Cheap Plus Size Clothing at Tbdress

Who said that plus size girls have to wear ugly, frumpy clothes all the time or that they are never able to look good? In this day and age there are so many options for them popping up on the high street and online, such as on websites like tbdress, where you can find very affordable items in bigger sizes, such as dresses, coats and tops. 

      

As you might already know, a little black dress can be a life saver as you can wear it to virtually any occasion so it will be the best option when you are feeling like you have nothing to wear. This cute number on the left features a sheer lace overlay on shoulders and upper arms which give it a sexy vibe, and the longer sleeves mean that this dress conceals what you don't want to be showing. It is figure hugging on the bodice which means you can show off your curves, but then it flares out right before the tummy area which can be comfortable as well as flattering. 

There are lots more cheap plus size dresses http://www.tbdress.com/Cheap-Plus-Size-Dresses-104175/ on the tbdress website, but if your style is more like 50's retro, or enjoy wearing more colourful things, then this is for you. This lovely figure hugging dress comes in a gorgeous teal coloured fabric with an all over polka dot print. With a sweetheart neckline it shows off your curves, while keeping everything under control with its flattering short sleeves. It also has a trio of decorative hot pink buttons on the bust and an equally contrasting skinny belt to show off your waist. 

So if you're looking for cheap plus size clothing http://www.tbdress.com/Cheap-Plus-Size-Clothing-103893/ head over to tbdress.

This is a sponsored post.

xo

Argos Interior Haul

Quite a few months back we did a bit of shopping to organise our bedroom and got a few items from Argos.

As there was a lot of stuff that didn't have a place to be in so we got the Maine Tall Wide Bookcase, it's quite affordable at £34.99 and allows you to fit the shelves at different heights so you can put them on according to your needs.

A new clothes rail was also a necessity as the old one we had was broken, we got the Multifuncional Clothes Rail which features a couple of shelves for shoes, as well as adjustable height and wheels, it was less than half price at £13.99, unfortunately it's not available any more but this bamboo clothes rail is very aesthetically pleasing with its minimalistic design.

We got a full length mirror as well, ideal for getting ready, making the room seem bigger and reflect lighting too. I chose the Living Real Wood Full Length Cheval Mirror, which was an absolute bargain at £19.99 (normally £49.99). Ours is currently leaning on the wall but it has a freestanding design so you can place it wherever you would like.

And last but not least we got a floor lamp, as the main light we have is not bright enough for reading in the evening. I selected the Halogen Reading Light Floor Lamp in silver, it was easy to put together, comes with a fitted light bulb, and it's slim design means it fits easily next to the small space next to my bed.

We also changed the colour of our walls, to Dulux Atmosphere - a calming pale blue that adds more brightness to the room, as opposed to the darker blue that was on previously.

Have you made any home changes recently?

xo

Stripes & Skirt

H&M T-shirt // Uniqlo Skirt // New Look Flats // H&M Hair Clip

(Similar: T-shirt, Flats, Hair Clip)

I really like this outfit, it's very simple but feminine and summer friendly. In fact I am slightly obsessed with that T-shirt and have worn it a lot (but not too much, as if that was possible anyway!)

xo

Back To School Must Haves

Even if you are not going to school any more, if you share my love for cute stationery then this is for you.

Green Leather Backpack £50 // Why I Love Pizza Journal £10 //  Little Miss Princes Lunch Box £6

Sort It Document File £6 // Rabbit Pencil Sharpener £4 // Office Sticky Notes £4 

My Little Pony A5 Notebook £3 // 4 Pack Pastel Pencils £3 // Plastic Travel Mug £5
Camera Pencil Case £2

xo

Simple Moisture Boost Hydro Mist

Face mists have been around for a while, and I never quite got into them as don't think they are necessary. The concept is quite interesting though: a way to replenish moisture on your face lost throughout the day without ruining your makeup or even touching your face? Sounds too good to be true.

Recently I picked the Simple Moisture Boost Hydro Mist from the clearance section in Boots for £1 to bump up the total in order to get bonus points haha. This face mist is said to contain 2 vitamins (pro-vitamin B5 and vitamin E) As well as 2 skin loving ingredients (lotus flower & glycerin) which will give tired, dehydrated skin an instant boost.

To use you simply hold the bottle about 30cm away from your face and spritz 2 to 4 times. The first thing I noticed about the Simple Moisture Boost Hydro Mist is its smell, which is not very nice. It smells like a petroleum based product, not sure if it's the glycerine but the Simple moisturiser smells just like this. 

