Stripe It Lucky - Curves Black Stripe Toggle Waist Shirt Dress from New Look Curves

I'm all about dresses which are stylish, timeless and effortless and this lovely Black Stripe Toggle Waist Shirt Dress from New Look Curves gets top marks on all three counts. Anything which you can just throw on and feel fabulous in with very little fuss is the sartorial dream, and as we tentatively step into spring, I can tell already this is going to be one of my main go to styles.

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

Chantilly Lace - Monochrome Fashion from F&F True

It's no secret that I've fallen head over heels with the AW14 F&F True collection, and some of my favourite pieces have been key wardrobe staples perfect for making every day a little bit special.

Whilst I don't wear trousers very often, there are not enough words in the English language to describe how much I love these F&F True Floral Print Plus Size Trousers (£12, reduced from £20). They are smart enough for me to meet clients in, yet cosy enough that I still feel like I'm wearing my pyjama bottoms! They're also currently on sale on the F&F website, so are as big a bargain as they are comfy.

The F&F True Lace Insert Sleeve Plus Size Batwing Top (£16) was also one of my favourite pieces in the collection. Designed with lace inserts through the sleeves, the batwing design with it's slash neck adds a touch of drama to a simply look.

(Glasses Necklace from Tatty Divine / Shoes from New Look.)

Another firm favourite from the collection was the F&F True Embellished Collar Plus Size Blouse (£20). Available in a choice of black, ivory, berry or green, it's one of those items which can be smartened up or down to suit your sartorial mood. The statement collar is gorgeous and really sparkles under the light, and even with the attached bling, the blouse can still be thrown in the washing machine!

The wrap over detail at the hem is a nice touch, and looks great whether teamed with skinny jeans or tucked into a cute skirt. It's also a great candidate for what to wear to all those impending Christmas parties!

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.)

November Top Blogger with 30 Something Curvy Me

This month I am so happy to be featured as one of November's top bloggers by the lovely Leah over at 30 Something Curvy Me. In the interview, I ramble on about photography, my fashion inspiration and lots, lots more. If you fancy having a cheeky read of the full piece, you can find it online here.

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.)

Pretty Prints - a #PSOOTD from Scarlett & Jo at Evans featuring their 2 in 1 Floral Prom Dress

When Scarlett & Jo released their Spring Romance Collection for Evans earlier this year, I absolutely fell in love with this floral print prom dress. It's shape really ticked all of my vintage loving style points, whilst the design was perfect for my high waist and larger bust.

I was all set to buy it, but it quickly sold out in my size and I was left heart broken. Ever since, I've kept an eye open for it on blog sales and eBay and was over the moon to purchase it brand new with tags for a fraction of the price. The best things really are worth waiting for!

Dress: Scarlett & Jo at Evans

Flower in hair: Pearls & Swine

Leggings: F&F True

Necklace: Tatty Devine

Bracelet: Vintage

Shoes: Vintage

The dress was a size smaller than what I'd usually buy, but there was no way I was letting this beauty slip away! Luckily the top half is very stretchy, and the wide elasticated band at the waist really nips you in for an hourglass silhouette which is even further exaggerated by the attached underskirt and net petticoat.

Even though Winter is just around the corner, I fully intend to rock this Spring dream as much as I can, teaming it with tights, ankle boots and cardigans. It's one of those dresses which really walks the line between day and evening wear with ease. The fabric is cosy and comfy to wear, but the frou-frou nature of the skirt makes it feel equally dressy.

It took me a while to realise what the 2-in-1 nature of the 50s style prom dress was, but it's clever design allows you to embrace your inner Bardot and wear the dress in an off-the-shoulder fashion.

Whilst this particular design is no longer available, there is a similar Scarlett & Jo dress in the Evans sale here.

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.)

What's New Pussy Cat - Voodoo Vixen from Simply Be

I felt like all my sartorial dreams had been answered when I came across the Voodoo Vixen range on the Simply Be website. Most of my wardrobe is either vintage or vintage reproduction, so to see something in that style with interesting cut outs and fun, lovely prints just made my day.

The range currently comprises of four dresses and three cardigans which are all available up to a UK size 24. Whether you're dotty for polka dots or fawning over flowers, the prints are fun, frivolous and utterly fabulous.

As a lover of cats and one half of the Whiskey Kittens DJs, I naturally gravitated towards the Retro Kitty print. In addition to loving the 50s circle dress shape, the dress was designed with cute buttons, pockets and three peek-a-boo keyholes along the neckline. It's finished off with a slim waist belt, and the slight stretch to the fabric allows the dress to skim and cling in all the right places.

Dress & Belt: Voodoo Vixen Retro Kitty Dress from Simply Be (*sent for review)

Leggings: F&F True

Shoes: Vintage

Flower: Pearls & Swine

Bracelets: Vintage

I cannot put into words just how much I adore this dress. I'm always worried that anything with a higher neck will be too tight across my breasts, but the amount of stretch in the fabric ensures you can buy your normal size and not worry. The range is perfect for any special occasion, although once you've zipped yourself into it, you'll want to wear it everywhere!

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.)

