Books and Boots.

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Boots: c/o   . Skirt: Joanie Clothing. Scarf: Dorothy Perkins. Top: Primark.


This post is all about boots! Now as a plus size women I've always struggled finding any wide calf boots to fit my chunky little legs and it's so often that the selection in stores that offer wide fit shoes often don't think about the increase in calf size. This is where The Wide Calf Boot Store comes into play. They have a wonderful range of boots in different Calf sizes, all you have to do is measure your calf at home and type in your shoe size and calf measurement into the site and that's it! I believe my calf measurement was roughly an XL in their size chart and I have to admit they fit like an absolute dream on my legs. I've always wanted some boots like this to wear with my vintage dresses and skirts come winter but I'd never found something classic and timeless in style but I'm happy to say now I have. These boots also have a slight heel it's probably less than half an inch but it's enough so you don't feel too flat footed (if that makes sense at all!) 

Now these boots don't come cheap but for quality and something that will last more than a year or so I'd say it's an investment, My only downfall with these boots is that as well as my wide calves I also have wide feet and these were a touch narrow when they fit arrived but now I've worn them in they are much more comfortable! I decided to style these up with this adorable skirt from Joanie Clothing who are fast becoming my favourite brand at the moment. They have the perfect mix of vintage inspired pieces but everyday wearability, I am so in love with them and there will be a huge post about them very soon! Then another recent favourite being roll neck/polo neck jumpers something I used to hate wearing but this year they've just been a life saver to keep the chill at bay! 


Ps. I now kind of have a dog... if you follow me on Instagram you'll have met Patch before! She is my neighbours pooch who I walk everyday anyway but due to him being unwell long term, Patch is now living with me and my family, she's a 15 year old Rescue Jack Russell and can be a pain but she also has very cute moments like here she was curious as to what I was doing outside so decided to join in on the photoshoot! 


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Fashion Industry: What It’s Really Like & How To Get In.

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The dream of working in the fashion industry often includes a glamorous lifestyle and finally being let in on the secret on how to walk in heels. Admittedly, sometimes the ladder seems to be reason enough to consider a new job search.


In reality, the fashion industry is extremely competitive with a side of perks. To stay afloat and relevant, each fashion company is required to mix business with creativity, and is often backed by thousands of people running a million miles a minute to make that happen. Though watching The Devil Wears Prada does give some insight (and nerves) into what a day to day in the industry could look like, there are also many options for those who may prefer, let us say, a different approach to fashion.

For those who work directly with products, such as designers, stylists and models, the main focus is on creating products, and making them work perfectly. But that also means long hours, little sleep, and constantly working towards the next fashion show. To be in this side of fashion, you must be exceptionally comfortable with the words ‘vision’ and ‘texture’.


Then there are those with the understanding of how to make current trends work in store and with the instincts for future trend forecasting. An empty store off-hours, for example, is the perfect place for a visual merchandiser to work with trends, let the creativity flow, and put together pieces for window arrangements. For assistant and senior buyers, instincts are key as they attend trade shows and predict which pieces and trends will be popular for the following seasons.

Fashion companies also largely depend on the support of those who hold positions that are not fashion-specific. For example, one can be a store manager, personal assistant, social media assistant, or account coordinator. Therefore, for those who may have the dream to work in fashion, but may not have thought they had the qualifications to do so, there are many paths to choose from to get your foot in the door. The best way to break into the industry is leveraging what makes you competitive in combination with a committed job search. Below are a few tips to help with those first steps.

Review your skills. What makes you competitive? Is there a class you can take to help you become more knowledgeable on a specific topic? Could your previous freelance work help you get a freelance job at a fashion company?

Use job search engines. There are several accredited job search engines like Jobrapido that can save you time and help you match your preferences with job openings in Manchester, a city that is becoming UK's second most fashionable city. Apply, follow up, and regularly check on the job offers coming in!

