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Body Gossip

24 Apr

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the media lately, you may have spotted a certain Samantha Brick playing us for fools with her professional troll tactics. Luckily, when she was invited onto This Morning to defend her wild claims, she met her match in Natasha Devon, co founder of ‘Body Gossip’.

Body Gossip aim to help promote a positive body image either in short films, live theatre events or in The Body Gossip Book. I only became aware of their work very recently, when they teamed up with Curvy Kate on their Body Love roadshow. I loved their t shirts, modeled beautifully by the Curvy Kate ‘Star In A Bra’ ladies:

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And so I decided I wanted in on the inspirational t shirt action – as did my boyfriend! We both decided on a ‘Be You Tiful’ rolled sleeve shirt – his pink, mine blue. I was worried about how a size ’8-16′ t shirt would fit me, but luckily it worked out ok…

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I did tuck my shirt in at the back to achieve a slightly more fitted flattering look, but all in all I loved how the shirt fitted – and I think that Mr FFFB was rather taken with his as well!

From what I know of Body Gossip, I love them. Their message and work is very inspiring and I hope they continue to spread the body positive message.
My only gripe would be that the ‘one size fits all’ t shirts will NOT fit all. However, it is a very new venture for them, and hopefully they will start to produce some other size options to fit each and every person who wants to spread a body positive message.

What do you think of Body Gossip? Would you wear one of their t shirts?

Igigi By Yuliya Raquel

16 Apr

Igigi is a brand that I have lusted after from afar for far too long. My beautiful friends Caroline and Mhairi have proven just how good Igigi looks on a variety of beautiful bodies, and I wanted in on the action! Not only that, but on my better days I fancy myself to have a similar body shape to their model Denise Bidot, and so I figured it would be a perfect brand for me.

Recently, I was offered the chance to try an Igigi dress from their new collection ‘Spring Awakening’, and I pretty much knew straight away which dress I would be trying…

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The Ariadna. The stretchy top half looked bust friendly and the silky skirt was stunning.
I decided on this dress in a US size 14/16 and impatiently waited for it to arrive!

It wasn’t long before the dress was in my possession, and it was even better than I could have imagined! Firstly, it was expertly packaged and arrived completely uncreased. The colours popped, and the material felt heavy and luxurious.

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The bust fit me perfectly without stretching too thin or pulling down too low.

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I would of course add some sort of belt to this, especially as it didn’t completely fit to my waist, however, the black line under the bust does help give the illusion of a nipped in waist.

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The dress is fully lined with a stretchy heavy material that stops the silk becoming static and clinging whilst helping smooth out lumps and bumps.

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The straps are nice and thick, meaning that they concealed my bra straps, and didn’t dig into my shoulders.

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My first experience of Igigi has been flawless! I can’t wait for a nice summer wedding to wear this dress at, or maybe just a pub garden! The colours are beautiful, the fit is as fabulous and I’m very happy with my new dress.

Are you a fan of Igigi? What do you have your eye on from the new collection?

Just Curvy

9 Apr

As a plus size woman, I have struggled to find places that cater to my proportions, both online and on the highstreet. Therefore I am always overjoyed to find new places that cater to women – whether with their own collection, or a collaboration of others.

Enter: Just Curvy, an online store that caters for size 12-26 women.
“We specialize in fast fashion for the curvy girls and full figured women, providing the latest fashion styles off the runway, our ranges include dresses, tops, leggings, knitwear and much more, we stock a variety of labels and brands, we aim to deliver an easy shopping experience, we are the day and night fashion shop for girls and women with curves.”

Just Curvy kindly offered to send me an item of my choice, and I went for this dress, the AX Paris Curve Zip Front Bird Print Dress

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My best friend absolutely swears by the zip up dresses by AX Paris, and her similar yet smaller body shape looks amazing in their size 12 dresses. I felt that it was time I gave them a whirl!

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The corset seen in these photos is my What Katie Did Morticia.

I went for a size 20 in the dress, as Hanna from The Wardrobe Challenge warned me that it comes up a little small in the bust…

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Her advice was spot on! I sized up one size, and the 20 fit me perfectly.

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I was also shocked at the fact that the dress fit me so well on the waist. Kat is a huge belt lover, like me, but this is one style that she chooses to wear beltless – and I can see why! I would probably add a belt just because I love them, but it certainly doesn’t need one.

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The dress comes with pockets which, cleverly concealed by the tulip shape skirt.

