Wildflowers - Samya Belted Botanical Print Dress from House of Fraser

I just want to start this review by saying that I audibly gasped when I spotted this Samya Plus Size Belted Botanical Print Dress on the House of Fraser website. Everything about it from the print to the cute sleeves was right up my street, and I could see myself living in it as we made the transition from spring to summer.

Over the last year or so, I've found myself visiting the women's dress section of the House of Fraser website more and more, as their selection of plus size brands is ever growing and they seem to have a constant stream of online sales. This time around, I also noticed their clever "true fit" tab, which allows you to see how your measurements stack up against the cut and size of a dress. It really steered me well when selecting the Samya dress, as it advised me to size up by one and was absolutely spot on.

*Samya Plus Size Belted Print Dress (£35) from House of Fraser

I always worry about my bust being squashed in these type of cut out dresses, but sizing up ensured that the ladies up top were absolutely comfy. The belt helped to achieve a great fit on the waist, with the a-line shape perfect for pretty much any occasion. This is one of those dresses where  a change of shoes and accessories easily takes it from desk to drinks, and I know when we start to drift into Autumn, it'll be paired with tights and cardigans too. I'm utterly in love with it, and am so ready for the sunshine fun to start so that I have every excuse to wear it!

Until next time,

Diana xx

* The dress was one which I chose for review. All words and opinions are my own.

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.)

Sure Shot - Build Your Own 35mm Konstruktor Camera from Lomography at Qwerkity

This is a review which has been a long time coming, but as a full time photographer, I wanted to give this DIY SLR camera a proper test run. Sent from online gift retailer Qwerkity, the Build Your Own Camera Kit was the exact push I needed to start shooting with film once again. Well. Once I'd put it together, that is...

I'm not going to lie, as a total and utter camera nerd, I was so excited for this parcel to arrive. I knew it wasn't going to be easy to construct, but believed that being a photographer and having a scientist for a boyfriend meant we'd have a pretty good chance at swiftly working our way through it. Oh, how wrong I was! But the struggle was most certainly worth it!

Three Times A Lady - One Dress, Three Looks - Ready For Summer With Curvissa

Multicoloured prints are one of my all time faves as their large colour palette make them so versatile. Anything which transitions with the help of a few accessories is perfect for the holiday suitcase, so when Curvissa got in touch to see if I'd be interested in getting involved with a city break themed styling challenge, I jumped at the chance.

I was kindly sent this Sheego Sleeveless Print Dress from Curvissa, which is the dress of dreams for any sunshine filled vacation. Available up to a UK size 32, the gorgeous, swirling print around the high neckline had a bit of a 60s feel which of course is right up my street.

Sheego Sleeveless Print Dress from Curvissa (£49).

Because of the very column like shape to the dress, I made the decision to go up two sizes. My bust and hips and not normally this sort of style's best friend, but getting a larger dress allowed it to skim my curves rather than feel tight and stretched out. It also felt light and airy, and perfect for exploring somewhere new - a definite 5 out of 5 for a capsule holiday wardrobe!

As a suitcase staple, my first instinct was to keep the dress cute. Pink shoes and an oversized flower had me ready for a restaurant, whilst my biker boots and jacket toughened up the whole look for a trip to a bar, or for riding on the back of a Vespa! My final look was a simple denim jacket for sight seeing, with the blue in the pattern making it the perfect match for soft denim shades. If I'd had one to hand, I would have totally tied a light denim shirt around my waist for a fourth look with a hint of grunge.

Curvissa currently have their holiday shop live on their site, which has you covered for everything from beachwear to footwear! They are also running an exciting competition which could have you winning a trip to New York, which you can enter here! The trip includes

★ Return flights for two from the UK to New York City

★ Luxury private return airport transfers

★ 4 nights’ accommodation at the 4* Sanctuary Hotel, New York City with breakfast

★ £400 spending money

★ 2 x tickets to a catwalk show at Full Figured Fashion Week 2016

Don't forget to tell me what your holiday must haves are in the comments below! You can also see how Michaela of Cardiffornia Gurl styled up her Curvissa holiday essential.

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.)

Moody Blues - Rocking The Nautical Trends With Plus Size Stripes & Denim

At the risk of jinxing things, it looks like Summer is finally on the horizon! Rising temperatures (even if they're interspersed with rain showers) have me dreaming of holidays and sunshine filled fun, and nothing sums up that sartorial freedom than the current crop of nautical styled clothing.

