Something I never thought I'd wear...

Has there ever been something you fancied wearing but thought 'nope, not for me' or 'wouldn't suit me' or even 'how comfortable would that be really....'.

Well, for me, it was dungarees. I think they look great, I used to live in them as a kid! But as an adult, definitely not. I'm bigger on the bottom half than the top, so finding something that fits top and bottom is about as easy as finding hen's teeth.

So when I was in the TU clothing section of Sainsburys earlier this year and saw a pair of spotted dungarees, I wasn't optimistic about the chances of them fitting.

Well, I was right, they didn't fit - because I needed to size down! Unheard of in TU clothing to be honest. I normally find their sizing very much on the small side. Sizing down is not something I've ever had to do before. So that was a good start.

And you know what? I didn't hate them. They weren't too long in the leg, they fitted my thighs and didn't gap at the waist and they were adjustable enough on the top to fit. 

So they came home with me - and I love them. I try to ignore the other half making Andy Pandy comments and doing a speedy trip to the toilet is yet to be mastered. But I think dungarees are back in my life now - and that makes me happy!

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Ad - Review of the Annalisa retro tie-waist shirt dress from Navabi

The lovely folk at Navabi recently got in touch and asked if I'd be interested in reviewing one their dresses. Well - I didn't need to be asked twice. I've ordered a number of things from Navabi over the years and while they may not be the cheapest - I've always found their quality and choice to be top rate.

Firstly, I have to say that finding dresses that fit well isn't that easy for me. I normally find I need a size smaller on top than the bottom half, so to get a dress that fits top and bottom is a bit of a miracle basically! Fortunately every dress on the Navabi website has a section with detailed measurements for that particular dress. My advice - get your tape measure out and get measuring. Even if you think you know your size, you may be surprised. I ended up ordering a size 22 and it was a perfect fit on the bottom half and only just a little big on the top. Normally I would have ordered a 24 to get the right fit on the hips which would have been way too big for this dress. They also have suggestions for which style fits which body shape.

I'm also pretty fussy. I don't like too many frills and flounces, I'm not fond of too much floral and really don't like low neck/wrap tops. However, I do love unusual prints, casual styles that can be dressed up and comfortable, easy to wear fabrics.

The style that instantly caught my eye was the Annalisa Retro Tie-Waist Shirt Dress. It ticked so many boxes for me with the print and styling. I styled it for these pictures with black trainers, but ankle boots or knee high boots would look just as good. The colours just shouted autumn to me.

Just look at the print! It reminded me of a 70's dress but with modern styling. It has a tie waist but I think it would work with a black belt just as well. I mentioned the top half was just a little big and that was most noticeable in the sleeves, but they do have button tabs so that they can be worn rolled-up as 3/4 length. The length was good for me as well. I'm 5'3 and it felt like a comfortable length that could be worn day or night.

Currently this is priced at £90, but I just know this dress is going to be a staple item in my wardrobe for years. I recently took it on holiday and it travels well - no ironing needed! When I received it and unpacked it for the first time (which was beautifully packaged btw) my other half took one look and said it was definitely me. I really like the thought of being just like a retro vibrant 70's dress!

A big thank you to Navabi & Bethany Rutter - and a little something that shows taking photos on a cold autumn day isn't always easy....

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

(Dress was gifted for the purpose of this review)

Pink Clove colour changing star raincoat

Have you ever owned anything as an adult that you wish you could have had a child?

When I saw this raincoat on It's Em's insta stories, I knew I had to have one (and that younger Cathy would have loved it and worn it 24/7).

To start with, I was looking for a new, lightweight raincoat. Something that would pack up fairly small and not be too heavy to have in the bottom of a rucksack while on holiday. I so nearly went with a floral option on the Pink Clove website but I'm glad I held out and chose this star print.

It's from the Brave Soul range and I ordered the 22/24. Definitely long on the arms and big in the body, but it gave me the extra space to wear it over a jumper - which in the British summer is pretty standard.

The stars look white with a hint of colour, but the minute they get wet, they change colour. The other half suggested using a watering can to demonstrate this for the blog photos - I'm not entirely sure he was joking so opted to wait for a rainy day instead!

It's not going to keep me super dry in a very heavy downpour, but it's perfect for a light shower and enough to keep you dry until you get under cover. Unless, if you're like me, you stay out in the rain watching the stars....

