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Nov. 10th 2017 A Wonderful Toscana Sheepskin Full Length Hooded Coat

The Ultimate in luxury and warmth, in this Toscana Sheepskin Coat from Celtic & Co

All that needs to be said is WOW!  Celtic's Toscana's are the ultimate show stopper of a sheepskin coat.  This coat is Toscana Sheepskin which is the warmest sheepskin there is and therefore it's very suitable for extremely cold weather (my friends in the US take note.  Celtic & Co sell into and distribute widely across the USA.  Just choose the USA Flag at the top of the page from this LINK.  Celtic distribute worldwide.

This is the perfect present for the woman who has everything.  The ultimate in luxury, warmth and comfort and all packaged in a stunning chocolate brown full length and hooded coat.  A classic design in a single breasted cut with shearling leather inset pockets, a full longer fur lining and a neck trim that beautifully pulls up to a wonderful sumptuous full hood.  This style of coat will not date, so is a classic investment piece and heirloom to pass down the generations. Your daughter will be wearing this 20 years from now, and it will still look as fabulous as it does now.

I am 5'9" tall, and I have a 46" hip. I am wearing size UK18. The coat is 52 1/2" long. It is available from size UK8 - UK18 (Up to approx US Size 14/16) although Celtic & Co. have different US/UK sizing comparisons than other retailers I've seen, and call size 18 a US size 12. 

I have deliberately styled my look in the photo above to show you how wonderful the coat looks worn with a skirt and heels.  Of course this coat will also look stunning worn more casually with jeans and boots.  I am also wearing a pair of chocolate brown leather gloves which go perfect with the chocolate brown colour of the sheepskin in this coat. Marks and Spencer have gloves to match any colour of coat that you choose.

To see more of the detailing on this coat and to hear what I have to say have a look at this video below.

To buy a Toscana coat click this link - Toscana coat from Celtic & Co

To view the full range of sheepskin/leather/and wool products from Celtic & Co click HERE

To buy the leather gloves click HERE

Until next time.  Diane XXX

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Dec. 22nd 2015 - 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 - M&S Ireland Open Front Jacket available to plus size 22 in 6 colour choices

A great layering option for Casual Day Wear, Office Wear or Evening Wear

This week I reviewing a very versatile little jacket. I say versatile because it has many occasion wear options.  In the photos above I have styled 2 looks - a casual smart day wear look, with the cobalt blue version of the jacket, worn with trousers & a more formal office or work wear look, with the dark burgundy colour version.  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 a great little number for easy packing into an overnight bag or suitcase.  Due to it's multiple wear uses, I think that I have today brought you a real find that's also 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.  To minimise a larger chest I recommend wearing this with a plain (not patterned) blouse, top or dress underneath the jacket.  For an overall slimmer profile wear a solid colour block from neckline to hemline (or trouser hemline) 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. Do not make the mistake of mixing contrasting shades of the same colour, as this 'breaks the solid block' and will make you appear fatter.

I am 5'9" tall and normally a size UK18.  I am wearing size UK18 in the photos and video, and (as expected from M&S) you can see the jacket sits well, is comfortable and is true to size.

Click and play the short video below to see and hear more.

To buy this open front jacket from M&S in Black click HERE - ALL COLOURS ARE NOW €49

To buy this in the Camel colour click HERE

To buy this in Purple click HERE

To buy this jacket in Berry Red click HERE

To buy this in Blue click HERE

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

There is currently (Dec 18th - 22nd) a 30% off promotion on at M&S on selected clothing, footwear and homeware.

Until next time.  Diane xxx

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Dec. 14th High quality plus size loungewear in sizes UK 16 to UK 26. Xandres Xline from House of Fraser

Xandres Xline Sweat Top - stocked in plus sizes UK 16 to 26

Embellished sleeve detail featuring green sequin block stripe

Back view of Jog pants showing sweat top sleeve matching hip pocket.

Today I'm reviewing a Sweat Top and Bottoms set from the Xandres Xline range at House of Fraser, and modelling the top. This set is the ultimate in Yummy Mummy chic for smart downtime.

