Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thanks to those of you who welcomed Layla and asked her beauty questions in this week's Goodie Bag contest! She'll be addressing the questions asked in her future Layla Loves columns, so stay tuned! :)

Unfortunately, there can only be one winner! As usual, the winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on C! Congratulations! :) (p.s. Can you please email me your address so I can post your goodies to you.)

Psst... $10 off at Torrid

While it doesn't look much like spring outside, the spring collections are starting to hit the stores. The Torrid spring collection is looking pretty sweet, and to make it even sweeter, you can currently get $10 off your total when you spend $50 or more on your purchase. Use code WEHEARTU at checkout. Offer ends Sunday 2 February.

Look Book - Dreaming of Spring

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!



In these dark and cold days I can't help but dream of spring. Of a time when the thickest thing you'll wrap around yourself is a feather-light silk shrug. The thought of long warm nights and pretty dresses gets me through the worst days.

• Kimono dress with printed silk tie from Love Isis.
• Viva La diva T-bar platform sandals.
• Gold circles concentric pendant from Precious Monkey Jewellery.
• Pearl clasp bag from Monsoon.
• Silk organza border scarf from Accessorize.
• Benefit her glossiness lip gloss in My People, Your People from Boots.

Diva of the Week - Tina Lou

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.


Tina Lou 29 ½
Montreal, Canada

How would you describe your personal style?
Comic Book Drag Queen turned Punk Rock Pin Up is the constant kept in the back of mind. I sometimes dress in themes like 'school boy' and 'harlequin pirate'. I like to wear all of the colors and patterns that I can, at once. 'Faggy Baggy' is also a look that inspires me and something that I aspire to for my downtime but I keep spending all my money on dresses.

What are you wearing today?
A vintage leopard print dress I thrifted in Vancouver and earrings my friend Lyndsay gave me. The gold tights are from welovecolors (the newer plus size ones in 2x). My favourite shoes ever - wedges with turquoise, light pink, red and yellow beauty/pin up posters all over them - are from babygirlboutique.

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If you want to be featured as DIVA of the Week, send a good quality photograph, preferably taken outside, and answers to the questions: 'Name/Age/Location', 'How would you describe your personal style?', and 'What are you wearing today (in the picture)?' to diva [at] divalookbook.com.

Layla Loves - Snap me up!

What Layla doesn't know about beauty and make-up isn't worth knowing! Layla♥Loves is a feature where you can find information on skincare and make-up, and drool over the latest new products. If you have a skincare related question for Layla, direct your emails to layla [at] divalookbook.com.

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Every now and then I find a product that I just want to tell the world about! This week I've compiled three of the best new products available for you to share - or keep to yourself ;)

Dame Edna & MAC HiLight Powder

Don't let the spokesperson fool you, this highlighter is amazing! It gives that airbrushed look in a quick swipe, available in two shades. 'Spectacle' is a soft pink, while 'What a Dame' is a gorgeous peach colour. With this cute kitsch packaging these are a must. Unfortunately, as with most good things, this is a limited edition. So get down to you MAC Stores or the website above and get yourself glowing like the Dame herself!

Lush New Shampoo Bar

This cinammon scented Shampoo bar is perfect for stimulate the hair folicles. Its originally designed for use during pregnancy and stressfull times where hair can temporarily fall out. The shampoo bars from Lush are a great buy, with one bar lasting around 80 washes, it really does pay off to buy one of these. Dont worry if cinnamon isnt the smell for you, there are 14 different types of shampoo bar available from lush.

Jelly Belly Lip Gloss

These amazing flavoured lipglosses give you the taste of Cotton Candy, Very Cherry and Blueberry all for £3! With a taste just like the Gourmet Jelly Beans you can lip your lips without feeling guilty!

Psst... Amazing Lush Sale

Lush are currently running an amazing in store offer.

• Spend £5 and get £15 worth of Lush Goodies for Free.
• Spend £10 and get £35 of Lush Goodies for Free.
• Spend £15 and get a whopping £50 worth of Lush Goodies for free!

These offers are available IN STORE only, check the Lush website for details of your nearest store. Offer ends 1 February.

Goodie Bag - Your beauty questions answered

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



In this week's Goodie Bag are:

• Adorable Happy Time card and envelope from Lady Luck Rules OK
• Endearing kiss necklace from Punky Pins
  
• Cool star earrings from Punky Pins
  
• Cute Milk carton pin
  

Good morning! I hope you're all having a great start to the week!

