Keeping It Casual with Simply Be and New Look Fashion

Whilst I love dressing up in silly, frou-frou dresses, in the studio I prefer to be as comfy and cosy as possible. As a photographer, I spend much of my time crawling into and holding awkward positions to take a shot, so soft and stretchy items are a must. However I also need my clothes to be hard wearing, which is why I've really come to appreciate stretchy denim and jeggings.

It's taken a long time for me to accept jeans into my wardrobe, but thanks to brands like New Look Inspire and ASOS Curve introducing the plus size market to high-waisted skinny options, I've never looked back. These particular ones are the Lucy option from Simply Be, and are brilliant for scrambling around in with ease.

Cardigan: New Look Inspire (via Chattermonkey's swap bag)

Vest: Gift from a friend

Jeans: Lucy from Simply Be

Flower: Pearls & Swine

Necklace: Dog On Wheels from Tatty Devine

Shoes: New Look

As someone who has a narrow waist and wide hips, high waisted jeans are an utter dream. It means not having to do the pulling-my-clothes-up-shuffle which we all know and despise. (I'm side-eyeing you, tights!) I teamed it with this lovely, long cardigan which feels like I'm wearing a blanket, for an outfit which is both comfy, casual and perfect for Autumn.

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.)

Whiter Shade Of Pale - Praslin Sequin Lace Skater Dress from ASOS Curve

I've never really been sure about wearing white. I'm a fairly messy and haphazard person most of the time and imagine it'd take mere minutes for me to spill tea or make-up down the front of whatever unfortunate, pristine frock I'm wearing. However some things are worth taking a risk over, and that was how I felt when my eyes fell on this beautiful Praslin Sequin Lace Skater Dress in the ASOS sale.

The dress is unbelievably pretty. Made from a knitted lace fabric with a subtle sequin sparkle, the empire seam is just right on my high waist. It's also lined which helps with any underwear issues as darker colours won't show through as easily.

Dress: Praslin Sequin Lace Skater Dress from ASOS Curve (£28, was £45)

Tights: Simply Be

Flowers: Pearls & Swine

Cherry Necklace: A gift

Shoes: Vintage

I added a few red accessories, and scared poor Lord Dicely by saying that I felt like a bride in the dress. Although short and simple, this is a something which I would happily get married in, in a heart beat! But seeing as that's not going to happen any time ever, I will instead be flitting around Christmas parties like a chubby sugar plum fairy come the start of the party season. It's currently on sale too!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, 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.)

Whiter Shade Of Pale - Praslin Sequin Lace Skater Dress from ASOS Curve

I've never really been sure about wearing white. I'm a fairly messy and haphazard person most of the time and imagine it'd take mere minutes for me to spill tea or make-up down the front of whatever unfortunate, pristine frock I'm wearing. However some things are worth taking a risk over, and that was how I felt when my eyes fell on this beautiful Praslin Sequin Lace Skater Dress in the ASOS sale.

The dress is unbelievably pretty. Made from a knitted lace fabric with a subtle sequin sparkle, the empire seam is just right on my high waist. It's also lined which helps with any underwear issues as darker colours won't show through as easily.

Dress: Praslin Sequin Lace Skater Dress from ASOS Curve (£28, was £45)

Tights: Simply Be

Flowers: Pearls & Swine

Cherry Necklace: A gift

Shoes: Vintage

I added a few red accessories, and scared poor Lord Dicely by saying that I felt like a bride in the dress. Although short and simple, this is a something which I would happily get married in, in a heart beat! But seeing as that's not going to happen any time ever, I will instead be flitting around Christmas parties like a chubby sugar plum fairy come the start of the party season. It's currently on sale too!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, 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.)

I'm No Superman - Brushed Wool Cape from ASOS Curve

Regular readers of my blog will know that I am completely obsessed with capes. I have a bottle green vintage one which I will wear until the last polyblend fibres have rubbed themselves into oblivion, and will then probably pout. A lot.

Because I'm pretty annoying when I get upset, my darling boyfriend Lord Dicely brought me this stunning Brushed Wool Cape version from the recent ASOS sale. I've not been allowed to have it until my birthday next month, but as it is made from a thick wool and has a hood, mid-October is probably when I'd pull this bad boy out. Oh who am I kidding? We all know that if he hadn't hid it somewhere, I'd currently be sat typing away in it with the hood on high as we speak!

Cape: Asos Curve Exclusive Brushed Wool Cape. On sale for £35 (was £70).

Unlike my thinner vintage cape, this one will be useful come the colder weather as it's fitted with a fairy tale worthy hood. You'd be hard pressed to not feel like you've stepped out of the Fables comics (or Once Upon A Time to you non-comic book fans) once on. When wandering through Hampstead Heath, I just might have to check that it's only squirrels following me home, and not an errant wolf or two.

This cape gives me real life heart-eyes-emoji-eyes. I don't know if it's the double breasted buttons or the fact that I can toss it in the washing machine which make me happiest, but quite frankly my birthday cannot come soon enough. One of the biggest downsides to having a very vintage orientated wardrobe is the freaking dry cleaning bills. Thank goodness for repro items like this!

