Outfit inspiration with Missguided.

Oh hello! My goodness, I can't believe how close we are to the big day now! It's our final outfit inspiration post and we're going out with a bang! Missguided specialise in fresh, fun, fast fashion and that extends right through to their plus size range. 

We've picked some of our favourite pieces from the collection to give you a bit of style inspiration and with free next day delivery on orders over £60 there's still time to bag your perfect outfit for The Curve Fashion Festival! 

We just love this soft grey sleeveless jacket, effortless chic at its best! Team with soft pink and jeggings as pictured or wear over a jumpsuit for a real minimalist look. 

Get the boho look with this gorgeous paisley shirt, add in a little rock chick style with leather look leggings and funky hat! 

This slinky number is such a great style, the beautiful draping is feminine but the crossover and nipped in waist add structure and shape and the gorgeous rust colour is everywhere this season.

You can catch Missguided on our exclusive catwalk where you'll see all the latest trends brought to life and you can check out the full plus size range on their website too, just click the link here. There is still time to get your tickets, there are very few left now though, so don't miss out! 

Outfit inspiration with Studio8.

We're back with another outfit inspiration post. Today we're looking to Studio8 for a serious style injection. From quality wardrobe staples to knockout dresses, Studio8 specialise in premium plus size fashion for the discerning woman. 

Parisian Chic - Stripes never go out of style! Team this classic tee with these stylish yet oh so comfortable jersey trousers and add a dash of colour with the bold necklace. Leopard print ballet pump and an oversized tote would finish look perfectly! 

Best of the Dresses - Studio8 do dresses so well. We've picked three of our favourite styles. This gorgeous spotty number is monochrome perfection, team with opaque tights, flat boots and a longline cardigan for a casual look. 

The floral number in the centre gives you scope to go wild with your accessories, pick out your favourite hue from the gorgeous pattern to mix and match your shoes and bag for example. 

And finally, serve up some serious drama in this stunning tapework dress, the intricate detailing and beautiful shape makes for that real wow factor. Keep it simple with black heels and a clutch bag. 

There's still time to grab your ticket for this years biggest plus size fashion event! With exclusive catwalks, panel discussions and a mammoth fashion hall, you really can't afford to miss it! Click here to buy yours now! 

Outfit Inspiration with Evans.

As promised we've got a week of outfit inspiration here on The Curve Fashion Festival blog. Next up is UK high street giant Evans. Whether you're coming to Manchester for the day or staying overnight, we've put together some great plus size outfits, and with next day delivery available at Evans, there's still chance to get your order in before the big day. 

Cool and casual: Look laid back yet chic in this stylish ensemble. By keeping the base layer all black you can add interest and focus with the shoes and jewellery and of course, the star piece, this gorgeous sleeveless jacket. 

Ladylike and lovely: If something a bit more feminine is your style, this gorgeous tea dress from Scarlett and Jo at Evans might just be the ticket. Lightweight and soft this dress is perfect for staying cool and comfortable all day.  

Day to Night: Thinking of hitting the bars and clubs of Manchester after the event? This stunning sheer drop hem top will see you through from day to night with ease. Wear with leggings or jeans and a flat boot for the day, swap out for a heel for the evening and get your party on! 

Don't forget to check out Evans in both our fashion hall and on the catwalk! And if you haven't got your tickets yet, what are you waiting for?! Click here to buy them today! 

Outfit Inspiration with ELVI.

With just over a week to go (!) the excitement is near to bubbling over and we've seen lots of you over on our social media channels, chatting about outfits and planning what to wear on the day, which is so fantastic! We thought you might need a little style inspiration, so we'll be bringing you outfit ideas handpicked from some of our Curve Fashion Festival Exhibitors. First up is chic and cool UK retailer, ELVI. 

Make a statement with these marble print, split leg palazzo plants. Team with this seasons wardrobe essential, the roll neck jumper and add a biker jacket to toughen the look up. 

