New SS11 Simply Be collection now live!
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It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for – the release of the new Spring/Summer 2011 Simply Be collection! Time to start getting your wardrobe in order, a quick clear out, get rid of all the things you don’t wear anymore and make space for all those gorgeous new things.
We couldn’t possibly cover everything in the new collection in this one post (but you can bet, we’ve got loads more coming, about the new-season trends, the hottest Summer looks and all those must-try celebrity style steals) but we’re going to try to give you a quick round-up of what’s new and not-to-be-missed this season!
2 new plus size brands!
This season, we’ve got a treat for you, in the form of two, brand-new plus size brands! The first is And Abigail, a quirky, boho-inspired collection that’s just perfect for Summer. Key trends include, floral prints, embroidery, lace and embellishments – it’s a must for your hols and sure to work with everything in your wardrobe! Plus, we’ve already had a raving review from plus size blogger, Naomi Griffiths over at Diamonds ‘n’ Pearls! Here’s what she had to say…
‘I really like all of the pieces but if I had to choose 1 it would definitely be the embellished waterfall cardigan! I love the studded detail on the shoulders and the length, perfect for the coming 70′s boho chic, relaxed and versatile but also very eyecatching!’
Our second, new plus size brand is Angel Ribbons! This collection is right on-trend, with loads of bold, bright pieces and high-fashion ideas. Look out for cropped leggings and the new, safari-inspired, ribbon-tie shorts… don’t miss the fresh floral prints and that lace waistcoat… plus, tap into the latest shoe trend with the new Angel Ribbons clogs. This gorgeous new collection was reviewed by Gemma Cartwright (one of our Simply Be Model Competition judges) over at Big Girls Browse. This is what she said…
‘I saw some of the samples a month or so ago at the launch, and this was definitely one of the ranges that really stood out for me. I do love a bit of girly glam!’
More from the names you know!
Anna Scholz has a brand new collection, which as usual, is simply divine. You just have to see her mix of ruffles and florals – gorgeous! And the safari-cargos, a new take on trousers that we absolutely adore, plus, a must-wear jumpsuit! Em X at Oh The Places You’ll Go has reviewed this one for us, she says…
‘I find Anna’s clothes extremely accessible… you see – if the White and Black labels are a little above your price bracket – Simply Be offers Anna Scholz and even though there is a lower price point – there is literally NO compromise on cut, style or quality. Clothes made for curves, and indeed – clothes made with OUR bodies in mind.’
Our Frock and Frill collection was a big hit last season and it’s back and better than ever for SS11. The lovely LaCara of Oh La La Curves! was given a sneak peek – here’s what she had to say:
‘I really like what I see so far, I’m particularly fond of the ‘Garden Blouse’, it’ll be perfect for spring! So, I’m really excited to see the rest of the line, from what I’ve heard, it’s going to be amazing!’
Lauren of Pocket Rocket took an exclusive look at our gorgeous new Grazia collection ‘a very grown up and feminine range’. Take alook at her blog post about it here.
And finally, Mister Gok Wan is back with a new collection, exclusively for Simply Yours. It’s even more gorgeous than usual, bringing the latest plus size trends to your lingerie drawer with print, lace and a new pale-pink palette! Trust us when we say, when you see it – you’ll love it!
Eco-chic… the recycled bag!
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These days everyone has a recycle bin, we separate our paper from our plastics and send it all away to become something new. And now, you can get it back again! Not as newspaper or a magazine, but as fashion’s most eco-friendly accessory! Oh yes, allow us to introduce the Recycled Bag!
They’re made in the Philippines, out of recycled fruit juice cartons (which explains all those gorgeous bright colours!) And don’t worry, it’s fair trade, so you can still sleep at night!
Every one is totally different, no one bag the same – so you really are getting a one-off! You can choose from doctor’s bags, shoulder bags, handbags and clutches – there’s even a travel bag, for weekends away and holidays abroad! And they all have that same standout style, with bright rainbow colours and a totally unique pattern!
So now you’re can do your bit for the environment and look totally on-trend – it’s a win-win situation!
Our style crush… Christina Hendricks!
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Have you ever seen Madmen? It’s an acquired taste, a bit like marmite, but the more we watch, the more we love it. And yes, we’ll confess, for us, the clothes are the best bit… especially when they’re worn by the gorgeous and oh-so-curvy Christina Hendricks!
In character…
She plays Joan Holloway, a sassy, fashion-savvy woman who always gets what she wants. Her character oozes confidence, charm and sophistication – she loves her curves and she knows how to work them – just like the actress who plays her! She’s our latest style crush and after her latest outing on the red-carpet, we won’t be getting over it any time soon!
On the red carpet…
At this weeks Golden Globe awards, we caught sight of her in the most stunning dress of the evening. Bright red, with right-now flower detailing, it skimmed over her curves in the most beautiful way – proving once and for all, that nothing is more gorgeous than a curvy woman!
