More simply be

I'm very sorry if some of the stuff on here is no longer available.... I didn't realise I hadn't posted it yet! Hopefully there are different versions of most things or Asos have them in stock now they sell selected Simply Be pieces :)

Simply Be are so much better than they used to be. Their efforts to be fashion forward were always spoilt by the fact that trendy stuff often only went up to a size 24 or 24 (which is stupid for a plus size retailer like them!), but increasingly I'm finding stuff that actually goes above the more standard plus sizes, and I'm really happy about it!

Spiced Orange Luxe Longline Padded Coat

Here are a few things I've learned about Puffer coats......

1) They're almost always black

2) They come in different styles, but always in black

3) They rarely have a waist, and they're always black

4) Sometimes they're cool, asymmetric cuts with cool necks, but either have no waist, don't go above a size 22, or are still. bloody. black!

5) If they're not black and go above a 22, they're frumpy and muted colours like burgundy, navy, grey etc.

I have a black puffer from Asos which is a classic banger. A ride or die kinda coat. Here's the thing though, I don't always wanna wear black coats! Sometimes I've got a black outfit on and want a pop of colour! I had a beautiful white one but hey, me and white clothes are a genuine disaster, so I sold that one (which broke my heart!) and have been looking for a replacement for ages.

Cute hood!

So obviously what I'm saying is that I wanted a more interesting damn puffer! This one wasn't cheap, but also not too bad considering the quality (and you KNOW Miss Parsnips used a discount code!).

I sized up and I think that's a good move. I can get this over a jumper easily and it's really comfy. I've got the sash belt tied here but it actually has a nice shape when it's just loose to.

So let's talk practicality! It's kinda genius. High neck and large hood. super warm. not too loose around the wrists. So warm!

The fastenings are rose gold. MADE FOR ME MUCH?!

The pockets are lined with faux fur......

And so is the neck! How have I never experienced this in other winter coats? It's genuinely genius, so soft and warm!

24/7 Blue Wide Leg Jeans made with Organic Cotton

I reviewed the black 24/7 jeans a while back and was annoyed that they didn't have the blue ones in long length. Finally they're here!

I wanted a looser fit than the black ones I had (size 26) because let's face it. I spend most of my go damn life in my flat nowadays and I just want to be extremely comfy at all times. I also wanna be able to sit cross legged, so I ordered size 26 and 28. These have a bit of firmness so I kept the 28, even though they're a bit loose. again comfort is key!

I don't think they're particularly flattering on me but I just needed some jeans that I can be super comfy in and walk easily in! Skinny jeans are great but they can feel so restrictive when I'm trying to walk .... tiny strides are not the one! I have to wear these with a belt really.

24/7 Vintage Indigo Wide Leg Jeans made with Organic Cotton

Oddly this colour were a better fit in the 26. I prefer the fabric too.

They honestly made me feel like I was in the 20s again. In fact I wore them with a cropped cardi and my partner said I looked very 90s (in a good way!). Nostalgic and comfortable. Love it!

Wide, but not extremely wide!

Also long enough to touch the floor even when I wear boots!

Joss Washed Black Wide Leg Jeans

These are my favourties. Sadly the other colours don't fit as well or look as good (I have of course tried them!), but these are soooo comfy. I think they look pretty smart too. A bit wide than the others I got.

The 26 fitted but I didn't like how close they were around my belly so I kept the 28.

The waist band is sturdy enough to keep them up really well. Love these jeans!

Vintage Blue Belted Mom Jeans

Meh. The belt is too small for the jeans. Size 26. Not fussed about these really.

The wiast detailing is nice but the jeans themselves are very similar to the many pairs of asos curve jeans I already own, so I sent them back.

Mixed Floral Split Front Square Neck Jersey Midi Dress

Love it! So happy to have been able to get this cut of dress in jersey fabric!

Size 26, super comfy.

It's tighter on the hips than the bust and shoulders, so if you're pear shaped you might not like this style. If you're and inverted triangle you will love it!

Black Floral Long Sleeve Shirred Top

Love this. Size 24. Off fabric really but it looks so cute!

I just find it hard to find tops that have long sleeves and are long enough to cover my belly, without being so long that it looks frumpy or like a smock / dress! The added bonus of these tops is that they also nip in at the waist for a more hourglass look.

