My Top 10 most played songs this week

Halle - fricking - lujah, it's finally the weekend! 

Today I thought I would share 10 songs that I have been playing loads this week, I've never touched upon my musical tastes so this is a bit of a random post. But hey, let's take our relationship to the next level and get to know each other, learn each others interests. 

In no particular order:

1. Bruno Mars - If I Was Your Man - a shout out to all the stupid ex boyfriends out there

2. The Vamps - Can We Dance - these guys are adorable, the lyrics are catchy, need I go on?

3. Fergie - Labels or Love - to spark off a Sex and the City themed mind montage

4. Christina Perri - A Thousand Years - this song appeals to the Twi-hard in me, the lyrics are lovely too!

5. Lily Allen - Somewhere Only We Know - I'm a sucker for a John Lewis advert, there I said it!

6. The Lumineers - Ho Hey - a really easy listening tune with solid lyrics

7. Passenger - Let Her Go - LOVE this guys voice, it's so unique

8. Avicii - Wake Me Up - one of my favourite songs to warble along to in the car

9. Avicii - You Make Me - *high pitch screech* "Allllllll myyyyy liiiiiiife"

10. Jason Derulo - Talk Dirty to Me - it's a bit rendevous and the sound effects in the "clean" version make me laugh

What have you been listening to? What lyrics can't you get out of your head? Tell me below!

Thanks for reading! Love Sally X

Plus Size Christmas Party Dresses - Evans

Hey Everyone,

Happy Friday! Today I'm sharing my top picks from Evans for Christmas party dresses. I was surprised at the great selection as I tend to neglect Evans in my pursuit of fast, cheap fashion nowadays that generally takes me to Asda or Primark. The pieces below are super cute and totally within my price range, win!

Scarlett & Jo Pink Lace Prom Dress £65.00

Product Details:

Choose a directional, fitted shape for your party look this season. The pink lace plus size prom dress by Scarlett & Jo is the ideal fit for every date in your diary. With a black lace overlay and simple pink prom dress underneath, the dress is gently cinched in with a black ribbon tie belt.

Sorrento Black Sparkle Dress £140.00

Product Details:

Sorrento black all over embellished short sleeve dress with cobalt lining.

Scarlett & Jo Blue Floral Print Wrap Dress £38.00

Product Details:

Flatter your figure in beautiful florals with the blue floral print wrap dress. The plus size dress comes from fun and fearless brand Scarlett & Jo for Evans, with an ivory and sky blue rose print on a classic navy base. Comprising a wrap front neckline and elasticated shirred waist to complement the figure, this dress is perfect for Busty and Apple shapes, whilst Hourglasses and Pears can add a belt for extra style.

Sorrento Black V-Neck Beaded Dress £140.00

Product Details:

Sorrento black short sleeve V-neck dress, with heavy embellishment detail.

Collection Pewter Metallic Yarn Embellished Skater Dress £49.50

Product Details:

Fit and flare styles are your key to shape perfect partywear. This plus size dress from COLLECTION by Evans is a hallmark of festive fashion. With a pewter metallic yarn woven across a dark base, the dress boasts turn back sleeve accents and a gorgeous beaded neckline.

Sorrento Black Embroidered Dress £130.00

Product Details:

Sorrento black all over embroidered sleeveless dress with scoop neckline and ivory slip lining.

Scarlett & Jo Purple Embellished Shift Dress £60.00

Product Details:

Get ready for the party season with the purple embellished shift dress by Scarlett & Jo for Evans. The plus size dress has a stunning retro shift shape with beautifully hand embellished black beading on the front.

Which dresses do you like? Do you shop at Evans or favour cheaper stores? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading! Love Sally X 

Plus Size Christmas Party Dresses - ASOS Curve

Hey Everyone!

Today is the next installment in my party dress series, showcasing my favourites from ASOS.

Enjoy!

