Merry Christmas and Thank You

Hasn't 2016 been a wild ride?!? 
But we've done it, we're here with just eight days left to go and fun and games with Father Christmas to look forward to. 
My plans for the next week are to do the following:
Eat,
Drink,
Be massively merry.
www.terribletumbles.co.uk
Fatale Dress - Revival Retro 
I hope that your plans are similar and that you all have a beautifully restful, safe and happy festive period readers and I'd like to take this opportunity to wish those of you who celebrate it a very, very 
 I would also like to say a huge
 for your love, support and general ace-ness in 2016 - It means the world to me and I think you are all marvelous!

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I would also just like to take a moment here to acknowledge that this time of year can be incredibly difficult for so many of us. Below is a list of organisations and helplines compiled by Lovely Kellie from Big Fashionista and displayed so beautifully by Lottie L'Amour. Please keep a copy of this to hand and don't hesitate to reach out if you need support this festive season. 
Please know that you are loved, you are important and You Are Not Alone


I'll be back with you all in 2017, if not sooner!

IT'S CHRISTMAS with Joanie clothing

I've been desperate to share this Joanie Clothing dress with you all but a bit like with Christmas decorations, I didn't want to share it too soon and for it to lose any sparkle!

www.terribletumbles.co.uk
Odette Cocktail Dress - Joanie Clothing
Shoes - New Look (Old) 
As you may know, I was extremely lucky earlier this year in that I modeled some of the Christmas range for Joanie, meaning that I not only got a sneak peak but also got to wear it.  Which is where I fell for the Odette...

The epitome of 1950s cocktail dress fom the scalloped neckline to the full skirt, this dress is an item which I am genuinely excited to have in my wardrobe. Just look at that print (CAN YOU TELL I'M IN LOVE?)
www.terribletumbles,co.uk
Bag - Vintage Gift 
There is also an utterly stunning cocktail skirt in the Cocktail print (The Noelle) which I am the proud owner of and have already worn on three separate occasions - It really is gorgeous. With both the dress and the skirt, the volume comes from the cut - This means that there is no need for an underskirt to achieve the beautiful 50's silhouette which brings me such joy. 

As with most of the fitted items from Joanie, I have sized up half a size with the Odette meaning that this dress is an 18. There is plenty of room around the bust and hips and it sits beautifully close around the waist.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I honestly could not ask for a more beautiful dress for the festive season, it is total perfection. For me, Joanie Clothing have been instrumental in brightening up what has otherwise been a pretty grim year and I'm hugely enjoying seeing them go from strength to strength. If you like brands who care about style, elegance and most importantly their customers; Joanie clothing are the guys for you.
Em x
* Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own.

Alternative Glamour with Elvi

I was going to save this Elvi post until after New Year but it ended up looking so effortlessly glam I just needed to get it out there before we all start the January pyjama party. 

High Neck Jumper* - Elvi
Leather look skirt* - Elvi
Earrings - Topshop (Similar)
Shoes - New Look (Similar)
Elvi's 2017 Transitional collection is utterly stunning, with a plethora of textures, prints and tones but my favourite piece by far is this leather look hi-low skirt. Isn't it utterly banging? It's just such a versatile piece - I love how it's styled here but I also can't wait to wear it with strappy sandals and a silk shirt. 

I knew that the elastic waistband of the skirt would work on me after falling in love with the checked Tulip Skirt I reviewed earlier in the year. This particular skirt doesn't zip up the back but the elastic is sufficiently stretchy that its goes up over my hips easily and springs back into shape around my waist. The front sits just below my knees and the back just above the ankle - It's utterly perfect.



The jumper I have styled it with here is also from Elvi and IS SO FLUFFY I COULD DIE. It is just the most delightful thing to have against your body, albeit VERY warm. The neckline is also delightful, the height with the raglan sleeves means that it sits really nicely across my shoulders and gives the perfect base for some glam earrings. I've tucked it into the skirt here so it's hard to see in the pictures but the jumper is cropped length which works perfectly with a higher waistband. Both items here are a 16 and completely true to size.