If some of you haven't noticed, we have a new member at the DLB team - Layla - who will be dishing out all sorts of beauty and make-up tips on weekly basis. In light of that, this week's goodie bag contest is all about her! You can ask her what ever you wish about skincare and make-up, whether it be a specific problem, or just an idea for what you'd like her to cover in her column. She will then answer your questions in her future columns.

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

This contest closes on Friday 30th January at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night, and will aim to announce it by Saturday.

My Wardrobe Diary

Scarf: Xmas present (H&M)
Batwing top: Simply Be
Cami: H&M
Jeans: eBay
Boots & bangles: Evans

Psst... Office shoes sale

Office shoes is now offering their best selling winter boots at up to 60% off. So inject some oomph into your boot collection and keep your feet warm! If boots aren't your thing, there's also up to 80% off of a wide range of other shoes.

Get the Look - Casual Chic

Looking fabulous is reserved just for the famous and skinny? Think again.
Get the Look shows you how to dress with the best.


I always admire people who manage to look casual and comfortable, and yet very polished and well put-together, at the same time. Here Charlize Theron shows us how it's done.

Dark indigo turn up wide flare jeans from Simply Be.
Taupe strappy platform sandals from Dorothy Perkins.
Draped v-top by Anna Scholz from Sosienna.
Black Saskia jacket from Monsoon.
Silver-finish embossed detail set of bangles from ASOS.
Knitted white scarf from John Lewis.
New vintage oversized sunglasses from ASOS.

Celebrity image: www.elleuk.com

Layla Loves - Cosmetic Bag Staples

What Layla doesn't know about beauty and make-up isn't worth knowing! Layla♥Loves is a feature where you can find information on skincare and make-up, and drool over the latest new products. If you have a skincare related question for Layla, direct your emails to layla [at] divalookbook.com.

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Hello and welcome to my brand new DLB feature! Seeing as this is my first post, I thought I could post about the things we cant do without - the make-up staples! These are some of my favourite tried and tested everyday products. Obviously most peoples necessities are different, some people wouldn't be caught dead without eye-shadow, some couldn't live without lipstick, but there are products that everyone should have in their cosmetics bag! Here's a look at some good staple make-up products :)

1. Dainty Doll Foundation

This is a new product from Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts & Ultra cool JellyPongPong. Its specifically for pale skin and works with combination skin, so if you've got pale skin like me you will be pleased to know these do not leave you with the tell-tale orange lines!

2. MAC Studio Fix

This is the liquid version of the original Studio Fix powder foundation. With 26 shades of fabulous colours, this will give you great coverage and on a different note - smells amazing!

3. Benefit Boi-ing Concealer

Industrial strength concealer. This comes in just 3 shades but is easily blended to match most skin colours. Less is more with this product and its perfect for the morning after the night before.

4. Benefit High-Beam Highlighter

A highlighter that works so well you can immediately see the effects! This pearly pink highlighter will brighten up your face in an instant! Just dab a little bit on your cheek bones and below your brow and you will have that 'in love' look.

5. Boujoirs Paris 'Little Round Pot' Blusher

Sweep this blushers over your cheek bones for that peachy keen look! With a faint rose scent these little gems will make your day. For pale skin try Rose D'or and for slightly darker skin try Sienne 85.

6. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
You've all seen this little product before. It may only cost around £5 but its one of the best mascaras you'll find out there. For a more dramatic look try their Blackest Black range. This mascara has the qualities of a designer mascara at half the price!

7. Barry M Intense EyeLiners
These pencils are long lasting and come in the usual black and browns. However if one of your staples is a bit of colour, then look no further than the King of Colour Barry M. These pencils are affordable, which means you can buy lots of them! In the UK they can be found in large Boots and Superdrug stores.

8. Vaseline Lip Therapy

Perfect for braving the winter months, this will make your lips as soft as silk and keep you looking gorgeous! There are 4 different products in this range - Original, Aloe Vera, Rose and Sun Protection. All that for 99p! These can be found in chemists, small Boots stores and supermarkets.

9. Ultrabland by Lush

And how are you going to remove these fabulous products? With Lush's Ultrabland cleanser! This amazing cleanser will not only remove the stubbornness of make-up it will also keep your face moisturised.

Hot off the Press - Layla♥Loves

I've often been asked for a feature related to skincare and makeup, but as I don't feel like any sort of expert in that area, I've been a bit hesitant to write much on the subject myself. But now there's a new kid in town and she knows everything worth knowing about beauty.

Please give a very warm welcome to the newest member of the DLB team, Layla! Her new feature, Layla♥Loves, will be kicking off soon, and in it you will find advice on skincare and make-up. Plus you'll get to peek into Layla's make-up bag and hear all about the latest and most coveted products. I for one, can't wait!

