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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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! :)

Look Book - How to pack for a Holiday

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!

As a result of last week's Goodie Bag contest I got a lot of great tips for how to pack for a holiday. As a few people pointed out, your destination and the activities you get up to, have a huge influence on what you put in your suitcase. But I have to admit that when I had this Look Book in mind, I was purely thinking of a beach holiday (probably as I can only dream of one this summer!), with possibly some sightseeing thrown in.

A lot of people swear by the 'capsule' - a collection of key items, which you can mix and match. The most important thing about the capsule wardrobe is the colours you choose. There should be 3 or 4 colours, two of which should be black and white, so that you can easily mix and match all the items in order to create different looks. For this capsule I chose black, white, grey and yellow as the main colours. This capsule is put together with the day time in mind and it's all about ease and comfort. You need to have a comfortable pair of sandals, or alternatively trainers, with you if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing.

• Grey satin trim scoop cami from Dorothy Perkins.
• Print tunic top from Yours.
• Yellow butterfly top from Dorothy Perkins.
• White denim crops from Evans.
• Multi-coloured necklace from LaRedoute.
• Tipster cotton jersey bag from LaRedoute.
• White Madrid sandals from Birkenstokck.
• Black sweater dress from Simply Be.
• White cardi from Evans.
• Black linen trousers from Evans.
  

Veera gave the most comprehensive list of items she would pack if she was packing for a holiday right now, and it works as a great base for a capsule wardrobe:

• Pair of leggins
• Pair of jeans
• Jersey dress
• A black cardi
• 2 tees
• 2 camis
• 2 tunics
• Sandals
• Flats
• Trainers
• Jewellery

While a capsule wardrobe will get you a long way, I think it's important to pack some items that will add an individual touch to your look. You are bound to go out in the evenings and need to pack a pair of more festive shoes, dressier tops and maybe that one really gorgeous frock for a special night out. If you keep your original colour choices in mind, you can easily team the dressier items with the more casual ones to give you more options. Jewellery is also an easy way to change your look from day to night.

• Dahlia cutwork dress from Monsoon.
• Black strappy wedge sandals from Evans.
• Grey butterfly sequin top from New Look.
• Patrizia Pepe small ruched clutch bag from ASOS.
• Filigree butterfly detail bangle from ASOS.
  

Then there are of course those essential items you need for when you hit the beach. This Freya bikini has been a bit of a hit this summer, and with the ability to get different tops and bottoms to mix and match, it should be the only swimsuit you need with you. A beautiful kaftan is an essential for when you need to cover up, or go for a stroll on the beach. And don't forget your sun hat! Sunstroke is never a good look. Good music and light reading are also essential parts of obtaining that state of pure relaxation. Bliss.

• iPod nano from Apple Store.
• Tropical flutter sleeve kaftan from Monsoon.
• Seagrass flip flops from Monsoon.
• Turquoise stone trim stetson from Monsoon.
• Vodkatini bikini by Freya from Bravissimo.
• The Beach House by Jane Green from Amazon.
• Big lense sunglasses from Topshop.

Here are some tips I received via email from Tracey, a true beach-holiday pro:

"A girl can never take too many pairs of shoes on holiday, as shoes make an
outfit! Never pack more than four colours - everything you take should be a
mix of black, white and two other colours (red, green, blue, pink, orange
etc) - preferably that complement each other (ie green and pink - but not
orange and purple!) - that way you can make about a hundred outfits out of
15 key items.

If a beach holiday, forget shorts and t-shirts (sweaty and uncomfortable) -
pack knee length kaftan/cover-ups than can be jazzed up with a belt, flip
flops and a hat for going off the beach/pool and into a bar at lunchtime....
Cool and appropriate (if you must sunbathe topless, cover up when you get
vertical and move around!! There are likely to be children present!! LOL)

Don't forget to take spray in hair conditioner and comb through after
swimming, large shades and a great hat..... And always wax before you get
there!"


Some other useful tips you shared:

• "Roll your clothes as it saves space and stops clothes from creasing up."
• "Always pack an iPod and charger!"
• "Raid your dirty washing basket for the clothes you've been wearing most in the last days and wash those to take with you - you're guaranteed to feel comfortable."
• "Blister plasters!"
• "My big holiday dressing tip is scarves. Light fabric pashminas are cool to wear and can give any outfit a more dressy feel. Can also be used to disguise any bits you would rather not show in a strappy top!"
• "Gladiator sandals are a must, as they're simultaneously dressy and casual, and so do double duty for your wardrobe while away."

So there you go, I hope you got some inspiration for when you're next getting ready to pack for some holiday sun. Soak up some sun for me as well!

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.

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!)

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.

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