Making The Most Of Your Wardrobe Featuring Simply Be

The last few years, for us, have been difficult financially, my husband has had to jump from one temporary contract to another far too many times and has sometimes had to sign on in between. This has meant me putting a hold on my clothing budget, meaning I could only buy the essentials, luckily I do get sent clothing items now and then through the blog so that is a bonus.

Making my wardrobe work year round has been very important to me because of this so when I do shop I buy items that are versatile, that can see me through multiple season and be layered for warmth in the winter. Each season I do try to get one or two bits that will help me work with what I already have.
Just before Christmas Simply be sent be a selection of items that I could use to make my winter wardrobe more adaptable for winter into spring.

My first item is something I purchase most winters, Knee-high Boots, as I wear them on a daily basis, I always look for a pair that looks good for day and night.

Anna Scholz Studded Boots

I was sent these fabulous Anna Scholz Studded boots, they are great thrown on over leggings but are smart enough that I can wear them out in the evening, which is perfect for my budget! they are in the sale right now so grab a bargain.

Next up is a dress that is great in the daytime with a jumper or cardigan over the top but easily dressed up for the evening.

High Neck Check Velour Dress

I adore the print of this dress and the colour is beautiful, it is great to wear with tights ankle boots and a chunky knit cardigan, or I can throw it on with heels or my knee boots for an evening out.

A good knit is very important for a versatile wardrobe it helps with layering against the cold, easily dresses down an outfit to make it more casual and works with so many outfits. I often go for cardigans as they are the easy option but this time I went for a jumper, I wanted the option of a skirt and top look if I team it with my dresses.

Fluffy Knitted Shell Top

It is fluffy and warm and wonderful, It is fabulous with jeans and over blouses and dresses.

The last item I was sent were an awesome pair of leggings, I have a ton of plain black legings but sometimes I want to make a plain out fit stand out.

Check Leggings

These are perfection, appealing to my inner 90's teenager.

 Over the coming weeks I am going to try to show you as many outfits as possible including items from this selection to show you how I make my wardrobe work for me on a very tight budget.

Do you shop for key versatile items or are you a trend setter, do you just buy what you love regardless of if it fits in with your current wardrobe?

Mhairi

xxx

Fatshion Faceoff - Maxi skirt

Maxi Skirts are one of my favourite wardrobe staples, as a short girl they can be quite hard to wear (well for me anyway) but when I find a good one I wear it to death! 

This summer I found it really hard to find one that I loved enough to splash out for so when I won £100 worth of Pink Clove vouchers I was glad to spot one on their website I wanted to try. I have to be honest though I haven't worn it much as I couldn't decide what top would look good with it as it is quite straight up and down, but I came up with an outfit I was pleased with, I felt comfortable yet stylish.

Skirt @Pink Clove - Blouse C/o Simply Be - Cardigan - Very Old New Look

I only managed to get one full length picture and my feet are missing so sorry. 

I teamed the Blouse/ skirt combination with my Wide belt to stop it all looking boxy.

Boots C/o Simply Be

I teamed the skirt with my Shoe boots from Simply be as they are great with skirts as it doesn't end up tucked into them.

A Little Close up of my new Glasses from SpecsPost

Head on over and check out the other gorgeous Fatshion Faceoff girls, I bet they look stunning!

Hanna The Wardrobe Challenge (UK)

Olivia Wait Until the Sunset (Australia)

Mouna Brussels Fatshion (Belgium)

Dani http://www.diyfatshion.com/(USA)

Curvissa Autumn Advert - My favourites

Curvissa

Curvissa have just launched there new A/W13 TV advert and I wanted to share it with you guys here.

I have the stills of each outfit showcased and I have fallen in love with quite a bit of it.

I love the longline jumper in the centre image, it is very me, I love winter and love to wrap up warm. Her boots are also amazing! They come in a stunning red colour which I am obsessing over.

The parka is currently only in stock in one of the colours, I am hoping that it comes back in the blue colour as, this would be the perfect coat for me through autumn.

Jumper // Boots // Parka

I love the 50's inspired dress on the right, I have been looking at it for months, and have come close to ordering it a number of times already.