Essentially this is a leisurewear outfit, but with the addition of a very smart mint green sequin detailing. I think it gives the set a fashionable design edge, without being 'OTT'.

The top and jog pants are sold as separates so you can have the option to buy only 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 size UK18 is my normal top size with most retailers.  Here I'm wearing the size 18 top and, as you can see, the fit is perfect.

Play the short video presentation below to see more features.

House of Fraser's Xandres Xline Brand has a full range of dresses, tops (all occasions), trousers, jeans, and jackets sized from UK 16 to 26 (and sometimes 28).  I have featured products from this brand before on www.plussize.ie  Their ranges are superior in design and materials used, which I feel justifies their higher price bands - you get what you pay for.

To Buy the Xandres Xline Embellished Sweater click HERE

To buy the Xandres Xline Jog Pants click HERE

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

Until next time.  Diane XXX

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Nov. 29th Faux Fur Gilet in Natural or Dark Brown, to plus size 22, from Debenhams Ireland

Todays gilet is in the latest fashion trend with a 70s styling vibe.  It's faux fur, and available in both Natural (as I'm pictured wearing) and in Dark Brown up to plus size 22.  The long 68cm shoulder to hem body length also means this can easily pass as a sleeveless jacket. So this gives you plenty of options - wear it with jeans, longer BoHo style skirts or over folksy/gypsy style dresses.

Ideally to get the "70s Fashion Look" I recommend wearing it with a floppy hat.  I think I have just about got away with my baker boy cap.

As well as being an inexpensive but quality looking layering option, it's 'easy care easy wear' The gilet is machine washable, but DO NOT tumble dry.  I have found that it will dry naturally quite quickly if hung on a clothes hanger and suspended in a warm, airy place, e.g. next to a radiator [ but not on top of one ].

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

Nov.8th : - Unfortunately a favourite retailer of mine, Curvety, has closed down. I'm quite sad about that, as they always had lovely clothing. New blogs coming shortly. Diane

Sept. 14th - Faux Leather in plus size from Marks and Spencer Ireland

Quite a large collection of clothing, bags and belts (including Kids products) is now available in faux leather

Leather and Suede is currently trending for this Autumn / Winter.  Today I'm modelling 2 M&S Ireland items from the large range of faux leather products currently available.  The quality and price are both very good, and telling the difference between these and real leather isn't either easy or obvious.

As with most on trend items these products are selling out fast, ( the neutral skirt has almost gone) but I'm sure that they will be replenished and there are, I believe, plans to add more products to the collection.

I'm modelling only one of many biker style jackets available.  I have chosen this black jacket from the Plus Range at M&S Ireland because now and again people need reminded that M&S Ireland have a Plus Range, which goes up to size UK32 and their standard ranges go up to plus size UK22/24. It's also good to remind people that, contrary to the general belief of some, that they do offer stylish and on trend fashion in larger sizes too.  I really like this jacket. I think that the cut and styling is a softer, more feminine look for older women.  As a 49 year old woman who likes to be stylish, I want to be so in a different way that doesn't exactly copy the fashion look of my teenage daughters.  This jacket, I feel, is a smart but more delicate alternative.  I am 5' 9" tall and in the photo and video I am wearing the jacket in size UK18. It's a really comfortable fit.

Due to demand for the skirt it's now only available, at the time of writing, in low stock in sizes 16 and 20, but there are other faux leather skirt choices available.  The quality of the material used and the general M&S cuts are good so if you are not fortunate enough to get this skirt at the moment, you have a choice from the others available.  I believe that the neutral shade skirt I'm wearing will come back into stock.  This neutral shade is perfect for mixing and matching.

See me wearing my 2 choices and to hear what I have to say about them by playing the video below.

To buy the Plus Size Faux Leather Biker Jacket click HERE

To view womens plus size products in Faux Leather at M&S click HERE

Until next time. Diane xx
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Sept. 3rd - Poppy Red Crepe Slash Neck Top to plus size 24, from Marks and Spencer Ireland

When I found this little crepe top I was delighted to not only score with a new season AW15 colour (poppy red) and material (crepe) but i also managed to nab these wonderful colour match crepe trousers before they immediately sold out. ( They'll be re-stocked - they've sold out so fast).