Research positions that interest you. Learn the titles, descriptions, and qualifications for positions that interest you the most.


Network. Reach out to your current network and meet new people in the industry. Go to those meet and greets; you never know what connections you could make.
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Natural Curves Classic Girdle.

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Girdle: c/o Natural Curves. Dress: Forever 21 (bought from Nancy) Beret: Primark. 

Hello I'm back with another post for you all! This one has also been waiting awhile to be written and I can only apologise but at least I'm here now and going to tell you about my first ever Girdle! As you may notice from my style over the last year I've been showing my vintage style more and more. It's something I've always loved but I just didn't feel like I could wear it all the time but now it makes me happy to dress up more so I do. I've been thinking about trying a girdle with some hold ups for awhile so when Natural Curves emailed me to ask if I'd like to try something from them I just new as soon as I saw the Classic Open Bottom Girdle by Ulla Dessous that it was just my cup of tea. 

Here I'm wearing the 3X which is labelled on the site as a UK20 and it fits well much better than I thought it would. As a novice I thought I'd really struggle using the belts and attaching them to the hold ups (I couldn't find mine when I wanted to take photos so I cut up some old tights for them!) There is 3 buckles on each side which hold them up enough but if you were more heavily into the vintage scene and jive danced you'd potentially need something more hardcore but for me 3 straps are perfect. Another thing I liked about this girdle is it held me in a little without cutting into my stomach and becoming uncomfortable. I've had suspender belts in the past that were honestly useless for anyone plus size but this one by Natural Curves is fab! As it was pretty chilly outside I layer with this adorable printed dress and roll neck top. This look is my more everyday vintage style but I can't wait to wear this girdle when I really go full vintage glam over Christmas! 

As we all know plus size lingerie can be a nightmare to find and Natural Curve offer many styles up to a UK Dress Size 34! It's also pretty rare to find classic high quality lingerie and shape wear that's larger sizes fit so well and these do! You can check out there full collections on the site here. 

Curve Fashion Festival 2016.

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Hello I'm Rosie you may have forgotten who I am after the accidental hiatus which I won't go into on this post (lets just say it's been a bit like hell and something unfortunately had to give..) as I've been wanting to write about the Curve Fashion Festival which I've been meaning to since before this accidental hiatus. The lovely team over at Very invited me to go along to the event as there guest. I'd attended the first ever Curve Fashion Festival in 2015 but I didn't really get to look around as I had a stand showcasing my graduate collection. So in some ways I enjoyed 2016's so much more as I was able to walk around with so many blogger friends and actually check out all the stands!

Celebrity Stylist Gemma Sheppard attended with Very this year and took to the How To Stage showing everyone her top tips ahead for the party season! If you recognise her from somewhere Gemma has been the Head Stylist for XFactor in previous years, which is where I first saw her and began following her work. (As a fashion student at the time I was always looking out for ideas/inspiration and intern opportunities through XF way back when!) Her options for the lovely ladies on stage were really cute and came off way better in person than they do in my photographs. One of the very few downsides to CFF was the lighting wasn't great for me taking photos on my phone or actual camera, meaning most of my snaps didn't come out as well as I'd hoped! Also Gemma's cape she wore for the event was absolutely KILLING it!



Very were showcasing some of the latest pieces as well as upcoming garments ready for Christmas (which is now upon us! Eeek!) as well as having all the amazing clothes for us to look at they had a super fun Photobooth which I jumped into for some fun snaps with some of the blogger girls!

Image of me and Steph by Kitty.



