Mother and Daughter Style Challenge Part 1

I've been blogging for quite a while now - think it's about 5 years? - and my Mam has never really understood it. It comes from a place of love, that she doesn't want me attracting 'undue attention'. 

But she slowly started to take an interest - and I thought when the team behind J D Williams contacted me, I could work my Mam into my plan!

The plan was simple - I would choose 2 pieces for her, and she would choose 2 pieces for me. I would finally let her dictate what I wear!

We both trawled through the Plus Size options on JD Williams - and it seems we both went for one that was in our usual style, and another that pushed our limits a little.

My Mam first went for this green body con number: 

My new job has me working from home, but I regularly have to go for super business smart. But as I'm still one for showing spark and personality, I like to mix up my smart with a side of Kathryn positivity!

I paired with a grey collarless jacket for a work event.

The joy of this (for me), isn't the awesome colour, but the draping detail:

Gotta say, my Mam did very well choosing this! I spent most of the event sat down, and although I did pull at the length of the skirt a bit, I still felt confident and pretty awesome in it - meaning I was giving my A Game at the event! 

I chose this number for my Mam:

I mean, just look at her face! You can tell she is a super happy in it - either that or I hit her with one of my bad jokes! 

She rocks dresses like this all the time - and a bold floral print gives her a number of options for cardigan coordination (which is where I get that particular sense of style from!).

The waist detail is a great touch, something to separate it from the other dresses in her wardrobe

She actually loves this dress so much she's picked it up in the navy / pink spot combo!

So, round one of the Mother / Daughter style challenge worked out pretty well, didn't it!

Much love my lovelies, 

K and Mama K

Spring Jackets I Can't Get Enough Of...

I struggle with being too hot a lot of the time. You're likely to spot me in mid November with a cardigan on and rather content to feel a bit of a chill - so come the first hint of Spring, and I shed my winter jacket in favour of something lighter - usually my trusty mac. This Spring, with my office being rather on the chilly side, I wanted something that could double as a stylish addition to my outfits.

My first step into the world of the statement jacket was this:

I've seen a few fellow bloggers wear this bomber jacket with the matching skirt, such as the lush Amanda:

I do love the combo, but I've wanted to pair it with more contrasting tones, so pinks and purples:

And really play with the vintage feel of the paisley print:

It's lightweight, and I opted for my usual size 24 and found it roomy and was actually surprised that it actually zips up fully!!

My other  splurge on outwear came in the form of this acid wash denim biker jacket:

It's a great option to 'toughen up' my usually feminine aesthetic, and it gives me the edge I feel my 'look' lacks:

I opted for the 26 in this jacket, to make sure it actually could be zipped up fully if needed, but still looks good when worn open:

I might be growing my hair, but both these jackets keeps my vibe alive I feel!!

Much love my lovelies, 

K x

Vintage and the Plus Size Aesthetic

A few months ago, the super talented Laura sent some questions over to me to reflect on our photoshoot together. You can read it all here, but something I touched upon, has, in recent days, come to a head in the plus size community.

"I think that pinup is always thrusted upon the plus size arena as the hourglass figure is lauded as the ideal. Which is why I was keen to express the other side of pinup – the rockabilly masculine side with my ‘fat rizzo’ outfit!"

It seems to me, that when you start on your body loving journey, on of the first steps is into the world of 'flattering'. The society perception of flattering is very much so the hour glass figure, and so the vintage style is one that is 'flattering' - it skims the tummy and the thighs, it nips in at the waist, it highlights the bust. It is, to use a contentious phrase - demure. Especially the 1940s aesthetic of the tea dress.

Demure is such a loaded term, isn't it? Sexy but not too sexy, quiet and well put together. Oh, and femininity is a MUST. Because heaven for bid, women have to look feminine right!

And that is why it's so pleasing to someone, emerging from the wardrobe of black tents, jeans and hoodies, and starting to experiment. Most likely to be met with comments about how flattering that outfit is, or how slimming, ad ultimately, how great they look. And this kind of attention is addictive. And sometimes, people stay here, quite happy with their flattering, and they're content.

