Sunday, 29 May 2016

The Curvy Convention 2016 - Feat a 60's OOTD

So yesterday I got up at unholy O'clock for a Saturday Morning when I am not working and headed up to London for Curvy Convention (or Chubby Con as the Hub called it) and to meet up with the stylish and wonderful Plus size and Proud.  I have known this wonderful lady for a long time on Social media for a long time but meeting in the flesh did not disappoint, I am pleased to report she is a fantastic human being who made me chortle many times.

After finding each other in Kings Cross we headed over to Hackney to St John's church to meet up with other fabulous bloggers attending, which included Katt from a Fat girl for life, Tanya from  secret plus size Goddess, Becky from Does my Blog make me Look Fat?, Lottie from Lottie L'amour and the lovely bra guru Caroline Curvy Wordy.

The venue if I am honest was underwhelming a old church St John's which was nice enough but a huge room, with nowhere to chill out, the music from the catwalk was a bit overwhelming when you were walking round the exhibitors and made it difficult to talk.  The first hundred people were given a goody bag which had some sweets a T shirt and the Programme which was nice.

I am having a 60's period at present and generally want to look a bit like a fat mod or Ronnette, and as the poor women at the Voodoo Vixen stall found out don't get me started on the swing dress.  So I went full on in a half beehive and my Heart of Haute, Doreen Dress in Atomic Chequers.





I have to report this dress is fabulously comfortable and the pockets are functional.  I teamed this with some old silver sandals from River Island that although comfortable are too heavy for a day on your feet, black opaque tights, my Skinny dip raygun bag keeping with a spacey feel.  My headband is a Grown and Glory Glitter band.

On entering the venue we headed straight to the Nicky Rockets stall as I knew I wanted a pair of pants and a Unicorns Tee.  In my haste I neglected to notice the £10.00 sale rack but did end up with the Perelandra Hare Tee, which I think was the experiment as it is on a pink Tee rather than the eco friendly ones, I kind of wish I had snapped up the grey hare one too as it is lovely.


It was lovely seeing Nicky, Baba and Perelandra, so we ended up chatting for the first hour at the Nicky Rockets stall and not looking at much else because they are just so lovely.  I then had a mooch round and we looked at the Voodoo Vixen stall where I moaned at the poor lady about the lack of choice as VV is fine for a swing dress, but what if I don't want a bloody swing dress, there main range does lovely stuff but I find their plus range a bit meh!  Although I do love the Katniss and own one and think everyone I have seen looks great in it.  To be fair the lady I spoke to was Plus sized and said she was trying to make the people at the top listen, but come on VV if Tara Starlet can do so should you.  Anyway to the poor lady I spoke to if you read this sorry for my frothy mouthed rant but I do think a swing dress is a lazy design choice for a fat range still.  However, the discounts at VV were fab and although I didn't buy £30.00 for a dress with the second half price is a fabulous discount.

We had a mooch around, a lot of it was to me not that interesting but I did like Plus|Equals which is a upcycling brand which had some interesting choices. including these maribou trimmed cullotes.


But the star for me was A Rose Like This Designs I could have spent a small fortune on Rosie's quirky one off designs and am still debating buying a lipstick print and sheer dress.  I am pleased to say this beauty did come home with me and I will do a proper outfit post towards the end of the week.


we then hung around to show our support to Rosie and Nicky Rockets who were both showing on the Catwalk,  I did take some pictures but there not great, but I hope this gives you some idea.

The dress I'm seriously considering.




We then had ice cream and a sit around outside, whilst trying to decide what to eat.  We finally decided upon Yardpizza which was local to the venue, it was a tiny pizza place but did do very tasty pizza.  I went for the Chessus Walked pizza with all the cheeses and walnut pesto.  It was tasty but pizza and me don't mix so I think that it may well have been my last dalliance with pizza but at least I did it in fine company,




We then hung out and had a final look around.  We wanted to do the photo booth with Katt but it had packed up which was a bit sad.  I then headed back a bit early as my pizza tummy was kicking in and I felt a urge to get back.  

Would I do Curvy Convention again?  Well, yes if everyone else was and as a social thing but as a event no not really it was a bit poor.  I want a venue with toilets not portaloos and a bit of a chill out area as if it had rained it would have been awful as a lot of time was spent sitting outdoors.  I loved some of the brands like Nicky Rockets and Rosie, but was surprised none of the bigger brands bothered which was strange for a London based event.  So I suppose in general although I had a fabulous time this was more due to some cool people who were exhibiting and the amazing women I got to hang with.

Monday, 9 May 2016

Great Lengths - Or adventures in hair extensions.

