Pink Ladies - Vintage Pink Jacket with Guitar Embroidery

A few weeks ago, Lord Dicely and I spent a lovely weekend in Blackpool where after getting rained on for a solid two days, we ducked into a row of charity shops. It turned out that fate was on our side as I came across this amazing find. Even at the price of just £3, I'm sure the people behind the desk never thought they'd get rid of it and I'd never felt like such a London hipster as I excitedly handed over three shiny coins. I have no idea if it's part of a fancy dress outfit, or literally someone's costume from a Blackpool show but it is incredible, and I felt like I was ready to front an 80s girl band as soon as I put it on!

I don't even know where to begin with how brilliant it is. From the faux pockets, to the pin-stripe cuffs, the jacket is a total monstrosity lucky find. I couldn't work out if the guitar emblem had been sewn on by the owner at a later date, but found it to be a pretty cute touch!

I know it's pretty silly, but for £3 I couldn't just leave it there. I genuinely believe it'll be a lovely spring jacket as the weather starts to warm up, and back in London where silly fashions don't get a second look, I think I can just about get away with it. At the very worst it'll be pulled out for DJing when I want to pretend I'm Jetta from The Misfits...

Until next time,

Diana xx

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

It's Christmaaaaaas! - Vintage Penguin Covered Christmas Cardigan

It's no secret that I love penguins. Penguins, vintage clothing and mustard hues of yellow. So you can imagine how obsessed I became when I saw this cardigan on eBay and spent the best part of a week stalking it.

Despite it clearly being the best cardigan in the entire known world ever (and a size 18 to boot - obviously it was meant to be!), no one else bid on it so soon I had this amazing vintage monstrosity winging it's way to North London. I could have almost wept in it's perfection. Penguins, faux pearls, bows - it was all so kitsch in the best possible way!

I'm not even going to pretend that this is going to go away after Christmas. I'm going to be wearing this baby all year round with no shame!

Have a wonderful Christmas, filled with fun, food and happiness. ❤

Until next time,

Diana xx

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Catching Up - Basics Dresses from H&M

I've had these two dresses from H&M photographed ages ago, but have had such a huge blog backlog that I just never got around to posting them. I really like both looks though, and have got a lot of casual wear out of them so decided that I'd still go ahead and pop them onto here. The basics range in H&M is so good for comfy day wear dresses, and I find that I easily fit in the XL of the main range, even with my larger sized bust.

The first stripy number was a sale bargain at just £6. Sadly it's no longer on the website, but they have lots of stripy options at the moment, and that whole sailor chic aesthetic is going to be a huge trend for SS16. Stripes will be everywhere!

It's one of those dresses which is just very easy to wear, and is simply teamed with all black everything for monochrome styling with minimal effort. It's my go to errand running outfit at the moment, where it looks like I'm put together even though my brain is slowly melting.

This floral mustard dream is still on the site, and even though it's a little tight across my stomach, I love it so much. Like the stripy option above, it has a racer back and high neck and is a great casual option for running around in. It's one of those dresses that I feel pretty cute in whenever I wear it, and works paired with black whilst we're in the colder months. I've tended to wear it with slightly grungy make-up (dark eyes, purple-red matte lips) and found that the ditsy print offers a bit of a Courtney Love throwback with the right accessories.

I find that these sort of basics make up a huge part of my wardrobe. They are the sort of items which are great by themselves in the summer months, but layer so easily for this time of year! It's always worth keeping an eye on the online H&M sale section. Very often, there are excellent plus size bargain to be had by those with nifty fingers!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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

All I Want For Christmas - AW Delights from Collectif

It's not secret that Collectif are something of a clothing store crush for me. Not only are their vintage repro designs an utter delight, but they have several styles of dresses perfect for big busted babes. The Dolores and Mimi are two of my favourites shapes from them, and with party season in full swing, I had decided to treat myself in the run up to Christmas.

The first one I tried on was the Mini Dolores Doll Feral Dress (£40), which is a shorter version of their original Dolores designs. Perfect for parties, the leopard print is bold and fun, with a flared skirt, puffy sleeves which can be worn on and off the shoulders and a nipped in waist. The sweetheart neckline is perfect for a larger bust, and the fuller skirt looks brilliant with a petticoat stuffed underneath it.

Perfect for dancing the night away in, I can't wait to see what other prints they bring out in this sassy shorter version for SS16.