Just because they stay at this stage on their journey, doesn't mean that the journey is over. They are beset, just like you or I, with constant pressure and images that demand more. Or less. 

That's the thing, with this body love journey we're all on right now - there is no destination. Even for those who have the ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED BADGE, and wear it with pride, have to fight to stay at that peak level of body confidence. So those who are at the start of their journey, it's worth it, believe me, it is SO worth it, but it's a life long journey.

The journey looks different for all of us. Some of the most amazing women I know, have chosen to rock the vintage look, because it represents them, it is THEM to a T. I've talked often about how the rockabilliy aesthetic was something I dreamed of as a late teen, going to soul club nights, which then led to wanting the perfect 60s shift dress. But that is part of me, my personality. 

When I moved on from flattering, and vintage, and experimented with shapes, colour, print, trying to find the style that represented ME to the world. I didn't find any given style that appealed, it was about playing with styles, being 50s pin up one day, school teacher the next, and then a bit of an oversized shirt and jeans the next.

Our journeys are different, but it doesn't mean it's any less valid, or that we're any less of an advocate for body confidence because we dress in typically flattering way, or because we happen to want to have a jeans and a hoodie day! Just because someone wants to dress in a pinup style all day, every day, doesn't mean they've thrown feminism out of the window either. As I said in the interview:

"Pinup is the empowerment that feeling sexy gives you. Whether that sexy comes from the bold red lip, the cinched waist, or a visible décolletage, it is owning that sexiness, rather than being the unwilling participant in that exchange."

Fashion is almost never about the opposite sex, but about taking the power back, and making it all about us, in all our amazing forms.

Much love my lovelies, 

K x

Opinion: The Importance of Plus Size Blogs

You know, when you're headed to a fashion event, and you hope against hope that no one else is wearing the same as you? That Primark special, or that Zara must have, it's a major headache when deciding between shopping your wardrobe or popping out for something new!

Imagine then, just for a moment, having less than 10% (it's a guess mind) of the stores to shop at. Ha, I hear you puff, how is that even possible? There is eBay, online shopping, and charity shops galore!

There may well be, for the glorious size 14. Or the wonderful size 12. Or even the heavenly size 16. But for us fabulous fats out there, we have a struggle. We have far fewer PHYSICAL stores to touch and see and try on clothes at. I live near Newcastle. The high street has one fat friendly store now - New Look Inspire. It has about 20 pieces in it. However, the Metro Centre has an Evans, a Simply Be, and a Yours Clothing. This makes me a very lucky northerner indeed – and I’m aware of my privilege from that perspective.

We might be limited by the high street, so much so that for some the only medium for shopping is online, but that doesn’t mean we don’t look, and wander, and fondle the clothes hanging on the rails. I certainly look at the prices and wonder just how much I could buy at the cost of one dress from one of *our* stores. You see, it’s not just that fatshion is inaccessible to us in the physical form, but quite often it’s priced well out of our price range too.

Now, please don't come to me with 'Well, Weight W****ers worked for...". No. Don't. I love who I am, and what size I am. I do not, for one second, want to change that. I want to celebrate diversity and all body types, no matter the shape or size.

I was at an amazing event last month in Birmingham, called Style XL. There were about 200 amazing women there during the day. I only spotted 2 people in the same outfit. TWO! How? How did we manage this with so few retailers out there? Through sheer style and determination. Which is why, FATshion blogs for me, are more varied, more interesting. Because we have to make styling choices, keep clothes from year to year, or customise them, or wearing a dress under a skirt to create a whole new look!

Over the years of only shopping in Evans, and a little bit from DP, has taught me my STYLE. I think mainstream fashion has a lot to glean from the plus size fashion blogs, because mainstream fashion is handed to you on a plate. You can buy the complete look in one STORE! Plus size fashion hunting involves multiple websites, multiple postage costs and the headache of returning items through the post only.

Finding that perfect outfit is a struggle; looking like you’ve stepped out of a fashion magazine is a struggle. That is why plus size blogs have more meaning, more weight (no pun intended), and more to say that most mainstream fashion blogs, in my opinion.