March Of The Penguins - Christmas Jumpers from F&F True

As today is the 1st November, it is officially acceptable to wear Christmas jumpers! Woohooo! As someone who works from home quite frequently, I am fully intending to live in this penguin delight from F&F True at least until next February!

Their range of Christmas jumpers are available up to a UK size 28, and in addition to the penguin, feature reindeer, Christmas trees and snowmen. Whether you're wearing it for Christmas dinner or looking for something to lounge around in, who can possibly resist such kitsch filled cuteness?

For maximum cosiness, I teamed my penguin jumper with the F&F True Floral Print Trousers. After all, who doesn't love a pair of pretty trousers which feel like pyjamas? I'll be doing a proper post about them soon as for something so casual, they smarten up brilliantly!

I am so excited now that there's a proper chill in the air. It feels like Christmas is just over the hill, and I can hardly wait!

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.)

Monster Mash - #PSOOTD Halloween Cute For Halloweenies from ASOS Curve and Pearls & Swine

I'm not afraid to admit that I love Halloween. As someone old enough to know better, but young enough to not care, for me Halloween means more treats than tricks with movie marathons, dressing up and all manner of spooky tat.

It doesn't help that my science-brained-goth-loving boyfriend is a fan of celebrating anything and everything to do with the spooky or kitsch, and in a moment of cuteness brought me this ridiculous but brilliant Monster Print Cropped T-Shirt from ASOS Curve.  I teamed it with a high waisted ASOS skirt, and an adorable pumpkin bow from Pearls & Swine - the perfect outfit for some monster shaped mischief!

Pumpkin Bow: Pearls & Swine

Ghost Necklace: Tatty Devine

Bolero: George

Monster T-Shirt: ASOS Curve

Skirt: ASOS Curve

Leggings: F&F True

Heels: Vintage

Whether you're using Halloween as an excuse to be glam or ghoulish, I hope you end up with more treats than tricks! 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.)

Purple Rain - #psootd with H&M, Primark & ASOS Curve

The second I saw this H&M hat, it was love at first sight. However with it being the tail end of Summer, it seemed an utterly frivolous purchase so remained in the shop,despite my heart pangs. On my journey home, despite sweltering in the late Summer's surprise heatwave I found myself regretting the decision and vowed to return the next day to be reunited with my new purple dreamboat.

Sadly the road to true love was paved with great difficulties, and despite running around all three H&M stores at the corners of Oxford Circus and Regent Street, it seemed like everyone had fallen for the hat's wide brim charm. I went home with a heavy sigh, penning missed connection notes I could send on to Metro in my head.

Like so many modern love stories, it was the internet which finally brought us together. Something just clicked - along with my debit card - and thanks to the H&M website, the hat was soon winging it's way into my arms. Now I just need the Autumn chill to stay put long enough that I can take my hat out for a romantic hot chocolate, possibly even with my boyfriend. Then this sartorial love story can very much have it's happy ever after. Until I fall in love with a boater hat next Spring...

Hat: Wool Hat from H&M

Cardigan: Primark

Dress: Primark

Boots: Daxon

Belt: ASOS Curve

Tights: ASOS Curve

Necklace: Blowing Bubbles from Sugar And Vice

Bracelets: Vintage

Moonstone Ring: Vintage

Although I wish the dress was a little longer, I absolutely love this outfit. Even though it feels like I'm wearing too many different burgundy variants, it somehow pulled together with a little Autumnal cheek. I'm currently obsessed with this shade (it happens every Autumn) so am now on the look out for a bright nail polish in a similar colour.

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.)

We're Gonna Party Like It's Your Birthday - F&F True Disco Ball Plus Size Dress

When I first set eyes on this sparkle laden dress from F&F True, it was love at first sight. The shape, the fabric and the shimmer produced cartoon like heart eyes and I could barely wait to squeeze myself into it!

As a lovely surprise from the F&F team, the dress arrived just before my birthday and knew in a heart beat that it was the perfect dress to wear out for a day of fun. Even though the weather in London yesterday was nothing but rain, I brought a little shimmer to the streets whilst doing my best happy disco ball impression!

F&F True Disco Ball Plus Size Dress (£28)

Dress: F&F True Disco Ball Plus Size Dress *

Tights: Marks and Spencer

Flowers: Pearls & Swine

Necklace: Tatty Devine

Shoes: Thrifted

The dress is an absolute dream to wear. It's cut with a scoop neck and a v-neck back whilst the elasticated waistband creates a lovely silhouette. Available up to a UK size 28, it's designed to sit about the knee and is lined ensuring no static cling.

F&F True Animal Print Faux Fur Plus Size Coat (£39)

To complete the party look, I teamed it with their fantastic animal print faux fur coat which is the softest, warmest faux fur I've ever come across. If I could, I think I'd pretty much sleep in it as it's like being wrapped up in a snugly, giant blanket. Even at the incredibly low price point, the coat is fully lined and cut in a classic shape with concealed press stud fastenings and pockets to stuff cold hands into.

This is the perfect pairing for all the impending Christmas and New Year festivities, and with some cute shoes and a flick of red lipstick, you're good to go!

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.)