Shapeless Fashion?

Hey there my Curvalicious Beauties. Two posts in less than a week... I must be feeling ill ;)


I happened across a few articles on Melbourne Spring Fashion week today. Firstly I was thrilled to see that Plus-sized models had taken to the catwalk all in different shapes and sizes, different looks and full of confidence.


How refreshing to see such diversity celebrated within the fashion world and I applaud all those involved. But... and this is quite a big 'but'. After looking through various collections offered up to the plus size market, I can't help but see one common theme.... Shapelessness. 

Now, I am all for not wearing skimpy, tight fitting clothes with every lump and bump on show, but why just provide a glorified potato sack? Us curvier ladies NEED some sort of definition, some shape, something to show our best features and hide the things we'd rather ignore.


I know myself that I have not bought a new outfit for a while, mainly because I am  getting increasingly frustrated with the lack of choice out there. Don't get me wrong there are a hell of a lot of fabulous ranges out there, just nothing that I feel I could wear. I find that the majority of items have quite high / round necks, which as you busty ladies will know generally make you look a lot bigger than you actually are. The other 'on trend' items are generally shapeless chiffon tunics or dresses, which again are no good for anyone with curves. Unless something has some shape to it I feel like I look about 6 months pregnant. There is either no shape or it has a dropped waist. Instead of pulling you in at at your smallest part, its showing off your largest!

When will these designers learn that we don't all want to hide under a tent? We want to appreciate and make the most of what we're given in life. I don't know about you ladies, but my boobs are about the only decent feature I have.... and who wants to hide their best feature?? 


Have any of you had the same frustrations with shapeless offerings?


Can any of you advise of fabulously shapely outfits out there?


Take care
lots of love

Donna
xxx

H & M Inclusive!

I am so thrilled to hear to the news that H & M have decided to produce a new 'one off' collection which incorporates plus sizes in with 'regular' sizes. The range, which launches exclusively online in March includes figure-flattering party dresses in 50’s styles with large polka dots and rose patterns, as well as skirts, tops, cardigans and lingerie following the same theme, and will be available up to a UK size 24. 

This news is like a breathe of fresh air to those of us who still feel a bit of a stigma attached to shopping in the 'plus size' range. H & M already have a their BIB range which caters for sizes 18-28 (uk). However, this new initiative of theirs is another step in the right direction for main stream high street stores. Hopefully if the collection has a good response (which I think is a given), they will continue to provide these sizes for the rest of their styles. I for one will definitely be purchasing a few of these stunning items. Take a look at some of the range below and let me know what you think.

Lots of Love 

Donna

xxx

Dating Dramas

Firstly I must apologise for my lack of blogging of late, but things have really been a little hectic. Hopefully things should be getting back on track now. So in trying to get 'back on track' I have been thinking of a worthy subject to write about. Then it dawned on me.  


I have been single now for 4 years and I still haven't got the hang of this dating malarkey. So I thought I would share my dating dramas (however embarrassing they may be), and see if any of you Curvalicious beauties feel the same? 


I think dating is a fairly new concept in the UK which is hard enough in itself, but I think dating for plus sizes can be even harder. Not necessarily because people don't find us attractive, its unbelievable how many men actually prefer plus size ladies. I think it tends to be more of an insecurity issue. 


I don't know about you guys, but I find it extremely difficult to take a compliment. Don't get me wrong, everyone loves a compliment, and lots of them. But no matter how hard I try, I can't just accept one. I always have to return with a sarcastic comment or quip like 'are you sure you don't wear glasses??' or 'that will be the alcohol talking'. Its like dating tourettes..... I just can't help myself. 


I always seem to think, that if someone is interested in me, there must be an ulterior motive i.e they are only after a one night stand, they are trying to use me for regular no strings sex. I always tend to think they are lying about their marital status. I must admit that in the past four years, the majority of men I have met have fallen in to one if not all of those categories. So I then start to question myself, 'is it me? Am I doing something wrong which attracts this particular calibre of man? Is it because of my size? Are all men now like this? If so, then it looks like I am going to be single for the rest of my life ;-)


Don't get me wrong I am not deliberately putting myself out there desperate to find a someone. I'm not one of these needy women who feel like they have to be in a relationship to feel complete, although the company would be nice once in a while lol. If I find someone then fair enough, if I don't then fair enough too.  So who knows? I may be single for another 4 months or another 4 yrs.... either way I'll be ok with it. 


Are you currently single?? How do you find dating?? Do you have all the same feelings as me?? I'd love to hear all about it, please get in touch, if only to confirm that I am not the only one lol.


Lots of love

Donna
xxx

Real Models, Real Looks December 2010

Well, after much blood, sweat and tears I have finally managed to put together the first 'Real Models. Real Looks' segment for Curvalicious Fashion. Unfortunately things did not run as smoothly as I would have liked due to the never ending illnesses I have had for the past month or so, but I got there in the end. For this first edition the lovely people at New Look gave us some of their Inspire range to use in the shoot. Seeing as though I have been struck down with every bug / virus known to man, my friend Aimi went and picked the items for me (which was awfully kind of her).
The whole idea of this segment is to see what items of clothing look like on 'real' plus size women. Therefore I gathered a few volunteers (including) myself to model the wares for you. 