Much love my lovelies, 

K x

Sprinkle of Glitter for Simply Be

The Sprinkle Of Glitter for Simply Be

 collection hit the (online) shops recently, and I'm not going to lie, I really liked the collection. 

It fits in with what I would class as my 'go to style' - while I may flirt with other looks, I know that a good full skirt is waiting for me at home!!

Yes, I would like to have seen some variation with the silhouette, but this is Louise designing clothes she would want to wear! It's an interchangeable capsule collection!

When my order arrived (not of the whole collection, just my favourite pieces) I took to instagram to share my immediate thoughts, including those styles which didn't quite work!

And that reminded me how I used to share what was going back, as much as I did what I was keeping - and I missed that. I miss explaining why something doesn't work, or isn't what I was expecting.

The Sprinkle of Glitter Breton Pink Stripe top, teamed with her dungaree dress.

Now, lets talk material - the top is a lovely cotton feel - and has some stretch, although not much difference between the 22 and the 24 in the top - and while this is the 22, I've opted for the 24 in the top so I can wear it with the bib!

Now, lets talk about this dungaree dress shall we? 

The skirt is a short skater number, which means (for me and my 5'10 tallness) it's leggings only. The waistband does have some give in it, and the pockets are good, deep pockets. There is a side fastening (zip) but I just pull it over my head!! 

Now, the bib. The bib itself just doesn't seem wide enough - like it's not been sized up with everything else. However, I do like that the straps have two lengths available to allow for varying bust sizes!!

Oh hello, pretty, heavy, lined and netted full skirt!

Again, I wasn't expecting it to be this good a quality skirt - the heavy nature of the material means it hangs well, the netting puffs it out, and the lining means your tights don't get clicked by the netting! Win! 

I ordered it in two sizes (again, a 22 and a 24) as depending on the give on the waist I may have needed the smaller size. There is no give in the waist band. So if anything, you might need to size up in this. 

The ballerina wrap top was a last minute decision to be added to my basket, so I stuck with the 24 - and as we can see, the bust area doesn't really fit me!! 

I'm tempted to size down and see if that improves the fit at all, but anything like a stitch or a pin would ruin the way the top lies. 

I do, however, really like how these colours go together and may just have to look out for this in a smaller size! 

The Sprinkle of Glitter collection is a slice of femme joy, and I get that it only speaks to some style aesthetics, but me and my wardrobe are very happy with the pieces I'm keeping: Dungaree dress in a 24; rose coloured skirt in a 24; breton top in a 24 - and I can't wait to see how I can incorporate them into my corporate dress code!

Much love my lovelies, 

K x

**Disclaimer** Please remember that these photos were taken as part of the immediate trying on session!

Style XL 2015

Every time I go to one of these events, I can never find the words to explain how important they are, or how amazing it was, without it sounding exaggerated or cliched. 

This year, more than any other I think, I'm sat staring at the blank white screen, not knowing how I can put the weekend into words.

It was a weekend of new friendships and old. It was a mashup of brands and bloggers. And I kinda think the bloggers won! 

I wasn't modelling this year, but adopted my usual role of Chief Cheerleader (and did a stirling job, obviously!), and bra-fitting-bully! In fact, one of my first acts of the day was to get Wor Daisy into the Curvy Kate tents to get boosted - and between Caroline and myself, she's off on a voyage of bra-discovery! 

Daisy is awesome - FACT. She was my room mate, my tour guide, my sanity checker, and my companion. I don't think I could have got through the weekend without her by my side.

As well as the super Daisy, our room also had space for the quiet and considerate Kerry-Ann

A photo posted by Kathryn (@misskathryn84) on Jul 27, 2015 at 10:54pm PDT

I mentioned that we got to forge new friendships:

A photo posted by Kathryn (@misskathryn84) on Jul 18, 2015 at 6:38am PDT

With Georgina G

A photo posted by Kathryn (@misskathryn84) on Jul 19, 2015 at 1:06am PDT

And the lovely Kate

A photo posted by Kathryn (@misskathryn84) on Jul 20, 2015 at 1:54pm PDT

Kate and I's moment is photobombed by Debz and Tanya!!

