Get the Hell Outta Here!

I still can’t get over it. Evans sent me a gift. EVANS SENT ME A GIFT!!!! A HUGE GIFT! I was contacted by someone from Evans who said they had seen the blog and had something to send me to thank me for my support and I was like- wha hey- FAB!. The person never said what it was but I had a prior convo with someone else about a domino scarf pressie so that’s what I thought it was. So when I collected this huge package I was a bit mystified. When I tore open a small section of the packaging to peep at what it was and saw the big circular sequined sections I was like- NO WAY. No way did they send me what I think they sent me- my favourite item from the entire collection. I was dumbfounded and couldn’t even open it further for a few moments. The gift package contained the dress, the domino scarf (it has silver threads running through it which you can’t pic up in the pic), a bottle of Beth Ditto water (she’s branching out!), the latest Gossip CD and a couple of badges.

I can’t even say I’m over the moon because I lapped the moon several times and am now I’m leaping over the entire freakin’ solar system. THE FACE DRESS!!!!! I still can hardly believe it.

A huge great stonking glitter encrusted THANK YOU to Evans for this, you have made my entire summer and I can’t thank you enough.

I will no longer complain about the weather and I’m in fact now looking forward to autumn when it will be cool enough to wear this, so bring on the wind and cold weather cause I’M READY!

WOW.

Back in Evans- AGAIN

So today I was back there again trying on more clothes and doing more shopping. This time I bought the domino dress and a plain white vest from the Evans main range which I forgot even existed because the only thing I paid any attention to yesterday was the BD range. Can I just say at this point that there are some great items in the main range too. I had a swift look around today and there are some quirky pieces that really compliment the BD range and some other items with a more romantic and feminine feel that would be ideal for lovey dovey warm summer evenings out.

There were three people in store who I assume were from the Evans head office as I heard an assistant mention “a big visit this afternoon”. The people who I assumed were from head office were standing to one side of the BD collection talking about sales figures and whatever else and of course I wanted to eavesdrop but I didn’t. However, one woman came over to me who I think was the area manager and she asked me if I was the woman who was taking photos yesterday. For a split second I thought- oh shit, then as soon as I had that thought I remembered that I did actually ask for permission before I started snapping away on the sales floor because the last thing I wanted to do is get thrown out of the shop where I buy most of my clothes. The assistant I asked went out back to ask a senior staff member and it might have been this lady who gave me the OK.

I wasn’t in trouble, she simply asked me what I thought of the range and I gave her some feedback. But you know what? I really wished I could magic you all up from wherever you all were at about 1.30 GMT this afternoon so you could tell her your thoughts. I told her about what I loved- the domino prints, the crop jacket (I had both in my hands) and the jumpsuit (although I did tell her I wished it was full length) and what I didn’t like- the cape thing. We had a brief discussion about the kitty top where she said they hadn’t sold many in that particular store even though it was in prime position at the front of the store, facing outwards. I can understand that not selling though so I’m not surprised. Ms Manager Lady also asked me several other questions including would want to see more from Beth Ditto after this collection? I wanted to scream the loudest shrillest scream I could muster in response but instead I gave her a firm “definitely,” and “while you’re at it could you please bring back the Georgina Goodman for Evans collection”.

I could have chewed that poor woman’s ear off for an hour but I had to hold back the absolute torrent of thoughts and ideas I have and try not to come across like an over excitable loony. She asked me- “what did you do with the photos, did you show your friends?” I replied, “I put them on the internet” to which she seemed a bit surprised. I never actually mentioned the blog though, I just left it vague. However, I we got our wires crossed because I for some reason thought she also knew about the pics in the fitting room and started talking about how there was a great response to the photos as people were happy to be able to see the garments on a real body rather than just in an online store. She looked at me a bit strangely so now I’ve confirmed to her that I really am a loon. I’m sure she must have figured out about the fitting room pics and I hope Evans don’t mind. Everyone does it don’t they? Plus I did buy stuff too. I’d hate to have another Hogg- gate situation arise.

Enough writing- here are some more photos!

The jacket!!! Before the launch it wasn’t something I had my eye on but now I’ve tried it on I really like it. The biggest they had was a 24 so I squeezed myself into it. I couldn’t do it up but at least you can kinda see how it would fit if it was the correct size. I think its fab!

Horrid. This is the only thing I tried on where I thought- what the fuck? You know how in the press interviews about the range they’ve said that Mama Cass was one of the influences? Well this is Mama Cass from beginning to end and its horrid. Typical fat girl clothing- big and shapeless. I tried on the size 28 and it was too big  but even a smaller size wouldn’t have saved it. Remember the bat like creature from Jeepers Creepers? that’s what I looked like.

This I was unsure of. It looked very big on the hanger so I tried on the size 22/24. The top underneath fit too snug but the purple bit was fine. Its not something I would buy but it wasn’t terrible although I look like a druid with the hood up. The spotty leggings I love- they were a size 28.

I also tried on the other black jacket which I really like although the size 26/28 was too big. I am on the lookout for a new black casual jacket so that could well be it.

PS- I saw another woman in the fitting room trying on the purple sequin weather girls top and she looked stunning. I seem to have left my steel balls at home though today as I was feeling a bit too shy to ask her for a photo, but take it from me- she looked great in it.

PPS- I have just checked out the Young Fat and Fabulous blog and there is an online discount code- evesu94. This will give you £5 off any purchase from the range until July 14th.

It’s Finally Here!!!

