#Activewear365 - PRETTYLITTLETHING Haul, Try-On, Review & Look-Book

This is the first instalment in my #Activewear365 social media series.
This series is designed to showcase brands that offer activewear/loungewear or casual items for people of varying sizes, 365 days a year and not just in line with the January fitness hype.  Comfort is a daily necessity in my opinion, so when I look for clothing to chill in, work out in and casual bits to wear on a day to day basis I need reliable brands that offer garments that fit well, are durable, flexible, versatile and most importantly on trend.

I have hand-selected brands which I believe to be the front runners in this field.

First up I bring you PrettyLittleThing.

The guys at PLT were very kind to gift me eight items which I have tried on for you guys in my haul video on the tube, why don't you take a little watch?
A few basic stats for you before we get started - I am a 5ft 4" size 18/20 chick with a size 38GG/36H rack. I have quite a short body my legs are quite short too!  All round I'm just short!   Body shape wise I would be considered a full hourglass figure as I have a relatively small boob to waist to hip ratio.

Outfit # 1 - Aubergine Long Sleeved Cropped top & matching leggings.
These items are sold as separates but I love the look as a two-piece combo.
I ordered the top in a size 20 and the leggings in an 18.

Both of these items are available from a size 16 up to a 26.

FIT
I wish that I had sized down in the leggings to a 16, these are an extremely generous fit. I could have even sized down to an 18 in the top as the arms were quite loose on me.
Lengthwise these measure at approx 68.5cm/27" (based on the size 16 *as per the info on the website*)  The size 18 that I tried on had a considerable amount of slack in the leg so I think someone who is a couple of inches taller will be fine lengthwise.
FEEL
The material is 95% Polyester with 5% elastane, they feel really slinky and lightweight, I think they will be fab for work out gear due to the breathable fabric, but they do show all undies lines etc so if that's not your thing then maybe these aren't for you.
RECOMMENDATION
I think this combo would work well for low impact activities like Yoga. Styling for everyday wear you could rock these as separates teamed with contrasting coloured items, maybe throw on a slouch sweater over the top and chunky trainers. 

You can shop this look here >>>> Top//Leggings

Outfit # 2 - Charcoal Grey Crop & matching leggings


These items are also sold as separates.
I ordered the top in a size 20 and the leggings in an 18.

Both items are available from a size 16 up to a 26.
FIT
I much prefer the structure of this set, the fit isn't as generous as the previous set but I put this down to the choice of material. Length wise on the leggings these measure at approx 71cm/28" (based on the size 16 *as per the info on the website*)  The crop has no support in it, so it's a stretch to call it a sports bra in my opinion, it's more of a crop top and for fitness I would need to wear a sports bra underneath for a comfortable amount of support.
 FEEL
These items are made out of 95% cotton, making them quite a thick fabric.  These feel more structured and they would hold up well for workouts.  The material has 5% elastane so there is a minimal amount of stretch in them.  
RECOMMENDATION
This set is perfect for lounging and activity, I could see me wearing this set for jogging or walking. These would be good for casual day to day wear too, versatile enough to rock to either the gym or even out shopping.

You can shop these items here >>> Crop Top//Leggings

Outfit # 3 - Grey Marl Cropped Hoodie & Black Leggings.


These items are not a set, so of course they are sold as separates.
I ordered the top in a size 20 and the leggings in an 18.

Both items are available from a size 16 up to a 26.
FIT
These are by far my faves of the haul. The crop is a perfect fit, I like the slightly oversized style with sweatshirts. The leggings are going to be really functional for fitness. I could have even sized down with the leggings to a 16 as there is a little too much slack in the crotch and on the ankle.

FEEL
The leggings are really breathable, I adore the mesh panels which are not only on trend, but they will also be functional for fitness. They feel like decent sports leggings, I am excited to see how they hold up after a few classes. The hoodie is really comfy, I can see myself wearing this quite often.
RECOMMENDATION
This outfit would be totally functional for a fitness class or dance class. I would throw on some high-top trainers and make sure I am sporting a crop underneath the hoodie in case I get too warm in the class.

You can shop these items here >>> Cropped Hoodie//Leggings

Outfit # 4   - Burgundy Joggers & Sweatshirt

These items are also sold as separates.
I ordered both items in a size 20.