 The whole look is ideal for a mulled wine with the family which, funnily enough, is something I'm just about to do!  My next post is actually going to be a bit/very festive and I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU TO SEE IT.
Em x
* Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own.

'Tis the season to be sultry with Live Unlimited

One of the things I struggle with in Winter is dressing for the weather when I'm going to be in and out of bars (Literally the whole of my Winter). Jumpers are too sweaty and shrugs are too...well..they're shrugs aren't they. That's why I was over the moon when Live Unlimited sent me this gorgeous plus size lace jacket.
Lace Jacket* - Live Unlimited
Jumpsuit - Yours Clothing (Similar)
Shoes - New Look (Similar)
Choker - ASOS
All of Live Unlimited's AW16 collection is dark, sultry and extremely elegant but this jacket is very much a standout piece for me. The quality is amazing, the lace is so delicate, running down into a scalloped edge at the bottom which would look incredible over a contrasting colour. The length is spot on and the herringbone detailing gives it a bit of an edge. This jacket is the perfect mix between delicate and rock-y and I'm really looking forward to finding other ways to style it.


It's rare that I wear an item which I like equally fastened up as I do open but the top fastening on this jacket is really sweet and gives you a little bit more coverage should you need or want it. I've styled it here with a simple black jumpsuit and a wide choker (I've gotten into chokers now that they're going back out of fashion, I'm so bloody contrary)


I'm wearing a 16 here and I would say that it is absolutely perfect to size - I wouldn't be able to wear anything too chunky under it but then I'm not sure that I'd ever want to. For me, simplicity is key with a statement item like this. If you're looking for a timeless, piece for the party season, I wholeheartedly recommend perusing the Live Unlimited website - There are sequins and beads a-plenty. 


As you can see, I've been able to take advantage of some good lighting so I have a few posts for you this week, including a festive frock which gave me the opportunity to legitimately drink whilst I posed - WINNER.
Em x
* Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own

I'm a Ssssnake - The Elvi Shirt Dress

Look, I'm wearing clothes again. Well done me.
Now you all know I like Elvi, their clothes are consistently stylish, well made and fit me like a dream - This shirt dress is no different.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk
Printed Dip Hem Shirt Dress* - Elvi
Leggings - H&M
Over the knee boots - Primark
Gold Tassel Earrings - H&M (Similar)
Bag - Vintage
Shirt Dresses are just so flipping easy to wear, I've worn this one with and without the belt, over jeans and leggings. I love how this sheer one it looks with gold accessories and my much loved OTK boots. The side splits are extremely high so I don't think that I would wear it with tights but I know plenty of women who would brave it and look incredible. I'm currently considering some leather look leggings (WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME) that this dress would look BANGING with.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

In terms of sizing, I could have definitely gone for true to size here but usually size up with anything shirt related due to my broad back, so this is an 18 and it is lovely and loose, hence me cinching it up over the belt. The Dip hem means that it is on the knee for me at the front the calf length at the back when not cinched - Ideal for you taller ladies.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I've got another lovely Elvi dress with a very 70s vibe to show you soon - Watch this space! 
Em x
* Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own

Style | A different kind of Black Friday with Brastop...

This Black Friday I've managed to spend a lot of money. Like a REAL lot of money, every single penny of which has been on other people... With this in mind, I'm very lucky that the lovely team from Brastop sent me this beautiful Pour Moi fuller bust lingerie set in order to enjoy a prettier and less expensive kind of Black Friday.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

Taking Floral into Autumn with Lovedrobe

I've heard of people who pack away their Summer wardrobe. Like they actually put everything they wear in the warmer months into suitcases and then get them out again the next year. 
1.   Who is this organised?
2.   How do they have this much time?
3.   Why would you do this?

www.terribletumbles.co.uk
Shift dress* - Lovedrobe
Block Heel Ankle Boots* - Simply Be
Aviator Jacket - River Island (Similar)
Most of my wardrobe is incredibly versatile in that I wear it all year round; Sometimes I put a roll neck under an item, sometimes I swap a skirt for a pair of skinny jeans. More often than not, I bang on a pair of tights, ankle boots and a big old coat to keep out the cold, just as I have with this Plus Size Shift dress from Lovedrobe. 