The eagle eyed among you my have spotted that around December my hair had a sudden growth spurt, of course this wasn't natural and owed more to head of Meccano (Micro rings) holding beautiful hair not belonging to me to my own.  I have always played with my hair colour and the only thing I had never done was extensions always believing I was a short haired girl, then  I did a photoshoot with the genius that is Chiara Aprea who popped me in a beehive wig and ever since I have longed for long hair and my own hair just wasn't playing ball fast enough. So I booked in for extensions which took me from a jaw length grown out crop to shoulder length hair.



I did everything right got recommendations saw a couple of people and got a head full of micro ring hair extensions,  The beautiful colour doesn't really show on this picture I took on day one but you can see it better on this my hairdresser took.


I'm not going to lie going from fine short hair to a mane, my husband used to go "Put em up, put em up." like the lion in Wizard of Oz at me quite a bit to illustrate my mane was strange.  Blow drying went from a 5 minute blast to 15 minutes, oh it's still not dry never mind, and styling was difficult where my hair was pretty short it could be tricky if I wanted it up to hide all the bonds.  However, I loved it.

I had my maintenance which was pricey too but I loved it, so didn't mind  Then 10 days later disaster struck there was a incident at work and loads of my extensions were pulled out.  My hairdresser is very popular and I couldn't get in and I couldn't live with a patch of hair just not there, so I googled micro rings and my home town paid £30.00 to get them put back but the bonds felt different and still the extensions were falling out and I felt like it just wasn't quality work.  I tried to get in with my hairdresser but she couldn't fit me in till after my birthday, so the impatient Aries I am I sought out options.

I got recommendations and saw 2 people the first person said she would take all my extensions out but because I was walking around with her name on my head she wanted to use her extensions and me to buy new hair.  The second said she would take them all out and it would take about a hour and a half to put them back in so would cost about £90.00 I liked her so I booked.

On the day it ended up taking nearly 5 hours but before she started she got me to sign a disclaimer as she is trained in Balmain extensions and mine were Remy.  She did mention she couldn't guarantee the bonds but I didn't think to much of it.  I found out from the geniuinely worried look on the girl's face that the lady who put in my extensions that had been ripped out had used bonds that looked like they had been used before with no cushioning to protect your hair, and if they slipped had put another on top!  Leading to moments where she thought they may not come out.  So despite it costing double what I had been quoted I was happy as I had what looked like a good head of hair.


And for my Birthday a few days later manged a beautiful mini beehive.


I'd like to say the saga ended there but it didn't.  My hair continued to fall out at a alarming rate about 10 micro rings again.  I went back to the hairdressers who said I think it is these bonds I did say I can't guarantee them and as I had signed a disclaimer I had nowhere to go.  She offered to put them all in again but if they were all going to fall out in 10 days what was the point.  I am going with she didn't know.

As I was skint having used my birthday money and more to get them done.  I am left with my natural just shorter than shoulder now length now hair, that just feels as insubstantial as Olive Oyl.  As I am not happy my lovely hub has said just get them done.  So I am going for a consultation with someone who i have seen recommended quite a bit in another town as my original lady is booked till July and doesn't do taped ones.  So wish me luck.


Saturday, 7 May 2016

Making My Work Wear, Work

Everyone who reads this blog knows I love a pretty dress, preferably in a crazy cotton print and as much as I love these dresses they would not work for my work life.  Mine is not a job where I get to swan about in pretty frocks I am a carer so my job can involve anything from the homemaker stuff, paperwork, doing activities to on some occasions having to hold people when they become out of control.  So practical is the name of the game and usually this means jeans and jumpers or T's.

However, dear reader I don't mind sharing I am bloody bored of this and I never feel nice or very me when I head to work.  So I think it is time for a bit of a work wear revamp and this is my current wish list.

1/ A Pinafore Dress - Practical as it has pockets and I can shove some leggings underneath.



Both of these are from Asos Curve and are £30.00, they both have pockets essential for work.

2/ The Tee's - A Tee is a perfect item to throw on or under what I'm wearing.  I gotta be honest I usually just throw on a Primarni special as they are cheap and cheerful but these Tee's are tickling my fancy.

ASOS




Nicky Rockets

As I have said on numerous occasions I am a huge fan of a indie brand and I love these Graphic B Movie style Tee's from Nicky Rockets  and I think these would take a work pair of jeans from a bit Blah to something a bit more stylish.  



3/ The Jeans - Yes I know I bitched I live in these for work but these are a necessary evil in my life and following the death of my beloved Peaches Jeans I am liking the look of these.


Grey Jean - Asos Curve

4/ The Jacket - I need something I can quickly throw on I was quite sold on the idea of a bomber jacket but I saw this hollographic raincoat on Missguided, now I am confused before it was just a patterned vs plain debate - now I am just confused.



Now the only problem is earning enough money to buy these.  So if you know any hit me up with some discount codes.