Let me tell you I LEAPT out of bed this morning full of the joys of a collection launch and was wearing a huge smile on my face even before I had my jump start coffee. No work today- I booked the day off as I have much more important things to concern myself with other than the routine toil.

I had considered going to London for the launch but after making enquiries I found out that Ms Ditto herself was not going to be making any appearances, plus I figured that my local store might be a bit quieter so stayed in Brum and made my way to the Pavillions, arriving five minutes after opening time.

Kid. Candy Store. You get the picture. Yes I’d already seen the majority of the collection online but the prospect of finally being able to try it on and see it face to face was what got me so excited and I walked in there fit to burst. I was greeted by a lovely bubbly assistant  who was informative and enthusiastically talked to me about the collections influences and was very helpful.

No, I'm not responsible for that top on the floor!

The collection looked even better up close and personal than it does online, looked great instore and would definitely catch your attention if you were walking past. It all seemed to be there minus the domino scarf and the belt though it is entirely possible that they were there but I didn’t see them.

Without wasting much time I loaded up my arms with goodies and hot footed it off to the fitting room.

First up was the cat print tee….

Now I really wasn’t sold on this when I first saw it online but its grown on me. It didn’t excite me but I’ve warmed too it. I would say its a tad to long for my liking as a long sleeved tee, but that’s just my personal preferences talking. Would I wear it? Yes- but shorter. How can I say no to those big tearful  kitty eyes?

Next up- the jumper dress…

This number made my heart race! I love, love, LOVE IT but at £65 its a bit more than I would want to pay at the moment due to me being a brokeass but I’ve entered the competition on bethdittoevans.com so if my stars are in alignment I might be able to win one! Also, I can’t justify buying a jumper dress in the middle of summer when I won’t be able to wear it til September/ October, so while I’m wanting one badly I have to wear my sensible hat and say no. Dammit.

The stained glass dress….

LOVE!!!!! The print is GORGEOUS and it fits well AND there are pockets which is an added bonus. There’s an elasticated section at the back to make the bust fit snugly and the dress comes with detachable straps. The only thing I didn’t like is that the bust area is cut for a much smaller bust than I have so the underbust seam wasn’t under my bust at all it was halfway up my boobs but I’m used to that with any dress cause my hooters are so damn big. You probably wouldn’t notice too much anyhow because of the pattern and it wouldn’t put me off I don’t think as I like the print too much. This dress gets two thumbs up from me.

The domino dress….

A little mirror action going on...

This also get two thumbs up plus a big toe too because its PERFECT. Its a perfect length for me to wear without having to necessarily wear leggings underneath if I don’t want to and its not made from flimsy fabric. PLUS its fully lined with a plain white stretch fabric throughout the body and sleeves which is a masterstroke because it means it creates a nice smooth line. That must surely have been Beth’s idea because I can’t see Evans coming up with that one on their own. Sorry Evans- but I don’t. The leggings are also cleverly cut to create a nice smooth silhouette with a hiiiiiiiigh double layer waistband that comes right under your boobs. Also, y’know how most leggings have each leg cut from one piece of cloth so that there is no side seam and they look like rectangular blocks? Well these are cut with SHAPE and the legs are constructed from a separate front and black piece like regular trousers so they fit better. PERFECT. I wouldn’t wear the dress and leggings together myself- I just wanted to do like Beth.

While I was in the fitting room I met this lady who was also trying on the domino dress and she looked STUNNING. She looked so good in it that I had to ask her for a photograph. She was unsure whether she should buy it or not but both myself and the sales assistant said it was a surefire winner so hopefully she did. Amid my excitement I forgot to ask for her name so I have no idea who she is. I hope she sees this though and lets me know! (update: this lovely lady found the blog and left a comment. Her name is Sam)

Bored yet? No? Good cause there’s more. I know you’re thinking- crikey, did that woman try on EVERYTHING? Well- pretty close to everything…….

The acid wash skirt! LOVE, pure love. (I really am wearing out that word in this post) Two way zip at the front- adjustable sexiness. The waistband is three quarters ribbed jersey which I didn’t like much, would have preferred it to be solid denim but it won’t put me off buying it.

Not for me at all but I’m sure it will look great on someone with smaller breasteses. There is bustier detailing on the print section but you can’t really tell from the photo.

The jumpsuit- OF COURSE I had to try this on! Waist upwards- love love LOVE. Waist down- not sure. The detailing on the top half is spot on- the banding across the back with the deep V, the button shoulders, the  insert at the neck and the fit- all perfect. I even like the idea of the harem style trouser but I just wish it was full length. I think it looks better on me in this pic than it did while I was parading around the fitting room- maybe I was just too self conscious. I kinda felt like it could do with a belt but I didn’t bring one into the fitting room to try out. I will try this on again I think with the right shoes and a belt because I love it lots and want to make it work. If you buy this, send me a photo!!

Not keen.

The jury is out on this one. I felt a bit like one of the weather girls in it but it looks great on Beth.

So what did I buy? I only bought the domino leggings because I don’t get paid til tomorrow but even then I’ll have to exercise much restraint as I could easily spend loads as there’s so much of it I want- not that I have loads to spend (damn you Evans for dropping this collection when I’m looking for a new job to better finance my fashion dreams!) but you know what I mean.

All in all its a great collection and I hope hope hope that we see a further collaboration between Evans and Beth next season and this isn’t just a one hit wonder.

OH- I almost forgot- check out the competition at bethdittoatevans.com website for your chance to win FIVE items among other prizes!