Looking fabulous in Firmoo

Hello to my lovely readers, so sorry for such a long delay in coming back life has been kind of crazy recently. Things are finally coming together and I will tell you all about it in a few post very soon.

Even though things have been crazy and this post is very very overdue I have at least looked fabulous during it all thanks to the lovely team at Firmoo who let me choose a gorgeous pair of glasses to review in my prescription.

There is so much to choose from it was a really tough decision but it was well worth it as I love my glasses and live in them. Sadly in the time it has taken to get organised the pair I chose are no longer on the site that I can find but I will show you how cute they are and the others that I really loved and still want to order.

I have to apologise or the picture quality, I have some gorgeous photos on my camera but my cable for getting them off has vanished so to stop any more delays I have used the ones off my phone for now and will add my camera ones as soon as I have access to a cable again.

I am honestly madly in love with these frames I love the reds and the shape suits me, I don't feel overpowered in them.

Firmoo offer so many frames and it is difficult not to just add the entire catalogue to this post but I will try to whittle it down a bit.

#Rena5852

I love the shape and colour of these frames.

#Reon5827

I love these so much they are green which makes them perfect and they are tortoise shell which is another bonus.

#F1007

I tend to gravitate towards rectangular frames as they work well with my face shape, these are very cute I love the brighter tones within the tortoise shell pattern.

Firmoo prices are excellent and they offer many different options for the lenses to be thinned and for coatings all that you would expect from an opticians these add to the overall cost of the frames, you need your full prescription from you recent eye test and also your pupillary distance which you can ask your optician to give you I called and requested mine and picked it up the same day.

There is a flash sale on right now but I am not sure how long it lasts or what the terms and conditions are so take a look HERE if it is still going. 

Mhairi

xxx

*These glasses were provided for this review free of charge but all views and opinions are my own.

The frustrations of my Glasses

Why do I find picking new glasses so frustrating and anxiety inducing. The eye test part is ok, but the picking the glasses part I get stressed and worked up, I am not even sure why I took me over and hour today to choose one pair it was ridiculous, luckily Marc came after work to help me make a final decision or I might have just walked out!

I went to sSpecsavers who have quite a big selection but I have quite a wide head and so many just don't fit me. In the end I found 3 candidates for my glasses, I will show you the two I didn't go for.

I really liked these but I always go for red frames so faced a change.

These frames are black and I really like them but felt a little bit big on my face.

The service at Specsavers Hertford was fabulous as always, as usual it was just my pickiness that took so long but they just let me look around and try on pretty much every frame they have. I will show you the ones I finally chose from tuesday next week when they start appearing in my outfit posts, I also chose a fabulous pair of sunglasses which I can't wait to wear out, no more squinting from me!

Am I the only person who dreads picking new glasses?

Mhairi 

xxx

Endless Summer By IGIGI

IGIGI always have dresses that take my breath away and I have worn them for many special occasions and always feel beautiful in them. This summers collection is no exception, there are so many stunning dresses and separates that I just sit looking through the website ooohhhing and aahhhhing none stop! When IGIGI agreed to send me a beautiful dress for review I was very excited to chose.

Being on the short side and fat I am supposed to follow all the rules, no all over patterns, no maxis and all that, but do you know what, Sod that!!! I wear whatever I feel good in, and a patterned maxi is exactly what I have been wanting.

A few caught my eye

Naples

Christina

Letta

They are all perfect and if I had some fabulous summer parties or weddings to attend I would be on these like a flash but I really needed something more casual and every day. I want something I can slip on to go for lunch, for a walk in the park or to do the shopping but that can be dressed up for a night out with my husband when we manage it.

I chose the stunning Tiana Maxi, It has print its a maxi and its bloody gorgeous! IGIGI dresses are usually too long for me, by quite a bit but this one isn't too bad, I had it on with my flatforms and although it was a little long I could wear it without dragging it around in the dirt, might just have a tiny bit taken off so I can wear it with sandals in the summer. 

