Scarlett & Jo AW15 (My Fave Picks)

aw15
If you read my last blog post you would know that S&J launched their AW collection via their very own website; Scarlettandjo.com yesterday. If you didn't read it...don't worry I have linked it for you here.

Today I will show you some of the items from the collection that I have fallen in  love with and I will also showcase the garments that I had the pleasure of modelling for S&J.

Cerise is modelling a beautiful; Mesh Layer Dress in size 16.  Cerise is quite a tall gal at 5ft 8 and the length of this skirt is perfect on her frame.  I adore the angel sleeves and spotty mesh overlay.  Navy is one of my fave winter colours so I this is definitely in my lust list. This retails at £60.

http://scarlettandjo.com/collections/all/products/mesh-layer-dress
Here we have Jessica & Georgina modelling this gorgeous Lace Circle Skirt. (£60)  I love how S&J have opted to showcase many of their items as a comparison. It allows me at a size 20 to look at Georgina and say "oh that's what it will look like on me!"


Cerise is wearing two items here. These separates can be worn together or apart and would still look fantastic.  Pussy Bow Jersey Top (£25) Net Skirt (£40)  The top comes in other colours too!

Here's another comparison shot, Claire size 20 & Jessica a size 16 wearing an S&J Classic in Red - Fishtail Lace Maxi Dress (£75)  I also wore this dress on the day and even though I am a few inches shorter than Claire we both still looked amazing the the size 20.


Hayley is a sensational vision in green velvet. With her red curly locks and the green dress she looks like a queen from the emerald isles.  Hayls let me try this dress on too, I will share the pic one day!  Velvet Maxi Dress - Atonement Green (£70)


So they were my fave picks from the collection. I have my eye on a number of items from the SS16 collection, but you will find no spoilers here....let's just say it's going to Be Simply amazing!

Now onto what you can see me wearing if you were to click here >>>> Scarlettandjo.com <<<

I feel honoured to wear one of three Lollidots dresses from the AW range. Lollidots was inspired by Laura of Lolly Likes Fatshion.  It's a shame Lolly couldn't be with us on the day to model her range but, Hayley, Tanya & I rocked Lollidots on her behalf,



The next two items were very simple kimonos which can be either dressed up or down.  I love the detailing on this Embellished Kimono - (£40)



Fringe Embroidered Kimono - (£40)
 I'm so excited to see the SS16 selection now.

Have you checked out the website?  Have you signed up to part of the S&J club?

What are your fave picks?

Xx

#WeHaveStyleXL

#plussizefashion
Style XL was more than just a girly weekend away, it was a like chicken soup for the soul.

+Leah XL Channel did a fantastic job of organising a weekend jam-packed with more love, positivity, fashion and plus sized babes than you can shake a stick at!  The success of this event is a true credit to her hard work, commitment and dedication and I cannot thank her enough.

I totally over packed for the weekend, but we all knew that was gonna happen!  My outfit of choice for Saturday's day event was this slinky maxi dress from +Simply Be and I had packed enough to do multiple outfit changes throughout the weekend.




The room within The Paragon Hotel met the needs of the event perfectly, enough space for comfort and plenty of stalls showcasing an array of plus size fashion, jewellery, lingerie, accessories and much more.  So many fabulous brands under one roof; +Yours Clothing, +Simply Be,  +Chubby Cartwheels, +Rosie Astbury, +Curvy Kate, +Scarlett Jo  +Bon Prix, Topsy Curvy, Munroe Knows, What They Said, +Apples and Pears Clothing many of which had items on the catwalk.



The models on the day were fantastic.  It's always so refreshing and liberating to see plus size fashion modelled by women of all shapes and sizes.  I am so proud to call these ladies friends. For some, it took a lot for them to get up on the runway, but you couldn't tell from their faces; once they set foot on the stage, their confidence was radiating from their smiles.   I spent most of the day behind my camera, but that didn't stop me from modelling my +Simply Be Maxi for them. It was such an honour to get up there and strut my funky stuff for my favourite brand, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!
















Major props to every single model who took part but there were some models who stood out for me the most and I would love to just take a minute to mention them - Tanya  - EVERY outfit you rocked, you owned that catwalk, I'm so proud of you, T!  Janet, you are beautiful and you were amazing, never doubt yourself, so look up every time, don't be shy you ROCK! Chiara, Mama you are defo a model muse for me, you command every catwalk with poise and confidence!  Sam - you are such a babe, you just oooze sex appeal and confidence on that runway, I heart you baby girl! Amee - I know you have struggled with wanting to do catwalk again - but in my opinion you are a natural, I would love to see you up there again!  Sian -You make me so proud - to get out on that stage in a bikini and werk it like you did, it makes me smile.  You're a fantastic model.  Sara - you were my model of the day - Your confidence grew throughout the day with the ultimate moment being when you rocked the Curvy Kate lingerie.  You looked amazing and it was such a proud moment to see you up there strutting your stuff.