Both items are available from a size 16 up to a 26.

FIT
The sweatshirt is a good fit on the body but the arms are a little short which is a tad odd!  I would roll up the sleeves for comfort. The joggers are very generous for a size 20, I could have sized down to an 18 as they are rather baggy in the crotch, but for chilling around the house I don't mind them being this baggy.

FEEL
The set is super comfy it's really soft material. 
RECOMMENDATION
This set is ideal for weekend vibes, you could wear this lounging at home or out to the cinema or walking the dog.

You can shop this look here >>> Sweater//Joggers

Overall Impression

I am really impressed with the offerings that PLT have for activewear.  Had I managed to size these items properly I would be ecstatic about these outfits. I like the fact the items are bang on trend, some pieces are so simple but will be really functional for fitness.  Others are so versatile that they can be styled up in a fashionable way for day to day wear.  PLT were my fave brand of 2018 and with all the new drops they have planned for 2019 I am looking forward to seeing what this year will bring for them.

Thank you ever so much for collaborating with me on this PLT.

Why don't you head on over to my TikTok for additional look-books.

Stay tuned for the next instalment - coming soon 

xXx

[All items were gifted by PrettyLittleThing]

Illustrations by Murder of Goths

Kathryn (or MoG as we call her) is one hell of a talented lady and when I spotted her illustrations popping up all over social media I secretly longed to see what I would like at her fair hand.

When she tagged me on Instagram with this illustration I was beside myself.  Utterly flabbergasted that firstly she would even consider drawing me and secondly at how amazing it actually was.  She really managed to capture me.  Even if you hadn't seen the original photo, it wouldn't matter cos this illustration, even with minor detailing is a fantastic portrayal.


I was in love, so much so that I asked for a commissioned piece.

That's when she blew my mind with this...


I actually cried when I saw it for the first time.  I had never felt so beautiful as I did that very moment and for MoG to be able to recreate that effortlessly made my heart melt.

You can check a fine selection of Kat's artwork over on her Instagram below
& contact her directly for commissioned pieces at fantastic prices.

Email: murderofgoths@gmail.com

Or check out her Blog here >>>Murder of Goths

She also RedBubble store where she is selling some pretty neat gifts like a tote bags, mugs and notepads all displaying her fantastic designs.
Check it out...


Have you seen Kat's PS Blogger illustrations?  Which is your fave??

Xx

The Curve Fashion Festival

The countdown is ON!  Only 25 sleeps until what is pipped to be the largest plus size fashion & retail event of 2015; 


On the 26th September, award winning convention centre; Manchester Central will house over 40 online/high street retailers, catwalk shows & celebrity guests.  The Fashion Hall will hold meet and greet sessions with Tess Holliday, Hayley Hasselhoff, bloggers Louise O'Reilly and Nicolette Mason. 

Some of the brands that you can expect to see on the day; +ASOS Curve,  +boohoo.com (Boohoo Plus)  +Simply Be,  +Apples and Pears Clothing+Evans Clothing+Curvy Kate+ELVI+New Look+Studio 8 London +Pocket Wardrobe, +Very.co.uk +Ms Curvaceous UK and many many more...

The Face of the Curve Fashion Festival is none other than plus size model; Fluvia Lacerda.  This Brazilian beauty is known worldwide and has even graced the front cover of Vogue Italia.


Just like any other plus size event I am most looking forward to the social aspect. Being in a room full of like minded people allows us to let our hair down in a safe environment where we will be subjected to nothing but love & acceptance.  It's also a fantastic networking opportunity, make sure you get out there and talk to other people from the community, everyone is super friendly, approachable and willing to share shopping advice and fashion tips.

In addition to the all the awesomeness the day will be graced by a plethora of plus size bloggers and models all under one roof, so make sure you save your pennies for the shopping and bring your selfie sticks cos there will be a tonne of photo ops! 

You can check out the website for all the information you need; http://www.thecurvefashionfestival.co.uk/

Make sure you get your tickets here NOW as they are limited and as this is a ticket only event you do not want to miss out on any part of this day!

I will totally be here sporting my +Miss British Beauty Curve Sash & Crown, so make sure you grab me for a #Crelfie :)


Have you bought your tickets yet? What are you looking forward to most?

See you there!!

Xx