Pattern Recognition - Monochrome Dressing with H&M

It's so great when you find a dress which fits your shape and makes you feel fantastic. I'm always so worried about things being tight across my chest, so loved the stretch in this monochrome jersey dress from H&M - an item which I know already is going to be a staple as we wade through this transitional "spring weather".

At £24.99, I initially felt like it was an expensive purchase for a jersey dress and was pretty sure it'd go straight back. The second I tried it on though, it was love at first sight with the fabric and cut of it being spot on. The bell shaped skirt and wider neckline made the dress feel like the big sister of the skater dress, with the black and white print so easy to throw accessories at.

I initially teamed with it leggings from H&M+ and a pair of fabric plimsolls which are sadly no longer available online. However with the weather how it is at the moment, I've found myself wearing it with black tights, ankle boots and a black cardigan a whole lot. It's one of those feel good without thinking too much outfits, which is worth the price tag in itself! If I have an early start, I can just throw it on and not have to worry.

I think when a brand offers a plus size collection, it's very easy to forget that their main line exists but a large part of my wardrobe consists of items in X and XL from H&M. If you're a size 20, 22 or even a 24 with stretch fabrics, it's definitely work checking them out from time. Often they will have gems in their main and basics line such as this, with their cardigans and leggings washing really well.

The dress is currently available here, and the leggings 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.)

Sunshine After The Rain - Autumnal Days in H&M, Primark and Pearls & Swine

I feel a bit like an idiot posting this now that the treacherous weather has turned back to feathery rain and ominous grey skies. But cast your minds back to last week and remember that we had a couple of glorious sun filled days which harked back to Summer - days where you'd feel warm in a coat, with the sun's golden glow throwing long shadows all around you.

I know it's hard to believe now that our ten minutes of proper Autumn has suddenly turned into the start of six months of Winter. I can now barely remember what my legs look like out of black tights and suspect their paleness would blind me if I could and glanced upon them.

But anyway. Going back to that lovely warm, Autumn sunshine...

Dress: H&M

Cardigan: H&M

Tights: Primark

Ballet Flats: Primark

Flower: Pearls & Swine

The not-quite-chlorine-blonde in my hair is still freaking me out a little. I sort of like it, but it takes me by shock every time I see it. It was never meant to be like this for more than a day - it was just a pre-lightening exercise as a base for bright hair-dye fun. But I've learned a lesson - wait for your order of hair dye to actually arrive before covering yourself in peroxide. Sigh.

That said, I think the hair works with this outfit. The H&M dress was a £4 bargain in their sale, and the cardigan and ballet flats work brilliantly with the various shades of pink. But that's it. Nothing else but ankle boots, faux fur and wolly socks until March. Good bye legs, see you in the spring!

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.)

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.)

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.

Party Like It's 2015

It's Sunday night, and I am currently writing this in my penguin pyjamas. Lord Dicely has insisted that the Christmas tree remains up until the twelfth day, and despite looking forward to my auto out-of-office response deactivating tomorrow, I still feel happy and cosy in my festive cocoon.

There is a huge part of me which is clambering to get back to work, and I've already found myself doing little bits and pieces of admin over the last few days. But Christmas and New Year have been so lovely, I don't feel quite ready to pack this silly, happy feeling away. And I'm certainly not ready to let go of my favourite Christmas outfits!

Dress from Collectif, leggings and cardigan from Primark, Robin hair clip handmade from a Christmas decoration.

Swallow necklace from Baku Forest Studios.

Cardigan from Primark, flowers from Pearls & Swine and a vintage dress for Christmas Day.

Nails are Tate (red base) and Graffiti (glitter) both by Nails Inc. The perfect, festive tinsel! (Thanks Susie!)

Christmas and New Year were both lovely and laid back. Christmas was spent amongst family in the countryside, whilst New Year was an evening of boozy silliness and a stunning view of the London fireworks from Parliament Hill Fields.

I've always been fairly ambivalent about celebrating the new year in a huge way, but it felt like 2015 was a finish line to a difficult race myself and my friends were all keen to get to end of. Standing in the cold armed with rum and some of my favourite people was cathartic in a way even I didn't expect. It felt very poignant seeing 2014 off and strolling back home arm in arm with some of the people who make my life feel so lovely. 

Resolutions aren't something I believe in as I feel they are too easy to forget. However I always make a handful of aims to add as a guide for the new year so that there is something to push for. This year included working on my exhibition, doing more artistic collaborations and staying on top of my 5k training. The way I see it, if I can stay both creative and healthy, that should automatically lead to a certain level of happiness. I'm also aiming to be nicer to myself, especially when it comes to my workload. I've had a few health setbacks in 2014, luckily nothing awful but things which have left me feeling tired and listless. As such, it feels like 2014 was a year of setting things up rather than moving forward, but it's important for me to remember that those things ARE set up - and 2015 is the year to take action.

Now that we're a few days in and the festive fog is starting to clear, I can see what my goals are and fully intend to hit them. It's exciting - this year feels so separated from the last already, and I feel like I'm about to embark on the final and most exciting chapter of a book. Hopefully one which has a happy ending, and will be the first of a very long series. I'm ready for you, 2015! Happy new year!

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.)