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The dress has a zip fastening up the front, and it zipped up easily over my hips and my Deco clad boobs.

The dress is a bit too short on me, and so I’d pair it with some tights or leggings to make me feel a bit more comfortable, but other than that I can’t fault it. I love the fit, the pattern, the versatility of it and the ability to show a little or a lot of cleavage!

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Check out Just Curvy for more AX Paris Curve dresses, as well as other plus size items.

The Drop Back Animal Dress By AX Paris Curve

7 Apr

A few weeks ago I posted a review of The Monochrome Dress By AX Paris. The dress was part of AX Paris’ size 8-14 line, and as the dress came up a little bit small in the 14 I was keen to try some items from the Curve line (sizes 16-26).

That wish was granted a few days ago when this gorgeous number arrived at my flat, courtesy of the lovely Alex at AX Paris.

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I went for an 18 in this dress, and that size was spot on.

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The elastic sat under my bust without squishing my chest or restricting me. Naturally, this look would need a belt to complete it, but the fit is great without it.

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The dropped hem was a great length on me at the back. The front did show a little more knee than I am used too, meaning that I would probably pair the dress with tights or leggings until I feel a bit braver!

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I am a huge animal print fan, and so the print of the dress was heaven for me! I know that it can be seen as ‘tacky’ by some, but a floaty modest dress like this is a happy medium for those who want to rock the leopard look in a more subtle way.

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I’m not a fan of my arms, as I often say, and so a bolero or a jacket like this one would be a perfect addition to this look.

I can’t wait to try out more AX Curve items, as I’m pleasantly surprised by this one. I expected it to be a bit frumpier as it’s hard to tell how something looks without a model, especially when in contrast with the gorgeous looks seen in the smaller size range.

What do you think of the AX Paris ranges? Are you a fan?  If so click here to be in with a chance of winning £1000 to spend with them.
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ASOS Curve Spring/Summer 2014

4 Apr

Being a plus size female is not what it used to be. Gone are the days when we struggled to find clothes that fit, let alone clothes that we liked and suited us. More and more brands are popping up or extending their current lines to accommodate for the larger lady, and we have more choice than ever before.

One company that has been around for a while now is ASOS Curve. I have been aware of them for quite some time, but after one unsuccessful try on of their clothes a few years back, I wrote them off as being no good for me. However, upon being invited to their Spring/Summer 2013 press event at Duck & Waffle my interest in them was rekindled, and I couldn’t wait to see what would be hitting the site in a few weeks.

I had not heard of the Duck & Waffle until a few days before the event, and nothing could prepare me for the experience that awaited! The glass lift took a matter of seconds to go from floor 0 to 40 – my stomach caught up a bit later! I have a mixed relationship with heights, but the views over London soon made me forget how high up we were.

The view looking DOWN onto the Gerkin!

The view looking DOWN onto the Gerkin!

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After surviving the lift journey up, myself Bethany, Lauren and Rivkie made our way into the private dining room, where we met the lovely ASOS team, and a well stocked rail of gorgeous clothes.

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We had an amazing evening of bone marrow martinis, octopus, the famous duck and waffle, mini lamb chops… I had to literally waddle home! Pretty clothes and gorgeous food, drink and company certainly make a fat girl happy!

I’d like to share some of my favourite pieces with you if I may. They will come in the usual ASOS Curve sizes, and once they become available in the next few weeks you will be able to get more info about measurements and exact colours.

I love the mod feel of this dress.

I love the mod feel of this dress.

Dungareeeeeeees!

Dungareeeeeeees!

SO pretty.

SO pretty.

I love the aqua colours.

I love the aqua colours.

Amazing embellishments.

Amazing embellishments.

Beautiful coral.

Beautiful coral.

Sleeves!

Sleeves!

Fab maxi.

Fab maxi.

Gorgeous pretty flowers.

Gorgeous pretty flowers.

Stunning florals.

Stunning florals.

I love skinny jeans.

I love skinny jeans.

Spots!

Spots!

More gorgeous floral patterns.

More gorgeous floral patterns.

I love this colour gradient effect.

I love this colour gradient effect.

Amazing pattern.

Amazing pattern.

After seeing the wonderful patterns and prints that will be gracing ASOS Curve very soon, I was just dying to see whether the brand would work for me the second time around. Jenny from ASOS kindly let me choose one item, and so I went for this dress:

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The ASOS CURVE Bodycon Dress In Geo Mono Print.

