#Plus40Fabulous January Edition – Fashion Icons of our Childhood

PLUS40FABULOUS ROUND

Welcome to this month’s theme, which was picked by Lee who said:

“How about we talk about how our teens/childhood influence our choices in clothes and things today.”

I was born in the mid 70’s, so really the 80’s is my time when I started to really know my own mind when it came to fashion.  I can particularly recall my 9th birthday (’83) and I was having a party.  I went shopping for an outfit with my Mum and Nan, and found some amazing trousers similar to those worn by Oliver Newton John as Sandy at the end of Grease…. Needless to say, I didn’t actually get them, and ended up resembling ONJ as the earlier Sandy in a pink & white gingham ensemble instead.

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Since then, and in recent years I have most definitely experimented more in my fashion, and gone with what I like, and at times have started to resemble the closing scene Sandy on occasion….

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I was also partial to a good old movie, still am, and some more fashion icons I try to incorporate into my wardrobe are the likes of Doris Day, Ginger Rogers and of course Audrey Hepburn.

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Classic lines which never go out of fashion, no matter the era!

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But as well as all of this ultra-retro fashion, I am still an 80’s girl at heart, and although I don’t wear the neon now, and don’t have the big hair, Andie Walsh from Pretty Pink is never far from my heart, and a little bit of quirky often makes an appearance.

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So who from your childhood inspires your clothing choices today?

Be sure to check out the other bevvy of beauties taking part in this awesome challenge!

Stay tuned for some more #Plus40Fabulous posts!

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BIG Love

S x

16 in 16 – Reflection not Resolution

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Sorry I have been a bit slack getting fingers back to keyboard this new year….. I didn’t get back into the swing of things until the 5th, and made the most of the time with the familam, and it took me a good week to then finally feel normal again, if you know what I mean.

I’m not one for new years resolutions and all that, been there, done that, doesn’t work! Not to say that there are things I want to generally do more or less of, it’s an on-going process, not something I am going to just decide at the beginning of a new year, all that new year new me rubbish…. There’s nothing wrong with the old me!

Sophie came up with a fab idea of a 16 in ’16 post, so basically taking the opportunity to sit down, reflect on the past year and think about what things we did well, what things we’d like to do better in the future and, more importantly, what things we’d like to achieve in the coming twelve months.

I am going to just go with the flow here, and try and come up with 16, but I don’t think I will manage it, but let’s see…..

Shop my wardrobe – Stop adding to my already overflowing wardrobe, and dig out some of the items I haven’t worn for a while, or even forgotten I had!image

Get outside more – Pretty self explanatory, but don’t waste my weekends sat on the sofa watching the box or on the internet, get outside and get some fresh air.

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Declutter AND decorate the house – Again, kinda says it all.  I appear to be a borderline hoarder, so I need to have a good sort out, be brave and then we can decorate the house!

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Put more structure into the blog – Look at some kind of weekly themes maybe, in order to update more regularly.

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Reduce my time spent on social media – I am somewhat addicted to checking my phone ALL the time.  This needs to stop, in order to assist with number 12.

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Start reading again – I used to always have my head in a book, my friend’s Dad before he died always said that was what he remember about me, it will also help me to unwind at the end of the day.

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Walk more – Nothing too strenuous, just enough to increase my activity levels, and aim for at least 10k steps a day….

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Embrace my photography again – I used to really enjoy this, even got a few decent shots (apparently I had the eye), so it would be good to get out there again, and also this would help with point 2 above.

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Have a family holiday – We have actually never had a family holiday since we had our daughter, she is now 7, so I think it is time!  I am praying for Disneyland Paris.

Disneyland Parid

Cook more – Hubs is the cook in our family, it’s not that I can’t, but I have little patience, but I would really like to try more, and therefore, give him a bit of a break too.

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Get back into colouring – I started getting into adult colouring during 2015, for some reason, I have let this lapse, even though I found it very relaxing especially at more stressful times, so I am going to start this up again.

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Not allow the little things to make me so anxious – The smallest of things can make me really anxious, I don’t know why, it can actually end up me being quite angry…. I need to realise when this is happening and learn to control it, and tell myself it really isn’t worth it!

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Improve on my make up skills – I have very basic make up skills, and I don’t really differentiate between a daytime look and an evening look….. I want to conquer contouring and eyes!

Get all the AWESOME in this pic together AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE!

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More quality time with my family – If I can managed to achieve a couple of the above, this will happen naturally…. Fingers crossed, as obviously this one is very important to me.

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Continue being fabulous!

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And I did it!  I am pretty shocked, but I am glad….  Hopefully I will manage at least some of the above in some shape or form, and if things don’t pan out quite as I am initially hoping, what the heck, I shall not beat myself up about it.

I have lost track of who else took part in this as I am so late with it, the month will be over before we know it, but at least it is still January.  I am sure if you check out Sophie’s post she will have all the links, so make sure you do take a visit to the other blogs and see what their 16 in 16 are.