As well as strengthen old ones:

A photo posted by Leah Shafik (@leahxl) on Jul 19, 2015 at 1:13am PDT

With the yummy Lolly.

And I clearly couldn't be kept away from the catwalk for too long, modelling for Yours Clothing in this bodycon maxi in tropical print

A photo posted by Clare Tooth (@tloatb90) on Jul 18, 2015 at 9:50am PDT

But there was a little time for brands, and this beaut from Bon Prix had me planning Christmas parties just so I would have somewhere to wear it!

A photo posted by Kathryn (@misskathryn84) on Jul 18, 2015 at 4:46am PDT

This year wasn't about the modelling, or the brands, but about the people - the readers of blogs, the bloggers, those just starting their body confidence journey, and those well on their way.

Leah did an astounding job, and I know this isn't the last we'll hear of StyleXL, although perhaps not in the same guise!

Here is to the next great event, where ever, and whatever, and whenever that may be.

Much love my lovelies, 

K x

StyleXL OOTD feat. Mod Cloth French Bulldog Dress

I had decided, when it was clear I was actually going to StyleXL in Birmingham, that I would shop my wardrobe. I mean, we've seen the size of it, so it's clear that amount of choice wasn't going to be an option! Until, after a cheeky eBay search revealed this dress for sale!

A photo posted by Kathryn (@misskathryn84) on Jul 18, 2015 at 2:13am PDT

Now, the best thing about buying from eBay is the ability to ask for measurements - something you can't always get when you're shopping online. 

This dress is the 4XL, and in all fairness, the 3XL would have probably done, but I really liked having the option of a more loose fit.

I started off the day with a nice cinched waist but midway through I was belt free and loving the freedom - two dresses in one!!

A more detailed post on #StyleXL will follow - I felt my Mod Cloth dress deserved a post of it's own!! 

Much love my lovelies, 

K x

#Bloggerspearjoy - Behind the Scenes

Oooh, after the lovely Rachel released her blog yesterday with you all, I couldn't wait to be able to share the wonderful, sharing, collaborative experience it was, being involved with #bloggerspearjoy. 

We ended up functioning like a hive mind towards the end - but that might have been the hunger kicking in!!

Meeting at the perfectly situated SalonLRM at Hoults Yard at 11am, we were bright eyed and bushy tailed (well, I was anyway!) and ready to get our vintage on!

After raiding my own wardrobe for a range of vintage options, Nichola (our super stylist) and I paired together the perfect 'day' outfit, from now on known as Fat Rizzo!

While the beauts that are Rachel, Alice and Laura B were getting their hairs and makeups did, I set to work, making the strongest coffee known to man, and helping Nichola out with making sure the wardrobe was as she wanted it, and that everyone had something to wear! 

We knew my hair wouldn't take that long to do, given that the brief was "Quifftastic", so I knew I had the time to be able to help out. I can't just sit and wait - and I trusted that if I was getting in the way, or getting too involved, I would be told to bugger off!!

The awesome Emily, was super kind with me, especially after I'd said I'd never worn false lashes before! She was patient, and willing to up my brow game to this:

Taken later in the day but showing her awesome brow skills!

And so, my first look! 

As I said, we opted for Rizzo from Grease as our inspiration, the rebel!

I MEAN!

So, shirt was Simply Be - no longer available - and the skirt was a jersey stretch tube skirt, also from Simply Be - the belt I've had forever, and the neck scarf was Laura P's! Et voila!

I can't believe that I had most of these things in my wardrobe, and had never thought I'd have the confidence to wear them together, but here we go! Big thanks to Nichola (Vera to my Reg), for putting it all together so wonderfully.

And we were set!

I was paired with the super cute Laura B to be my partner in crime - land girl to my rebel:

And were the first to go off on location, for great videoing (yes, VIDEO, but more of that to come) and photoing:

But the winner for me, was this beaut:

I'm not being over dramatic here, but we maybe got upstaged by Mr Buick!! 

