Swimming Fashion

So after I took a look at the swimsuits on offer on the Evans and Yours websites, I took a little trip to Bluewater to try some on. I had in my mind the ones that I had picked out online, and went into Evans to see which ones that had for me to try on.

 

 

First up was this navy and floral print swim dress. I liked that the bust area seemed to cover me up really well, and the print was really nice. It did feel comfortable, until I moved my arms and the straps twisted...

 

 

I turned it back over, but before I knew it, it had twisted back over again. I then looked at the back of it to see if I could lengthen the straps to solve the issue, and realised that the straps were not adjustable. On to suit number two.....

 

 

Going out of my comfort zone now with an all over floral print...... I really liked the look of this swim dress on the website and on the hanger, but the floral print over the bust area really made my breasts the main feature of this one. Again, the bust area did cover me well, this dress having twist front which was quite pretty. I think I would have loved this dress if the bust area was in black.

 

 

Onto Your....... Now, this was one of my favourites when I had a look through the Yours website. It's a combination of my two favourite things, purple and polka dots! So I was a little disappointed that once I got it up to my bust, I couldn't get it over them. The top on this is twisted, but didn't seem to have any 'give', or at least enough for me to get it on. Very sad.

 

 

Last, and by no means least, was this swim dress. Staying with the polka dot theme, I picked up this navy suit. Putting it on, I felt the 'tummy control' that is advertised, which made it a little tight to get on, but did feel good once I had put it on fully. The straps on this one were nice and thick, and I felt really secure in it, which was a big plus as that is the whole reason I needed to find a new swimsuit.

 

So I ended up going for the navy polka dot one from Yours. I was eager to try it out, so ended up popping home, grabbing my towel and heading to the swimming pool. And the swim dress did the job. I felt comfortable in it, and confident. And it kept everything in place, if you know what I mean..... Winner all round.

Swimsuits

I've had the same swimsuit for about 7 years now, I bought from Bon Marche. I really liked it, Black with blue polka dots, nice neckline and fitted well. But after 6 years, lots of swimming, and the likely chance that I have got larger over that times means that I now need to buy a new swimsuit. I tried swimming yesterday morning, and I expose myself after about 3 strokes of front crawl! So after finishing off the swimming doing the aptly named breast stroke, I've come home and decided to take a look at some possible new swimsuits from Bluewater as it is 15 minutes from me, and want to go and get it Wednesday morning. So here are my favourites from the plus size shops there.

 

 

I do seem to like a polka dot.... This swim dress caught my eye when I glanced through the swimsuits on the Evans website. I do prefer a swim dress as it just makes me feel more comfortable when walking through the changing rooms and pool area. The bust area looks like it will be really supportive, and the straps are adjustable so can be work cross over the back or as a halterneck.

 

This swim dress from Yours looks really nice. I like the contrast between the black skirt part and the floral top with a flattering V neck. This dress also comes with 'Tummy Control' for a 'flattering fit' which always comes in handy!

 

Another swim dress that I liked from the Yours website was this navy polka dot one. I really like the neckline on this dress, and looks like that it will be nice and supportive in the bust area. Again this one has the 'Tummy Control' so would give me a bit more confidence in and out of the pool.

 

 

 This swim dress is from Evans and is a little bolder than any swimsuit I have ever owned..... But I do really like the look of it. It is a black base with an all over tropical floral print. It again, like the other Evans swim dress has the twisted style bust, which looks very flattering.

 

I am still undecided between the ones I have found, but I am planning on a shopping trip Wednesday morning and see which one I prefer once I get them on.

 

 

 

Getting ready for summer

I popped into the new, and larger, Yours store in Bluewater this week with my daughter. I had actually popped in there a while ago just before they were going to move, and then forgotten to pop back and check out the new store. It is a lot easier to manoeuvre around the store now they have more space, and just seemed a lot lighter in this store, which made the store look really nice.

My eye was caught by all of the bright colours in their summer range, which I loved! There were floral’s, neon’s and patterns galore….. I couldn’t help but grab a few things to try on.

 

I loved the look of this strapless top, and they had it in a few different colours and designs. And, even with my height, it was long enough for me to wear and keep everything covered! I even moved it down to below my bust, and it would work great skirt too, especially as it has the elasticated area around the bust to keep it held up. I didn’t buy this in the end, I did like the pattern but felt the plain coloured ones would suit me better, but I think I will buy at least one of them soon!

 

I loved the look of these floral leggings, but when I tried them on, I wasn’t too keen on the feel of them, and also how they looked on me. I can’t put my finger on what it was exactly I didn’t like about the material, I just knew that I wouldn’t feel comfy walking around in them all day. They also made my legs look really short….. which I never thought could happen! It was a same as I bought a pair of floral harem pants last year that I love, so maybe I’ll just keep looking for a new pair for this summer.

