Build Me Up Buttercup - #psootd featuring Simply Be, H&M and ASOS Curve

Yellow is one of my most loved colours; it's an instant pick-me up, radiates happiness and cheers up an all black ensemble with ease. Yet for some reason, it's not a shade which I find myself wearing too often. I have a few bright and mustard coloured items in my clothing arsenal, but they are always an after thought when choosing what to wear. It's never until I need to rearrange things that I rediscover my sunshine coloured favourites, and it was after the rail in my wardrobe collapsed that I began to once again live in this Simply Be cardigan.

The cardigan was a gift given to me by my lovely friend A Monkey Fatshionista, and it's one of those items which works so well thrown over a pair of skinny jeans or teamed with a LBD, For this occasion, I chose to wear it with a whole mixture of separates - something which I rarely do as I tend to live in dresses and loved how it brought a simply outfit to life.

Cardigan: Simply Be

Top: H&M

Skirt: ASOS Curve

Mesh Leggings: Primark

Panda Shoes: H&M

Bracelets: Vintage

Yellow Rose: Pearls & Swine

Deer Necklace: Tatty Devine

Tortoise Ring: Tatty Devine

Moonstone Ring: Vintage

Bag: Vintage

The straw vintage bags was probably one of my favourite vintage finds - just £3 at a local table top sale. I suspect it's probably closer to 80s rather than 50s, but the bucket shape and straw finish means it easily goes with most of my swing dresses.

Rose by Pearls & Swine.

Tortoise Ring and Deer Necklace both from Tatty Devine.

How cute is the bell?

I finished the outfit off with a pair of panda pumps which have been tucked away in my room for months. I saw them on the H&M website and brought them without hesitating, and I'm so glad I did as minutes later they were out of stock in every size. It was definitely one of those right place right moment scenarios! For the time being, I'm mostly wearing them with my black skinny jeans but am finding that they can work quite well with some of my dresses too on days where I'm mostly running errands.

Panda Pumps from H&M

It's weird, as I don't feel quite like myself in this outfit, but I also really love it. I guess sometimes it's good to step away from the usual and just have fun.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Autumn Serenade - The AW15 Transitional Collection from F&F

Autumn is by far my favourite time of year, so I'm pretty happy with the unseasonal weather we are currently experiencing. There is one downside though - it can make choosing how to dress a little tricky. Here in London, I'm leaving the house in lots of layers so that I'm ready for downpours, high winds and then the no-warning switch to soaring temperatures. Both my brolly and my factor 50 are handbag staples, with my wellies and sandals playing chicken with each other.

It's definitely a time for migrating my autumn wardrobe in with my summer dresses, so I was very excited when F&F began to drop some of their AW range as part of their transitional collection. When I saw their preview a few months ago, I was utterly besotted by the boho chic mixed in with bold silhouettes. And this mini-collection stays in step, with tailored shapes, eye-catching colour palettes and a real mixture of textures.

Most of the collection comes in at under £30, with just the fuax-leather jacket and suede items having a more premium price tag.  However £75 is pretty incredible for a suede jacket, with the collection still allowing for a splurge without having to melt a credit card.

The whole range will be available next week, but a few select items have already hit the website. The suede culottes, suede biker, kimono sleeve jumpsuit, floral print jumpsuit and leather look biker are all ready and waiting for you to fall in love with them!

I wanted to end this by saying what my favourite items were, but honestly there are just too many to choose. I'm always a sucker for a good faux-leather biker (they speak to my inner Rizzo!) but the capes, jumpsuits and the stunning blue dress are all on my lust-list too.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Blue Hawaii - Pretty Florals from New Look Inspire

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you can probably tell that I'm a bit of a sucker for floral prints and vintage shapes. If it's bright and fun, I'll almost certainly fall in love with it! It helps me to feel that happy, summer feeling, even when the weather is being a bit of a wash out. And with the amount of rain we've had the last few days, clothes which radiate a little summer fun are an absolute must!

When I stumbled across this beauty from New Look Inspire on the ASOS website, my heart skipped a beat. Here was something which looked ultra pretty, but in a light, comfy fabric designed for running around in. The bardot neckline screamed vintage glamour for every day wear, and I was so excited for it to arrive.