The other dress I ordered was the Mimi Polka Dot Dress (£40). I ordered it on a bit of a whim as I was worried that the higher neckline might feel a little tight, but the fabric's stretch ensured the perfect fit.

A little more demure that the Dolores style, the sweetheart neckline and lightly puffed sleeves made me feel like a dolly. As ever the skirt is a frou-frou 50s dream, and just needs a wide belt added for some pin-up perfection.

I recently wore my Dolores out to a Christmas party, teamed with a Christmas cardigan and for some reason, matching tinsel! If you're still looking for your dream dress for Christmas Day or New Years Eve, the Collective babes are currently having a 30% sale off on selected lines in store and online.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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

It's Friday, I'm In Love - Crochet Collar Fit and Flare Dress from Scarlett & Jo

There's no denying that Wednesday Addams has always been one of my style icons so it was love at first site when I first came across the Crochet Collar Fit and Flare Dress from Scarlett & Jo.

I'm a big fan of the skater dress shape - it always feels like a toned down version of the 50s silhouette to me, whilst remaining something easy to wear and perfect for the everyday. The white crochet collar is stunning, with a sparkling pearl detail making the dress feel very special indeed.

It's such an easy to wear dress, with a stretchy finish and 3/4 length sleeves. The nature of it also makes it's great for most occasions - it's just as much at home as a smart-casual option as it is lazy, weekend cinema date.

Best of all, like all of their dresses, it goes up to a UK size 32. Scarlett & Jo have recently had a major revamp which includes the launch of a new website with their clothes shown on plus size women of all sizes to get a real feel for how the items sit. It's such a revolutionary concept, and one which has been met with strong applause. If you also want to get a sneaky 10% off your orders, simply join up to their club here with the discount automatically applied at discount. Perfect for treating yourself to a sneaky Christmas gift or a new dress for the New Year.

Until next time,

Diana xx

*The dress was kindly sent as a gift. All opinions are my own.

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

Rock Around The Clock - Wooden Watches from JORD

A good watch is more than just a timepiece - it's a conversation starter too. And that's exactly what the beautiful wooden watches from JORD do - they spark interest with their unique yet classical design.

Recently I was lucky enough to be sent the 94A Dark Sandalwood design from JORD, and it was love at first sight. Arriving in a beautiful wooden crate, the natural dark sandalwood is a stunning colour and a very unisex design. With a scratch resistant mineral glass covering the face, the watch is splash proof and built to last with each watch having a one year warranty.

In their own words, the brand explain that they "are focused on creating timepieces that are modelled after a modern lifestyle, valuing sustainability, efficiency, and experiential living." The 94A Dark Sandalwood really embodies that, with the double locking fold-over clasp keeping your watch in place even when you're running about.

Mens Wood Watches

Mens Wood Watches The presentation of the watch is just as wonderful as it's design, arriving on it's own cushioned pillow. It's kept safely inside a wooden case engraved with the JORD logo, which makes it the perfect gift for when you want to commemorate a special occasion.

I am quite partial to a chunky watch design, but the range from JORD is so huge that it has many styles for those who prefer something of a more dainty option. The more slimline designs can be found under their women's section here, but if like me you prefer something a bit heavier on your wrist, check out the beauties from the men's range here.

The 94A design comes in at $159 (or just under £106) so whilst not an inexpensive purchase, it's still at the more affordable end of a luxury item. The heaviness of it also makes it feel so much more impressive on the wrist, with it's simple, chic design offering the classic finishing touch to any outfit.

If you're looking for a last minute Christmas gift, I don't think anyone would be disappointed to find one of these in their stocking!

Until next time,

Diana xx

*The watch has been kindly sent for review. All opinions are my own.

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

Finale: C'est Toi! - The Carmen Set from Elomi Lingerie

Elomi are miracle makers if you're blessed with big boobs or a curvy figure. Adding a little oomph up top with pretty separates you'll want to be seen in, their range jumps from pretty florals to slinky seducers, but all with everyday wear at it's core.

I was recently lucky enough to be send the Carmen set to try out, and it was love at first sight. Available up to a JJ cup, it's made with a stunning crochet lace and has a stunning Art Deco quality to it. The design offers a three section cup, which includes a side frame for added support and a low cut plunge to the front.

