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

‬ #plussizeactivewear
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]

Why I choose to move - Collab with JD Williams

‬ #plussizeactivewear
The whole "New year New Me" thing just doesn't work for me.  I see the perks of choosing the start of the new calendar year to be the time to embark on something new but in my opinion that should not be the catalyst to shed any weight you may have put on over the festive period or to begin any drastic fad diets or to set yourself unacheivable goals that you feel you must bust a gut to attain, simply because society tells you that the way you are is not good enough in some way.

I don't make resolutions, I set myself goals.  Goals that I know will positively change my life in some way.  Goals that I can control and achieve. Goals that make me feel better about myself.

This year I set myself a list of goals which I will be posting all about soon but for now we are gonna talk about the two that I am most excited about.

- Move more
- Love myself a little more

As you may know I am a BOOSTfit Fitness Instructor.  I am also overweight.  I am strong and able. I love dancing. I exercise because it means I get to dance.  I dance because it makes me happy. The more I dance the more I move. I move more to increase my fitness levels.  I exercise to improve my breathing and endurance. I do not move to lose weight.  I don't exercise to lose weight. I enjoy moving my body.  I love my body. I like seeing my body changing and becoming stronger. I am not the picture of perfect health, but I am not unhealthy. You cannot judge my health by looking at my photo.
Shop this T-shirt from JD Williams
 The two goals I have set require a level of commitment to maintain, they are both life choices. Choices which will in fact be boosting my own happiness and in turn helping me listen to my body and learning to love it a little more. Allowing myself to care more about the fabulous vessel that I inhabit and to care more for my mental well-being by choosing happiness overall.  
To move more I have chosen to increase the amount of times I go to class whenever I can.  I plan to also increase the intensity of my workouts when I do.  Not drastically, just take things a little higher, dig a little deeper, jump a little more and push a little harder.  When one embarks on such a journey and one is a fashion blogger, one should treat themselves to snazzy new active wear. (Hey JD Williams...wake up...it's your time to shine!)


Adidas Sports Leggings
JD Williams made my day when I found out that Adidas sell plus size active wear!  These Adidas Linear Tights are perfect for working out. I got these in a size 20 and they fit like a second skin. I have washed and worn them several times and they have not lost shape nor lost colour or started bobbling. The fit is not restricting and the material is breathable. They kept my legs cool through out classes too.


These leggings have all sold out but they have many other similar styles available online (Shop HERE) and as far as I can see these are available up to a size 24. It's not a full size range but for a straight size fitness brand to recognise the desire from us plus size folk to have stylish and durable active wear and to deliver at an affordable price point, it's progress. Hopefully this will spur more brands to follow suit and also to extend the range to incorporate more sizes.


I love this Pineapple Dance hoodie, it's so warm and comfortable.  Unfortunately this hoodie is now sold out but JD Williams stock other Pineapple active wear some of which goes up to a size 30.  I sized up with this hoodie and went for a size 22 as I like to wear my hoodies nice and oversized.  


Elomi make fantastic sports bras that offer support for larger cup and back sizes.  They are my sports bras of choice. This is a size 38GG keeping me nice and secure for all kinds of movement.
Shop Elomi Energise Sports Bra
There are so many brands available via JD Williams like Glamorise, Panache, Shock Absorber and Freya all catering for both larger cups and back sizes. Make sure you check them out.


I am fully in support of anyone who chooses to lose weight, as long as they are doing it for themselves and not to conform or because others have told them they have to. You have to live your best life. That being said I am fully in support of anyone who chooses to live their lives exactly the way they want to and if that means that they are happy in the skin they are in then that makes me happy just as much.

However you choose to live...whether you choose to move or not. Promise me three things;
  • You will make a conscious effort to love yourself a little more.
  • You will try to believe that you are stronger today than you were yesterday and with hard work and perseverance, tomorrow can be even better.
  • If you choose to move - do it in style and start your active wear shopping with JD Williams

xXx

Disclaimer
Written in collaboration with JD Williams

Photos by QR Photography
**Special Thanks to Natalie S**
xXx


My Body My Rules; Introducing OBD Clothing

‬ #plussizeactivewear
Finding decent activewear as a plus size woman these days is a hell of a lot easier than it was a few years ago. Don't get me wrong, it's not a piece of cake or nothing, it's still a ball-ache trying to find leggings that stay up when I jump or a sports bra that doesn't eventually try to pierce my heart with it's underwire, but there is definitely more choice out there with more brands widening their size ranges.  

