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.

Addicted to... checks

• Teal Hester gingham scarf from dELiA's.
• Pink and green long length check shirt from Evans.
• Black and white checked shopper from New Look.
• Orange and green check boobtube from New Look.
• Coral gingham Dansko Nyla sandals from Solestruck.
• Black and white Fred Perry peep toe gingham shoes from asos.
• Blue and white Oasis shaker stripe bangle set from asos.
• Sweetie Pie gingham earrings from Betsey Johnson.

Addicted to... yellow

• Yellow tunic from Dorothy Perkins.
• Yellow shell hoop earrings from Topshop.
• Yellow Timex 80 rubber watch from asos.
• Yellow Tripp skinny-leg jeans from Torrid.
• Yellow summer flower brooch from Accessorize.
• Yellow contrast bow across body bag from asos.
• Yellow quilt tab long purse from Topshop.
• Yellow Sam sunglasses from Topshop.
• Yellow gold disc sandals from Evans.
• Yellow patent Malia heels from Torrid.
• Yellow V shaped bangle from GirlProps.
  
• Yellow layered checkered top from PlussizeFix.
  

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.

From catwalk to closet - Get Ruffled 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.



Ruffles and pleats bring a cheerfully feminine, even girly, flair to outfits, while maintaining a sophisticated look at the same time. You can either go outrageous with all out ruffles as seen on S/S runways, or perk up a plain outfit with a ruffled top or some cute frill gloves.

• Black Lavonne pleated pencil skirt from Monsoon.
• Black leather frill gloves from Dorothy Perkins.
• Black triple bar court shoes from Evans.
• Fuschia frill chiffon top, as seen here.
• Black Catherine leather bow clutch from Accessorize.
• Black flower and crystal ring from Oasis.

Runway image: www.elleuk.com

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.

Psst... Plus Model Magazine

Check out the latest issue of PLUS Model Magazine, out now.

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.

--

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.

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.

Hot off the Press - PLUS Model Magazine

Go check out the December issue of PLUS Model Magazine, out now. It's packed with fresh features and curvy girls.

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

DIVA of the Week - Cynara

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.



Cynara 25
Winnipeg, Canada

How would you describe your personal style?
I am always trying to move forward and evolve. The only thing consistent about my personal style is that it's constantly changing, always in flux. It's kind of a sickness really, an addiction to the point where i won't wear the same outfit twice. I do have staple pieces, but I will always change tights or accessories or--at the very least-- jewellery, to avoid repetition, I used to believe in all the so-called "rules" put forth by "style experts" on makeover shows, ridiculous things like "don't mix prints, wear horizontal stripes, a-line silhouette only" etc etc now I take great joy and satisfaction in flouting the rules. I like unexpected colour and texture combinations, bold prints, and playing with layers and proportions.

What are you wearing today?
I'm wearing a houndstooth sweater skirt by Le Chateau. The cardigan is george line at Walmart and the tee is Old Navy. Tights are from welovecolors and the mj/booty hybrids Anne Ross via Chacha Shoes. The flower pin is from Holt outlet.

--

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.

Goodie Bag - Funniest underware malfunctions?

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 order to kick-start November with a bang, here's a real treat for you. This week the Goodie Bag is being sponsored by Simply Yours, the brilliant lingerie store behind the most kick-ass plus size lingerie you can dream of.

You might remember when I told you earlier about how celebrity stylist Gok Wan has collaborated with Simply Yours to create his first ever underwear range. The 11-piece shapewear collection is designed not only to work wonders on your figure but to look sexy too, and it's available in sizes 8-32 and up to a G cup.

Now all you lovely DLB readers have a chance to win some gorgeous Gok Wan lingerie in the form of the brilliant Curve Controller, worth £55. Here's what Gok has to say about it:

“This bodysuit is absolute sex on legs simply because it’s got a fitted corset around the tummy and it’s got a built in pair of pants in that very, very special fibre that’s going to work with your body. It’s really good for giving you a tiny waist and great bangers.” Gok x

So, what do you need to do in order to be in for a chance to grab this great prize? Well, since I've been ill and am in need of some cheering up, I thought it would be a giggle to hear about any funny underwear malfunctions that you girls might have experienced in your life. We all know the right underwear makes a world of difference, and that sometimes inappropriate underwear can get you into embarrassing situations. I'm sure we've all had our Bridget Jones moments, so let's share! :D


In this week's Goodie Bag are:

• Gok Wan Curve Controller in Naked - size 40E
  
• Gok Wan Shimmer Stick
  

Crafted from the finest fabrics, the Curve Controller will give you an outline you have only ever dreamed of. Stunning plunge neckline, hot Gok pink lined underwired cups and delicate bell detail combine in a bodyshaper designed to make you feel incredibly special and sexy all over. The Curve Controller comes with a spare set of clear straps presented in a gorgeous organza bag.

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry and share your most embarrassing/funniest underwear malfunctions. As a bonus, if you link back to this entry, you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 7 November at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night, and will aim to announce it on Saturday.

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Wow, I can't believe how many people took part in this week's Goodie Bag contest, where I asked about your favourite fashion mags. Thanks for that! I'm not going to answer all the comments individually as majority of you seemed to have the same favourites. You seem to draw most of your inspiration from mainstream fashion mags like Elle and Marie Claire, with a bit of Glamour thrown in. Trendi and Olivia were also clear favourites among the Finns. There certainly seems to be a distinctive gap in the market though, as none of you knew of any plus size fashion magazines being published at the moment. I tried to have a bit of a nosey around the internet to see whether I could locate any at all. The pickings were slim. And the ones I did come across, all seem to be based in the US. Here are a few I found:

AmaZe - possibly the most promising one of my finds
Scorch - not sure if this just an online magazine, but I like the design
FigureMagazine - this one looks the most established, but I don't know if it is really about fashion
PLUS Model Magazine - this one gives me so many ideas on how I'd like to develop DLB
Radiance - if the cover and the design of the website is anything to go by, possibly the least inspiring of all of these...

It seems quite clear that we need a plus size fashion magazine catering for the European market, something that would have an edge and be inspirational and make everyone one of us feel like there's no reason we can't take part in the big dressing up game!

As always, the winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck (on who's behalf the lovely Jen, who's here visiting at the moment, did the honours) smiled on Eltsi! Congratulations! :) (p.s. Can you please email me your address so I can post your goodies to you.)

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.

<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.