Blogger of the Month – Lauren Ding
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We’re back this year with our first blogger of the month 2013 and now it’s the turn of Lauren, from Pocket Rocket Fashion to have her say. Lauren is pictured below wearing our spearmint skater tunic from our previous collection.
Now let’s hand it over to Lauren…
How long have you been blogging?
My blog turned three in August 2012. I can’t quite believe it’s been 3 years! I’m a very different person now from when I was back then.
What do you blog about?
Plus size fashion, fat fashion, whatever you’d like to call it! I decided to blog about a specific subject instead of my life, as you can get quite vulnerable putting your feelings out there for everyone to see. And fashion, specifically plus size fashion was something I loved, so it made perfect sense.
Who inspires you? / Where do you get your inspiration from, when writing your blog?
So many people inspire me! I’m pretty much always inspired by someone or something. I guess when I first started, Beth Ditto was a big deal for me. Going to a Gossip gig back in the day was one of the first times I felt truly beautiful. Generally speaking it’s a combination of old Hollywood photographs and cool girls I see on the tube and more recently, on tumblr.
Biggest achievement? (blogging/otherwise!)
Blogging-wise, being asked to design an outfit – I went for a dress as I’m ridiculously girly – for Simply Be (more on this will be revealed soon, so watch this space!). It’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to me. Literally a dream come true! In my life, getting a decent set of GCSE’s when I’d struggled with deep depression in my teens was a huge achievement for me.
How would you describe your style?
This is so hard! I really like looking glamorous and ladylike, but then I also love wearing kitsch and cute clothes. I asked a friend once and she said “teacups and fists!” So I would say ladylike, with a bit of a bite.
What do you do when you’re not blogging? / What would be your ideal job?
When I’m not blogging, I’m at work (on the opposite side of the blogging fence, I work in SEO) or catching up with friends and going to see bands I love. And watching TV – I’m a proper telly geek!
Which celeb style do you admire the most?
It’s almost a cliché now but I still think Beth Ditto looks incredible – she has such an amazing eye. I also love classic actresses: Audrey Hepburn of course, Anna Karina, Marilyn Monroe. More recently I like Dita von Teese, (pictured left) and Ginnifer Goodwin (pictured right) has been making me gasp with her last few red carpet outfits!
What do you like about Simply Be?
I love that they’ve really made the effort to provide something for everyone. So many people assume everyone who wears over a certain size all want the same style of clothes, but that’s not true at all. Some of us are confident and unafraid to take fashion risks, others are more modest and less happy with their bodies – and that’s okay! One of the really nice things was looking through the latest catalogue with my mum and her cousin – we’re different generations and all have such different tastes, but all of us found things we wanted to wear.
Any favourites from the Simply Be collection?
I really love the flocked and velour skater dresses and was gutted that they sold out before I could buy one! I love all the dresses from your new in must haves, and also the amazing flapper dress. I treated myself to your sweetheart jumper which I wear all the time!
Do you have any style advice/ general words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Forget the rules. If you like something, give it a try. If it doesn’t work, it’s not the end of the world.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Just reading about people learning to accept themselves in the here and now – that was so powerful to me and I don’t think I would have done some of the things I’ve done and made the friends I have without it. Learning to accept myself in the present, instead of a possible (thin) future genuinely changed my life for the better.
What single item could you not live without?
Oh, easy – my phone! It would need working wifi, though!
Apart from your own, can your recommend any favourite style blogs or books we can add to our reading list?
Well it’s not a style book per se, but I just bought Hot and Heavy edited by Virgie Tovar, and it’s amazing. It’s a compendium of articles written by plus size women about life, love and fashion. Such a great, life-affirming read! As for blogs, I literally follow hundreds. I’m really enjoying Gem (Not So Serious fashion), Callie (From the Corners of the Curve) and Isha (Creative Type Fashion) at the moment.
Shoes or handbags? 
My heart says shoes – even though I find the best ones really hard to walk in!
Anything else you’d like to get across?
Here’s to an awesome 2013!
Thanks Lauren, here’s to 2013 indeed – lets make it a good one ladies! For more on Lauren head on over to her blog. xx
Win 1 of 5 tickets to our Teesside Store Launch VIP Event!
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Well we gave away tickets to our Doncaster store launch – and our winners are off to the VIP event this Thursday.
Our next store launch is Teesside – and to celebrate we’re having a VIP store event on 20th March!
For your chance to WIN a pair of tickets to the event, simply leave us a comment under this blog post.
We’ll pick 5 winners at random on 05/03/2012.
Make sure you’re a fan of ours on Facebook as that’s where we’ll announce the winner next week!
For a second chance to win, why not enter our Twitter competition? We’re giving away another 5 tickets on Twitter!
Simply follow Simply Be and tweet the entry message:
Want to WIN tickets to our Teesside store launch event on 20th March? Follow us & RT #SimplyBeTeesside 5 winners drawn 05/03/12!
Good luck!
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!
The new vintage…
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It’s the latest look we all love to wear, but do you really have to rummage through the racks to pull off vintage chic? We don’t think so…
There’s something so very charming about vintage styling, not just the clothes, but the hair and the make-up – it’s so feminine and so very perfect for curves. So we’ve chosen our favourite vintage-inspired pieces from the Simply Be collection to prove that you don’t have to go store-to-store to get this most-coveted look!
The dress…
This lace number is one of our all-time favourites! Aged-cream lace, over a simple slip, those sleeves, the ruffled shoulders and the knee-length skirt – it screams vintage but it’s brand new. And that’s a good thing, because vintage lace doesn’t last well. Unlike this dress, which will look gorgeous season after season, party after party!
The slip…
Lingerie has such an important part to play in vintage styling! So take bump smoothing, waist-cinching inspiration straight from the past – just like Gok Wan has with his shapewear collection, exclusive to Simply Yours. Invest in a timeless all-in-one that’ll work with almost everything, either this Sassy Slip or the gorgeous curve controller!
The skirt…
If we had to pick one gorgeous, curve-confident brand that channels vintage style on a piece-by-piece basis, it’d be Joe Browns. From ditzy prints to long-loved materials and so many almost-forgotten textures, they’re bringing the past right back into the present. And this mid-length skirt is the perfect example – crinkled pleats, an incredible print pattern and that swishing shape, yes, this is the future of vintage fashion!
The top…
Faded printed tees, they’ve got that instant vintage edge and we’ve just got a new collection in! Our ‘Melanie’ t-shirts will add a touch vintage styling to every look. Wear them with skirts, dresses – and our personal favourite, ripped jeans!
The accessories…
The more you accessorise, the closer you’ll get to that eclectic, vintage look. So go crazy with bangles, beads, scarves and gloves. And don’t be afraid to be adventurous. A good fascinator will finish your party look nicely, and it’s perfect for Ladies Day at the races!
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!
Happy New Year!
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It’s the first day of the New Year – what do you have planned for yours? We’re thinking even more gorgeous fashion ideas, even more trends, even more brands, even more competitions and even more blogs! Last year was so much fun and we’ve got loads more up our sleeves, so keep your eyes peeled for exciting things to come!
And of course, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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.