Thanks for reading

Cathy
cc

Supermarket sweep - the jumper edition

Is there anything more tempting than those hidden clothing sections in the supermarkets? Especially when you're trying to count pennies before Christmas. Surely a couple of jumpers popped into the trolley along with the Quality Sweet isn't going to break the bank - is it?

Disclaimer - yes it can! But as long as you shop wisely and remember budgets, there are some gems to be found in our supermarkets. Here's a couple of jumpers I picked up recently at Tesco and Asda.

This first striped number is from George at Asda. I picked my normal size 20/22 and there's plenty of room so maybe size down if you want it more fitted.

The second jumper is from F&F at Tesco. I have a bit of a love/hate thing with F&F clothing. I don't always think they're that cheap for supermarket clothing, their sizing is a bit hit and miss and you can't order their clothing online anymore. But even after all that, this was a love at first sight jumper.

I'm wearing a 22 here and I think it's pretty true to size. Both jumpers are soft and snuggly and very comfortable - which at the end of the day is pretty much my number one priority!

Can I also mention my coat? This was also a purchase from George at Asda and is nearly 5 years old. There's so much 'fast fashion' around nowadays (and as a blogger I know there are times when we add to the problem with monthly hauls, purchases etc). It still fits, makes me feel good so why replace it? Even if it is tempting to buy a new coat every season, anything we can do to re-use and recycle has to be good for the environment and our purses.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Curve Fashion Festival - Liverpool

Hello there,

I can't believe it's nearly 3 weeks since The Curve Fashion Festival was held in Liverpool. I missed last years, but after going to the 2015 one which was held in Manchester. I was determined not to miss another!

After an epic drive up from Southampton (transportation Star Trek style would be a marvelous thing...) we arrived in Warrington. I say we, my other half was with me, but had his own plans for the day.

The plan was for a leisurely morning and a short trip from Warrington to Liverpool. I hadn't quite planned on such awful weather and a scenic detour through the back roads of Liverpool though. Eventually, flustered and slightly soggy, we arrived.

The obligatory nervous hotel room selfie before the event, and the soggy view from the window.

There seemed to be so much more to look at than I expected, so the I think the best thing I can do is give a visual summary of all the things that caught my eye and the lovely people I met.

The first stand I stopped at was Lindy Bop - so many new prints coming soon (unicorn shoes anybody?).

The very lovely Hayley from Curves and Curls was on the Studio 8 stand

The main sponsors New Look had a huge stand at the end of the hall, I could have spent a small fortune here

River Island (as usual) had some beautiful items

Some other bits and pieces that I loved on the day

And as I always say, the best thing about events like this is catching up with friends and making new ones.

There's always that person who goes to the wrong place for the group photo and then has to run and squeeze in on the end...oh wait...that's me! Oops.

And finally, I need this wall for all future blog photos. It's much nicer than my side wall.

My outfit details were: dress from TU at Sainsburys, size 22 (old), cardigan from Primark, size 20 and trainers from Converse.

The whole day flew by, I met so many people, missed so many people (next time!) and can't wait to do it all again next year (without the rain maybe please).

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

Outfit August - the last day!

So here we are, the end of August and (for me anyway) the end of summer. It's also the end of Outfit August and while I haven't posted as many outfits as I'd like, I've enjoyed seeing what everyone else wore this month.

Recently we went out (on a week night as well!) to a new Miller & Carter restaurant that was opening almost on our doorstep. I wanted to look smart, but comfortable as I had a feeling there was going to be a lot of food involved.

This is a dress I bought in the sales probably a couple of years ago at least. I remember loving it, but never had much occasion to wear it. I should have sold it, charity shopped it etc, but I just loved it too much, so every time there was a wardrobe clear out - it survived.

I teamed it with a denim jacket from Next which is becoming a firm favourite and this beautiful tapestry bag from Primark. It's completely useless as a bag - by the time you get your keys and glasses in it's full - but it's so pretty!

And I was right about there being a lot of food - the evening ended with this (reminding me of the golden snitch from Harry Potter!).

Don't forget to check out the other lovely ladies who took part in Outfit August:

Leah
Kate
Mookie
Nikki
Christy
Becky
Christie
Katy

Thanks for reading

Outfit August - 9th August

Have you ever found something in your wardrobe that makes you think 'huh?'