Palazzo Pants// Roll Neck Jumper

If dresses are more your thing, this minimal asymmetric maxi in a beautiful muted dark green is perfect. It's comfortable to travel in and will keep you cool and chic throughout the day. Team with loafers and a statement necklace for a laid back look. 

Asymmetric Dress 

And finally, we couldn't do an inspiration post without including this amazing, bang on trend fringed jacket. We've been going gaga over this here at The Curve Fashion Festival. Team with your favourite jeans and simple cami top as a base layer and let this gorgeous wow piece do the talking. 

Suedette Fringe Jacket 

Don't forget you can check out the full ELVI range in our fashion hall and on our exclusive catwalk! Book your tickets now! 

Exclusive Catwalk Preview: Studio Untold.

We're on the countdown now here at The Curve Fashion Festival and we can now officially say our event is this month! How exciting! Zoe, the event founder and stylist has been busy pulling together all the catwalk looks for the big day, and I've got a series of exclusive sneak peeks to share with you here on the blog!

Today's preview comes from German brand Studio Untold.

This first look is has a real laid back, geek chic vibe about it! Zoe has teamed this cute superhero tshirt with boyfriend fit jeans and plaid shirt, she's accessorised with glitter pumps and pattern clutch. Perfect for those who favour the tomboy look. 

This second look is much more glam but still with a tough edge. The sequin dress teamed with the faux fur jacket and chunky belt look great with the little booties. The perfect party girl look!  

We hope this small taster has whet your appetite for our catwalk shows, where you'll see a whole host of styles and looks on every shape and size! We can't wait to share more previews and news with you in the run up to the event so watch this space! 

And don't forget you can shop Studio Untold on their website and see them in the Fashion Hall and of course on the catwalk! 

Brand Focus: Studio8.

Our brand focus this week is an introduction to Studio8. For those of you unfamiliar with them, Studio8 is an exciting new brand created specifically for women sizes 16-24. Brought to you by the team behind the massively popular high street brand Phase Eight, Studio8 aims to deliver "exceptional quality through beautiful fabrics, exclusive prints and flattering shapes". 

The collection is made up of beautiful dresses, great quality separates and some rather show-stopping outerwear. 

Catherine Le Huray, Studio8 designer explains "every woman deserves clothing that makes them walk away feeling confident and that they have made a purchase that will make them look and feel incredible. We have been conscious to cater for all body shapes so ultimately there is a style to suit every woman and emphasise her best assets". 

We're so excited to welcome Studio8 to The Curve Fashion Festival. Make sure stop by and check out the full range in the fashion hall. 

A/W Outerwear with ELVI.

As we head towards the end of August, our minds turn to our Autumn/Winter wardrobes and more importantly the coat. It's so important to get the right style for you and your wardrobe. Curve Fashion Festival exhibitors ELVI have a huge selection of gorgeous outerwear to suit any occasion. 

Camel Belted Coat - £69

The All-Rounder: This gorgeous camel coat is an essential wardrobe classic. The shape and colour never go out of style. Wear this over your workwear or evening wear for a smart tailored look or team with ripped jeans, a classic breton stripe tee and ballet pumps for a casual day time feel. 

L: Shearling Fur Gilet - £109// R: Khaki Wrap Gilet - Coming Soon.

The Transitional Piece: If it's not quite cold enough for a coat but you still need some coverage, the gilet is a great style solution. Take the chill off with this oh so chic shearling fur gilet, team with an all black base and biker boots for a practical yet stylish look. 

Khaki looks great with denim, team this wrap style gilet with your favourite jeans or jeggings. Try adding some print into the mix with a bold top. 

Fringed Mac - Coming Soon

Make a Statement: Go bold with fringing this season, this funky take on the mac makes a real impact. Team with flared jeans, platform shoes and roll neck top for a stylish vintage look. 

You can view the whole ELVI range on their website and don't forget to check them out in person at The Curve Fashion Festival. Tickets are selling fast, get them here while you can! 

Brand Focus: Elomi.

