#EvansBlackFriday Sales - Day 1

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Black Friday sales have arrived and @Evansclothing are kicking things off with a few fabulous offers to get the ball rolling on their week-long sale period.

Every day this week Evans Clothing will feature a new deal online on their website as part of their #EvansBlackFriday sale.  The deals are only valid for each 24 hour period.

Today’s offers are;

Up to 30% off Festive Gifts – including Christmas jumpers, soft cuddly knitwear, sleepwear, accessories and lingerie.

They also have a “Deal of the Day  Today’s deal is 50% off this Navy Blue Robin Jumper which reduces the price from £35 to just £17.50!!

>> Click here to BUY<<
The item today that has most caught my eye is this saucy little thing…and at reduced price of £38.50 I may just have to make a purchase…or three….

>> Click HERE to buy<<
Make sure you head on over to Evans online and keep an eye on their sales each day – there’s bound to be some amazing offers to come…

Has anything caught your eye so far?  Share your pics with me, tag me,  I wanna see, just don’t forget to use the #EvansBlackFriday & #IAmFestive hashtags too!!

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Autumn Vibes with Navabi's new collection; Jo and Julia

Navabi have a new collection, it's a collection of seasonal pieces ranging from a size 14 to 28. 

Luxurious fabrics like chiffon & leather and lots of warmth in the colour palette; offering some of my fave autumnal shades like mustard and wine.

Two pieces caught my eye;

Black Leather Jacket // Mustard Ponte Jersey Dress
The black leather jacket is such a beautifully feminine cut, I couldn't stop gawking at it but when I saw it retailed at over £300 my heart sank, I just couldn't afford it. I vow that if I ever came into a sudden windfall, it will be one of my first purchases.  If you cannot wait - then you will be super pleased to know that it's currently on sale reduced from £344.50 down to £244.00.  Grab it while it's on offer!

The ponte jersey dress was very kindly gifted to me from Navabi. 


This truly is a beautiful dress.  I have worn it a few times so far to events and work, it's so versatile.  It could quite easily be dressed up for a night out as well as a perfect daytime outfit.


I ordered a size 20 and I could have potentially sized down on this item as it was quite loose.  I usually sit smack bang in the middle of an 18 & 20 size wise, so if you too are between sizes, perhaps go for the lower size if you would prefer a more fitted fit.


The mustard colour is one of my favourite autumn shades. It's so vibrant and warm, it really adds a little flavour into the dreary days.  The quality of the Ponte Jersey fabric is lovely and thick. It's warm enough to wear without the need of an extra layer.  The sleeves; 3/4 length.  The dress has one pocket, with two openings either side (you know me - this is a major selling point from me) There's a full zip at the back.  The neck is quite wide and almost a slash neck.  


I teamed this with a light tan wide brim hat which I picked up for £3 from a charity shop and these gorgeous extra wide calf fit heeled boots from Simply Be.

This dress is currently on sale online reduced from £126.00 to £114.50.  


Overall Summary:  I am eager to try more pieces of the new collection just wish that my wallet was unlimited!  I love the colour and style of this dress. I can't really find any fault in it.

Rating:  10/10

Potential improvements:   I have no recommendations for improvements on this dress. 

Would I recommend this? YES if you are prepared to pay for quality then Navabi have exactly what you are looking for.  Everything from the material to the quality of the garment justifies it's price.  Do not be put off by price tags - invest in fabulous quality that will last.

Photos by QR Photography

Disclaimer
This item was gifted to me for review purposes.  The review above is based on my own opinions of the products and I own all creative content of this post.

xXx

Dark Khaki Midi/Maxi from Yours Clothing


Khaki is by far one of my autumn staple colours and I can feel that this dress is gonna get a fair few outings this season.  I spotted this dress online at Yours Clothing and was desperate to try it on. 

