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Blog archive '13- June
. July . Aug
. Sept . Oct . Nov . Dec.
Blog Archive 2014 Jan . Feb . Mar . Apr . May . June . July . Aug . Diane's plus size fashion blog(this
blog is also on plussize.co.uk)
Aug 2nd - "Road Test" of the Leanne Shoes on a 4 day city break to BerlinI have just returned from a 4 day city break to Berlin where I took the opportunity to "road test" the Leanne Shoes from the Active Wear Range at Hotter Shoes. These shoes are designed for foot and leg comfort and are the perfect shoes for wearing all day. Hear what I have to say about these Shoes To buy the Shoes click HERE A City Break holiday involves a lot of walking and exploring. It is vital that you have the right footwear for that all important "all day comfort". Cities mean walking on hard surfaces such as concrete, tarmac, paving and other tiled or industrial style designed surfaces. Walking on hard surfaces for long periods of time is very tiring and can be damaging to your feet. It is therefore vital that you plan to wear the correct shoes to give you both foot bed and arch support. I can highly recommend the Leanne Shoes (which are part of the Active Wear Range at Hotter Shoes) for that all important foot comfort and support. I had 4 full days in Berlin where I was on my feet and out and about for upwards of 8+ hours per day. My number one priority was to wear a pair of shoes for comfort. These shoes have my mark of approval. Here are a few photos of me in Berlin showing typical examples of the types of hard surfaces that I encountered each and every day. 
Numerous concrete and tiled steps and staircases in both the regional train stations and the underground 
Tiled and potentially a slippery surface at the Berlin Underground 
More stairs at the Underground 
At Berlin Zoo where the surfaces varied from concrete paving, concrete slabs to tarmac 
an example of some of the paving work at Berlin Zoo 
More concrete tiled paving at Alexanderplatz, Berlin Whilst I came home tired after my 4 days of being on my feet all day at no point did I have any problems with my feet nor legs. I am wearing these shoes in the white and grey combination but they are also available in beige, aqua, purple, and red. The sale is still on at Hotter Shoes where these shoes are now £49 (with free delivery) To buy the Leanne Shoes click HERE Hotter Shoes are
also giving my viewers to this website 10% off the
new season collection plus free delivery. To avail
of this offer use promo code PKCTEN Until next week. Diane xxx July 28th - 4 Day City Break to BerlinToday I am off on a 4 day City Break to Berlin. I am travelling with hand luggage only so I have planned the most effective and efficient wardrobe possible for all eventualities. The weather forecast over the next 4 days in Berlin ranges from 23 - 28 degrees Centigrade with thundery showers. The weather is therefore going to be hot, sticky and wet. My wardrobe has got to cope with all the variations that the days may bring. My colour theme is white (for coolness) and an easy colour to mix and match. As I will have 4 full days in Berlin and I intend to be out and about all day in the City visiting all the sights and (hopefully) getting in a bit of retail therapy; I have chosen 3 easy and comfortable looks that are summer smart and city ready. Last summer I spent 2 weeks in Paris and the surrounding area and I suffered greatly with aches and pains in my legs and feet. This year I am forearmed and I will be wearing a pair of Hotter Shoes from their Active Wear Range for that all important "All Day Comfort". I am so confident that these shoes will do the job and look stylish with my clothes that I am going to do a "Road Test Blog" about them. You can read all about what I will put these shoes through next week. The dress sense in "the City" for a break is a smarter casual than at a holiday resort. Remember when in "the city" you are trying to integrate in with people going about their daily lives and also anticipating what is appropriate to wear to different venues e.g. visiting cathedrals and/or shrines/monuments AND in many restaurants means having your shoulders covered and your skirt or shorts length to at least the knees. Planning a wardrobe also means getting your footwear right. You need something comfortable AND that will easily blend in with your daily clothing ensemble. Below are a few pictures of what I intend to wear and vary these looks so that I do not flout any dress code rules. I am wearing my white knee length skirt, my green city shorts, and my white cut off trousers. Each day these items will be worn with a white tee-shirt or top. When it gets cooler in the evenings I also have my white cotton cardigan and my neon bright jumper. 