I like that the product is easy to use and portable, and can be used to freshen up or cool down your skin when you get hot but I don't really feel like it does a great job at hydrating. The mist is lightweight and quickly absorbed so you don't feel like you have something sitting atop of your skin. When I finish this product I'll probably refill it with a toner or just plain water to refresh my skin. 

xo

We Are Back

Yesterday we got back from our little holiday to Blackpool. The weather was really good while we were there, only started raining on Friday morning, but the rest of the time it was quite sunny with a few clouds here and there. On the evenings it would get windy, which made me cold, but I packed my newest jacket which kept me nice and warm.

We went to the amusement park, shopping, up the tower, to the zoo and down to the beach. Hopefully I will post a few pictures of our trip soon, though you can have a sneak peek on my Instagram page.

xo

Nivea Rich Moisturising Day Cream

We all know the importance of moisturising and protecting our skin from the sun, which is something I do everyday. I was given Nivea Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Day Cream as a gift, and have been using it on days when I'm not going out as it is, as the name suggests, a rich day cream, which means it's a bit heavy for my oily skin.

Nivea Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Day Cream is meant for dry and sensitive skin, as it is enriched with natural almond oil and hydra IQ to intensely nourish skin for 24 hours and leave it feeling soft. It also has SPF 15 and extra UVA filters to protect skin and prevent premature ageing.

What I like about this day cream is that it does moisturise very well, has a lovely sweet smell that doesn't linger, has SPF and it also leaves my skin feeling super soft and plump which I can definitely feel at the end of the day when I do my evening skincare routine. 

As it is meant for dry complexions, it does leave my skin a bit shiny, which is why I only use it when staying in. But if you suffer from dry, tight and dehydrated skin I would recommend you try this day cream as it makes skin feel amazing.

Find Nivea Daily Essentials Rich Moisturising Day Cream in Superdrug and Boots.

xo

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Quilted Blouson

As it is my birthday this month, I decided to treat myself to a couple of things, including this jacket from Uniqlo that I purchased in July. I really liked it since it landed in my inbox a few months back in the Uniqlo newsletter and couldn't stop thinking about it and promised myself that when it went on sale I would buy it. Well as it was less than half price I just couldn't resist.

I like that it is a neutral olive colour that will go with everything; the bomber style with the ribbed collar, cuffs and hem; the diagonal quilting and the fact that it's down so it will keep me warm; it has pockets so my hands will be kept warm too; it's super lightweight and comfortable because of the materials which makes it easy to carry/travel with plus it comes with a bag for storing in transit.

The Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Quilted Blouson is on sale for £29.90 (normally £69.90).

xo

Black Blazer

H&M Blazer // Topshop Jeans // H&M T-Shirt // Topshop Boots

(Similar: Boots)

It's the weekend! Even though the whole week has felt like the weekend because I've been off work.

On Monday we're leaving to Blackpool, so quite excited about that. Hope the weather's nice as we will be spending my birthday over there.

xo

Get Ready for Autumn with Tidestore

We are actually just past the middle of the glorious summer, which means that sadly, autumn will be making its way to us soon. But do not despair, as I have a couple of really cute options from Tidestore http://www.tidestore.com/ (an online shop with very affordable pieces) to keep warm this autumn:

                  

Since grey is one of my favourite colours, I had to pick this super comfortable and oversized grey sweatshirt with a contrast white print on the front and super fluffy hood so you can have one less thing to worry about if you are going to be travelling or going to class as you will look and feel great in it, as well as keep warm when it starts to get chilly. More hoodies online http://www.tidestore.com/Wholesale-Hoodies-100021/

And since you might need to dress up from time to time, like if you have an event such as a dinner, birthday party or wedding, you will need something to cover up so you are not left shivering in your little black dress as the night arrives. Enter this gorgeous camel coloured and oversized coat that will not look out of place at any occasion as it is very stylish and elegant with its simple design which won't distract from the rest of your outfit. Find more long coats for women on http://www.tidestore.com/Wholesale-Trench-Coats-100585/

What are your favourite transitional weather cover ups? 

xo

New In: July 2015

New slippers from Primark as the ones I had were a bit worn, a sample of Coco Mademoiselle we got when Dot got a new aftershave and the Simple Face Mist I got just to bump up the total to £50 so I could get an extra 500 points on my Boots card ;)

Avon Body Wash that will be put to the test soon, a couple of magazines with freebies, including the Elemis Papaya Enzime Peel Mask. Bourjois The Volumiser Mascara and a Topman Leather Card Holder that was about £2 or £3.