The briefs which match are very pretty, and feel cool and silky against the skin. Designed in a stretch fabric, they go up to a 4XL (UK22) and feature a full design without being frumpy. The matching crochet lace panel finish it off perfectly.

The bra starts from £38, and the briefs £20 and you can buy them both from here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

*The set has been kindly sent for review. All opinions are my own.

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

Nude Hosiery For All Skin Tones with Bianca Miller London

"Nude" hosiery is notoriously awful, unless you are a very specific shade of white. Generally coming in at a "medium" hue so as to faintly reach as many legs as possible, for the most part they are too pale for dark skin and too dark for pale skin. Thank goodness for Bianca Miller and her genius idea to revolutionise hosiery as we know it. Offering a comprehensive range of skin tones to be as inclusive as possible and dubbed "the Mac of hosiery", her brand offers 8 nude shades which are available in tights and hold ups to fit up to a UK 22.

One of the things which struck me was the simplicity of the idea. How has no one thought of this sooner? I adore their clever way of helping customers to work out their perfect shade - simply use their chart to match your legs to your foundation. How brilliant is that?

The shades available are:

Powder: The perfect shade for porcelain skin tones, this talcum powder white shade is beautiful on Scottish, Irish and Icelandic legs. 

Rose: The perfect compliment for women of an English Rose complexion.

Sand: A warm tone to give paler skins the more tanned  look, perfect for Olive skin tones.

Latte: This nude tone is perfect for tanned skins or Mediterranean, lighter Afro-Caribbean or Asian complexions.

Caramel: A golden caramel or honey brown tone, perfect for Asian,  Afro-Caribbean and darker Mediterranean skin tones.

Chestnut: A warm and rich brown with a bronze undertone, suitable for darker Asian and Afro-Caribbean skin tones.

Chocolate: A warm, rich  coffee/chocolate skin tone. Perfect for Afro- Caribbean skin tones.

Being a similar shade to a milk bottle, I tried out their tights in the powder shade and it was pretty amazing to put on something which actually matched my skin tone. They felt silky against my skin, with the waistband fitting nicely into the curve of my waist. The L/XL size has been specifically created with a back panel to ensure comfort for sizes 18-22, or those ladies who are a little taller.

Being towards the end of the X/XL, they were a fraction too small with the gusset not coming up as high as it should on me but this shouldn't take away from how wonderful the tights are. If the legs had been slightly longer, they would have been perfect on me as the waistband was perfect but I suspect this is due to my slightly odd hourglass proportions than anything else. I'm really keen to try out the hold ups as I suspect this would counter the problem with ease.

The tights are £12 and hold ups £15, and you can buy them directly from the Bianca Miller London site here.

Until next time,

Diana xx

*The tights have been kindly sent for review. All opinions are my own.

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

Christmas Stockings - Prague Lady Lace Hold Ups from Big Tights Company

If you've yet to experience the wonder of the Big Tights Company, then you need to check out my recent blog post about them here. Not only do they have tights which fit up to a UK size 42, they also have an incredible range of stockings and hold ups too! I jumped at the chance to put a pair through their paces, and went with the racy red option because they looked so pretty. But the Prague Lady Lace Hold Ups come in a range of shades, with black and bridal white also on offer too.

I'm a lady who loves her stockings and hold ups, but with legs which are both chunky AND muscular, I do find it difficult to find a good fit. Either the band will start to wriggle down, or there will be something of a thigh muffin top - neither which are ideal. That's what I love about the  Prague Lady Lace Hold Ups - they are designed to fit over legs up to a UK 30 with two different size bands available. This makes them pull up to where they should, allows them to feel comfy and you can be sure the silicon band will keep them exactly where they should be all night.

If you prefer, there is even a stocking option available with the perfect top to clip to a suspender belt. I love the seams at the back, and these are definitely on my wish list for when I can hopefully afford to buy myself some after Christmas. I noticed that they even have a metal clasp suspender belt for sale, which is surely the holy grail of any plus size lingerie lover. Is there anything worse than those cheap plastic poppers which almost all plus size belts seem to have?

Going back to the red hold ups, I cannot recommend them enough. Their wide lace top is as pretty as it is functional, and the sheer 20 denier finish is perfect for all occasions. They are designed to fit thighs up to 31" round, with a double silicone bands on top to keep them secure. It is also impossible to put them on and not instantly feel like a total femme fatal! I'm not sure these are quite the stockings which Father Christmas expects to see hung up with care, but they will certainly get you on his naughty list!