Images from CFF

Something else I loved about this years event was the opportunities to hear different speakers throughout the day. I always loved watching Mark Hayes on Lorraine and it was great fun to actually see him in conversation with Tess Holliday, Callie and Bishamber-Das who were there part of the eBay Curve hub. Which was something else that had caused quite the buzz (though confused me a little!) There was a huge number of brands at CFF this year even more so than the first year which I wasn't sure was possible but clearly it was! Some brands were just showcasing and not selling and other had lots of discounts and offers going! It was perfect for doing some retail therapy as it is so rare of plus size women to be able to find so many brands for them under one roof! The rails were all overflowing with the latest fashions and fun accessories. You could shop River Island Curve, Yours Clothing, Anna Scholz, Marks and Spencer, Navabi, Lovedrobe and Want That Trend to name just a few! There were so many stands to look at I didn't know where to start but I weaved my way through seeing as much as I could! 

I also got to meet the lovely Holly Hagan who launched her new range with Want That Trend while there! More on that soon though! 

Some of us blogger babes with Holly! 

This year I truly think there was something for every kind of curvy girl! From Bridal to bra fittings and simplistic shape to structured shine. there was also hair/make up and some snazzy extra's for VIP ticket holders! Another thing I loved was it being in partnership with Look Magazine which meant certain parts were featured in the magazine and it felt really awesome to feel involved in something that was being seen in a positive light in the mainstream media.

I just want to finish by saying thank you again to Very for inviting me along and show you some of my personal favourite pieces for the festive season! The Faux Fur coat was EXTREMELY popular at Curve Fashion Festival everybody was lusting over it, perfect for looking and feeling glamorous over  Christmas! 


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Lingerie Love.

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Black Chemise with Suspender Straps: c/o Ninex Lingerie. Black Strapless Bra (barely seen): Triumph. Hair Scarf: Vintage, Thrifted.

I'm back with another adorable lingerie post for you! This time in collaboration with Ninex Lingerie. I did a review of one of their baby dolls at least 18 months ago now and the lovely team reached out to me again to see if I'd like to review something from their new pieces and This pretty lace number caught my eye. I just wish I could have gotten some better photos of this item though as these don't do it justice! (perils of having to use self timer in your bedroom!) 

One of the things I love about Ninex is that the pieces have a really good price point but they are actually also comfortable. For instance if I'd bought a cheaper babydoll the lace could be scratchy and irritate my sensitive skin but this chemise is lovely and soft which is often rare with cheaper lace lingerie and nightwear in my opinion. I'm wearing a 4XL I believe which is probably a 20/22 it fits well and hugs the body well but doesn't cling in an uncomfortable way at all. I decided to do my usual vintage kind of style but with added omph! I felt really cute in this overall look and I really hope it shows through on the photos! If you're a more casual kind of girl when it comes to nightwear etc Ninex do the cutest cami and short sets which I'm eyeing up for when I eventually need summer appropriate sleepwear!
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RI Plus.

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Dress: c/o RI Plus. Wedges: Primark (old). Belt: Vintage. Sunglasses: Specspost. Necklace:Asos.

I was lucky enough a few months ago to be sent a some pieces of the River Island Plus Size range. Unfortunately this dress is now sold out on the site but I'll be putting together a wish list of items I'm absolutely loving from their current range because there is SO many pieces! Did you also know that RI Plus is now available on Asos, great news right?! This style of dress is something I'd usually really shy away from as figure hugging dresses aren't normally my thing as the one part of my body I'm still a little insecure about is my tummy (not because it's fat but it's the shape of how it sits, if that makes sense?!) This may be why it's taken me so long to post these... I've not been myself these past few months but I won't bore you with that! 

What surprised me most about RI Plus is that the items seems pretty true to size! From my experience of already established brands creating a plus size section the sizing can sometimes be quite off but with RI Plus the size 20 fits me really well, I even managed to get in the jeans they sent me to review (which I will be posting shortly!) Funny enough the more I look at these photos of this dress on me the more I begin to like the shape, sure my tummy wobbles out a little bit but I'm definitely still rocking it! I decided to style it up with my all time favourite wedges which were from Primark years ago and I will cry when they finally give up! My handcuff necklace and finally my favourite sunglasses which in case you haven't noticed basically don't leave my face between the months of May to October! 

