Payday Came early

So, as I'm sure I may or may not have mentioned I get paid expenses at Anna. Seeing as I walk to work (5 min walk) I collect my expenses to top up my Oyster, buy food for lunch at work and home and I treat myself with some of the money.

This payday I decided to purchase two dresses, one of which I've wanted FOREVER.

They aren't very adventurous I admit but I think they are key pieces that I'm going to be able to dresses several times, this being something I need to adapt to and keep in mind when buying things seeing as I can't splurge like I used to.

I had wanted the cut out shoulder dress for ages but it had sold out. I waited and luckily found it was a piece brought back to sale. I also a few months ago wanted the Asos Curve Swing dress. At a hefty £45 I couldn't justify spending the money. When I logged on this morning though this beauty turned up at a budget friendly £18.

I bought both and will update to how they look and if I'm keeping when they arrive.

Another treat to myself was Beth Dittos memoir, Coal To Diamonds. I'm excited to fit in with the daily commuters on the tube reading this book off of my Iphone. 

Anyone else bought anything nice this payday?

Love

Michaela

xxx

Summer. now. please

Britain is notoriously known for its, how can I put it nicely, RUBBISH weather. Winter seems to loom about making me feel uninspired and down right miserable (I swear I have that SAD weather condition, me and winter are sworn enemies.) 

I'm not sure if it has anything to do with being constantly surrounded by the amazing Anna Scholz Spring Summer 13 collection that has brought on a sudden excitement and nostalgia, or if it's just due to being sick and tired of trying to guess the many shades and sudden changes in the weather. Either way I just know I would like brighter evenings, summer sunshine, short skirts and tight less legs and beer garden lunch dates with friends NOW.

I'm in a rut of not knowing if I'll still be able to fund myself to live in London or if I have to make the dreaded 'walk of shame' back to Wales to save even more to make the permanent move. Either way I hope to make it the best summer ever.


With festival announcements creeping up I have already decided upon my live summer playlist.

Already booked, I'll be attending Slam dunk festival. A mix of pop punk/ alternative music I attended my first festival two years ago and haven't looked back. This year has at least 6 of my all time favourite bands so I know I'm guaranteed to be leaving with a smile on my face.

I'm also planning on attending Hevy festival, V fest and Bestival. With lack of money though I can see me working the last two. A chance to get in free, watch all the bands and meet new people? Sounds good to me.

Anyway on to my recent purchases waiting ready to be brought to life in the spring/summer sunshine.


Living on what I call my 'intern budget' having a complete wardrobe overhaul isn't ideal. On visiting home I will swap some winter garments for spring summer things but the easiest way to update for me the next few months will definitely be accessorising and purchasing essential key pieces. 


I recently fell in LOVE with the whole big statement jewel necklaces with hints of neon. I was happy to see New Look had posted a recently on Instagram a new addition to store. This spared me to make an impromptu visit to Westfield's, nicely situated just a 15 min bus journey away from me.

I was happy to be greeted with buy one get one free on all jewellery. This obviously meant I had to buy it. 

These are four necklace I picked up on my visit. 

All New Look

Top left - £19.99

Top right - £15.99

Bottom left - £6.99

Bottom right - £14.99

The four necklaces should be able to update my current wardrobe to some sort of acceptable S/S look.

I then made another impromptu visit to Westfields Stratford whilst passing through on the overground. My first visit ever, I was happy to find the forever 21 stocked their + (plus) range. I was disappointed to be met with the collection being placed in a corner and poorly merchandised. My inner merchandiser could of spent the whole afternoon reorganising the space. It took everything within me to do so but I did make note to a staff member (which will probably fall of deaf ears). Anyway the sizing did confuse me a little bit but I did manage to find a handful of things to take in to the fitting room. I chose to size up on things but I was surprised to see they were too big. With my budget I decided to settle for a cute mint green polka dot top. Again with the sizing I discovered I had actually purchased a size 16 top which would explain the tightness on my boobs but apart from that it fits pretty well and is a welcomed addition in to my wardrobe.

Forever 21+ - £8.75

I think this will fit in perfectly to dress up or dress down in the summer. I especially love the mint colour! I think it compliments my skin and hair colour perfectly. 

Currently I have ALOT of items in my Asos Curve and Simply Be wish lists. With easter and my birthday coming up I think any money or gift ideas will be guided towards purchasing them all.

