The Summer Sale’s Autumn Wardrobe.

End of summer sale shopping. Now is the most perfect time to be stocking up. Not quite winter woolly weather, the summer ranges on offer are still great for layering during the autumn season. 

A couple of weeks ago, my mate Steph was telling me how managed to get a whole wardrobe of stuff from New Look for just thirty odd pound. "Most of them were a quid" she smugly advised. All I could think was - how is she finding these sale items?! I even laughed it off and suggested it was merely 30 pairs of knickers she managed to bag! I can't be the only one who's noticed that the sales never end when it comes to knickers? Nope. All legit outer clothing.

Myself and Steph

Whilst this excites me, (seriously, fill my wardrobe up, right now) half the battle is thinking of which online shop I want to browse in, never mind heading to their clearance section and drilling down to items or size required etc. By the time I find a shop's range I like, I've been way too late to join in with the fun, with the most unpopular sizes of items left in stocks.

So, how do we 'do' the Autumn wardrobe easily, which a) won't cost the earth, or b) waste hours of your life whilst trying? With these 3 simple rules, that's how...

Layering

Firstly, use what you have in already. Simples. All them vest tops - use them! With the likes of cold shoulder shirts that were rocking the summer looks, they will give that extra body warmth needed, without being swamped in woollens. If you don't have enough (seriously?) use something like Lyst to find the cheapest 'on sale' available online - don't browse individual stores sales sections. Why pay a fiver a pop when they're available elsewhere for a quid? A vest is a vest, it doesn't require serious investment.

Layering scarves, vests, net jumpers: perfect Autumn style!

Scarves

Using scarves keep the chill off of your chest, and they're much easier to take off if you do get too warm. Better than this though, you can completely change the look of one outfit several times over, just by changing the scarf you wear with it. I'm not talking about woolly ones here either, go for a lightweight, brightly coloured or printed one like these from Accessorize.

Wingz AND a scarf!


Wingz

This is the third time I've mentioned Wingz on my blog. I posted about them this time last year and they still remain one of my go-to items, transforming short sleeve shirts into layered looking long sleeve tops. So versatile, from plain black jersey style like mine in the picture above, to red chiffon angel sleeves to add a touch of glamour, there is definitely an option for you. 


I’ve written time and time again about how Autumn is my favourite fashion season and it’s all down to the fact that you don’t need a new wardrobe.  Just recycle, re-vamp and revitalise the summer pieces!

What’s your favourite fashion season and how do you prepare for it? 


Why Bettering Yourself Should Never be a Chore

I thought long and hard about the title of this blog because let’s be honest, doesn’t it sound a bit patronising? We’ve all seen those self-help books in shops or magazine articles about the top 10 ways to improve your self-development, boost employee engagement or expanding your knowledge, haven’t we? And if you’re like me, you'd just roll your eyes and think "I don’t really need that, do I?" So, whilst this post might seem a little hypocritical, bear with me because I was thinking recently about the challenges I’ve faced in life and how I’ve grown into a better person because of them.

Things haven’t always gone to plan in my life and I am sure that plenty of my readers already know that - but let's face it, I don’t think anyone has gone through life without facing a few challenges along the way. It's facing these challenges that's made me a better person. They haven’t always been fun, far from it, but they’ve taught me new skills and expanded my knowledge base along the way, be it personally or professionally.

There's always time for YOU.

If you’ve read this far and are wondering what the point of my ramblings are, well… you should be used to it by now! It’s all there in my bio, I love to ramble about my life and so today I am going to share a few tips about how you can better yourself.
 
Be Optimistic

Bettering yourself isn’t all about expanding your knowledge and skills it can simply be about changing the way you react to things. Being optimistic sounds simple but it isn’t always easy, trust me I’ am speaking from experience.

But if you’re serious about self-development then learning to be a little more optimistic is a great way to improve your life. Just a few minutes of reflection can help a lot, it’s an old-fashioned saying but try to look on the bright side. Bettering yourself shouldn’t feel like a chore and learning to be optimistic will help you feel more confident and active about it.

Fitness

OK, this is one I have plenty of experience with and you know what I am okay with that! When I knew I wanted to get fitter and healthier, I knew what I would have to do and that’s why there’s a section of my blog dedicated to it.

But self-development is about tackling things you need to change and it even relates to my first tip. Now am I ever going to be a supermodel? Probably not. When I was having Finley I relaxed my fitness regime yes but even though my journey isn’t over yet. Having recently been diagnosed with PCOS it has enlightened me as to why my weight battles have been so arduous. The goal posts may have moved slightly but I am optimistic and whilst I know that I'll never be a model I will be a fitter, healthier person one day. I am now several months in to a new eating and exercise plan and am really feeling the benefits already!

I may never look like this physically but mentally and fitness-wise, I am well on my way here.

Pursue Your Passion

Now, this tip will ensure that bettering yourself never feels like a chore because it’s all about having fun and pursuing your passion. We all have dreams but many of us have to leave them behind because the real world gets in the way. But while you might not be able to turn it into a career it doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy it.

Pursuing your passion is one of the best ways to better yourself and it will improve your skills, knowledge, and mood. Whatever you love, find a way to enjoy it even if it’s just for an hour a week, if you like writing start a blog (just like me) if you like art why not start painting or join a class?


There are plenty of ways you can have some fun and pursue your passion and trust me it will make you a much happier person and you will feel a lot more fulfilled. Bettering yourself is easy when you know how and you don’t need to buy a guidebook to learn how to do it. 


My weekend plans: Curve Fashion Festival

Meeep!! I'm off to the Curve Fashion Festival in Liverpool this weekend with the lovely Tracey from One Frazzled Mum. 

Missguided, Little Thing, Boohoo, New Look, River Island, Yours Clothing and many more all take part in this annual event and I can't wait to mooch around, grabbing inspo wherever and from whoever I can. 

I don't often treat myself to a physical shopping trip because it can be a real difficult feat to source plus size clothing on the high street in one hit, so the fact that a festival like this brings together some of the UK's biggest names in my kinda fashion all under one roof SERIOUSLY makes my day (and saves my internet data!).
Supporting the Curve Fashion Festival, Debenhams will be dressing the lounge areas this year as well as dressing both male and female plus size models in Debenhams clothing. Personally, and probably the mum in me, the thing I'm most looking forward to seeing is Debenhams' home decor accessories. I'm guessing coppers or metals will be a big fixture this year. I'm mentally buying tea light holders and picture frames already!

We'll be taking a bajillion pics and sharing throughout the day so keep an eye out for us on facebook, Twitter and instagram. Or even better, if you see us - grab us! 

Tickets for The Curve Fashion Festival are on sale now and are available to purchase from The Curve Fashion Festival Website

Who else is coming? See you there!



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