Author: somethinginthewayshemoves

Time after time…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 1 Comment

I had a realisation whilst internet shopping this week. I was searching for some casual summer bits & was struggling to find exactly what I was after. Along with adding some of this seasons trend to my wardrobe, I really wanted to find some timeless summer staples (all be it my version of staples). 

I scratched my head & then the obvious dawned. I almost always shop in the same small collection of stores. So, I set off on an Internet quest; find pretty things in shops that have been thus far alien to me. Being plus size I anticipated problems, but I was pleasantly surprised by the array of places who stock my size (anywhere from uk 18 to 22). So, with out further ado I present you with my finds. All of which I intend to purchase as soon as my purse permits. 

I haven’t shopped in Gap for years. I think I associate it with jeans, which I never wear. However, a quick squiz at their website revealed this clever piece. It’s a simple stretchy cotton dress that can be worn four ways (strapless maxi, midi, mini & maxi skirt) just by folding the top section. It’s ingenuity pleases me.

  

I tend to leave House of Fraser for cosmetics & fragrance purchase, but again it’s website had some surprises for me. Lines had a delightfully vivid shirt dress, which would work perfectly for more corporate occasions. I also discovered Desigual, a shop that I suspect was opened with me in mind. It’s design are quirky, bright & ideal for summer. 

   
  

My favourite find for absolute classics is  Esprit. This is a shop that I honestly expected to be a budget buster. How wrong I was. They have a great selection of summer classics at yummy prices. My favourites were this tie dye number & this gorgeous denim maxi. I just know I will wear these time after time.

   

No summer collection would be complete without a peasant dress & here is a delicious example from Phase Eight. White, linen & oh so 70’s. I’m sold.

 
 

Try to control me boy you’ll get dismissed…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 2 Comments

It’s a beautiful day, but I’m crazy sore. I have hospital & Dr appointments that I can’t miss. What I really need is some motivation. I require some banging female voices to spur me on. With my favourite feminist anthems blasting in my ears I can conquer today. I thought perhaps some of you might like an extra spring on your step too.Enjoy.

I’ll start with Not my name by the Ting Tings. It was a huge hit a few years ago & is a great summer tune. For me the stand out line has to be the slow, exasperated ‘ are you calling me darling’. When I listen to that lyric i get the feeling she’s ready to call bullshit. We’ve all been there, it’s cool to hear the feeling expressed in such a funky way. 

No list of feminist songs would be complete without you You don’t own me. I prefer the original by Lesley Gore. This song is so deliciously ahead of it’s time. It’s lyrics are an absolute declaration of female empowerment. This chick will do what she pleases & anyone who doesn’t approve can suck it. 

I’ve always had a fondness for Madonna’s Music album. I think this song is the reason. What it feels like for a girl is an oft overlooked feminist classic. The premise of the song being that it’s acceptable for girls to dress or act like boys because society deems being male a prize. However, it’s humiliating for men to look or be called girlie because being a women is deemed inferior. Message aside the song itself is beautiful. Somber & sultry; Madge at her best. 

My next choices earned a place in my heart for similar reasons. Firstly it should be said that everything by Salt N Pepa is awesome, but this track is particularly dear to me. None of your business is a blistering attack on slut shaming before the phenomena even had a name. I was 13 or 14 when this hit the charts. I attended a catholic school & was surrounded by numerous gender double standards. That a woman should have sexual agency was not a concept I had come across. That females could enjoy fucking for fuckings sake was an idea that was just about dawning on me. Salt n Pepa did me a huge service with their blatant message. In a world where slag banded about by my piers & sex was deemed sinful by educators None of your business was a revelation.

Female sexual pleasure is key in my next anthem too. Charli XCX’s Body of my own is an ode to masturbation. It’s a rare topic in pop, even rarer in relation to women. At 34, I’ve long since discovered the joys of having a wank. I know it’s natural. I know it’s healthy. I know it’s the best the way to work out which buttons you really want pressing. For me this is a catchy pop piece confirming what I’m already sure if. However, I suspect for many teenage girls a song like this will offer much needed reassurance & encouragement. Sadly we still live in a society that makes girls feels embarrassed about enjoying their own bodies. I’m all for a song that says, Hey, you don’t need anyone else. You own your body. Explore it. Love it. 