Supersoft Floral Print Jersey Midi Dress

I have shown you this dress in a different fabric. I did what I said I would and sold the other one (as wasn't keep on the print) and replaced it with this version. Just as soft and comfy, a more cass-style print!

Ergh these are so nice to wear - really they feel amazing on!

I love how they gather under the bust and give a great shape.

Green Animal Supersoft Jersey Midi Dress

So not long after I got the floral one Simply Be released this version. THE SWINES! Emerald green leopard print? Well I had to bloody have it didn't I?!

See what I mean about the boobs? I think they look rather fetching.... unlike my socks!

Pretty Secrets Cycling Shorts Set

Got this for bumming about on Valentines day. It's not very soft but it's kinda cute. I liked the print but apart from that it's nothing to write home about really.

Now some stuff that went back!

Vintage Blue Square Neck Denim Midaxi Dress

This is okay, but nothing special really..... not for £45 anyway! Stretchy but a bit gapey. I've got much nicer denim dresses from simply be so this one didn't tickle my fancy.

Blue Acid Wash Square Neck Denim Jumpsuit

Look.... I just don't know why retailers like to make denim jumpsuits in non-stretch denim?! It ensures that it will only fit a hand full of people properly and it's not comfy! It's even more baffling when the dress in exactly the same cut is bloody stretch?! WHY?!

Also, this is 2 sizes bigger than I usually wear from simply be and it's still tight. Short  in the body and tight on the belly. Definitely not for me or my body shape!

Simply Be and..... Evans? REALLY, EVANS?!

 I have a credit account with Simply Be, so it's not unusual for me to have a little splurge on sale items (and then return almost all of them!), but I don't fuck with Evans normally. They're pricey, their sizing is irritating and it's often a bit to frumpy for me. Not always, but often! Anyway, you'll see why I ordered something at the end of this post!

First up, Simply Be.

Jewel Print Square Neck Split Front Midi Dress

Sorry my loves, I got this dress ages ago and forgot to post about it, so this version is no longer available in most sizes sadly. It is available in quite a few other prints though, some of which are just as cute (just search for square neck dress and you'll find 'em!)! It's a sort of smooth shell fabric with a bit of stretch. Delicate but also quite firm.

The reviews of this dress are pretty scathing but I love it! I understand why people are pissed off. the sizing is certainly off. I normally get a 26 in simply be dresses because their sizing can be all over the place and it's sensible to go for the bigger option when you're a 24-26. I got a 28 in this one though. It fit's me and my body shape exceedingly well in terms of being flattering (which I hope you can see from my crappy pictures of the night I wore it for a zoom launch?!). It's not hugely comfortable though, because the sleeves are pretty tight all over. Not so much that it bothers me for events.... I just wouldn't wear it all day or if I was lounging around. thankfully these dresses are available up to size 32, so unless you're at the top of that band you can size up until it's the correct fit. Worth it for such a pretty dress with such a killer neckline. It looks like they have started making them in jersey fabric so I have to order one to wear when I wanna be super comfy but still look like a boss!

Bleach Acid Wash Cropped Denim Jacket with Elasticated Hem

My beloved bleach wash denim jacket is starting to crumble a bit, so I decided to try this one out.Not into it. the elasticated waist doesn't work because the jacket is too long. makes it like those nightmareish bubble hems that plus size retailers used to insist fat women wanted! Got the 26 and it was big on the waist but tight on the bust.

If you like a super retro 80s look then this is a cute jacket, but for me it just doesn't work when done up as it's too puffy in the bits of me I'd like it to fit. Certainly better unbuttoned as you can see. Not stretchy.

High Waist Denim Mini Skirt

Very comfy, just not up my street nowadays. Would have loved this a few years back, but it felt a bit too young for me nowadays! It's lovely stretch denim and the waist is great though. liked it but knew I wouldn't wear it so sent it back.

Blue Stretch Denim Bodycon Dress

I suspected the buttons would be a problem on this dress. correct. size 26, very stretchy and nice soft denim, but no good thanks to gaping. Sizing up might work as it could be firm enough to keep it's shape.

Blue Acid Wash Strappy Midi Dress

Size 26. Not stretchy. Sadly a super weird shape! Very tight on the bust.

