Summer’s almost gone…

It occurred to me that there had been an outfit drought this summer. I decided I must correct that error with a bountiful summer style post.

I have searched long and hard for the perfect pair of denim shorts. I am so happy to have finally found them. Of course they’re leopard print. Eveything is better in leopard. I call this outfit ‘the ladybird’ because that is what my little nephew told me I looked like.

Shorts – Simply Be Polka Dot Top – Daisy Street Sunglasses – Where Light

Next up is this amazing tie dye jumpsuit. It is going to be perfect for my upcoming holiday. It’s super light and floaty. Also great for unpredictable Glasgow weather with just a little layering.

Jumpsuit – Freestyle T -Shirt – Curated By Girls

This red top another one waiting for my holiday. It’s actually part of a co ord, it has adorable matching shorts. I wasn’t going to let it languish in a drawer until then. It pairs well with so many things, but since I love red and leopard this has been my favourite combo. I don’t often flash the belly, but I love this look.

Skirt – House of Frasers Blouse – Simply Be

Sheer has been the theme of my summer. We have had so many crazy hot days that my peely wally skin has needed to be covered, but also breathe. This sheer t shirt has been a go to. This little skirt with built in shorts has also been a lifesaver. Great for the hot weather, but allows me to wrangle little ones without flashing.

Skirt – Halara T-Shirt – Boohoo

Last, but not least is this dreamy dress. A girl can’t help but feel lovely when draped in this starry night creation. It’s originally from a dreaded ff purveyor, but I got it second hand. I feel better about it being on my body than in landfill.

Dress – Thrifted

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Cold as ice…

Baby, it’s cold outside! Actually it’s cold inside too. Even with the central heating on all day, I still find myself feeling chilly. So, you can imagine how freezing I get when I do venture outdoors. My solution, wear a cosy jumper with everything!

It works. Even the fanciest of items look super cute with a big slouchy jumper. Don’t believe me, check these looks out.

Cardi – ASOS Petticoat – Lindy Bop

Petticoats are amazing. Wear under a swing skirt/dress and you get a gorgeous retro swirly style. Wear it alone and you get a beautiful puffy tutu ish look. Pair it with some high denier tights and some bright knitwear, you get perfect winter wear.

Take the same cardigan, add a vest & maxi skirt and ta da; no fuss outfit. Exactly the kind of outfit I need for a day with my niblings. This skirt is so incredibly soft and it has pockets. It couldn’t be better.

Skirt – Gift

When I needed something a bit special for a really important meeting I stuck with the theme. I have hardly worn this full length tulle skirt. I’ve decided it is too pretty to languish in my wardrobe. So, I’ve teamed it with a vest and simple cardi to make it a bit more day. I felt so good, swooshing around.

Cardigan – Monsoon

I don’t love the below zero temperatures, but I am fond of layers and winter warmers. If I have to go outdoors I will be wrapping myself in the cosiest, chunkiest knits.

If you like what I do you can support me here or on Patreon.

Walking on sunshine…

It finally happened, the sun has arrived. We had two whole proper hot sunny days. It did rain yesterday, but that’s Glasgow for you. Anyway, my point is, summer is coming.

With it will come a deluge of diet talk, body shaming and unsolicited opinions. That means it’s time for my annual reminder; we all have a summer body. Everyone deserves to feel the sun on their skin and enjoy the summer. There will be many external voices proclaiming the need to change or hide your body. I implore you to ignore them.

I know it can feel scary to let the world see something you have been taught to believe is bad. I also know that when you release yourself from the fear of judgement it feels goooood. Nothing terrible happens if you go to the park in a sundress with your bingo wings flying free. The truth is most people aren’t paying you that much attention. We’re all busy living our lives. We’re chatting or day dreaming or stressing or thinking about what we need from Tesco. No one is focused on your body or outfit even a fraction as much as you are.

The fuckwits who will stare or comment on a photo are in the minority. Those are not your people. Those are mean, small minded probably deeply insecure folk. Do not give them power over you or your choices. Especially when there is so much at stake.

It’s hard for me to articulate just how much happier I am since embraced the body I’m in. The freedom not just to wear whatever I feel good in, but also to enjoy what I do in those clothes has touched every aspect of my life. There were so many things that I just wouldn’t do. Activities that I love, like swimming or spa days were frought with anxiety. My career was hugely impacted by all the opportunities I didn’t think I could I take. Purely because I didn’t look the way I thought smart, successful people should look. A hot summer was just extended discomfort. Constantly trying to balance not being too hot, with not being too visible. Covering scars, flabby bits, dodging photos, worrying that I’ll embarrass people I care about. I missed so much big and small, pushing things off for a time when I’d weigh less.

Oh how I wish someone could have enlightened years earlier. I’m still fat. I’m still covered in scars. I’m peely wally, stretch marked, my boobs sag. And I’m living life more fully than I ever thought possible. My size and appearance no longer feature in my decisions. No one who matters in my life cares about the number on a scale.

I’m not denying that fat phobia exists. Nor am I saying no one will ever judge you or be unkind. What I am saying is that the joy you gain from being fully present in all of your endeavours far out weighs all that bullshit. Plus, there is no cardigan or floaty top that magically conceals one’s size. Feeling worthy of respect and happiness was my first step in being able to fight for it.

Please let me cut through all the negativity. Wear the shorts. Go to pool. Put on your sexiest outfit and strut your stuff. Our visibility allows other people to step into the light. Trust me, it is lovely out here.

