I ain’t buying it…

I was planning a wish list post when it dawned on me that I had already procured most of the things I had been wishing for. It has been an accidentally/couldn’t help myself spendy few weeks. So, instead I thought I’d knock up a list of the over hyped things that I just don’t want. The things blogs & insta are packed with that I just can’t get excited about. 

I am totally used to being the odd one out, but I’m thinking there must be even one other person out there as puzzled as I am. 

1. Highlighter for yourVulva 

The Perfect V is a company who make beauty products for your vulva. Their line includes, yes, highligter. Listen to me, your genitals do not need make up. Nor does your vulva require exfoliation rejuvenating serums or specialised cleansers. Your bits look exactly as the should. Please do not succumb to this internalised misogyny. Shades of V is a £35 yeast infection. Your lily does not need gilded. 

2. Urban Decay Heat Palette

I’ve never been a massive make up girl. Don’t get me wrong I love my slap, but I don’t wear it everyday. In fact, most days I wear none at all. So, new make up releases do not generally excite me. However, the hype on this palette was massive. Everyone was talking about it before it was released & i’m still seeing exhilarated blogs, weeks later. Here’s the thing, it is a collection of warm neutral eyeshadows.  You know, like almost every other palette you see these days. Is there a make up wearing person left on earth who does not already have some shimmery brown eyeshadow? Maybe it’s me, but I don’t get it & I definitely don’t want. 

3. Matcha 

It is in everything & I don’t like it. The tea tastes yuck so I don’t want it in my cakes, ice cream, toothpaste, lip balm or bloody cocktails. Bye matcha. 

4. Bralettes

Suddenly no one wears a bra.  It’s all slivers of lace & whispers of sexy fabric. All prettier than most clothes & encasing beautiful pert breast.  Ok, truth, I only hate bralettes because my tits damn near need the finnieston crane to hold them up. They do sell bralettes for big boobs, but they are LIES & I am BITTER. 


5. Mac, Avon, Nars…

and every other brand that caved to China’s brutal animal testing policies. In case you aren’t aware, china requires products sold there to be tested on animals. For some big name cosmetic companies that means going back on their word to ditch animal testing. Profit is more important than ethics for some brands. As far as I’m concerned cruelty is for cunts. 


You can find cruelty free alternatives here.

6. Gin

I have a pathological hatred of the stuff & it’s everywhere. A couple of years ago folk cottoned onto how cheap & easy it is to make gin. Then PR people went mental. Now I have to wade through swamps of gin everytime I want a drink. I know it’s being marketed as coolest tipple, but I’m not buying it. 

These songs of freedom…

Wow, it’s hot. This little heatwave we’ve been having is just what I needed. Sunshine puts a little spring in everyone’s step & it’s certainly lifted my mood. Part of the fun of summer is shedding some clothes & indulging in some flirty fashion. In years gone by I’ve missed this pleasure due to ALL the things I felt I had to hide. So, once again I want to celebrate the beautiful freedom the body positive community has brought to my life.


For so many years I believed that my body was ugly. I had completely internalised the fat phobia that society is drenched in. I felt ashamed of my scars & my flab & my uber pale skin & often unshaven parts. I’ve always had a healthy disregard for other people’s judgements, but aspects of my physicality were weak spots. I did what many women do; hid the shameful bits. I protected myself with loose fitting clothing, long sleeves & maxi hemlines. Additionally I built a wall of false, self depreciating confidence. I was always the first person to make a fat joke at my expense because it hurt so much less if I got in there first. 


I often doubted why romantic partners would want me. I felt huge & unattractive when socialising with slimmer friends. Shopping was a battleground of anxieties. So many special occasions were ruined because I never felt comfortable or even worthy. I missed events because I couldn’t find anything cool to wear that covered all the things I was scared to show. Countless opportunities to capture significant moments were lost because I hated how fat I looked in photographs. Most of all, I felt trapped.  I was caged by the standards society told me I had meet. 


Then came bopo. This idea that I was enough swept into my life & blew away a lifetime of bullshit. Immersing myself in a community who told me I was enough changed me. Actually seeing other fat bodies portrayed in a positive light was magnificent. I realised that when I looked at these women wearing amazing clothes, doing exciting things & generally rocking their lives, I saw beauty. 

From there is has been a gradual acceptance of myself. A growing appreciation of how my body looks. These last few days of scorching heat have made me realise that I might have reached peak self love. Not once have I worried about flashing my flesh. In fact, I have loved selecting outfits & enjoyed wearing them even more. Stares don’t phase me because I feel fantastic. I am sexy & cool & deserving of respect. Anyone who feels differently can kiss my fat arse. 


I find myself truly taking pleasure in my body. Be it snapping pics because my butt looks cute, being unabashedly naked with my boyfriend or feeling the fresh breeze on my scarred arms; I feel free. And it is joyous. 

She’s most accommodating when she’s in her lingerie…

Big boobs need good bras. When you’re an HHcup you just can’t get away with anything but excellent support. If you also prefer lingerie to granny bras your search narrows. If you’d rather not go bankrupt every time you require some new undies, well, the pickings are slight. Hence, my eternal quest for affordable & attractive homes for my breasts. 

