Psst... 4th of July sale at IGIGI

IGIGI is having a big 4th of July sale event, with a lot of items up to 50% off. If you're in the US you can also get free shipping, just use the code FREESHIPPING. Sale ends July 7th.

Look Book - Monochrome Safari

Look Book feature is the backbone of DIVA Look Book. It's where I pull together workable looks for different occasions from clothes that can be found in most plus sizes. There's no excuse for every girl not to look, and feel, fabulous!


Today my eye has been drawn to monochrome, graphic shapes and safari/animal prints. All these different prints might be a bit over the top worn all at once, but somehow the black & white palette pulls them together. I think, worn alone, any of these pieces alone would add some sharpness to a plain black outfit as well.

• Heine Beach Dress from Kaleidoscope.
• Moroccan Spiky Necklace from Elvi.
• Hush Puppies Cecilia Sandal from VivaLaDiva.
• Bangle in Black Leaopard Pattern from Pistachio.
• Fiorelli Zebra Clutch Bag from ASOS.

Psst... up to 50% off

- Up to 50% off at the Elvi sale.
- Further reductions of up to 50% off at Figleaves.
- Further reductions at the Ann Harvey sale.
- Up to 50% off your favourite brands at VivaLaDiva.

Goodie bag - how to pack for a holiday

The Goodie Bag feature is where I host little contests and promotions, which give you the chance to bag yourself something nice and add some cheer to your day.



In this week's Goodie Bag are:

• Accessorize purse in pretty teal colour
  
• Garnier Summer Face moisturiser for a sun-kissed look
• Funky anchor belt donated by the lovely Layla
• Anchor necklace from Lady Luck Rules Ok
• Cute bobby pins from Accessorize
• Funky rockabilly stickers

This week's Goodie Bag will hopefully get you into a holiday mood. I'm working on a Look Book of 'things to pack for a summer holiday' and I want some tips from you! Let me know what you think are the essential items of clothing you need to take with you, what sort of clever ways you might have of fitting a holiday wardrobe into a suitcase, and whether anyone really thinks 6 pairs of shoes are 'too many' for a week's holiday.

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry with your holiday packing tips. As a bonus, if you link back to this entry you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 4 July at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night and announce it on Saturday 5 July.

Psst... the perfectly fitting dress

Thanks to a great tip, I just learned about StyleShake, where you can 'design' your perfect dress and have it made to your measurements. And even better, they currently have a sale on where you can get any dress for £75. Get designing fast - sale ends at midnight 3rd July.

Hot off the Press - cuteness & sexy nurses

• New collection from Lady Luck Rules Ok - Summer Fete is out. Go get a dose of cuteness overload!
• Looking for some inspiration? Be sure to catch Richard Prince: Continuation, at London's Serpentine Gallery. Richard Prince, who curated the exhibition, is the American artist whose sexy nurses wearing medical masks were the inspiration for Marc Jacobs' spring/summer 2008 catwalk collection for Louis Vuitton. Prince's first major exhibition in a UK gallery features highlights from his 30-year career. The exhibition runs from 26 June to 7 September.

Psst... 50 % off all clearance at Hot Topic

Take an additional 50% off on all clearance at Hot Topic. Promotion ends 30 June.

Unique Treasures - Apple Fresh

Unique Treasures is a feature that showcases unique hidden gems and celebrates all things hand-made. It's where I'll try to bring you everything from the most beautiful vintage clothes to hand-crafted accessories and custom-made dresses from places like Etsy and eBay.


For this first issue I sourced items that would work together as a fresh look for a romantic night out on a summer's evening. I chose white as the base colour to accentuate sun-kissed skin, with summery splashes of apple green and pink to take you back to those care-free first days of school summer holidays. Remember, all of these items are unique pieces, so if you like the look of something, you better be quick!

• Custom made Summer Apple sun dress from Jane Bon Bon.
• Serpentine nugget ring from Tilley's Jewels.
• White vintage oversized clutch bag from eBay.
• Cute vintage leather M&S shoes from eBay.
• Unique hand crafted evening shawl by Elizabeth J from eBay.
• 'Fresh picked' earrings from Candysart.

My Wardrobe Diary

Top & shoes: Evans
Jeans: Union Blues
Necklace: Monsoon

This top so requires long hair. Grow already damnit.

Psst... 50% off on all clearance at Torrid

There's an additional 50% off on all Clearance at Torrid. Offer ends Sunday 29th.

Psst... Bonus pack specials at StrawberryNET

Stock up on essential cosmetics with 40% - 70% off on bonus pack specials at StrawberryNET. Remember, their shipping is free worldwide!