I would usually go for a stretchy dress like this in a 16 or 18, but as ASOS Curve start at a 20 I went for that.

I loved the look of this dress as it was very out there pattern wise. The sleeves and length were a huge tick for me, as was the tightness contrasted with a higher neck line. Here is how it looked on me.

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I went for quite a pin up/flamboyant look with this dress as I felt that it was necessary! As you can see it is quite a statement piece that fits quite nicely – bar in one spot, my waist…

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That’s better!

The pattern on this dress trod a fine line between flattering and bulge enhancing. The way that it sat on my tummy did help show my gut off somewhat, and the belt was a welcome distraction.

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The sleeves were a little baggy on me, but I would probably wear this with a cardigan or jacket for comfort.

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Ideally, this dress would be better on me in a 16/18, but the 20 still works well, and this zany look is a trendy modern twist on my usual retro style.

I have to say that I am impressed with ASOS Curve. They have some gorgeous funky DARING affordable clothes that plus size women have been crying out for. Not all of us want oversize muted shades of black in our wardrobes, and ASOS are aware of that. I am excited to see how their new collection is received, especially by my fellow bloggers. They are certainly one to watch when it comes to plus size lines evolving to meet the insatiable tastes of the women who need them.

Are you an ASOS Curve fan? What is your favourite piece from your wardrobe, or the forthcoming collection?

Coming Soon From Scarlett & Jo

27 Mar

As I noted in my recent post, Evans have really upped their game recently. One of the reasons for this has to be because of Scarlett & Jo. Scarlett & Jo are a new in house brand, and their mix of trendy edgy pieces and curve hugging silhouette dresses have made them a sure fire hit with many plus size bloggers. It’s no wonder that I picked their red side panel dress for my shoot with The Times.
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Lucy from Scarlett & Jo was kind enough to send me a few pieces that will launch online within the next week, and suffice to say I was over the moon!

She mentioned to me that the side panel dress would be released in pink, purple and…turquoise! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the images – the best colour in the world coming in a gorgeous flattering design of dress! Gimme gimme!

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As you can see, the figure hugging illusion dress gives me an amazing silhouette. People say that dresses like these are ‘cheating’, but I adore them and I think I may need the full set of colours!
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Naturally, I’d add a belt to the dress on a night or day out, as this size 16 dress is perfect everywhere but on my waist.  However, I do love how good it looks without one!

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The sleeves are a bonus, as I would ordinarily add some sort of shrug or bolero so my dresses. It also makes the dress rather flattering from the back.

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The other dress that she sent me was a similar sort of style in that it was a long sleeved ponte sort of material. However, this one had a wrap effect neck line that gathered into a ruched effect.
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The sleeve and hem length were the same as the side panel dress, as was the waist and hip room. The boob room was slightly different due to the wrap effect, and I almost felt like I might have to size up.

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I loved the vibrant colour and the way that the dress could be easily dressed up or down.

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The dress will be coming out in black as well as blue, and fingers crossed some other colours in the future.

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I would also add a belt to this, but once again it looks fabulous without one. I just feel very comfortable with them, and it will help break the dress up a bit, and maybe add a new colour to the outfit – like green or silver.

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Lucy also sent me some leggings, not too dissimilar to the current leather look leggings. The newer ones will be pleather on the front and cotton on the back, a half and half look.

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These leggings are a size 16, one size smaller than my pleather ones. But due to the leggings material going over my large bottom and having more stretch, a 16 fit me well and looks pretty trendy with the blue dress.

All three pieces will hit the Evans website next week, and the blue dress and leggings will be available instore as well.

What do you think of the Scarlett & Jo collection? Are you impressed? Have you tried any pieces out, or will you be?

Lady V London’s New Plus Size Line

25 Mar

A few weeks back I was contacted by the lovely Victoria of Lady V London. It was one of those emails that made me break out in a spontaneous happy dance – she wanted to know if I would model her new line of plus size dresses. I didn’t even hesitate before saying yes. I was completely over the moon at being asked not only to model for someone, but to model for a company that makes gorgeous dresses, has fabulous ethics and is ever evolving to meet the needs of their customers.
As seen in my previous post about Lady V London I have tried out one of their plus size dresses before and loved it. And so the dress adoring vintage loving girl in me could not wait to see what I would be rocking at the photo shoot.

