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. 

FASHION ON A BOOT SALE BUDGET

Not sure about you but I hate paying full price for anything especially clothes! There isn’t much I will get out of bed for before 7 in the morning other than a good old boot sale and possibly the promise of a fry up! Boot sales and vintage fairs are some of my favourite places to go where you can pick up the most amazing clothes; some new, some old and some really old! 

Not being 17 but 47 the latest fashion must have isn’t so much a must have for me these days, so these open air bargain paradises are fantastic for my ever growing second hand wardrobe where you can find an outfit for every occasion from the comfy casual to the wonderful wedding outfit.

My favourite pieces from this years finds so far are my Next leather tan skirt £2 from my local boot sale which I team with a beautiful sheer cream Ben Sherman vintage blouse £4 from the vintage fair or my flaming red silk blouse from east which I paid a quid for! YES I kid you not £1!

Next on my hotlist of bargains is the emerald green pleated silk dress from Oasis for the amazing price of £3.00, which I have earmarked for my friends wedding teamed with black high sling backs. 

However, this years most amazing find has to be the 1940s American silk tea dress in a beautiful peach colour with pleated skirt and lace inlayed in the arms and back for the astronomical price of £15 which had me feeling like a million dollars when I wore it to the races recently!

The moral of this blog is if you ever need motivation to get up at silly o’clock in the morning then the thought of looking amazing for less than a fiver should do it (followed by that fry up I mentioned).

BETTY PAMPER: THE BEST FROM LFW - AND THE PLUS SIZE DUPES

Over the last week London has been abuzz with all things fashion as the great and the good have gathered for London fashion week. Here are three of my personal favourites to emerge on the catwalks and some cunning plus size dupes so you can inject a little high fashion styling into your wardrobe this season.

Erdem

Lets kick off with possibly my favorite collection of the week. Erdem was all faded grandeur, candy coloured shades with heirloom styling. Brocades, velvet's, frayed edged and fifties shapes. Exquisite.

Plus Size Dupe: 

Grazia Floral Print Dress Simply Be £60 

Burberry Prorsum

Burberry was boho chic the luxury version. Floaty fabrics, empire lines and some beautiful patchwork effect prints. This is definitely one of the more wearable trends. It has a vaguely sixties flower child feeling to it with the models sporting softly waved hair and sack bags.

Plus Size Dupe

Lovedrobe Maxi Print Dress £65 

Topshop Unique

Topshop Unique was very English Rose with its styling. Tweedy check was the fabric de jour which was seen on pinafores and coats. Fur is as popular as ever (which is great news if like me you are not quite ready to give up your faux fur stoles)

Plus Size Dupe

Gingham Check Dress Simply be  £31.97 

Giles

The Giles show was sinister, gothic and darkly stylish. Crisp ruffled collars and bows stopped it looking too Wednesday Adams chic and the use of ruffles and pleats gave the clothes a fabulous tailored quality.

Plus Size Dupe

Scarlett and Jo 

Its a great time for fashion right now (Milan looks amazing) never feel that the trends that emerge aren't for you because of your size or shape. The looks displayed are simply indicators of fabrics, shapes and textures that are sure to be filling stores everywhere and with some clever shopping you can be strutting you LFW style by Monday.

Betty pamper writes  daily plus size fashion posts on her blog Pamper and Curves and is one of the official bloggers for the Curve Fashion Festival.

BETTY PAMPER: A WEEK ON THE RED CARPET

Wow! What a week it has been for the red carpet. First we started out with the Oscars on Sunday, closely followed by the Elle Style Awards on Tuesday and then last night The Brits. When you get passed the bad jokes and I know there were lots, the emotional acceptance speeches and of course the bad falls (I prayed for Madonna’s stylist last night. Safe to say she is now looking for a new career!) We are left with my favourite part; who wore what and how well did they wear it?

Lets start with the Oscars. Overall I was a little underwhelmed. Everyone seemed to keep it low key in chic slim fitting dresses. It was left to JLo to bring the wedding glam and remind us all this is how you do the Oscars. I remember when it used to be about the bigger then better!

So once I got over my initial disappointment that few had opted for such boldness I started looking through who had just nailed it. Then I saw Oprah. To me Oprah is one that knows her shape; she knows the materials that work for her, the colours that compliment her and most importantly she isn’t about to shy away from getting her curves out. Oprahs’ dress by Vera Wang sent me into a spin. The texture, the belt and the chiffon was so eloquently done and so simple yet glamorous.

Give it a couple of days and we had the Elle Style Awards in London. On the last day of London Fashion Week it was definitely a packed schedule for some of the stars.

With this event I honestly think the guest list never know whether they should go all out glam or keep it smart/casual. The ‘Style Awards’ suggest all out glam but sponsored by H&M suggests the latter. I once went to an awards evening at The Houses of Parliament and went head to toe glam with hair up, full length gown and diamonds galore (more like diamantes but I can pretend!) lets just say no on else was dressed like this, most people looked like they had come straight from work and were forced to be there but I loved being so dressed up and I loved it even more once I’d had a couple of drinks!

I guess what I’m trying to say is this is one awards evening that is a little more tricky to figure out an attire for. Someone who did do the best of both though was Rebel Wilson. The red dress ticked all the right boxes. My favourite aspect was the clash of pink and red, this not only gave the dress more of a high end feel it also added a feminine touch to the look.

My only swap would have been to change the black pumps for a more delicate pink strappy shoe but sometimes comfort out wins the best of them! Teamed with soft make up and soft curls this high neck dress highlighted Rebels curves with its clinched waist and angle cut. Definitely a style winner!

Finally, we have the Brits. I don’t know about you but I feel like I watched a historical moment when Madonna fell down! Regardless of this the show must go on and my surprise of the whole night was Jesy Nelson from Little Mix. I almost missed her outfit and when it did finally pop up on my news feed I was blown away with the sexiness of all that red. Channelling her inner Jessica Rabbit this Jesy looked sensational in custom made Suzanne Neville. Perfectly snug in the body hugging dress, with trademark locks and the darker red lips just set the tone and took Jesy from teenage popstar to teenager dream! By far my favourite look of the whole week!

Betty pamper writes  daily plus size fashion posts on her blog Pamper and Curves and is one of the official bloggers for the Curve Fashion Festival.