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

This dress is already pretty seasonal in that it is knee length, fully lined and has a beautiful embroidery to the front and sleeves. I'm an eternal fan of navy blue but this particular dress is also available in maroon (As seen here on gorgeous Lucy) Size-wise, I opted to size up twice due to the generally small fit of Lovedrobe, actually an 18 would have been fine but I like the looser fit of it, particularly around the sleeves.


www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I've been pairing the dress with my River Island aviator jacket which I invested in after getting hold of a 25% discount in October and I LOVE IT. It's so warm and the over-sizing of it means that it sits in exactly the right place and isn't at all boxy. Plus I get to look like Del Boy - What more could one want from life? I've looked online and can't see it in stock other than in black but have definitely seen it still in store so if you're interested it may be worth having a look about. 

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I've also been wearing these Simply Be Ankle Boots* non-stop recently, they go with absolutely everything. If you fancy reading a bit more about them I've written the first of two Autumn guest posts for them over on the Simply Be blog - Why not have a read.
Em x
*Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own FACT.

A Retro Autumn with Yours Clothing

You all know I love a good year round retro look and this Autumnal outfit of bell sleeved mini dress and over the knee boots is currently rocking my world.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk
Khaki Swing Dress* - Yours Clothing
Dogtooth Blanket Scarf* - Yours Clothing
Over the knee boots - Primark 
The ladder detailing at the front of this Yours Clothing Swing Dress give it the feel of a dress much more expensive than its £26. It may be mini but as long as I don't stand in any wind tunnels my dignity will remain in tact. I'm wearing an 18 here but could have probably sized down to a 16, I just wasn't sure about that waistline -Turns out it's less skater cut and more swing which makes it nice and loose. The sleeves are also very true to size SO I'd recommend that if you're into this frock, go for your own size or the lower if you're between.  Coupled with an extremely versatile (and delightfully big!) monochrome Dogtooth scarf I'm feeling very mod chick.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

So I did it, I bought some over the knee boots. You may have noticed from this here blog that you read, I have long legs, looooooooong legs. I also have a pair of legs which are smack bang in the middle of regular and wide. This means that OTKs have always been well off my radar despite loving them deep down in my heart. Enter Primark with this utterly bloody perfect pair of size 8, block heel, pull up pair of dream boots. They fit me perfectly both in length and width, are comfortable and were only £20: WINNER!

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I love, love, LOVE this look.The 60s aesthetic is everything to me and Autumn is the perfect time to showcase it. It's likely that I'll put a pair of tights on with this from this day forward because BOY IS IT COLD but with a long woolen coat and my bobble hat I can see this being a key outfit for 2016.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I'd just like to thank my wonderful sister Tomato for taking these pictures - She's got MAD skillz.
Em x
*Denotes items gifted for review - All views are my own FACT.

Style | Gothic Glamour with Missguided


Unlike most people, I'm not that big on Halloween, I feel like it's become a big deal out of nowhere and I can't keep up with the pressure to be a sexy cat/zombie/squirrel/piece of cutlery. That said, I do quite like a good old fashioned gothic look so this weekend that's what I've done. Right here. 


