Showing posts with label New Look. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Look. Show all posts

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Surviving Hot Weather

I was stuck in our house all day yesterday, our boiler was having a part repaired which has meant our heating was on and off all day, it was sweltering in here even with the fan on full speed! This has got me thinking about the more serious hot weather we are likely to have this summer and how I am going to cope indoors and out. this isn't meant to be an instruction manual and there are many more ways to cope than the ones I know, this is just my own personal experiences.

Indoors

Indoors for me, is a delicate balance between dressing appropriately and being comfortable. I am step-mum to a 14 year old so hanging about in my knickers and bra isn't really an option, so finding light comfortable clothing that isn't restrictive or to warm is important! on my lazy days when I know I won't be disturbed by visitors pyjamas are my favourite, but lets be honest we don't always want to be caught by a rogue visitor in our scruffs so what is an option.

I am not the biggest fan of skirts of any kind for relaxing in, I find that my skin is hot and sticky and my legs sticking to each other is just not nice so I prefer trousers indoors for lounging in.
I am yet to find a pair of casual tapered trousers I am willing to wear out the fit isn't great on me to be honest and with the surge in popularity of chic cuffed trousers the last two summers it is frustrating.
I am not a fan of jogging bottoms in any form unless worn to the gym, but tailored versions are hitting the shops and sports luxe is fighting for its place in fashion and the shops are filling with silky joggers and harem pants galore.


The above outfit picture is from Yours Clothing, it is perfect for me to wear indoors and while entertaining friends and family and I would even be tempted to wear them out if by some miracle they fit me well, but I won't hold my breath as the odds seem to be stacked against me! This combination works for me, a simple light weight vest and a comfortable pair of trousers is spot on, I would miss out on the heels even though I am slightly obsessed with them! and instead slip on some comfy flats or flip flops!

Home essentials!

On a more practical note, get a fan, either a desk or pedestal fan, you can pick them up cheap in most supermarkets of go crazy and buy a posh one the choices are endless. Having the windows open is great but i find it is either too still and no air moves or it is too breezy and my curtains are flapping and stuff is getting knocked off all the time. I love my fan in the summer!!

Get out and about

But do it in a safe way. Even in the UK where our weather is not as hot as some places, we have such rubbish weather most of the time that the heat often catches us unawares. Sometimes getting up and moving can make things more bearable,  i know that sounds odd as when it is hot we most often want to stop and flop out somewhere and be still but as someone who suffers from depression, being stuck in one room not moving for hours is terrible and to be honest so boring. Getting out of the house is important to me, but I try to avoid being stuck out walking during the hottest hours as heat stroke is a big problem for me.     

Take a drink!

I always keep a bottle of water in my bag, I don't care if it gets warm, sometimes I just need hydration, Super cold water can just end up making me feel sloshy inside and a bit sick when I am over heating, keep yourselves hydrated, I prefer water or juice fizzy never seems to really hit the spot at times like this.

Wear a hat

Heat stroke is not nice, I have suffered from it a few times before and once so badly I passed out in the airport on my way home. I also have family and friends who have had to deal with skin cancer which has made me more aware of protecting myself. I have a freckly face and a mole in my hairline so I am as careful as possible!

I have had a little look around and there are some very cute ones around, I love this one from New Look.

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You could go full on floppy sun hat!

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There are so many styles of hat, you could even go for a head scarf that extra protection from the sun is important, especially for me!

Clothing choices

Every year there seems to be big debates on what is the best fabric to wear what styles work and how best to wear them, cotton vs synthetic is a hard fought battle especially amongst sporty types, but I am so not sporty so I can only go by what works for me. I am not a huge fan of cotton clothing, I always seem to rip it get it dirty or because there is zero stretch I end up feeling restricted and become anxious, add to that the creasing and its just a disaster our outfit day for me. Linen while it is lightweight and very cool also isn't my favourite because I always seem to crease it and it goes from looking gorgeous and crisp to terrible very quickly.
I tend to go for light layers a vest or lightweight dress with a very light cardigan over the top, I get far too hot and quickly become sunburnt when I have too much flesh out so I tend to protect myself a bit, but if you tan well then go without the card, I sometimes wish I could but even with factor 50 I burn these days.

There are a few items of clothing I want to give a go this year. First off their is the Skort, I feel a bit like I am slipping back to my teen years and the 90's but they are cute!

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This pair from New look are fab I could see them dressed up or down quite easily and the look comfortable and relaxed.