 

Talking of harem pants….. as we were leaving the store, these caught my eye. They are a bit brighter that the harem pants that I already have, but I think they are worth a try on! We were short on time, but I will definitely pop back soon and give them a go.

 

 

 

 

I also need to find some shorts that I like for the summer. My legs aren’t my favourite feature, so I don’t usually have them out, but I then end up with pasty white legs when I go swimming! So I need to try on some different length of shorts, and especially some denim ones. I’ll keep you posted on how I get on with  my search.

 

Banana and Oatmeal Muffins

 

Last weekend, I volunteered to run a refreshment stall for the Darent Valley 10K that starts and finishes at my son's school. The organisers start things down there around 6am, and runners start arriving from around 7am, so I knew it was going to be an early start! Not only did I plan on selling the usual teas and coffees, but I thought we could offer some little treats for the runners after finishing their run. So I wanted to share with you a couple of the recipes that I tried out - and yes they were recipes I had not tried before!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Being Positive

 

 

I saw this quote on Instagram last week, and it really struck a chord with me. I have felt a little off for a while, not knowing why really, and wanting to pick myself back up. So, I decided to put my mind to it, and planned to get healthy. Not skinny, but healthy.

 

I have always been 'plus size', for as long as I can remember. But I feel that over the last few years, I've become more unhealthy, and lazy. So I am going to take the advice of the quote above, and believe I can. I usually just try here and there, never commit fully, but I am going to do that from now. I have researched more healthy dinners for Mike and I, which was a little hard as Mike is a bit fussy... but I think we'll manage. Our main issue is portion sizes. So that is what I am going to work on first, as well as more vegetables and simple dishes.

I have also started a workout that I found on YouTube. It's a 25 minute workout, with warm up and cool down. I did find it difficult after about 10 minutes, but I persevered and just made sure I didn't push myself too hard. The workout is with a lovely lady called Cece who runs the blog Plus Size Princess, and is a workout with some lovely plus size ladies, showing that we do exercise, and it can be fun. She is currently running a #PSPfit challenge for January, which looks great, and I am going to try and stick to her plan. The main things are clearing out any Christmas food still hanging around, eating nice healthy food, and not to mention, some good exercise. At the end of the video I followed, it is suggested that you do a 25-30 minute workout 4 times a week, so I am going to stick to that. Not to mention fitting in a walk or two around my village during my free days during the week.

 

So that is the plan. Eat healthy, exercise more and enjoy life :)

 

Here is the video I followed, and you can find the lovely CeCe at Plus Size Princess.

Making a Statement

I am ashamed to admit that I don't actually own any statement necklaces, I have always liked them, but just never got round to buying one. I popped into Forever 21 last week with my daughter and they had such a wide range of jewellery, from earrings, bangles and some lovely necklaces. This then reminded me that I need to get my act together and get something! So, as I tried not to leave the house this last week getting Christmas packed up and all the washing done ready for back to work/school, I decided to have a browse through their website to get some inspiration for my first purchase.

 

 

 

I've gone a mixture of colours and styles with these five, and what I think are quite small statement necklaces. I love the floral ones, like the pink one in the bottom left, and especially the teal one in the centre. I do like the more simpler chain ones that don't aren't too long. Hopefully in the not to distant future I will be sharing my review of my first statement necklace, so keep your eyes peeled!

 

 

 

 

 

New Year Sales - Pink Clove

Happy New Year! 2015 is here, and so are a lot of sales from brands I love. So I couldn't resist but to choose my favourite pieces from there current online sales. Now, I am in no position to buy any of these lovely things, but that doesn't stop me from having a good look! So here are my top picks from the 'Up To 60% Off Sale' from Pink Clove - and not to mention another 20% off with the code DAZZLE.

 

 

First up is this top that I have had my eye on for a while. It is an oversized comfy top with mesh inserts down the sleeves. It looks so comfy, but yet I think it could easily be worn with some nice trousers or a skirt for a stylish look for a night out.

 

 

Next up was this beautiful gold studded skater dress. It has lovely little angel sleeves that look so pretty with the skater line of the dress. It's no secret that I love a skater dress, and this would be a great addition to my collection, for both day and night time.

 

 

This skirt then caught my eye. I have just bought my first couple of skater skirts, and am loving them, so this would be a lovely addition to my wardrobe. I'd team it with a plain black top for a stylish evening outfit.

 

 

I do love lace! And this top is a lovely design, covered with a top layer of lace. It has a sweetheart neckline, and a nice length sleeve, and not to mention, looks like a nice length to team with trousers.

 

 

Last up is another skater dress..... This time we have one that is a nude dress with an overlay of black lace. The sleeves are down to the elbow, which is a big plus for me, and it also has a Bardot neckline and scallop edges. Such a beautiful dress.

 

 

 

So they are my top picks from Pink Clove's current sale. Don't forget that there is an extra 20% off if you use the code 'DAZZLE' at the checkout.

Find all their items here.