Look Book - Midas touch

Sometimes even summer days can get a bit grey and drab, and that's when it's best to be creating your own sparkle. Make it like a Bond girl and add some oomph to even the dullest of days with bold gold touches.

• Silk lurex sequin band top from Anna Scholz.
• Black skinny jeans from Dorothy Perkins.
• Gold platform ankle cuff heels from Evans.
• Black large slouchy leather shoulder bag from John Lewis.
• Black Blu Bijoux peace charm bracelet from Max&Chloe.
• Chocolate brown Sara shrug from Monsoon.
• Gold coloured interlocking hoop drop earrings from Evans.

Look Book - Just add colour

Take the first step in moving towards the summer by introducing a bright colour into an otherwise monochrome outfit. A gorgeous jewel colour will instantly lift your spirits and make you feel warm even when the cold wind still doesn't allow you to lose all the layers.

• Jade slinky belted drape dress from Yours.
• Black Rosa extra wide fitting high leg boots from Emotion.
• Black suede piped bag from Topshop.
• Silver love letter necklace from This Charming Girl.
• Black jersey shrug from Evans.
• Full length lace leggings from Fashion World.

Look Book - Paint it Black

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!



The secret of getting an all-black outfit looking interesting, instead of boring or alternatively overly 'goth', is to mix and match different fabrics, textures and shades of black. Used inventively, black is a great colour for creating a sharp outline and giving some rock'n'roll edge to your outfit.

• Black shirt dress with belt from Carmakoma.
• Black Kate wet look jeggings from ASOS (these go up to size 20 and are very stretchy + comfy)
  
• Black square heeled boots from New Look.
• Black Magen agate ring frm The Carrotbox.
• Black suede stud bag from Topshop.
• Black plastic wide bangle from Evans.
• Black block art silk scarf from Topshop.

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.

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

<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.

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.

Look Book - Little black dresses

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!



Christmas, and pyjama time, is almost here! But there is still time to pack in some Christmas parties and other opportunities to glam it up in the hopes of brightening the dark nights. Here's a selection of six of the hardest working little black dresses on the high street. Any of these beauties would be an investment that will see you through plenty of 'I've got nothing to wear' panics.

1 - Metallic lace dress from Anna Scholz.
2 - Purple drape front dress from Dorothy Perkins.
3 - Knot front brooch dress from Evans.
4 - Izzy sequin dress from Monsoon.
5 - Black V back & front dress from Yours.
6 - Black ruched jersey dress from Next.

Unique treasures - Retro crunch

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.



While the credit crunch continues to bite, it's becoming more and more desirable to invest in good quality handmade items, and vintage clothes, which give you a unique look and don't break the bank either. With this look I was going for retro, but fresh student look, the perfect weekend antidote for serious weekday work clobber.

• White Congratulations it's a recession T-shirt from Isotope.
• Dusty blue wide brim beanie hat from Savannah Lane Designs.
• Indigo South stretch flared jeans from eBay.
• Teal 80's vintage suede converse tennis shoes from eBay.
• Turquoise messenger bag from ALEX - Original Handbags.
• Silver and bronze ceramic pendant from Fired Rocks.

Look Book - Rainy Day Woman

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!



Now that the weather has turned colder and wetter, comfort and warmth tend to be the deciding factors when choosing your outfit for the day. I've also noticed that at least my own colour palette tends to turn darker and more monochrome in the winter months. While bright colours certainly are a pick-me-up, often you feel that they're a bit wasted when it's so dark outside - there's a certain comfort factor in blending into the what seems like endless nights. The little details, such as the dragonfly necklace and the butterfly umbrella, echo memories of summer.

• Silver dragonfly necklace from the Handpicked Collection.
• Black waterfall long cardigan from Yours.
• Black pleat detail mac from Evans.
• Pure cotton long sleeve boat neck tee from M&S.
• Black slim leg jeans from Simply Be.
• Black Rovigo biker boots from DUO.
• Black magpie print umbrella from Accessorize.
• Grey diamante beret from Dorothy Perkins.
• Grey fingerless gloves from Dorothy Perkins.