The H&M jacket was only £7 and I've been using it as a dressing gown for the summer months as it's lightweight but I also like that it looks very fancy haha.

The Garnier Micellar water for combination skin as I needed a new makeup remover.

Also a couple of freebies with Elle and Harper's Bazaar magazines: a skincare sampler set by Malin + Goetz and a mini L'Occitane Shampoo & Conditioner.

Since it will be my birthday later this month, I tried to shop as little as possible so I could spoil myself. But even though I tried, I failed a little bit and bought myself some early presents that I will be writing about soon.

xo

Monochrome vs Minimal: Are They the Same?

As I have recently been more and more interested in minimalism I started wondering what the difference is between minimalistic and monochrome, are they the same? I would say not really.

From what I understand, minimalism is the ability to let go of all the things that are not necessary to live/dress/feel comfortable and happy. You only have the bare minimum, which can vary from person to person, and if you don't need something just get rid of it in order to avoid clutter, which can bring visual distraction and stress as you have more belongings to worry about. 

Monochrome means literally "one colour", so it's not necessarily just black & white, but the use of only one colour (could be in different shades) in an outfit, design, makeup look, etc. A monochome look or home interior could be described as minimalist when the composition doesn't feature "too many" or "unnecessary" things, but that is of course, relative to each person. 

So a minimalist outfit could be monochrome as well as feature different colours, patterns or textures: you might wear a plain white t-shirt with black jeans and shoes, or you could wear a patterned top, bright trousers and bold shoes but it still is only 3 pieces of clothing, just like with the monochrome look.

And likewise, a monochrome living room might have a one colour palette but be inundated with mountains of books, cushions and tiny trinkets that clutter the space and make it hard to feel relaxed when entering the room. So the fact that something is monochrome does not necessarily mean that it is minimal.

What I find quite strange, sometimes even slightly annoying, is when a person proudly calls themselves a minimalist by the mere fact of dressing in a monochrome palette in their everyday life, when they are constantly adding new items to their wardrobe or dressing room by frequently going shopping, which makes no sense. 

Of course there are people that, as I mentioned, might not even dress in a very reduced range of colours, but they keep their outfits simple and work hard to maintain a closet (and life) free of clutter by implementing challenges such as "project 333" or the "5 piece French wardrobe" where you keep your closet under a chosen amount of items, investing in good quality basics and/or restrict yourself from frequent and impulsive shopping. 

What are your thoughts on this subject?

xo

A Dupe for Homeoplasmine?

You've probably heard of Homeoplasmine, a cult French pharmacy product that comes in a tube and was originally created to soothe dry or irritated skin, popularised by makeup artists as it creates a smooth, silky canvas to work on.

On researching about Homeoplasmine, I found about Biafine, which is another cult French pharmacy product but this one is a topical emulsion that promotes healing in damaged skin. 

Well, a similar classic skincare product exists in Mexico called Vitacilina, which is an ointment that is meant to treat acne, scrapes and minor burns on the skin thanks to the use of retinol and neomycin.

Retinol, a type of Vitamin A, increments cellular reproduction, which exfoliates and improves the appearance of the skin; and neomycin is an antibiotic that prevents infection. Both ingredients make it a great option to treat acne, small lesions on the skin and even fine lines.

Vitacilina has a very similar consistency (and smell) to petroleum jelly or Vaseline, which is why I only use it at night on spots and broken skin. It does help reduce the appearance of scars and best of all it is only about £1 so if you see it when visiting Mexico, I would say definitely get it even if it's just to try it out.

Have you tried any of these skincare classics?

xo

Denim Shirt

Uniqlo Denim Shirt (Similar) // Topshop Jeans // Adidas Stan Smith 

The de-cluttering of my closet is going ok, I posted some items in my depop, if you want to check them out.

On the illustrating matter I need to edit so many scans to make the background white, which is the bit I'm the least excited about.

And about our trip to Blackpool, I haven't even thought about what I'm going to wear. The weather is supposed to be nice so hopefully won't need to take a big coat with me haha.

xo

Cherry Blossom

Oh, the joys of being off work for 6 weeks. I might end up getting bored sooner or later but I'm actually quite excited about a number of things.

First, decluttering my wardrobe: yesterday I took off my clothing rail a few pieces that I haven't worn in years. I will be putting them up for sale on Vinted, where you can find pre-loved pieces for an excellent price all while giving them a new lease of life. 

It's gonna be a lengthy process as I still need to sort shoes, tops and bottoms and hopefully get a couple of shelves to display my favourites nicely in the spare room. 