The dress is so pretty and I love how it moves! It looks lovely with a denim jacket too.

Excuse my very puffy face in this picture my medication has been doing funny things with my face, I am asking to change to a new one as it is making me feel horrid!

It even has pockets which in my book just makes a dress even more awesome! 

IGIGI might be at the upper end of my price range but I have to say I am never disappointed with the quality of the items I try! the lengths can be a frustration but I have had a few things taken up so they work better for me and I don't mind doing that for clothing I truly love.

Mhairi

xxx

*This dress was provided for me free of charge for review but all opinions and words are my own.

Bonmarche - Paisley Print Maxi

I was contacted quite a while ago and asked if I would like to pick something from Bonmarche, it is a brand I am aware of as my mum buys her work trousers from them, but I had never really looked for myself. I hopped online to take a look and was very pleasantly surprised, they really do offer some gorgeous pieces, the stores don't seem to carry as much of the younger pieces and its a shame as the selection online is fantastic.

I am currently in love with two of the David Emanuel Dresses

Zig Zag Dress

I love the zig zag stripes of this one, I would like to try the longer length in this one as I like my dresses floor length, the standard as you will see came up fairly short on my and I am only 5'2".

Textured Colour Block Dress

If you like a body con dress this one is gorgeous, the texture of it is lovely and monochrome is always a hit!

I chose the Paisley knot front maxi dress, the gorgeous pattern and colours drew me to it instantly, I don't shy away from pattern and this one is fab.

Dress - C/O Bonmarche // Cardigan - Simply Be  // Bag - Just Fab // Shoes - Clarks

It was a chilly evening so I slipped it on with my fluffy knit Cardigan and went out with my new bag from Just fab. You can't really tell from the photo but the dress shows about an inch of ankle which is not what I would usually go for but it is long enough that I can wear it, next time I will just go for the long length and shorten slightly if needed.

This is my pretty bag I purchaced from Just Fab, I will give you more details about this in another post soon. 

Take a look at Bonmarche! I am converted their are a few items on my wish list now.

The Dresses are fabulous so head on over HERE and take a look.

Mhairi

xxx

Disclaimer: The dress was given free of charge for review purposes, all views are my own.

Taking Shape

A while ago I was approached to review an item form a brand new to the UK, Taking Shape. Origionally an Austrailian Brand, Taking shape are now in the UK as an online and high street presence.

They offer a huge variety of clothing for women in sizes 14-26. I am very excited to head to peterborough and check out one of their stores, as plus sizes on the high street are dwindling so something new is fabulous.

I asked for the Queenie Tunic to be sent to me, I have been trying to get my casual wardrobe to be a little more fabulous, everything in my current collection seems to either be super dressy or scruffy, I want to look fabulous all the time!

It comes in this very beautiful purple colour and the gorgeous green which is the one I went for, I would say that the sizes come up quite large.

The tunic is very relaxed but feels beautiful, it is a fairly thin material so ideal for the transition between seasons. 

Taking shape offer some very beautiful items and is well worth a look, head on over to the website HERE 

Do you aim for casual chic? do you hit it or miss it like I usually do.

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)

Fatshion Faceoff - Shoe boots

So so sorry this is late posting I have pictures for the next 6 or 7 post for Fatshion Faceoff and had planned on spending my morning writing this post while Josh worked through his English worksheets, unfortunately we ended up without electricity for 5 hours so took our work into town for a hot drink.

This weeks post is Shoe boots, something that I have a slight love of.

Mine that I am wearing in this post are from Simply Be and can be found HERE.

I fell in love with them as soon as I saw them, they remind me of similar boots I had in my teens when I was a bit goth.

I wore them with my Tartan Skater Dress from Pink Clove and plain black tights.

The thick heel makes them so simply to walk in and I love the cut out sides, I cant wait to were them with coloured tights in the winter.

