Shop Small this Xmas…

I always enjoying supporting small business, but this year more than ever they need our custom. If you’re after for some beautifully different presents for your loved ones, look no further.

Illustrated by Charlie can cover two Xmas needs, gift & cards. Their fun prints would make a fab present and humorous take on festive cards are sure to make everyone smile.

Candles can be a passé as a gift, but not if you find some that are really special. ESH do exactly that. All 100% soy wax, handmade beautiful designs. I have my eye on those pillar stars.

Jessica Jumpers creates beautiful prints, portraits and totes. Her work often features two of my favourite things, ‘kitties & titties’. She also takes commission for portraits. Her unique style ensures any purchase would be a delightful gift.

Tote bag  with ‘titties & kitties’ slogan Sms drawing of naked woman bending over to stroke  a cat.

If African prints warm you heart, My Ankara Love is the place for you. These fabrics are divine. They stock everything from interiors to jewellery. I would die if I found any of their pieces under my tree.

Lamp, bangles, dress &  cushion is African wax print fabrics

Hatch is a retail space in Glasgow that curates independent makers from throughout the UK. They have so many beautiful things that would make amazing gifts. If you’re local I definitely recommend you check them out.

Dried flower wreaths octopus plate, good posnt holder with ivy, stained glass robin window decorations

Curated by Girls have the most amazing feminist tees. All of which are already on my Xmas list. If you know a woman who takes no shit one of these would make the perfect present.

Women wearing t shirts with feminist slogans.

She comes in colours…

As the weather gets colder & the nights get darker I feel the need for even more colour. I subscribe to the why wear one colour when you can wear five anyway, but definitely garner warmth from rich tones at this time of year.

I applied this thinking when selecting an outfit for our last day in Dundee. Our plans were lunch with a friend & a wee wander at the harbour. Thus, I wanted cosy, comfortable & chic.

Skirt – Monsoon

Vest – Primark

Jumper – ASOS Curve

Bag – Topshop (gift)

Flats – Primark

I caught up with my lovely friend Dawn over lunch. She’s just returned to scotland after many years living in a London, so we had a bunch to gab about. Afterwards with full bellies & tired tongues the Toyboy & I headed off for a little wander by the water. We checked out some cool big boats (I’m such a maritime expert) & enjoyed the bright day.

#projectpostit, white goose DundeeUnicorn frigate, city harbour Dundee

You got me working night & day…

This week’s featured #ootd inspired by the lovely Becky Barnes. She relaunched her #fatpinspiration series on instagram. Basically she posts outfit inspiration from Pinterest & then lots of lovely fat folk post their take on the look.

I loved the idea the minute I saw it & luckily had the perfect outfit. I styled up a cute strappy summer dress with my lovely stuff denim shirt. On Saturday mornings I do some family stuff & spend time with my biggest nephew. Turns out this outfit was ideal for chasing our shadows and making our breakfast into dinosaurs.

Pinspiration

ly h Kerr

Saturday evening held more adult pursuits in the form of date night. After a hectic week at the festival (last instalment of fringe posts coming soon) we opted for a chilled night at the cinema. I decided to take my outfit from day to night with a few switch ups. I wore my dress over my shirt, pinafore style. Added some big jangly earrings, a cute clutch & my faux leather jacket. I really liked the outcome.

ly h Kerr

Vegan clutch

Jacket – Simply Be

Dress – Forever21

Shirt – New Look

Clutch – Gift

It was my turn to pick the film & I choose Equalizer 2. I only recently discovered they’d made a film of this and watched the first one the other week. I loved it & was excited for the sequel. I used to watch the old tv series sometimes if my Mum let me stay up late, so I’m fond of the character. It didn’t disappoint. It’s exactly the kind of action movie I like. Proper goodies & baddies, you have to think a bit & it’s bloody without being too brutal. You’ll probably work out the wee twists, but you won’t mind. I love Denzel in this role.

Clutch & cinema ticketsCinema selfie ly h Kerr

They say it’s your birthday…

I had a birthday last week. I celebrated the proper way with sushi, cocktails & loved ones. I was spoiled with gorgeous gifts & even better company. Unfortunately I was also blessed with the worst hangover on the world the next morning

Perhaps it’s my advancing years or the fact that I don’t drink much anymore, but 4 drinks should not add up to feeling like you might die. My head had actually started hurting before I fell asleep. Pile on some hardcore menstrual pain (yup, I got my period for my birthday too) & I think I would have been forgiven for hiding in bed. I actually had a child’s birthday party to attend. I’m quite proud of myself for getting up, donning some presents & hitting that gathering. 