This week on the blog we're excited to welcome Elomi lingerie. Here at The Curve Fashion Festival, we know that achieving the perfect foundation for your outfit is imperative and that's why we're thrilled Elomi are showcasing their latest styles on the catwalk at our event. If you're not familiar with Elomi, they offer beautiful lingerie designed specifically for the fuller figure. Elomi's designs are feminine and classic; each piece offers comfort whilst being supportive.

Elomi's size range starts from a 34 back and a DD cup size right up to a 44 back and JJ cup and briefs are available in a M-4XL which is the equivalent of 12-22. The collections range from fun and colourful to sophisticated and sexy right through to their everyday essentials range and swimwear. 

Elomi pride themselves on being exclusively plus size. Each piece is designed, fit and produced with the plus size woman in mind and they refuse to compromise, if it's not going to work for the fuller figured woman, it won't get made! 

Brand Focus: Mish Lingerie.

This week on the blog, our brand focus and Curve Fashion Festival Exhibitor is Mish, an independent lingerie retailer based in Cornwall who specialise in offering lingerie in sizes up to a JJ cup, providing ladies with larger breasts, beautiful and supportive underwear that flatters all body shapes and sizes. 

Mish stock top lingerie brands such as Elomi who offer a great selection of fashionable bras designed specifically for the curvier woman. 

Mish are a multichannel retailer, trading in-store and online via their website, which includes a specifically designed bra calculator to help customers find their size at home. At the Bodmin based boutique in Cornwall, every customer is offered a professional fitting service by a member of the friendly and fully trained team of bra fitters. 

Owner Michele Poynter says, "Our bodies are all different, and these differences in shape and size and the structure of the boobs, must be accounted for when fitting an individual. Finding the right size bra is much more than taking a simple measurement.

We educate our customers, and offer advice as to what styles will provide the breasts the right support, in the right places. But most importantly, we make sure they are comfortable

As a result, the women we fit, leave our shop with a new found confidence, feeling great about themselves, their breasts and their bodies". 

We can't wait to welcome Mish to The Curve Fashion Festival on 26th September. Tickets are selling fast so don't miss out on your chance to connect with amazing brands and discover what they have to offer. Click here for information on the day and ticket sales. 

Transitional Style with Studio Untold.

It would appear that summer has done a runner! And while we're definitely hoping this isn't the last of the good weather it won't do any harm to have some versatile, all weather pieces ready in your wardrobe. 

I've hit Curve Fashion Festival exhibitor Studio Untold's website to pick out my favourite traditional pieces, perfect for layering and preparing us for whatever the weather has to throw at us! 

Denim Overalls// Bomber Jacket// Silver Pumps 

Jumpsuits are so flexible and this chambray beauty is no exception. In the cooler months pop a turtle neck jersey top underneath and team with some suede block heel boots for a 70s feel. While things are still a little unpredictable, weather-wise, add this bright funky bomber and cool silver ballet pumps, and should it perk up, lose the jacket and swap out the shoes for sandals. One item, three seasons and three looks! 

Print Dress// Cocoon Cardigan// Open Toe Boot

Monochrome is failsafe when it comes to versatile dressing. This gorgeous pattern dress can easily be layered up for cooler days by adding tights, chunky boots and a biker jacket. For autumnal times, add this gorgeous cocoon jersey cardigan and on trend open toe boots (pictured). And for sunnier days, swap the boots out, add some gladiator style sandals and a long line sleeveless jacket for a chic minimalist look. 

You can see what else Studio Untold have in store at The Curve Fashion Festival, Manchester, 26th September. Get your tickets here! 

Don't forget to keep checking back here for all the latest news, exhibitors and style inspiration! 

Becky Barnes is a freelance writer, blogger and consultant. You can read her weekly blogs here on The Curve Fashion Festival Blog or over on her Plus Size Fashion blog - Mrs BeBe Blog  

TCFF HITS STYLE XL

This weekend saw the 2^nd ever StyleXL. The event which was host to bloggers and members of the public was held at the Paragon Hotel, Birmingham. Small but perfectly formed, the event was a mix of plus size fashion exhibitors and vibrant catwalk shows. Throughout the day there was a steady stream of wonderful ladies (and even a few chaps) and the atmosphere was brilliant with lots to see and do.