ASOS CURVE Exclusive Swing Dress With Beaded Neck £150

Product Details:

Plus size dress exclusive to the ASOS CURVE collection

• Made from a woven poly fabric
• Crew neckline
• Bead embellished yoke
• Fluid skirt with gentle pleating
• Zip back fastening
• Relaxed, swing style
• Regular fit

Little Mistress Long Sleeve Mesh Detail Dress With Skater Skirt £55

Product Details:

Plus size dress by Little Mistress

• Made from a delicate sheer chiffon
• Boat neckline
• Zip back
• Fit and flare shape
• Exclusive to ASOS

ASOS CURVE Exclusive Shift Dress In Sequin £50

Product Details:

Plus size dress exclusive to the ASOS CURVE collection

• Made from a sequinned poly fabric
• Boat neckline
• Scoop back, self-tie fastening
• Regular fit

Carmakoma Shift Dress With Leather Look Discs £135

Product Details:

Plus size dress by Carmakoma

• Made from 100% pure cotton
• Semi-sheer finish
• Round neckline
• Zip back
• Leather-look disc embellishment
• Body skimming fit

ASOS CURVE Skater Dress In Lace With Scallop Edge £35

Product Details:

Plus size dress by ASOS CURVE

• Made from an easy-care poly fabric
• Scalloped v-shape neckline
• All-over lace overlay
• Fitted waistband
• Softly pleated skirt
• Regular fit

ASOS CURVE Bodycon Dress With Deep Plunge Brooch Neck £40

Product Details:

Plus size dress by ASOS CURVE

• Made from a soft silky fabric blend
• Embellished brooch detail to neckline
• Plunging keyhole cut to front
• Sheer mesh sleeves
• Keyhole button fastening to reverse
• Bodycon fit

Little Mistress Embellished Waist Wrap Front Skater Dress £55

Product Details:

Plus size dress by Little Mistress Curvy

• Made from a semi-sheer chiffon
• Deep V-neckline, wraparound styling
• Button cut-out back
• Contrast jewel and bead band
• Zip back fastening
• Fit and flare shape
• Exclusive to ASOS

Little Mistress Embellished Sleeve Pencil Dress £60

Product Details:

Plus size dress by Little Mistress Curvy

- Made from a breathable woven fabric
- Notched square neckline
- Button keyhole back
- Contrast appliqué shoulder overlays
- Zip back
- Bodycon fit
- Exclusive to ASOS

What do you think? Would you wear any of these for your xmas do?

Thanks for reading! Love Sally X

Guest Post: A/W trends as seen in VOGUE, seen on ME!

Hi guys! My name is Megan, I blog over at emmiegee.blogspot.co.uk. For my guest post today I am going to be trialling some A/W trends that have been featured in Vogue, and letting you know how I got on with them myself. I will show you the products I used and show you pictures of all the looks, enjoy!

Petal-Stained Lips

What Vogue says: As with spring/summer 2013, lips look set to be, on the most part, very matte for the new season. But for autumn/winter 2013-14 they appear stained rather than painted, either with colour diffusing from the inside of the lips outwards - as at Dior and Marni, or with a darker, berry-stained effect at Derek Lam, Prada and Vera Wang.

So I wasn’t completely sold when I put this look on. On a flawless skinned, ethereal beauty in a magazine it looks innocent yet sexy, on me it just looks like I have either been sipping too many red wines (not the best look on a Monday morning) or just can’t apply lipstick properly. I used the Darkest of shades right in the centre of my lip then worked outward with the lighter ones, blurring the edges of my lips with some concealer at the end. I was doing this during the day so wanted to keep it quite subtle. Anyway, the first thing I had to do was pop to the shops with my housemate; “you have lipstick on your teeth” oops, not the best start, yet I soldiered on.  No other comments came my way that day and due to the placement of the lipstick it soon faded. So overall I was not very enamoured with this look, however practice makes perfect so I will be giving it a whirl again, maybe in the evening so I can try and go a bit bolder!