Dress: Floral Print Bardot Dress from New Look Inspire (via ASOS)

Cardigan: Basic Cardigan from H&M

Shoes: Pink Laser Cut Outs from New Look

Necklace: Bubble Blower from Sugar & Vice

Flower: Pearls & Swine

The dress is made from jersey with a bardot neckline and skater style flare, and has just a touch of 50s glamour to it which made me feel great. It arrived just as we were having our London mini-heatwave, and in scenes unknown since I've been in my late teens, I left the house wearing it completely bare legged. No leggings, no tights and you know what? The sky didn't fall in. I've always been ultra paranoid about my skin - it's very, very dry no matter what I do to it, but after taking a synthetic hormone for two years, it has over time, began to even itself out. It's by no means perfect, but it felt like a victory leaving the house with nothing but cocoa butter and factor 50 covering my legs and I'm sure the rays of vitman D were helpful.

Of course today I'm shivering in clothes pulled from my Autumn wardrobe, but that's what the British summer is all about!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

Back To Black - Halterneck Sun Dress from F&F Clothing

Everyone needs a set of outfits which can be pulled out of the wardrobe with little thought. Simple, classic shapes which go with everything for everyday use, clothes which you don't need to fuss over when you need to leave the house with other things on your mind. F&F is one of my favourite places for those types of wardrobe staples, with a series of well designed basics which fit well and look good without having to over think things.

This black halterneck dress was from their early Summer collection, and has seen me through the last few months with ease. Worn with leggings and cardigans or bare legs with sandals, it's been the perfect base to dress up or down depending on what my plans are for that day.

Dress: F&F

Flower: Pearls & Swine

Rather than being just another LBD, the halterneck design is teamed with a wrap front to add something a little different. It's perfect to sling at the bottom of a holiday suitcase, as the stretchy material washes well with no need to iron. My only gripe is that I didn't buy another one to store at the bottom of my wardrobe, as I know this will be worn well into Autumn with lots of layers on top. It's definitely one of my favourite day to day dresses at the moment!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

#AFierceStateOfMind - Putting State Of Mind Active Wear To The Test with Fierce Grace Hot Yoga

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to join a group of lovely plus size fashion bloggers to put State Of Mind active wear through it's paces. We were treated to a hot yoga session at Fierce Grace, where we pouted, sweated and posed in an intensive introduction. As someone who does enjoy fitness, I'd always been too nervous to visit a yoga class by myself so was thrilled with the chance to try one out in a comfortable environment. 

Hot Yoga is like nothing I've ever done before. Imagine regular yoga in a sauna, and you're almost there - it's incredible how quickly you adapt to the dry heat, and your skin (as well as your core) really gets a workout. It's not easy, and I don't think I was quite prepared for it, but by the end I was ready to come back for more - I absolutely loved it!

(l-r) Pretty Big Butterflies, Campbell's Wigs, me, Cardiffornia Gurl,  The Curve Box, Todaloo Katie, Nerd About Town, Pamper and Curves, Sarah Smiles.

It was so lovely meeting these ladies - some of them I'd been following on social media for years, and it was wonderful to finally have the chance to meet in person, even if under incredibly sweaty circumstances!

As for the hot yoga session itself, it was the perfect opportunity to put State Of Mind to the test!

Long Ruched Cami Top - £40*

Kick Flare Joggers - £49*

Wrap Top - £48*

With regards to the clothing, I have to start by saying that I've never felt so comfortable in sweats. As someone who likes to live in cute dresses and pin-curls, my work-out wardrobe has until now, been seriously lacking! My 5k training outfits consisted of ill fitting sweats and oversize boyfriend t-shirts, so stepping into high-waisted joggers and a ballet wrap made me feel incredibly confident. I'd always choose comfort over style when working out, but State Of Mind allowed me to feel like I had both - something which I never thought possible! The fact that they are created for a curvy figure means a wonderful fit, with sizes ranging from a UK 14 - 28.

The class itself was wonderful, with a patient teacher who took injuries into consideration in addition to taking the time to explain the benefit of each pose we did. The Fierce Grace studio was beautiful, with everything we needed provided to make the experience as fluid as possible. I was a little unsure walking into the heat, but really cannot wait to go back again for my next session. The teacher was wonderful at building confidence, and the environment really did make you feel calm and focused.

You can find out more about Fierce Grace and find all of their locations here, and visit State Of Mind to pick up the best sportswear you'll ever find here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

*Items sent for review.

Be Hot To Trot with #GeorgeousRacewear from George At ASDA

When I was recently asked to put together an event ready outfit with a budget of £60, I was unsure whether I'd really be able to squeeze in everything from the dress to the shoes. How wrong I was! The #GeorgeousRacewear* challenge from George at ASDA allowed me to find the perfect dress for any special occasion you might have coming up. Whether you're looking for something to wear to a wedding, the races or somewhere fancy, George have proven that you don't need to break the bank to look like a million dollars.