Amongst the exhibitors was lingerie favourites Curvy Kate who were offering an expert bra fitting service, vintage vibes from Voodoo Vixen and A Rose Like This Designs to big brands like Bon Prix and Yours Clothing.

There was some amazing fashion on the catwalk from indy brands like Chubby Cartwheels and Apples and Pears right through to Scarlett and Jo and of course the ever amazing Simply Be who were showcasing their Autumn/Winter range.

So what can we expect from Simply Be this coming season? Think texture, rich colour and bold statements. There's a definite 70s vibe, which is no great surprise, as it is just huge at the moment. Lots of faux fur, floral patterns and earthy tones.

The story from Yours Clothing was an altogether more vibrant feel, for late summer we can expect lots of bold colour, tropical prints and fun silhouettes.

And of course, we were there ourselves. We had an amazing day meeting all the fantastic attendees chatting about all things fashion. It definitely got us even more excited about our event (if that was even possible!)

Becky Barnes is a freelance writer, blogger and consultant. You can read her weekly blogs here on The Curve Fashion Festival Blog or over on her Plus Size Fashion blog - Mrs BeBe Blog  

SUMMER STYLE SOLUTIONS WITH THE BIG BLOOMERS COMPANY

The warmer months are a great opportunity to dig out your favourite floaty summer dress and give your pins an airing, but inevitably it also means we can get a little warm and our delightfully thick thighs can rub and chafe. Curve Fashion Festival Exhibitor, The Big Bloomers Company have the solution. Their range of anti chafing knickers are perfect for popping on underneath your favourite summer frock and not only do they help prevent any chafing, they're also great for saving your modesty should you encounter a 'Marilyn' moment!

The Big Bloomers Company are a small family run business based in the heart of Cornwall, who pride themselves on the development of quality hosiery and underwear in an exceptionally wide size range, the majority of which is produced in Italy. The ever popular range of anti chafing knickers now have an addition. The new lace trimmed shorts are super pretty and the kind of undergarment you don't mind showing off!

A little bit about the anti chafing knickers -

• Plain leg cuffs or a deep, soft, luxurious lace around each leg.
• Available in black natural or white.
• P&P £2.95 however many you order.
• Made exclusively for Big Bloomers in Italy
• Four sizes UK12/16 UK18/22 UK24/28 and UK30/36+
• Two sculptured, seamless back panels mould to the shape of your behind adding support and comfort.
• Ribbed Leg cuff to prevent riding up.
• £12.95 plain and £17.95 with lace.

The Big Bloomers Company currently have a very special offer on the anti chafing knickers. The 'holiday package' includes three pairs of plain knickers and two lace pairs, priced at £49.99 thats a huge saving of £20.90 and will have you set for any trips you've got planned or simply to see you through the working week.

Don't forget, you can check out the full range from The Big Bloomers Company at The Curve Fashion Festival, 26th September in Manchester or head to The Big Bloomers Company website now.

SUMMER TRENDS WITH NEW LOOK INSPIRE

Another summer, another Glastonbury.The world famous music festival was as huge as ever and thankfully with the weather on its side it wasn't a complete mudslide. Fashion plays a huge part in the festival and celeb style watching has become an integral part of that. The main story to come out of the festival was the seventies trend and is definitely here to stay right through Autumn/Winter. Fear not, the seventies trend isn't all floppy hats and kimonos. I've picked out two of the main trends happening right now and used key pieces from Curve Fashion Festival exhibitor New Look Inspire to showcase them.

Happy Hippy – Boho has evolved into something a little more structured. Suede is huge at the moment and will be for the foreseeable future. This shift dress acts as a great base to add flowing layers to. Stick with earthy tones and add in texture with velvets and crochet.