Look Book - Swimsuit Issue

Look Book feature is the backbone of DIVA Look Book. It's where I pull together workable looks for different occasions from clothes that can be found in most plus sizes. There's no excuse for every girl not to look, and feel, fabulous!

This issue of Look Book is chock-a-block of gorgeous swimsuits that will make the most of a fuller figure. Dressing for the beach shouldn't be something to dread, it should be something to look forward to! With covering the bits you don't want to show and accentuating your best features, you can feel comfortable and enjoy the summer. And remember, it's attitude that makes a DIVA. When you believe you're gorgeous you'll look gorgeous!


When choosing a bikini, the most important thing to consider is proper support. Underwired bikini tops stay put and and you'll feel comfortably secure, not to mention your bust will look amazing. These days most lines let you mix and match your top and bottom, so depending on your shape, you can choose from high leg to short bottoms or even cute swimming skirts.
Anna Scholz print bikini from Simply Be.
Santa Cruz balconette bikini from Bravissimo.
Simply Be bikini with cute bows from Simply Be.
Vodkatini balconette bikini by Freya from Bravissimo.


For those who are not brave enough to bare it all, a classic one-piece costume will never be out of fashion - in fact, this summer it's very much in fashion. There are a lot of different styles and prints available out there, especially hot are safari and polka dot prints, the days of the boring black swimsuit are behind us. As before, if you have a bigger bust look out for uderwired styles. Suits with a deeper plunge cut will help you show a bit of skin while still feeling secure.
Printed swimsuit from Simple Be.
Deauville is Darling swimsuit from Bravissimo.
Ballet Mirage swimsuit from Simply Be.
Anita Essentials Silvi swimsuit from Figleaves.


Tankini is the perfect compromise between a bikini and a full suit. It's beyond versatile, letting you pull it up for sunbathing and back down for when you want to cover up, and it's not as hot as a full suit. As with bikinis, a lot of lines let you choose different type of bottoms, you could even mix and match different patterns and colours for a truly individual look.
Vodkatini soft tankini by Freya from Simply Be.
Raspberry Limbo halterneck tankini by Freya from Bravissimo.
Swimm dress tankini from Lands' End.
Pour Moi? Underwired tankini from Simply Be.


It's good to pack a cute kaftan for the beach for when you get overheated or want to nip off for some lunch or ice cream. The best cover-ups are lightweight and loose-fitting, allowing you to walk around without worrying about fabric clinging on to you in an uncomfortable way. This summer prints and colours are loud and fresh, helping to transport your mind into exotic places already in the fitting room.
Beach 2 Beach coverup from Simply Be.
Jade surf print kaftan from Next.
Kool kaftan from Bravissimo.
Black border kaftan from Next.
(p.s. If you have some gorgeous lightweight fabric lying around and want to try your hand at sewing something simple, a kaftan is the perfect place to start!)

Psst... One-day sale at LaRedoute

• Save 35% on everything at LaRedoute, but only until midnight on Tuesday!
• Exclusive offer at Dorothy Perkins - 20% off crops and shorts.

And don't forget the still ongoing sale with selected items for up to 50% off.

DIVA of the Week - Susanna

DIVA of the week is a feature that showcases people with an inspirational personal style. DIVA of the week is someone who's not afraid to have fun with clothes and who dresses to please herself, and in doing so, brightens up everyone else's day.



Susanna 32
Brixton, London

How would you describe your personal style?
I love clean and classic items of clothing, although I'm a real girly girl at heart. I get inspired by a lot of my friends and I try to follow the current trends with varied success. I really enjoy trying to work what's fashionable to my own style, be it an 'in' colour or accessories.

What are you wearing today?
The top is from the Yours summer sale (thanks DIVA Look Book for the tip!), cardi from New Look, jeans Old Navy and shoes from Primark. I'm also wearing my favourite art deco butterfly ring from Torrid.

Hot off the press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thank you so much for all the great comments that I received in the first Goodie Bag contest! There were some truly great ideas and suggestions, some of which I've already put into action.