Whilst the models were undoubtedly stunning there were a bunch of women  who stole my heart over this weekend.  My blogger girlies never fail to brighten my day.  Spending time with these women all under one roof is almost as good as a giant ice cream sundae with sprinkles and sauces and wafers and honeycomb and with doughnuts on the side....almost!

 As we all come from all over the country it's always a treat to have us all together, these women over the last year have stood to be some of the warmest hearts and kindest souls I have ever encountered in my 31 years.  These women are not only beautiful but they also have such inspiring stories to tell not to mention their impeccable fashion sense.

 Selfies just had to happen;

 Having met some of these girls at Curvy Con earlier in the year, it was like catching up with old friends, that's what affirmed it for me that with these women although we had become fast friends, they were likely to be lifelong friends, sisters almost - women who I plan to share many an adventure with.

 Sarah is my pint size bundle of joy, her smile is radiant and she's the always up for cuddles.
Getting to FINALLY meet Leah in the flesh was awesome.  Her video's do not do her justice she is doubly beautiful face to face. She was the first blogger to accept me into the community by collaborating with me and she is also my agent, so this selfie was long overdue.
I didn't get to take a selfie with Nikki or Charli but I made sure I got a photo!  Nikki looked gorgeous in this blue dress and her laugh is so infectious.  Charli is totally my girl crush, she is not only stunning but she is such a gorgeous women inside too.  I'm so glad she's up for nomination with me for"Best New Blog" at the BPSA's.
Georgina is what my daughter would refer to as my "blogger goals"  She is who I look up to most in the blogosphere.  Not only in the fashion world but also on the beauty blogging side of things.  She's got some mad makeup skillz I can only drool over!   She is also hilarious in person, her sense of humour is right up my street!
Lottie is also up for nomination with Charli & I for "Best New Blog" She rocks on so many levels, she's funny, gorgeous and loves a boogie just like me...This woman is MY KINDA GIRL! 
Debbie, (Lottie's Mama) is a diamond, it was her first time meeting us and we made sure she felt welcome.  She's raised one amazing woman!
Daisy takes us all under her wing, she is the one we all look to for positivity and is always brimming with empowerment.  She is such an inspirational woman and she's also used to live in my hometown - that's earns her mega brownie points in my book. 
Kathryn of Murder of Goths is a total sweetheart, she had pre printed our illustrations and gave us all a print.  I was so speechless all I could do was mumble "thank you's" repeatedly.  She is so talented and has a heart of gold, I am honoured she took the time to illustrate us all.
Hayls - my South African sister from another mista is also up for nomination with, Lottie, Charli & I.  This girl is simply hilarious, she takes no crap from no body, I love this about her.  She has the most gorgeous feline eyes I have ever seen and that hair! Oooh weeee!

Ever since I blogged about Sara earlier in the year I have been looking forward to meeting her.  This woman has been through so much and her story really touched me, she is an amazing mother and a truly beautiful soul.
Vicky is a beautiful girl, every time I see her she always greets me with the warmest hugs, she's such a bundle of happiness you can't help but smile around her.
Sam is another girl crush for me, she is drop dead gorgeous, but sometimes I wonder if she knows just how beautiful she really is, both inside and out. 
Becky is simply beautiful her complexion is flawless and she too just like George knows her make-up! She's a girl after my own heart.  She also has the most impeccable wit - I am yet to find someone to top her!
Nikee is a fabulous beauty and she rocked the catwalk, she helped me before I hit the runway and her advice really calmed my nerves, I'm so grateful.
Amee is such a babe, she is 1,000x more stunning in person than her photos.  I wish we could have spent more time chatting.
Caroline is simply stunning and has a figure to die for!  She is a proper mother hen to us girls, she gives us her time and shares her expertise with us every time tirelessly. 
Debz - our beautiful queen, this women is by far our cornerstone. She has been a focal member of our community and someone who I look up to.  She has the kindest heart and the patience of a saint!  Plus she gives the best cuddles!

 Some photo highlights of the weekend;

Kathryn, Leah & Claire with Yours Clothing/ Hayley, Hollie, Katie & Nancy modelling Scarlett & Jo

The Models in the Simply Be Collection/Group photo after the workshops on Day 2

Leah & Gifi Fields of S&J

The Bon Prix ladies

 Charlotte of +Simply Be & I

 My bestie Nathasha & Mary-Louise
 #TRE representing; Claire, Sian & I

A selfie with my girlies :)
 T's face kills me every time!

