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Jan 3rd - 1950's "Call the Midwife" style Swing Coat in Navy and Cream, in plus-sizes UK12 - UK26.

Darling Cristina 1950s inspired Swing coat - NOW £69.50 - Available in plus-sizes UK 12 to 26

Coat worn as an 'over the shoulder' look on a '50s style flared dress

casual 1950s jeans vibe

The coat with a knee length straight dress (again a late 1950s early 1960s look)

I love the retro fashion trends that have been prominent in British Fashion for the past couple of years. The popularity of BBC period dramas has done wonders in introducing younger audiences to the charm and grace of ladies fashions from bygone eras.

In the UK we have had 3 major and very successful period dramas showcasing wonderful design - Mr Selfridge (early 1900s), Downton Abbey (1912 - 1925) and Call the Midwife (1950s).

What I love about fashion is that looks never get tired, they just get updated.  This is certainly true in the modern treatment of this 1950s inspired coat. But then Fashion is never static, it continuously develops by re-inventing and modernising previous designs.

In the photos above, and video below, I am wearing the Darling Cristina coat from JD Williams.  This style of coat was very much the must "have" for the 1950s "girl about town".  I've had a lot of fun styling this look this week.  I've been influenced by the BBC drama "Call the Midwife" and have gone all out with the 1950s hair do (with the soft rolls and curls) and full make-up (not something I usually wear on blog posts).  I've taken the character of Shelagh Turner (Dr Turner's wife) as my lead to style the look.

This coat however has been updated for the present day with the rich applique leaf design detailing on the sleeves and front panels of the coat. Whilst I've styled for the 1950s, this coat will also look great worn with current season smart blouses and pencil skirts, and dresses for a more formal day wear look. I also think it would look great worn with cut jeans for a smart casual look.

I am 5' 9" tall and size UK18.  The coat is true to fit.  Due to the nature of the wider cut (Swing Coat style) I know that ladies with larger busts will also be able to wear this look.  It is also single breasted which is also a slimming feature.

The coat is 74cm in length from shoulder to hemline.  As you can see from the photos it's practically a 'half coat' in length making it ideal for hiding larger hips and thicker middles.

Play the video below and see the coat in more detail.

To buy this Darling Cristina Coat from JD Williams click HERE

To view the complete range of ladies clothing from JD Williams click HERE

Until next time.  Diane xxxx

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Dec. 22nd - Walking Boots in 3 colour options in sizes UK3 - UK9, in Standard & EXTRA WIDE FIT

Half Sizes in UK5.5 and UK6.5 - Stylish and Practical Design boots for walking, hiking or trekking.

This week I have road tested these walking boots from Hotter for my review, and I can recommend them for all your walking, hiking or trekking journeys. Read my review below the video.

In the Summer I plan to walk the Camino in Northern Spain, so I need a comfortable pair of support boots that are light on the feet whilst also offering that all important foot comfort.  Given that I am letting myself in for a walk each day of at least 20km, the last thing that I need is foot pain or blisters.

These boots have a comfort sole, supported arch (with a removable insole to allow you to insert a medical grade orthotic (if needed)) and supported ankle area.  The sole also has treads for assisted grip in various terrains.

Whilst not marketed as a snow boot I also think that there is a good grip on the sole to assist walking on slippery surfaces.  The boots are waterproof yet breathable so also ideal for mushy ankle deep snow or puddles.  I also love the styling of these boots as they are not a big, heavy or clumpy design.  In the photo below I am wearing my jeans out over the boots for more of a shoe like appearance.  The styling does make these boots suitable for regular wear.  You do NOT have to be "expedition bound" to enjoy the comfort, fit and styling of these gems.

The boots are available in both standard and extra wide fit in sizes UK3 - UK9 (with half sizing in the UK5.5 and UK6.6).  I am size UK8.  I am wearing the standard fit UK8 size and find it very comfortable worn with my walking socks.

To buy these Ladies Gore-Tex Walking Boots from Hotter click HERE

Hotter specialise in comfort and correction footwear for both men and women.