If you have liked what you have read today and would like to be kept up to date with future posts, follow me here: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr / Bloglovin’

BIG Love

S x

Passionate About Panache *

Like many of us, I have struggled for years on and off to find the perfect fitting bra.  One that gave me both support and comfort almost seemed non-existent.  It is important to regularly check out your measurements, as one day you may find a bra that is perfect for you, but we change shape for many reasons over the years, so what was once perfect may not be at a later point.  It is also important to remember that not all brands will fit you in the same size, so what fits you in one brand in a 38J may not fit you in a 38J in another.

I recently discovered that the 38J in the Cleo by Panache Marcie was my perfect bra, so snapped up as many in different colourways as possible in that size, and as much as my bank balance would allow me.

When I was then contacted by Panache directly to be gifted a set from their Sculptresse Range, designed specifically for the curvier amongst us, I was eager to give this a whirl to see if that range was also a good fit, to give me even more options.  Unfortunately, due to a small hiccup, the Sculptresse was all out of stock in my size by the time the order went in, but having seen my love for Cleo for Panache, I was very kindly sent the Lottie, one of the new styles to try, and here she is in all her glory.

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Unfortunately, this time of year is a bit rubbish for getting decent lighting for pics, I cant exactly prance around outside in the natural light in my undies, so have had to make do, so apologies for this, the pics don’t give the actual bra the justice it deserves, but I hope I have still managed to show you what a good fit she is overall.

The centre gore sits flush to my breast bone, as it should.  Having done a full on “Swoop and Scoop”, any migrated breast tissue under my arms is fully encased in the cup, as it should be.  I now wear these bras on a daily basis, I have 4 so I can inter-change between them (although I confess to possibly wearing my black one more than the others….), and I don’t find them to feel uncomfortable at all unlike with others in the past digging in under my arm, or cutting into me across my ribs.

I would recommend if you are struggling to give them a try for sure!

If you have liked what you have read today and would like to be kept up to date with future posts, follow me here: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr / Bloglovin’

BIG Love

S x

Bra Humbug – It’s Time to Trade In Your Bra! Simply Be Campaign

I was recently contacted by Simply Be and asked if I wanted to take part in their most recent campaign which, with the time of year, had very aptly called Bra Humbug.  They pointed me in the direction of their most recent blog post, here, and boy, did this ring true with me on so many levels!  So I thought I would take part and talk to you about my bad habits when it comes to my bras!

I would definitely rather spend my money on my outwear, rather than my underwear.  I usually end up wearing a bra into the ground almost, to the point the clasps are broken, the straps have lost their structure, need I go on?  Even I know that this isn’t always the best thing to do, so why do I continue to do it???  I don’t know!!! A good fitting bra, of good quality can actually make or break an outfit.  I have recently managed to find a good fitting brand of bra (post to follow on this very soon), and I will be embracing this going forward.  Bad habit number one may have been broken…. Woohoo!

I admit I am a dirty Gertie, and admit I often end up with a favourite bra, which ends up being washed a lot less than the others, mainly because I hardly take it off, other than to sleep!  Reading this blog post, I really know I need to crack bad habit number two, and fast!

My name is Sarah and I am a hoarder!

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Another one of my very bad habits, and not specifically bra related, but I am very much a hoarder; but what this campaign has made me do is go through my drawers and take out all the old bras that don’t fit well anymore, some may never have actually fit me well, and these have now gone.  Another one of my bad habits could be on the way to be sorted, I just need to put this into practice with all the other things I have hoarded over the years.

But my bra that I will undoubtedly never part with, for reasons, is this one….

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I wore this on my wedding day in 2004….

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This bra is 11 years old and is a Panache Special Occasions in a 38G!  I doubt this style even exists anymore!

It wasn’t a perfect fit, but I went to a small independent boutique, and we had to add a couple of extenders to do the trick.  It worked.  I have maybe worn this a couple of other times since when I have been in need of a strapless, but it doesn’t really work that well these days, the support it gives is minimal, to the point I may as well not wear anything, but it will remain in my drawer for a few more years yet I am sure, just because.

Bras for larger breasted beauties are far more accessible these days, Simply Be can offer you many choices from their own brand to the likes of Curvy Kate, Elomi, Panache and Anna Scholz to name but a few.  So really, we have no excuse, but how many of these bad habits do you have?  Let’s make 2016 the year we embrace the good fitting bra and trade our bra-humbugs in, and who better to do with this than Simply Be!

If you have liked what you have read today and would like to be kept up to date with future posts, follow me here: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr / Bloglovin’

BIG Love

S x

Going Dotty for Lollidots – Review ft Scarlett & Jo *

Scarlett & Jo have been around for a while now, but had only been exclusively available from Evans…. They are now available from Evans AND Yours Clothing, with other retailers looking to stock in the not so distant future, but did you know they also have their own Scarlett & Jo website???

If you haven’t already paid the website a visit, be sure to get your derriere over there right now, and make sure you sign up to the S&J Club.  This is free, and will get you 10% off purchases, but if you can stretch to £30 (on offer during December), may be tuck up a loved one for Christmas, you can become a VIP Club Member and get yourself 20% discount as well as priority on events etc.