M&S Ireland have good design and quality, but one thing they don't yet do is to tag garments on their website that either colour match or co-ordinate.  Although they do make suggestions as to products that you may like, they don't put together complete colour looks.

In putting together the above look, I saw the trousers first of all and then found the top.  Getting a complete look in the same colour shade is rare but when it does happen it makes for a more sophisticated, expensive appearing, look.

I am 5' 9" tall and I am wearing the top in size UK18.  The sizing is true to fit, and I particularly love the longer back length which makes this top ideal, for not only wearing out over a pair of trousers, but also with skirts.  As the material is crepe and fine in texture this top will also sit well tucked inside waistbands.  I call it my Bardot Style Top.

Crepe is coming into fashion in a big way this new season and the new Poppy Red shade is just a twist on a colour that never goes out of fashion.  I think this little top is a great find and is yet another of my "easy care - easy wear" favourites.  The top can be machine washed and tumble dried but I have found that it dries quite quickly (after a spin in the washing machine) hung up on a clothes airer.

Watch out over the coming weeks for more crepe clothing items from M&S Ireland, and keep an eye on the trousers.  They simply must to come back into stock, especially in the lead up to the Christmas season.

To buy the Crepe Slash Neck Top in Poppy Red from M&S click HERE

To check the availability of the crepe trousers (in black and in poppy red) click HERE

You may also be interested in the crepe poppy red ankle grazer trousers  shown below which will also look equally well with the crepe top.  To view the current availability click HERE

To see the features of the top and see it on, play the short video below.

Until next time.  Diane XXX

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August 28th - M&S Ireland Peplum Top with diamond shimmer available to size UK22 - Sales Bargain at €15

Today's Bargain find is this fully lined pale pink peplum style top which has been reduced to €15.  It's selling out very fast but at the time of writing is available in sizes 12,16,18 & 22.  I am 5' 9" tall and I am wearing size UK18, so, as with the vast majority of M&S Ireland clothing, the size and fit is true to size.

Many lines are NOW on sale at Marks & Spencer Ireland with up to 60% off

I was drawn to this top because it is the ideal number to wear with narrow or straight leg and also ankle grazer style trousers (for a smart casual look) It's also great with pencil skirts for a neater day wear look.  The shimmer in the top makes it attractive for summer evenings and evening wear in general.

Click the text link here to buy this diamond shimmer top (if there are any left !!! )

Click this text link to view the Sale at M&S

To have a look at New Season Arrivals at M&S

Click below for a quick video of me talking about & showing off the top's features

Until next time.  Diane

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August 20th. NEXT Ireland - Everyday workwear tapered trousers for a bargain €36

I love these on trend tapered leg trousers and find them exceptional value at only €36.

This week my value for money find comes from Next Ireland.  These trousers come in 3 leg lengths (Petite (27.5"), Regular (29"), and Long (31").  I am 5' 9" tall and I am photographed above and videoed below wearing size UK16L.

Trouser style in Spring Summer 2015 was all about the ankle and this trend looks set to continue into the Autumn/Winter of 2015.  I was drawn to these trousers for 4 reasons: -

1] the style of cut (ankle skimming)

2] the colour (suitable for corporate/office wear)

3] the availability of a good value matching jacket (providing a more structured and formal look, which you can see from the links)

and 4] the fantastic value for money at only €36.

These trousers are another of my easy care easy wear finds. Polyester, Viscose and Elastane means they are machine washable and only need a brief ironing on a cool setting.  I don't think it's necessary to put a crease into these either, so wouldn't give myself the hassle of doing so.

Having had some initial misgivings I have now fully embraced the ankle skimming trouser look. These can be worn with wedges, low block heels, loafers and laced brogues. Or, for a dressier look, with heels.

To buy these Navy tapered trousers from Next click HERE

To view the matching jacket (available to size UK 22 in Petite, Regular and Tall fits) click HERE

To hear what I have to say about these trousers play the short video below.

Until next week, possibly Thursday 27th.  Diane  XXX

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