A quick costume change, into my Polka Dot Polly Peacock Print dress, for more videoing and photoing, including these perfect shots:

Like what you see? Sign up here to become a Pear Pin-Up Aficionado and hear about all the latest deals for the best vintage photography experience.

Much love my lovelies, 

K x

PS - I think this is my favourite picture from the day (LEGS):

ModCloth Get Up and Bow dress from Hell Bunny

When placing my order for my 'Stylish Surprise', I made a number of silly errors, one of which was checking out  so quickly I didn't realise that this dress was already in my basket! 

However, clearly it was meant to be because:

Not that you can tell from my face mind!!

This dress fits like a dream and is a real 'throw on and leave the house' dress - no styling required! I'm wearing it in the office right now, with my Clarks mens Brogues for that extra wartime feel!

I followed the advice in the review section and sized up to a 4x and while it felt a little more tight than I'm used to, I'm getting used to it! 

This may well become 'The Dress I bought by accident'!

Much love, my lovelies,

K 

A Jean Style For Everyone

If you've been in a social media sabatical, I'll forgive you - otherwise - where have you been?!

This weekend saw the launch of the 7 Bloggers competition - for your chance to win one of the 7 Style of Jeans shown above, all you have to do, is tweet with the following hashtags.

By rights I should be asking you all to vote for my jean type, but I can't bring myself to do it! All the jeans (and the women wearing them) are amazing for different reasons! So make your choice, tweet your favourite style of jean, and be in a chance of winning a pair!

1 - Bootcut - #evejeansgirl

That's me! Look, in all my glory! Wearing the long length, and looking rather short next to Em does make the jeans look a tad too long for me, but I'd rather a too long jeans leg than a too short one!

2 - Skinny - #chloejeansgirl

The gorgeous Em, looking super stylish in her skinny jeans.

3 - Flared - #phoebejeansgirl

The agile Steph, with her jumps (HOW HIGH!?) and perfect flared jeans - I had a pair of these from before the campaign was even mooted about - and I wish I'd got the longer length jean here too.

4 - High Waisted Skinny - #lucyjeansgirl

Another Steph, this time wearing the high waisted skinny, which I'd be interested to try myself - looking very sultry in the middle of us!

5 - Wide Legged - #pixiejeansgirl

Shali, the giggler of us all, judging by the photos of the day, killed it in the wide legged jeans - which looked perfect teamed with her platform boots.

 

6 - Relaxed Skinny - #sadiejeansgirl

Hollie, the beautiful sweet Hollie looked BANGING in the relaxed skinny, whether they were turned up or left down.

7 - Boyfriend Jeans - #chelseajeansgirl

Mrs Casual herself, Becky, was the perfect choice for the boyfriend jean, and, with their added element of distressed knee, would be a great addition to any wardrobe.

So, don't choose Eve Jeans because I've asked you to, choose any of the above jeans because you want to win them!

Get tweeting, sharing your love of #sbdenim and this amazing campaign

Much love my lovelies, 

K x 

Simply Be Printed Peplum

Oh hello! 

This printed peplum was a spare top at the Simply Be Denim shoot this week, and they were kind enough to let me keep it!

I would normally pair something like this with a skirt, but I felt the need to mix it up a little bit - perhaps all the denim was rubbing off on me!!

I was super comfortable in my skinny jeans (which I'd had for years), and this top. If I'm being picky, this may be seen by some (my Mam for example) as a little short, as it shows off my VBO, but you know what? That little voice only piped up when I met my Mam that evening - go figure!

This is a size 22, and it fits pretty perfectly all over.

The lovely Steph from Nerd about Town was meant to wear it at the shoot:

Which fits her length wise, a whole lot better, but she wasn't comfortable in it, and who are we to say anything to combat comfort!

I love it as a dress down, casual top, but after seeing this picture from the Simply Be website, I need a pair of wet look legging in my life!

Either that or black cigarette pants! Shame I'm on this spending ban for another 60 odd days!

Much love my lovelies, 

K x