I also love the fabulous converse trainers in the middle image, Curvissa stock some excellent brands.

50's Dress // Converse

Outdoor walks are a favourite pass time in our house, in the advert I love the classic trench coat, it is an excellent staple for your wardrobe, it is so versatile for the cooler Autumn and spring months. 

The Accessories in this section really caught my eye, the gorgeous bag and the tan ankle boots are gorgeous, as well as the fabulous red boots.

Trench coat // Boots // Bag

Party season is nearly upon us once again, finding that perfect outfit can be a nightmare and Curvissa have chosen some lovely looks to showcase.

I love the mod feel of the Circle print dress on the left, it is so simple yet fun.

The centre dress is also gorgeous, I am not usually a fan of exposed shoulders but I love the print so much I think I can forgive it. and the shoes worn on the left are perfect!

Circle Dress // Split Sleeved Dress // Shoes

You can shop the advert HERE by selecting the occasion at the top.

I also have some fabulous behind the scene pictures from the shoot

Dash is such a cutie and it looks like he wowed the models too.

Here is the beautiful Vikki in hair and make up.

The lovely Rosie of A Rose Like This and Betty Pamper also spent the day behind the scenes watching the adverts being made and had a fabulous day.

Here is the transcript or the interviews from both Rosie and Betty.

Rosie

- Have you been to a TV shoot before?
I've been on shoots in the past but not for ones on such a grand scale as this. Normally I've been put in a little room and we all work within that but being in a large studio seeing all the goings on was a lovely change and something I greatly enjoyed!
- Was the shoot what you expected?
As I have an idea of what happens on a shoot I was aware how busy they can get and how warm it gets for the poor models under all the lighting particularly when you're working ahead and pretending its winter in the middle of summer! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming to chat to us about blogging or what was happening on the set that was something I didn't expect to feel so involved but it was wonderful!
- Which was your favourite outfit and why?
It's so hard to choose just ONE! But I loved the black and white three quarter sleeved dress (Sorry I don't know the name of it!) I think it was worn by Laura the model and she looked fabulous in it!
- What was your favourite part of the day?
This had to be meeting some of the lovely Curvissa team and the models. Seeing what went into the advert and meeting the adorable Jack Russell Dash! Oh and not forgetting the chance to spend a few hours with one of my favourite bloggers Betty Pamper! So really the WHOLE day was my favourite part!

Betty

· Have you been to a TV shoot before?
I have as in my former life I was a video director. I never directed fashion shoots though so it was really interesting to watch the process.
· Was the shoot what you expected?
In some ways yes although I hadn't realised just how many times you would be filming each model in certain poses to create the look for the promo. Its always amazing how much you have to film for one short snappy advert.
· Which was your favourite outfit and why?
The black and white circle print dress was my absolute fave. I love clothes that create clever illusions and with its black top and patterned bottom half its actually a great dress for accentuating your curves but isn't too unforgiving, which fitted dresses like this in one colour can be. I really liked how it had been styled on the model as it looked very 1950's glam which is a look I absolutely adore and which really suits my figure. I’ve since got my hands on this dress and its as lovely on a mere mortal as it is a model so bravo!
· What was your favourite part of the day?

I enjoyed it all, especially seeing all the new A/W collections. Highlights definitely included chatting to the models (who were lovely and really invested in the clothes and in plus size fashion as a whole and also speaking to the Curvissa team who are a really great bunch dedicated to getting it right for all us plus size hotties. 

Competition

Curvissa are also giving their customers the chance to add to there A/W13 wardrobe with the chance to win £150 of vouchers just head over to HERE and enter.

* This post was written in partnership with Curvissa , all opinions are my own and I do not endorse products and services I would not be happy to purchase myself.

Simply Be Autumn Boots

Just wanted to share this video from Simply Be with you as I found my toes tapping along to it!

I am Boot Obsessed this year as usual and I am loving so many from this video!

As well as these ones I spotted earlier on the site

Dolcis Strappy Studded Boots

The will go perfectly with my growing tartan collection.

