Latest Story

Things to get excited about: Red or Dead swimwear

Friends and longterm followers will know I'm a huge fan of pin-up inspired style (in fact, I love just about any look from the 30s to the early 60s). Retro swimwear, in particular, is something of a speciality of mine. I'm so excited that after years of nothing but skimpy triangle bikinis and badly-fitting styles, brands are slowly branching out into vintage-inspired pieces. Swimsuits are no longer the frumpy option which is great news for those who prefer a bit of extra coverage. In fact, 40s-inspired cossies with ruched detail, concealed panels and pull-down skirted styles are becoming a really stylish alternative to the modern bikini, and the best news is this style looks much better on a curvier woman than it does on someone with no hips! Think Marilyn Monroe on a beach in her white swimsuit - this is all about voluptuous glamour...

Featured Story

Size ain’t nothin’ but a label

I was overwhelmed by the amazing response to my recent guest curator post on Etsy. Before listing my picks from the site, the team very kindly let me wax lyrical about Big Girls Browse and why I started it, and it was lovely to see some of the reactions from the Etsy community. One comment in particular really stood out to me. Niftyknits said "I've been trying to pretend I'm still a UK14, not 16...but this gives me the courage to say heck - I'm a 16!!!" I was so touched when I read that, because it sums up the exact reason I started this site. We live in a world where there's so much stigma attached to a stupid number printed on a clothes label, and there shouldn't be! Your dress size does not define who you are.

Discounts & Offers

• Get 20% off all new in items at Dorothy Perkins with the code DPNEWIN20A. Click here to shop. #
• Topshop are offering half price shipping on all orders with the code FEBSHIP2010. Clothing goes up to a size 16, shoes up o a 42 (UK 8). Don't forget the Tall range for longer lengths. #
• Get 10% off at New Look with the code SPRING10. Main collections go up to a size 18, Inspire collection to a 26. #
• The Bravissimo sale has begun! We're in love with the Stripe Print Dress (vertical stripes are super slimming!) down from £59 to only £29. #
• Save a fiver on plus size beauty Crystal Renn's inspiring memoir 'Hungry: A Young Model's Story of Appetite, Ambition, and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves' at Amazon. #