Party time with Simply Be!
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It’s late December already and here at Simply Be HQ we’re getting in the mood to party. Not only are we looking forward to Christmas day (well of course, it’s the best day of the year) but we’re also looking forward to dressing up and putting on our killer heels for all those fabulous festive parties and to see into the new year, Simply Be style!
With the help of these fashion bloggers we’re here to showcase a few of our most beautiful gowns, worthy to grace any Christmas do, family get-together, or seasonal soiree. So join us in our quest to find the perfect party dress (with not a black dress in sight) in the hope to inspire you to be the belle of the ball!
This Annie beaded dress is one of our most popular dresses. Modelled here by bloggers Bethany of Arched Eyebrow and Mel of Gladrags and Handbags. The shape and beading of this dress is a real winner, click on their individual pictures below to read their review.
Not only is this dress available in this nude colour, but if you’d like a bit of seasonal colour, we’ve also got it in one of our fave colours, teal!
Here are a couple of must-have accessories, we think goes perfectly with this delightful dress for a glamourous evening out! (Click the item to see more).
Kirsty of Fatty unbound is here rocking our floral bodycon dress. For those of you that can’t get enough of the floral print this dress is simply gorgeous. With long sleeves and dark tones this is the perfect piece for your winter wardrobe.
Read Kirsty’s review here.
This bonded lace dress is also a very popular choice, you’ll have to be quick if you want to buy as it’s selling fast (there’s only a few sizes available). Here Rachel from A dress is for life is wearing hers, complete with cute kitten ears.
We love teaming this dress with black tights and ankle boots to give it an edge. Lace is girly and elegant so pairing it with ankle boots, leather or studs gives it that fresh gothic glam look!
Here are two of our favourite ankle boots from our must-have footwear range.
Inspired from the Christian Dior catwalk collection, this red pleated gown oozes glamour and sophistication. The plunging v-neckline, ruched empire line and pleated full skirt, allows this dress to hang in all the right places (after all, if you’ve got, flaunt it!)
The lovely Mhairi of Lilybobombs teams hers with matching red shoes and a sparkly cardi. So forget the LBD, we’re getting seasonal red in this Marilyn Monroe-esque frock.
And lastly we couldn’t do a party feature without mentioning our party essentials, from the demure evening look, to bold and sexy. Here’s a selection of our five beauty must -haves!
1. A slick of black mascara and eye definer instantly transforms your look from day to night.
2. Avoid waking up with panda eyes with Clinique’s rinse-off eye make-up.
3. For a touch a sparkle try out this Metallic gold nail varnish.
4. Pretty in pink – stand out lips to make the boys wink.
5. Keep your sleek up-do in place with Charles Worthington’s firm hold hair spray.
We hope that’s inspired you to find your perfect outfit, and if you have any snaps in your Simply Be gowns, send them in, as we’d love to see it.
What’s your favourite go-to party piece? xx
Blogger of the Month: Toni King!
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We’re back with our blogger of the month for October! It’s the lovely Toni’s turn of The Only Way is Toni to speak to us about all things fashion and blogging.
Here she is, looking gorgeous in our denim dress.
Now let’s hear what Toni has to say…
How long have you been blogging?
About a year.
What do you blog about?
Plus size fashion mainly.
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
I get inspiration from everyone. I love looking at how others dress and how they style items.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
Definitely Plus North. All of the hard work that me and Becky did really paid off and we cant wait for next year.
How would you describe your style?
I don’t really have one. I just wear what ever I feel comfortable in. I like so many different styles, it would be too hard to stick with just one.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
I love travelling. My dream job would have to be within the travel industry. I have worked abroad before and would go back again tomorrow!
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
At the moment I love Emile Sande. Her style is awesome. I love how she mixes masculine and feminine together.
What do you like about Simply Be?
The variety of items from Simply Be is amazing and the size range.
Any favourites from the current Simply Be collection?
I love the studded sweat Jumper from the must have range and the Jersey Maxi Skirt and Belt.
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Believe in yourself and regret nothing.
What single item could you not live without?
My iPhone. I cant remember what I did before I had it.
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
Soooo many; Curvy Wordy for all your bra needs, A Dress is for Life, Miss Kathryn’s MissTakes and The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe.
Shoes or handbags? 
Shoes…handbags……shoes….Both
Thanks Toni, it’s a tricky last question we too find it hard to choose between the two – after all a girl needs both in her life 
For more from Toni check out her blog! xx
Blogger of the Month – Claire Harris!
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Welcome to our second Blogger of the month, and this time we have the pleasure of introducing Claire from A Monkey Fatshionista.
Here she is looking lovely in our Joe Browns tunic.
Now lets hear from Claire…
How long have you been blogging?
Just over two years now, I started blogging in June 2010.
What do you blog about?
Mainly what I’m wearing but sometimes about what I’ve been up to.
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from when writing your blog?