Get the Look - Wardrobe staples

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


Alexa Chung makes dressing up look so effortless. Her secret to looking understated, and yet extremely cool, is building an outfit around well cut wardrobe staples - such as a crisp white shirt and a black waistcoat - but leaving the look a little bit unfinished and dishevelled.

• Black waistcoat from Fashion World.
• Joe Brown slim leg jeans from Fashion World.
• Perfect white shirt from M&S.
• Black Oushka Finley bag from Red Direct.
• Black Zoe leather platforms from DUO.
• Seven silver link bracelet from ASOS.

Celebrity image: www.elleuk.com

From catwalk to closet - Party Spirit

From catwalk to closet takes a look at the hottest trends on the runway and shows you where to find the key items for your own wardrobe.



Cocktail hour was big news on the A/W runways, and now that we're finally in the thick of the party season it's time to make the most of all that jewel-coloured inspiration. Don't forget your bling!

Purple satin tulip skirt from Dorothy Perkins.
Black Viola top from Monsoon.
Black strappy heels from Evans.
Chain and stone woven bracelet from ASOS.

Runway image: www.elleuk.com

Look Book - Dark Sparkle

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!


The Christmas party season is upon us and it's always a nightmare to think of something to wear, as usually you'll have to go straight after work. So here's one look, which is easily adaptable from day to night. For the office just wear a plain tank top underneath the cardigan, then, come clock off time, transform the look into something more glamorous by changing into the sparkly lurex number. It won't take up any space at all in your handbag.

• Purple ruched sleeve cardigan from Dorothy Perkins.
• Black slim cut trousers from LaRedoute.
• Charcoal lurex tank top from New Look.
• Black shoe boots from VivaLaDiva.
• Black oversized black clasp clutch from Accessorize.
• Black large stone necklace from ASOS.
• Grey twist metal bangle set from Evans.

Get the Look - Cute & Classy

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



Rachel Bilson is the epitome of the cute, yet classy celeb. Here she's sporting a relaxed look, where the cut of the top takes centre stage. Understated and classy accessories give this look its polish.

• Indigo stretch jeans with charm belt from Fashion World.
• Grey ruffle front top from Dorothy Perkins.
• Gold platform shoes from Evans.
• Metallic Karen Millen fold leather clutch from ASOS.
• Silver Ringing Heart pendant from Pistachio.
  

Celebrity image: www.elleuk.com

<3 US - Soft Autumn

The crisp autumn weather makes me yearn for some softness to protect me from the chilly winds. It's time to dig out your scarves and hats and wrap up. This is an outfit to comfort you on your way to work or to kick colourful leaves around in the park.

• Grey flutter-sleeve banded bottom V-neck top from Torrid.
• Tan Angelina crochet beanie from dELiA's.
• Dark denim Ashley back flap pocket jeans from Kiyonna.
• Ebony bomber jacket from Target.
• Heather grey popcorn-knit scarve from Old Navy.
• Grey Twist bootine from Payless.
• Black Mossimo Lulu mini crossbody bag from Target.

Unique treasures - Romantic nostalgia

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.



I had in my mind a nostalgic look for a woman who's meeting her lover at the train station in order to go away for a weekend break in the countryside. I tired to find good quality handmade items that have a classically timeless look, and this gorgeous coat fit the bill perfectly.

• Wool Redingote coat by Vigilante Laboratories from Etsy.
• Organic bamboo dress by Miss Braches from Etsy.
• Black 1980's leather slouch boots from eBay.
• Handmade gold heart spinner necklace from Feisty Fairy Jewellery.
• Black handmade Fraulein tote from Moop.

Look Book - Black Glam

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!


Capes are hot news this season, and I really love the high neckline of this CarmaKoma beauty. Inspired by the monochrome look of the rest of the CarmaKoma line, I went full-on black with this outfit. If you feel like leather trousers are too daring (or, like in my case, young) for you, you could try the look with wet look, or ruched, leggings.

• Black New York cape from CarmaKoma.
• Black corsage stripe top from New Look.
• Black leather skinny jeans from Dorothy Perkins.
• Black elbow length leather gloves Fashion World.
• Black stud buckle boots from Evans.
• Black pop rose ring from Lady Luck Rules OK.

