Blogger of the month: Amy Simon
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This month we have the pleasure of introducing you all to the lovely Amy Simon of These Girls Turn Heads. For those of you who haven’t read her blog yet – Amy works in fashion PR, and writes about all things fashion with regular outfit posts. We adore her style and way of thinking!
Here’s Amy in our Simply Be Military Jacket.
Blogger of the Month: Just Joanna
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It’s that time again for another Blogger of the Month and this November we have the pleasure of introducing you all, to the lovely Joanna of Just Joanna.
Joanna loves all things fashion and beauty and here she is to tell us more…
How long have you been blogging?
I have been blogging for around 3 years, it took me a few years to find a blogging style I was happy with. Just Joanna is now one and a half years old .
What do you blog about?
My blog is a mix of everything; plus size fashion, nail art, shopping hauls, make up and beauty, home interior and storage posts. There really is something for everyone.
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
I find inspiration everywhere. I can be in a park looking at the scenery and imagine taking some great outfit posts, or flicking through magazines looking at the latest beauty and fashion products, lusting to get my hands on it to review. But my biggest inspiration comes from other bloggers. I love being surprised at how people can piece together an outfit using items I wouldn’t dream of using, it makes me a little more daring with colour and prints.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
Blogging wise it was meeting Zandra Rhodes, it was so surreal to be chatting about holidays and fashion with such an epic British fashion icon.
How would you describe your style?
Current, colourful and on trend.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
My ideal job would be a style consultant/personal shopper in a fashion store picking out the latest trends and making women feel and look great.
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
Holly Willoboobie (Holly )! Lol she mixes curves and elegance perfectly.
What do you like about Simply Be?
How long do we have here? This could take some time as I love EVERYTHING about Simply Be so I’ll keep it short and simple: Simply Be make catwalk fashion trends accessible to the plus size woman and that’s not easy to do.
Any favourites from the current Simply Be collection?
Bird print tunic (pictured below), and Jersey Skater tunic dress, I love how you can jazz up this skater dress with a belt or scarf, simple and chic.
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Embrace your curves and love the skin you’re in.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Be experimental with clothing, use tube skirts as boob tubes and pull up maxi skirts over your bust to use them as dresses
What single item could you not live without?
A pair of black leggings
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
Claire from Claireabelle. Love her outfits so much and she has great beauty tips.
Shoes or handbags?
HANDBAGS! Paul’s Boutique in particular 
We’re with you on that Joanna – a good pair of black leggings is our wardrobe staple! For more from Joanna, head on over to her blog here!
Don’t miss out on our next Blogger of the month, coming soon…xx
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.
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
Blogger of the Month: Becky Barnes!
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Welcome to our first ever Blogger of the Month feature! Every month we’ll be interviewing a fabulous fashion blogger to find out what inspires them. We are very pleased that the gorgeous Becky Barnes of The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe is going to kick things off.
Here she is in our very own high low hem dress!
But enough from us – let’s hear from Becky…
How long have you been blogging?
Less than a year
What do you blog about?
Mainly plus size fashion, but I am known for having the occasional rant about things that get on my nerves!
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
I like to people watch, if I see great style on someone in the street I think about the items I have in my wardrobe that I can recreate the look with. Of course other bloggers are a constant source of inspiration and I love whiling away the hours on Pinterest.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
I’d have to say organising Plus North (The plus-size fashion event that took place in Leeds, early July), it was just amazing to see so many fabulous women in one room, enjoying fashion and having fun, I swell with pride every time I think of it!
How would you describe your style?
Eclectic, classic with a twist.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
I’m a full-time mum, I recently sold my business where I ran a Vintage Tea Party Service. I’m not really sure what my ideal job would be, I’ve never been a career girl. I’ve always wanted to be in Musical Theatre, so a lead part in Les Miserables would be pretty cool!
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
This question has been asked a lot lately, and I’d like to be able to name a plus size woman, but I just can’t think of anyone. Beth Ditto isn’t my cup of tea style wise and as much as I love Adele, and I think she’s well dressed, her style doesn’t set my world alight. Think I’d have to say Fearne Cotton, I love her style the way she mixes classic glamour with punky edges.