Also, I have a thing with lists, so to plan what to take with me on holiday to Blackpool next month I will be writing one of those. It's just so satisfying to check each item off a list (or is that just me?).

Last, but definitely not least. I will be doing more painting/illustrating. The boring part comes when it's time to scan each picture then polish off the jpgs in Photoshop. I hope to add more printed cards and poster designs in my photobox shop soon.

Are you going on holiday this year?

xo

Should I or Shouldn't I?

I'm talking about buying these items, obviously! Some of them have been on my mind for quite some time but I just can't seem to make the purchase for some reason.

Paul Costelloe Triplet Bag: It was on my last wishlist, as it has a similar look to the Celine Trio bag, which costs hundreds more. I took so long to decide that it went out of stock and now this dark green version is all I can find.

Topshop Moto Pale Blue Jeans: I've been looking for a pair of light coloured jeans to wear during the summer. I purchased a pair last year from H&M but the fit wasn't the best - low rise and a bit baggy on the bottom. Could these be the ones?

H&M Cable-Knit Jumper: I know what you're thinking - a jumper in the middle of summer? But this lightweight cotton blend one seems like a perfect addition to my summer wardrobe as it has a lovely and soft fine knit texture, great for keeping warm when it gets chilly in the afternoon.

Chanel Les Beiges Lip Balm: Obsessing with all things Parisian lately so Chanel is no exception. I'm a big fan of lip balms so would definitely use this limited edition one a lot. Plus introducing a tiny bit of luxury to your everyday life never hurt anyone, right?

5th Avenue Tasselled Loafers: I spotted them at the Deichmann shop when we were in town but didn't try them on. Why? I've been trying to shop less impulsively but have been thinking about them ever since!

Do you hope to buy anything soon?

xo

Bioderma Crealine H2O Micelle Solution

I purchased Bioderma Crealine H2O Micelle Solution last year on a trip to Paris with my husband. Having tried L'oreal's micellar water previous to this one (more on that here), I wasn't expecting a lot but, which is why I picked up the small version in case I didn't like it, but after using it a couple of times, it left me pleasantly surprised. 

As you may know, the Bioderma Crealine H2O Micelle Solution is meant for cleansing the skin and removing makeup. This version is for sensitive skin, but there's also one for dehydrated and one for oily skin, though the last one can't be used on eyes. 

This product guarantees a gentle cleanse and makeup removal thanks to the micelles, which remove impurities while respecting skin, which prevents irritation. You don't need to rinse it and it's paraben free. 

Bioderma Crealine H2O Micelle Solution easily removes my eye and face makeup without stinging, irritating or leaving an oily residue on my skin. It is a breeze to use and a little goes a long way. The only downside is that it's not the easiest to get hold of but you can find it in Escentual (they deliver worldwide) for £4.95.

Have you tried this Bioderma cleanser?

xo

Black & Grey

Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket // American Apparel Sweatshirt // H&M Trousers // Adidas Stan Smith

(Similar: Trousers)

A down jacket in the summer? I hear you ask, yeah well this outfit is from a couple of weeks back when the sun wasn't shining as intensely as it is now. And speaking of down jackets I actually purchased another one recently from Uniqlo as it had over 50% off and I had told myself to buy it when it went on sale. 

Monday is my last day of work before the school holidays. After that I will start planning what to pack for our little holiday to Blackpool! Other plans including clearing out and organising my closet and doing more illustrations with my new found free time.

xo

MeMeMe Arch Angel Brow Gel & Highlighter

I had never tried a brow gel before, though on a couple of occasions I could have done with a brow product to fill them out. The MeMeMe Arch Angel Shape & Define Tinted Brow Gel and Highlighting Cream in Dark Brown was part of a makeup giveaway that I happened to win some time ago (more about that here).

This product is described as "your guardian angel guiding you towards heavenly brows" and it will help you achieve beautifully arched brows by using the gel to tame and shape. After that you dot the highlighter along the brow bone to lift, accentuate and define. MeMeMe Arch Angel Tinted Brow Gel and Highlighting Cream comes in a small tube with the brow gel on one end and the highlighter on the other. 

The brow gel applicator is like a mini mascara wand, which makes it easy to apply and shape brows. After using it my eye brows felt a bit wet but when it dries it doesn't feel uncomfortable and it successfully thickens and sets the hairs as well as minimising gaps. It is buildable and there was no smudging or melting through the day. 

The highlighting cream comes with a doe foot applicator and you need very little product for a visible effect. It leaves a nice shimmering finish that indeed defines and accentuates the brow bone with ease. I normally dot it 2 or 3 times under my brow then smudge with my finger and this, like the brow gel, doesn't smudge and seems quite long lasting.