Until next time,

Diana xx

*The hold ups have been kindly sent for review. All opinions are my own.

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

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree - Christmas Party Sparkle from F&F

The party season has officially started, and with that comes the search for the perfect outfit to sparkle in amongst the tinsel. High street heroes F&F have once again come out with the perfect partywear range, and I was delighted when an early Christmas parcel arrived filled with lots of Christmas cheer.

I'd been eyeing up the stunning F&F Metallic Foil V Back Dress for a while, but kept removing it from my basket as I wasn't sure the light gold shade would suit my pale, cool tinted skin. But I loved the shape and shimmer, which is why I squeaked with happiness upon receiving it's rock and roll sister in the form of the F&F Black Sparkle V Back Dress.

F&F Sparkle V Back Dress (£28).

The  dress itself is the stuff of dreams. Available up to a UK 22, it's the perfect LBD with a bit of festive sparkle. It shimmers under the light, has a cute V-back detail and pulls in with an elasticated waist meaning you can eat those extra mince pies comfortably!

The dress was teamed with a F&F Foil Gem Collar (£10) which is currently not available on the website. The F&F Faux Fur Panel Cross-Body Bag (£14) completed the look. The bag is the perfect size for all you night out essentials, and offers a luxe but fun finish to your outfit.

Click here to see the Christmas look book from F&F, and here to go to the website to find your perfect party outfit!

Until next time,

Diana xx

*The dress, bag and necklace have all be kindly sent for review. All opinions are my own.

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

Lady In Red - The Kitty Set from Sculptresse at Panache Lingerie

I'm a firm believer that good underwear really does provides the scaffolding for your clothes. Not only that, I feel so much more put together when wearing a matching set, almost like secret power dressing, just for yourself.

As someone with a large bust, it's important that I find something which offers support, but all too often that means boring basics rather than pretty frills. That was why I was so excited when I came across the Sculptresse range from Panache, who offer stunning sets which don't compromise on style at all. When they asked if I'd be interested in reviewing something on the blog, I immediately jumped at the chance because they are utterly gorgeous!

Clearly I am not a model, and have lumps and bumps all over. But let me tell you, never have I felt so confident in my undies than I did in this beautiful set. Appropriately called "Kitty" which also happens to be my nickname, it comes in a racy red shade with a jacquard star fabric and animal print bow. Reminiscent of the big top, I felt part show girl, part ring leader in it. Even with a full cup and high waisted pants, I felt like a siren. The amazing stockings which I teamed with it are from The Big Tights Company, and will also be on the blog in a separate review soon.

The bra goes up to a HH cup, with the matching pants up to a UK 26. You can also check out a recent guest post I wrote for them over on the Curves & More blog.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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

Hot Fun In The Summertime - SS16 Press Day Round Ups featuring Debenhams, New Look, River Island and Impulse London

Spring / Summer previews are always a breath of fresh air, filled with bright colours fun prints and dreams of sunshine. With so many happening in a cluster, I though I'd do a round up from my favourite previews and talk about the key trends on show for SS16.

Debenhams SS16

Bold and bright was very much at play, with H! by Henry Holland standing out from across the room. Tropical colours were also on show from the Star range from Julien Macdonald, with more timeless offerings from designers such as Jasper Conran and John Rocha. There were lots of beautiful accessories on show too, with the millinery work of Top Hat a particular delight.

New Look SS16

New Look SS16 was accessories heaven, with all manner of shoes, jewellery and bags to make even the most fastidious fashionista swoon. Key trends were 90s romance, Prairie and Castaway which would easily provide the building blocks for summer holiday hauls and capsule wardrobes.

River Island SS16

SS16 from River Island was all about the tropical hues and bold prints. The 70s boho vibe carried forward with floaty fabrics and wallpaper patterns featuring heavily. But the stand out items have to be the patchwork and gold bomber jackets, both which will serve you well as we transition from the cooler weather.

 Impulse London SS16

SS16 from Impulse London PR gave us an idea of what we can expect from their luxury clients, as well as the various Arcadia stores. Stunning headwear from Her Curious Nature stole the show for me, but there were lots of lovely and interesting pieces on show heading to Dorothy Perkins, Topshop, Evans and beyond.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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