I am not averse to indulging in seductively expensive lingerie. I love an exquisite bra. Alas my purse is not as capacious as my brassiere & sometimes a budget must be adhered to. As I mentioned, I struggle to find pretty & supportive undergarments that come in a lower price range. So, when I find a new place to procure such items, I’m delighted. Thus, I was very pleased when the lovely folks at Simply Be invited me to try some pieces from their lingerie lines. 
I opted for these bright lace bras. They come in a two pack in various colours including black & white. I’m a colour girl, so the pink/aqua appealed. I was initially a little dubious about how good quality these would be given their price (£26 for both), but I couldn’t have been more wrong. 


Pretty Secrets, Ella.

These bras offer great support, give my breasts a lovely shape & look super cute whilst being comfortable. The lace detailing is pretty & the wider straps prevent them from digging into my shoulders. This is a near perfect everyday bra. 

Additionally I selected a garment I wouldn’t usually choose; a light control slip. I’m not a fan of control wear in general, mainly because of the discomfort that accompanies wearing them. This one caught my attention for a few reasons. Firstly it was described as light & stretchy, which happily makes it very easy to wear. The fact that it sits under ones bra was another plus as it allows the flexibility of choosing whichever lingerie best suits the occasion. Finally, I have recently purchased a couple of dresses that I adore, but feel a tiny bit self conconscious about my tum in. Flying in the face of my distaste for shapewear, I love this. I wore it with an LBD on Saturday night & forgot that it was on. It did exactly what I wanted it to do, smoothed out the bumps on my stomach that sometimes bother me. The Magisculpt slip is another win. 


WYOB Magisculpt full slip. 

* These items were gifted, but all opinions are genuine.

I’d call that a bargain…

On Wednesday I was passing Primark & nipped in for a glass nail file. I’m sure you can all guess what happened next. Thus, I bring to you my mini haul. 

I did head straight to the cosmetics section fully intending to buy the nail file & leave. Unfortunately I spotted some pretty shinies & my will power wavered. These metallic stickers jumped right into my basket. Apparently they’re for your face, but I suspect mine will end up on my nails or a notebook or a phone case or who cares, they’re pretty! 

In keeping with the coppery theme , I lurched towards this beauty. 


For the uninformed it’s correct name is a comedone extracter. In simple terms it pops out blackheads. Gross, but also, essential. 

My magpie eye then lured towards this concealer/brightener. I’m usually a touché eclait girl, but have just run out & need a stop gap until my bank account has recovered from Christmas. I’ve read surprisingly good reviews about this & as it costs £3 I have nothing to lose. At worst I’m going to look less flawless for a week or two. I can deal. 

Having grabbed some beauty bargains I was again to determined to go immediately to the till, but the placement of super soft basics foiled me again. So, multiple bright leggings & cute jumper later I’ve given into Primark’s cheap seduction. 


This time the sports wear has caught my eye. Don’t laugh, it’s the crop top/sports bra type things that appeal. I’ve actually been hunting for a style that offers both comfort & support for a while. Many expensive brands have come up wanting; it’s down to the fast fashion queen to save the day. These £4 offerings are perfect. Hold the girls up & feel lovely. Just right for my more painful days. Bonus is the bright colours. I bought a bundle. 

Feeling rather pleased with myself I joined the check out queue before the heat in there killed me (seriously, why so hot?). Of course it is impossible to get to the actual till without impulse buying face wipes, screen wipes, hair bobbles & glittery nail polish. Primark, you’re sneaky & you know it. 

My month in pictures…

September turned out to be a busy month. Between birthdays, photo shoots & kidney infections I have been kept on my toes. So, rather than bore you with all the millions of details I present a month in pictures. 

First up, let’s do the birthdays. Young & old it’s all going off in sept. My midwife bff assures me September is always the busiest month birth wise; must be down to all that seasonal goodwill. 


There were bath bombs & vegan chocolate cake. Dinners with friends & face paints with little friends. I’m doing something big for my birthday next month, so the actual day was low key, but lovely. Not featured is the birthday of my darling big bro, mostly because him & his family popped off on holiday. Not that I’m jealous. 

Now, I bet you’re all wondering what I’ve been munching this past month, well I’ll tell you. A lot of sushi, mint tea, avocados & vegan treats. There might have been few tipples in there too. Well, it was my birthday.


I’ll pause now for some lovely/amusing things I’ve snapped. 


Ok, back to definable categories. September saw my involvement in my first ever photo shoots. I was a jack of all trades whilst overseeing the shoots for my body positive project. I got through it with the help of many talented people & topped it off by posing in my pants. Who knew, right?


Style wise my nails & I were making the transition to A/W. Autumn is my favourite season, so I’m tickled to be breaking out boots & scarfs. The weather is as unpredictable as ever, so it’s impossible to determine when these cosier items may actually be needed.


One of my new weekend activities is wedding shopping with a certain someone. The pursuit of the prettiest things has had me trekking all over, but it’s all quite peachy.


