Oscars Red Carpet Round Up
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All day we’ve been admiring the stars on the red carpet, with so many stunning gowns it was hard to pick our favourites. We absolutely adore Adele, she looked gorgeous in her embellished black gown with sequins and three quarter length sleeves. It was also great to see her win the award for best original song for Skyfall!
Our knee length version of the dress is covered with beautiful sequins – it’s definitely a winning dress for us!
January Round Up 2013
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Hope you all had a lovely start to the year. We’ve got through the cold, snow and winter blues of January and we’ve made it to the other side – hurray! (Now there’s only one month ’til we begin the start of spring) 
Lots of things have been happening this past month, so if you missed any of it, here’s a run down of our favourites.
We were very proud to announce that Simply Be are sponsors of The Official British Plus Size Fashion Weekend, taking place in London on February 15th and 16th during London Fashion Week. Remi Ray (pictured below) of Trapped in a Skinny World partnered with Evolve magazine to organise this amazing event, celebrating the curves of the UK and Europe. We’ll be right in on the action so keep your eyes peeled for more on this, in our blog update.
Blogger of the Month: Rosie Astbury
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Here she is looking lovely in our floral print skater dress!
Now let’s get to know more about her…
I started blogging in April 2010. My college course got us to create blogs for somewhere to show our work etc and I really enjoyed it and I’d read fashion bloggers before then, so decided to start with outfit shots. I should probably thank my then tutor for encouraging me, because I wouldn’t be where I am today with my blog if they hadn’t got me to create one.
What do you blog about?
I blog about almost anything, though outfit posts are the main subjects of my blog. I also post about music from videos I like, to gigs I’ve been to. Places I visit with family and anything else I want to write about!
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
I tend to get my inspiration from everyday life, other bloggers, stores where I’ve seen something I want, window displays and gardens. Some of the most inspirational people to me are my fellow bloggers, as well as all the amazing people I’ve met on the way.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
I’ve had so many amazing opportunities thanks to blogging. A few highlights being; meeting Gok Wan in January at the launch of one of his collections for Simply Yours, modelling for the recent Plus North event which was amazing! I’ve also been lucky enough to be invited to a number of events which are based in London, so having the opportunity to travel to the city is always brilliant. Outside of blogging I guess my biggest achievement to date is making my collection in my final year of college and seeing it down the catwalk and actually somehow managing to get into uni to study fashion.
How would you describe your style?
In my opinion I would say pretty eclectic as I wear whatever I want to and I’m not one for completely following a trend. Saying that I’m always sure I know what’s in style. I also adore vintage styling – be it antique style lace on dresses or the perfect pin up look.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
When I’m not blogging I’m either studying for my degree in fashion buying with design at DMU (De Montfort University, Leicester) or flicking through fashion mags, but blogging is never far from my mind. My ideal job would be in fashion as it’s something I’m hugely passionate about. But currently my ultimate dream is to be a stylist though I’d happily do anything fashion based as I love all aspects of the industry.
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
I’m sure a lot of plus size women would say Adele and as much as I wish my hair and make up was just like hers, I just think she wears far to much black. But I still love her. There isn’t one celeb style I admire the most as I tend to be influenced by a number of different people. Currently I’m loving Paloma Faith‘s eccentric style but I also like the indie cool of Alexa Chung.
What do you like about Simply Be?
The thing with Simply Be is that you truly listen to what the customers would want, fashionable styles for the fuller figure! You have the perfect mix of edgy cool and safe staples.
Any favourites from the Simply Be collection?
I have a few favourites in my wardrobe, including the polka dot sheer shirt (from last season) and oversized turquoise clutch. At the moment I’m also lusting over the Gok collection, and pretty much the whole autumn/winter collection.
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Don’t use black as your safety blanket when it comes to clothes and experiment with colour even if it’s just shoes/belt or a vibrant clutch with an LBD, it will change the whole look of the finished outfit and the outlook you have on yourself.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Love yourself for who you are. And manners mean everything!
What single item could you not live without?
LEGGINGS. I pretty much wear them daily, even as trousers if they are thick enough and my top is long enough! Though my pet hate is see-through leggings – I don’t really fancy seeing what colour knickers the girl in front has on.
