Fierce and Fabulous Prints at Simply Be

Posted on 16 May 2012

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We know that once upon a time plus size fashion might not have had that many inspiring choices to offer. But each season at Simply Be we strive to bring out a collection more cutting edge than the last and this spring/summer the styles – and the prints in particular – are truly bang on trend. Our buyers have a keen eye on the catwalks and have brought you designer inspired styles in 14-32.

Prints are so key this season, from Prada’s car print to Versace’s scarf prints, they really make a statement. Bird prints, love hearts, swans and abstract tribal prints are a great way to show you’re part of the fashion pack.

Click on the images below to shop.

 

View our catwalk inspired collections in action!

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Turning Japanese – Kimono Chic!

Posted on 27 April 2012

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Lots of celebs have been spotted rocking the kimono trend recently, from Miley Cyrus to Nicole Richie. Check them out>>

Luckily for ladies everywhere, unlike some trends, the kimono shape is such an easy style to wear. It’s chic, sophisticated and a brilliant way to add a burst of colour to a plain outfit, showcasing some truly stunning prints. Just go with the flowing shape! Or, if you have an hourglass figure, simply add a waist cinching belt. You could even go all the way by adding a Geisha-style obi belt.

Here are some of our favourite kimono jackets and dresses from our current collection:

Georgette Print Kimono Jacket

How to wear a kimono jacket

We’d recommend layering over a cami top – you can’t go wrong with black and white, or pick out a toning colour from your kimono print. Then if it’s a sheer jacket you can reveal that little peek of skin – sexy in a subtle way!

Then add palazzo pants for a really Japanese feel. You can go dressy with plain black trousers – you won’t find a more comfortable evening outfit! Or keep it casual with denim look palazzo pants.

Chunky shoes will top off that Geisha-esque look, either fabulous cork heeled platforms or some towering wedge heels.

Alternatively, dress down your kimono in boho or festival style with fringed sandals, a maxi skirt and lots of hippy accessories! Day or night a kimono jacket will give you effortless on-trend style.

 

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Spring Summer at Simply Be!

Posted on 10 February 2012

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This week we were thrilled to release our brand new collection for the spring/summer season.

So what’s new?

We’ve got a chic new Bespoke collection with a distinctly 60s feel – bold colour-blocking and monochrome make a striking statement that’s both classic and so right now.

 

Jumpsuits continue to be hot! Which is your favourite style?

 

We’re loving candy colours right now – the perfect sweet treat for your spring wardrobe!

Plus we’ve got fabulous new additions from all your favourite Simply Be labels:

Angel Ribbons Simply Be

 Shop all Designers and Brands at Simply Be>

Do let us know what you think!

P.S. If you want to win tickets to our Doncaster store launch event, you might want to check back to the blog on Monday…

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London Fashion Week Trend Round Up!

Posted on 29 September 2011

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London Fashion Week came and went in the blink of fabulous eye – and now Paris Fashion Week is upon us! But what were the main themes to emerge from LFW?

We take a look at what’s hot for SS12 – and how to get the look now. Click on any style to shop.

 

Nature-Inspired Prints

Prints of all styles were big but florals and prints inspired by the natural world shone through, as at Erdem, Mary Katrantzou and Peter Pilotto.

 

Fetish

Subtle nods to the darker side were seen at Marios Schwab, Felder Felder, Tom Ford and in the super strappy heels at Louis Vuitton.

 

Pastels

Sherbet shades and ice cream colours were big in the summer of 2010 but as pastels are just so pretty in the sunshine it’s no surprise we are seeing a return.

 

Yellow

As seen on the catwalks at Mulberry and Margaret Howell, yellow is the perfect colour to burst into spring. It’s also great for brightening your autumn winter!

 

Tribal

This is a trend that never really goes away – it looks great all year round! African-inspired pieces were seen at Burberry Prorsum and Holly Fulton.

 

Sport

Don’t worry we’re not talking tracksuits here! Clean or structured sporty shapes were seen at PPQ, Clements Ribiero and Aquascutum. Here’s our take:

 

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Limited Edition collections at Simply Be – Paradise and Very Berry

Posted on 11 July 2011

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Our limited edition collections always go down a storm, taking catwalk inspired trends and making them workable and wearable in sizes 14-32. We’ve always got an eye on what’s hot so that we can bring the key looks to you first. We love our two newest collections so much we’re not quite sure which is our favourite!

Paradise

From lush greens to lagoon blues, botanical prints and tropical florals this collection is an island paradise in fashion form.

Team these pieces with white for a fresh summery feel and accent with feathered accessories.

Coloured lace is key for the season; don’t miss our deep turquoise lace dress – also available in cool white.

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Very Berry

Taking influences from the Marc Jacobs collection, glam 70′s references from the studio 54 era and adding a subtle oriental twist, Very Berry combines great shapes with a juicy berry and orange palette to bold effect.

Key pieces include the split leg palazzo pants, the midi dress and the culotte jumpsuit. Team with bright accessories to make those colours pop.

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The Styles of Summer at Simply Be

Posted on 15 June 2011

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Fashion never stands still – and neither do our fashion buyers! That’s why fresh in this week at Simply Be we’ve got the hottest fashion finds of the summer. With these pieces in your wardrobe you’ll be able to tick off every trend – and look fabulous of course.