The other is the Kimono, I know everyone is wearing them, and it feels a little like a festival bandwagon but I think it will be a fantastic alternative to my usual cardigans as it will be lightweight, and flawy allowing more air flow. which is just win win for me.

I adore this one from ASOS I love the dark base colour and think it would be great for matching with almost any of my dresses.

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Other than that this summer will be dominated by circle skirts and the odd maxi thrown in for when I am out and about.

The evil of the dreaded chafe!

Only one or two things left to discuss, first for me is he dreaded chafe, it is the bane of many women and mens life and it is not limited to fat, thighs slim people suffer too, unless you have the legs of a flamingo most will experience their thighs rubbing together at some point and it is an evil pain!

So I throw it out to my readers what do you find best, I have had comfort shorts from Evans for years but I am not keen on the tights material and the feeling of the scalping together sets my teeth on edge!

I have heard good things about the Big Bloomers anti chafing shorts but have not personally tried them so can't vouch for them myself. I have also seen people talk about anti chafe sticks that you rub on and it stops it happening but I can't imagine that it last a long time and will need reapplying which also seems to have its own frustrations, so who has tried either of them and what do you recommend?

Suncream

Ladies and gents please wear suncream regardless of skin colour or tanning ability sun damage is a scary thing, from the wrinkles to the risk of skin cancer it isn't good!  I am the person who gets burnt hanging the washing outside, have to love my Scottish skin.

SO that is my list, to remind myself what I need to stock up on to survive this summer, what other recommendations do you have ladies and gents. Any other secrets and survival tips? They are greatly appreciated! 






Tuesday, 24 September 2013

New Look - Skirts

I have been looking at skirts more often, usually I am a dress or jeans type of girl but recent forays into skirt territory have really made me hanker after more in my wardrobe, This post focuses on New Look they have a huge collection of Skirts in both there Standard Sizes 6-18 as well as in there Plus sizes which are HERE

My current Favourites are this little lot!





As you can see the coming Autumn/ Winter is making me go for blacks and reds, which I just love!

I like the versatility a skirt offers me, I can wear clashing prints, mixed colour or keeping simple with a complementary colour. Dresses, which I love for there lack of effort, can have a jacket added do dress them up or down but skirts might make me try something more adventurous, which is something I need to do more often.

Are you a skirts kind of girl or do you prefer dresses or trousers?

Mhairi
xxx


*This is a sponsored post, all words are my own opinions and the post was written in full by only me.

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

My New look Wishlist*

Summer is apparently on its way, I just wish it would hurry up and get here! I am a winters child at heart, but do love a bit of sun, this changeable weather is just an utter nightmare when it comes to dressing right.

SO I have put together a wish list of my favourite items from New Look right now, but I am also including some Slouchy knits which are perfect for layering this time of year.


New look is my go to shop for cardigans and jumpers I find they last me ages and wash well, this knit one is perfect for the current changeable weather.

Animal print is a little bit of an obsession for me now, and this cute Elephant print is perfect!

This is just so feminine which isnt a word I often associate with myself, but I might just have to give this a go, I think it will look stunning with jeans or skirts for the summer.

This I simply adore, It is so pretty, I think it will be perfect dressed up for summer event, or dressed down with tan sandals and a denim jacket!

Oh how perfect is this dress, it is summery, it has polkadots and the colour is stunning!

Now playsuits are not something I have manage to pull off with confidence yet, but I have to say I am in love with this one, I adore the pearl peter pan collar!

Ax Paris rarely let me down when it comes to something for a night out, and I love this maxi dress!

Comic Print is so so perfect and this skater skirt is a must have for me!

Wamm - Bam - KA-pow This dress really does say it all, This must get in my wardrobe asap!

So that is my Lust list, and I have ordered the Koko Nude Dip hem dress, so I will pop a post up with that in as soon as I can.

Mhairi
xxx

*This post is sponsored, all words are my own.



Wednesday, 17 April 2013

Fatshion Faceoff - Statement Belt

Sorry I missed out on last weeks Fatshion Faceoff post, it seemed to be a bit of a disaster blogging wise, the post I had scheduled for wednesday didnt psot and wasnt in blogger anymore when I checked, and my computer had to go in to have its hard drive replaced on the thursday so lost all the pictures I had taken the day before.

But I am back on schedule this week and have managed to get my post sorted!

This weeks Fatshion Faceoff is a statement belt, mine is only a little statement, but I wanted to show that even a little accessory can make all the difference to even a casual outfit!