White Skirt and tee-shirt with Leanne Shoes from Hotter Shoes 
White skirt with Neon Bright Jumper worn with Leanne Shoes from Hotter Shoes on a city Break to Berlin 
Green City Shorts with white linen top and cotton cardigan worn with Leeane shoes from Hotter Shoes 
White cut off trousers with grey and white sleeveless top and neon bright jumper Last summer in Paris I had no option but to buy a pair of trainers. My feet and legs were aching and my mules (which matched my white skirt (same skirt as in these pictures)) just looked some much better with the skirt than the trainers. Whilst I had no alternative but to give in to comfort the vanity in me would not allow myself to wear these same trainers into a restaurant. I changed out of the trainers and put my mules back on for the duration of my time in the restaurant. This year not only have I found a pair of comfortable shoes for my all day comfort but the profile is slimmer on the foot and overall a better look than trainers. Have a look at these photos to see if you agree. 
White skirt with trainers 
Leeanne Shoes from Hotter Shoes worn with white skirt Hotter Shoes are offering a special discount for my Readers. See details below - Please use promo Code - PKCTEN Offer - 10% off plus free delivery T and C - 10% off plus FREE delivery is for first orders only. You are entitled to 10% off the total order value of any full priced items in the Hotter range (excluding shoe care products) plus FREE delivery. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or on Sale or Factory Clearance items and gift vouchers. I can"t wait to explore Berlin. See you next week and I will have all the details about how I got on in Berlin. To view the full range of both sales stock and new stock at HOTTER SHOES click HERE Diane xxx -------------------------------------------------- July 26th Yours - New Stock Arrival - Ethnic Floral Maxi DressEthnic Floral Maxi Dress from the new season collection at Yours. This dress is £35 and is sized from a UK16 - UK32. 
Ethnic Floral Maxi Dress - £35 - Available from UK16 - UK32 This dress is yet another easy care easy wear dress and ideal for your holidays. The dress is a light weight jersey fabric with a very autumn colour mix of ethnic inspired floral print. I recommend wearing this dress with either a block heel or sandal. The dress is 56" in length from shoulder to hemline. For cooler days or evenings a nice linen mix cardigan or jersey weight edge to edge jacket in a neutral tone is all that is needed to complement the dress. To buy the dress click HERE ---------------------------------- July 15th - The relaxed jumper around the shoulders lookTo buy the V Neck Jumper and to view the other colour options click HERE To buy the camisole and to view the other colour options click HERE 
V Neck Jumper and Camisole Combination. Each item available in 20 different colours 
V Neck Jumper worn over the camisole The look is casual again today with this jumper and camisole combination. The jumper adds that extra bit of layering for added warmth when it gets breezy and can be stylishly draped around the shoulder area when out in the warmth of the sun. The jumper sits neatly over the camisole without adding any bulk or showing any detail of the camisole top. Another simple yet effective casual look. Both the jumper and camisole top are 30% silk and 70% cotton so are ideal for a summer lighter weight look. To buy the jumper and to see the other 20 colours click HERE To buy the camisole top and to see the other 20 colours click HERE I hope you have
been impressed with the Silk and Cotton Collection at Woolovers and
have been impressed with the quality, price, styles and colour ranges
available. Woolovers Sale now on until Aug 31st July 14th A smarter city look for the Sleeveless TopTo buy the Sleeveless Top and to view the other colour options click HERE 
Sleeveless Top (Tank Top) - £22 - S M L XL You first saw this Sleeveless Top on Day 2 of 7 @ Woolovers worn as a casual tee-shirt look with shorts. Today the same top is worn as a Tank Top with a white blouse underneath and worn with navy smart trousers. This look now transforms this top to a smarter business look or "Girl about the City". The top is 30% Silk and 70% Cotton so its lighter weight makes it ideal for layering over a smart blouse for extra warmth on a cooler summer day at work. It is not a bulky top so does not add inches to your overall profile either. The top is available in 20 colour options providing you with loads of choice to match and co-ordinate with your existing summer wardrobe. You could also add more detail and definition to this look by adding a silk scarf (either tucked inside the open neck of the white blouse OR worn long underneath the collar of the blouse and hanging down the front of the top). To buy the sleeveless top and to view the other colour options click HERE ------------------------------------------------------- July 13th - A Casual Cardigan and Camisole Layered LookHear what I have
to say about the V Neck Cardigan and Camisole Top To buy the camisole top and to view the other colour options Click HERE 