Rather than making the pockets at the front real, they've put in pockets on the hips, but the seams round the tiers are so tight that they just stick out and look messy. again, sizing up might help, but ergh.... wish Simply Be would just sort out their stupid sizing!

Black Check Supersoft Jersey Midi Dress

I was so torn about this dress! It was on sale and only cost me £11 at the time, but the print just doesn't do it for me. I kept it for two reasons.....

..... it is SO comfy! The fabric is the softest jersey. Almost feels a bit furry?! Super soft to the touch and very stretchy. It's also a great shape - nips in under the bust and is midaxi length. It's warm thanks to the long sleeves and high neck. So I kept it because it's just so comfy for wearing around the house! I do wish I could have got this is a polka dot or less tartan-ish check, but never mind! It's heavenly yo wear so I will live with the print until I can get the floral or leopard print version in the sale, then I might put this one on ebay ;)

Spot Print Shirred Waffle Midi Dress

This just didn't sit right on me. The elastic ended too high to hit my waist in the right place so it is more frumpy than it should be! On other ladies I think this would be lovey though. Size 24 this time as bigger would be oversized. Fabric is a tad synthetic and textured, but all very flexible and comfy. Love the colour. Sad it just doesn't sit right on me!

Spot Print Faux Fur Coat

I knew this coat was not gonna fit me right, but I HAD to try it for the blog, because.... well look at it! Pale nude pink faux fur with big black spots?! God it's awesome!

Simply Be told me it wouldn't fit right.... they said it wasn't available in my recommended size for the piece (size 28) because it is one of those infuriating items that only goes up to a 26. And a small 26 it is.

I can get it done up but it's too tight. It's very straight cut so it just doesn't work for my shape sadly. A tad tight on the upper arms but not too bad at all in that area compared to most coats.

I love it, but it can't be mine! If you're interested though, here are the details. It's that old school firm faux fur rather thsan the super soft flowing stuff that most faux furs seem to be made of these days, so exceedingly warm and would kick ass in the bleak mid winter that I'm sure will arrive in January. You won't need to wear loads of thick layers underneath as it's so thick, but it fastens with hook and eyes, and there's no overlap so a scarf might be needed for the gaps where wind could get through. The shoulders are actually shoulder shaped(!) so this is a smart coat with a tailored look. As you can see from above you can flip up the neck to make it all cosy. It's midi length and looks cool as fuck! So sad I can't keep this. It would have made a killer double breasted coat! Sorry for the crappy pics btw, bit of a rush job, but check out the actual pics on the site, they're very true to life!

Black Faux Fur Coat

There was a happy ending though! It took AGES for this coat to arrive, but it finally turned up today and I LOVE IT! From Evans... can you even imagine?!

I ended up on Evans because of that black faux fur hooded coat from my last post (the PLT one that had no shape!). I searched for similar coats and saw this one from Yours (when did Yours get so pricey btw?!) and this one from Evans. Both were sold out in my size at the time but I noticed Evans had another black faux fur on sale for £35.

The website doesn't sell it well frankly. the model pics look like a different coat! It looks short and small and basic in shape on the model, but the product shot looked like a nice funnel neck so I took a chance.

So glad I did! It is the softest faur fur and so comfy! Has overlapping hook and eye fastenings all the way up and a brilliant funnel neck. I wanted a 24-26, but Evans sizing is madness so it was a 24 or a 26-28. I plumped for the bigger size as I wanted to be able to wear jumpers underneath.

It's a bit oversized but just gives it a bit of a swing vibe, thanks to the fitted shoulders and length. It's still on sale and has been re-stocked in some of the sizes so I HIGHLY recommend this coat to everyone. I'm gonna wear this shit out of this, and I can now sell all my old firm faux furs in the new year, as they've now been replaced with styles that feel more like me! Ps, the hooded Evans coat also looks lovely and has been re-stocked. Would have loved a hooded fur but it's more expensive so I'm sticking with this one, and reminding myself that I get to wear one of my big, bright, woolly hats with this anyway!

You may have noticed that I have a bandage on my ankle / foot and yes, 2020 strikes again! I fell in a very stupid way and sprained my ankle + buggered both my knees, so I'm trying hard to stay positive by wearing Christmas jewelry and keeping a smile on my mush. This is probably my last post this year so Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year!