. Bought it the same day photo was taken and liked it so much I started using it before I was even out of there.

Tights- We Love Colors

Plimsolls- H&M Mens dept

Belt- Evans

Bangles- Torrid

Earrings- Topshop

Just seen this on the Harlem Loves blog  and its made me chuckle. Originally posted on the Refinery 29 blog…

$250 USD, Jibri

Instant swoon-appeal! And if you want to go for the full Hitchcock look you can also get this headband which is currently sold out on Etsy but convo the seller for info…..

(click image to go to site)

Who would have thought Chelsea boots would come back into fashion? Chelsea Boots! As with all things fashion it was really only a matter of time before they came round again but they’re not an obvious choice for me because they’re just so plain. I had a pair when I was at school but given that these days I like my footwear to be a little more distinctive I’ve surprised myself with this purchase from Evans. Supercomfy. They’re cushioned inside so perfect for stomping around all day and I can already see that I’m going to wear them til they’re dead. I might even buy another pair so that when these have departed to the footwear afterlife I’ll have another pair ready to carry the mantle- yup, I like them that much. 

I like that they’re completely plain with no bells whistles or frills but if I did want to add some va va voom I could get some of these from Ashes & Empires on Etsy……

Spats in 2009- who’d a thunk it?!

I have exclusive news! Evans are teaming up with the one and only Chaka Khan this Christmas! OMG!

Chaka will be modelling key pieces from the Evans Christmas collection in a campaign that will feature online and in all stores. The campaign coincides with the nationwide Here Come the Girls tour featuring Chaka along with Lulu and Anastacia and will run throughout November and December. Heres a preview of a couple of images…

Evans will also be selling a specially designed piece of  jewellery- the Chaka Charm, and a percentage of proceeds from the sale of the charm will go to The Chaka Khan Foundation, that is an organisation which inspires, educates and empowers at risk children to help them reach their full potential.

This is superb news and its great to see that the revamped and jazzed up Evans isn’t excluding its core customers who may not have related to Beth Ditto, from all the fun.

Ok so its Tuesday and the title isn’t really working but it was Monday when I stumbled upon this so thats alright yes? Good.

The discovery in question is that of the new online magazine Manik. The introductory issue recently launched and it’s looking FANTASTIC. Seriously, its hot. It’s polished, super stylish and doesn’t really mention plus size or curvy or anything relating to size on the front page, you just know its for you from the models used. There is no “you can look good too” message as they expect you to love fashion and they expect that you want to read about where to get the latest looks and body size isn’t overstated at all. There are features on lifestyle and interviews too so there is more to offer than just clothes. 

The mag doesn’t officially launch for another two months so this taster has me looking forward to December and that’s nothing to do with Christmas.