by Jackie Brooks | Sep 19, 2016 | Celebrity, Fashion, Featured
It’s London Fashion Week again, and if you think that it is just for the young stick insects who can carry off the fabulous but unrealistic fashions, you may have a case.
But curves on the catwalk are a big topic of discussion these days and we are delighted that some size savvy designers are putting their lives on the line by helping the average size 16 woman, accessibility and recognition in the high fashion arena as well as one the high street.
Ashley Graham made an impact at New York Fashion Week as she proudly presented her lingerie collection, alongside plus-size model, and friend Kylie Jenner, Jordyn Woods. The model, who is 27 who rose to fame with her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, and she headed up a collection of plus-size models to showcase her new bed wear collection.
A young Russian model has been accused of anorexia after her recent Instagram pics revealed her emaciated body in casual poses, which were denied and she retorted by showing photographs of herself gauging on a big mac. I am not convinced, as we all know where that can lead, and I am not accusing, but just saying.
So perhaps we ‘real women’ should view London Fashion Week as an indication of where the fashion trends are heading and adapt accordingly, and know that these skinny catwalk ladies are in fact just a small representative of the female statistic.
I personally just enjoy the theatricality of the event, and know that we have a long way to go to convince the fashionistas that we are in fact beautiful in our own skin, and can make an impact at whatever size we are.
THERE IS A FANTASTIC 40% OFF ALL BRANDS FOR WOMEN AND KIDS AT LA REDOUTE http://www.laredoute.co.uk/
WITH PROMO CODE – BIG40
by Gemma Thomas | Sep 9, 2016 | Fashion, Featured
HOUSE OF FRASER – GRAB A BAG
They are offering some fabulous bargains in the handbag department – with some ‘must have’ designer bags which are also a great investment. Check out DKNY, Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren as some of the well known designer brands that have a discount online of £25 with free delivery of over £50.
http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/
MARKS AND SPENCER- UNDERWEAR IS GO!
They are famous for their excellence in underwear and lingerie, and they will not disappoint. As they have up to 70 percent discount in all things undergarment. Just browse for some stunning pieces, which will make you feel a million dollars! Underwear is so under rated, but when you do go the extra mile it improves outfits and confidence in abundance.
http://www.marksandspencer.com/
MATALAN AND THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Still searching for that little black dress for the Autumn, look no further as MATALAN have one beauty at only £18.
http://www.matalan.co.uk/
RIVER ISLAND – KHAKI IS KEY
Khaki is back in fashion this season and I am so pleased, as it is a very flattering shade of green, whatever the PR on this look. If you want to go less masculine and more upmarket, River Island has a stunning top in Khaki for only £25. It drapes beautifully to hide a multitude and looks reminiscent of a much more expensive designer look.
http://www.riverisland.com/
Or if you like the military image you can go for a Khaki cameo sweater at New Look for £14.99.
http://www.newlook.com/
by Jackie Brooks | Aug 26, 2016 | Fashion, Featured, GloBeauty, GloWellness
Choosing a wedding dress for yourself or a relative is a serious undertaking, in line with the big day itself.
I accompanied a close friend who was helping her daughter select a bridal gown and accessories this week, and approached it with great trepidation.
The young lady in question was a plus size 16 and had been fed with horror stories of all gowns being a size 6-10 with no support for ‘real women’ sizes and snooty shop assistants shaming you into crash diets and expensive designs.
Claire, the bride to be had booked an appointment with a local Wedding Shop, Love Me Do Brides in Park Street, Kingston.
I arrived early and as I had a long journey from my Buckinghamshire home, was dying to use the bathroom. I crept into the shop apprehensively, to be warmly greeted by two lovely ladies, who were ready to receive the bride to be and her companions. They pointed me to the restroom and then made sure I was comfortable on one of the squashy settees and offered me refreshments as it was a very hot day.
When the bride to be and her mum and auntie arrived – they were completely geared up to help in any way possible. They were also incredibly helpful in helping us to cuddle and feed Claire’s young four month old twins who were brought along to share the big occasion.
The bride to be was very quickly put at ease as she tried on the dresses, her size not even slightly an issue. In fact many of the dresses were too loose, and so her confidence was rapidly restored. They assured us that all sizes are catered for.
She tried on a total of ten dresses, and loved eight of them – but finally settled on a stunning lace featured gown, which enhanced her curves and accentuated her good waistline.
She explained to Jo, the personal dresser who had been designated to look after Claire for the hour’s slot, that she was on a Slimming World diet, and so was advised to have the final alterations done close to the Wedding Day as they had a seamstress on hand to turn it around in 24 hours. They even offered to do a last minute steam of the garment.
She rounded off the session by selecting a pair of lovely high heeled, cushioned satin shoes, for extra comfort, a tiara and a veil – the latter of which she hadn’t even considered.
As there was a sale in store, the total for the entire package was only £730. The dress had by chance been reduced from £1,200 to £599, the shoes were half price at £25 and the veil and tiara made up the rest.
Our young bride to be left the shop elated and full of confidence, a wonderfully successful outcome.
I had a chat to one of the partners, and she told me that although the outlet premises are neat, their stock is extensive and constantly updated. They have been going for eleven years – and I can see the reason for their success.
I am quite sure that many other bridal outlets provide an equally supportive service – but I would personally recommend this small Kingston upon Thames outlet – and it would even be worthwhile to make a special journey, however far away you are, as their unique approach and care would be hard to compare.
http://www.lovemedobrides.com/weddingdresses.aspx
