Introducing Marks & Spencer #Curve

Receiving an invite to the Marks & Spencer Curve launch brekkie at The Ivy Soho Brasserie was the perfect way to kick off 2018.  The Ivy Soho is such a vibrant venue oozing style and originality,  the decor offered a dose of sophistication which complimented the brand's own ethos.

Being in the company of a bunch of gorgeous and exceptionally talented blogger alumni and industry professionals really set the scene for a fabulous morning. 


All the influencers shared a table, allowing us to catch up over a heavenly breakfast of poached eggs, avocado and tomato on toast. 


After a short introduction by Jo Hales the head of Buying at M&S for the Curve range, Danielle Vanier gave us an insight into what inspired her collaboration with M&S to design two dresses for the range.  She spoke passionately about how excited she was to consult on this project, especially how she had grown up with M&S being a front runner for quality and on trend fashion staples. She recalls an LBD which she adored which came from M&S, so she took aspects of the dress she loved and used that as inspo for creating her two garments. She commented recently saying, "I have added some subtle sports details, like hard-wear on the waist and mesh layering for a contemporary feel; so both can be styled in really different ways. Whether you team with crisp white trainers for a chic take on daywear, or dress up with heels ready for the evening"


After brekkie we got the chance to get intimate with some of the pieces on display.  Now you know me, I never pass up on the opportunity to play dress up, I eye-up the rails to find my fave pieces from the collection and scurried off to a corner to change (Yes, I have no shame, but I was in good company as Olivia Campbell joined me in sampling the offerings) 

Shop the Trench

Shop this Biker Jacket
The collection has been designed with everyday in mind, providing quality infused basics such as soft and luxurious knitwear alongside faux leather jackets with jersey panels for comfort and movement. There is also a blend of occasion wear offering jumpsuits and dresses which are designed to skim and accentuate the curves. Using fresh pastel shades, and vibrant prints alongside the staple monochrome colours provide a versatile Spring wardrobe which can be accessorised to take you from day to night with ease.



The range caters for sizes 18 to 32, with most items being available in all sizes both in-store and online.

You can shop the entire range online here 


I picked up a few pieces to share with you.  I chose three pieces, two everyday staples and one of Danie's dresses.  

First up I give you this perfectly practical parka.  I have searched for a truly waterproof jacket that doesn't leave you totally saturated after a downpour.
I am pleased to say that this parka does not disappoint.  I wore it to a recent shoot and it was absolutely chucking it down outside, having this parka saved hours of potentially wasted time straightening the barnett and making me look all dolled up.



It's fleece lined, ladies! So trust me you will stay toasty warm, not a drowned rat in sight.

Shop this Parka
I love the fact that it's versatile enough to wear casually as well as over a posh frock. 

It features an inner drawstring at the waist.  This is a blessing allowing you to create waist definition creating a more feminine silhouette.

 The other staple I chose was this lightweight t-shirt, in my fave colour; mustard. 
Shop this T-shirt




The one thing that I adore about this top (other than the colour of course) is the very obvious quality of the garment.  It doesn't feel cheap or basic. It's a blend of viscose and elastane which leaves it feeling soft and durable. I've washed it once since purchase and there's been no loss of integrity or colour. I think this top is a winner and I would love to buy it in other colours to fill my summer wardrobe.
Shop Danielle Vanier's Mesh Dress
Danie's mesh dress caught my eye from the minute I saw her wearing it at the launch.  It's an unusual cut and that makes it very unique in relation to other mesh dresses on the market. Danie inspired me to rock it with box-fresh pumps for this look but I am looking forward to dressing this up for a night out on the town.



I ordered all three items in a size 20. Where I am between a size 18 and a 20, size-wise I could have sized down on both the parka and the dress for a more structured fit. I wouldn't personally size down on the tee, only because I like a t-shirt on the loose side.



My overall opinion of the Curve range is that M&S have succeeded in staying true to what they are best known for which is high quality staple pieces that can be worn in all circumstances.  They have not sacrificed anything in their designs, they have created garments that showcase our figures as well day to day basics, offering a whole range outfits which give you the calibre of clothing that you expect from M&S as well as on trend pieces that have been carefully designed with the insight of over 2,000 plus size women.



Small touches like the jersey panels on the faux leather jacket and shirts that don't gape with their "no-peep" button technology all really show that they took the little things into consideration. Many people in the blogger sphere have dubbed the collection as drab and sack-like, this is simply not true. The collection is true to it's word, it caters to its market.  Some women don't have the confidence to rock fully fitted dresses and they are looking for things that "flatter" their figures, others prefer to flaunt what they got - there's something for everyone here.  Let's be honest, on a day to day basis we all need good quality staples, so I would be far more inclined to check out M&S and pay a little extra for decent pieces that are durable rather than scrimp on the pennies and get something of a lesser quality. 



In short I thoroughly recommend you check out the collection. You always get a better idea of how a garment will look when you actually try it on, so get yourself in store and try some pieces on, then take a tonne of pics and tag me in it cos I bet you will look damn fabulous in them!



Why don't you try some of these for a start?



Shop the CURVE collection


Disclaimer
 The review above is based on my own opinions of the products.  
Photos by QR Photography

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#BeTheBlogger ~ the highlights of my year with Yours Clothing

Working so closely with Yours Clothing over the last year has been so much fun. It has allowed me to grow as a blogger, whilst learning about collaborating with a large brand. The experience has been challenging but also incredibly rewarding too. My content has improved, my engagement has increased and I have developed a routine of blogging regularly. 

The last 12 months have flown by from my first post and looking back over my year brings back some fond memories.

Pink Infusion 


The best thing by far has been the friends I have made throughout the experience. Working alongside Gloria, Laura, Charl and Violet has been such an amazing experience. I have learnt so much from each of them, which has helped me fine tune my own blogging style. These women are powerful, independent women with oodles of sass and style and I have spent so much of the year being in awe of the fabulous content they have produced. Spending time with them and getting to know them more at meet-ups and other social events has made me realise that these women are not just the #YoursDreamTeam but they are now girlfriends. Women who I can not only share my highs and lows with but also women who inspire me to think outside the box and broaden my horizons. I am so grateful that we were all given this opportunity together as I have found friends for life in you.


I have had challenging tasks which forced me to think outside the box, improve my photo content and in some ways change the way I blog.  I do feel this experience has really helped me develop.
My fave outfit by far was this ensemble. The shirt and crop top were from the Limited Collection, which in my opinion is like Yours Clothing's cooler, younger sister. The LC offers the freshest trends and whenever I did my monthly Yours haul I always made sure I picked a few pieces from the collection.

I loved this meet up the most. We took a trip to The Botanist in Sheffield.  We ate some delish food, sampled the cocktails in this botanical oasis. We totally took advantage of the surroundings making sure we got loads of insta worthy imagery!





I was so lucky to have been involved with the #TakeThePledge campaign with Laura and Hollie. Have you taken the pledge yet?


My fave experience by far was heading up to Yours HQ for a blogger photoshoot where we shot images for the website and even got to shoot a spooky Halloween look too.


Plus seeing my face on the Loose Women Ad every day was the perfect swan song.


The year has been a tonne of fun and I'm actually gutted that it has come to an end. I hope to continue to work with Yours in the future as one of their official brand ambassadors.

I want to thank Yours Clothing for the fabulous opportunity and I cannot wait to see what else 2018 has for me in the Blogosphere!
Thank you to all of you for the support over the last year, I couldn't have done it without you.
So for the last time....
Peace out xx

Disclaimer
 The review above is based on my own opinions of the products.  Written in collaboration with Yours Clothing UK as part of #BETHEBLOGGER

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