And all this despite that fact that she almost lost a ‘borrowed’ bracelet worth a awe-inspiring €850,000 – yes, the lead lady had to hot-foot it back to the red-carpet while everyone else took their seats, to see if she could find the expensive accessory, which had fallen off her wrist as she passed the paparazzi. Luckily, an event co-ordinator found it and have it back before the panic took a toll on her picture-perfect appearance!
At home…
If you want to wow the crowds in a curve-skimming, red dress, just like Christina – try our brand new Simply Voluptuous Dress! It’s been specially designed with different cup size options, so you can get the perfect fit for your curves!
Military mileage…
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It seems military styling will never go out of fashion! The little brass buttons and khaki hues are back again for Spring 2011 and they’re looking better than ever. On the catwalks they were bright beacons of impending shopping sprees, with everything from jackets to shirts all making a appearance. So you can rest assured that this come-again trend has the green light for Spring/Summer!
The question is, how will you wear it? Because very few Spring trends are as versatile as this one. You have the choice to go all-out military, as we saw on the catwalks. After all, there’s enough choice. You could couple a plus size military jacket with a pair of cargo trousers and a white shirt – or a plus size zip-front dress under a smart military jacket, with a belt and army boots! It’s easy to go all-out and look totally on trend with a military theme.
But then, it’s just as easy to add a subtle military slant to your look. Army jackets go with everything – and they make the perfect Summer cover-up. Or you could wear a plus size khaki tunic with jeans and couple our open-toes military boots with just any look in your wardrobe!
And the best thing is, whatever you buy, it won’t be going out of trend any time soon. Because as we all know from experience, the military trend is here to stay! So if you want a look with mileage, one you’ll be wearing as a trend-must next season, and the one after that, and the one after that – make military your new style favourite!
Teer Wayde loves our shapewear!
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Here she is, Teer Wayde, the gorgeous Aussie model wearing her pick of the Simply Be lingerie collection! It turns out she just loves our shapewear, especially Gok Wan’s curve-controlling creations, exclusive to Simply Yours. So we sent her a little collection and she was kind enough to do a photo shoot!
You have to agree, she looks absolutely stunning. The vintage stylish, her vibrant red hair, those fabulous curves and our beautiful lingerie – it’s a match made in heaven! We’re loving the backdrop, outside is such a fab way to shoot lingerie, so unexpected. But then, the weather over there is probably a whole lot nicer than here!
Alas, we couldn’t fit all our pictures here on the blog, but you can see them on Facebook. So head over to Simply Be Fashion to see more!
Like what you see?
Between you and us, the Gok pieces you see here won’t be around for much longer. He’s got a brand new collection coming out, so this really is your last chance to buy these beautiful pieces. Get them quick, before your size sells out!
Meet Katie, Plus Size Model Competition Finailist!
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How would you describe yourself?
Bubbly, happy – only when I’ve had enough sleep though. Before 7 o’clock I can’t get up.
And what about your style?
Girly, but not too girly. I mean, I don’t do a lot of pink and stuff like that. But I do dress quite girly, adding accessories and make up and funky hair – I like it to be really sharp cut and all edgy.
Why did you enter Simply Be’s Plus Size Model Competition?
I had my photos done about a year back. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, I love it. I really enjoyed the photo shoot that I had done for my portfolio. Then I was looking through a magazine and it was just there, so I thought ‘I’ve got to do it, I’ve got to do it’. I didn’t think I would get through but there was something just telling me I had to do it. And when I saw the email, I just started jumping round my living room.
So you’ve always wanted to be a model?
Yeah, it was something I’ve always wanted to do – and I love the clothes, everything about the fashion world. You see, when you’re a model, you’ve got to be tiny, but then when I saw your competition I thought – yeah, that’s something I really want to do. And I always look in the magazines, and catalogues and think ‘oh I could do that, I really want to do that’ but I never have.
What do you think of Simply Be’s plus size fashion collection?
I love it! All the dresses, I was looking at the catalogue earlier, they’re all just gorgeous. I was thinking – I want that and that and that. And it’s nice, because they have this lace one and it was black with long sleeves – I haven’t seen any long sleeved ones anywhere else, so I’m getting that! I love it! Yeah, I really like the fashion. The dresses are my favourite.
What’s your favourite plus size trend?
I like the sequinned stuff. I’ve got this sequinned jacket to wear over my dress and I just love it. It’s my favourite, so sparkly and it’s glam and really glitzy. And that teamed a pair of jeans and a top is just perfect if you’re going to a wine bar or out for a meal.
What do you think of the whole size zero debate?
There should definitely be more plus size bigger models, 100%. The thing is when you are that tiny, and you see so many stories in the papers about girls with eating disorders, it’s just not healthy. Everyone should be happy the way they are and it shouldn’t be a case of, you have to be a size zero to be a model. You are how you are. So yeah, I think it’s great, I think there should be more plus size models on the catwalks.
And finally, tell us a weird and wonderful fact about yourself.