The Thin Black Line

What Vogue says: Black eye liner is a staple in most make-up bags, but for this season - if you're not trying out the Sixties trend - the way to wear it is in a skinny line along the top lashes. A particular favourite at New York Fashion Week, the look added subtle and almost invisible definition at the likes of Victoria Beckham, Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler and Christopher Kane.

I and eyeliner are old friends; I used to feel pretty darn naked without a slick of eyeliner on. However, my go-to liner shape of choice is usually a quite thick, slightly winged offering, so this was a little different for me. I actually really liked this look, it added definition to my eyes without looking too ‘made up’, perfect for those ‘I’m not wearing make-up, I woke up looking his good’ make up looks. This eyeliner from Maybelline is perfect for me as the round tip means it can be used flat for my usual thicker, winged eyeliner, or turned on its side for thin precise lines.

Red Nails

What Vogue says: A noticeable increase in red nail looks was apparent backstage at the shows, with garnet shades at Burberry and Meadham Kirchhoff and bold tomato tones at Chanel, Valentino and Topshop Unique.

I have 4 reds to show you today, the mini OPI  ( I do not know the shade) is on my pinky and the rest of the colours correspond to their place in the line (the varnish next to opi, is the nail next to my pinky etc) My personal favourite from the line up is the Nails inc  offering in the shade Tate, it is the perfect dark red colour with not too much of a berry tone, it is also easy to apply and looks good in one coat. For reference, the 2 middle nails have 2 coats of polish whilst the first and last have only 1.

I hope you have enjoyed my round up of A/W trends as seen in Vogue, will you be giving any of them a go yourself? I hope to see you soon over at emmiegee.blogspot.co.uk! 

Megan x

Plus Size Christmas Party Dresses - Marisota

Hey Everyone,

Today is the second part of my Christmas dress series in the same format as before with my top ten picks. This time we will be looking at one of my favourite places to shop, www.marisota.co.uk. Comment below on your thoughts please!

Velour and Lace Dress £60

Product Details:

• A sexy new take on the little black dress that mixes soft stretch velour with contrasting black lace insert, it is every way a sexy versatile black dress. Pretty back-button fastening. Three-quarter-length lace sleeves that show just a flash of skin, this dress is a must-have!

Beaded Raglan Sleeve Dress £95

Product Details:

• Taking inspiration from the studs and spikes that have graced the catwalks, the raglan sleeves have been decorated with soft silver tubular and gold rounded beads to create an eye-catching piece that will ensure you stand out from the crowd. The sheer fabric is fully lined and features keyhole fastening to the back neck.

Claire Richards Sequin Bodycon Dress £90

Product Details:

• Steal the spotlight this party season in this sequin dress. Showered all-over with light-reflecting sequins, the dress is fitted with a stretchy, supportive lining for a fabulously figure-fitting finish. It’s been cut with a glamorous slashed neck and drops to a V-shape at the back. The three-quarter sleeves keep things classy, and the midi length ensures you’ll be channelling all-out movie star sophistication.

Changes By Together Bead Trim Tunic £60

Product Details:

• This flattering tunic dress with embellished neckline and button cuffs gives you a glamorous edge this season. Body lined.

Coleen Nolan Mesh Beaded Dress £69

Product Details:

• Coleen Nolan ultimate little black dress. Cut for the perfect fit with mesh sleeves and mesh panel inserts for a sexy and slimming effect. Embellished neckline.

MAGISCULPT Velour Dress Firm Control Level 3 £75

Product Details:

• It’s all under control with shape-enhancing built-in panels. Firm control has all-round power built in. This gorgeous velour dress is the perfect piece for making an elegant style statement. Fitted with a discreet sculpting panel that pulls you in at the waist, this sleeveless dress is designed to define your silhouette. The deep V-neckline and soft-touch fabric will ensure you stand out from the crowd in style.

Bonded Lace Prom Dress £65

Product Details:

• The perfect party dress - easy to wear in stretch bonded lace fabric. Stylish to look at with a pleated prom-style skirt, sweetheart neckline and exposed back zip. Why not try with our bow-sleeve shrug in black for an added touch of class.