This is one of my favourite everyday dresses it is comfortable, and dog proof which for my everyday life is exactly what I need!

it is from Matalan which is where the belt is from as well and is teamed with my Simply Be leggings and Newlook flats.

This is the dress without a belt, it is fine, but a little shapeless and bland.

This is my little horse belt from Matalan.

And the dress with the belt, it just adds a little something and excuse me slouching my boobs do not normally try to devour the belt!

I am loving all the signs of spring outside, these 3 ducks were taking a snooze behind me.

Check out the other gorgeous ladies, they as always will look awesome!

Dani: DIY Fatshion http://www.diyfatshion.com
Hanna: The Wardrobe Challenge http://thewardrobechallenge.co.uk/
Mouna: Brussels Fatshion http://www.brusselsfatshion.org
Olivia: Wait Until The Sunset http://www.waituntilthesunset.com



The post which I missed last week should be up over the weekend, as soon as I have time to stop for 5 minutes. 

Mhairi
xxx


Friday, 29 March 2013

Charity Shop Challenge

Good Evening, A little while ago the lovely Sarah of Sarah Smiles asked if anyone would like to take part in a little charity shop challenge with her, I thought it sounded fun and asked if I could come along.

Our budget was £15 and we needed to put together an outfit from our local charity shops.

No I found this challenge a total nightmare but totally fun, my local charity shops can be amazing, I live in a fairly affluent town and I often spot some fantastic bargains often with there original tags still on, typically though when I needed something they were pretty useless but they finally came through literally with only a day to spare.

I managed to pick up this lovely black Evans maxi, its is pretty simple and looks to be hardly if ever worn, it is perfect for the spring summer season ahead and I will get quite a bit of wear out of it I am sure. The dress came in at £7

The shoes were my best charity shop find ever! they are brand new Newlook shoes, the soles are spotless, and for the bargain price of £5 I am very happy to have found them.

The cardigan is from Gap and still had the shop tag in it, I bought it for the fabulous price of £2.50

So I actually came in under budget, but didn't have quite enough to get any accessories so I teamed it with my own globe watch and I am also wearing a vest I already owned under the dress.


Charity shops can be so much fun, my local Mind charity shop had a pair of Louboutins in a couple of weeks ago, I couldn't even bring myself to check the price of them, just in case I wanted them :)

I am a natural born bargain hunter and seeing the number of clothing items that still have there original price tags, they can be well worth a look, and it feels good to give something to charity.

Go and see Sarah, I know she will look fabulous!

Mhairi
xxx

Thursday, 3 January 2013

My Sales Picks

For this years sales I am totally and utterly broke! Therefore I thought I would pick some sale items that I am lusting after for you all to see, and dream of winning the lottery for another week!

First up is ASOS

ASOS curve Peplum Top in Tartan £20 was £40
I have a bit of a thing for tartan, but it is never made in plus sizes and while this isn't traditional tartan, I just love it, but kind of wish it was a V neck, I wonder if it can be altered somehow????

ASOS Curve Exclusive Fur Peplum Coat £38 was £85
When I went out with my husband for his christmas party I ended up just taking a shawl as my coats weren't dressy enough, this would have been perfect, I am hoping to get my hands on one before they sell out in my size, as it is fabulous!

ASOS Curve Wiggle Dress in Wallpaper Print £25 was £42
I wasn't sure about this until I saw it on ZeZaftig this morning and she looks amazing in it!
Now I need it!

Its tartan! what more is there to say.

Next up is Evans

I have been looking for something smart casual to wear with jeans out to lunch and shopping and I love this, navy is a bit of a love for me!

Swan by Clements Ribeiro Colour Block Doris Dress £30 was £65
I actually already have this dress, and it is only available in a couple of sizes 20 and 22 last time I checked, but it is a beautiful dress that I highly recommend!

Swan by Clements Ribeiro Corsage Embellished Cardigan £30 was £65 and Swan by Clements Ribeiro Lace Grace Dress £20 was £55
This is just such a gorgeous Cardi I love it belted like in the picture above and it would just add a little loveliness to any outfit!


 Swan by Clements Ribeiro Contrast Trim Toggle Coat £60 was £125
This is a bit of a marmite coat, and I never had a chance to try it on, but I can imagine it with lovely thick jumper underneath and walking through the park in it!

Next up is Simply Be

Hush Puppies Lace Boots EE Fit £45 
I adore these boots, and they come in four colours, but the Green is my favourite!

Cropped Floral Print Trousers £20
So many of the girls looked amazing in these trousers last year and I think they would look amazing for the spring!