Apart from your own, can you recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
Of course, there’s a huge number of bloggers I read, from fashion, plus size, beauty and lifestyle so my list would be endless! My latest new read would be Mel from gladrags and the handbags though I love all the blogs I read equally. Being a fashion student I’ve also read a lot of style books over the last few years one of my all time favourites being self titled Celia Birtwell book, because the pattern and illustrations are utterly beautiful and eye catching.
Shoes or handbags? 
Handbags! I would say I don’t have many but the straining wardrobe door would say otherwise! And once I’ve found a pair of shoes I like, I wear them until the sole can talk.
Anything else you’d like to get across?
I think it’s really important to wear what you want to wear don’t be dictated by what people think you should for your shape. As long as you feel good, who cares?! I also think there needs to be more role models for plus size young girls to show them that it’s okay not to be size zero and that there is some seriously brilliant women out there just being who they are!
Hear, hear Rosie – we couldn’t agree more! For more from Rosie, head on over to her blog! xx
Win an item from our Gilt Trip trend!
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Have you seen our Gilt trip trend? It’s full of gold, glitter, metallics and sparkles – just the thing, to perk us up this winter and get us in the party mood. So we’re giving away a gorgeous item from this very trend! All you have to do is watch our video below and answer the following question:
In this video, what colour trousers is our model Wendy wearing?
If you know the answer, then send it to us in the comments below. Don’t worry if your comments don’t appear as we’ll be approving them all, once the competition ends.
The prize: The winner will be able to choose their fave item that has appeared in this video.
Entries close on the 9/12/2012 and the winner will be picked at random after this closing date.
The very best of luck! xx
Terms and Conditions
1.The promoter of this competition is Candid Collections Limited, trading as Simply Be, Griffin House, 40 Lever Street, Manchester M60 6ES. (“Promoter”)
2. Each entrant taking part in this competition shall be referred to as a “Participant”. Participants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.
3. The competition is only open to UK residents aged 18 years or above. Employees of the Promoters, their associated companies, their agencies associated with this competition and their immediate families are ineligible to enter.
4. To enter, Participants must submit the following: The answer to the question on the Simply Be Blog page. Only one entry per person.
5. Entries must be submitted via Simply Be Blog page.
6. Entries must be submitted between 28th November 2012 and midnight on the 9th December 2012 (the “Competition Period”). Entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt into the Promoter’s database. Late entries will not be accepted and the Promoters accept no responsibility for entries which are lost or corrupted during transmission.
7. The winners will be drawn randomly from the Participants. The Winners will be notified via email.
8. There will be only 1 winner.
9. The decision of the Panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
10. The overall winners will be decided by a random draw from the Participants.
11. THE PRIZE – one Winner will receive their choice of item from Simply Be that has appeared in this Gilt Trip trend video above, prize is subject to availability. If not in your size, an alternative will be given subject to stock availability.
12. The Prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative.
13. If for any reason this competition is not capable of running as planned, whether caused by infection by computer virus, mobile phone failure, line drop out, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other cause beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness or integrity of the competition, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion (subject to any written direction given by a relevant Regulatory Authority) to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition.
14. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
Win for the Ones You Love!
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Simply Be are spreading the Christmas joy this festive season by giving away four fabulous prizes for you to win for your loved ones!
Watch out for our weekly gifts over on our Facebook page and surprise your friends and family with that special treat just for them.
To start with, we’re giving away a pair of men’s trainers for the man in your life! Choose from a selection of trainers from our brother site Jacamo up to the value of £100.
To enter, simply head on over to our Facebook page and become a fan (if you’re not already). Then nominate who you would like to give this gift to, including the reason why and pop your details in. If you win we’ll share your reason for wanting to treat that special someone with our Facebook fans.
Winners will be chosen at random and entry deadline closes on Thursday 22nd November 2012
Good Luck! :) xx
Terms and Conditions
1.The promoter of this competition is Candid Collections Limited, trading as Simply Be, Griffin House, 40 Lever Street, Manchester M60 6ES. (“Promoter”)
2. Each entrant taking part in this competition shall be referred to as a “Participant”. Participants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.