V Neck Cardigan (Marine Green) and Camisole Top (Citrus) - Both items available in sizes S M L XL I have now transformed the classical elegance and streamlined look of the Twin Set (as featured on Day 3 of 7 @ Woolovers) and mixed and took advantage of the colour choices available, to put together this more casual layered look. I am wearing the V Neck Cardigan (Marine Green) and the Camisole Top (Citrus) as contrasting separates. Both the cardigan and the camisole top are part of the Silk and Cotton Collection from Woolovers and are sized in the range S M L XL. I am wearing the XL which is a UK20/22. The XL size has a back length of 25" which is great for taller girls like me who need just that little bit more back cover. The cardigan is £27 but if you buy 2 you get both for £45. The Camisole is £23 but if you buy 2 you get both for £40. Both items come in 20 colour options to include all the seasonal summer bright colours as well. As with all items in this Silk and Cotton Collection from Woolovers they are easy care easy wear. They can be machined washed on a 30 degree C wash cycle and then spun before hanging out to dry on your clothes airer. Both the cardigan and camisole top are light weight so ideal for your summer knitwear wardrobe. To buy the cardigan and to view the other colour options click HERE To buy the camisole top and to view the other colour options click HERE To view other items of knitwear from Woolovers click HERE 
Camisole Top (Citrus) - £23 or 2 for £40 - S M L XL 
Front detailing on the silk and cotton camisole top - £23 or buy 2 for £40 - S M L XL ---------------------------------------------- July 12th - Long Sleeved V Neck Jumper from the Silk and Cotton Collection at WooloversHear what I have
to say about this V Neck Jumper To view the other colour options or to buy the jumper click HERE 
V Neck Jumper in Cornflower Blue - £25 - Available in S M L XL in 20 different colour options The V Neck Jumper from the Silk and Cotton Collection at Woolovers is now presented to you as a casual look and worn with my denim cut-off jeans. This look says casual and easy going, particularly in the cooler days or early evenings. I previously wore this jumper (in Coral) on Day 1 of this series of reviews, and styled it as a smarter going to work look. (Scroll down to July 9th post on this page to see) I am wearing the jumper in a size XL. I am 5'9" tall and the XL has a 25" back length which I need as I have a long back. The jumper is 30% silk and 70% cotton and is a no fuss easy care easy wear jumper. I have been a customer of Woolovers for a number of years and I can honestly say that all of their knitwear collections are good value for money and all very versatile for mixing and matching and styling for smarter or more casual looks. I really like this potential and therefore highly recommend Woolovers as a true quality and value for money knitwear retailer. To launder this jumper simply turn inside out and wash on a 30 degree C cycle in your washing machine and then spin before hanging out to dry on your clothes airer. This is a light weight jumper so will dry overnight ready for the next day's wear. To buy the jumper click HERE To view other knitwear items and collections from Woolovers click HERE ------------------------------------- July 11th Twin Set - Matching Long Sleeve Cardigan and Camisole Top - Available to buy as Separates OR as a matching Twin SetHear what I have
to say about the Twin Set in Marine Green To buy the Cardigan click HERE To buy the Camisole top click HERE 
Long Sleeve V Neck Cardigan (£27) and matching Camisole Top (£23) - Available in 20 colour options to mix and match. Sizes available S M L XL 
front close up of matching Camisole Top (£23 or buy 2 camisole tops for £40) 
Full length shot of camisole (£23 or buy 2 for £40). Available in S M L XL To buy the cardigan and to see the other 20 colour options click HERE To buy the camisole top and to see the other 20 colour options click HERE I love the smartness and richness of this silk and cotton matching cardigan and camisole top which I have styled as a Twin Set. This Twin Set is a long sleeve v neck cardigan (£27) and a matching colour camisole top (£23). I am seen here wearing the Twin Set in XL and in Marine Green. You can buy the cardigan and camisole top as separates and have a choice of 20 different colours giving you plenty of options for mixing and matching. The Cardigan and Camisole are both part of the Silk and Cotton Collection at Woolovers and are ideal for the Spring and Summer in that they are lighter in weight yet you have the options to mix and match and layer for extra warmth when required. I particularly like the camisole top in that it is smart enough for wearing in and around Town and at work. There is an attractive and feminine lace front detail yet it is high enough at the front to not gape and therefore is a more professional look for corporate day wear in very hot summer weather. The straps too are about the thickness of a standard bra strap and this definition makes this top classier and certainly not beach wear. To view other knitwear pieces in the Silk and Cotton Collection at Woolovers click HERE --------------------------------------------------- July 10th Day 2 of 7 @ Woolovers - The Silk and Cotton Knitwear Collection - Sleeveless TopHear what I have
