As August draws to a close I think I’m going to have to admit it, there’ll be no beaching this summer time, over seas or in the UK for me this year. I love a trip to the beach, bikini on, sandcastles and sea swimming. However with everything still not 100% safe and the beaches packed every time the sun comes out I think I’ll wait until Winter. Which makes me very sad as I’m a proper water baby, I love the sea! The fresh air, the cold water, it’s my favourite place to be, but I think for us we’ll have a safe staycation at home!

But that said who says I can’t be living life up in the sun! From the comfort of my back garden! Paddling pool out, juice in hand and bikini on! And today I bring to you a new bikini to the blog, The Flirtelle Miami Coast from Brastop, the first Flirtelle bikini I’ve actually tried! This set was sent to me a couple of months ago by Brastop and I love it. I’ve worn it so many times and now I’m ready to give it the review it deserves!

So what did I think? The print! I love a polka dot, so cute, a timeless classic! I also love a monochrome bikini, really flattering and so pretty. The bikini top is a padded balcony style, with a classic bikini fastening at the back, and adjustable straps. I love this style as it’s such a gorgeous cut but great coverage. I received mine in a size 36HH as I was advised it runs a little small on the cup, usually I’d be a 36H in a padded style. The bikini top runs from a size 32F to a 40K so a really great fuller bust range. I love this bikini top it’s so cute and perfect for back garden lounging, although I wish it was being used for beaching! Flirtelle also have a tankini version of this bikini top if you prefer more coverage. The bikini was such a good fit there was no spillage or falling out when running around the garden on water fight days!

Next up the briefs, I love a high waisted brief! I received these in a size 20 as I always like to size up in bottoms. I always go for a high waisted bikini instead of a swimsuit as I always find you get a better fit all round! These are available from a size 10-22, as I’ve said before it’d be great to see this size range extend one day so that it would match the amazing size range Flirtelle offer in the bikini top sizes. These briefs have the same pattern as the top so it’s a really gorgeous matching set! However if high waisted isn’t your go to, then Brastop also have a classic brief option for this set. 

Okay okay, so do you love it as much as I do? But how much is it you say? Well you all know I LOVE a bargain and this Miami Coast bikini is part of the Brastop Summer Sale! So be quick if you fancy a treat as I’m sure it’ll sell out fast! This is the perfect bikini for all year round, I’ll definitely be taking mine to family swim at the weekends when the pools re-open fully and it may even come on a cheeky Autumn sea dip if I’m brave enough! 

As always I’ve linked the set below if you’d like to take a look or even treat yourself! Will you be making the most of the last of Summer in the garden or are you secretly excited for pumpkin spice and all things nice?

Flirtelle Miami Coast Bikini

In the summer time when the weather is fine…and let’s be honest it’s been wonderful the last few weeks! There’s nothing I love more than a glass of bubbles at the weekend, or a cheeky cocktail at a BBQ. But let’s be honest things are a little different now aren’t they? Although we’re out of lockdown we all still have to be careful, still sanitise and be sensible. So the big family BBQ’s may not be happening yet but we can still have the small get togethers! And if you’re like me and are still a little extra cautious of everything then you may also be wanting to bring your own glass. But what if I told you there was a way to enjoy pre-made delicious bubbles and cocktails straight from a can? Right? No bringing glasses, no having to mix or shake? Well today I bring you Sipful Drinks! 

When they got in touch and asked if I’d like to try some of their range I couldn’t wait to say yes! I do love my bubbles after all! So want to know a little more about Sipful? Founded by Emily and Darius, up in the Yorkshire Dales, they are a wonderful small business with key values at heart, using only organic wine to create their drinks and having a unique style of packaging in recyclable cans. We all love pre-mixed gin in a tin so why wouldn’t I love bubbles in a can? And right now it’s been so handy, when I’ve been in someone’s garden for socially distanced BBQ there’s been no fuss with mixing or worrying about glasses, just pick up your can and all the deliciousness right there! 

But what about them you say, are they really that good? Well I’m going to tell you what I thought! First up the Organic Bubbles, I love bubbles! Prosecco, champagne you name it! Sourced from the plains of La Mancha in the heart of Spain this is a real winner for any celebration, or a Saturday night! Very crisp and refreshing and not too sweet at all. And in a 250ml can it’s the perfect equivalent to a large glass of wine! It’s honestly so much better than most of bottles I’ve ever drunk.