<3 US - Red, white & blue

On this, what a lot of people feel is a historical day for our friends across the pond, I thought I'd play a little tribute with this look by keeping to a familiar colour palette. I hope you're all currently dressed to impress and having a right old knees up over there!

• Blue Elizabeth dress from b&lu.
• Pewter patent ribbon-trim Mary Janes from Old Navy.
• Red Penelope tote from Lane Bryant.
• White belted trench coat from CHIC Star.
• Twilight squin beret from Alloy.
• Red Marc by Marc Marc Jacobs 'Bow Haus' bracelet from Nordstrom.

DIVA of the Week - Jasie

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.



Jasie 27
Port Townsend, WA

How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is fairly eclectic. I go back and forth from wanting to project a polished and grown-up persona, wanting to be loud and funky, and wishing I could be a bit more boho. I'm always drawn to the boho look, but it's never translated well on my actual body, with my actual personality. I'm a pretty loud and energetic person, so bright colors fit me well and let people know up front that I'm pretty bold. I like to be noticed. Fat, thin, inbetween, I've always been big on being visible... Now I just need the perfect pair of boots and I'll be set!

What are you wearing today?
The trench is from Target, cardi from Kohls and top from Walmart. My jeans are Lane Bryant (right fits, yellow) and the shoes are Old Navy. My scarf is from Forever21 and my bracelet from Icing.

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If you want to be featured as DIVA of the Week, send a good quality photograph, preferably taken outside, and answers to the questions: 'Name/Age/Location', 'How would you describe your personal style?', and 'What are you wearing today (in the picture)?' to diva [at] divalookbook.com.

PSST... 20% off coats at dp

Head over to Dorothy Perkins where you can currently get 20% off all coats, even the ones already in the sale! I really like the gorgeous shape of this curvaceous single breasted beauty. To get your discount, just enter code DPCOAT at checkout. Offer ends 23 January.

Psst... irresistible DUO sale

One of my favourite sales, the DUO sale, is heating up with further reductions of up to 50% off their gorgeous range of calf fit boots and wide width shoes. Resistance is futile!

Psst... Buy one get one free at H&M

Hurry to your nearest H&M store today to get buy one get one free on all sale items! Limited period only.

Visit www.hm.com for store locator.

DIVA of the Week - Thina

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.



Thina 33
Gothenburg, Sweden

How would you describe your personal style?
I really don't care about all 'the rules' some expert made up about how to dress my voluptuous body. I love dramatic colors, prints and pretty feminine dresses, skirts, bows and flowers in my hair with a vintage vibe to it all. I like to have clothes that make me feel really happy and proud to be me.

I have a weakness for 50's glamour, vintage dresses and I never ever wear pants it's just not me.

The plussize fashion in Sweden is made for elderly women, or at least not women that like to show a little bit of their curves. So I often buy my clothes at secondhand stores and mix them up with things I find in the regular stores. You can wear so much more that you think you can if you dare to try it out and if you are aware of your body and your curves.

What are you wearing today?
Today I'm wearing a white top from Lindex and a black Bolero from Kappahl. The skirt is from Myrornas secondhand and my bag as well. My tights are from Kappahl and my boots from Skopunkten. Lastly my necklace is from Glitter and the flower in my hair I bought at Prickig Katt, which is my favourite store in Gothenburg.

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If you want to be featured as DIVA of the Week, send a good quality photograph, preferably taken outside, and answers to the questions: 'Name/Age/Location', 'How would you describe your personal style?', and 'What are you wearing today (in the picture)?' to diva [at] divalookbook.com.

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thanks for sharing your New Year's resolutions in this year's first Goodie Bag contest! Cleaning your closet and making the most of what you already own seemed to be at the top of the agenda for most of you.

Katie shared some great resolutions that she had actually written a blog entry about. It includes great things to think about, like for example these tips for taking a moment to think before you buy anything, especially in this crazy sales season. Before you reach for the credit card, ask yourself these questions:

• Do I really want/need this?
• How often do I think I will wear it?
• Would I buy it if it were not on sale?
• Do I already have something similar to it?
• How much have I spent this month on clothes?

Remembering to stop and think before new purchases is one of my clothes-related resolutions. Sometimes the act of buying something new gives such a high that you can end up with stuff you'll never even use just because it was cheap/tempting/the season's 'must have'.

Well then, now for the winner! As always, the winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on Rhia! Congratulations! :) (p.s. Can you please email me your address so I can post your goodies to you.)