Destiny’s Child’s Independent women has always been one of those songs that will get my arse on the dance floor. I love everything about it. When it was released I was a student struggling to make ends meet, but doing it all on my own.Three women jubilantly declaring themselves self sufficient was exactly what I needed. Having my hard work affirmed every time I went to a club was bliss. 16yrs later I still depend on me & i wouldn’t have it any other way.

These are just a few songs that make me feel proud to be woman in charge of my life. I’d love to know which tunes make you feel like you can rule the world.

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And think of the summers of the past….

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 4 Comments

We’ve now had two hot days in a row so I’m declaring it summer. It’s time to get out all our floaty, flirty sunny day attire.

Unusually for me I am actually digging the current trends.The 90’s throwback twinned with a 70’s twist is basically my dream come true. The late 90’s were my hey day, care free nights of student clubs & long blissful summers on crazy girl’s holidays. Even items dating to the early 90’s conjour memories of establishing my own style & first kisses. Add to that my deep & abiding affection for 70’s hippie style & music and what’s not to love??

My only disappointment is my inability to find long lush fringing in plus sizes. The larger end of the size scale seem to have opted for more subtle fringing & I’m really not down with that.

So, here it is, my June wish list. I want dungarees, printed denim, chunky soles, 70’s colour palette, kimonos, hippie fringing & crochet. 

 
Dress – Asos Curve, Bag – Aldo, Sandals – New Look.

  

Kimono Dress – Asos Curve, Dungarees  Dress – Dorothy Perkins.

  

Denim Skater – Dorothy Perkins, Crochet Flares – Pink Clove, Thigh Bands – Bandalettes.

  

Dress – Asos Curve, Kimono – Monsoon.

 

Tassel Bag – Star Mela, Shirt Dress – Dorothy Perkins, Printed Jeggings – Dorothy Perkins.

Last, but not least I want a sexy solution for every fat girl’s summer nightmare; chub rub. The answer is the amazing lacy Bandalettes thigh bands. They prevent chaffing whilst looking like sultry stocking tops, result! 

Song of home…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 5 Comments

I am a bit of a homebody & a big believer in making ones home an extension of oneself. With that in mind I am finally getting around to some decorating. Chronic illness can slow the pace on big projects like this, but I am making headway. 

My interior style is (as might be expected) is a hodge podge with books, photographs of loved ones, candles & 2nd hand finds taking centre stage. I have some gorgeous pieces of antique furniture which I have just added a perfect little drop leaf table to.  

I am focusing my decorating zeal on my most used rooms. First up being my living room. I am keeping most of my walls neutral & paying homage to my one true love with this awesome library wallpaper.

  
I am running with the literary theme with these booky cushions.  

And giving a nod to some other passions with these playful additions. 

  
The rainbow feminist cushion is going to pair perfectly with the blanket my darling mother hand crocheted just for me

  

I’m keeping curtains simple & illuminate the room with this quirky lamp.

  

My main light shade will remain unchanged. To be honest I inherited this & was not originally a fan. However adding a halogen light bulb basically turned this fixture into mood lighting. Observe & admire.

  
In my bedroom I really want to shift gear. It’s currently sporting a vivid red wall, which whilst kind of sexy; needs tamed. I’m hoping to create a sanctuary. With that in mind I’m opting for great tones on the walls. I think grey is a much maligned shade, in it’s softer shades, I find it very soothing. I plan to lift the greys with copper light fighting & frames. Finally I will indulge my deep & abiding affecfion for flamingos. I feel a certain kinship with these birds as love or loathe them, you will notice them. I too am a creature who tends to stand out. 