When I think of the nautical trend, it conjures up images of soft denim, deck chair stripes and a palette of blue with white and red accents. It's casual, but often with a touch of Riveria chic and Coco Chanel glamour. With that in mind, I've picked out a few of my favourite items which would be perfect for any holiday suitcase.

(l-r) Soft Denim Tunic (£35) and Short Rope Belt Soft Denim Skirt (£30) both from JD Williams.

JD Williams have got casual chic down to a fine art this season, with this Soft Denim Tunic (£35) being a key wardrobe staple. Team with simple white pumps for a casual look, or red heels if you want to dress it up. The Short Rope Belt Soft Denim Skirt (£30) ticks boxes for both 90s and nautical trends. Cute and casual, the rope adds a sweet beach ready nod to this easy to wear style. Add a striped vest for something casual or a Bardot top with a silk scarf to smarten it up.

(l-r) Plus Stripped Jersey Top (£26), Stripe Canvas Pumps (£20), Striped Beach Bag (£20) all from M&Co.

M&Co have got you set for a casual stroll to the beach, with stripes galore featured in their plus size and accessories range. Their Plus Stripped Jersey Top (£26) is the perfect no fuss weekend top to throw over jeans, whilst their Stripe Canvas Pumps (£20) and Striped Beach Bag (£20) are just right for seaside adventures.

Navy Mesh Jewel Magnetic Necklace (£5.99) from Quiz.

If you're looking to inject a little sparkle into your nautical outfit, then look no further than this super cute Navy Mesh Jewel Magnetic Necklace (£5.99) from Quiz. Reminiscent of a knotted rope, the twisted mesh design has a clever magnetised fasten so it easy to get on and off if you usually struggle with jewellery.

(l-r) Denim Dress (£40), Stripe Shirt Dress (£35) both from Simply Be.

This simple Denim Dress (£40) from Simply Be just screams cute. Great teamed with straw hats and wedges, it's wonderful for a simple, laid back look. The Stripe Shirt Dress (£35) on the other hand means business. I'm a huge fan of what I've come to name deckchair dresses with their long, vertical stripes, but this one is smart, sleek and perfect for that transition from office to bar.

F&F Striped Open Back Swing Dress (£10) from F&F. 

My final pick is this pretty Striped Open Back Swing Dress (£10) from F&F. This is one of those perfect dresses for a hot, sticky day where you want to feel the breeze hit your skin. The open back and sleeveless design also make it great for throwing over a swimsuit as you make your way to the beach or swimming pool, and is a versatile addition to any holiday suitcase.

I'm so excited for the summer to hit now - what are your essentials? Don't forget to let me know in the comments.

Until next time,

Diana xx

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Hey Good Lookin, What You Got Cookin' - In The Kitchen With Quorn

Having been a vegetarian for over twenty years, Quorn products have been a huge part of my dietary routine for what feels like forever. As someone who struggles with the texture of both mushroom and tofu, it was an absolute revelation for me and my food planning when I discovered it at a young age.

Whenever I cook Quorn for friends at home, the key question I get asked time and time again is "What IS it?" And it's a pretty tough one to answer. On the surface, it's a high protein, low fat meat substitute, but for a deeper explanation, I'll need to get my lab coat on. Firstly, it's not derived from mushroom which is a common misconception. The link amongst all of Quorn's products is something called Mycoprotein, which is made from the type of fermenters which you'd find in a brewery. It's created by adding oxygen, nitrogen, glucose and minerals to a funguas called Fusarium venenatum, and once harvested is added to the protein found in egg whites to help with the binding. (You can find out more about the process by clicking here.)

The two types of Quorn which I use the most are their pieces and fillets. I am such a lazy cook by nature (unless it's cake related - then I'll bake all day!), so I love that they are quick and easy to cook in a multitude of ways. The pieces are perfect covered with pesto and tossed through some pasta, whilst the fillets are great marinaded in piri piri sauce and served in salad filled pitta bread with mayo and halloumi cheese.

In addition to their range which encompasses everything from meatballs to ready meals, they have also recently introduced vegan and gluten free options to their menu. The Quorn Facts website also serves to provide current production information and also details on their environmental work.

Quorn doesn't have to be saved purely for the vegetarians of the world. My carnivorous boyfriend has been known to knock up a mean spaghetti bolognese using Quorn mince, with the low fat, high protein properties building into his workout routine. But as a vegetarian, I love the choice they afford me to have - whether I want a burger or fajita, stir-fry or bacon sandwich, it's there for me to choose from.

Whether you're a vegetarian or not, what are your favourite meat free recipes? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

Diana xx

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