I think this is a really nice brow gel/highlighter and if you are looking for a 2 in 1 brow product then I would recommend this one.

Find MeMeMe Arch Angel in Superdrug, Amazon and MeMeMe website.

Palmer's Line Smoothing Eye Cream

As the skincare fan that I am, it is also important, in my opinion, to look after the delicate eye area with an appropriate product. Currently I've been using Palmer's Line Smoothing Eye Cream, which is marketed a s a rich anti wrinkle eye cream with peptide complex and retinol, and it's non-irritating.

Some of the beneficial ingredients in this eye cream include: cocoa & shea butters to deeply moisturise and nourish, retinol to encourage skin's renewal, peptide complex to support skin structure, vitamin E as antioxidant, aloe vera to calm and soothe skin, milk proteins to help improve texture and tone of skin, and evening primrose to soothe stressed skin.

What I like about the Palmer's Line Smoothing Eye Cream, besides its subtle cocoa scent, is that it has a thick consistency but doesn't feel heavy or greasy and glides onto the skin with ease. My skin doesn't feel tight or look shiny after using it, and it leaves it feeling soft. As for the texture of my eye area, I am not quite sure that it has changed at all even though I've been using it for months.

Find Palmer's Line Smoothing Eye Cream in Superdrug.

xo

Leather & Stripes

New Look Leather Jacket // H&M Striped Top // Topshop Leigh Jeans // Adidas Stan Smith

(Similar: Jacket // Top)

Tonight we're going to one of my manager's anniversary party. I'll be wearing a 60s inspired dress that I've had for quite a while but don't wear that often so that'll be fun haha. Have a nice weekend.

xo

Treaclemoon Sugared Almond Tart Bath & Shower Gel

Recently I received the Treaclemoon Sugared Almond Tart Bath & Shower Gel, which is the latest special edition of the Treaclemoon bath & shower gel family. This product can be used to lather-up in the shower or used as a bubble bath, has the addictive scent of warm sugared almond tarts and delivers luxurious, fragrant bubbles to cleanse and soften the skin.

What I like about Treaclemoon Sugared Almond Tart Bath & Shower Gel is the cute little blurb on the front of the packaging ("She was sure the exquisite, warm scented bubbles were the work of mischievous fairies in lilac aprons... so tempting and happy that even Mondays were fine!") and the purple coloured product, which is so creamy and thick, it actually makes you think it's the colour of the packaging. 

This shower gel/bath smells amazing, like bakewell tarts, and lathers really well and leaves my skin feeling clean. It is also paraben free and not tested on animals, as well as very affordable.

Find Treaclemoon Sugared Almond Tart Bath & Shower Gel* in Tesco (currently on offer for just £1.99).

xo

New in: June 2015

As I've been trying to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle and wardrobe, where only what I consider to be necessary or beautiful are the only things I will be adding into my life in order to avoid mess and clutter, my monthly hauls might not be as big (but my bank account and my bedroom and closet will thank me for it). 

Last month I acquired a few items from my favourite shop, H&M, including a lightweight knit cotton striped top that I might wear on my birthday next month while away in Blackpool. Also a couple of hair clips, one with a gorgeous velvet bow and another one with a golden feather that I've been looking for since seeing a picture of a similar one on Pinterest. 

Last but not least from H&M, another lace bra with no wires because I just hate how they feel. Then from the clearance section in Boots, an Origins GinZing scrub/cleanser for just £3.50 and a tiny book of sticky notes from The Works for just £1.

xo

Olay Complete Lightweight Day Fluid SPF 15

As I was running out of my previous day lotion with sun protection I decided to go for the Olay Complete Lightweight Day Fluid SPF 15 for sensitive skin as it was on offer for less than £3 in Superdrug.

With a formula that's very similar to the Normal/Oily skin version, the Sensitive option is also formulated with aloe vera and chamomile, and since I had tried the Normal/Oily skin version before I got this one instead to try out as well. 

The Olay Complete Lightweight Day Fluid SPF 15 for sensitive skin is not only meant to moisturise, but also hydrate, nourish and protect with its SolarSheer technology with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, vitamins B3, E and Pro-V B5.

What I like about this day lotion is that it is lightweight and easily absorbed into my skin, without leaving it feeling greasy or very shiny. Any shine that might remain after application can be vanished instantly with a bit of face powder. It has a mild sunscreen scent which I don't mind personally.

Find Olay Complete Lightweight Day Fluid SPF 15 in Superdrug and Boots.

xo