Summer Occasion Wear with Quiz Clothing

#psbloggers
Summer is brimming with occasions which call for dressing up and my go-to for plus size occasion wear is without a doubt always Quiz Clothing.

Quiz offer everything from smart casual outfit options to full blown gowns not to mention their beautiful bridal range. Quiz have extended their range to offer a specific Curve collection which also offers beautiful statement pieces for some of us plus size folk.  They currently accommodate up to a size 26, shame that the range doesn't extend further but I am grateful that Quiz do offer extended sizes.

I want to show you three outfits all chosen with the mindset that any of these would make the perfect outfit for any summer occasion. None of these outfits are specifically from the Curve range however all three outfits fit my size 18/20 with a 38GG chest frame.

The first one is this beautiful crochet style dress.  This dress is unfortunately no longer available, but keep an eye out for sales because if you can grab this dress, you will not be disappointed.


This dress would be perfect for a summer formal occasion like a wedding or a day at the races. Just team it with a pair of heels, a clutch and maybe a fascinator for that extra little something


The dress was a size 18.  I currently range from a size 18/20 and this dress fit me with ease.  The dress has an empire line cut, so it draws in at the waist and flares out from the bust.  It skims my tum with no VBO (visible belly outline)



I have a size 38GG chest and this dress managed to cover my chest adequately and with the right kind of bra there is very little overspill.



The dress does up with a standard zipper at the back; no frills!  There are also two fully adjustable spaghetti style straps for additional comfort fitting.


I absolutely love the crochet overlay on this dress, it's just such a feminine design and really unleashes my girly side. It's flowy, lightweight and cool which is just so needed especially in this awesome heatwave we are having here in the UK at the minute!

I have had so many compliments on this dress, it really is quite the head-turner, I sincerely hope they restock it!

Next up is a simple and elegant gown which I ordered in a UK 20.
Shop Grey Chiffon Embroidered Bardot Maxi Dress
This grey embellished bardot cut gown is beautiful but in my opinion quite understated.  When I saw it online, I wasn't that enamoured but up close and personal it really came to life.  The dress in some of the images seem to have a purple hue to it but I can assure you the colour is a muted tone of grey.



The bardot cut covered my 38GG boobs and the arms fit comfortably around the widest part of my upper arm.

The detailing on the bust is made up of some pearl beading, other small gems and stitching.  I had left my decent strapless at home when taking the outdoor images and you can see it's not the best fit with an ill-fitting bra, so this is nowt to do with the dress itself.  I cannot stress enough the importance of great fitting underwear.  Invest in a decent strapless bra and it will change your life!


Even though this is only a size 20 the fit is quite generous and I think it could fit a size 22 with a smaller bust perhaps.  The back has a stretchy ruched back which gives a lot of wiggle room.  If you have particularly wide arms then you may struggle with the arms on this dress as the fabric isn't stretchy in that area.



This is floor length on my 5ft 4" frame, with 4.5" heels on it lightly touches the floor.  The dress is again cut on the empire line, avoiding any tummy hugging and the flowy chiffon overskirt is fully lined.


This dress for me would make a great pageant appearance dress or even a red carpet event, a formal dinner or even as a bridesmaid dress option. I styled it with a pair of heels and a simple sparkly clutch for judging a charity pageant event.

My last offering is more of a smart casual option and it certainly fuelled my #JumpsuitAddiction this summer.

Shop this Blue and Pink Floral Cullote Jumpsuit

The floral print on blue is such a stunner and really screams pure summer vibes.  The colour combination of pink and peach flowers with green stems makes for a really vivid and bright pattern.


I ordered this jumpsuit in the largest size they offer which is an 18. It's a little snug on the tummy but I rock my VBO with pride! I am wearing a pair of shaper undies with this just to smooth out the lines but it's not any firm control pants or form fitting shapewear, just a decent pair of full briefs with a light support.


Cos I'm a shortie (5ft4") you can barely tell this is meant to be a culotte jumpsuit!  On someone taller this would be much futher up the lower leg but on me it's a few inches above the ankle!  I love cullotes and I refuse to be told I cannot rock cullotes due to my height, so I whack a pair of heels on and wear them regardless!


The double layer on the bust is only for design, there's no function to it although it makes for a cute little flair to a simple jumpsuit. The underlayer is form fitting around the bust and the duo layer just flows over top.  The two spaghetti straps are fully adjustable for a more supportive fit and I wear this with a strapless bra.

I have picked a few of my fave options from their plus size range for you...

Buy This Pink Dip Hem Dress

Buy this Stripe Jumpsuit
Buy this Red Dip Hem Bardot Dress
Buy this floral print duo layer bodycon dress



Quiz currently have an awesome sale on and I strongly urge you to go and take a little look-see at their curve collection.  I hope you love their new summer range as much as I do.

Disclaimer
 The review above is based on my own opinions of the products.  These items were sent to me for review.
Photos by NineInc. Photography

xXx

Summer's coming - Time for swimwear from UKSwimwear.com

Miraclesuit
I know it doesn't look like it when you look outside but I really do believe we are in for a beautiful summer. I adore the summer months, the sun gives me all the warmest of fuzzies. 

As much as I would prefer to live in a country where summer sun is guaranteed, those dreams are a little out of reach for now. So, I will take all the sun I can get here in the UK.

The promise of Summer means holiday season is just a sniff away...so you're gonna need many options in the swimwear department.

Let me tell you all about UKSwimwear.com - Did you know that they offer swimwear designs for many sizes catering up to a UK size 26.  

Black Swimsuit // Blue Pour Moi? Swimsuit
Good supportive swimwear is hard to come by, but the "Oceanus" swimsuit by Miraclesuit is fantastic choice.


There are many women who consider swimwear shopping impossible, for some the thought of bearing their bodies is completely out of their comfort zone.  Many women are still on their own personal body journeys and are not ready to venture into the realms of bikinis and instead search for swimwear that makes them feel good. For some that may be searching for a swimsuit like this one.  



Oceanus is designed to flatter the body shape and its tagline offers to make you look 10lbs lighter!  Now to be perfectly honest - the tagline actually didn't entice me in the slightest. I don't wish to look any lighter, I wish to look supported and be comfortable whilst sunning myself on the beach. However many actually want a suit to flatter and contour their shape and if that your goal than Miraclesuit has you covered.



The suit is ruched in a zig zag pattern of different fabric layers across your tummy which is a common illusion to create a more slimming design.  I must admit, it does visually look fantastic and if your tummy is a problem area for you, then this will be right up your street.


The back of the swimsuit is a classic mid back scoop design.


There isn't any extra padding in the cups of this swimsuit, it does however have an inner crop at the front to keep the puppies in place. The straps are strong enough to support the weight of my size 38GG chest.  This swimsuit is a UK size 20.


This swimsuit would be perfect for the beach and pool alike. I think it's supportive and practical enough to even swim laps in it - which for most stylish swimsuits is quite a mean feat!


This swimsuit retails for £129.95 which yes is quite pricey but like with all highly priced pieces, you pay for quality.  I have washed this suit several times, no bobbling, no loss of colour or structure.  This swimsuit is a summer staple for me and I would recommend it if you are looking for a suit that flatters and compliments your body shape.


This comes in a range of colours and sizes from a UK 12 to a UK 20. This colour is Vivid Berry.  


UK Swimwear offer so many beautiful patterns and designs so don't delay make sure you check them out now and you can shop this suit right here >> Buy Oceanus <<

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

xXx

Introducing Marks & Spencer #Curve

#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

xXx