 Hollie of Pretty Big Butterflies suggested I check out OBD Clothing. I was pleasantly surprised to find that they too had chosen to extend their sizes up to a size 28 with their new Curve range.  
OBD offer a range of gym apparel mainly tees and vests at the moment. They start from a size 10 and go up to a 16 in their regular range but their Curves range starts from an 18 and currently goes up to a size 28.  They appear to want to extend their range further if the demand is there too, which I think is a really positive move.

 I go through a lot of activewear, many t-shirts are too heavy to workout in, especially the ones with catchy slogans on them, so it's nice to have a lightweight and breathable tee that will keep me cool during a class.

 Sizewise I ordered a 20 and it's a great fit for me, lovely and loose on the arm and not to clingy on the tummy. 

I teamed it with these awesome distressed joggers from Yours Clothing which unfortunately are no longer available.


The slogan I chose is "My Body My Rules"  This phrase is crucial in my opinion to living a "zero fks given" lifestyle and in the fitness industry especially as a plus size girl I think that's really important. The looks I get when I tell people that I am a +BOOSTfit fitness instructor are priceless. Some just look at me with a "yeah right and I'm the Pope" look others do the whole, "but you're not exactly fit" thing. The best one is the pitiful look that I get as if they think I'm lying. The thing is you cannot judge my health or fitness level just by looking at me. This body is strong and capable of some amazing things, I don't exercise to lose weight, I exercise because I enjoy dancing, it makes me happy and that boosts my mental health as well as improving my fitness. I never wanted to conform, I've never been one to stick to the rules. We were born to be unique and this t-shirt really reinforces that fact. So I wear it and shout even louder, it's my body and I will do with it whatever makes me happy.


Why don't you head on over to OBD's website and check out some of their other slogan tee's and if there is something that tickles your fancy you can use my discount code KAT20 to score yourself 20% off at the checkout.


Overall Summary:  I love this t-shirt, the fabric is breathable and it's super lightweight.  I like the ability to pick the colours of your tee's for a fully customised feel.  The slogans are catchy and positive which is refreshing in this ridiculous culture of shaming others for fun.
Rating: 9/10

Potential improvements: More body posi slogans, introduce crop tops and vests into your curve range and if you ever branch into full activewear, hook a sister up!!

Would I recommend this?  I would thoroughly recommend these tee shirts to any one looking for activewear that is not restricting and doesn't leave you feeling hot and sweaty.

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

"Witness The Fitness" with Anna Scholz Plus Size Fitness Wear range

‬ ‪#‎bodypositive‬
The launch of Anna Scholz' plus size fitness wear range was celebrated with a good old wiggle as a few of us were asked to take part in a "Boogieful" class run by Charlotte Clarke.
 


Chloe of Chloe Pierre LDN, Rivkie; Editor-in-Chief of Slink Magazine & myself joined Anna and two of her team including Michaela of Cardiffornia Girl to create a little video to showcase the new range.

You can check it out below...
* Film credit - Indie Jug Films*


Boogieful is a dance class which is open to all people of different shapes and sizes, combining great music and simple yet effective routines to get your heart rate up.


We had such a blast doing the class with Charlotte, she's a lovely and warm lady who knows how to werk it!  She had us all breaking a sweat!  The routines were easy to follow and she broke them down for us!  The routines were set to a combination of RnB, Dancehall and Afro-beats.  I had a tonne of fun and as a dancer I always love learning new moves & routines.


Anna has designed a fantastic fitness range, I wore the City Lights print vest top with the matching print leggings.  There is also a t-shirt and matching zip-up jacket.  The other print available is a black/grey snakeskin print.  Both items were a size 20 and the garments are generously sized in my opinion.  The top fitted well, it was nice and long and didn't shift around or need adjusting throughout the workout.  The leggings are a little long in the leg for me but that's cos I'm only 5ft 4!  They looked perfect on Anna & Mic who are much taller.  I also tried on the Tee which is generously sized at a size 20 it was loose which is perfect for working out and the jacket was just perfect in every way - I would even rock that on a night out as a Bomber!  The quality of the range is apparent just from feeling the fabric. The prints are eye-catching, the fabric is breathable making it a dream to work out in, there's plenty of material, so for those who are longer in the body or are concious of their bums and tums, these tops are ideal.  There is no doubt that the range is priced highly but you get what you pay for.  To find good quality fitness wear that doesn't slack with wear or lose shape or colour with washing is virtually impossible unless you are prepared to pay a little extra for it.  

I have no quarms in paying for decent gear if it lasts and trust me it's durable.  I have worn & washed these leggings so many times and they look as good as they did on the day I got them.



All in all I had a fantastic day with these ladies and I thoroughly recommend the range - big thumbs up all round from me xx

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