Thought I would add a little how I would wear my boots, its a little bit grown up rocker!

Have you fond you ideal winter boots?

Mhairi

xxx

Jileon Mens Wide Fit Wellies Review

Last year I reviewed a fabulous pair of Jileon Extra wide fit wellies you can see the review here.

So when they contacted me and asked if my husband would like to try out a pair of their mens extra wide fit wellies, I said yes please!

Marc like me, can fit into standard wellies but not with his trousers tucked in, which when working in the garden is needed, just as it is when walking the dogs to avoid the mud.

Wide fit is the perfect solution for this.

Mens Extra Wide Fit Wellies £49.99

The wellies were brilliant while we were laying the base for our greenhouse, Marc told me that they were very comfortable and a good shape of the foot so he didn't feel like he was slipping and sliding around in them.

Marc checking them out

The buckles held up pretty well, but he did manage to unhook the inner one a couple of times when they were against each other, but it want a major issue.

My lovely husband after an exhausting day.

Head on over to Jileon and check out their range of Mens wellies.

Marc gave them a thumbs up!

Mhairi

xxx

The Fat Fabulous Four

Tonight is the launch of another fabulous challenge collaboration between myself and three other amazing plus bloggers.

Becky of The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe, Toni of The only way is Toni, Rosie of A rose like this and myself will be bringing you a new post every two weeks on a saturday with our own takes on some of the seasons top trends, starting this week with lace.

Lace is often associated with going out and dressing up, but I wanted my take to be more casual this time so when I spotted this lovely jumper in Tesco I snapped it up, it is only £12 and is so comfy and lovely, I am looking forward to getting some nice jersey trousers and having a gorgeous relaxed outfit for the spring.

Lace panel Jumper - Tesco £12

Jeans - Old pair from Dorothy Perkins

Boots - Next old Season

I love the lace panels on the sleeves and it is lovely and soft, I have just realised it is quite see through though so maybe a vest under would be a good plan.

Go and visit the other gorgeous girls, I know they will look gorgeous! 

Becky - The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe

Toni - The Only Way Is Toni

Rosie - A Rose Like This

Mhairi

xxx

Fatshion Faceoff

This weeks Fatshion Faceoff is one of my favourite things a top/ dress with animals on it, I have a few items that fit the bill, but I love this dress so had to show it.

Sorry for the picture quality, I left my camera on again and it has no charge, so had to resort to the iPhone which to be honest is a bit naff in low light.

My dress is from the ASOS Curve range, after seeing the gorgeous Rosie in it, I know I needed it in my wardrobe!

it is a gorgeous little dress, but I have to say the jersey is a little thin and has faded very quickly, but I love it so much I still wear it.


You also get my fabulous christmas hat as it was freezing outside, it is a hat and scarf and it has pockets what more could I want.

Animals really to make me happy, I need more animals on my clothes :)

Head on over and check out the other gorgeous ladies in there fabulous outfits. 

Dani: DIY Fatshion http://www.diyfatshion.com

Hanna: The Wardrobe Challenge http://thewardrobechallenge.co.uk/

Mouna: Brussels Fatshion http://www.brusselsfatshion.com

Olivia: Wait Until The Sunset http://www.waituntilthesunset.com

Mhairi

xxx

Barratts Menswear - Boots Review

I was recently sent a fabulous pair of boots for my husband to review by Barratts Shoes, Marc is not only quite tall and a plus male, he has big feet too, he is a 12, and while there are a few places that stock them the options are often limited.

When we headed over to Barratts we were really pleased to see a great selection which even goes up to a size 13 in some styles!

Marc choose the Red Tape Lace Up Buckle Ankle Boots 

They are a fantastic Rich Brown Colour and have a slightly worn effect to the colour which look really good, the thing likes about them the most is the look equally good with his jeans as they do with his navy suit so a really good purchase!

Marc can be quite fussy about his shoes as he does not cope well with sore feet, he liked the fact these boots have padding around the top of the ankle and the sole while not very think is comfortable and sturdy and the boots are not heavy.

Marc made me wait to put the review up as he wanted some time to wear them about and to work to give a better review of them.