Check out the other gorgeous ladies 

Hanna The Wardrobe Challenge (UK)
Olivia Wait Until the Sunset (Australia)
Mouna Brussels Fatshion (Belgium)
Dani http://www.diyfatshion.com/(USA)

Mhairi

xxx

OOTD - Simply Be Red Check Dress

The last two weeks have been insanely busy. My step son has been struggling with his school work and bullying, the school have not been able to really help Josh to reach his potential, and have limited his options so much this year with his GCSE's that he has become very frustrated with the whole situation.

We are very lucky that Josh does not have any behaviour related needs but his dyslexia requires different teaching techniques which most of his teachers refuse to use in the classroom which means he struggles to keep up and understand what is required of him.

After more than a year making the decision this week we officially removed Josh from secondary school and as of today we are officially a homeschooling household! This decision has been exciting and scary all at the same time but we know that we are making the right choice for him.

I am able to tech him Maths and science and have my sister helping to tutor in English skills and he will be allowed to explore the other subjects of his choosing to find the best fit for him.

As you can imagine I have been looking for outfits that are comfortable and relaxed as I am sat either in the office or in the kitchen with him while working. Todays outfit is an amazing dress that I was kindly sent by the lovely Simply Be.

While this dress is not the usual figure flattering nipped in waist style that I prefer, it is just so comfortable and makes me feel fabulous anyway! It has false zip pockets (would have loved real ones) and the bold check pattern is fantastic.

I didn't manage to capture the best photo of it today but you get the idea and I think you can see i feel happy and relaxed, excuse the hair, it was stuck up in a ponytail while we ran into town for school supplies.

* Red Check Dress - Simply Be

I also have another amazing tartan inspired outfit for you from Simply Be which is gorgeous so keep an eye out for that this week.

Hopefully now this decision is made and we are all less stressed I can get into a blogging schedule again.

Mhairi

xxx

SpecsPost

Well I had hoped to post this to you guys ages ago but life as usual got in the way!

I was sent 3 pairs of glasses by SpecsPost to try and choose which pair I would like made into my prescription.

So this is where my readers come in, I want you to help me choose which pair, and then once I receive them I will do a fabulous OOTD including them.

So these are the ones that I choose.

First up is the Zoe Deschanel Style Glasses, These are similar to the red pair I already have, so I know I like the shape and although it isn't easy to see here they have gorgeous orange/yellow specks on them.

Zoey Deschanel style glasses

Next are these gorgeous Pink retro cats eye glasses which I adore, but they come up a little bit small, I have quite a broad face and often find glasses dig in if the frames arent quite right, these it is only slightly apparent and I think that it will ease off completely with wear.

Pink Retro Cats Eye Glasses

Next up are these awesome animal glasses, I totally adore them off my face but on they are my least favourite, mainly because although I am broad I do not have a very big face and I felt a little bit swamped by them, I have seen these on another blogger who totally and utterly rocked them! I am considering ordering them as a pair of sunglasses which I think will make them more wearable for me.

Animal Prescription Glasses

So these are my choices, which ones do you think are best?

Let me know in the comments or over twitter.

Mhairi

xxx

Fatshion Faceoff - Monchrome

This weeks Fatshion Faceoff is more of a theme, and it was my choice I went for Monochrome as it is something I love, it is so simple and easy to dress up with a pop of colour.

I am wearing one of the gorgeous dresses sent to me by Simply be earlier in the year and my final piece to review of the three dresses I was sent, I cant find it online to link to it now, but I will add it if I come across it.

I feel quite sassy in this dress, it is very easy to wear and I like that I can simply add a coloured belt or shoes if I fancy it, or stick to the simple black and white theme, and look fabulous either way.

The floral pattern is super pretty!

I need to wear this more often!

Check out the other gorgeous ladies.

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

Designer eyewear do I or dont I

When I first started wearing glasses I was 21 and just saw them as a functional item I had to put up with, but over the years I have developed a bit of a love affair with my glasses, and see them as an item of clothing to enhance how fabulous I look.

I always have two different pairs on the go at a time but really want more, so I have choices for all my outfits.