Here's what you want to see more of:

• Tips on how to dress for your body type
• Tips on how to adapt current trends to suit bigger sizes
• More looks for different occasions
• More pictures of gorgeous curvaceous women
• A swimwear feature (look out for a swimwear Look Book later this week!)
• Inspirational/self-confidence building articles
• Articles on making/tuning clothes
• Looks for weddings
• More reader participation
• Online shopping tips

As a result of this small survey I've added a few features. You can now write and submit articles that you think might be a good fit for DIVA Look Book. Simply go to the contact page from the link on the right and choose 'submit an article'. If published, your article will appear in the brand spanking new 'Guest Starring...' feature. Also, I've been approached by a few people who are interested in doing some field reporting. The idea being that they visit a store and do a little review about it and also put together a look from clothes from the current collection. So if that works out all right it should be quite an exciting addition! I'm also starting a new feature this week called 'Unique Treasures', which will feature one-of-a-kind finds from places like Etsy and eBay. There are a lot of other ideas bubbling at the back of my mind, but more about those later on.

And now for the announcement you've been waiting for. The winner of the Goodie Bag has been drawn randomly, and this time lady luck was smiling on Emilia! Congratulations! :)

Psst... Summer on sale at ASOS

20% off Summer at ASOS. Most of their clothes ranges might not go to plus sizes, but there are plenty of gorgeous bags and accessories to indulge in. Go grab your summer essentials!

P.S. Don't forget to take part in the Goodie Bag contest, which closes today!

Look Book - Pretty & Carefree

Look Book is the backbone of DIVA Look Book. It's where I pull together workable looks for different occasions from clothes that can be found in most plus sizes. There's no excuse for every girl not to look, and feel, fabulous!

Today I went for a pretty and girlie look for a summer Sunday, dressed-up enough for a party (and in case it was your own birthday party you could always put the earrings on your wishlist ;)), but comfortable enough for a picnic or even a day spent walking around in shops. A pretty dress does most of the work adding some wow factor, while accessories in neutral colours are functional and comfortable.

• Pink Meadow Print Dress from Monsoon.
• Sole Diva Halter Back Sandals in tan from Fashion World.
• Ruch Shrug in stone from New Look.
• Nica Lucy Pleated Slouch Tote Handbag in Tan from John Lewis.
• Cream and gold textured bangles from Evans.
• Shell and bead cord necklace from Evans.
• Sirens Marina 18ct gold stud earrings from Links of London.

Hot off the press - Striped tights are back

Great news! After working hard to find a new vendor, plus size black striped tights are back on the menu at We Love Colors. So head over there pronto in order to jazz up your outfit with either them or their solid colour plus size tights, available in practically all the colours you can think of.

Psst... Fashion World Summer Sale

The Big Summer Sale has launched at Fashion World. Hurry up and take advantage of up to 60% discounts on everything.

Hot off the press - Solar Field

Alternate sun power. Summer skin made provocatively golden through bronzing powder in solar riche and refined golden. The new line from M.A.C., Solar Field, is now available. Shop here.

Psst... secret sale

• Shhh... There's a secret bag sale going at Lady Luck Rules OK, get 50% off all bags. Just enter the code OOHSAILOR at the checkout.
• Get 50% off on tops and jackets at Torrid. Offer ends Sunday 22 June.

Goodie Bag - Help me to help you

The Goodie Bag feature is where I host little contests and promotions, where you'll have a chance to bag yourself something nice to add some cheer into your day.

For this first ever edition of Goodie Bag I've put together some cute little things that should engage most of your senses.



In the goodie bag are:

• Mark Hill De-Frizz Shine Serum
• Heathcote & Ivory soap in Rosemary & Orange (smells divine!)
• Accessorize purse in the cutest of polka dot prints
• Little trinket box for your tiny treasures
• Phone jewellery to dress your mobile phone up with
• Butterfly stickers, just because you're never too old for stickers
• Fruitella strawberry sweets for that summer taste

To be in for a chance to win this goodie bag, comment on this entry with any suggestions or wishes you might have for DIVA Look Book. What kind of features would you like to see? For which occasions would you like to see looks for? Any great shopping or inspiration links you want to share? Anything you can think of really! And as a bonus, if you link back to this entry you will be entered into the draw twice. Let's get the word out there! :)

This contest closes on Monday 23 June at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Monday night and announce it on Tuesday 24 June.

Looking forward to your suggestions!

Psst...

The H&M Summer Sale is now on. You better act quickly in order to grab the best bargains!

Tops from £2.99
Dresses from £4.99
Blouses/shirts from £4.99
Trousers from £9.99
Skirts from £4.99
Jackets from £9.99

<3 US - Get Cute

There are a lot of bargains to be had in American stores and luckily these days a fair few of them ship overseas. Just remember to leave some cash tucked away for the possible import duty (even with the shipping cost and import duty, you can get proper bargains with the current exchange rate), and then when your parcel doesn't get caught in the customs, you'll feel like you're getting a cashback!



I felt like putting together something cute with a clear colour palette.