Dark Khaki Midi/Maxi Dress

Yours clothes often tend to be rather generous on their sizing, so I went with my safe option of a 20.  I am between a size 18/20 usually and in all honesty I could have gone for the 18. 


The dress has a mock knot detail at the front with ruching all around it to pull in the waist and a panel underneath for modesty I guess.  It's made from a light viscose material and has quite a slinky feel to it. It's also advertised as dark khaki in colour but it definately looks more of a grey clay colour to me.


The dress currently retails at £29.00 and you can pick it up online using product code 101121.  The dress is available from a size 16 to a 32. If you are aiming for a more fitted look and you're between sizes like me, go for your lower end.

The dress is advertised as a maxi, but I'm not sure that's the most accurate description.  I'm 5ft 4" and this dress only just met my ankles when I stood up straight, it's also not a full skirt especially with the front panel and split front opening.  This dress is more of a midi than a maxi.

I grabbed these super versatile white heels from Yours too.  These shoes are a EEE width fitting with a 3" heel, believe me they are SUPER comfy.  I can easily spend the day in these heels without being in agony.  These retail at a mere £19.00 which is a bargain in my opinion! Product Code: 056467
Square toe Heels
Overall Summary:  Cute dress, super comfy shoes, all round a great combo for late summer evenings or early autumn nights out.  You could style this with a statement necklace and perhaps a pair of heeled ankle boots for an evening out.

Rating:  8/10

Potential improvements:   The dress could be longer as it's advertised as a maxi.  

Would I recommend this? Yes especially the shoes.  They are comfy and versatile and they are available in both black and white - buy both!  The dress is quite simple and plain so it's crying out for some statement jewellery, but with that it could be dressed up for a night out or thrown on with converse for a casual day look.

Photos by QR Photography

Disclaimer
.These items were gifted to me for review purposes.  The review above is based on my own opinions of the products and I own all creative content of this post.

xXx

#SpottedInEvans - Autumn Feels all in black


Today I went all "all black every thang!" with this outfit from Evans Clothing.


I know this looks like a dress right, but it's actually separates made up of a crop top and a midi skirt both from the City Chic range.


The City Chic is one of Evans' largest concessions at the moment and their range seems to run small on its sizing. Evans does give quite handy advice online about their sizing; 
 "Please note the sizing of this product is different to Evans standard sizing. Size 18 fits an Evans size 16, size 20 fits an Evans size 18/20, and size 22 fits an Evans size 20/22. Sizes 24-28 are true to Evans sizing. "


So fully armed with that info I opted to size up to a size 22 on the crop top to account for the puppies. I am a size 38GG and this was totally the right decision, had I gone for my normal size of a 20 I'm not sure that it would have fitted my chest. It might have been a little more fitted in the body as this is quite loose but I'm way more comfortable with it being looser.


The crop top retails at £60.00 and is available online now.  It has a sateen type feel to it, it has a full zipper at the back which completely undoes and the cups are structured for a better fit.  The spaghetti straps are also fully adjustable.


The midi skirt is also has a sateen feel, this would be lovely with a block bold coloured top and chunky scarf for a warmer feel.  


The skirt retails at £70.00 and is also available online now.  I chose the size 20 and it's a perfect fit for me on the waist. I usually wear an 18/20 so Evans' advice on sizing is pretty accurate in my opinion. 
I am 5ft 4" and quite short in the body - this skirt would  look lovely on someone a little taller but it you are under my height be prepared for this to be more of a maxi skirt!

... and now for the "piece de resistance"  These peep toe heeled boots are giving me so much life!  These bad boys unfortunately are only stocked in a standard fit :(  I don't have particularly wide feet but these are a little on the snug side. I have no doubt that with a few wears these will give a bit but I had there been a wide fit option I would have been happier than a pig in shiznit! They are sporting a 4" heel. The ankle straps are the the bit I love the most, they just look so HOT! Team these with a pair of skinnies and a oversized sweater and I would be in shoe heaven.  These pretty little things are available online for £50.00.