Next up the Mimosa’s two different types but equally as delightful! I’m a massive fan of girls weekend with a cheeky mimosa at brunch, so who’s to say the girls can’t come round for garden brunch and a can of mimosa! My favourite of the two was the Blood Orange Mimosa I loved the sharpness of this one! And served ice cold from the fridge it was perfect! The Real Orange Mimosa was just as refreshing made with 100% Real Orange juice mixed with the organic bubbles it’s a match made in heaven! The perfect beverage for a morning of brunching at home or an evening drink in the garden!

And last but by all means certainly not least as it’s definitely my favourite is the Bellini. Oh my goodness this was so so delicious! Really fruity and made with 100% real peach juice it was so gorgeous, a little sweeter than the other cocktails but it just felt like summer in a can! So so delicious and definitely one I will be treating myself to again! 

It’s a new day, a new start to the week and I always try to start my weeks by setting mini goals, and most importantly realistic goals. And my goal for this week is to make more time for me, more time for writing, organising, running and of course my favourite, more bath times! And recently I’ve been having the most luxurious bath times with a little help from Fifth Sense in Modbury. Fifth Sense is an eclectic gift shop based in Modbury, in Devon, which happens to be run by two of my lovely friends, Neill and Iggy. They sell a wonderful range of items including gifts, clothing, home fragrances and our favourite purchase from them over lockdown, Annie Sloan paint! Over lockdown Neill and Iggy set up their online store, alongside their shop, which has so many treats and goodies available for UK delivery. 

A few weeks ago they kindly sent me a lovely care hamper filled with so many wonderful items from their shop with no obligations to post, just for me to enjoy. However as I loved all the products so much and they have such a lovely small business I couldn’t help but focus a whole blog post on them! So what did I receive? 

First up from the Fifth Sense bathroom Deli, these beautiful handmade soaps, with no plastic packaging and made from all natural products they are a must have at home. My favourite has to be the Natural Loofah, Peppermint and herb soap, I love how great it is at massaging and exfoliating the skin! And it smells amazing, and is such good value. I also received a few more soaps, some of which I’m yet to try but they smell incredible! Including the chamomile and lemon, banana and coconut and green tea. So many to choose from and they last so well too! And to keep your soap safe and mess free they also sent me a ceramic hand made soap dish, it has a real rustic and natural look, with holes to drain off the soaps moisture.

Their bathroom deli has so much to offer including my favourite products they sent me, their bath bombs! The rose petal one was divine, our whole bathroom smelt so beautiful and it was just the most relaxing bath. They also sent me their Margarita bath bomb pack, with so many wonderful cocktail smelling bath bombs, that just added that little extra luxury to my self care time! I’ve also still got a couple left to try which I can’t wait for, again very reasonably priced and made with natural ingredients. Talking of all natural, their bathroom deli has so many vegan and environmentally friendly products, including bamboo toothbrushes, shampoo bars, and face masks! 

The face mask I was kindly sent was the Ancient fullers earth mask, I loved this one as it was so much more than any mask I’ve tried before! Firstly you make it up yourself, mixing a couple of teaspoons with water and making the paste, then apply and feel wonderful! My skin felt so refreshed after and it’s a product I’ll definitely be treating myself to again! They have a few different ones online including their green clay and pink clay mask. 

With this years lockdown due to Covid 19 I think we’ve definitely all become very attentive over how much we wash our hands, and if you’re looking for an on the go solution then Fifth Sense have that too. Stocking a range of fragranced hand sanitisers for on the go. Made with essential oils and 75% alcohol this is a great product for on the go with 10% of profits from these going to NHS Hero’s. Although washing your hands thoroughly and regularly is best it’s great to have something for on the go. As well as sanitisers Fifth Sense now stock a range of adults and children’s face masks, that you can purchase in store and online. 

Bath time wouldn’t be complete without the perfect lighting and you all know me, I love a candle, and what I love more is a smelly candle! The winter berry soy wax candle and the Pinot Grigio candle smelt amazing and have such good burn time of around 20 hours. Again amazing value for money from a small business. I also was so excited to try the wax melts! I’ve never tried wax melts before and now I love them, can’t go without in the evenings! I was sent the beautiful classic rose melts, along with a beautifully hand crafted wax burner and they are just perfection. The whole house smelt incredible and I can’t wait for the winter months to try out Fifth Sense festive wax melt selection! Also if you’re looking to treat yourself or treat someone to a wax melts gift they do a lovely soy wax melts gift set, all packaged wonderfully for the perfect treat for someone special! 