From catwalk to closet - All Laced Up

From catwalk to closet takes a look at the hottest trends on the runway and shows you where to find the key items for your own wardrobe.



Lace is one of the major trends this winter, and perhaps surprisingly, it's quite wearable in every day life. Just as long as you go for the more sophisticated look and steer clear of the black lace all-in-one horrors of the 90's, you should be safe. In my opinion lace works best in a dress, and in a dark colour it's not overly prissy. As the days get colder, you might want to invest in some good quality polo necks, they will allow you to wear your dresses throughout the season.

• Lace print dress from Fashion World.
• Schuh Virgo-2 lace up boots from VivaLaDiva.
• Modalu Farrow shoulder tote bag from House of Fraser.
• Black polo neck from Kaleidoscope.
• Black rhinestone jumble ring from Dorothy Perkins.

Runway image: www.elleuk.com

<3 US - Grown Up Rock Chick

Perhaps I'm feeling in a rebel mood today, but for some reason I felt a strong urge to build a more 'grown-up' look around an old classic, the motorcycle jacket. It's an item that gives a rock'n'roll edge to any outfit, but here I've tried to tone the effect down with an earthy coloured dress and some classy accessories.

Another thing relating to buying from the States. I came across this site called Shop any American store, which, if it works as well as it promises, should make ordering from American stores a lot more straightforward. Basically, it allows you to look for stuff you want in any online store, tell them the item numbers, and they'll order all the things and send them to you in one shipment. If anyone has any experiences ordering through them I'd love to hear from you!

• Green & brown Claudia dress from b&lu.
• Black leather belt from Old Navy.
• Black basic motorcycle jacket from Rocky Mountain.
• Olive green tights from We Love Colors.
• Black Mossimo drawstring tote from Target.
• Black Jude Tie Side Short Boot from Torrid.
• Black & white Zoe scarf from dELiA's.
• Hematite Bangle Bracelet 6-Pack from Torrid.
• Large hoop earrings from Nordstrom.

Look Book - Creature Comforts

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 I am yearning for something comforting. As the days are getting shorter, and the air chillier, my eye wanders towards comfy and warm knits. This relaxed cardi from Evans is sure to be soft and comfortable, and also looks pretty smart too. Tapered trousers are one of the new season's trends. This pair from LaRedoute doesn't look too intimidating, I think my eye is certainly getting used to the shape, but only if it's a slouchy laid-back look like here, not the dreaded 'carrot' from my youth...

• Grey cable knit sleeve cardigan from Evans.
• Grey flannel tapered trousers from LaRedoute.
• Black square neck short sleeve top from M&S.
• Black Legroom leather boots from VivaLaDiva.
• Angie Gooderham wide resin bangle from John Lewis.
• Black ruched pocket bag from dp.

Look Book - Smart casual

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!


I like this sort of smart casual look. Very classy and smart enough for almost any occasion, but still joyously comfortable. What else could you ask for! As a special tip, just check out the shoes at Peacocks this Autumn, so on trend and highly affordable. For example, this gorgeous pair of grey courts is just £12!

• Long pull-on tunic shirt from La Redoute.
• Grey Mary Jane courts from Peacocks.
• Black pintuck detail slim trousers from Next.
• Orange patent tote bag from Jaeger.
• Phoenix thumbprint shell pendant from Links.
• Sterling silver multi row cuff from Asos.

From catwalk to closet - Boho to Babushka

From catwalk to closet takes a look at the hottest trends on the runway and shows you where to find the key items for your own wardrobe.



This summer's boho trend will easily evolve into an Autumn look, when you add some Russian folk influences. It's not hard to see where this Evan's top gets its inspiration from. If you're feeling brave, team it with just thick black tights, but if that feels too revealing why not try layering it on top of this season's most comfortable trousers, the knickerbockers.

• Printed short sleeve top from Evans.
• Waxed nubuck leather Brindisi boots from Duo.
• Tweed knit knickerbockers from LaRedoute.
• Patchwork tassel cross-body bag from Asos.