What do you like about Simply Be?
I love how Simply Be stay on trend whilst always offering a wide size range, it’s great to know they believe style doesn’t stop at a certain size.
Any favourites from the current Simply Be collection?
I’m loving the Horse Print Shirt and the floral jacket and trousers. The western style denim shirt is a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe – so versatile and easy to wear.
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Wear what makes you feel good, confidence shines through and improves most outfits… Oh yeah and to hell with the rules!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Trust your instincts.
What single item could you not live without?
My trusty and now famous denim jacket.
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
I love Rosie over at aroselikethis her cute young style makes me wish I was young again! And the fabulous Hanna at thewardrobechallenge Hanna always looks great!
Shoes or handbags?
Shoes every time!
Anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
Enjoy fashion no matter what your size, you might not be happy with your body but that’s no reason not to look fabulous. You never know a passion for clothing might start to change your perception of you, because you know what? You’re amazing!
Becky – we couldn’t agree more! Get more from Becky over at The Ramblings of Mrs BeBe.
July 2012 Round Up
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Can you believe we are already eight months into the year! Time is flying and we have been super busy here at the Simply Be office with our new collection and of course, the big story of the month, Plus North! So in case you missed any of it, here is our rundown…
We started July preparing for the wonderful event that was Plus North. It took place at the Aspire in Leeds and was superbly organised by the lovely Toni and Becky who did an amazing job! We would like to thank them for all their hard work and thank our beautiful models who strutted their stuff down our Simply Be catwalk! Here are just a couple of the many pics we took…for the full story see here!
We had our huge end of season summer sale! With lots of great buys and offers, not to be missed. So if you’re jetting off on your hols in the next few weeks to get some summer sunshine – why not have a peek over at our holiday shop. There’s still a few more bargains to be had and we’ve currently got up to half price on our shorts and combats!
Linda-Marie Nilsson created a social media storm as she posted a picture of her gorgeous self in her bikini on her Facebook page. The picture went viral and she had over 70,000 likes within hours. She received tonnes of messages of support for promoting a positive body image. We salute you Linda-Marie!
Talking of positive body image it seems the message is getting around, as we stumbled across a great article about a small organisation called The Body Project. The founder Kellie Waller wanted to prove women are beautiful in every way regardless of shape or size. Way to go!
We’ve had some great Modelled By You pictures. Keep them coming in by emailing us with your photo to simplybefashion@hotmail.co.uk. We love seeing them!
Kimberley rocking the Magi-Sculpt Ruched Panel Dress
Kathryn sporting the Spot Print V Neck Tea dress.
Emma working the Bespoke Coco Lace Back Jumpsuit
Gok Wan launched his gorgeous underwear collection with us, and we absolutely love it! It seems you guys love it too as we’ve had such a great response about the range. Check out these reviews from Georgina of FullerFigureFullerBust and Mhairi of Lilybobombs blog. With a retro fifties feel and a glam sexy look, this lingerie collection certainly has us hot under the collar!
Look sassy in this Liquorice bra set with a racer back bra style
Cute Polka Dot bodyshaper perfect for smoother curves
Our Gok Wan lingerie even appeared on This Morning with Abbey Clancy 
Just after we launched the Gok Wan range, our new season Autumn/Winter lines arrived – phew! We’ve also got brand new collections in – Spirit and Sands and Time Out; a must-see for cool, comfy and oh-so wearable on-trend fashion! If you haven’t seen our new TV ad yet, here’s a peek:
We are looking forward to the month ahead, keep your eyes peeled for a more detailed blog post of the full Gok Wan collection, a Bridal range – yes that’s right – wedding dresses are coming your way and more news and updates from the Simply Be team!
What’s been your highlight of July? xx
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
A taster of Joe Browns NEW collection
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Joe Browns have released some gorgeous new clothes we feel will be right on trend in the upcoming months.