Fifth sense stock so many incredible and wonderful products that I could honestly write pages and pages about! But I think it’s time you took a look yourself at what more they have to offer! Supporting small and local businesses is so important, more than ever right now, so many will have unfortunately not made it through the lockdown and being able to support my two lovely friends through buying and sharing their business is just a way I can help, and I feel so grateful that they kindly sent me an amazing array of products that I can share with you. If you’re local to Modbury or just passing through make sure you stop in and take a browse in store or if you’re not so local Fifth Sense has so so many amazing products online, including all of the ones mentioned in this post! 

I will link their site below if you’d like to treat yourself or someone special and I’ll also link their Instagram if you’d like to share the love and like, comment and follow. Remember sharing costs nothing, and supporting small businesses is so important. After purchasing paint for up cycling through lockdown, Fifth Sense will now be my go to for all bath time purchases! Will you be treating yourself to some Monday me time? 

Okay so let’s start by saying it’s been a little while hasn’t it! Why? There’s been a lot going on, a lot of change and honestly my anxiety has been high, my focus hasn’t been here, and my heart for writing has just been put aside. But now with everything in place and everything a lot more clear, with a new job, and a new plan, I’m ready! I feel like I need to write again, and what do I love writing about? Lingerie! And don’t I have some cute ones for you today! 

I was sent these beautiful sets from Panache to show you at the start of lockdown and I’ve made sure that I’ve thoroughly tested them out before sharing with you! So first up all of these sets are PR Samples but all opinions here are my own as always. Secondly all of these sets are perfect for lounging, and if there’s one thing lockdown has taught me, it’s that the power and support of a good Bralette is something not to be underestimated! 

So here they are! The first set I tried was the Lyzy Triangle Bralette, I loved the style of this, so so cute. But I’ll be honest when I first saw the style I wasn’t sure how supportive or how well the coverage would be, but I was pleasantly surprised! As you can see the coverage is great and although the support isn’t what I’d get with an underwired bra it is very good! The only thing I would say is I find the underband tends to roll up, however I get this on every longline bra or Bralette I wear. It’s perfect for evening lounging or those days where you just pop on leggings and a baggy top! This bralette is available from a size 28D-38H. As this is from Panache’s brand Cleo the size range isn’t as great as their main brand bras, it would be great to see an improvement one day so hopefully this is something they’re looking into! As this bra is just so lovely, so comfortable and with a clasp back, no underwire and fully adjustable straps it’s a real beauty. I wear a 36H and it’s a great fit.

The matching briefs are super cute and really really comfortable! They are great for underneath any outfit with no VPL, and elasticated waist band so no slipping! The briefs are available from a size 8-18 and I wear a size 18 which is a lovely fit. This set is available in this colour which is the Black or Khaki/Wine.

Well today I’m bringing back Panache to the blog, but this time a set I’ve heard so much about but that I’ve actually never tried, until now! Envy. I’ve heard so much about her and when the babes at Brastop kindly gifted her to me I couldn’t wait to see what all the fuss was about! 

Firstly I love lace. Lace is so beautiful and really adds that touch of prettiness to any set of underwear! I love the contrast between this and the houndstooth jacquard detail. One thing I always say about Panache is they never fail on the attention to detail. They never fail on anything in my eyes actually! But it’s the quality and the attention to style and shape in every set, and Envy is no exception. Another thing that Panache are exceptional good at is all around support with comfort, the structure and support on this bra is incredible, I really felt uplifted! And the wide back and straps provide secure support all round. I love a balconette style bra, not only is it practical with good coverage but I find them so comfy, and with Envy the lace on the top part of the cup is stretchy to offer flexible coverage.

I received the Envy bra in a size 36H and it is very true to size. And on Brastop this bra runs from a size 30DD to a 38HH. The size range on this bra is good but if you’re looking for bigger sizes don’t be dissapointed, Panache has a sister brand Sculptresse that are also available to buy on Brastop with some of their sets ranging up to a 40J! 