I am a regular Specsavers customer, and love the price ranges and options the have on offer, but I am finding myself more and more drawn to options that not everyone is wearing.

sometimes I am drawn to higher end designers or independent shops that have something to offer a little different to the usual high street options.

I recently came across the fabulous site for Eyewear brands and they have some amazing designer brands on offer.

Here are a few of my favourites.

Tiffany & Co 2051B

I found myself drawn to the gorgeous delicate pale minty green colour in contrast to the harder black. Such a beautiful pair of glasses.

Tiffany & Co TF2064B 8129 Grey Marble

I love the marble effect of these and again with subtle hints of green in there too!

Chanel CH3213 1272 RED

These are my favourite pair as I adore the shape and I like the paler colour as I have lots of dark frames already but would love a paler pair like this.

Chanel CH3213 714 HAVANA

 They also come in this more standard tortoiseshell and black as well as  more unusual shades.

                                                                             Tom Ford TF5224 NIKITA 56J HAVANA

These gorgeous Tom Ford Cat Eye frames are rather fabulous.

Prada PR08OV 2AU101 HAVANA

These are gorgeous I adore the shape!

Prada PR09PV 1AB101 Black

I just had to include these frames as they are awesome!!!!

I plan on taking a look at some other sites to see what else is on offer if these posts are of interest to my readers.

Mhairi

xxx

Fatshion Faceoff - Denim Vest

Denim Vest

So this weeks Fatshion Faceoff item is the Denim vest, which to be honest is not something I wear, the wonderful hanna lent me one hers to wear for this weeks challenge.

I am not sure what to make of them to be honest, it added a layer of warmth under my coat today but think I would like to revisit the denim vest idea as a more sumer time item maybe with a maxi dress or tea dress for a layered look.

But here is how I wore mine today, I am wearing my Wallis jumper and plain black leggings with my lace up knee high boots

So what do you think? is a denim vest for me?

Go check out the other gorgeous 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

IGIGI Anastasia Gown in Ruby - Review

IGIGI very kindly sent me two dresses recently, the first was the amazing dress I wore recently to a wedding, you can see that review here.

The second dress I have been sent is the amazing Anastasia Gown in ruby.

Last weekend me and my husband celebrated out 10 year wedding anniversary and as 2012 has been a pretty bad year for us, we are planning a big night out in the new year with posh dinner and a show, so I have been looking for something really special to wear for ages and this fits the bill perfectly.

Just so you didn't have to wait until the New Year to see it I slipped it on for you so you can see just how amazing it really is!

It is a little long on me, but at only 5'2" I expected it so with a decent pair of platform heels it will be fine.

A close up of the lace overlay, can you tell my husband takes most of my pictures, sorry for the booby shot :) 

The lace detail is beautiful I just need to find a bra in this exact colour so the straps aren't so noticeable!

I promise though that as soon as things slow down a bit after christmas I will get more dolled up and do a real photo shoot for you.

This dress makes me feel elegant and beautiful, so I highly recommend a visit to IGIGI for your occasion wear.

IGIGI have a number of promotions running at the moment so take a look.

1. Promotion: $1000 IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel gift certificate contest
    Details, http://www.igigi.com/cms/iwish/.

2. Promotion: The Dress Sale - "20% Off Dresses!"
Dates: Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012 from 12.00PM - Dec. 26, 2012 12.00PM Pacific 
Code: "TIME2SHINE"
Link:  http://www.igigi.com/dress-sale

3. Free Shipping and Returns On all Continental U.S. orders placed through December 30, 2012. No code necessary. Visit www.igigi.com for more details. 

4. All orders of $150+ receive a plush pashmina scarf. For more details and the video, http://www.igigi.com/giftwithpurchase/

Also check out their Holiday Calendar, http://www.igigi.com/cms/glamguide#180 for 12 days of fabulous fashion features and promotions. 

I hope Ozlem and the IGIGI team have a fabulous holiday 

Mhairi

xxx