Time for a selfie break.

& some random bits & pieces to finish on. 


I hope you all had a dreamy 9th month & fingers crossed you can rock October.

I see right through you…

What do you wear when it hits 30 in Glasgow? Well, if you’re me you go for an entirely sheer maxi dress. And you fucking love it.


I teamed it with this light summery shawl & the only shoes my swollen feet will consider. Then because I am a style fairy I slipped on some jewellery which matched perfectly. 


Dress – Primark

Shawl – Gift

Sandals – Hotter

Bracelt & Ring – Accessorize

I adore this outfit. I felt laid back sexy & incredibly comfortable in the hot weather. I took my see through dress to a movie where we  were frankly terrified for an hour & a half. The Shallows is good, but be prepared to let out the odd scream. 

‘Cos it’s raining….

I’ve been waiting to do my summer Wishlist for a while. I kept hoping summer would come back.  As it’s now July, i’ve resigned myself to the fact that the sun has left me for good. 

For my Scottish summer picks I’m going for light fabrics that can be easily layered. So, lots of dresses, soft shirts & the occasional piece to fancy things up. I have also slipt in some items that I want for my next Australia trip. Brisbane never lets me down on the heat factor. 


Asos Curve, Club L Lounge.


Club L Lounge, Yours.

Yes, that is a dress with a hood; come to Mama. This season I seem to attracted to neutral & bright tones in equal measures. Fabric wise the concensus is tactile & super soft. 


Forever21, Lindy Bop, Simply Be.


Club L Lounge, Asos Curve, Simply Be. 

I’m loving splits & dip hems. Leggings are of course an essential when it might be really nippy outside. As always I will be playing with retro & contemporay styles. I have been desperately seeking a pretty bralet that can handle my boobs & I’m hoping this is the one. I’m thinking in Brisbane I can rock this on it’s own & here layer under a sheer shirt. 


Monsoon, Forever21, New Look. 


Irregular Choice, Asos Curve, Asos Curve. 

Florals & hippy chick lace spell out summer to me. I really can’t wait to get to Oz to float around with my Muffin in these. 


M&S, Alice & You. 


Simply Be, Forever21. 


Asos Curve, Club L Lounge.


New Look, Asos Curve, Converse.

Yellow converse will add a pop to any outfit. As will the caged bra lingerie. I love the bondage light look, it’s always fun when your underwear can double as outerwear!

There you have it. My most desired items for this summer. Now it’s time to get buying. Look out for which pieces make it into my body. 

Oh & I have a new pink lipstick & a pretty rose gold nose ring. Aren’t I a lucky girl?

Spring Forward….

I wish Spring would hurry along. Not just because I am perpetually freezing, but also because there are crazy cute pieces filling the shops. Here are a few beauties I cannot wait to get on my body.

  
Lavish Alice, Diamondoodles (Etsy), Yours Clothing, Simply Be.

  
Barnes, Asos, AmyBlueIllustration, Simply Be. 

  
Meg Biram, Lindy Bop, Forever21, Feminist Apparell.

  
Primark, Asos Curve, Asos, Lindy Bop. 

As soon as there is the slightest hint of spring in the air I am going to be one chic, flirty babe. 

She’s so cold…

Oh man, it is cold. This will be my constant refrain until next summer (if we get one). So, if I have to be freezing for months on end I’ll be doing it in style. Enter my chilly wish list.

I am still enthralled by velvet, but camel & faux fur are quickly creepy into affections. I’m dreaming of a soft & warm winter; with a tiny wee splash of glamour.

  
Clockwise from top left, Vegan Shoes, Asos Curve, Scantily, New Look.

  
Irregular Choice, Dorothy Perkins, Atomicmingo, Pinup girl clothing.

  
New Look, Asos Curve, New Look, Benefit.

 
Asos, Lime Crimes, Irregular Choice, Lindy Bop. 

Spring/Summer wishlist…

The shops are filling up with their spring/summer collections & I am excited. I seem to be gaining in experimental confidence and cannot wait to try some new looks. 

I am delighted about the surge in velvet pieces, I basically want velvet everything. Play/jumpsuits have hopped up my want list. I’m a later adopter, but can’t wait to rock some all in ones this summer. Florals, funky flats & my go to skater shape are must haves. Add to that killer going out dresses plus some of that 70’s vibe and you have my coveted new season looks. 





Top – Misguided, Floral Skinnies – Asos Curve, Rainbow Flats – Sketchers, Velvet Skater – Misguided, Orange Dress – Asos Curve, Tartan Skater – Misguided. 

Obviously, I need me some new irregular choice & flirty spring lingerie. 





Panda Heels – Irregular Choice, Faux Leather Skater – Forever21, Embroidered Dress – Monsoon, Shell Top – Boohoo.com.

Silver Wedges – Topshop, Maxi Dress & Tutu Skirt – Asos Curve.

Bras – M&S, Velvet Playsuit – Asos Curve, Copper Flats – Schuh.



Shoes – Irregular Choice, Smock Dress, Mock Stockings & Lace Dress – Asos Curve.