The Envy set is also available in four different colours on Brastop, the black which as you can see I’ve received, nude, rosewood red and cornflower blue. All so beautiful! I love the black, I think it’s always good to have that go to bra for any occasion and this is great, for nights out, nights in (like we are right now!) heading to work, or working from home. Uplifting you whilst feeling the sexiness where ever you are! 

We can’t talk about this set without talking about the briefs. I am obsessed with big pants! Well let’s say it a little nicer shall we? High waisted briefs, the ultimate comfort. Feeling secure, comfortable and having the sort of vintage vibes under your clothes, feeling sassy right? I love the matching details on these briefs alongside the bra, a perfect match!  I received mine in a size 20 as I always size up for briefs however with these I definitely could’ve gone for a size 18, they were just a tiny bit too roomy but still a good fit and mega comfy! If you’re a little more tummy conscious these briefs have light control with panel support. Or if high waisted isn’t for you, the Envy also has a mid-rise brief option. The high waisted brief runs from a size 8-20. 

Envy is a classic. A set that’s there to support you no matter the occasion. And right now I need some uplifting in my life! As always I’ve linked the set below if you’d like to have a browse or give yourself a treat! I think one thing to remember with Panache is the price definitely reflects the quality. All my Panache bras have lasted years and always stay so beautiful, just remember to cool hand wash them and to take care of them when drying. So are you needing a bit of an uplift right now? What’s your go to bra for ultimate support? X 

Another weekend in-in. I’ve been spending so much time living in my comfies and I’m not going to lie, I’m missing getting all glammed up. Putting the lashes on, heels on, going for date nights, going for drinks with the girls. All little things I definitely took for granted! Anyone else? I know it’ll be a while until we are allowed properly out-out, but who’s to say we can’t have date night in-in? Or get dolled up and feel amazing for me? Just until we can go out-out! So today I’m bringing you something new to the blog. I’m bringing you some statement pieces that were kindly gifted to me from New Girl Order Curve. 

I’ve never tried New Girl Order, but I’m so glad I have now! For plus size fashion it’s sometimes hard to find on trend pieces, the industry is getting so much better and New Girl Order have definitely brought some amazing pieces with their Curve collection! I love it when pieces test the fashion rules, when they’re a bit more out there. And that’s exactly what these pieces are.

First up they sent me this Abstract long sleeve frill dress. I love the cut of this dress it’s so unique and is so on trend. I love a high neckline on a short dress, it’s so stylish and looks so chic. The colour of this dress is stunning, I’m such a massive fan of the colour pink, and the black and pink contrast is so vibrant! And we can’t talk about this dress without talking about the print, oh my how beautiful is it. The feminine figure in abstract style, so stunning. I received this dress in a size 20 and I’m glad I went up a size as I like that it’s a little longer and a bit more roomy, it gives an opportunity to add a belt without making it too short. However if I’d have had an 18 I think it would have been true to size just a little more figure hugging and shorter. This dress is available from a size 18 to 28 in the curve section.

I’ve styled this up in two ways, for a night out-out with over the knee boots and an up down hair style. And for a day to day weekend look, perfect for the cinema or walks at the park, I’ve paired it with trainers and again a belt. I always feel like I need a belt with a dress that is quite straight cut, I have a large bust and hips but a smaller waist so I like to show off my shape when I can. This dress is definitely going to be a statement piece in my wardrobe that I can wear time and time again for so many occasions. 

The second piece I received was this super cute My bitches tee. I love a cheeky tee, this may not be great for in front of the little ones or on a work zoom chat, but it’s definitely one for nights at the pub, paired with jeans and heels it’s a comfy choice that also is super cute. I received mine in a size 18/20 and the fit is perfect. A little baggy but I like it, great for over cycle shorts or tucked into high waisted jeans. This tee is available from a size 8-28. 

The last piece I received is definitely my favourite and gave me all the clueless vibes. It’s fair to say I am in LOVE. The Lolita cherry dress. Obsessed doesn’t even begin to cover it! Do you ever put on something and feel all the sass come to you? Like you’ve been searching for that ultimate dress to make you feel like a queen? Well here’s mine. I love a cherry print, so so cute and the coral base colour matches alongside the print perfectly. This dress is a little short but for a mini dress it’s great. It still covers the bum and top of the thigh, a great dress for a night out or date night or for drinks at a friends. I received mine in a size 20 and I’m so glad I did as usually I’m a size 18, but as I’m a little busty I think I needed to size up for extra coverage in that area. The Bardot style is again so cute and paired alongside my go to strapless bra, it looks gorgeous. This dress is available from a size 18-28, and like I said maybe if you’re a little more busty size up for coverage. 