If you like what I do you can support me here or on Patreon.

Catch the wave…

The summer holidays are an excellent time for adventures. I have been embarking upon a few with my little ones. I wanted to share all the fun and of course my gorgeous attire.

A couple of Fridays ago my sister planned an epic day trip. A 6am start, 400mile round trip taking in seafaring disasters, engineering miracles and some of the softest sand Scotland has to offer.

My nephew is pirate mad, so our first stop was at Corpach Basin to see his very first shipwreck. The winding track down to the beach was too much for me, but the boy absolutely loved it. I had a little chill by the canal while they explored & took lots of pics for me.

A little boy looking at a shipwreck on a beach

Back in the car, we drove through the most incredible scenery. The sun was out in force as we made it Glenfinnan Viadict just in time for the train. Well, we would have been if it hadn’t been cancelled that day. The bridge itself is still spectacular and since none of us give a toss about Harry Potter missing the train wasn’t a big deal. The viewing point was again not possible for me. I did find a nice bench with a perfectly good view whilst the boy & his Mummy ambled up rocky hillsides. If you are planning a visit I’d suggest getting there early. The car park was full and we only got in because of my blue badge.

Then it was time for the main event. A little more driving through green mountains to reach Arisaig and the stunning Camusdarach Beach. My clever sister found this treasure. You have to do a mini trek through some greenery, but oh man is it worth it. Soft golden sand, blue sea and a clear view of Muck & Eigg.

Beautiful pale sand beach with view of islands across water.

We were so lucky to get a warm sunny day. I kept having to remind myself I was still in Scotland. My Sis & her boy played football, tennis, jumped waves & explored sand dunes. I watched from my beach chair & read Private Eye when the disappeared from sight. It was one of those perfect days that make me feel oh so lucky.

A beach day calls for comfort. A beach day in Scotland needs to adapt to whatever weather is thrown at you. Hence, I tried out my brand new playsuit. Soft fabric, loungey fit and pockets. With added bonus of making me look adorable. I packed my handy light weight anorak and hoody just in case, but neither was required.

ly is standing on a beach wearing a black playsuit. She has one hand on her hip and is leaning on a walking stick with the other.
Play Suit – Simply Be

This Friday I stayed closer to home, but had just as much fun. My bestie & I decided to take her brood to Glasgow Science Centre. I’m a big fan of the place, never taken a child who didn’t love it. The science centre is the perfect place to entertain a 5 year old and toddler twins. There’s something for everyone and they especially love being able to touch everything.

We arrived shortly before 12 and stayed until closing. Even after 5 hours no one wanted to leave. Particular favourites were the water play area, captaining a ship & disappearing bodies. It’s an amazing place and getting hands on really helps little minds get to grips with big concepts. It is amazing watching my niblings get excited about experiencing new things. I am so happy to be a part of their adventures.

This week I debuted another newbie. This dress was a gift from my Mum, but I picked it. I love the vibrant green and how good my boobs look. Definitely going to be wearing the hell out of this one.

ly is standing in living room with her hands on her hips. She is wearing a lime green peas at dress and a leaf print kimono.
Dress – Marks & Spencer Kimono – Boohoo

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Frozen Coke…

Valentine’s Day is my Dad’s birthday, so my plans weren’t remotely romantic. However, I haven’t been properly dressed in weeks and I wanted to look nice for a wee family lunch. After much wardrobe pondering, I plucked out some old favourites.

I haven’t worn this dress in ages, I loved the swish the petticoat added. I’m been very into the double velvet of late. I think I scrubbed up pretty well even if I had to stick with cushioned comfy shoes.

ly is standing in her living room, hands on hips wearing a black petticoat, rust tights and black bra.
ly is standing in front of a floral heart wearing a burgundy velvet dress and blazer. She is holding a frozen coke and walking stick.
Dress – Pink Clove Belt – Boohoo Tights – Snag Glasses – Where Light Blazer – Monsoon

We took Dad out for lunch and then did a little toy shopping. I even managed to finagle a frozen Coke, which I haven’t had since Australia. I love it, the delicious icy goodness was my valentine.

If you love what I do you can support me here or on Patreon.

Still reigning…

That back to reality January feeling is setting in. I don’t believe in all the New Year resolution stuff, but it is hard to fight the taking stock of the year past urge. I’m trying not to give way to January blues & those nagging feelings of not having achieved quite enough. Before I get stuck into conquering 2023 I’m sharing some joyous outfits I ended last year in.

For my sister’s birthday dinner I wore this swishy number. It’s a Christmas gift from my Mum & she got it so right. I feel instantly fancy when I slip it on. It is super comfortable and makes me look glam all at once. I love it.

ly is wearing a bronze maxi dress. She is standing with her hand in one hip and leaning on a walking stick.
Dress – Boden

More relaxed, but no less me is this leopard maxi. Another Xmas gift, this time form my sister. I love the tiered skirt, the print and how I can throw it on & still look put together. I’m loving how well my people know me.

ly is wearing a tiered leopard print maxi dress. She is standing in her living room with both hands on her hips.
Dress – ASOS Curve

Last, but not least we have the cutest bralette ever to exist. It’s so too pretty to be only underwear. Thus, I like to show it off with a variety of low cut items and sometimes even just some high waisted knickers. I defy anyone not to get a boost from pulling a superhero pose in lovely lingerie.

Bralette – Tutti Rouge

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