Dress – Asos Curve

Biker Jacket – Capsule

Tights – Gift 

Boots – Primark

Necklace – Taking Shape

Bag – Primark

I was flagging a little by the time these pics were snapped, but still looking cute. The observant amongst you will notice this t shirt dress appeared in my wish list last week. My clever little sister snapped it up for my birthday along with the most perfect autumn tights. I usually go for more curve hugging styles, but I really love this dress. It’s so bright & comfy; it feels great. Paired with a biker, scarf & a velvet clutch it kills. 

Velvet clutch

I feel incredibly smug about these boots. They were a sneaky bargain from everyone’s favourite fast fashion outlet, but are cool af. Pearls? yes. Floral print? yes. On a big clunky boot? Omg, yes! I expect to wear the soles right off them. 


Oh & a wee peek at the night before. Not doing too bad for 37.

ly h Kerr

We’re going to need a bigger boat…..

I may not be American, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to rock July 4th weekend. Obviously the best place to be is Amity island; or at least Troon’s version of it. 

On Saturday night I went to my first ever drive in movie. As it was located right by the sea, Jaws was the clear film choice. Before the movie we snapped some pics in the mini Amity that ItIsOn had created. Then my night was made by taking a ride on an old fashion Ferris wheel. I love Ferris wheels. This one was extra special because of the amazing sea view. I’ll be honest I was as excited as a little kid. 


The movie itself was great. I jumped & screamed as much as the first time I saw it. Scariest moment was definitely when my sis accidentally hit my window button & I nearly pee’d my pants. I honestly thought a shark was coming in the window!  Hanging at the drive in was a great Saturday night. 

As is my want I had a little fun with my Jaws themed outfit. I totally love this Quint’s shark fishing t-shirt & went a little sharky on my nails too. 

T-Shirt – Gift

Skirt – Forever21

Duster – New Look

Sweet Charity….

One of my favourite things is finding one off or limited pieces. If I can unearth them for pennies, even better.   

It was therefore swell to find this adorable bag in a random wee shop. It stocked the strangest selection of items, but amongst them was this little gem. 

  
I have a feeling it may be the most perfect bag ever made. All those colours, the embroidery & pom poms! I was helpless when faced with those pom poms; I had to take this little one home. In addition to its obvious beauty it has a cross body strap that actually fits over my boobs & despite its diminutive appearance it holds all my essentials. 

  

I have long hankered after a cameo brooch, but my search has proved elusive. That is, until today, when I stumbled upon this perfect specimen. The lavender tones are so unusual & I am completely taken with the art noveauish quality of the girl’s hair. Not bad for 50p. It’s amazing what you can discover if you shuffle through a basket of plastic crap in a charity shop. 

  

And if I needed confirmation that my trawling skills were on point, Bronan gave it. This is the face of a cat who wants my brooch. 

  

It’s coming on Christmas….

I’m beginning to feel quite festive. Being the superwoman that I am, I finished buying gifts weeks ago. So, now it’s time to turn my attention on myself. Beware, I’m about to get all wanty.

When buying presents this year I wanted to select really personal items & I think I’ve done well. I thought I’d use the same theory on my self & sought out some quirky trinkets. 

  
Klimt bangle – TimeMachineJewelry (Etsy)

Scarf – River Island

Gimme Brow – Benefit

  
Sampler – YesStitchYes (Etsy)

Jumper – Dorothy Perkins

Number 11 by Jonathon Coe

Intergalactic Bath Bomb – Lush
  
Pendant – HomeStudio (Etsy)

Clutch – Forever21

Notebook – JournalLandCompany (Etsy)

Flower Crown – Asos
  
Candle – The Skye Candle Company

They’re Real – Benefit

Trapper Hat – Forever21

Chocolates – Not on the high street.
I’ve gone for a number of things inspired by creatives who make my heart sing. Flung in some winter warmers with a little glamour. Added a pinch of operation pretty tools & garnished with something to make me chuckle. 

What will you be asking Santa for?

Strawberry fields forever…

Sometimes a cheerful quickie is all a girl needs. If you’re looking for a fun & flirty accessories post, you’ve come to the right place. 

I picked up these dangling beauties by the till. I’m a sucker for pretty trinkets when I’m in a queue. These were an impulse buy I don’t regret. 

  
This fruity little bargain perks up any ensemble. I have a special fondness for strawberries, so this little bag always makes me smile. 

  
Inline with my 90’s fever I couldn’t resist these holographic flatforms. It’s a pity that summer has petered out, but I’m pining my hopes on an autunm heatwave.

  

And think of the summers of the past….

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! 

Thank you for the days….

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.