So there we have it! Three statement pieces from New Girl Order that have definitely given my wardrobe a pop of sass. New Girl Order will 100% be where I’ll now go to for that something a little more out there, for that statement look for a night out, or night in-in! As always I’ve linked these pieces below. Have you tried New Girl Order yet? x 

Staying home, staying comfy at home. Wear a bra at home? Debatable…Okay okay so I’m actually a lover of support. I have to wear a bra! It’s only at night it actually really comes off. I have my go to bralettes and comfy non-wired ones but when I still want maximum support with comfort, I have my go to brands. And one of them is Flirtelle from Brastop. 

I’ve tried a few Flirtelle bras and I love the support they give and their general fit. I find that they’re a brand that if they work for you, they’ll all work for you. I’ve tried padded and sheer from Flirtelle and the fit is very similar on each. And they’re a proper bargain! You all know how much I love a bargain! However with Flirtelle price does not compromise the quality or fit.

So today I’m bringing you the Flirtelle Alice set. A set I was yet to try, which has been very kindly gifted to me from the babes at Brastop. As you all may know Brastop is one of my go to destinations for bargain bras from all my favourite brands! So when this set arrived I couldn’t wait to try it! As soon as I opened it I loved it, the pink! I’m such a massive fan of the colour pink, and I think the colour compliments this set beautifully. However if you’re not such a fan of the Rose colour this is also available in a white, purple, rouge and black option. This bra is a winner for everyday, under workwear, on the school run (when they re-open) and comfortable enough for all day. Which is a must have in any bra, you don’t want to be running home to get it off do you?

Firstly I received the bra in a size 36H. Depending on style and brand I can be between a 36G-36H and this was a perfect fit, so if like me you’re between sizes I’d recommend going with the larger cup size to avoid any spillage! And always make sure you scoop and swoop to ensure your bra fits properly! If you’re unsure if your bra fits correctly Brastop have a great bra fitting guide which I will link just underneath here! This bra is available in a size 32F-40K which is such a good size range for the fuller busted babe. 

Brastop Bra Fitting Guide

The style of this set is such a classic, I’m the biggest fan of a sheer cup and the duo cup detail is beautiful, with the double mesh on the below of the cup and the pretty swirl embroidery on the top. So delicate and really beautiful. The bra has a great structure for support with wide non-slip shoulder straps and a wide back with two hooks and three clap fastening. Supportive? Yes! It really is so supportive! Held the girls up lovely and is really comfortable to wear around the house all day, I would say to wear out and about all day but I’ve been in for eight weeks and counting now! And the only outing this bra will be getting is up the local shop for bread and milk and other essentials! Including tea bags! I love a good brew as you can probably tell from my choice of prop! Yes the mug contained tea!

The briefs are a nice short brief kind of style, mid-rise with great coverage and again really comfortable for all day. There’s nothing better than comfy pants is there! I received mine in a size 20 as I’ve said before I always size up for briefs for maximum comfort and these were a perfect fit. Again I love the matching swirl and mesh detail, and as briefs they have more coverage. 

This set a real day to day winner that is just so pretty with its swirl embroidery detail and sheer material. This set is also an absolute bargain right now in the Rose colour! With the bra currently on sale from £32 to £17 and the briefs from £16 to just £9! So you can get the set for under £30! (Prices correct on 12/05/2020) so if you’re looking to treat yourself but don’t want to break the bank this could be the set for you. As always I’ve linked the set below if you fancied a browse. So what’s your lockdown go to? To bra or not to bra? X

Today on the blog I bring you the Sugar Candy Lux Bralette. The bra that honestly makes you feel like you’re not wearing a bra! No really it’s that good, I accidentally wore mine to bed last night! When Sugar Candy contacted me a few weeks ago with the offer of gifting me a comfy bralette I couldn’t resist, after all it’s all I’m living in right now! I’ve tried Sugar Candy before previously and I loved my bra. It was a different size and style previously and unfortunately it’s not my size anymore as it must have been at least three years ago now. But never fear, now I have a new one! One that I now actually can’t live without. No seriously I’ve worn it three days straight, she needs a wash. You want the details? I’ll give them to you, read on…

