Christmas, But Make It Fashion

The older I've got, the more my Christmas has been about feeling comfy. When choosing what to wear, the biggest factors have mostly been to do with how stretchy the garment is, so as to ensure maximum comfort whilst diving into that second tin of Quality Street. I still haven't quite decided what I'm going to be wearing on the big day itself, but there are definitely some contenders in the pipe line. Glam, cosy or comfy, or something which encompasses all three?

Festive fashion: How to go from desk to drinks this Christmas

With Christmas party season in full swing, there are bound to be plenty of opportunities for you to meet up with friends for a drink or two after work. Whether it’s a long overdue catch up with the girls or a festive office party, you want to look your best for the occasion. Striking the right balance between work-appropriate and party-ready can be tricky – but it’s not impossible!

This festive fashion guide inspired by this season’s biggest trends will help you move effortlessly from desk to drinks this Christmas.

Let It Snow - Christmas from F&F

Running around Christmas in July events whilst melting in the summer sunshine never ceases to feel odd. But every year it's worth it when you find yourself swooning over sequins, shimmer and sparkle, with Christmas party wear at the forefront. If you haven't already seen my roundup post of AW16 from F&F Clothing, you can check it out here - the collection is amazing. But this press day was focused purely on winter warmers with a party focused theme, and honestly, Christmas can not come soon enough as I want almost all of it!

Winter Wonderland - Getting Party Ready With Plus Size Fashion

After my post yesterday talking about Christmas fashion from F&F, I wanted to do something of a round-up of filled with lots of plus size party inspiration. There's nothing wrong with nailing your perfect outfit ahead of time, so read on for a post filled with plus size sparkle fit for the festive fun ahead.

JD Williams was my first stop, with sequins, style and glamour offered up to a UK size 34. Isn't their choice of older model beautiful? I love that they haven't used age or size as a barrier to form fitting, bold, trend led details.

JD Williams Kimono - £35. Available here.

Joanna Hope Foil Pleated Maxi Skirt - £65. Available here.

Nightingales Side Ruched Lace Dress - £55. Available here.

Joanna Hope Sequin Maxi Dress - £165. Available here.

The Martine McCutcehon range from Fashion World also lends itself perfectly to some Christmas fun. A variety of black textures ranging from tulle skirts to velour boleros mix together with ease for something which can worn as separates throughout the year. I am utterly in love with the tulle skirt, which is such a versatile item. Grunge it up with boots and oversized knits, or wear with cute heels and a halterneck to channel some vintage glamour.

Martine McCutcehon for Fashion World - Tulle Skirt (£50). Available here.

Pink Clove and House of Fraser have some lovely prints if you want something really eye-catching.

Pink Clove Selma Shift Dress With Leopard Print Burn Out - £22. Available here.

Studio 8 at House of Fraser Pippa Print Dress. £75 (was £125). Available here.

Both have a huge array or styles and choice on offer, with House of Fraser in particular currently having a really great clearance sale.

If you're looking for some accessories to change up a pre-existing outfit, Primark will not steer you wrong for fast, purse friendly fashion.

Primark Red Glitter Heart Clutch (also available in black) - £7.

How cute is this glitter heart clutch? Available in both red and black, it'd be a wonderful finishing touch to your favourite LBD.

And of course this post wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention my beloved Pearls & Swine. Almost all of the compliments about my hair are usually really about their creations holding it all together!

Pearls & Swine Glittered Susie Q Red Lilly - £18. Available here.

Pearls & Swine Vanity Pink Lipstick Fascinator - £60. Available here.

One of my favourite thing about the Pearls & Swine brand is that they cater to every budget. Whether you want something crazy and bespoke or change from a £10 note, she is your go to woman. Most of the flowers and fascinators I wear are made by her, and they make me and my hair infinitely more fabulous!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) the respective brand.)

It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like... Partywear from F&F

Now that it's November, I think we're finally allowed to talk about Christmas. I've had look books piling up in my email for weeks, filled to bursting with sparkly party wear ready for festive fun. But like my Netflix watch list which is currently filled with Christmas movies, I've made myself wait so as to not experience Christmas fatigue. But now that the party countdown is officially on, I'm so excited to share them with you, with the first set being from one of my favourite high street retailers, F&F.

The look book itself is filled with a dreamy elegance. It has has a touch of 20s decadence with 70s detailing, mixing  sequins, faux fur and indulgent fabrics. The colour palette is made up rich golds, striking whites and midnight blacks, designed to work as strong individual pieces, but also easily mix with existing items. 

High Neck Wrap Dress (£28) - available here.

High Neck Lace Blouse (£18) - available here. Faux Leather Pencil Skirt (£16) - available here.

Pussybow Velvet Jumpsuit (£30) - available here. 

Lace Dress (£40) and Shaggy Faux Fur Jacket (£39) - not yet available.

Sequin Embellished Double Layer Dress (£30) - available here.

Sequin Embellished Double Layer Dress (£30) - available here.

Metallic Foil V-Back Dress (£28) - available here.

The whole collection is stunning, but it was the gold foil and art deco patterns which really spoke to me. I love how pretty the sequin pattern is on the double layered dress, and the shimmer on the foil is festive perfection.

I'd challenge you to wear either and not feel stunning, like a proper Christmas cracker!

In addition to the clothing, F&F have also launched a wonderful set of accessories. The Velvet Box Clutch Bag (£18) is perfect for any special occasion, as is the sparkling Glitter Clutch Bag (£12). However I almost wept with joy at the sheer cuteness of the Cassette Clutch Bag (£12) and the Penguin Cross Body Bag (£12). As someone who loves DJing and is obsessed with penguins, I need both of these in my life immediately!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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(All photos (c) F&F.)

Christmas Wrapping

Are you getting as excited for Christmas as I am? There was a time where I really found it difficult to feel the festive love, but being Howard's girlfriend and a member of #teamhylda has forced me to embrace the season of mulled wine and silly jumpers with open arms. We've been getting into the party spirit sincewe put up our tree on the 1st December, but there is one annual Christmas shindig which always really confirms for me that Christmas is almost upon us.

Every year my darling friend Lana Pillay throws a glittering Christmas party, with a beautiful tree, lots of bubbles and fascinating people . Being a showbiz starlet and celebrity make-up artist over at The Empress of Slap, I needed to make sure my outfit was right for the occasion so opted for my Lady V London dress and some slinky shapewear from Simply Be to keep everything in place!

Dress: Lady V London.

Underbust Bodyshaper: Magisculpt Retro Bodyshaper at Simply Be.

Tights: Simply Be.

Coat: Asos Curve.

Roses (in hair): Pearls & Swine.

The soggy weather certainly didn't dampen any Christmas spirits (and goodness knows, plenty of spirits and bubbles were consumed!)

I'd even attempted some tacky festive nails, using two Barry M varnishes (one of their red gellys and their snow like Christmas glitter which I'd previously wrote about here.)

I have one more deadline to hit before I can step up from mulled wine to ALL the gin, rum and Quality Streets and absolutely cannot wait. In the meantime, here's a festive message from the lovely Lana (and if you're in need of some Christmas party make-up tips, check out her YouTube channel here.)

Enjoy all those Christmas parties!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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www.fashionlovesphotos.com

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