www.terribletumbles.co.uk

A walk on the wild side with Elvi

With their classic, easy to wear plus size capsule ranges, Elvi have been a key contributor to my wardrobe in 2016. Today brings the turn of their luscious Animal Print Dress*.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk
Animal Print High Neck Dress* - Elvi
Jersey Leggings - H&M
Ankle Boots - Primark
Patchwork Clutch Bag - Simply Be
 I'll be entirely honest, I cant work out what animal this is a print of - The closest I can get is a sort of leopard/snake hybrid (Can you imagine?!? TERRIFYING) with its green and grey highlights. The dress itself is a lovely light silky poly blend which, along with its simple shift cut, makes it an utter delight to wear. I'm well into a high neck at the moment (I can keep my chins warm in them) and I like how this one gives a gentle nod to the 1960s.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I'm wearing an 18 here and I would say it is very true to size in all elements except length. It's much more like a tunic on me but that's just fine because over a pair of jeans or, in this case, leggings, it is such an easy item to wear. I wore it for tea with my husband and he did an awful lot of stroking of the silky fabric so I wouldn't recommend it if you don't want to be gently manhandled. 

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I've seen a bit of what Elvi have to offer going into the festive period and all I can say is: If you like sequins, gird your loins!
Em x
* Denotes gifted items - All views are absolutely 100% my own as I'm not imaginative enough to make things up...

Finding the perfect fit with the Wide Calf Boot Store

With Autumn comes leaves, with leaves come wet toes and wet toes need the protection some good footwear. More specifically, if, like me, you have incredibly strong legs due to all of the shapes you throw around the kitchen, a pair of wide-fit knee boots. That's where the Wide Calf Boot Store come in.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk
"Alliance" Wide Calf Knee Boots* - Wide Calf Boot Store
Denim Skirt - ASOS (Similar)
80s Mono Cowl Long Sleeve Top - Topshop
Finding the right fit on the site is SO FLIPPING EASY. At the top of each page is a "Calf Size Calculator" which asks for a few basic details and then presents you with a range of gorgeous boots which will fit you like the proverbial glove. I often find that I don't fit into standard width boots but high street wide calf boots are baggy on me. This bespoke fit means that you have the option of boots which will fasten on the calf perfectly without any gape - Such a rarity. 

My measurements brought me out at a 9 M/L which gave me the choice of around 30 different boots in varying colours and styles. After much internal debate, I finally went for the JJ Footwear Alliance boots in black* because everyone needs a good pair of black boots innit.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

The Alliance boots are a perfect fit and have elasticated panel so there's no restriction with movement. They are also the holy grail of new boots in that they have non-slip soles - No more sliding around for the first month or scoring crosses into the bottom in order to maintain your "Staying Alive" status when walking through shopping centres. They also have removable insoles which is fab if you like to use your own. Finally, the pairing of genuine Italian leather and suede gives them a really (dare I say it) grown up look and assures me that I'm not going to destroy these boots in ten minutes flat. 

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I've worn these boots a number of times already and can honestly tell you that the perfect fit makes a huge difference - There has been no rubbing, no aching calves and most importantly; I have not trapped my skin in anything at any point. I have nothing but gratitude for the Wide Calf Boot Store.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I'm going to leave you with an "Action" picture. This is where my talented photographer has caught me moving in a totally natural, not at all staged manner. I think we're going to stick to the leaning against a wall photos...
 Em x
* Denotes items gifted for review. All opinions and words are entirely my own 

Style | Christina Forever - The Joanie Clothing Hendricks Pencil Dress

Every now and then you find a dress that puts a huge smile on your face and a little wiggle in your tummy. This is that dress. 

www.theemedit.co.uk

Style | A Plus Size Wedding Guest

I'm sorry that this post isn't a little more timely but sadly I somehow put the pictures in a folder on my phone I couldn't see. Don't ask. Anyway, these are a couple of outfits I've worn to weddings this year and they seemed too lovely not to share.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

Plus Size Work Wear - The Elvi Checked Tulip Skirt

A quick post here because I couldn't wait to share this incredible checked tulip skirt* from Elvi with you all [Insert heart eye emoji times a million]

www.terribletumbles.co.uk
Black Roll Neck - Jette at Navabi
Checked Tulip Skirt - Elvi
Tights - Primark
Ankle Boots - ASOS (Similar) 
Now I've always been a fan of defined waists, asymmetry, ruching and check prints (think Vivienne Westwood) and this skirt ticks every single box. The elasticated waistband ensures a perfect fit and the visible zip at the back gives it a more modern feel, plus it's incredibly strong, which is essential to a good fitted skirt. 