Take a look at their fabulous new casuals, which we think are great for a slightly more laid back look without losing your style. We love this Dusky Pink Camisole, brilliant for those last few days of summer and this gorgeous Angelas Legacy Tunic, for when the temperature begins to drop.
Joe Browns has also hit the spot with their floral print inspired range. This lovely floral dress caught our eye – it’s great for the summer as well as brightening up those upcoming gloomy winter months!
Vintage fashion seems like it’s going to be big this autumn and winter so why not get ahead of the crowd with this gorgeous mustard stand out vintage sweater from Joe Browns. We also love this quirky tunic with its interesting collar and colourful flowers.
Alpine cardigans are going to be big this year, and could take over from the ever popular Aztec pattern during the winter months, so make sure you take a look at this gorgeous faux fur trimmed Alpine Knit cardigan. If you’re not too keen on this particular trend we think this beautiful Parisian Jacket could be just the thing for you with its gorgeous design and fabric.
So what are you waiting for…check out Simply Be for a taster of Joe Browns’ latest fashion line and treat yourself to a new autumn/winter wardrobe! xx
Feel the Love All Year Round with Romantic Lace…
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Since the 15th century lace has been seen at the very height of fashion, now in 2012 not much has changed! Since the beginning of the year when Louis Vuitton dressed Kate Moss in a gorgeous lace dress we knew that lace was going to be big this year.
So why not take a look at our fabulous range of lace looks here at Simply Be. For the summer, try out this flattering lace top, available in pastel pink you’ll not only look the part but also be flaunting one of the gorgeous pastel colours of the season:
If you prefer a subtler hint of lace, (because lets face it sometimes too much lace isn’t a good thing) check out our fantastic Frock and Frill Pleat Lace Trim dress, fantastic for both a casual day around the shops or a night out on the town. You can also accessorise with our fabulous lace head wrap. With head wraps all the rage at the moment you can’t go wrong!
Lace is also due to be big in autumn and winter this year, with the recent Valentino fashion show giving strong hints of darker coloured lace being a staple winter wardrobe item. Our beautiful navy blue lace tunic and elegant contrast lace detail tunic, are both perfect for a casual feel without compromising on style:
If you’re heading to a party in the next few weeks and aren’t too sure what to wear, Simply Be predicts that our fabulous new vintage flapper dress will definitely leave you standing out from the crowd.
So what are you waiting for? Look fabulous this season and embrace the lace
Suitcase Must-Haves for a Holiday Wardrobe that Works!
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Whether you’re the kind of person that starts putting things in a suitcase weeks in advance, or you’re a last minute pressure-packing of a gal, there’s nothing worse than arriving at your destination and then realising that, somehow, you still have nothing to wear! Nothing goes together – disaster!
The secret to a suitcase that works is to think about how things can be combined – and then dressed up or down for different occasions.
Here are our key holiday picks to help form the backbone of your holiday wardrobe…
Day to Night Maxi Dress / Jumpsuit
Find a maxi dress that suits your style and with the right accessories you’ll be able to wear it both day and night. This cotton maxi dress will keep you lovely and cool. Likewise a jumpsuit is perfect for casually mooching down to the beach but will also look sensational with heels and lots of jewellery for evening dinner and drinks.
Versatile bottoms
Denim and white linen goes with just about everything so they make for great mix and match day time pieces. For alternatives that will take you through to evening, try palazzo pants or a maxi skirt.
Multipack tops
Find a top style you like and choose a pack with a few colour options. Black and white is always a safe bet but think about what colours will complement they other things you’re taking.
Cover ups/ layers
Whether you simply like a little more coverage or you just want to be prepared for a change in weather, it’s always a good idea to take some layers with you. Even in hot countries evenings can get chilly. Leggings will come in very handy for laying under skirts and dresses if the sun’s not quite what you were hoping for.
Take these basics and add a few of your favourite fashion pieces plus some fabulous accessories and you’ll be pretty much there when it comes to creating a holiday wardrobe that works for you.