There was a lot of complaining and sad animal sounds from me as I handed the cape over post shoot, but it's worth getting a year older just so I can run around like a vintage super hero all day. Which you know I will! With less than a month to go now, the cape-countdown is ON!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, 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.)

I'm No Superman - Brushed Wool Cape from ASOS Curve

Regular readers of my blog will know that I am completely obsessed with capes. I have a bottle green vintage one which I will wear until the last polyblend fibres have rubbed themselves into oblivion, and will then probably pout. A lot.

Because I'm pretty annoying when I get upset, my darling boyfriend Lord Dicely brought me this stunning Brushed Wool Cape version from the recent ASOS sale. I've not been allowed to have it until my birthday next month, but as it is made from a thick wool and has a hood, mid-October is probably when I'd pull this bad boy out. Oh who am I kidding? We all know that if he hadn't hid it somewhere, I'd currently be sat typing away in it with the hood on high as we speak!

Cape: Asos Curve Exclusive Brushed Wool Cape. On sale for £35 (was £70).

Unlike my thinner vintage cape, this one will be useful come the colder weather as it's fitted with a fairy tale worthy hood. You'd be hard pressed to not feel like you've stepped out of the Fables comics (or Once Upon A Time to you non-comic book fans) once on. When wandering through Hampstead Heath, I just might have to check that it's only squirrels following me home, and not an errant wolf or two.

This cape gives me real life heart-eyes-emoji-eyes. I don't know if it's the double breasted buttons or the fact that I can toss it in the washing machine which make me happiest, but quite frankly my birthday cannot come soon enough. One of the biggest downsides to having a very vintage orientated wardrobe is the freaking dry cleaning bills. Thank goodness for repro items like this!

There was a lot of complaining and sad animal sounds from me as I handed the cape over post shoot, but it's worth getting a year older just so I can run around like a vintage super hero all day. Which you know I will! With less than a month to go now, the cape-countdown is ON!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, 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.)

#GeorgeChristmas - What's Definitely On My Christmas Wish List!

When you're listening to Christmas music in August, you know that it's time for some Christmas preview fun and a few weeks ago I was excited to see the #GeorgeChristmas range incoming from George at Asda. (You can read more about that here.)

#GeorgeChristmas - What's Definitely On My Christmas Wish List!

When you're listening to Christmas music in August, you know that it's time for some Christmas preview fun and a few weeks ago I was excited to see the #GeorgeChristmas range incoming from George at Asda. (You can read more about that here.)

Catch A Wave - Nautical Stripe Dress from George at Asda

When this stripy dress from George at Asda caught my eye by chance, Summer was well on it's way out. I left it on the rack, but couldn't get it out of my head so found myself heading back the next day wildly hoping it was still there. Thankfully it was - clearly this dress and I were destined to be BFFs as it's been my go to cute-but-easy-to-wear dress ever since I brought it home.

The dress is a Summer dream, but one which with the help of layers will be worn all the way through Winter too. Soft and stretchy with a cute red bow belt, it felt ready for sunshine filled boating adventures and lazy Sunday picnics. I can't wear it without feeling like some sort of plus size Elvgren Pinup! Ok, maybe more of a Hilda, but still... it's a dress which I feel great in.

Dress and belt: George at Asda

Hat: H&M

Shoes: Vintage

Boat Necklace: Tatty Devine

It's the sort of easy choice where you don't need to go wild on the accessories. I teamed it with a simple straw boater, some vintage red heels and a lovely boat necklace which was a bargain in the Tatty Devine sale a few months ago.

It's so ridiculous and cute and I love it! How adorable is the tiny anchor?

Thanks to a short holiday in the Lake District last week, I actually managed to wear this on an actual boat. Being something of a water baby, I was pretty much the happiest nerd on the planet as we crashed the waves taking in all the views with lots of other tourists.

I'll be doing a full blog post about the Lake District soon, but if you want a sneaky look at all the beautiful views, simply head over to my instagram.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, 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.)

Catch A Wave - Nautical Stripe Dress from George at Asda

When this stripy dress from George at Asda caught my eye by chance, Summer was well on it's way out. I left it on the rack, but couldn't get it out of my head so found myself heading back the next day wildly hoping it was still there. Thankfully it was - clearly this dress and I were destined to be BFFs as it's been my go to cute-but-easy-to-wear dress ever since I brought it home.

The dress is a Summer dream, but one which with the help of layers will be worn all the way through Winter too. Soft and stretchy with a cute red bow belt, it felt ready for sunshine filled boating adventures and lazy Sunday picnics. I can't wear it without feeling like some sort of plus size Elvgren Pinup! Ok, maybe more of a Hilda, but still... it's a dress which I feel great in.

Dress and belt: George at Asda

Hat: H&M

Shoes: Vintage

Boat Necklace: Tatty Devine

It's the sort of easy choice where you don't need to go wild on the accessories. I teamed it with a simple straw boater, some vintage red heels and a lovely boat necklace which was a bargain in the Tatty Devine sale a few months ago.

It's so ridiculous and cute and I love it! How adorable is the tiny anchor?