I love to party. I am a bit of a party animal. Now that it’s getting colder though, and raining, I’m starting to think, well maybe I’ll stay in and watch TV this weekend.
Plus Size Knit Trend – Fair Isle!
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Fair Isle is proving to be one of the popular trends of the season. This distinctive knit-pattern has an old-world charm to it, so you can pull off country-girl chic and English rose in one. And since the weather has taken a turn for the worse, now is the perfect time to start wearing this fabulous plus size trend.
So, how can you get you fix of fair isle fashion, fast? Well, we’ve got some gorgeous options for you, totally affordable, remember you can always spread the cost with a personal account, and delivered to your door, so you won’t have to go out in the cold.
First up, is this gorgoeus fair isle cardigan. Now we all know they get do casual in the most fashionable was and this cardy is the perfect example. The pattern is perfect for the new season, and the length adds a bit of interest to the look. Wear it with jeans, dresses, skirts and anything else you have in your wardrobe.
And if you want to go warmer still, try this plus size jumper from fashion-gurus Jeffery & Paula. It’s long, snuggly and right on trend. Two colour options, each in a range of plus sizes – and just £40 each. Oh and we just the front pocket, practical and fashion happy!
Finally, we’ve just got to mention those fair isle boots again! This time though, we’re plumping for brightly coloured patterns, beige suede bottoms and a truly unique look that’s so this season. If you buy just one fair isle item this Winter, make sure it’s these boots!
Sibling Rivalry at the Simply Be Plus Size Model Competition?
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Now you might have noticed that we had two gorgeous girls with the same surname at the Grand Final – that’s because they’re sisters! Yep, Jess and Emily Mahoney entered the competition together and both made it through to our final.
But after coming so far together, the two sisters had to go it alone at the final. They were put in two different groups, so while Jess was practising her catwalk , Emily was having her make-up done – giving us a chance to ask her how it all came about.
‘I heard about it from my sister. She gave me a ring when she saw it on the website and she thought it would be something really good to do. So we’ve entered together and we’re both in the final, so yeah, we’re both really proud of each other.’
But was there any rivalry, any one-upmanship? Actually no. The two sister were both really supportive, they were just enjoying the day and having fun. In fact, when we suggested to Emily that there might be a bit of sibling rivalry going on she laughed and joked:
‘Oh yeah, I’ve tried pushing her down the stairs a couple of times, and cutting her top and things.’
So no cat-fights here then!
Sisters in style? Not exactly…
Never before have we seen two sisters that are so different. Jess has gorgeous wavy hair and quite girly look about her. She was wearing a beautiful print dress on the day, ¾ sleeves, a full skirt – very feminine and chic.
Emily on the other hand, was rocking a punk-inspired look, complete with leopard print top, leather jacket and bright red heels! And she has hair to match, short, funky and very different from Jess!
Neither of the sisters made it through to the final five, but they both stuck around to the end of the day, to support the other girls. So a big thanks for coming and for being such great contestant!
Steal Her Style – Mary Byrne!
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This gorgeous girly definitely has our vote – and not just because she’s a great singer – oh no, this girl has style! Her latest outfit on X-Factor was undoubtedly her best. Sequin jacket, animal print top and those on-trend hareems… all worn with ballet pumps! We just love that Mary was confident enough to strut her stuff in flats.
So, how do you get the look?
Well, Mary was wearing our Johanna Hope Sequin Jacket – so you can get the exact same piece for yourself on our website. It’s the perfect party cover-up, with that asymmetric hem and voluptuous shoulders. Just throw it on over your party dress – or wear it with jeans to dress up the look!
But if you really want to steal Mary Byrne’s look, you have to wear it with animal prints and hareems. So first things first, pop our Print Frill Neck Top in your basket! The gold and black print is absolutely gorgeous – and the frill neck will add curve-boosting detail to the bust! Couple with our Zipped Hareems for a ready-made party look!
And to finish, just add leopard print pumps! These ones are fab, with the leather detail on the toe and a designer label to boot. Oh yes, they’re Marta Jonsson, one of the most coveted footwear brands around. And if you don’t want to splash out on a designer label, we’ve got plenty of gorgeous alternatives on our website!
X-Factor Mary Sings in Style!
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Here she is, X-Factor’s Irish diva Mary Byrne wowing the crowds in our Johanna Hope Sequinned Jacket! It’s a real stunner and Mary was looking gorgeous as she belted out one of the world’s greatest rock anthems - Brass In Pocket!
Does this make her a style icon? In our books, yes! Just look at that outfit! She’s got sequins, hareems and animal print – what a gorgeous trend clash. And this isn’t the first time we’ve noticed Mary’s style! She’s impressed week after week, but it was Saturday night’s outfit that confirmed our suspicions – this is a woman who knows how to work her curves!
And by getting this far, she’s proved that the nation’s happy to have a new curvy pop star in town! So if you’re looking for curve-conscious style inspiration – look to Mary Byrne!
Coming soon: a steal her style special featuring Mary Byrne!