  
  
  
  
Again I’ll keeping window dressing minimal, my beloved black out blind will be flying solo. I’ll be dipping my toe in the artistic pool & attempting to create some art ;taking inspiration from some favourite lyrics, in this case the Beatles’ across the universe. 

Last, but not least what bedroom would be complete without a nod to its intimate nature.

  
I’ll be sure to update you with pictures when the work is done.

Who you gonna call?……

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 6 Comments

On a search for a nice place to walk Seb my sister & I stumbled upon this beautiful park. It’s local, but we had no idea how lovely it was. Anyway having found such a gem, we obviously launched an impromptu blog photo shoot. 

 
This outfit was actually flung together in an I must leave the house in 10 minutes rush, but I think it’s a winner. A perfect cute sunny day outfit. 

  

I found the skirt in a cool 2nd hand shop in Glasgow’s southside. The print & colours appeal to my hippy dippy side & also pairs great with my favourite cardi. Topped off with my ghostbusters t shirt it makes for an easy to wear ensemble for a chilled day.  

   
 

Both cardigans – Primark

Skirt – Glad Rags (@gladragsglasgow)

T-Shirt – New Look

Thank you for the days….

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 3 Comments

Saying goodbye to my wonderful little muffin has been very difficult. It’s impossible to say how much I miss the girl. Normal blog service will be resumed, but in the mean time here’s another week in pictures. Night’s out with my favourite man, selfies with girl, my family, my city & my puss cat. I hope you see as much beauty in these images as I do. 

   
           

If you enjoy these snaps of my life you can catch more on my Insta.

You can also see more of my writing on a variety of topics in the excellent Swag Guide.

Such a perfect day…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves

I love a wedding. I love them even more when I adore the couple getting hitched. So, I was pretty excited about my big brother’s big day. I really wanted to go all out & look fantastic, I think I might just have pulled it off. 

I went retro. I found a beautiful swing dress that is absolutely perfect on my curves. I then enrolled a professional to give my hair & face an amazing 50’s makeover. I felt wonderful. 

  
It was a perfect day. The sun shone, the champagne flowed & love was in the air. Having our niece & oldest brother home from Australia made the day even more special. My cheeky little muffin could not resist popping into my blog shoot.

  
  
Dress – Lindy Bop

Shoes – Irregular Choice

Shrug – Monsoon

Hair & Make Up – Bombshell Betty’s (@BBsGlasgow)

No wedding post would be complete with the happy couple. So, here they are, the handsome brother & his stunning bride.

  
  

Because I’m happy….

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 1 Comment

My oldest brother & beautiful niece arrived home from Australia a week ago. They are visiting for my other brother’s wedding. Needless to say, I am ecstatic & have been spending every possible moment with my girl. There is just no time for blogging when the most incredible little person ever created is on the loose. Here’s a little taste of our adventures so far. 

   
           

Stay tuned for my all out 50’s wedding ensemble. 

Saturday night at the movies…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 3 Comments

Being cooped up feeling rotten was really starting to get to me by Saturday. My darling sis came to the rescue & accompanied me to any early  movie. We were still enjoying a taste of summer at the weekend and my outfit reflected this. Colourful, slouchy, light & oh so comfortable. 

 

The treggings are a new & perfect addition. Up close the look like tapestry, which is all kinds of awesome. I can see me teaming them with everything.  

   

Treggings – Asos Curve

Dress – H&M

Cardigan – John Lewis 

It’s no secret that I love my city & I honestly can’t stop help myself from snapping away at its streets. This is one of my favourites taken en route to the cinema.

   

Oh & our evenings entertainment was ‘The Duff’ a trashy feel good teen comed because sometimes you want to laugh not think. 

Woe is me…

~ somethinginthewayshemoves ~ 6 Comments

I had to go into hospital on Monday. I’m home now, but still feeling rubbish.  Unfortunately this means I have nothing pretty or interesting to blog about. I shall hopefully rectify that this weekend. In the mean time if you can’t live without me, I have a few pieces on The Swag Guide. There are also lots of other wonderful writers, so please do check it out.

  

Gown – Nhs