This first item is a fabulously cosy jumper currently £25 and is modelled by the gorgeous Laura

New Look

Next we have an animal print kimono style tunic currently on sale for £24.99 and is modelled by the lovely Aimi (who also picked out the clothing for the shoot)

New Look

This wonderful wintery style tunic is a must have item for this time of year, its fun, funky and definitely in keeping with the time of year. It is modelled here by the sassy Miss Josie Young, and is currently on sale for £26.99

This fantastic square neck red tunic is currently on sale for £25.99 and can be dressed up or down, and fabulous buy this season.

This grey frill tunic top is currently in the sale for £14 (original price £22.99), 

modelled again by the lovely Laura

Another sale item modelled by Laura is this pink satin evening / party dress

 currently £10 (original price £22.99)

This stunning black jewelled maxi dress paired with this stylish shrug is a fabulous look this winters. 

Maxi dress £35.99, Black shrug £16.99 

worn by the lovely Josie

Here's another animal print tunic, ideal to wear with leggings or jeans. Currently priced at £22.99, 

modelled by the beautiful Aimi.

Finally we have this animal print maxi dress currently in the sale for £16 (original price £29.99), black bag £17.99. Unfortunately with being quite poorly before hand, there was no time for fake tan... so please don't be put off by my casper like tones ;-)

The next 'Real Models, Real Looks' will be on location.. with a 'girls night out' feel!! I really can't wait

Lots of love

 

Donna

xxx

All photography is done by Scott Sharman Photography and all of the photographs are licensed for exclusive use on Curvalicious Fashion UK . These photographs must not be used or shared on any other website, printing or personal use.

Xmas time?? Stress time??

Well its official, Christmas is here..... I've seen the coca cola advert on TV!! So its time for fun and frolics, lots of parties / nights out and filling your face with lots and lots of things so very wrong but so very right all at the same time.
Although, with these fabulous reasons to have a smile on your face, getting outfits for all of these parties can be a stressful time, especially for us curvalicious beauties.


We all want to look fabulous, especially at Xmas. If you are anything like me you also have to have a 'Xmas day outfit', I really don't know why, as I only veg out in front of the TV after eating possibly the biggest dinner ever, but I need one all the same. Every year I plan shopping trips with my friends to find these 'oh so special' outfits. Every year I come back with nothing and every year I stress myself out over it.


I need fabulous outfits for those numerous works nights out (mine and other peoples), I need something for those nights where I'm out with my friends, Xmas day........... and don't even get me started on New Year! God forbid I would wear the same outfit for any of these occasions, unless of course I'm in a different town or city than previously worn ;-)


There are lots of fantastic online offers around at this time of year for Plus Size fashion, and some gorgeous clothes too, but just once I would love to be able to go shopping for an outfit and be able to try it on to see what it looks like before I spend my hard earned cash. I can't speak for the major cities in the UK, but here in Stoke we have hardly any high street retailers who cater for the plus sizes. There is the token Evans Clothing shop, New Look have their Inspire range and that is about it really. To be fair I never really go into Evans as I don't feel there is anything in there to suit me and my style. I feel its is all a bit too 'old' for me. As for the Inspire range, unless you like living in jeans and tshirts there's nothing really in there for you. Like I said it could be different in stores in the larger cities, but not everyone lives in the big smoke.


There has been the odd occasion that I have found something in Dorothy Perkins or Primark, but these are not regular occurrences. There needs to be more 'affordable' plus size fashion out on the high street for us ladies who like to shop. In the meantime I'll have to look for my fabulous Xmas outfits online. If you have any suggestions of high street shops selling affordable, fashionable clothing please let me know.


lots of love

Donna
xxx

Curvalicious Fashions Midweek Recommendations

Evans have a fab new online Xmas Catalogue... check it out!!!

Click here to view Evans new 2010 Xmas Catalogue

Take a peek at Plus Model Magazine the premiere virtual magazine celebrating the plus size fashion, beauty and plus size modeling industries, inspires YOU to thrive in your curves, crave contemporary fashion and design your life on your own terms, no apologies. PLUS Model Magazine brings aspiring and professional plus size models the information and resources needed to have a successful plus size modeling career. And for fashion conscious women with curves, they also report on the best beauty tips as well as plus size clothing companies and designers styling for today's modern plus size women.

Plus Model Magazine

Curvalicious Fashion got a fab funky new logo designed and produced by Caldesigns.

Evans tell us how to stay cosy yet stylish with their winter knits 

Evans Winter Knits

The fabulous Madison Plus tell us of the FTF model search Click here for details

Curvalicious Fashion gets a brand new Twitter Page

Andrew Coimbra writes about dressing for your shape for Womens Post

For all the fabulous Curvalicious men out there. Check out Fantastic Man the gentlemens online style journal

Take look at ASOS’ party attire….. Only six weeks till Xmas!! How scary! 

ASOS party attire

Anna Scholz offers 20% off her Favourite Dress Of The Season - Double Silk Maxi Lapel Dress!! Type AF1 into discount codes...

So Boho Vintage offer this Vintage Ladies Kangol Trilby Style Soft Touch Hat with Band. Its only £15 and there are loads of different styles available. 

Madison Plus report on the Glamour Women of the year awards

Don’t miss out!! Warehouse clearance…. Items starting from 80p!!! Size Up the webs first ‘size up’ only site by Yours Clothing