Graduate Fashion Week Lace Dress - £25

Jersey Shrug - £6

Gladiator Plait Strap Sandals - £14

Browsing through the dresses, it was the Graduate Fashion Week Lace Dress which really caught my eye. A beautiful coral red, the lace radiates Summer sophistication and features key details such as a back keyhole fastening and tailored shape. Part of The Graduate Fashion Week collection, this dress has been designed by a team of fashion up-and-comers. It's modern twist on a timeless shape will ensure it stays a key item in any lady's wardrobe!

I teamed the dress with a black Jersey Shrug and the super comfy Gladiator Plait Strap Sandals. The simple black shrug helped to break the outfit up, and also offered a little warmth as the temperature dipped in the evening. The sandals with their wedge shape were the perfect alternative to heels, and much comfier if staying on your feet all day.

Tassel Cross Body Bag - £10

Every lady needs a handbag to complete her outfit, and I fell head over heels with this Tassel Cross Body Bag option. Designed to wear as a cross body bag, it's the perfect size for keeping all your essentials close. I used two kilt pins to convert the strap into a handbag shape making it even more versatile.

At this point, I had spent £55 of the £60 budget, so managed to squeeze in a pair of sunglasses to protect my eyes whilst being outdoors all day.

Aviator Sunglasses - £3.50

Available in a whole range of tints and finishes, I choose the white Aviator Sunglasses as they were the ones which would most closely match my outfit. 

However there's no getting around the fact that Lord Dicely wore them much better than I did! With his suit and long hair, he looked as if he'd just stepped out of a photoshoot for an album cover!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

*Items sent for review.

Lady In Red - Beautiful Tall Dresses From FatPhRocks

FatPhRocks is a wonderful brand for plus size shapes with extra long pins. Designed for ladies with both a fuller figure and statuesque height, the sister company of the genius Wingz  have you covered whether you're on the hunt for a day wear maxi dress or something a little more special for the evening.

When going through the FatPhRocks website, it was the Eddie Dress in red* which caught my eye. It was the sort of dress perfect for a holiday destination, or quite possibly in Lord Dicely's words, "winning Eurovision in." The dress itself is made from a flowing red chiffon, with a scoop neck and empire line shape. The slight peek-a-boo cut out to the chest looks great, whilst the silhouette makes you feel like a Grecian Goddess. It's so comfy to wear, with a slim elastic line to the back, ensuring a perfect bit. And the best thing? The dress is currently on sale for just £25! (Originally £45.)

This particular style of dress comes in black and purple choices too, and it was floor length for me at 5'7" in four inch heels. Light and billowy, it is the perfect dress for warmer climates, especially if like me, you are in constant need of factor 50 sun lotion.

The dress comes in three sizes which run across a UK 18 - 28. Whilst I'm not normally a fan of dual sizing, I found the fit on this dress perfect thanks to the fabric and clever use of hidden elastic. It stretches and nips in exactly where you'd want it to, and it's impossible to feel anything less than a stage ready diva whilst wearing it!

You can check out their whole range here, and take advantage of their brilliant sale.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

*Item sent for review.

Lady In Red - Beautiful Tall Dresses From FatPhRocks

FatPhRocks is a wonderful brand for plus size shapes with extra long pins. Designed for ladies with both a fuller figure and statuesque height, the sister company of the genius Wingz  have you covered whether you're on the hunt for a day wear maxi dress or something a little more special for the evening.

When going through the FatPhRocks website, it was the Eddie Dress in red* which caught my eye. It was the sort of dress perfect for a holiday destination, or quite possibly in Lord Dicely's words, "winning Eurovision in." The dress itself is made from a flowing red chiffon, with a scoop neck and empire line shape. The slight peek-a-boo cut out to the chest looks great, whilst the silhouette makes you feel like a Grecian Goddess. It's so comfy to wear, with a slim elastic line to the back, ensuring a perfect bit. And the best thing? The dress is currently on sale for just £25! (Originally £45.)

This particular style of dress comes in black and purple choices too, and it was floor length for me at 5'7" in four inch heels. Light and billowy, it is the perfect dress for warmer climates, especially if like me, you are in constant need of factor 50 sun lotion.

The dress comes in three sizes which run across a UK 18 - 28. Whilst I'm not normally a fan of dual sizing, I found the fit on this dress perfect thanks to the fabric and clever use of hidden elastic. It stretches and nips in exactly where you'd want it to, and it's impossible to feel anything less than a stage ready diva whilst wearing it!

You can check out their whole range here, and take advantage of their brilliant sale.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Bloglovin and Facebook.
www.fashionlovesphotos.com

(All photos (c) Diana Thompson / Fashion Loves Photos unless otherwise stated. Please do not reproduce without written permission.)

*Item sent for review.