Overall Summary:  I love the items as separates and I can't wait to try other combinations with each product.  I'm loving the quality and feel of the garments. 

Rating:  7.5/10

Potential improvements: The shoes need a wide fit option and the range needs extending past a 24 in my opinion. Especially as Evans offer up to a size 32.  I would work at sizing the products better, whilst the addition of the size guidance is super helpful, what's more helpful is actual correct sizing all round.

Would I recommend this? Yes I would for separates they have so much potential for great autumn combos, the shoes yes for my sisters & brothers with a standard/slim width foot.  

Photos by QR Photography

Disclaimer
.These items were gifted to me for review purposes.  The review above is based on my own opinions of the products and I own all creative content of this post.

xXx

Evans #IAmMe Awards

Evans spared no expense with their recent #IAmMe Awards event, it was a night fuelled by positivity, giggles and a shed load of prosecco!  I was honoured to have received an invite to the prestigious awards, especially when I saw how well Evans looked after us Blogger gals.


Photo Courtesy of Evans Clothing (c)
As soon as I got my invite I made sure to get in touch with Vicky of Vixen Curves to discuss a collaboration.  I had found a killer dress from Boohoo Plus that was perfect for the event, but it needed something to give it that little somethin’ else! When Vicky suggested customising one of the “vixen” harnesses to wear with it, perhaps a little eye-catching gold number, I was all over that! 


Photo Courtesy of Evans Clothing (c)

Considering I got ready at work, I don’t think I scrubbed up too badly!

Outfit rundown;

Dress – Boohoo Plus Karina Plunge Split Maxi Dress – Size 20 – Product Code: pzz9386610568 *No Longer Available* £25.00

Harness - *Custom Made* “Vixen” style harness embellished in gold. http://vixencurves.co.uk/ *Gifted*

Shoes – SoleDiva Sandals in black from Simply Be – Size 6EEE £25.00

Choker – Black Velour “K” choker from Primark - £2.00



I’d always wanted to wear something a little more racy and this outfit turned some heads, exactly the response I was aiming for!

Photo Courtesy of Evans Clothing (c)
100 Wardour Street is a plush venue and it was decked out to nines with #IAmMe hashtags & goodies everywhere you turned, (I kinda felt bad for the clean-up team that would have to get the mirror & wall transfers off before the next working day!) It was pretty impressive though, even the loos were kitted out!


Photo Courtesy of Evans Clothing (c)
The awards ceremony was really uplifting. Five awards, given to five ferociously fabulous and inspiring women, including our very own Lucy Earnshaw who was awarded the #IAmStyle award. Well done beautiful, you totally deserved it.  I hadn’t heard of the other lucky ladies who won the other awards before this evening, but they were all lovely women full of confidence and some pretty funky dance moves!  It was awesome to meet them and spend the night dancing with them.  I will definitely be following their journeys from here on out.

Photos courtesy of Evans Clothing (c)

Hosted by the uber stylish Laura Puddy, she was joined by Hayley Hasselhoff, Callie Thorpe and leading ladies from Evans, Garnier & Marie Claire who all spoke passionately about what the Awards meant to them and how much each of the nominations recieved were truly heartfelt. It was so empowering to hear others speak so highly of other women, there's not enough praise of each other these days so it's refreshing when we get the chance to celebrate and uplift others. Jess and her Bandits played a fantastic set, not only is she stunning with the voice of an angel she is so down to earth and real. Always a pleasure, Jess x

Photos courtesy of Evans Clothing (c)

Some of my favourite blogger babes were in attendance, everyone's outfit was unique and each of the ladies had dressed to impress. We all had seats laid out for us; such a nice touch. 





Photos courtesy of Evans Clothing (c)

There was a pamper bar in a side room where you could have your nails painted, I opted for a blood red shade from Essie. 