Has anyone else started planning a wardrobe update despite the cold weather?

Love

Michaela

xxx 

British plus size fashion weekend 16th February 2013 The BIG event

After a restless nights sleep ( was too excited to sleep) I got to Shoreditch town hall to start to prepare for the amazing up and coming events that were in store that day.


A hectic morning of setting up the market hall, by 12 I had managed to get all venders in the hall, set up for the day. 


If you hadn't guessed I was in charge of the market hall. I found the whole experience really inspiring. Despite problems, I had positive responses from most of the people in the room some of whom rewarded my hard work at the end of the day. 


I managed to network a little bit more as it seemed a lot more relaxed through out the day.  The day revolved around cupcake eating,  updating my spring/summer wardrobe and making amazing contacts. 

I had such fun with Marcy and Jen at Cult of California's stand. Two girls who I would LOVE to keep in contact with.


I wasn't able to see much else of the day or the fashion show but I loved the responsibility of managing the market hall and had as much fun with everyone involved in the room.


Once the day was over I was lucky enough to reflect. This event was in place to bring Plus sized women together to create a stand against all negative things thrown our way. I can't explain how lucky I am to have met who I did both days and I'm lucky to have met friends for life in the BPSFW team.


Again here's some pictures: 

Top - Marc Jacobs (2009)

Skirt - Anna Scholz

I personally would love for people's experiences good or bad of the day, OR what did you think of the market hall?

I understand as a team member of BPSFW clearly the event needs some tweeks and changes to become an even more successful event. I believe we can all learn from the mistakes and bring those lessons learnt in to becoming even more successful.

Love 

Michaela

xxx

British plus size fashion weekend 15th February 2013 Press day

The press day was the beginning of the start of British plus size fashion weekend. The event was not only used to launch the event but to create relationships and ease everyone in to what was the beginning of a huge change in the plus size industry.


I was fortunate to be given a dress from my amazing boss Anna to wear to this event, not only to represent them but so I felt and looked amazing ;).


The event started by an introduction conducted by the creators Rianne ward and Remi Ray. Blogger Jessica Kane then took to the mic then followed by Jo Swinson, minister for women and equalities. 
Whilst they all took turns to step up to the mic, I began to truly feel the passion and emotion amongst me and all the fabulous plus size women in the room.

The day it's self was tiring, hot and sweaty but I honestly wouldn't change I thing. I felt so proud to stop and glance about the room, taking in the view. Bloggers, press, designers, models, icons....All under one roof coming together to make a change. 

Despite trying to keep designers and models hydrated, cool and happy I was lucky enough to stop to greet plus size icons whom I had looked up to for years. 

I didn't get chance to meet as many people as I wanted but the day seemed to wizz by without chance to stop to take it all in.

After all the hard work moving stuff for the actual event The BPSFW gang met for tea. I am truly blessed to have become friends and to have worked with such loyal amazing people.


Here's a few pictures of the day. 

(Velvet Loved my ass ;) Never thought I'd have someone whom I admire so much who had ass envy ;) )

CHEERS :)

I had the chance for people whom I have admired for years to approach me to inform me how much they liked my style, my tattoos, my body shape and my attitude. I'm still completely mind blown to know I was in the same room and able to communicate with them. 

Love

Michaela

xxx

Anna Scholz S/S 2013

The up and coming Spring Summer collections from Anna are to truly die for. Being probably a little bit biased as I intern for her, I truly can see Anna’s collections growing strength to strength every season. Being an avid follower and customer of the brand for a few years the new collections have blown me away.  I can’t make my mind up to what labels I like best or what items that I'd love to purchase. Black label probably suits my bank balance the most but I love the patterns Anna uses in white label. Each collection has items that I think could easily be mixed to create outfits that suit every body shape, something which I admire Anna for completely, fitting each garment to a size 18 fit model to ensure her clothing is just right for a plus sized woman's body shape. 

Both photo shoots for each collection are fun, exciting and eye catching. The famous Whitney Thompson models for Anna in her White Label Miami glitz shoot. I love how each collection is shot in a fun, none serious way. It's welcoming to see women having fun and enjoying wearing the clothing.

Here are some pictures of items that will slowly be making their way in to my wardrobe.

White label and black label have started to be launched online with selected items on sale.

Love

Michaela

xxx