  Selfie's with Miss British Beauty Curve 2013; Elena & 2014; Emily <3

 So many blogger babes in one pic!

 Huggles & Gropage :)

  Me & My Bestie :)
 The outfits from Day 2

 Vicky & her lovely other half


Debz & Lucia rocking some mouthwatering skirtage!

I will do a separate write up of Model XL - The Body Positivity Pageant that filled Saturdays evening entertainment.  Too much amazingness to share!
Sunday's outfit was simple - a black bodycon from +Roman Originals - Ladies Fashion & Women's Clothing Store 
teamed with black platform court shoes.



 Sunday was filled with workshops to promote confidence, wellness and positivity.  Curvesome Yoga gave a fab presentation whilst a jewellery making session took place and Daisy spoke from the heart about her top tips for loving yourself unapologetically.



All in all the weekend was fantastic and it made me realise just how much I love being part of this amazing community.  I have never felt so accepted and welcomed.  For anyone that has not experienced a plus size event like this, I would strongly recommend it - you will instantly feel at home and leave feeling ten feet tall.

Xx

Every BODY is Beautiful

#curvemodel
These days the media puts such pressure on us to conform to what is seen to be physically acceptable or desired.

Different strokes for different folks though...so what one person dislikes, another might crave.
Every single one of us in this world is unique and our differences make us interesting and something to be celebrated.

People deserve the right to enjoy life regardless of their weight, size, height, colour, age, sexual orientation, religion etc.

The Rubenesque Effect is a group of 8 plus size models (of which I am one.)  Together, we are striving to promote body confidence, self love and acceptance of the body you are blessed with.
This world is filled with too much hate, so we wanted to celebrate with positivity.


When we saw the Victoria Secrets shot promoting "The Perfect Body" it got us thinking that perhaps that slogan could've been more inclusive of all bodies, because what one person considers perfect may not be the same in the next person's eyes.

So...we shot this...

#everyBODYisbeautiful

Follow us on our journey...

Forever Unique Greta Dress

#thepsbloggers
I simply adore this dress, I love every single thing about it from the cut to the fabric to the way it goes "swoooooosh" to the way it makes me feel!


This infamous dress has sparked the biggest dilemma in my 32 years on this planet! #FirstWorldProblems

I bought the dress from +Simply Be store on Oxford Street in the hopes of wearing it for a recent photoshoot but it wasn't really in line with the vibe of the shoot so it was not worn :(  


This dress is a statement dress and as it retails for £195.00 it's not something that I could warrant as an impulse keep. 


The dress is impeccably made and there is no doubt in my mind that it is worth every penny!  The colour is a gorgeous shade of coral/peach and the fabric is quite light but it is well lined underneath so it's quite a heavy dress. 

The cut was what I loved the most, it really flattered the chest area although it called for the lowest plunge line of a bra possible.  It really made me feel like a princess, so much so that I want my future wedding dress to have similarities to the cut.


As I loved the dress so much I thought I would get Mya to take a few pics of me in it for memories sake...I posted the pics on facebook & insta and I was not prepared for the feedback I got.  It very quickly catapaulted to my most liked & commented on photo, people were really loving the dress offering so much praise that it only made my predicament worse!

I have until 7th May to decide whether I want to keep the dress for a special occasion, I have a ball in July and the British Plus Size Awards in November but as I plan to continue with my fitness levels and have just embarked on a "drop a dress size" challenge, it could end up being too big come those events.

Help me people - do I return it or keep it?? 

What would you do??

Ms Curvaceous UK - Ambassadors Photo Shoot with Petros Gilazgi

#curvemodel
Here's a few candid photos, selfies & behind the scenes pics of our photo shoot on 19/01/2015

Photographer: Petros Gilazgi 
MUA & Hair: Verona Miller & Kirsty Huntley & All the girls individually.
Official photos will be released at a later date.

 Find out what the ladies thought of Petros...

Kat says; "Petros is an extremely professional & approachable photographer, he made us all feel comfortable & knew how to make us look amazing.  His vision clearly works as the images are awesome, plus he is a lovely guy, love him!!"

Aicha says; "Petros was really friendly & took time to make sure we had the perfect pose.  He gave excellent feedback.  I really likes his aura!"

Claire says; "Petros was great, gave good direction, was patient and knew how to position us to get the best picture"

Sian says; "Petros was very professional whilst making you feel comfortable at the same time. Fun to work with, friendly & uber talented."

Daniella says;" Petros made me feel at ease, gave good direction and has a calm manner about himself.  Great photographer and a pleasure to work with."