So when Evans contacted me and asked if me if wanted to receive some new pieces for summer, I thought about what I was missing in my summer wardrobe and I made the decision to get some gorgeous timeless key pieces, that I could wear year after year. I’ve actually got a couple of pieces still that were gifted a couple of years ago that I wear all the time! Just for clarification all items in this blog were gifted, however I chose all of them and styled all of them myself, so they really are what I’d buy myself if I wasn’t so kindly gifted them.

First up what did I pick? A must have for summer attire – sandals, and probably the one item I do like to treat myself new to each summer. And I just could not resist these Flatform Espadrilles. We all need those oh so comfy shoes for summer that are also right on trend. I always try to add a pop of colour when it comes to footwear, mainly because I love them to be versatile. To go with jeans, shorts, a dress a skirt! Not just the one outfit. And I need them to be comfy, which is why a flatform is the perfect option. I love yellow, a real blast of colour that compliments so many other colours beautifully. I received these sandals in a size 7EEE and as someone who has wide feet these were a great fit, no rubbing and plenty of adjustment on the back clasp. They’re available from a size 4EEE to a 10EEE, so a really great size range for if you’ve got wider feet. 

So what outfit did I pair these with? Every single one! Next up on the key piece list is this gorgeous dress, a gorgeous, midi stretch, pleated dress. This dress is such a winner for Spring/ Summer. On trend, but also timeless, who doesn’t love an abstract polka dot? And the Navy colour is just so lovely. I also love a dress with a tie waist, shows off the waist perfectly whilst being airy and flattering showing off your gorgeous silhouette! The material of this dress is lovely, very lightweight and easy to move around in, a great dress for popping the trainers on and running around the park after little one or popping a pair of heels on for date night or girls night, but let’s wait until lockdown is over. For right now it’s perfect for garden attire and looking beaut for the essentials Sainsburys shop! I received this dress in a size 18 and it’s a perfect fit, really comfortable not too tight. This dress is available from a size 14-32 so a great range for us plus size babes. 

Next up, a vest. A vest you say? Never underestimate the power of a pretty vest top. A paisley blue and white is a classic and again a key piece that will go year after year! This one for me when it arrived was a little long, I think I’m a little short in the body with longer legs! So I styled it by cropping it up with a tie knot style. However if you want a little more coverage over the belly area it’s very lightweight and not clingy at all. I actually chose a size 16 for this one and after receiving it I think it does run big, especially as being a fuller busted size 18 woman the fit was lovely in a size 16. This vest runs from a size 14-32 so again a great size range. 

I paired this top with this lovely maxi skirt, this maxi skirt is 100% something that I would’ve never really chosen a few years ago, but since gaining confidence in myself I knew it would look great with this vest. It is that stretch material so it is a bit clingy, but for me I love it. I used to be so worried about visible belly line but now I know it’s just normal I’m embracing it! But if you’d rather have that extra coverage then I’d maybe size up. I received this in a size 18 and like I said it’s a great fit if you’re looking for that figure hugging shape. It’s available from a size 14-26/28 and is such a great piece for the warmer months and for now, so comfortable for lounging around in whilst we’re in! I paired this again with the gorgeous yellow sandals. There’s something about blue and yellow that I just love together! 

The last two items I chose were must haves. I love love love a kimono! They’re a great item to have for colder summer nights or covering up during the day. Again super versatile and timeless. Perfect for over a bikini or paired with jeans and heels, or in this case the sandals again! I couldn’t decide on which print or colour to get which is why I chose two. Two very beautiful kimonos but different. The first one a lovely floral vibrant red kimono, maxi length and a really lightweight chiffon feel. I love the patchwork print, really on trend, and so pretty. The second kimono has a slightly different look although another patchwork print but with a contrast of lovely blue and green colours and a touch of sparkle in the dashed gold stitch. This one has a more cottony feel so better for chillier evenings and nights out! I received both of these kimonos in a size 18/20 and they were both a lovely fit. Plenty of arm room and a both a lovely length. These are both available from a size 14/16 to 30/32 so again a really great range.