I get a lot of inspiration from other bloggers – plus and non plus sized ones. I also get outfit inspiration from people watching! Some of my best outfits have been unshamelessly copied from people I’ve seen on the tube!
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
I think my biggest achievement has been finding a job which ticks all the boxes. I’m one of those (annoyingly) rare people who can actually say, loves their job!
How would you describe your style?
I’ve been told my style is “quirky art teacher” which I love! So I’m sticking with that.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
I work in the quality team for a well known dispute resolution service. My day job is my ideal job! However, I also long to own a pub! There is one up for lease near me and I daydream about what I would do with the space!
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
I’m not sure if she’s a “real” celeb but I love the cookery writer/chef Rachel Khoo’s style. I also love Marion Cotillard’s quirky style.
What do you like about Simply Be?
Where shall I start?! The fact that it’s the only plus size retailer that is really listening to it’s customers; it’s opening plus size stores when companies like Arcadia group are closing stores and New Look is reducing the number of stores that stock its plus size range. It gives us on-trend items every season – items we want and not just the items people think plus size women should wear… the list is endless! I LOVE Simply Be!
Any favourites from the current Simply Be collection?
The panel skirt by Joe Browns is amazing and I also love the printed PJ pants!
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Be comfortable in what you wear. It doesn’t matter if it’s not “for your shape”, but as long as you are comfortable you will feel great which means you will look great! Works for me!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Like who you are or do something about it!
What single item could you not live without?
This season – my denim jacket! I wear it with everything!
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
This isn’t an exhaustive list but -Plus size favourites are – Frocks and Frou Frou, Fatty Unbound, We Are Large People, Pretty In Plus, Pocket Rocket Fashion, reizende rundungen, The Nearsighted Owl, A Well Rounded Venture, Oh The Places You’ll Go and The Plus Side of Me. Non plus size favourites are Kendi Everyday, Wolf Whistle, Pretty Much Penniless, bluebird vintage and ultimate guilty pleasure – Rockstar Diaries!
Shoes or handbags?
Ooh difficult choice… I’d have to say shoes if forced to choose…
Any final words for our readers?
Just to say – enjoy what you wear! Don’t feel you should or shouldn’t wear something just because of your size. Try it on and see what happens!
Great advice Claire, now we’re off to take a look at that reading list! To find out more from Claire head on over to A Monkey Fatshionista! xx
Simply Be & Plus Size News July Round-Up
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We thought we’d do a little round up of some of the things that have been happening over the past month, in case you missed any of it.
Following on from on Zandra Rhodes collection launch, there have been lots of fab write-ups from around the blogosphere.
LaCara from Oh La La Curves did a fab write-up, including some breathtaking pics of London from the top of the amazing Paramount venue.
Lauren of Pocket Rocket has some more wonderful pics and shares her take on the range.
Naomi of Diamonds ‘n’ Pearls got a lot of love for her pineapple print tunic dress too.
We gave some of our fave bloggers brand exclusives before our AW11 collection went live.
Lauren wrote about Bespoke and made a fab Lookbook montage.
Kat at Plus Size Beauty covered Frock and Frill after she wore the range to the Zandra Rhodes launch.
Em over at Boombands got an exclusive on Anna Scholz, as she’s such a big fan of the designer.
LaCara blogged about Angel Ribbons - some gorgeous lace pieces this season.
Em from Boombands also covered some of her recent Simply Be acquisitions
She looks so fab in her Joe Browns tunic top.
…and super glam in her maxi dress from our Very Berry collection.
And on the plus size news front?
Many of us in the plus size community were surprised to learn in an interview with model Marquita Pring that she ‘pads up’ for certain clients who require her to look larger than she is.
Hot on the heels of the Vogue Italia cover starring Simply Be model, Candice Huffine, Vogue Australia has featured its first ever plus size spread featuring the gorgeous Robyn Lawley.
Simply Be have been nominated for a Company High Street Fashion Award - vote for us here.
Oh yes and one more thing (although this is technically August news) – we have just launched our 2011 Model Competition! More on that to follow, but in the mean time, get all the deets here.
Simply Be Lookbook with Madison Plus
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Today we’re celebrating the launch of our fabulous lookbook over at Madison Plus!
We took to the streets of Brooklyn, NYC to showcase our Autumn collection (or Fall as they say in the states!)
The shoot stars the gorgeous Lauren from Wilhelmina Models and Alix from IPM and we think they look fantastic!
Here’s Alix looking fabulous in our Anna Scholz faux fur coat:
And Lauren rocking one of our stunning LBD’s and lace tights!
To view the full lookbook, head on over to Madison Plus!
All fashion featured is available on our US website www.simplybe.com and our UK website www.simplybe.co.uk
Top tips from the plus size community!
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Okay, so this week we decided to do a style special packed with top tips from curvy women. So we sent a tweet out to the plus size community, inviting them to get involved – and the response was overwhelming!