To view the Hotter Shoes current range of comfort and fashion footwear (which also includes some offers) click HERE

To buy the Ladies Summit Gore-Tex Walking Boots from Hotter click HERE

To view the range of Ladies Gore-Tex Walking Boots and Shoes from Hotter click HERE

To view the range of Gents Gore-Tex Walking Boots and shoes from Hotter click HERE

Until next time. Diane XXX

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Dec. 18th - Open Front Jacket available to plus size UK22 in 6 colour choices

Smart Layering Option for Casual Day Wear, Office Wear AND Evening Wear

I love this little jacket because it has many occasion wear options.  In the photos above I have styled 2 looks - a casual smart day wear look worn with trousers & a more formal office wear or work wear look.  This jacket is also ideal for pulling on on top of smart blouses or dresses for evening wear.

The jacket is machine washable, light weight and unlined - making it an ideal little number for easy packing into an overnight bag or suitcase.  Due to the multiple wear use of the jacket I think that I have today brought you a real find and a little number that is great value for money.

The open front styling to this jacket also makes it ideal for ladies with larger busts due to the lack of fitting definition at the chest area.  To minimise the appearance of a larger chest I recommend wearing a plain (not patterned) blouse, top or dress underneath the jacket.  For an overall slender profile consider a solid colour block from neckline to hemline (or trouser hemline) worn under the jacket i.e. black top and trousers OR, if wearing a different colour than black, make sure that the colour is the same from neckline to hemline (not contrasting shades of the same colour).

I am 5'9" tall and normally a size UK18.  I am wearing size UK18 and find the fit (as expected from M&S) comfortable and true to size.
To see more about the features of this jacket, and to hear what I have to say about it, have a look at the short video below.

To buy this open front jacket from M&S in Black click HERE - ALL COLOURS ARE NOW £35

To buy this open front jacket from M&S in Camel click HERE

To buy this open front jacket from M&S in Purple click HERE

To buy this open front jacket from M&S in Berry Red click HERE

To buy this open front jacket from M&S in Blue click HERE

To buy this open front jacket from M&S in Dark Burgundy click HERE

To view ALL jackets and Coats from Marks & Spencer click HERE

There is currently a 30% off promotion on at M&S on selected clothing, footwear and homeware.  Click HERE

Until next time.  Diane xxxx

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Dec. 14th Sweat Top and Bottoms (Plus Size loungewear) available in sizes UK16 - UK26 from House of Fraser

Xandres Xline Sweat Top (and Bottoms) (sold as separates) available from size UK16 - UK26

Embellished sleeve detail featuring green sequin block stripe

Back view of Jog pants showing hip pocket embellishment to match the sleeve of the sweat top

Today I'm reviewing a Sweat Top and Bottoms set, and modelling the top. This set is the ultimate in Yummy Mummy chic for smart downtime.

Essentially a leisurewear outfit but with the addition of a very smart mint green sequin detailing - just enough for a sharp edge without being 'blingey'.

The top and jog pants are sold as separates so you can have the option to just acquire the top and wear it with jeans for casual day wear.

Both top and pants are available in plus sizes UK16 to UK26.  I'm 5'9" tall and a UK size 18 is my normal top size with most retailers.  Here I'm wearing the size UK18 top and the fit is perfect.

To see the features of the sweat top and to hear what I have to say have a look at the short video presentation below.

The Xandres Xline Brand do a full range of dresses, tops (smart and casual), trousers, jeans, and jackets sized from UK16 - UK26 (and sometimes UK28).  I have featured products from this brand before on www.plussize.co.uk  The range is beyond standard in design and materials used which is reflected but justified in the higher price bands.

To Buy the Xandres Xline Embellished Sweater click HERE

To buy the Xandres Xline Joggers click HERE

To view the full range of Xandres Xline AW15 Collection click HERE

Until next time.  Diane XXXX

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Nov. 28th Faux Fur Gilet in Natural or Dark Brown, to plus size 22, from Debenhams

Todays gilet is a layering option and in a very on trend 70's styling vibe.  Its faux fur, and available in both Natural (as I'm wearing above) and in Dark Brown up to plus size 22.  The long 68cm shoulder to hem body length also qualifies this little number as a sleeveless jacket. So this gives you loads of options - wear with jeans, longer BoHo style skirts or over folksy style dresses.

Ideally to get the "Just Right Look" I recommend wearing it with a floppy hat.  I think I have just about got away with wearing it with a baker boy cap.

As well as being an inexpensive layering option, its also another of my 'easy care easy wear' recommendations.  The gilet is machine washable, but DO NOT tumble dry.  I have found that this garment will dry naturally quite quickly if hung on a clothes hanger and suspended in a warm, airy place.

I am 5' 9" tall and size UK18.  I am wearing size 18 and it is a good fit.