With the addition of delicious canapés including the most adorable mini burgers I have ever laid eyes on and free flowing prosecco we were in for a fabulous night.  Bethany of The Arched Eyebrow spun the tunes all night keeping us dancing well into the small hours.



It really was a fab night and we were even given a goodie bag filled with Garnier products and an edition of Marie Claire. 

I cannot wait for next year's event; Evans know how to throw a shindig!




You can check out my Facebook photo album here >> Show me the selfies <<

All professional photos are courtesy of Evans Clothing (c)

Xx

...Not THAT kinda Shade! Eye shade! *Sunglasses Review* from GlassesShop

I've always been a fan of Gucci style sunnies so when I stumbled across GlassesShop offering discounted stylish sunglasses at ROCK BOTTOM prices, I jumped at the chance to try them out.

I tried out the Catherine Wayfarer Shades


These glasses are fully polarised and totally lightweight, so they not only look uber cool but they don't weigh down on your nose.


For a pair of cheap glasses these do not lack in quality at all. They are durable and have lasted my entire summer so far and with the fabulous weather we have had, I'd say that's pretty awesome! I would have expected them to fall apart by now! 

Fall apart?  Why would you say that?
- Simply because of the price!  These frames are UNDER £20! These are currently available for just £18.27!!


The great thing about GlassesShop is the fact that you can add your pupillary distances (RX & PD) to your order and have your glasses made into perscription sunglasses.  They also offer standard frames for prescription eyeglasses, make sure you check them out!


As if this post could get any sweeter but I'm gonna try and do just that by offering you a whopping 50% off any eyeglasses and sunglasses with free lenses (sale frames excluded though!)
Just quote GSHOT50 at the checkout to apply the discount.

Happy Shade Shopping!

Disclaimer
.The review above is based on my own opinions of the products and I own all creative content of this post.

xXx

Simply Yours & Beach to Beach Swimwear from Simply Be/JD Williams

Summer is by far my favourite season and we have been blessed with such amazing weather so far.  Unfortunately a holiday is just not something I can afford at the moment, so I vowed to make sure I am living for my weekends and soaking up all the rays here in the UK. 

With so many brands offering beautiful plus size swimwear I am always spoilt for choice. These two pieces are from the #SimplyYours & #BeachtoBeach range for +JD Williams+Simply Be.

First up is the Beach to Beach Blouson Tankini Set in mint green gingham print.
The top is a size 18 and the bottoms a size 20. With this being a blouson cut, it is designed and shaped to be loose fitting.  This is perfect for people who are conscious of tight fitted swimwear.  


The top sits just below my tummy and gathers with an elasticated waistband.  The sizing is generous and I am glad I opted to go for an 18 in the top as the 20 would've been rather loose. The tankini top has a light inner bust support, no cup mold or underwire at all, it's just an inner panel which helps keep the pups in place but be under no illusion that it offers any support.  It has fully adjustable detachable straps, but can also be worn bandeau style. The bikini bottoms are pretty standard, full brief fit, no high leg, good bum coverage and affordable too.  I probably could have chosen an 18 in the bottoms also.

These items are sold as separates;

Next up I wanna talk about the #SimplyYours Floral Bandeau swimsuit

The print alone of this suit sold me, it's gorgeous! It's a simple bandeau cut with detachable & adjustable straps. I opted for a size 20 and this is quite generously cut like the tankini set. Where I am between a size 18/20, I could have opted for the 18 and still been comfortable. There are fixed foam cups sewn into a bra support panel and it offers decent support for my size 38GG chest. 

You can pick this up for £25.00 at the moment.


Overall Summary:  Both the tankini set and the swimsuit are lovely items and perfect for any holiday.  The both offer a comfortable and stylish way to rock your curves over the summer months.

Rating:  9/10

Potential improvements: When making swimwear for D+ cups, a little more support in the bra region would not go a-miss. An underwire would be amazing.

Would I recommend this? Yes I would, I have always loved these styles of swimwear they really complement the figure without being too revealing.  They're versatile enough to rock on the beach and at your local swimming pool. They're winners for me.