Everyone said something different, but it all came down to one thing - wear what you love and love what you wear! For plus size women, fashion is about being yourself, knowing what works for you and holding your head high. Don’t listen to the rules, don’t be afraid to follow the trends and most importantly, don’t wear anything you’re not 100% happy in!
Here’s what the girls had to say…
‘Work your clothes, don’t let your clothes work you 
D They’re an extension of your personality so just roll with it D xxx’ @MessyCarla
‘Your curves and your clothes define you. So be yourself. Be true.’ @Vanoue3
‘Embrace your curves and work what your momma gave ya!!!’ @MatronJo
‘Wear what makes you feel happiest and most ready to face the world.’ @lapocketrocket
‘Embrace your curves… If you’re not working with them, you’re working against yourself.’ @BoomBands
‘My style tip is be confident when wearing an outfit. Wear confidence like a piece of clothing ’ @LaCara91
‘Don’t follow the the “rules” unless they make you feel amazing. No point wearing a wide belt and bootcut jeans if you feel wrong!’ @ChatterMonkey
‘Dress for yourself, no one else.. Break the ‘fat girls should’t wear’ rules. Wear what makes your feel beautiful!’ @katkins1982
Oh, and the other trend we saw – lingerie!
It’s an absolute essential for curvy women! Chances are, you need a little extra support, but it’s also great for shaping your figure – and we don’t just mean shapewear! Different bra styles can actually make your boobs look different, from full-cup teardrop shapes to the famed balconette roundness, your lingerie drawer deserves just as much attention as your wardrobe.
So if you haven’t done already, take a look at our plus size lingerie collection and follow these lovely ladies tips…
‘Start with good under garments!’ @LovelyLilac88
‘The best tip for curvy ladies is to chose good underwear, it gives you great shape and can make or break a good outfit’ @beckslayer
And one we didn’t expect…
‘Attach braces to your knickers…stops them rolling down’ @soggykipper
Big thanks to everyone who sent us a tip – you’re all gems!
Got another top tip?
Post it in the comments box – and don’t forget to follow @SimplyBeUK on Twitter and ‘like’ Simply Be Fashion on Facebook for more chances to get involved!
Simply Be Fashion hits the blog-o-sphere
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The plus-size model debate has been raging over on our Facebook page and it seems our customers are keen to see the Simply Be Fashion Collection on real plus size women. So we thought we’d devote today’s blog to all the gorgeous, curvy bloggers who’ve been writing about our stuff over the last couple of months.
Plus size blog 1:
Oh the places you’ll go
www.boombands.blogspot.com
This fabulous little blog is written by Em. X – a lovely curvaceous woman that totally loves fashion. Over the last couple of months she’s written quite a few blogs about Simply Be. Naturally, we’re delighted – especially because she looks so totally gorgeous in everything she wears!
One of the great things about Em’s blog is that she posts pictures and videos – so you can see the look in action and actually hear what she has to say about it (in that amazing Aussie accent!) So head over and see what she’s done with our Tribal Print Dress (above), our Floral Maxi Dress and our Anna Scholz Print Dress.
Plus size blog 2:
Pocket Rocket Fashion
www.pocketrocketfashion.com
Next on the list is Pocket Rocket Fashion. Written by the lovely Lauren, it’s filled with gorgeous shots of the lady herself wearing the season’s hottest looks! As you can see from the picture above, she is quite the fashionista, wearing the latest lace trend straight from the Simply Be collection.
We’re particularly impressed by how different Lauren looks in all her shots. In one post she’s pretty and girly… in the next cool and on-trend… then shortly afterwards, cute ‘n quirky – it just goes to show that fashion really can take you anywhere!
Plus size blog 2:
The Fat Nurse
www.fat-nurse.com
And finally – The Fat Nurse, a blog that follows the fashion-forays of Devon, a curvy nurse from Essex. This is your down-to-earth, ‘tell you what I love and what I don’t’ kind of blog and we adore it! The pictures are quirky, as you can see from the one we’ve chosen above. It’s our Jungle Maxi Dress but shown from the back, which is a great take on it, don’t you think?
And that’s not the only Simply Be look that we’ve seen on her blog! There was the one with our Peek-a-boo Leggings… the one with our Spicy Summer Dress… the one with our Miracle Swimsuit … ooh we do like being liked!
This blog is all about loving curves, wearing what you like but knowing what suits your figure and your style. And it’s not just fashion, there’s a bit of beauty, plenty of accessories and lots of opinions. Though if you don’t like swearing, it might not be for you
Thanks to all three bloggers for letting us use their images – we really appreciate it ladies!
Products featured in this blog… Tribal Print Dress… Floral Maxi Dress… Frock and Frills Lace Dress… Jungle Maxi Dress… Peek-a-boo Leggings… Spicy Summer Dress… Miracle Swimsuit.