to say about the Sleeveless Top from Woolovers To buy the Sleeveless Top and to view the other colour options click HERE 
Sleeveless Top - £22 OR buy 2 for £35 - Available in 20 colour options in sizes S M L XL Day 2 and another versatile and good value for money piece of knitwear from the Silk and Cotton Knitwear Collection at Woolovers. I am seen here wearing the top in Cerise (pink) in size XL (UK20/22). As with all the pieces in the Silk and Cotton Knitwear Collection at Woolovers this item comes in 20 different colour options giving you loads of choice to mix and match your SS14 wardrobe. This is a very versatile top. I have styled my look for a smarter day wear holiday look at the seaside. The top is worn as a tee shirt with shorts and gives just that little bit more of a sophisticated look for wearing through town and walking to the Promenade to visit the Beach Bar. You will not flought any "beach day wear House Dress Rules" with this look. The shoulders are covered and the shorts are a longer leg length. The top is 30% silk and 70% cotton so is a light weight top but heavier than the standard tee shirt. It is an easy care top too. I have a few of these tops and I have never had any problems with them. I just wash them on a 30 degree C cycle in my washing machine, spin, and then hang to dry on my clothes airer. Iron on a cool setting. To buy the sleeveless top click HERE To View the entire Silk and Cotton Knitwear Collection, or other knitwear products from Woolovers click HERE ------------------------------------- July 9th:- Day 1 of 7 @ Woolovers - The Silk and Cotton Knitwear Collection - Long Sleeve V Neck Jumper - £25
Long Sleeve V Neck Jumper - £25 (or 2 for £45) - Available in 20 different colours This smart Long Sleeve V Neck Jumper from Woolovers is 30% Silk and 70% Cotton and ideal for your Spring and Summer Wardrobe due to the versatility of looks that can be achieved. I am seen here wearing this jumper in Coral and styled with a Linen and Cotton mix skirt making this look suitable for office day wear. The jumper is available in S (UK8/10), M (UK12/14), L (UK16/18), XL (UK20/22) The Jumper is £25 and is available in 20 different colour options. If you buy 2 jumpers you will get a discount and get both jumpers for £45 (a saving of £5). I am seen here wearing the jumper in size XL (UK20/22) (back length is 24″ - shoulder to hemline). As with all Woolovers Silk and Cotton Knitwear range the garments are all easy care and easy wear with multiple occasion wear usage. I have been a customer of Woolovers for a number of years and love wearing their Knitwear for the "ease of care- (wash on a 30 degree C cycle in your washing machine, spin, and then hang to dry on your clothes airer). A very quick and simple cool ironing is all that is required to have your jumper ready to go. To buy the Jumper and to see all the other colour options click HERE To view more products from all the Knitwear Ranges at Woolovers click HERE --------------------- August 2014 blogs, click here - Aug 29 Jump suit from Pink Clove, - Aug 21 Flared Skirt, Wardrobe staple. - Aug 15 Fine Knit Cardigan, Wardrobe staple. - Aug 7 David Emanuel at Bonmarche. - Aug 2 Road test of Leanne Shoes from Hotter. July 2014 blogs, click here - July 29 Berlin Break, July 26 YOURS - Floral Maxi Dress, July 15 Woolovers Jumper around shoulders look, July 14 Woolovers City Look, July 13 Woolovers Casual Layered Look, July 12 Woolovers V-Necked Jumper - look #2, July 11 Woolovers Twin Set look, July 10 Woolovers Sleeveless Top, July 9 Woolovers V-Necked Jumper look #1 June 2014 blogs, click here - June 27 Suede Moccasin Shoes. June 20 Garden Party - Overlay Dress from Long Tall Sally. June 12 Aran Boyfriend Cardigan- Celtic & Co. June 5th Little Black Dress. May 2014 blogs, click here - May 30th Ivory Bridal Dress (vintage 1950s style) from Monsoon. May 22nd - The Return of the Trouser Suit. May 14th Agricultural Show or County Fair - Practical Styling Advice. May 7th M&S boot cut jeans May 1st Plus Size Revolution - money counts. April 2014 blogs, click here -Apr.27th The Plus Size Revolution - Curves take Centre Stage. Apr.20th Travel Clothes Apr.4th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Dynasty. March 2014 blogs, click here - Mar 20th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Curvety. Mar 14th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Jane Watson. Feb 2014 blogs, click here - Feb 27th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Dea. Feb 14th Diane Marshall Plus Size Model London Fashion Week. Feb 7th All weather fitness clothing Jan. 2014 blogs, click here - Jan 30th London Fashion Week, plus size modelling opportunity. Jan 23rd Plus Size Acceptance vs Weight Loss. Jan 16th Plus Size Weight Loss - an expert approach. Jan 9th Plus Size, what size of fit are we describing? All 2013
blogs, click here
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