Disco Diva – The seventies wasn't just all about the hippy. Disco was a massive part of the decade and metallics were everywhere at Glastonbury this year. From Florence Welch's headlining silver suit to Alexa Chung's cute gold shift dress. Metallics make a big impact so work around one key piece and add in pattern with snake print and texture with tassels. Stack heels are huge (quite literally), dress the look down with denim for a laid back disco vibe. 

Head over to the New Look website for more classic summer trends or catch them at The Curve Fashion Festival in Manchester on Saturday 26th September 2015. 

CHOOSE #BOOBSOVERBELLYBUTTONS WITH CURVY KATE

There is not a week that goes by without some new diet or fitness fad hitting the headlines. In a world obsessed with this perceived notion of health and what it should look like, you'd think we would pay more attention to the important health issues, like cancer for example. Last week one such fad hit the headlines. Women across the world were being challenged to wrap their arms around their back to their midriff in an attempt to reach their belly buttons as part of the #BellyButtonChallenge. Those that could were deemed healthy, those that couldn't were urged to lose weight and quick. Crazy right? 

Someone needed to shut that rubbish down, and who better than the feisty team at Curve Fashion Festival exhibitors Curvy Kate. In partnership with UK breast cancer awareness charity Coppafeel, Curvy Kate decided to say 'down with the belly button challenge' and instead asked us to, quite rightly, choose #BoobsOverBellyButtons. The campaign was a roaring success and countless babes, including some of our favourite plus size bloggers took to social media to showcase their coppafeel selfies. But amidst all the fun, the real triumph was that the very serious message of self examination reached tens of thousands of women with the hashtag receiving extensive global coverage. How amazing is that?

1 in 8 women will experience breast cancer in their lifetime and while survival rates are improving every day, it's still vitally important that women continue to check their breasts and know what to look for. Coppafeel have put together this helpful guide of things to check for when examining your breasts. And with the continued support of brands like Curvy Kate we can hopefully continue to get the message out there and save some lives.

We are proud to have Curvy Kate on board as a Curve Fashion Festival exhibitor. You can meet the team along with a host of your favourite plus size brands on the 26th September 2015, Manchester Central. Tickets on sale now! Read more from Mrs BeBe Blog here every week!

SUMMER STYLE WITH EVANS

The summer weather is finally here, and what better way to get into the swing of things than with a wardrobe refresh?

Summer is a great time to experiment with colour and try trends you might not have before. Laid back summer silhouettes can be given life by injecting colour and print, or keep it clean and chic with the minimalist trend. 

We've put together three looks for you from Curve Fashion Festival exhibitor Evans.

Culotte to Shout About!

Last seen in the early 90s, it's been a while since the culotte has graced the catwalk, but with the latest nod towards its original 1970s incarnation the culotte is back and looking great.

We've kept the styling classic and gone for a nautical vibe. Classic chambray is given a lift with the addition of the lime wedges and chic stripe tee. Add versatile tan accessories to finish off the look. Wear the t-shirt tucked in to keep the lines clean and show off your figure.

Totally Tropical!

The tropical and botanical theme has been huge this season. Think palm prints, bold colour and greenery.

Don't be afraid to accessorise the look with bold and fresh colours. It is definitely a statement look but by no means is it unwearable. This laid back casual style is perfect for lunch with the girls and a spot of shopping.

Abstract Minimalist.

Now, those two words might seem like a contradiction in terms, but it is completely possible to achieve the minimalist look while still playing with print and colour. Keep silhouettes streamline, outer garments should be long and flowing and accessories kept simplistic and to a minimum.

We hope we have given you some summer inspiration and you're ready to go out there and enjoy those rays. For more sunshine inspired outfits and plus size fashion finds head to the Evans website to get your style fix and be sure to check them out at the Curve Fashion Festival, 26th September, Manchester Central. 

Read more from Mrs BeBe Blog at www.mrsbebeblog.co.uk you can also catch the fabulous Becky Barnes here every week bringing you the latest in brands and blogging for The Curve Fashion Festival.