Runway image: www.elleuk.com

Look Book - Colour Command

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!



Sometimes all it takes to transform a look into something more special is that one 'power item'. In this look the item is the gorgeous Jaeger shopper in the very 'now' orange colour. It's an investment, but with the current sale on you can take quite a big chunk out of its original price tag. The rest of the outfit consists of much more affordable pieces, which are elevated to another level by the commanding presence of the power item.

• Orange wet look shopper from Jaeger (now down to £99 from £250).
• Black snake effect peep-toe shoes from Peacocks.
• Purple pussy bow jersey top from Fashion World.
• Black smart crop trousers from Evans.
• Black waist belt from Evans.
• Orange & gold Anna Lou of London hoop earrings from Makoosh.
• Coral snake skin bangle from Mikey.

Unique Treasures - Quiet night out

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.



Here's another dose of unique finds that won't break the bank either. This look is for those nights when you want to go out for a quiet sophisticated dinner. When you want to feel comfortable, but look classy, and be safe in the knowledge that you're not going to come across the same dress in a hurry.

• Silver cocktail dress from eBay (currently going for about £5!). Their sizes go up to 22 and their sizing chart seems quite clear.
• Vintage blue leather shoes from eBay, in wide-fitting size 5.5.
• Swirled Murano glass ring (ID=GIA7a) from The Carrotbox.
• Twilight necklace from Lara Lewis at Etsy.
• Grey and yellow Silver leaves bag from Charm Design - possibly my favourite Etsy shop.

Look Book - What to wear to a wedding

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!

The wedding season is well and truly upon us, and I got some requests for a Look Book that would give ideas for outfits to wear for when you have been invited as a guest to a wedding. First though, a little reminder of the wedding etiquette.

• Read the invitation carefully as it will tell you the time of day and location for the ceremony and reception, both of which are important factors when deciding what to wear. Also, if the invitation is fancy with multiple pages and reply cards, it signals a dressy event.
• When in doubt, overdress.
• But don't overdo it - it's not ok to wear clothes that are too sexy or revealing. A wedding is about celebrating the bride and the groom, as well as their family.
• Black is a go, white is a no.
  

Time of day and location are the most deciding factors

• Morning: Understated is best, with light fabrics, knee-length dresses and discreet accessories.
• Afternoon: Go festive but refined with a sleeveless dress, open-toe shoes and bangles.
• Evening: A chic cocktail dress is a good option unless a black-tie gown has been specified on the invitation. Color is good.
• Destination: A pretty sundress, beaded thongs and a silky fringed shawl are perfect for a beach wedding.

I came up with three different looks for this Look Book, from a quite traditional one to a more individual look. These are not aimed at any specific type of wedding, they're meant more as inspiration and a starting point for when you start putting your outfit together.


This look is all about pastels, gorgeous fabrics and feminine touches. I just love that dress and it's exquisite tones.

• Metallic bow hat from Next.
• Floral print dress from Next.
• Gold ruched sandals from Dorothy Perkins.
• Daniel Barre handbag from VivaLaDiva.
• Faceted flower ring from Oasis.

This look is for when you want to make an entrance and feel like a star. The dress is pure glamour, while the nude accessories tone it down and provide a touch of sophistication.

• Mecolat taupe Mary-Jane heels from John Lewis.
• Ruched surplice dress in lipstick red from Love Isis.
• Autograph Japanese feather headband from M&S.
• Cream concertina clutch bag from Accessorize.
• Sterling silver heart locket necklace from ASOS.

This look is for those who want to make an individual statement. The dress is a little bit quirky, but still completely appropriate, and the raspberry touches project a confident image.

• Silk poppy dress from Evans.
• Pink sparkle shrug/scarf from Kaleidoscope.
• Dahlia fuschia suede peep-toe slingbacks from DUO.
• Long metal bar clutch bag from Accessorize.
• Watch over me purity bracelet from Links of London.

I hope these looks give you some inspiration for when you're trying to decide what to wear. If any of you out there wanted to, I'd love it if you'd share your most successful wedding outfits in the comments! :)