Comfort wise Marc said these are an 8/10, he would like slightly more thickness in the sole but otherwise fantastic!

Style he would give a 9/10 he loves the colour and the buckle detail.

Durability he said he would give them 7/10 as they scuff fairly easily but it isn't a huge deal as they have a worn look to them in the first place and it is easily fixed with a bit of polish.

To be honest Marc and the boots seem to be having a little love affair so I think it is safe to say he likes them and highly recommends them.

Head on over to Barrats and take a look at the selection of MENS boots and shoes, and while your there have a look at the WOMENS, we need a treat too!

Until Wednesday 19th December you can take 30% off everything with the code CRACKER.

Today is the last day for delivery before christmas if you are in NI, Eire and UK offshore location s and tomorrow if you are in the UK mainland.

Mhairi

xxx

Evans Shoes - Review

Earlier this year I was contacted by the lovely team at Evans and asked if I would like to review some of the new AW12 shoe range, now as I am a shoe addict I said yes please!

Now I had been expecting a pair to arrive but 2 beautiful pairs of heels arrived which were totally gorgeous, the stunning blue pair which I have worn with one of my Fatshion faceoff post Here are at the smaller end of the size scale for my feet, I wear anything from a 5 to a 6 these are a size 5 and a little snug on my swollen feet days, but the black are perfect, seen Here and Here

Both have lovely round heels that are perfect to walk in for me as I am usually a bit tottery on heels, and a small front platform, which I cant live without!

Both shoes are a fantastic addition to your AW wardrobe and the Flexisoles are fabulous!

Evans were also kind enough to later send me out a pair of boots and some ballet flats, which also turned out to be fabulous, the boots are the patent brogues which I have already had a tonne of wear out of and the other pair are the snake skin toe and heel flats which are very pretty but unfortunately the incorrect size so I haven't been able to wear these to tell you about the comfort, but they are supper pretty to look at! 

I adore the brogue detailing on these boots and they also have a chelsea boot elasticated type side which is fabulous, they are unbelievably comfy and I think I am going to wear them to death in the next few months!

 The Flats are gorgeous too, I wish I could wear them as they look amazingly comfortable but a size 4 sadly will not go on my foot!

 The feel beautiful, supple and soft with a lovely lining, and again the Flexisoles so comfort is highly likely!

If you want to buy any of these shoes which I would highly recommend head over to Evans for a look!

EVANS BLACK AND NEUTRAL SNAKE PLATFORM COURT SHOES £35

EVANS BLUE PLAIN PLATFORM SHOES £35

EVANS BROGUEING DETAIL CHELSEA BOOT £39.50

EVANS BLACK METAL DISC PUMPS £27

Mhairi

xxx

Disclaimer: These shoes have been provided to me free of charge, but I have not been paid to provide a positive review all words are my own!

Saturdays Mini Boots Haul

Today I managed to go for a nice lunch with Marc, and get a little shopping in.

I didn't get much just some much needed hair products a new head scarf and some nail polish.

To be honest it is nice to have a day with Marc, we got to sit and eat, enjoy some conversation, make some plans for the future and just be our selves, it felt good, everything has been so up in the air in recent months, that it feels good to slow down a little.

here are some pictures of the nail polishes I bought, they a all from boot out of the 17 range, I got the Magnetised blue/purple looking colour and the pale blue called Heart beat, which meant I got a free gift which had the beautiful orange looking colour called Tropical island, an eye liner and a body bronzer in it.

The scarf is the animal print under the nail polishes it was £1.50 in the charity shop, and the perfect size to use as a head scarf!

I love the magnetised polish and may have to buy more of them, the pale blue is quite thin and will need 3 coats i think to make it work, the picture above is two coats, and the tropical island is completely gorgeous! so summery and I think I will wear it lots through the summer!

The hair care products i bought were some Aussie mega shampoo and conditioner and a pre lightening hair kit, which I will post all about when I get round to finally sorting out my hair. 

What have you all been up to this weekend do you have anything exciting planed or just a quiet one like me? 

Mhairi

xxx