Sunday, 10 April 2016

Chain Reaction - Wagamama's Birthday Lunch

I am a girl (Hmmm can you be 41 and still refer to yourself as a girl?) who usually favours a independent restaurant over a chain.  However, I wanted Thai/oriental food but most places that I wanted to go were shut on Monday's, did I mention a Monday for a Birthday is kinda sucky.  So as I really wanted the nibbly starters I decided Wagamama's would be a good option.  So the Mother ship and I headed to Canterbury and after heading the wrong way down a one way system arrived at Wagamama's.

So what did I munch to celebrate my 41 years on this earth. I started with the spicy squid, it was hot tasty, the vinegary dip was delicious, although I am a spicy old bird and could have hone a bit hotter.


I then was brought out my Prawn Gyoza, my honest opinion don't bother, they were bland.  I was a bit gutted as due to the lack of places I can get Dim Sum in deepest darkest Kent, Gyoza had been high up as a suitable replacement.  Next time I know my local takeaway (shout out to Hey Hey) do better Gyoza and Dim Sim.


The next dish was my wildcard it was Korean BBQ beef bun, and yes we have a winner.  It was delicious BBQ Beef in a soft bun with onion, coriander and a mayo.  It was tender nommy and luckily as I am a greedy girl the Mother ship did not like it so I did not have to share the lovely sweet aromatic flavours much.


Finally there was another portion of Chicken Gyoza equally as uninspiring as the prawn.  Then a sea food Ramen that the Mother ship (It was Mum's choice I would have had Salmon Teriyaki Soba, but she doesn't like this)and I shared it was okay delicate flavours, the sea bream was yummy and so were the prawns.


Overall it was a okay dinner it was pretty reasonable and you got free Green Tea.  Would I rush back?  I might pop in for the Korean BBQ Beef bun but the rest was okay but forgettable, and I remain a champion of the Independent Restaurant where I feel you get more interesting and flavourful foods.
over a chain.

Friday, 26 February 2016

Indie Hits - Janine Basil


I meant to try and write monthly about one of my favourite Indie Brands, but I am not a disciplined blogger and I write when the mood takes me and when I have time and energy as my real life job as a carer for young people can leave me really drained, so I'm not even going to apologise, my theory is if you enjoy my blog you'll bear with me.

Anyhow I am a huge fan of indie brands, I like them for several reasons.  Firstly you are buying something that probably not everyone else has, secondly you are supporting someones dream and probably I find the customer service is usually 100 times better than with mainstream brands, I don't think you can underestimate the human touch.

Anyway this time (I was going to say month, but honestly who am I kidding?) I am featuring Janine Basil a amazing accessory maker.  I have only bought her hair accessories but I knowe she also does shoe clips which look amazing and hats.

My love affair started with this beautiful star headband that I bought for my niece's wedding.  It was the most expensive hair accessory I ever bought at the time = it still might be but I have worn this often and it is much loved.


I have worn this loads and the quality is really good and it remains in very good condition.

I tend to go for a space theme for some reason so a lot of my collection is space geek.


This solar system headband that is made in conjunction with Sugar and Vice is also a firm favourite.



As well as these I also own some really pretty glitter bow headbands and a pink Hello Kitty - esque bow and some pixelated cherries that I don't have a picture of for some reason but you can find here





I also have this lovely heart glitter headband but I think I would have been better with a different colour glitter as I think it blends into my hair a bit.and again for the life of me I can't find a picture where it shows  but here it is in it's glory on her site.





At the moment I am trying to decide which headband to get for my college reunion to go with the dress pictured, so if any of you lovely souls who read could help, please drop me a comment.


There are so many things I love on her site such as the fast food bows, the unicorns, the poison ivy glitter headbands and pop art and geek inspired accessories.


I am loving her shoe clips and these burger ones combine two of my favourite things food and accessories and could really brighten some plain shoes.

To be honest there are so many things I love on Janine Basil I could do about a hundred pictures as I think her style captures what I love: quirky, whimsical, fun and colourful.  So if you aren't familiar with her stuff please look. I will leave you with this dramatic fascinator that I intend to spend my retirement in.


Monday, 22 February 2016

Plus 40 Fabulous - The February Edition


I participate with a wonderful. stylish bunch of women in a Monthly blog event called Plus 40 fabulous, as despite what people think 40 does not mean you suddenly wish to dress in beige slacks and give up hope of ever being fashionable again, unless you count the over 50 renaissance fashion seems to be enjoying at the moment with Advanced age and JD Williams having a pretty stylish over 50 range, since when did style have a age????? Any how I digress, this months rather splendid theme is:  What makes me happy?

Not to be cliched I will start with the important stuff My Family.