Pineapple Tunic Dress
Juicy fruit prints were all over the spring/summer catwalks, so grab this cute little jersey dress while you can. The ruched sleeve detail and elasticated waist make for such a flattering shape.

fruit print dress

Printed Palazzo Pants
The print palazzo pant has got to be the key trend item for summer and is set to stay still big for autumn/winter. Style up this new wardrobe staple with a simple white tee and floppy 70′s hat for a look that’s so now. The fluid fabric and super wide leg shape is ever so flattering while the ditsy print is cute but not too busy. What’s not to love?

print palazzo pants plus size

Colour Block Stripe Top
Stripes and colour blocking are not to be missed this season, so we designed this bold top to tick off both the trends in a figure-friendly shape. We’ve kept the stripe to the hem for a flattering effect whilst the shoulder bow adds a feminine touch. Keep it summery by teaming with white jeans and bold accessories. 

 

colour block stripe top

Chinos

Chino-style trousers are hot to trot this season for a smart casual and super sexy look. Wear with heels to lengthen those legs and team with a simple jersey top or a white tucked in shirt to show off your shape.

plus size chinos trousers

Gypsy Dress
The gypsy dress is a key shape for your summer wardrobe and such an easy style to slip on. In soft chambray denim with blouson three-quarter sleeves it’s about as comfy to wear as a dress can be. The versatile neckline can be worn on and off the shoulders. Accessorise with a waist belt and wedges.

gypsy dress

Gingham Dress
Got to have gingham! This classic red and white check piece with apron detailing fits the American Girl theme perfectly; a little bit cowgirl, a little bit barn dance, but a whole lot stylish! And thanks to the back shirring, elasticated waist, adjustable straps and self-fabric belt, it’s going to fit those curves beautifully too!

plus size red gingham dress

Shop the Hot List at Simply Be! >

 

 

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White Wash Summer

Posted on 16 May 2011

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White always looks fabulous in the sun so it’s no surprise white is set to be such a big fashion trend this summer. Whether you’re working the pale and interesting look or it’s contrasted against dark or tanned skin, top to toe white always looks crisp, fresh and elegant.

Apparently we’re set for a heatwave in the next couple of weeks (here’s hoping!) so get your wardrobe ready for a white hot summer with these chic and simple pieces:

White frill tunic

white broderie anglaise maxi dress

 

White waterfall cardigan

Asymmetric Lace Trim Vest Top White

 

Anna Scholz Linen Trouser

white wedges wide fit

White Nica bag

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Romantic Florals for Spring

Posted on 08 April 2011

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Fashion never stands still – and neither does our collection at Simply Be.

The freshest addition is our Romantic Florals range, perfectly timed for those first few sunny days of spring!

Give in to the romance of garden florals from big blowsy blooms to pretty little blossoms. 


Vintage-feel tea dresses in shades of rose are oh-so feminine while ruffles and tiers give an extra dusting of fairytale charm.


Gypsy style floral maxi dress

Dusky pink lace dress

Floral print tea dress plus size

 Shop the full Romantic Florals collection at Simply Be>>

 

P.S. Don’t forget to vote for us in the Prima Fashion Awards!

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All things Bright and Beautiful

Posted on 18 March 2011

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We may have loved our nudes and neutrals for a spell, and while we’ll always have a place in our hearts for good old classic black, when winter’s dark days are over we all want something with a little more zing!

Which is why we’re so thrilled at the huge colour comeback this season!

How to wear it:

Colour blocking

It’s all about colour on colour this season – even neon on neon if you should be so bold (and why shouldn’t you?)

How about these for pairings that pop?

 

 

 

Pattern

If you simply can’t settle on just a couple of colours, go for the most fabulous print you can find…

 

Shop our Bold Brights collection> 

 

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All set for the summer of the seventies?

Posted on 25 February 2011

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They say that fashion goes in cycles and there’s definitely something in it. Some decades weren’t known for the best taste in fashion (hello 80’s I’m looking at you here) but fashion has a way of making things fresh – which is why we’re all wearing leggings and shoulder pads again, and looking rather fierce whilst we’re at it, might I add.

One fashion era that we always love to see come back in vogue is the seventies; those flowing maxi dresses, voluminous tops and wide leg jeans are so easy to wear – and they look good on almost everyone! Luckily for us, this season the look is back with a vengeance, and more gorgeous than ever. Think boho, not disco diva. It’s all about hippy chic – so step away from those sequins!

Maxi dresses are a key component of the look; go for earthy, natural tones in a floaty fabric. Ethnic patterns are perfect. If you’re not keen on showing your upper arms off you can always add a little knitted shrug – but not all maxis are strapless. We’ve got some gorgeous maxi dresses with sleeves:

Anna Scholz maxi dress  tribal print maxi dress

 

Alternatively, go for a maxi skirt with a gypsy blouse:

plus size maxi skirt  gypsy top white

 

The key jeans shape has got to be wide leg. Try our ‘Cheryl’ jean, wide from hip to ankle.

plus size wide leg jeans

 

Or go for the ‘Bianca’, a wide flare for a really authentic hippy vibe.

wide leg flared jeans

 

Tassels are an easy way to give any outfit a dash of boho flavour.

tassel waistcoat  tassel handbag

 

Stick to tans and natural browns for bags, belts and shoes for that earth-mother feel. It’s all about clogs and wedges, or if you can get find them, wedge clogs!

hippy chic tan wedges     clog wedges

Finish your look with some hippy-licious accessories. Forgo the bling in favour of beads and you’ll have this season’s boho look down to a tee.

hippy beaded bracelets  hippy bead necklace

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