Thanks to a short holiday in the Lake District last week, I actually managed to wear this on an actual boat. Being something of a water baby, I was pretty much the happiest nerd on the planet as we crashed the waves taking in all the views with lots of other tourists.

I'll be doing a full blog post about the Lake District soon, but if you want a sneaky look at all the beautiful views, simply head over to my instagram.

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, 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.)

Flight Of The Bumble Bee

Having just spent a sun filled week in the Lake District, my fashion sensibilities have reverted back to holiday mode. Whilst the difference between my Summer and Winter style choices tend to be how many layers are being matched to my dress, there are some items like my black straw hat which I know will soon be switched for felted wool brims and chunky bobbles for a good few months.

With that in mind, I've been getting as much use of it as possible, and doing my best bumble bee impression with blocks of bright yellow and black. Yellow has probably become one of my favourite colours to wear over the past few years, especially as a bright accent against darker shades. Whether a darker mustard or bright, fun sun flower hue, it'll almost certainly have me swooning!

Black Straw Hat: eBay

Vest: Simply Be

Pleated Skirt: H&M Germany via Chattermonkey

Leggings: Plain High Waisted Leggings from Simply Be

Sandals: Evans Wide Fit "Sports" Sandals via House of Fraser

Flower: Pearls & Swine

I was so happy when the lovely Chattermonkey let me steal this amazing skirt from her clothes swap bag. I audibly squeaked when I saw it on top of the pile, and twirled around like an idiot in front of the mirror for ages. It's so easy to just throw on, and is something which I'm sure will get teamed with ankle boots and cute knits as the weather gets colder.

Despite most of my wardrobe being the same year round, there are certain things which I'm really looking forward to breaking out once Autumn properly hits. The cape has already made an appearance, and slowly the chunkier knitwear is starting to be pulled towards the front of my wardrobe. I'm already keeping my eyes open for spicy pumpkin soup. and have thought more than once about plans for Halloween. I just love this time of year so much!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, 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.)

Flight Of The Bumble Bee

Having just spent a sun filled week in the Lake District, my fashion sensibilities have reverted back to holiday mode. Whilst the difference between my Summer and Winter style choices tend to be how many layers are being matched to my dress, there are some items like my black straw hat which I know will soon be switched for felted wool brims and chunky bobbles for a good few months.

With that in mind, I've been getting as much use of it as possible, and doing my best bumble bee impression with blocks of bright yellow and black. Yellow has probably become one of my favourite colours to wear over the past few years, especially as a bright accent against darker shades. Whether a darker mustard or bright, fun sun flower hue, it'll almost certainly have me swooning!

Black Straw Hat: eBay

Vest: Simply Be

Pleated Skirt: H&M Germany via Chattermonkey

Leggings: Plain High Waisted Leggings from Simply Be

Sandals: Evans Wide Fit "Sports" Sandals via House of Fraser

Flower: Pearls & Swine

I was so happy when the lovely Chattermonkey let me steal this amazing skirt from her clothes swap bag. I audibly squeaked when I saw it on top of the pile, and twirled around like an idiot in front of the mirror for ages. It's so easy to just throw on, and is something which I'm sure will get teamed with ankle boots and cute knits as the weather gets colder.

Despite most of my wardrobe being the same year round, there are certain things which I'm really looking forward to breaking out once Autumn properly hits. The cape has already made an appearance, and slowly the chunkier knitwear is starting to be pulled towards the front of my wardrobe. I'm already keeping my eyes open for spicy pumpkin soup. and have thought more than once about plans for Halloween. I just love this time of year so much!

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, 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.)

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year - A Christmas Preview from George at Asda

So I know I've done nothing recently but talk about how excited I am for Autumn, but bear with me. I know the C-word is frowned upon until we get past Halloween, but having recently visited the Christmas preview from George at Asda, I just had to share a little of the Christmas spirit!

Split into three fashion filled stories, the festive fun comes under Partywear, Victoriana or Fawn. Partywear sees a veritable sea of sequinned delights, with Victorianna stepped in Gothic glamour with a touch of the 70s and a tougher aesthetic. Fawn is the casual offering, filled with sumptuous knitwear, soft faux-furs and cosy textures which you'll want to cocoon yourself in all Winter long. Despite being a mixed bunch, they formed well to provide a cohesive wardrobe to get you through Winter and the party season.

In addition to the day wear, cute Christmas prints were found on everything from woolly hats, pyjamas and underwear. They of course had a selection of Christmas jumpers too, and my penguin obsessed brain was filled with glee with the multiple selection of penguin prints!

Clothing aside, we were also treated to a preview of their festive homewear. With everything from pillows to mugs, ornaments to advent calendars, there were so many beautiful choices to make your house feel magical this Christmas. The festive pin-up in particular caught my eye, and I was told that they would be a pin-up Christmas tree topper on the horizon too.

There are so many things which I cannot wait to get my fingers on - the black saddle bag and paisley smock dress in particular are things I'd be really excited to receive from Father Christmas!

Whilst I don't want to rush through Autumn, after seeing this preview I am so excited to feel a little Christmas magic in the air soon...

Until next time,

Diana xx

Follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, 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.)