I was very lucky to be sent this beautiful piece from the new Lollidots range, from what I can see this range is only available from S&J direct from the website.  You have no idea how pleased I was with this dress…. I didn’t know it was being sent, it just arrived unexpectedly after a bit of a pants week, so I stripped off immediately and tried it on.  As always I was not disappointed, S&J always know how to make dresses to compliment my curves, and it doesn’t make a difference that I am a midget too, the length, cut, everything about an S&J dress just works, whatever shape or size you are…. Well, that’s my experience to date any way!

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I have my eye on this one for my next S&J acquisition…. It will be mine!

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Have you any S&J in your wardrobe?

If you have liked what you have read today and would like to be kept up to date with future posts, follow me here: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr / Bloglovin’

BIG Love

S x

Survival Tips : The Office Christmas Party – Ft George at Asda*

It’ all a bit Chrimbo overload here at Plus Size Proud HQ, and I am sorry about that (#sorrynotsorry), and today I want to talk to you about surviving the good old office party!

I changed companies back in January, so I haven’t experienced the Office Party here as yet, but it is on a Thursday lunchtime, with the option to go on partying after….  So, here are my tips, take note (or not) as you wish:

  1. Only stay for lunch and DON’T go partying into the evening….
  2. IF, you do decide to go partying into the evening, make sure you turn in for work on the Friday morning…. or
  3. Book Friday off as holiday! You are no good to anyone if you are too hungover, and you would be better off sleeping it off
  4. Again, if you are staying for the after party, make sure you have a lift home sorted, or book a room at the venue if possible, or close by…. I think the reasons for this are obvious
  5. Keep the tipple to a minimum, or pace yourself, I am going to have to drive at some point, so will not be partaking in any alcoholic beverage… but if you are, maybe have a glass or two of water on standby to avoid over indulgence!
  6. Due to not being able to take part in any drinking games, make up for it on the food front! You know you want to, and you deserve it.
  7. Being the sober one, try keeping tabs on your work buddies to make sure they don’t do anything they may later regret!
  8. Definitely no talking shop! Keep the chat light-hearted and non-work related…. All work and no play makes Sarah a dull lunch companion!
  9. Avoid the mistletoe at all costs!  Again, probably an obvious one.
  10. And finally….. DRESS TO THE NINES!!!!

George @ Asda very kindly offered to kit me out for my Christmas Party, and here is what I shall be wearing on the big day….

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Jumpsuit
Sequin Jacket
Handbag

I am so pleased with my choices.  With the exception of the jumpsuit needing to be shortened in the leg (story of my life), a size 24 is spot on and true to size.  The detail is lovely, and I think it looks really classy, and I would love to see more plus size ladies giving them a go, as since I bit the bullet and tried I think they look amazing in the larger of us.

You cannot beat a bit of bling for a party, and this jacket is no exception!  Again, in a size 24 and very true to size.  Highly recommended.  the handbag just finishes the look off perfectly.

All still available online, although the jacket appears to be sold out in the larger sizes – check out your local store, and at extremely reasonable prices, so there is no need to take a second mortgage to look good at your up and coming festivities!

I know that Kathryn from MissKathryn’s MissTakes is also taking part in this campaign and also chose this jacket, so make sure to stop by and see how she styled it!

Will you be taking my advice for your Office Party or throwing all caution to the wind???

If you have liked what you have read today and would like to be kept up to date with future posts, follow me here: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr / Bloglovin’

BIG Love

S x

Step into Christmas Part 2….. Ft Curv’i’licious Clothing *

Hey there Peeps!

These Christmas print swing dresses are all over the place, you will have seen I have already been lucky enough to be sent one to review, but I now have some more, and this is number two of three I have coming up on the blog over the next few days!

It is great to find so many retailers now catering for the larger ladies, it gives us much more variety, we don’t need to stress out if items end up being out of stock as now there is more likely to be another round the corner who can hopefully help.

Today I am showcasing Curv’i’licious Clothing, and this awesome Reindeer Swing Dress…. I am a little bit in love with this one (and all my Chrimbo frocks).

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(Excuse the hair and lack of make-up, I had been rained on!)

I am wearing a size 22, and it is very generous, so feel free in this one to size down if you prefer a more fitted look to the top half.  Material is jersey, and very very comfortable.  I cannot actually find this listed on their website as yet (there are lots of other lovely bits on there though), but I know they are being promoted on their Facebook page (here), and you can drop them a message and they will respond promptly, the team are lovely!

I cannot wait to get into all this Christmas clothing I am stocking up ready for 1st December, although I am sure that some of it will get worn before the end of November!!!!

I have to thank my friend Sonya for taking this photo for me at her house at the weekend as the weather was abysmal so we were stuck in doors, but we had a great day with the kiddies anyway and didn’t let the weather spoil it for us.

Have you got your Chrimbo frock(s) ordered yet?  I have another post coming up soon, so keep your peepers peeled!

If you have liked what you have read today and would like to be kept up to date with future posts, follow me here: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr / Bloglovin’

BIG Love

S x

UPDATE: If you mention me via an FB message to Curv’i’licious you can bag yourself a 10% discount on your order!

* Item gifted for review, but all comments are honest and my own.