• Tripp raspberry skinny-leg jeans from Torrid
• Metallic stripe top from Old Navy
• Roxy Bella flats from dELiA's
• Bangles with a bow from Hot Topic
• Xhilaration square hoop earrings from Target
• Pink owl print bowler bag from Torrid

Psst... free delivery from ASOS

Free delivery on your order from ASOS if it includes £10 worth of beauty products. Just enter gorgeous as the discount code at checkout.

Psst... you saw it here first

The Topshop scarf which I featured in the first ever look book has been featured in this week's Grazia magazine, which I'm kinda chuffed about - who knew I was so on trend eh. Remember you saw it here first! :)

DIVA of the Week - Layla part 2

DIVA of the week is a feature that showcases people with an inspirational personal style. DIVA of the week is someone who's not afraid to have fun with clothes and who dresses to please herself, and in doing so, brightens up everyone else's day.



Layla 19
Southwark, London

She is just too cute not to have more of...

What are you wearing today?
This dress is from New Look, accessories are pretty much the same as yesterday!

Psst... be the first to save at Dorothy Perkins Summer Sale

Dorothy Perkins Summer Sale launches online today! Be the first to save with up to 50% off on everything, from summer dresses to pretty skirts and gorgeous shoes.

DIVA of the Week - Layla

DIVA of the week is a feature that showcases people with an inspirational personal style. DIVA of the week is someone who's not afraid to have fun with clothes and who dresses to please herself, and in doing so, brightens up everyone else's day.



Layla 19
Southwark, London

How would you describe your personal style?
My main influences are 50's glamour and all things vintage. Comfort is also very important.

What are you wearing today?
My dress and shoes are from Primark. The cardi is Red Herring and the jeans from New Look. I love this Paul's Boutique bag which I got from my boyfriend.

---

(p.s. you might see more of this gorgeous girl later in the week...)

Psst... mid-season sales

I'm sure you wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to take advantage of the mid-season sales currently going on at many on-line stores. So here are a few great offers a little bird told me about:

• Up to 55% off selected boots at Duo
• Get £20 off on Georgina Goodman shoes at Evans
• Up to 60% off selected items at Fashion World
• Up to 50% off at mid-season sale at Lands' End
• Up to 50% off selected tops at Yours
• Lots of discounts in the Torrid on Sale at Torrid
• 50% off selected items in the Summer Sale at LaRedoute
  

Look Book - Summer in the Office

I present to you the first ever edition of Look Book. The purpose of this feature is to pull together workable looks from clothes that can be found in most plus sizes. There's no excuse for every girl not to look, and feel, fabulous!

This week I've put together a smart summer look in fresh primary colours. Something that's smart enough for the office, but at the same time is summery enough to put a spring in your step.

• Red Jersey Top from Simply Be
• White Linen Trouser from New Look
• Cobalt blue Ava patent leather wedges from Duo
• White Woven Pocket Shopper from Asos
• Impressionist silk scarf from Topshop
• Blue enamel bangle from Evans
• Michael Kors Charm Bracelet Watch from Asos

Welcome!

Welcome to DIVA Look Book! DIVA Look Book is a new style blog, aimed at all the curvier girls out there. As a big fan of fashion and fashion blogs, and as someone who enjoys clothes and shopping, I finally got frustrated with the fact that it seems impossible to find any sites that give tips to all of us who won't fit into a size 10. Playing with clothes may be frivolous, but it 's fun, and paying attention to the way you dress is empowering. We are lucky to live in a time where plus size fashion is a lot more accessible, but there 's still something missing. It 's the joy! People come in all shapes and sizes, for a lot of different reasons, and in my opinion each and every one of us should be able to enjoy fashion and have fun with it!

There will be several regular features on DIVA Look Book throughout the week, the most important one being the 'Look Book' feature, where I'll pull together a complete look from clothing ranges that come in plus sizes. I will also be taking a look at the fabulous offerings from overseas, as well as hosting regular reader contests where you can win goodie bags.

I hope I can reach out to at least a few of you out there who are looking for style inspiration where size doesn't matter. Come in and join the fun!

My Wardrobe Diary

Not sure what's happening with the strange pose... :D

Scarf: Lindex
Top: Agenda
Jeans: Tripp (new pair though! :P)
Flip flops: Very very old Evans
Bangles: Yes the same ones again... Torrid / Evans

My Wardrobe Diary

Necklace: Sarah's Sky
Top: Monsoon
Jeans: eBay
Shoes & bangle: Evans
Ring: Topshop
Bag: H&M