3. The competition is only open to UK residents aged 18 years or above. Employees of the Promoters, their associated companies, their agencies associated with this competition and their immediate families are ineligible to enter.
4. To enter, Participants must submit the following: Give the name of the person they would like to win the gift for, and the reason why they would like to win for this person and include their own name and email address on the Simply Be Facebook Fan Gate. Only one entry per person. Please note your reasons for nominating your gift recipient will be shared on the Simply Be Facebook page if you win.
5. There will be four different prizes, one every week from the 16th November 2012. The first prize will be a pair of trainers from a specific selection of brands at Jacamo up to the value of £100. The second prize will be a pair of Ravel shoes of your choice from the range available at Simply Be. The third prize will be an experience day from The Brilliant Gift Shop up to the value of £100. And the fourth and final prize will be a Marla handbag of your choice from the selection available at Simply Be. Entries must be submitted via Simply Be Facebook Page .
6. First prize entries may be submitted between 16th November 2012 and midnight on the 22nd November 2012, the second prize entries may be submitted between 23rd November 2012 and midnight on the 29th November 2012, the third prize entries may be submitted between 30th November 2012 and the 6th December 2012 and the final prize the fourth prize may be submitted between the 7th December and the 13th December (the “Competition Period”). Entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt into the Promoter’s database. Late entries will not be accepted and the Promoters accept no responsibility for entries which are lost or corrupted during transmission.
7. The winner will be drawn randomly from the Participants. The successful Participants will be emailed and then announced on the Simply Be Facebook pages. The Winner will be notified via email.
8. There will be only 1 winner for each prize.
9. The decision of the Panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
10. The overall winners will be decided by a random draw from the Participants who have all entered the required details i.e. nominated somebody to receive the gift.
11. THE PRIZE/prizes is subject to stock availability. If not available in your size or is out of stock an alternative will be given.
12. The Prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative.
13. If for any reason this competition is not capable of running as planned, whether caused by infection by computer virus, mobile phone failure, line drop out, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other cause beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness or integrity of the competition, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion (subject to any written direction given by a relevant Regulatory Authority) to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition.
14. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
WIN a piece of Oriental Grunge!
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Are you guys up for another competition? Because we have a brilliant prize giveaway for one lucky person to win a gorgeous piece of clothing from our Simply Be oriental grunge trend. All you have to do is answer this simple question to be in with the chance of winning…
In this video below Justine is wearing a pretty prom dress, but what has she paired it with?
If you know the answer, then send it to us in the comments below. Don’t worry if your comments don’t appear as we’ll be approving them all, once the competition ends.
The prize: The winner will be able to choose their fave item that has appeared in this video.
Entry deadline is 25/11/2012 and the winner will be picked at random after this closing date.
Good Luck! xx
Terms and Conditions
1.The promoter of this competition is Candid Collections Limited, trading as Simply Be, Griffin House, 40 Lever Street, Manchester M60 6ES. (“Promoter”)
2. Each entrant taking part in this competition shall be referred to as a “Participant”. Participants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.
3. The competition is only open to UK residents aged 18 years or above. Employees of the Promoters, their associated companies, their agencies associated with this competition and their immediate families are ineligible to enter.
4. To enter, Participants must submit the following: The answer to the question on the Simply Be Blog page. Only one entry per person.
5. Entries must be submitted via Simply Be Blog page.
6. Entries must be submitted between 14th November 2012 and midnight on the 25th November 2012 (the “Competition Period”). Entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt into the Promoter’s database. Late entries will not be accepted and the Promoters accept no responsibility for entries which are lost or corrupted during transmission.
7. The winners will be drawn randomly from the Participants. The Winners will be notified via email.
8. There will be only 1 winner.
9. The decision of the Panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
10. The overall winners will be decided by a random draw from the Participants.
11. THE PRIZE – one Winner will receive their choice of item from Simply Be that has appeared in this Oriental Grunge trend video above, prize is subject to availability. If not in your size, an alternative will be given subject to stock availability.
12. The Prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative.
13. If for any reason this competition is not capable of running as planned, whether caused by infection by computer virus, mobile phone failure, line drop out, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other cause beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness or integrity of the competition, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion (subject to any written direction given by a relevant Regulatory Authority) to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition.
14. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
Style Crush: Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
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Welcome to our new feature, where we’ll be looking back at our favourite style crushes in TV and Film. To start us off we’ve got the ultimate Hollywood style icon, Audrey Hepburn in one of our favourite old time movies Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Here Audrey Hepburn portrays the beautiful socialite Holly Golightly and struts some wonderful fashion along the way. Here are our favourite style moments from the film.
Of course, it wouldn’t be Audrey without the statement black dress. This iconic look is timeless and looks oh-so chic. Dress yours with tights and chunky jewellery to update the look. This bandage style bodycon dress is so versatile – dress it up or down for any party occasion.
We love her statement coat, perfect for gallivanting around New York City or wherever you happen to be! It’s also perfect for injecting some bright colour into the dull winter days and this bright orange coat is a hot trend, which is selling fast!
Now it wouldn’t be complete without the accessories and make-up of course! And Holly Golightly certainly knows a thing or two about accessorising as these iconic images show…
Get the look with these fab pieces:
Her make up is impeccable and we love her long dark lashes teamed with soft pink lips. This look is so demure yet sexy at the same time. For a special night out we love trying our hand at false lashes and these layered lashes can instantly give you that wow factor. Add a slick of eyeliner to complete the look.
Over the summer we have covered our nails in bold and bright colours and as much as we love it, this style considers a more subtle look. This Butter London nail varnish in Teddy Girl is just the thing for that chic, just manicured look – nude/pinky tone nails are going to be big next Spring Summer so take note now, team with this Dainty Doll lipstick aptly named Material World.
Who are your favourite style icons from TV or film? Let us know and we might feature them on here xx
Simply Be’s Video Competition: Watch to WIN
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If you haven’t yet seen our video blog post competitions then now’s the time to get involved. We’ve already featured two videos with a fabulous response so thanks for taking part.
Now here’s another chance to get your hands on a gorgeous Simply Be fashion piece from our new Autumn Winter collection. This time we’re behind the scenes with the gorgeous Justine. Watch carefully and you could WIN a Simply Be item from this very video.
To be in with the chance of winning, simply watch and answer the question below:
In this video, Justine talks of her hometown, where is she from?
If you know the answer then send it to us in the comments below. Don’t worry if your comments don’t appear as we’ll be approving them all, once the competition ends.
The prize: The winner will be able to choose their fave piece that has appeared in this video.
Entry deadline is 30/09/2012 and the winner will be picked at random after this closing date.
Good Luck! xx
Terms and Conditions
1.The promoter of this competition is Candid Collections Limited, trading as Simply Be, Griffin House, 40 Lever Street, Manchester M60 6ES. (“Promoter”)
2. Each entrant taking part in this competition shall be referred to as a “Participant”. Participants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.
3. The competition is only open to UK residents aged 18 years or above. Employees of the Promoters, their associated companies, their agencies associated with this competition and their immediate families are ineligible to enter.
4. To enter, Participants must submit the following: The answer to the question on the Simply Be Blog page. Only one entry per person.
5. Entries must be submitted via Simply Be Blog page.
6. Entries must be submitted between 21st September 2012 and midnight on the 30th September 2012 (the “Competition Period”). Entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt into the Promoter’s database. Late entries will not be accepted and the Promoters accept no responsibility for entries which are lost or corrupted during transmission.
7. The winners will be drawn randomly from the Participants. The Winners will be notified via email.
8. There will be only 1 winner.
9. The decision of the Panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
10. The overall winners will be decided by a random draw from the Participants.
11. THE PRIZE – one Winner will receive their choice of item from Simply Be that has appeared in the video featuring Justine above, prize is subject to availability. If not in your size, an alternative will be given subject to stock availability.
12. The Prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative.
13. If for any reason this competition is not capable of running as planned, whether caused by infection by computer virus, mobile phone failure, line drop out, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other cause beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness or integrity of the competition, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion (subject to any written direction given by a relevant Regulatory Authority) to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition.
14. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
Simply Be’s Staycation Summer
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Going to a festival, fair or fiesta this summer? Or planning a nice relaxing staycation? Then here’s our guide to stepping out to the British outdoors in gorgeous fashion, while being stylishly practical!
We love a British holiday, you can’t beat picnics in the countryside and walks along the coast. What we like even more is fabulous footwear to accompany us. So we’ve got some fancy footwear that’s perfect for a romantic walk or running around a family picnic.
Check out these chic white sandals! Bring some bling to your outfit and get extra heel support with the back. Available in wide fit too.
Add some height to your walk with these purple wedge flip flops. Easy to slip on and off, they are perfect for beach walks. Not a fan of purple, we have them in white too
Next up we have the tunic. They’re great to wear over jeans or leggings and so the perfect outfit for when it’s mild and breezy. Wear bright colours such as this Ruby Rocks print top. Or if you like more of a bold colour, go for this crinkle asymmetric hem tunic which you can wear from day to night and it’s currently on sale for only £15 (but be quick)!
For festival fans, the first thing on the list is wellies! And even though it may be a scorcher of a day – you never know when you’re going to need them, after all the weather could change. So these are a must-have for every British girl, perfect for any kind of festival and always handy to keep in the boot of your car. Don’t let the mud and rain spoil your day and get out there in some fab boots – finally no more soggy socks!
Here’s our favourite four:
Why not brighten up your holiday with a splash of colour from these gorgeous jeans. Mix and match these coloured jeans to suit your mood and stand out from the crowd. From bright yellow and red to pastels pink and purple to bold blue and green, these skinny jeans are the perfect match to tunics, vests and casual tops – but keep it simple, by teaming it with a black or white plain top. Keep your eyes peeled for more on-trend coloured jeans in the new season.
Here’s our daring red jeans to dance the night away or shine like the sun in bright yellow!
Lastly to pack your travelling essentials (i.e: wet wipes, tissues, handgel, phone, torch) you’ll need a good and fashion forward handbag. We think this one will do the trick, easy to carry and soft, plus we are still loving the fringe trend and think it looks fab on this wine coloured suede bag. Not forgetting the trusty parka for a light cover up – take a look at this one from our new Time Out collection.
Which festivals or UK town are you visiting this summer? xx
WIN £10 to spend in store at your local Simply Be!
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It’s competition time!
We’re running a competition on our Facebook page right now!
Ten lucky Facebook fans will each win a £10 gift voucher to spend in store. So head on over and tell us your details with the name of your local Simply Be store.
Entry deadline is 25/07/2012.
Good Luck!
Terms and Conditions
1.The promoter of this competition is Candid Collections Limited, trading as Simply Be, Griffin House, 40 Lever Street, Manchester M60 6ES. (“Promoter”)
2. Each entrant taking part in this competition shall be referred to as a “Participant”. Participants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition.
3. The competition is only open to UK residents aged 18 years or above. Employees of the Promoters, their associated companies, their agencies associated with this competition and their immediate families are ineligible to enter.
4. To enter, Participants must submit the following: The name of your local Simply Be store and give your name and email address on Simply Be Fashion Facebook Fan Gate. Only one entry per person.
5. Entries must be submitted via Simply Be Fashion Facebook Page.
6. Entries may be submitted between 18th July 2012 and midnight on the 25th July 2012 (the “Competition Period”). Entries are deemed to be received at the time of receipt into the Promoter’s database. Late entries will not be accepted and the Promoters accept no responsibility for entries which are lost or corrupted during transmission.
7. The winners will be drawn randomly from the Participants. The Winners will be notified via email.
8. There will be 10 winners, each winning £10 in-store vouchers.
9. The decision of the Panel is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
10. The overall winners will be decided by a random draw from the Participants giving the correct answer to the question.
11. THE PRIZE – Ten Winners will each receive a £10 Simply Be in store voucher to use at their local Simply Be store.
12. The Prize is not transferable and there is no cash alternative.
13. If for any reason this competition is not capable of running as planned, whether caused by infection by computer virus, mobile phone failure, line drop out, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other cause beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupts or affects the administration, security, fairness or integrity of the competition, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion (subject to any written direction given by a relevant Regulatory Authority) to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the competition.
14. These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.