I live with the Hub and a rather wonderful elderly Staffrador (we think she is Staff cross lab, although at her last vet visit they said there may be some Collie, so a mongrel but we prefer Staffrador)  called Madame Beyonce.  I have to say chilling with these two is my favourite thing and I am very grateful to have them both in my life,


I have also been blessed with a wonderful family, unfortunately I no longer have my Dad but I have my fantastic Mum who is my biggest cheerleader, help, support and I am so lucky to have her.  I also have a pretty fab big brother who is big support and help to us all.  Here they are at my nieces wedding.

Friends

I am also blessed with some understanding friends as I work long hours as a carer and often am not about at weekends or when they are off, but they are always there.






And although I have not seen them all together in some time one of the things I am really looking forward to this year is my college reunion with these guys and recreating this photo,


Through Blogging I have also made an amazing group of virtual friends and one of my aims this year is try and see them a bit more in the flesh.


My Home town.

I live in Deal and although as a teenager I didn't appreciate it. referring to it as the seaside town they forgot to even open.  As a adult I bloody love the place even if it is full of expensive coffee shops and not much else it is a place of great beauty and in my opinion a bloody great place to live.



From The Telegraph


One of our beautiful side streets


Eating Out
I love good food and if I can eat out all the better.  Recently I ate a really good Vietnamese after an appointment with the eye geeks in London - that made me very happy.





Music
 I will always love Pulp, David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Saint Etienne, Camera Obscura, girl bands, Amy Winehouse and the Foo Fighters.  A bit eclectic I know and I am huge Brit Pop fan and love interesting covers at the moment Postmodern Jukebox is a fave.



Books.
I have recently got back into reading and am on track for my two books a month target.  So far this year I have read Jojo Moyes, Before You and After You which I highly recommend.  A forgettable easy read called The Angel Tree and at the moment I am reading The Diary of a Teenage Girl, which is set in 70's San Fransisco which so far I am enjoying.
Authors I love are Maggie O'Farrell, Lisa Jewell and Sarra Manning, especially her new book Save the last dance,

Then there is clothes and accessories my tastes veer I guess to the quirky and at the moment I love the 60's with my latest purchase being this amazing Heart of Haute dress.



I also love prints and have several print dresses this Gnome dress is my oldest but always makes me happy, as does the fox print.





I am also having a bit of a love affair with novelty bags and the skinnydip ones are just amazing, I have just got my hands on this Ray gun bag, which my work mates declared hideous but zero effs given here.


There are other things such as Crown and Glory and Janine Basil.  TV shows like the Big Bang Theory. Bojack Horseman, Gold Rush and House of Cards that make me smile but these are the main.

Please read what is making everyone else happy and if you feel inclined tell me what is making you happy,

Cathy: http://www.southernyacht.blogspot.co.uk/
Christy: http://www.sprintingwithscissors.blogspot.co.uk/
Daisy: http://daisysays.co.uk
Kate: https://wearingmywardrobein2016.wordpress.com
Kath: https://fatheffalump.wordpress.com
Leah: http://www.justmeleah.co.uk
Lee: http://www.pinkybellesshed.co.uk/
Lisa: http://www.kitandkoboodle75.blogspot.co.uk/
Mookie: http://www.mookieslife.com/
Nikki :http://www.nattynikki.com/
Perelandra: http://www.pamperandcurves.com/
Sarah: http://www.plussizeproud.co.uk
Steph: http://www.misskittenheel.com
Yvonne: http://woosangwashere.blogspot.com


Thursday, 11 February 2016

What a Girl Wants?

Today I was scrolling through my face book feed when a lady working as a buyer for a company who is re branding their "Curve" range, posed the question:  "What would I like to see in their plus size range?"  I had a little think as you do, of course I don't want butterflies, hanky hems and those crappy embellishments, because who does? I am fat, I may put too much food in my mouth but I'm not blind and I haven't had a fashion bypass.
Then I felt aggravated in the question, not this ladies fault she is just doing research, but let me explain why, I felt so irritated.  I just think it is a non question really to me it makes perfect sense yes I am fat but I am a regular person.  So here's the thing if you have a decent straigt size range then I am probably gonna want to buy it, if it is a bit rubbish I probably don't so I just want the same sort of things as your average woman whatever that may mean.
I want to be treated well as a customer I want to be able to go in a shop have some choice, try things on, not be relegated to two rails groaning with tunics and polyester black trousers at the back of the store, yes New Look ,when you actually bothered to stock Inspire near me I am looking at you.  Although I suppose there is a worse version where I am barred from entering your hallowed store in person and must shop on the internet and I must say if you do this I am loathe to give you my money as if you treating my wonderful self as a dirty secret, you don't deserve my money, honey.
I also want you to treat my sisters who are bigger than the acceptable face of fat which seems to be size 24 with a bit of respect and stock their size too. whilst we're at it.
So basically what I think is what I want is what your average woman wants and the same respect as your average customer.  It's not rocket science, is it