Look Book - Cold Snap

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!



London is currently in the grips of an exceptionally long cold snap. The temperature has been dropping below freezing regularly for at least a weak now and everyone's doing their best to wrap up warm. Here's a suggestion for one look that will keep you warm and look pretty good on as well.

• Milly slash neck tunic jumper from Monsoon.
• Lola slim leg jeans from Simply Be.
• Chunky loop scarf from New Look.
• Black 3 buckle slouch boots from Evans.
• Black parka from Elvi.
• Baggy black beanie from Accessorize.

Psst... Everything 40% off at Punky Pins

To make sure 2009 starts with a bang, Punky Pins is offering a massive 40% off all of their products - that includes ALL personalised items, ALL stationery, ALL necklaces and anything else that you fancy from their webstore. Simply click on 'Redeem Discount Coupon' and enter 'bargains' at checkout.

Dont forget - all UK orders over £30 include FREE postage!

Psst... ASOS sale final reductions

The ASOS sale is heating up! With just 4 days left to go, there are many items now for under £10. Like this gorgeous oversize croc clutch, now just £6!

DIVA of the Week - Dyxie

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.



Dyxie 36
Louisiana, USA

How would you describe your personal style?
In a word, quirky. I am a cyclical creature. I go through phases when all I will wear are capris and Converse, and then there are times when all I want to do is wear skirts and dresses and look frilly and soft. At 36, I am comfortable enough in my own skin to express my own individual style. There was a time when I would try to blend in, or look invisible, so I wore a lot of black. I never wore prints or color. Heaven forbid I draw attention to myself. I have grown leaps and bounds since the days of the wallflower. Now, if it isn't colorful, kitschy or bold, I am not interested. You would think that living in Louisiana, the fattest state in America, that you would have plenty of plus-sized clothing choices. Sadly, no. Therefore, I do a lot of catalog and Internet shopping. I rely on the 'name-brand department stores' for pants and layering pieces, such as jackets and cardigans, and utilize the Internet and catalogs for pieces that show more of my individual style. I've never met a plaid or a polka dot that I didn't fall in love with.

What are you wearing today?
I bought this black, confetti inspired skirt about 10 years ago from Burlington Coat Factory. I am wearing it here as a tube dress. I took a yellow sash from another dress and used that as a belt. The dark denim jacket I purchased from QVC. Yes, QVC. Green suede buckle flats are Soda from Shoe Carnival. Jade fish pin was a flea market find. Dangle earrings from Lane Bryant.

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If you want to be featured as DIVA of the Week, send a good quality photograph, preferably taken outside, and answers to the questions: 'Name/Age/Location', 'How would you describe your personal style?', and 'What are you wearing today (in the picture)?' to diva [at] divalookbook.com.

Guest starring - S/S 09 trends for curvy girls

The first guest article of 2009 comes from Marie Denee over at Curvy.Confident.Chic. Here she is taking a look at the hottest catwalk trends of Spring/Summer 2009, and how they work for us curvy girls.

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If you are a curvy fashionista, then you are already looking to what is going to be HOT for Spring 2009. As we look through all the fashion magazines and top fashion websites, while shown on our straight sized sisters, trends for spring are looking fabulous and are so wearable for YOU. While some of the trends may be a bit over the top, us Curvy.Confident.Chic. Divas can sport these trends and wear them with style!

With the help of Fashionising, I have highlighted and tweaked the hottest fashion trends for the spring that allow for your ‘Style to define your Curves’! As each designer launches their Spring's line, make sure you subscribe to see how this translates to your curvy frame! In addition, keep posted for the Spring’s Accessories trend watch!

Here is an overview of these trends:

1. Sexy Sheer and See-through

Sheer fabric is back in full force as one of 2009 fashion trends. Spring’s sheer pieces range from a mixture of soft and feminine, to the opposite of the downright sexy. While it may sound intimidating, this trend does not mean tight, see-through tops, and dresses many times associated with lingerie. This season represents sheer fabrics used in the most elegant and creative ways from layers to amazing draping.

So, for Spring, be daring and bold in sheer and see-through trend to keep you demure and flirty.

2. One Shoulder Wonders

Splashed all over the runways and a continuation from the Fall is the one shoulder wonder! From single-shouldered dresses to tops and bikinis, the one shoulder wonder is interpreted within almost every Spring fashion trend.