I can't wait to show you more River Island Plus! They've also announced that they will be launching wide fit shoes which I am MASSIVELY excited about and I will of course show you my favourites once launched!

Introducing Want That Trend - Part 1

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Dress: c/o Want That Trend. Belt: Next. Clutch: Evans. Shoes: Primark. Sunglasses: Specpost.

When Want That Trend first reached out to me I was honestly not sure what to except. I'd seen them floating around the internet over the last year (mainly Facebook as this is where they have really taken off!) and thought they didn't look too bad for straight size fast fashion. So when they announced they would be catering for the plus size market my ears pricked up. Now they are currently only available up to a UK24 which isn't brilliant but for a new brand on the scene it's certainly a start. The lovely team over at WTT have sent me 3 dresses to show you and this Lydia Floral Navy Top Skater Dress is the first. When you look on the Plus Size section of the site you will see there is ALOT of choice, I didn't know where to start! To my knowledge all the dresses are made from this thick scuba material which I do love for the skirt as it keeps it shape really well but I was a little dubious about on the top sections as it can sometimes be quite a warm fabric to wear! Lots of the dresses are the same style and/or cut but in different prints for me personally if I find a shape I like I'll probably want to get it in every colour available anyway! Sure these dresses may not be winning anything in the High fashion stakes however if you're looking for cute dresses for work or nights out that don't need hours of ironing these would definitely be a go to! 

Here I'm wearing the UK Size 20 which I would state is true to size but I wouldn't say there is masses of room in them personally so if you fluctuate between a certain size I'd go up just to be on the safe side. I do love the brightness of the print and for the price point (that is the same for the smaller sizes, which makes a nice change!) Also shall we all just look at how fun the first photo is, thank you sunshine and the fact it was windy when I was shooting them!

I hope you look forward to Part 2 coming soon! 


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Getting all Dolly and Dotty!

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Dress: c/o Dolly and Dotty. Belt: Vintage. Cardigan: Dorothy Perkins. Shoes: Bait Footwear. Sunglasses: Specspost. Hair Flower: Pin Up Curl.

I've had this dress for quite awhile and I've been desperately meaning to post about it but I just wasn't happy with the photos, however these only came out marginally better and I do hope you don't mind. I wish the photos without the cardigan were cuter than they are but I wanted to show you how the fabric is on the bust and back of the dress (both extremely comfortable!) This is the Melissa Bandeau dress the lovely team over at Dolly and Dotty sent me to review. You may recall be reviewing another of their dresses at the beginning of the year and me being surprised at how true to size they were as so often I find vintage reproduction or inspired brands can be on the smaller size but I am happy to report again that Dolly and Dotty's sizing seems to be spot on if not a little generous. Here I'm wearing a UK20 and it's comfortable and doesn't cut in on my waistband, I do however find the dress a little long in the body though I am only 5'2 so this is something that I usual find in the vast majority of dresses I wear! I also find the bust quite full as well so if you have boobs bigger than me (for reference I wear a 38DD/E generally in bras) you should still be fine even with it being strapless. I'm wearing my go to Curvy Kate Luxe strapless bra under the dress in these photos. 

I decided to colour coordinate the whole of my outfit and threw on the cardigan and belt over as I just think it looks so cute and is a great option for wearing this dress in the cooler months as well! If you're looking for fun vintage style dresses which are easy to care for and extremely well priced I'd definitely check out Dolly and Dotty! 

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Carmen by Elomi.

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Underwear Set: c/o Elomi Lingerie. Messy Background: My bedroom wall! 

I've had a blog hiatus that went on much longer than I wanted it to meaning so many wonderful things I've had to blog about like this stunning Carmen set from Elomi have been waiting to be seen. I will try and film a video or write a post as to why I've been away for so long and not as active on here as I used to be! Please ignore the messy background I'm still trying to find the perfect place to take my underwear review photos and I have a feeling my bedroom probably isn't it. Anyway onto the pretty lingerie! 

