Vintage Style and Victory Rolls.

Dress: Collectif Clothing. Bag:Vintage, thrifted. Hair flowers: H&M.

All images by Antony Cartwright.

A few weeks ago when all the glorious weather started (I'm getting sick of it now but come August when I'm away I'll miss the sunshine!) I went to one of my favourite vintage fairs. Vintage Village at Stockport, I believe it's usually the second Sunday of each month. Anyway if you're into vintage/retro finds its a must particularly if you don't live to far away. Because I'm so cool I always go with my folks. this time I didn't actually find anything myself to buy but my dad quite often does! 

Whenever we go I always try to pull out the more retro side of my personal style and because it's summer I finally broke out this dress I picked up in the Huge 50% off everything sale Collectif do a few times a year. (here's hoping it's about time for another one as I have a few things on my wishlist!)  I've had to alter it to fit me better but I expect that because I'm an awkward shape. It was warm that day so I thought it would be best to have my hair off my face but it had been so long since I did victory rolls on my own head I have to admit they aren't my best work! I'm also still surprised that I had any curl left in my hair when these photos were taken! Antony saw me with my folks and asked my dad if he could take my photograph because I was dressed up! My dad couldn't stop laughing seeing as I'm 25 now and you know what I'm glad Antony got some snaps for me because otherwise I wouldn't have any photos to show of the last time I looked half decent! However it has been so long since anyone took my photo I have to say I was more than a little rusty which is why my expression is bit resting bitch face! 

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Currently Coveting - Simply Be.

Wrap Dress with Shorts - Simply Be.

I've been lusting over this since I first saw it at the beginning of May and naturally when I decide throw caution to the wind (and my poor bank account) to treat myself for my Birthday it's sold out in the 2 sizes I fluctuate between. For most people that would be the end of that but for me I'm hoping to set aside a little bit of 'me' sewing time to knock up a fabulous 2 piece inspired by this! 

It won't be in the same colour way or probably even the same shape, perks of patterning and drafting your own designs is having blocks in a true plus size at your disposal! I do have a lovely fabric in mind for this that is waiting on my unit shelf to be made into something perfect and summery! 

If you could make the one garment of clothing you'd love what would it be?

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Lindy Bop Love.

Delta Swan Border Swing Dress: c/o Lindy Bop. Belt: Vintage. Bolero: Asda. Hair Flower: Pin Up Curl. Shoes: Shop in Southwold (unfortunately now closed down!) Glasses: Red or Dead from Specsavers. Bag: Accessorize.

I'm back! I know it is quite a shock I've been planning on getting my blog back to how it used to be for awhile but unfortunately 2016 has been shit for me and my Mental Health hasn't let me feel like I could in all honesty. 

But what is better for a comeback than this BEAUTIFUL Delta dress Lindy Bop were kind enough to send me for review. I've always had a soft spot for Lindy Bop and lately they've upped there game even more! This print is killing it for me, when I first started dressing more to my vintage side border prints were just not available in my size and the colours in this one are just to die for! This dress is also not lined which I actually prefer in a swing dress so I don't end up with static when I wear a petticoat under the skirt. Here I'm wearing a size 22 which is what I always order with reproduction or vintage style brands as I often find that they run a little small. My only issues with this dress were that I need to pop a few tacks in the underarm as it gapes a little (something that happens in basically all dresses I wear that are sleeveless) and I find the dress quite long in the body but popping my favourite belt on solved that issue easily! I am honestly so impressed with this dress and feel really lovely in it. I also love that it has pockets! We ALL love a dress with pockets that is for sure! 

I decided to style it up with my vintage favourites and my hair was so amazing thanks to Jess at I love Lucie Hair Parlour in Stockport. I got my hair cut there just before I took these photos and it's honestly one of my favourite cuts particularly as my curls hold much better now thanks to the horseshoe vintage cut which was done. If you're a vintage gal I cannot recommend them enough! 

Lindy Bop currently have an End of Summer Sale on so I'd definitely recommend grabbing a bargain while you can! 

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Velvet Dream.

Dress: Evans (c/o House of Fraser) Shoes: Next. Clutch: Evans.

This is a long awaited party outfit post I meant to get up over Christmas but due to lots of last minute drastic changes in the pantomime I do costumes for and unfortunately a neighbour I was very close to (Patches owner) passing away. This is the first time I've been able to sit down to write. The lovely team over at House of Fraser gave me the option to choose an item from there Evans selection on the site and I just couldn't stop going back to this beautiful velvet number! The camera doesn't pick up how beautiful it is, you can wear it on or off the shoulder and has an utterly lovely almost peplum like frill on the chest which is also part of the sleeves and back. This means it gives you a little coverage on your arms if you feel a little insecure about them, which I do with my own sometimes! 

I'm wearing a UK size 20 which is my usual go to, I always find Evans clothing is pretty true to size meaning I don't have to worry so much about what size I would need. Another thing I love about Evans is the wide fit options in footwear and you can also buy these from House of Fraser as well. The perfect one stop shop! If I'm looking for occasion wear in plus sizes HOF is my go to as they also stock the fabulous Studio 8 which have the MOST beautiful dresses! I decided to keep this pretty simple but perfect for the part season with a sequin clutch and my sparkly flatforms. I did something a little different with my hair and curled it away off my face, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it but I love my hair like this! 

House of Fraser currently have some fab pieces from Evans Clothing in their sale at the moment! As well as a whole host of other plus size pieces! The dress above is now sold out on HOF but is still available at Evans in limited sizes.

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Books and Boots.

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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Curve Fashion Festival 2016.

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! 

Lurex Jumpsuit.

 Faux Fur Coat. 

Cold Shoulder Tunic.

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Lingerie Love.

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.

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!

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Introducing Want That Trend - Part 1

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!

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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Getting Shorty with Denim Boutique.

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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Petals and Posies with Voodoo Vixen.

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.

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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