I'm wearing a 16 and it fits perfectly in that it's fitted but I have no issues eating/moving/breathing/being alive. Plus the length is absolutely spot on for me, sitting at just below the knee at its shortest point. Finally, what a glorious shape!

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

Being extremely high waisted, when it comes to separates I'm often reluctant to tuck the top into the bottoms. This isn't an issue at all with the tulip skirt as the waistband is lovely and thick and the tulip shape lends itself perfectly to my shape. What I will say is that I prefer this look with a fitted top - I can't stand the feeling of excess material around my middle. Because I'm a weirdo. I wore it this week with the Navabi Black Roll Neck featured in my last post, tights and my buckle up ankle boots and felt so incredibly put together it is ridiculous. 

www.terribletumbles.co.uk


I also love the silhouette the skirt gives me from the back. The very definition of "I hate to see you go but love to watch you leave" Totally going to wear this with heels and a fitted short and take over the world...

I've been trying to dress smarter for work, even on the days where I can be a touch more casual, so it could not have come at a better time for me. 

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I should be travelling less for a little while, which means more time to put on nice clothes and leave the house HURRAH! 
Em x
Note: The image for this skirt on the Elvi website shows the skirt as having a lighter coloured contrast waistband - Elvi have assured me that the project is as shown in this blogpost, with black detailing.

* Denotes gifted items - All views are absolutely 100% my own as always.

Winter all wrapped up with V by Very

Never one to shy away from a million layers and the premature adoption of cold weather seasonal wear, I present to you: The first coat of the year. 

www.terribletumbles.co.uk
Oversized Drape Coat - V by Very 
Black Roll Neck - Jette at Navabi
Chloe Jeans - Simply Be
Rose Gold Loafers - Yours Clothing
Very recently invited me celebrate the start of London Fashion Week and have a look at some of their new garms with the support of a great deal of fizz, it was a fab night and I saw a lot of faces that I have previously only seen on the TV. I sweated a lot. The TV people did not. There's a reason I'm not famous. Anyway, that's beside the point; The V by Very range has some very exciting pieces for Autumn/Winter 16 (this leopard print sequin tee for a start) Daisy Lowe was there in a sheer floral dress which absolutely rocked my world, however, knowing that the weather was on the turn, I was most taken by this fab Oversized coat.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I'm a big fan of a waterfall front, it's so easy to wear and there's plenty of extra fabric to cuddle up in. For those of you who worry about the itch - The coat is fully lined and not a tickle is to be had. I'm actually wearing a 14 here which fits perfectly due to the fact that the coat is oversized. I am not a size 14. It is not 1998. The drape coat is available up to a size 24 and in Navy if oatmeal ain't your bag.

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I'm  wearing the coat over a seasonal staple, the black roll neck jumper. This particular jumper is from Jette at Navabi and is definitely amongst the more luxury jersey basics I own, albeit at an excellent price. The jeans are a very old pair of Chloe skinny jeans from Simply Be which I wear rolled up at the bottom in order to look cool. I've also finally managed to find a pair of loafers which I can wear casually without feeling like Simon Le Bon in the 1980s, the Rose Gold Loafers are from Yours Clothing and very true to size (I'm wearing a 9).

www.terribletumbles.co.uk

I get the feeling that this will be first of many coat posts this year because I JUST LOVE A COAT ALRIGHT?
Em x

#ShareTheLove with Curvissa

I'm not shy when it comes to sharing the love, if I like something, you will almost certainly know about it because I am loud, awkward and a bit romantic. This means that when Curvissa asked me to write about a blogger I love, I panicked a bit. I LOVE A LOT OF BLOGGERS. If you are a blogger and reading this, the likelihood is I GENUINELY LOVE YOU, like seriously. I. Love. You. However, I am just one woman and I do not have the available leisure time to write an encyclopedia of my love for you. With this in mind, I've brought it down to the four blogs that I would take with me to a desert island and I am now going to tell you for why. 