BESPOKEfit Spot Tunic Very Voluptuous Fit H-K+ £30

Product Details:

• Cup Size clothing, a simple solution for your Bespoke Fit. Brighten up your winter wardrobe with this gorgeous spot print tunic dress. The elasticated back cinches in the waist whilst the front pleats, Peter Pan collar and keyhole fastening to back are charming finishing touches. Choose your normal dress size, then your cup size.

Project D London Olympia Lace Maxi Dress £150

Product Details:

• Project D London ‘Olympia’ lace maxi dress. If you want to make an entrance then this designer floor-sweeping stretch lace maxi dress is THE dress for it! From the plunging neckline to the pretty pleated shoulder detailing and contrast satin side panels, everything about this dress drips opulent glamour. Super fitted and figure-hugging, this designer dress has been crafted to accentuate and celebrate your body. Not only will you feel super sexy and cinched in you’ll be desperate to get your wiggle on! The satin lining is gorgeous against your skin and flashes of it are visible through the heavy luxurious stretch corded lace; with the contrast fabric side panelling detail to waist and sophisticated long feature zip to back, you’re going to feel like a million dollars! Now for the biggest decision - classic sophisticated black or luxurious magenta?

Lovedrobe Sequin Detail Dress £55

Product Details:

• For effortless glamour, choose this beautiful paisley print sequin detail maxi dress. Featuring cap sleeves and dipped hem skirt, this outfit will have you feeling party ready.

Hope you liked my choices, let me know your favourite!

Thanks for reading, love Sally X

Abercrombie & Fitch Are Now Plus Size Friendly?

Hey Everyone,

So following a slump in profits, Abercrombie & Fitch have now cottoned on to the fact that their shocking exclusionary policy is in fact holding back many of the people that would want to buy their clothes. *slow clap*

I myself have never felt the need to consider looking at their clothes even back when I would have fitted in them. I have a serious problem with the comments being made by the "controversial" CEO Mike Jeffries, for example:

"In every school there are the cool and popular kids, and then there are the not-so-cool kids. Candidly, we go after the cool kids. We go after the attractive all-American kid with a great attitude and a lot of friends. A lot of people don’t belong [in our clothes], and they can’t belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely. Those companies that are in trouble are trying to target everybody: young, old, fat, skinny. But then you become totally vanilla. You don’t alienate anybody, but you don’t excite anybody, either."

"We hire good-looking people in our stores. Because good-looking people attract other good-looking people, and we want to market to cool, good-looking people. We don’t market to anyone other than that."

"Listen, do we go too far sometimes? Absolutely. But we push the envelope, and we try to be funny, and we try to stay authentic and relevant to our target customer. I really don’t care what anyone other than our target customer thinks."

Vile right? Well the latest news is certainly a U-turn from the brand that doesn't go beyond a UK 14, which by the way is a size below the recognised UK average. 

Abercrombie & Fitch are well known for hiring models as sales assistants and their neo-preppy all American clothing, I can't see how that can translate into plus size. I would like to see plus size sales assistants (even one per store!) and the clothes displayed on larger sized mannequins, maybe then I would buy into this move more. I also have concerns that where their clothing is very athletically tailored, if we take that up a few sizes without changing the tailoring to reflect the curves which are in very different places it just wont look good.

So while it's good that they are embracing bigger sizes, I'm not buying into their reasoning behind it. It's a desperate attempt to bring in more business and undermines everything they have claimed to stand for in regards to their target customer and image, therefore making me question their integrity as a brand. I had more respect for them when they had their (be it incredibly skewed) opinions and they stuck to them and built the brand up around them. It makes a mockery of their CEO that's for sure, he now wants the people shut out from his shops to be parting with their hard owned cash to help save his failing business.

What are your thoughts? Will you be buying their new plus sized clothes when they are released?

Thanks for reading! Love Sally X