To see more, and see just how it fits and sits, have a look at the video below.

To buy the Faux Fur Gilet in Natural click HERE

To buy the Faux Fur Gilet in Dark Brown click HERE

To view the full range of gilets/sleeveless jackets from Debenhams (in faux fur, textured, fleece and thermal) click HERE

 

Until next time.

Diane xxx

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Nov. 2015 blogs, click here - Nov. 28th Faux Fur Gilet in Natural or Dark Brown, to plus size 22, from Debenhams

Oct. 2015 blogs, click here - Oct. 14th Abstract Blouson Top by Jasper Conran, to size 22, from Debenhams

Sept. 2015 blogs, click here - Sept. 12th - Faux Leather, the affordable alternative to leather in plus size fashion, Sept.3rd - Poppy Red Crepe Slash Neck Top

Aug. 2015 blogs, click here - August 28th - M&S Peplum Top with diamond shimmer to size UK22, August 20th. Everyday workwear tapered trousers, great value at £25 from NEXT

July. 2015 blogs, click here - July 20th - Long Tall Sally Ladies Leather Chelsea Boots to size UK13, July 13th - Mother of the Bride Dress / Wedding Guest House of Fraser - to plus size 26, July 6th - Celtic & Co. Layered Jersey Top, July 3rd SS15 Cable Boyfriend Cardigan from Celtic & Co

June. 2015 blogs, click here - June 27th. A size 18 Hooded Waxed Jacket from the SS15 Celtic & Co. Collection.

May. 2015 blogs, click here -May 27th - Curvety Fluted Hem Dress with Notch Neck for Plus Size Evening Wear, May 21st Curvety Stunning Lace Dress for formal daywear, May 18th - Designer Dress by Yuliya Rachel for IGIGI, May 15th - Curvety Special Occasion Dress, May 8th - Beach Smart, linen tunic dress to plus size 22

April. 2015 blogs, click here - April 21st - Versatile Shift Floral Dress suitable for Day and Occasion Wear

March. 2015 blogs, click here - March 8th. - Floral Jacquard Design Mock Shirt Sweat Top from Marks and Spencer

Feb. 2015 blogs, click here - Feb. 26th - Gardenia Jersey Dress from Monsoon - Feb 8th. Julien Macdonald at Debenhams

Jan. 2015 blogs, click here - Jan 23rd. Getting Fit - Affordable Fitness Clothing from the M&S Collection - Jan.14th - What to wear Skiing - Recommendations

Dec. 2014 blogs, click here - Dec 12th Half Length Black Leather Sheepskin Coat in Contemporary Design - Celtic & Co. - Dec 6th Wonderful Toscana Sheepskin Full Length Hooded Coat in Chocolate Brown - Celtic & Co.

Nov. 2014 blogs, click here - Nov 30th Down and Feather Coat. Long Tall Sally. - Nov 15th How to wear Tweed part 2.

Oct. 2014 blogs, click here - Oct 30th How to wear Tweed, part 1. - Oct 24th M&S Waist Cincher Knickers for tummy control. - Oct 16th Lipstick Boutique at House of Fraser - Oct 2nd Ann Harvey at Bonmarche

Sept. 2014 blogs, click here - Sept. 25th Curvety Special Occasion dress - 19th Dickins and Jones Day Wear - 14th Yours Blouse - 4th Debenhams Tea Dress.

Aug 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. - 22nd - The Return of the Trouser Suit. - 14th Agricultural Show or County Fair - Practical Styling Advice. - 7th M&S boot cut jeans - 1st Plus Size Revolution - money counts.

April 2014 blogs, click here -Apr.27th The Plus Size Revolution - Curves take Centre Stage. - 20th Travel Clothes - 4th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Dynasty.

March 2014 blogs, click here - Mar 20th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Curvety. - 14th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Jane Watson.

Feb 2014 blogs, click here - Feb 27th British Plus Size Fashion Week 2014 - Dea. - 14th Diane Marshall Plus Size Model London Fashion Week. - 7th All weather fitness clothing

Jan. 2014 blogs, click here - Jan 30th London Fashion Week, plus size modelling opportunity. - 23rd Plus Size Acceptance vs Weight Loss. - 16th Plus Size Weight Loss - an expert approach. - 9th Plus Size, what size of fit are we describing?

All 2013 blogs, click here

June 15th 2013 - Welcome to my blog !