The lovely girls at Elomi sent me this set to try out as they know I tend to shy away from an unpadded cup and lighter coloured bra sets and you know what I absolutely love it. Normally if it's a lower rise knicker I tend to veto them right away but these ones are adorable, do I feel a little self conscious with my tummy, maybe? But ultimately do I also feel pretty damn cute in the photos, hell yeah! I'm wearing a 40E here which on one boob has a little access fabric as I'm currently fluctuating between my usual 38DD and an E. I went up in the back size because I was also finding my back bands a little too tight at the moment. (my body isn't currently on it's best behaviour!) The bottoms I'm wearing in their equivalent to a UK20 and they genuinely fit like a dream, it's so often I find the matching bottoms to bras uncomfortable but with these amazingly it isn't the case. For classic comfort and fit Elomi are always the first brand I'll go to and recommend to women when they ask you genuinely cannot go wrong! 

I decided to put on ALL the eyeliner and set my hair in what I'm hoping is a cute pin curl kind of look. Of course I also had to slick on my usual red lipstick! Hopefully this post has managed to fix my blogger block and I'll be updating more again, once I've got all my scheduled posts live! 


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Getting Shorty with Denim Boutique.

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Levi Shorts: c/o Denim Boutique. Sunglasses: Specspost. T-Shirt: Clumsy Kate.

Well I have to say I never thought you'd get me in a pair of Levi Shorts yet thanks to Denim Boutique here I am! These are the style of shorts I just thought I'd not only never get my chubby body into but would also not suit me. Well it looks like I'll be eating my own hat as I absolutely love these for the summer! If you were wondering currently in the UK it is grey and raining but I did take these photos for the brief moment we had summer a few weeks ago! 

The shorts I'm wearing are a UK22 as when it comes to traditional denim I tend to have to size up to get my belly into the waistband but then the bum is often a little too big as you can see here but it's not too obvious! These are definitely short shorts and not something I'd wander round my local down in but they will be perfect for when I'm on the beach in a few weeks (praying our UK holiday is warm enough!) The team over at Denim Boutique also sent me a darker wash pair which don't have the more distressed styling as these do which I'll be posting in the coming weeks as I styled those up slightly differently! I decided to wear my new Clumsy Kate top as I'm so in love with the print! As a heads up I'm wearing her largest size available and I'm a UK20 it does fit but it's not a loose t-shirt if that makes any sense?! She has loads of designs that are her own as well as some adorable jewellery too! If you like quirky trinkets and a retro style you'll love Clumsy Kate! I kept everything else simple with a slick of bright lipstick and my go to sunglasses (I know they're pretty much surgically attached to my face, saves me doing eye make up!) finishing with a black hair bow to give my hair a little something more.

The team over at Denim Boutique have offered my lovely readers 20% off and this is valid until the end of the year, how awesome is that?! Just quote "rosie" at the checkout! 

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Body Confidence with Boohoo Plus.

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Bikini: c/o Boohoo Plus. Sandals: Simply Be. Sunglasses: Primark. Hair Scarf: Clumsy Kate.

When Boohoo emailed me and asked if I'd take part in our Body Confident Swimwear campaign I jumped at the chance! As a  teenage girl who once would have avoided being seen in a swimsuit at all costs and definitely never worn a Bikini now as the more body confident woman I am today as soon as the sun comes out I feel the need to show my skin in all its pasty glory! AsThe idea of a ‘beach-ready body’ is thrown around a lot this time of year, Boohoo want to break that trend and appreciate that there isn't any such thing as a perfect body. They say every girl is gorgeous in their own way and of course I whole heartedly agree! 
 Feeling confident in my body is something I still struggle with more often than I'd probably like to admit,it is also something I constantly working on and feeling cute in swimwear is something that massively helps me. When I first started blogging when I was 16 (I'm 23 now for reference) I didn't particularly like my body I just made the best of it if I could. However thanks to blogging and meeting so many amazing women in the Plus Size Community I've grown into the pretty confident woman you see today. Once I realised this is the body I was basically born with (I've always been chubby!) I decided I better learn to love it and it's definitely something that has come with age as it's probably in the last 18months I've felt the most comfortable and confident with my size. What I'm pretty much trying to say in the most rambling fashion is that having body confidence is an on going thing and something I'm always learning from and growing with.
For me what I remember is that every *body* is beach ready and not to limit yourself by wearing only swimwear you think is "safe" just wear what you love!