Chloe from ChloePierre.com
Photo c/o ChloePierre.com
I was trying to describe Chloe to my husband this week but the closest I could get was "You know, she's just really good at things, like capable. And strong. And sexy". Pretty sure he thinks I'm going to leave him now but more to the point, Chloe is just one in a million. It takes a real Queen to rock up to an event late and covered in lube and this Queen is Chloe Pierre. 
Her blog is aesthetically glorious, full of strong looks and interesting articles; all with Chloe's signature professional yet personable style. If you are ever fortunate enough to spend time with Chloe you will get to know her as someone who is truly interested in the people and world around her, five minutes in her company and you feel like you've known her forever. She is someone who I will always look forward to seeing, a true true diamond amongst women.

Bethany from ArchedEyebrow.com
Photo c/o ArchedEyebrow.com
I've always looked to Bethany for fashion that takes me out of the ruts I so easily fall into but at the moment she is sartorially KILLING IT. It's almost like she is a beautiful butterfly who has become an even more ridiculously beautiful butterfly without having to create a gross little chrysalis. 
I'm so pleased that I've been able to spend more time with Bethany in the real life world lately and I can assure you that she is a freaking delight; she's fun, she's interesting and if you spill ice cream on yourself outside of a luxury hotel like a Northern street urchin she will rescue you almost immediately. 
Bethany takes the time to think about what she's saying, she looks at the big picture, she's just so damn intelligent and measured - like that gorgeous art school girl with shiny hair who speaks French and never has chipped nails who we all want to be when we grow up.
 I want to be Bethany when I grow up - Who wouldn't.

 Danielle from DanielleVanier.co.uk
Picture by JKGPhotography c/o www.daniellevanier.co.uk
In almost every plus size roundup in the history of my knowledge, there sits a bright star; Glamorous, funny and just a little bit naughty. That woman is Danielle Vanier. This hasn't happened by accident; in a world of fashion bloggers, Danie is special in that she really, really, REALLY knows about fashion. I have never seen her wear an item that I've not immediately coveted and then thought about for a long time afterwards. 
Great things are happening for her this year and I cannot think of one person more deserving of them, because not only is Danie a style goddess, she is also very well known for being utterly marvellous to everyone she meets, warm, friendly and just so incredibly easy to like. Life is better for having Danielle Vanier in it and I'll fight anyone who says otherwise. 

Becky from Becky Barnes Blog
Picture c/o Becky Barnes Blog 
I really hope that Beebs has read all the way through this thinking "Where am I bitch?!" Well I've saved the best til last here haven't I. Three things I like about Becky Barnes:
1. She is so stylish it's ridiculous. Every time I consider leaving the house looking like a bag of parsnips I think "What would Becky do?" and begrudgingly slip into something a little more chic. She makes me a better and less slobby Smyth.
2. She fights every life battle with grace, humility and a shit load of laughs. The past few years have been pretty harsh towards this Chick yet she thankfully just keeps on going. She raises her gorgeous daughter (Nearly put MY daughter there which is tres Freudian), brings in the dollar and still manages to pick up her plethora of friends whenever they need it. When my confidence is a bit shaky, all I have to do is think about her saying "Every Room" to me and I'm able to pick my substantial chin up and sashay onwards.
3. She's got a great ass.  
I love the very bones of this woman and couldn't ask for a better mate if I tried. Oh and her blog is BANGING too.

Feel free to get involved in #ShareTheLove,  everyone who writes a post will be entered into a prize draw to win £250 to spend at www.curvissa.co.uk and seeing as we're sharing the love, maybe we can share the spends...?
Em x