The day of the shoot came around quickly, and I arrived at Matilda Temperley’s studio bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to be set to work on by the lovely Monica Storrs, my hair and make up artist for the day. Not long after, Victoria and Debbie from Lady V London arrived with thirteen beautiful dresses in tow. Once I had been made presentable by Monica I excitedly inspected the dresses, and I immediately loved the array of colours and patterns. The dresses were a little higher necked and longer hemmed than some in my wardrobe, but they were flattering and lovely to wear nonetheless. There are occasions when one needs to cover up, and I felt that these fully lined high quality dresses were a perfect option for those plus size ladies who want to show a little less off.

And so without further ado, here are the dresses…

Lace Blacknflowers Roses Paleflowers Green Yellow Greyflowers Turquoise Peacock WhiteflowersPaisley Dots  Brown

I must admit, I found it very strange to be without my trusty belt to enhance my waist, and bolero to cover my arms. I was also somewhat nervous to not only have my arms out, but also be shot from the back. However, I needn’t have worried. Matilda knew exactly how to position me, and Helen her assistant helped smooth out any image imperfections. Besides, I had an absolute blast prancing around in pretty shoes and dresses, it was hard to focus on anything negative.

I had a chance to chat with the Lady V London ladies about the brand and forthcoming projects, and I must say that I am even more excited for their plans, and even more awed at the amount of work they put into running the company. I hope to be able to share more about their forthcoming lines soon, and maybe even work with them again!

You can buy the plus size dressed I modelled by clicking here, and if you get your order in before Thursday, the code ‘LADYVFFFB’ will get you 10% off.

Evans Up Their Game!

24 Mar

When it comes to shopping, I am at that ‘inbetweeny’ size where I can still find what I want on the high street and online without relying on plus size lines. I have always been grateful for this, and will usually turn to stores such as Evans for things like wide calf boots and jeans. This means that when I was recently given the chance to select ten items from Evans, I panicked and fretted that I would struggle to find anything at all that I would like and want to wear.

I needn’t have worried.

As I am London based, I visited the Marble Arch store and felt welcomed from the moment I walked in. The store opened recently, and is large, spacious and well laid out, with plenty of staff around. I explained who I was to the manager, and she left me to browse, telling me to ask for help should I need any.

In no time at all I had around ten items in my arms, and I headed for the changing rooms. I went for a size 18 in everything, and I’m pleased to say that I was spot on or had to size down in most cases. Below are some photos of my haul, as well as the links to them on the website.

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This dress blew me away! I actually picked it up on a whim, thinking it was quite frumpy but still appealing. In the end, I loved it so much I wore it to the press event that I attended later that day!
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You can read all about that by clicking here.

I thought that this dipped hem dress was the perfect mix of smart and casual, and could easily be dresses up or down. I rather liked it with a black bolero, click here for a similar one.

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I also liked how it looked with a denim jacket, which fit perfectly AND did up over my boobs in a size 14!

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I paired these looks with these fab shoes – oh so comfy with the chunky heel, and oh so George with the t-bar strap!  I teamed the whole look with these gorgeous bracelets that matched the colours in the dress perfectly.

The next items that I had to have were ones that I have tried before – this tunic and these leather look leggings from the awesome Scarlett&Jo.

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When I was shown the leggings by the awesome Lucy of Scarlett&Jo, I admitted that they were really not my style. I am a sucker for a knee length dress and a bare leg, and so I didn’t see the need for the leggings… until I tried them on and fell a little bit on love!

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It’s a slightly edgier look that I am used too, but I love that I have the option, and I have always been curious about pleather leggings!

I of course had to try some jeans from Evans, and my huge bottom and I are rather fond of a high waisted (read “arse accommodating”) pair of jeans. This khaki pair looked perfect!

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The jeans were a fab length on me, and actually quite flattering, despite the colour being lighter than I am used too. I adore skinny jeans, and my only gripe with these was the usual…

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The gape slightly at the waist. It’s nothing that a belt won’t fix, and it didn’t put me off them in any way.

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This super cute heart print cardigan looked perfect with the jeans, and was a perfect snuggly fit in a 16. I was torn between that and the button up version, but in the end I favoured the longer cut.

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With all this snow and general shit weather we’ve had recently, I was eternally grateful that item number ten was this size 14 jacket. It fits like a dream, even with a hoodie and t shirt underneath, it’s a fab length, lightweight and warm.