For the Curvy.Confident.Chic. Diva, your legs and breasts are often the highlight of your outfit, but if neither is your strongest feature or you desire something a little less obvious but equally tantalizing, show off your shoulders and treat your curves to the one-shoulder trend. Do not forget your perfect foundations that will enhance and allow your curves the proper support!

3. Fringe and Flow

A trend revitalized from the Fall of 2008 was the fringe and flow trend. Dominant on almost every runway, Fringing was shown modern and sleek or silken and feminine. Fringed dresses in particular should be on every Curvy.Confident.Chic. Diva’s to-buy list this season.

Because fringing can easily look costume like, the item you choose to wear must be strategic. If you have amazing legs, aim for a short fringed skirt. If you have great toned arms, go for an amazing dress or top. One word of advice, pay careful attention to buying quality fabrics that shimmy, shine, and drape well. Avoid those that gather and bunch together. This is not a good look for anyone!

4. Greek Goddesses

If you were to mix the sheer, fringed, and one should trend together, you would easily find this trend entwined all over the fashion runways. This trend works well as both a maxi-dress or as a short little one. Thanks to this trend, this is definitely one that all Curvy.Confident.Chic. Divas can flaunt their curves in.

Again, because of the flow of the fabric in this trend, a Fashionista must be careful in the quality of fabric chosen to work this look. The wrong fabric can cheapen the look, or cause the outfit not to fit well.

5. Swimwear

With Spring’s bathing suits, all Curvy.Confident.Chic women are going to show up fashionably styled, thanks to the amazing trends! What swimwear pieces are hot? Any suit fashioned with the year's one shoulder fashion trend, cut away pieces, or one encrusted in another trend- jewels.

Whether you head to the pool or the beach to swim, tan, or socialize, Spring’s swimwear and its accessories will allow you to be the Curvy.Confident.Chic. Diva we all crave to be. Not sure what to accompany your amazing swimsuit? Anything sheer!

6. Dangerous Curvy Cutaways

Not for the shy or demure Curvy Divas, the cutaway fashion trend showcases and highlights the female figure in a sexual and sensual fashion. From the classic keyhole feature on the back or chest to the downright sexy and revealing, cutaways find itself on the maxi dresses to swimwear.
For the Confident and Chic diva, pay careful attention to where and how the cutout is placed. With strategic placement, YOU can be fashionable and chic!

7. Enviable Encrusted Jewels

Gracing the runway were frocks adorned in precious stones, glass, and crystals. This trend did not discriminate to any specific item. This trend found itself on evening gowns, jackets, day-dresses and accessories. This season’s trend is brighter, bolder, and more elegant than seasons past. With no shame and definitely not your mother's or grandmother's sequins you remember, expect to find pieces that are not just embellished as a highlight, but completely encrusted by jewels.

For you, the Curvy.Confident.Chic. Diva, each jewel-studded piece should be a statement of its own. No need to accessorize your outfit let it stand out on its own.

Now while there are many more trends that you are sure to see around, these seven are the ones that YOU, a Curvy.Confident.Chic. Diva can wear with ease and panache! Should any more trends pop up, be sure to subscribe to stay tuned for which Curvy designers are going to be highlighting these trends in their Spring Collections.

Keep it Curvy!

Article written by Marie Denee from Curvy.Confident.Chic.

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If you would like to write an article on a subject that you think would be a good fit for DIVA Look Book, you can submit your ideas it via the contact page.

Psst... Bravissimo January Sale

There are big reductions on lingerie, swimwear and clothing at the Bravissimo January Sale. All sale stock is limited and when it's gone, it's gone, so you better act quickly to avoid disappointment!

Goodie Bag - New Year's fashion resolutions

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



In this week's Goodie Bag are:

• Sparkly purse from Accessorize
  
• Cute pen from Paperchase
  
• Cool fang necklace from Lady Luck Rules OK
• Set of three bangles from Torrid
  

Happy New Year to all of you and welcome to the first Goodie Bag of 2009!

Since this is the first contest of the year, the question will most likely come as no surprise to you. I would like to know if any of you made any fashion/style-related New Year's resolutions, and if so, what were they? Did you decide to clean out your closet, change your style or maybe just to make more of an effort? I'll tell you about mine when I'll announce the winner next week.

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry with your New Year's fashion resolutions. As a bonus, if you link back to this entry, you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 9th January at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night, and will aim to announce it by Saturday.

Psst... 50% off Torrid clearance

A few more days left! You can currently get an additional 50% off clearance items at Torrid. To take an advantage of this great offer you better act quick as promotions ends on Sunday 4th January.

Psst... Topshop sale

The Topshop sale is still in full swing, with further reductions announced on a lot of items.