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Petals and Posies with Voodoo Vixen.

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Ginny Cardigan & Betsy Dress: c/o Voodoo Vixen. Sunglasses: Specspost. Hair Flower: Pin Up Curl. Shoes: Evans.

I'm back and with another beautiful dress and cardigan set from Voodoo Vixen, honestly I don't think they've ever gotten it wrong! Every single piece I've had from them I've utterly loved and this one is no exception! You may have noticed that recently I've been bringing my vintage loving side out more and more, which I hope you're enjoying seeing it as much as I'm enjoying exploring my personal style further but don't worry the leggings and swing dresses are still firmly in my wardrobe and worn on rotation! 

These are the Betsy Dress and Ginny Cardigan I'm wearing both in a 2XL and for reference I generally wear a UK dress Size 20. These both fit me really well and if you had a bigger bust than me this dress should be great as there is plenty of room for a bust much more ample than my own! What I love the most about these is the print/embroidery and attention to detail Voodoo Vixen always put into their garments. The quality is also extremely good none of the cardigans I own from them have lost their shape or have the dread baggy sleeve after rolling them up during the day. I also don't think I need a petticoat under this dress but you could add one for extra omph if you really wanted to as there is room under the skirt. If you're looking for something Vintage inspired in Plus Size that's extra special I'd definitely send you to Voodoo Vixen! 

I decided to style these pieces with my new hair flower which is the Rosalita Double Rose from Pin Up Curl. I've also picked this one up in a different colour way from her last week as I just love how it sits so well, you definitely need to check out her Etsy for all her hair flowers and her Facebook page to see the stunning hairstyles she also creates! My lips are in a Lime Crime Velvetine in Utopia (it's a fake but I love the colour anyway!) 
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Polka Dot Pretty with Lady Vintage.

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Dress: c/o Lady Vintage. Shoes: Bait Footwear. Beret: old! Clutch: Primark.

Lately I've been delving a little deeper into the retro loving side of my own personal style and from my blog posts over the last few months it's been even more obvious than ever! So I was so excited when Lady Vintage asked if I'd like to review The Maria Dress from their Lady Voluptuous range which goes up to a UK32. A size range in such a scale as theirs is sadly often lacking when it comes to vintage reproduction brands. Lady Vintage have been on my radar for quite awhile but I'd never gotten chance to get my hands on a dress before! 

Here I'm wearing a UK20 which I would say is very true to size. If you've read my blog for awhile you'll know that I often mention how in vintage reproduction brands in the past I've found sizing to run small compared to high street sizing etc but I'm happy to report that in this Maria Dress that isn't the case! The dress itself is well made and the fabric is a thick stretch cotton mix meaning it hugs to the body well but also keeps it's shape! What I particularly love about this design is the flattering shape of the neckline and gathers across the chest and the 3/4 length sleeve as these aren't often on dresses and it does mean that there isn't any need for a cardigan if you were at all self conscious about your arms. I styled the dress up with a cute beret that I don't wear enough. these Bait Footwear flats which I utterly adore but they're just a little too snug to wear a lot and my go to classic red lip! The clutch bag was a recent and rather frivolous purchase from Primark but I just couldn't resist! 


If you're now dying to get your hands on a Lady Volup piece, the team have been nice enough to offer you guys 10% off your order with

ROSIE10



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