As ever, I rocked a Freya Deco underneath my items :)

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There were several other items that I toyed with getting, and it was a hard job for me to whittle my items down to ten. I wanted to go buck wild on the jewellery as I am like a magpie around beautiful shinies. The coral Scarlett&Jo tunic was something I found hard to walk away from. And after seeing the gorgeous Nicolette Mason in this I was sorely tempted to grab one for myself…

However, I am happy with my decisions and I am seriously impressed with Evans and their in-house brands. I have never ever been able to walk into any shop and have that much success. Pretty much everything I brought into the changing room fit perfectly, which shows excellent sizing consistency (and also excellent service from the lady who worked in there and brought me the few extra sizes that I needed!) and I managed to identify a huge number of items that I wanted within minutes of entering the store. Granted, these items were gifted to me by way of thanks for being involved in the forthcoming Clements&Ribiero range, but I think you’ll agree that my hoard is a good one and my decision to snag them has nothing to do with the fact that they were free.

Have you found anything amazing in Evans recently? What are your favourites from my recent new wardrobe additions?

Vietnam – What I Wore, Saw And Ate!

17 Mar

A few weeks ago I returned from an amazing holiday in Vietnam. I was only there for 2 weeks, and in that time I visited Hanoi, Hoi An and Ha Long Bay. It was a place I had never ever imagined going too but I am so glad I did!
The people of Vietnam did like to laugh and stare at myself and my boyfriend, as well as film and photograph us. Most of the times we waved at them and said “chúc mừng năm mới” (Happy New Year – it was Tet whilst we were there), which really delighted them! But it did get a little much towards the end of the trip. It could have been our height, my pretty dresses, my larger figure, my tattoos… who knows. It did bother me rather a lot and but not enough to change out of my pretty dresses!
And so without further ado, here are a small selection of my 3000 or so holiday images…

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Kyoto Bluebell By Biubiu

Kyoto Bluebell by BiuBiu.

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Dolores Doll by Collectif

Dolores Doll by Collectif. I took five of these with me, so expect to see a few more of them!

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Heidi by Pinup Girl Clothing

Heidi by Pinup Girl Clothing.

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I think she needs my help!

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They didn’t stock my size…

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My running man.

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Dolores Doll by Collectif Clothing. My poor sun burnt shoulders rather liked this look.

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There is never a time when I won’t wear a dress!

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My mismatched Freya and Fantasie bikini.

Bikinis from Brastop.

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My Black Cat Bikini bottoms

Black Cat Bikini.

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Some trousers I bought in Hanoi…and they fit me!

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More undies! Including padded knickers…

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My beautiful bag! It cost half a million…Vietnamese Dong.

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20p lager!

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My only clothing related disappointment came in the form of the Marilyn swimming costume from Pinup Girl Clothingmarilyn
I bought it in a 2XL in the hope that it would be a tummy sucking option. I guessed that I would have to wear a bikini with it, as pictured, however, the 2XL was not quite firm enough in the stomach for me, and an XL would have meant limited boob room. I tested it out once in the water and felt fab, but I preferred my other swimming pieces.

I hope you enjoyed a peek at my holiday photos and my sunny weather wardrobe. Hopefully you will be inspired to visit Vietnam – it is beautiful and well priced and so worth going too.

Volup2: Simplicity

16 Mar

Last year I was lucky enough to be selected to model from Velvet d’Amour’s magazine Volup2. That was the day the love affair between us was born! I love how at ease Velvet makes me feel in front of the camera, how she totally understood what I wanted and what I liked and disliked about myself, and how I should trust her! You can book a shoot with her via her website Velvetography.

The Heidi Dress by Pinup Girl Clothing

The Heidi Dress by Pinup Girl Clothing

Since then I have had several more shoots with Velvet for Volup2, and I’d love the share the most recent images with you, as well as urge you to buy Volup2 to see hundreds of glorious images.

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Dress: the Erin wiggle dress by Pinup Girl Clothing.

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Dress: the Dita dress by Dollydagger.

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Dress: George at ASDA.

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Dress: the Mon Cheri by Pinup Girl Clothing.

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Shapewear: the 1294 by Rago.

The bra (worn in every shot): the Deco by Freya.

The corset (worn in every shot): the Morticia by What Katie Did.

I hope that you enjoyed these latest shots by Velvet. I believe that no airbrushing took place, she instead uses natural light to shoot and the glorious make up skills of plus size model and hair and make up artist, Laura Goodwin.

Please help support Volup2 buy paying just a few pounds and subscribing to the next three issues.

You can contact Velvet at: emaillinkif you want to advertise in Volup2.

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