I think I've had this checked top for years (and looking back at photos, it really is years!). But somehow, I just don't have the heart to get rid of it, so every now and then, it comes out again. I'm even struggling to remember where it's from, but I suspect Simply Be. The cardigan is from George at Asda, Jeans from M&S and trainers are my old faithful Converse.

I'm going to cheat a bit with Outfit August as with the weather lately, it's been pretty challenging to get out and about without getting blown away. So here's an extra shot of the same steps with a skirt from a few days earlier. Except that this shot didn't quite go to plan....

The perils of a windy day, lots of neighbours and a partner who loves taking photos when you're not ready!

Again, I'm not entirely sure where this skirt is from, I suspect it's M&S though.

Don't forget to check out the other lovely ladies taking part in Outfit August

Leah
Kate
Mookie
Nikki
Christy
Becky
Christie
Katy

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx

A Primark haul - and a few shoes!

Hello there,

Question for you all - how many pairs of shoes is too many? Reason I ask is because I ambled into Primark for a quick look around - and ended up leaving with 3 pairs. And if that wasn't enough - I then popped into New Look and bought another pair.

In my defense - I really did need some new flats (but 4 pairs - seriously?) Anyway - here's a look at some of the goodies I got.

3 espadrille style shoes at £4 a pair. They seriously feel like slippers and have already been well used. They're perfect for wearing with jeans or a summer dress (did I mention they are SO comfortable?)

Primark slouchy tees are the best. At £2 each they're perfect for layering up under jumpers or cardigans during these chilly spring evenings. 

A sleeveless navy blouse for £8. I think this will work well as a blouse or worn open with a vest top during summer. Plus it's that great material that never creases (ideal if you hate ironing as much as me!).

There's a bit of a blue/navy theme with this haul. I've been looking for navy cushions for a while and these were 2 for £6. Lovely soft velour finish and very cuddly and comfy.

And finally for Primark, something I always get, a few packs of their cosmetic cotton pads for 50p a pack. I also picked up a new blending brush - I've seen these around for a while now and I'm interested to see how they feel (so far it feels a little like using a kitten's paw....).

And if that wasn't enough shoes...I'd seen these shoes from New Look online, but often things online never look as good in real life. Well, these were better. And after wearing them for a very long day of walking, I can confirm they are a winner. 

So that's my little (or not so little) shopping haul. You know it's a biggish shop in Primark when they give you two bags.... oops!

Thanks for reading

Cathy

xx

January sales - Next and Accessorize

Hello there,

The sales are finally coming to a close so I thought it was about time I shared some of the goodies I managed to pick up.

To be honest, I didn't think I was going to get anything much. I had my eye on a rucksack in Accessorize which was reduced (don't you love it when that happens?) but other than that, it was a pretty quiet few weeks. Then I ventured into Next to see what was left, and struck lucky.

Coat - Evans (24) (old)

Jumper - Next (20)
Jeans - Simply Be, Sadie (22)

Shoes - Next

This looks blue in the photos, but sometimes it's purple and sparkly and almost gold. I love it. I wanted something lightweight and squishy that was big enough to carry folders and a jumper and this is perfect. The handy front pocket also stops the normal scrambling for door keys dance that I'm sure we've all done... I've added some pompoms that I got for Christmas (also from Accessorize) however they seem to be a temptation for my mothers dog, so they may not last long!

When I popped into Next, I wasn't expecting to find anything. I love Next, but hate the whole post-Christmas sales frenzy so normally stay clear. This time though, I was lucky.

I picked up an orange striped jumper with an oversize patch pocket and a pair of shoes that made the other half shudder! They have to be in contention for the comfiest pair of shoes ever though, leather and in a rare half size, they're a perfect fit.

As sunny as it looks in these pictures.... we were dodging the frost and trying not to slip up! I don't think this patch of grass ever defrosted.

And finally, while in Superdrug, I saw this set in the sale. It does make you smell a bit like a gingerbread man - so it's just as well I love ginger.

So that's all my sales goodies. I think I was very lucky in some of my finds. The trick is try and buy things that you really need or will actually use and this time, I think I did.

Thanks for reading

Cathy
xx