Printed Peplum Top £18
I also have this top and it is fantastic! but size down, I got it in my usual 20 but think I should have gone for the 18!

Anna Scholz Side Pleat Dress £35
Sometimes we just need a walk on the wild side!

Anna Scholz Crinkle Bird Trim Dress £34
I think this is a fabulous little black dress and would make a great addition to my wardrobe!

and finally New Look

Who can say no to a bit of sparkle this would be fabulous with the 

Koko Gold Sequin capped sleeve dress £35
I saw some fabulous ladies in sequins this year and wish I was brave enough to go for it! I do love this one!

Koko Black and White Pearl Trim Peplum Dress £20
I love this dress, so simple but I love the pearls on the neck line, its a good one for work I think!

So thats my picks from the sales, has anything caught your eye?

Mhairi
xxx






Wednesday, 31 October 2012

Fatshion Faceoff - Patterned/Crazy Legwear

This weeks Fatshion Faceoff has been so much fun, its fallen on halloween which is fantastic and it has pushed me so far out of my comfort zone im on a whole new continent!

Now as some of you may have gathered from previous posts I am just embarking on an open university degree which means a whole heap of self study and a very exhausted me, but im not sure if I mentioned I am doing a Natural sciences honours degree and im thinking of taking an astronomy and planetary sciences pathway with it, so my choice for tonight was an easy one :)

I chose these Galactic Sky tights from Pamela Mann, I cant find them on the site anymore, but they have the most amazing selection of plus size tights and there are so many I need to buy!

My only negative about them it the waist band is rubbish and has no real elasticity to it so I would have to wear a fitted pair of knickers over the top to keep them up! but they feel beautiful and strong and silky soft.

As its halloween I went for a witchy look just wish I could have found a witches hat to wear with it :)




I teamed it with my Grazia lace dress which I received for review last year from simply Be and my £3 Newlook shoes as I thought the studs looked a bit starry.

I adore my new tights and need to find excuses to wear them!

Remember to check out the other fabulous ladies in there 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


Saturday, 13 October 2012

Bargains!


Today Marc and me had a day for us, we went out for some lunch in town and had a little look around the shops and the saturday market stalls.

There isnt very much to get excited about in my town as it is very small, it has a New Look which is tiny and of course stocks none of the inspire range and thats about it unless your under a size 14 and like expensive designer boutiques.

Today though I hit the jackpot in New Look they have a sale on at the moment and they have dropped the prices of the shoes in the sale to ridiculously low prices, today I managed to pick up 2 pairs of flats for £6.

Now New Look flats never last very long with me but for £3 who can say no both are fab for wearing with my jeans and dresses and I love the bow detail and the colour of the purple pair!
 
 
 
We also popped into Mrs Simms sweetshop which is one of these new old fashioned places that have popped up and I get myself some of my favourites!


 I also got this fab calculator last week for the Maths module of my degree course and I have a blog post to write about the crap customer service I received when I got it, but it was so pretty I just had to share!

Hope your all having a fab weekend, I have a review for you tomorrow so keep an eye out and I will see you then!

Mhairi
xxx

Wednesday, 8 August 2012

Fatshion Faceoff - Pencil Skirt

Pencil Skirt

This Weeks Fatshion Faceoff challenge is Pencil Skirts, I am still to find my perfect pencil skirt, I want one that is fitted but not rigid, allows me to move and has a little stretch, but I am yet to find one, I want to try something from Mode Merr as they always look stunning, but until then, my only one is this Black Evans on, which I have had for a few years now, it has been a good staple in my wardrobe and gets whipped out for lots of occasions.

Today I teamed it with my mint cardigan and mint shoes, both from New Look I would love the shoes to be slightly nearer to the cardi or the cardi slightly nearer to the shoes in colour, but it was too bad a match.




My cardigan is of the batwing variety and doesn't sit as well as I would like, so I am going to hunt out a gorgeous fitted Mint green cardigan to wear with pencil skirts as I do like a bit of the sexy librarian look :)

Go take a peek at the other fabulous Fatshion Faceoff ladies this week, I know they will look amazing!

Dani: DIY Fatshion http://www.diyfatshion.com
Hanna: The Wardrobe Challenge http://www.thewardrobechallenge.co.uk
LuAnne: Weesha's World http://www.iamweesha.com
Mouna: Brussels Fatshion http://www.brusselsfatshion.com
Olivia: Wait Until The Sunset http://www.waituntilthesunset.com

Mhairi 
xxx