Keeping Warm With Curvissa

I am a little bit obsessed with coats! I own a ridiculous amount, to be honest and every year I want a new one. I have a smart going out coat and a lovely warm winter coat but I can never find a decent outdoors coat that is stylish, warm and tough.

So when I was contacted by Curvissa recently about doing a Coat Review, it was with my outdoor needs in mind that I began my search.

Parkers are very in fashion right now but if I am honest they either swamp me or are nowhere near warm enough so although a couple caught my eye it was this lovely Soft Shell Coat that I went for in the end.

I usually wear a 22 but my previous experience of Curvissa has taught me to size up so I did with this to a 24 to make sure it worked over my bust and I am glad I did as it is only just right.

It is made of a lovely soft material that feels like it will be shower prof although it does not state this in its description, it is windproof and breathable which is ideal for walking my dogs along the river next to the open fields as it does get pretty blustery around here. The coat is lined with a gorgeous thin fleece which is soft to touch and very warm.

The length of the coat is perfect for me as it covers my bum, please remember though I am only 5'2  and one anyone taller it is likely to sit just below your bum the picture of it on the model is a good indicator of its length.

The tie waist is a nice feature as it gives shape to the coat which is often missing from outdoor coat.

I assume this is the brand although it isn't called this on curvissa.

The hood is big and feel like it might stay put in the wind as it hooks over quite nicely.

All in all I am very happy with this coat, its sizing could be a little more generous but otherwise it is lovely and I would highly recommend it to anyone look for a good outdoors coat. it feels like it can cope well with my three biggest dogs jumping up at me with muddy paws when we play and me falling on my bum in the mud which has happened a few times.

A few other fabulous ladies are also working with Curvissa to review coats and they all look far more glamorous than me, so head on over to their pages and take a look. The links are below.

http://itsemchannel.blogspot.co.uk

http://pamperandcurves.blogspot.co.uk 

http://www.lilybobombslovelylumps.com

http://www.sugar-darling.com

http://www.adressisforlife.com

Mhairi 

xxx

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.

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

Money Supermarket Passion For Fashion Competition

Passion for Fashion

After seeing a few of these competition entries popping up on blogs recently I decided to give it a go myself a put my own plus size spin on it, every outfit is something i would dare to wear so enjoy!

The competition is being run by Money supermarket and is called the Passion for Fashion competition you can see details of how to enter yourself here Money Supermarket, top prize is £1000 and an ipad becoming a student again and blogging means this would be a huge help to me!

Every item available I have tried to make sure it is available at least to a size 22 but the majority is available up to a 28/30.

My first look is office, I wanted somethign that could take me from office to evening easily, this amazing body con dress from simply be does that, you could easily make it even smarter by adding a suit jacket instead of the cardigan then whip it of and head out for a cocktail in it!

Dress £65 - SimplyBe   Cardigan £10 - Tesco

Shoes £35 - Evans    Bag £38 - Accessorize

Belt - Evans    Tights - Pamela Mann

For my second look which is casual I wanted something simple and sexy that could take me to lunch with the girls or on errands throughout the day. The beautiful girly peterpan collar top from simply be teamed with their high waisted jeans looks fabulous when given a little rock chick edge with this fabulous biker jacket from Tesco and the versatile little rucksack teamed with the fabulous star shoes just finish it al off!

Peter pan Blouse £36 - SimplyBe    High Waisted Jeans £40 - SimplyBe

Biker Jacket £30 - Tesco    Star Shoes £45 - Schuh

Rucksack £45 - Accessorize

The third look is outdoors, Fairisle and Heritage looks are huge for AW12 and it doesn't have to mean a look for wearing outdoors, I went for a everyday look which could be easily worn for home, days out and even work! This is one of my favourite looks from them all and i want to get my hands on it all asap!

Fairisle Jumper £40 - SimplyBe    Tights £9.50 - Marks and Spencer

Blouse £26 - Dorothy Perkins    Skirt £19.50 - Dorothy Perkins

Jacket £28 - Tesco    Boots £22 - Tesco

For my first date I wanted something, sexy and sultry, something which shows my personality and style, this dress from simply be is already in my wardrobe and is just waiting for its finishing touches so I can wear it out, not a first date for me but after 10 years together I still like to look good on date night!

Dress £70 - SimplyBe    Jacket £69 - New Look

Shoes £22.99 - New Look    Bag £12.99 - New Look

Tights £9.99 - Pamela Mann

For my last look which is Party, I wanted something beautiful fun and flirty, this amazing gold dress from ASOS curve is just that. I teamed it with this gorgeous waterfall peplum jacket and my favourite part the amazing whiskers cat shoes from irregular choice, finished off with a simple clutch and seemed tights for sexiness!

Dress £55 - Asos    Jacket £40 - Dorothy Perkins

Shoes £79 - Schuh    Bag £15.99 - New Look

Tights £7.99 - Pamela Mann

Hope you liked my entry, Which is your favourite look from the ones I made?

Mhairi

xxx