Disclaimer
.The review above is based on my own opinions of the products and I own all creative content of this post.

xXx

Plus Size Skater Dresses from Want That Trend - Modelled by The Rubenesque Effect

We at #TRE HQ had the pleasure of modelling some gorgeous dresses for Want That Trend at our #TREPicnic photoshoot.  Now you may be thinking who are Want That Trend? Don't despair...me too. That was until +Lottie Moor reached out to me telling me about this primarily straight sized brand who had just launched an extended range up to a size 24.  I was intrigued, I share Lottie's sentiments in the fact that whilst I wish this range didn't stop at a 24, it is a positive thing that they have extended their range into plus size, without raising the price tag at the same time.  

You can read Lottie's opinion right here >> *New Brand Alert! Introducing Want That Trend*

We were sent five skater dresses to showcase in our shoot and I couldn't help but want to throw together a little review for you ladies to let you know all about this fab new collection.


The sizes start at a size 8 up to a size 16 in their standard ranges, however they have extended some of their outfits up to a size 20, with a small selection available up to a size 24.  The dresses available on the website are made up of an array of beautiful vibrant colours and floral prints, many of the dresses are made of a thick scuba material with quite a bit of stretch in the fabric.  The have many skater style dresses and body cons and even a few maxi's.


I asked the #TRE ladies and our gorgeous friend Kimberley to give me their opinions on the dresses they each wore.  Here's what they had to say...
Claire wearing Aliza//Size 20//Height: 5ft 10"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Claire said; "Loved the colours of the dress, the blue really made my eyes pop. The quality of the material was very nice and I liked the shape the dress gave me, however, the dresses are far too short for anyone over 5'7 really.  WTT should think about doing a range for taller women then I think a lot more people would by their dresses"


Sian wearing Tanya//Size 22//Height: 5ft 11"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Sian said; "Although the dress is too short in the leg and the body for my own comfort level being 5'11, it is a beautiful dress! The colours are vibrant and you really stand out in it.  The fabric is a scuba material so it hugs you just the right amount and is very flattering.  I would most likely save the dress for winter and wear some thick tights and boots with it to brighten up those dull days!"


Daniella wearing Jayne//Size 18// Height: 5ft 5"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Daniella said: "I adored the cut of the chest area, it didn't show off too much cleavage. The colours complimented my skin and eyes. The material had a nice feel. The only negatives is that I felt the puff of the dress made me look bigger than what I was and that even at 5ft 5 I felt conscious of how short it was at the back. Overall a lovely dress but needs to be made longer."
Kimberley wearing Julie//Size 20//Height: 4ft 10"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Kimberley said; "The dress hugged my curves and made me feel very girly, the skirt length was perfect and the material was soft and breathable. A definite for every wardrobe."

...and last but by no means least....

Kat wearing Cavalier//Size 20//Height: 5ft 4"//Photographer: Freddie Onadeko (c)
Overall Summary:  I personally wish that I could own every single dress on the website.  The dresses have such eye-catching prints that are perfect for Spring/Summer occasions.  The scuba fabric is light-weight and cool.  I like the fact that even though this dress only retails at a mere £22.95, the quality of these dresses outweighs the price tag.  The cut is complimentary to the figure, showing just enough cleavage and accentuating the waist.
Rating:  7.5/10
Potential improvements: I echo the sentiments of the other ladies, even at my height, I am conscious of the length of the dress.  A little extra length in the body and the skirt would make this dress a winner for me.
Would I recommend this? Yes without a doubt, the prints are gorgeous and if you don't mind showing a little thigh, then these dresses will be right up your street.


Hair & MUA: Models Own, Hair for Kat - Mya Henry
Photographer: Freddie Onadeko
Disclaimer
These products were sent to me for review purposes. The review above is based on our own opinions of the product and I own all creative content of this post.

xXx