A DRESS FOR RAINY DAYS.

Dress: Dolly & Dotty (similar here and here).

Petticoat: Hell Bunny (Similar here and here)

So maybe this is possibly the worse dress to wear in rain unless you're like me and didn't leave my house. But there has been rainy days-a-plenty recently. 

Being a student is HARD WORK! Doing a working week with studying is one thing but add in my own little stress that in 8 months time  I will be doing everything on my own with actual lives at steak is a little scary.  Its left next to no time for myself, and however many times I aim to be more productive blogging its at the end of a very long list. Even seeing my boyfriend and my best friend has dropped down. So when Dolly & Dotty sent me this dress I had a little cry. 

Being sent something so beautiful when I've been stuck in theatre scrubs for the last month turned my dark mood right around. I saw Dolly & Dotty at London Edge in September and they instantly caught my interest because of having so many options in a Plus Size! Which is why I spent some time on my hair and actually applied makeup (!!makeup!!) for the first time in weeks. I don't care how shallow it is, looking good makes me feel good.

This is the Tiffany dress and my second step into sleeved dresses. I am officially a convert. I want all the sleeves!! In terms of fit it fits exactly as per the size chart- and again I went for a size 18. I would say its true to size and is cut in a shape flattering to the waist. I would say its a modern day hourglass- so if you're like me with a vintage hourglass and a waist-bust difference of over 10 inches the belt is a lifesaver! It helps draw in my waist without looking like there is too much material. The length is perfect,and the craftsmanship is amazing. 

The only downside is the material. Its super soft and strong but creases like a newspaper! I ironed this and by the time I got it over my head and the belt tightened my sleeves were creased. Fortunately the petticoat hides everything in the skirt, and the cut cross the bodice hides everything there.  

Jodie x

P.S. Dolly & Dotty are currently having a sale- which this dress is included!

GINGER HAIR DON'T CARE.

I'm very happy to share I am now a member of the Ginger Ninjas again. After dying my hair dark a year (or so ago) I wanted to change to something bright. I dyed it a few weeks ago but I'm still getting used to my awesome new hair! But what do you guys think?

Dress: Collectif (similar here and here)

Cape: Boohoo

Bag:Gift

Pumps: Topshop

Belt: Gift

Hair Flowers: Crown and Glory (similar here and here)

With the days getting a LOT colder I am super happy to bust out my coats. I feel like I've got the perfect collection now. I remember when I was younger I HAD to buy a new coat every autumn but I feel like good planning and care means I am happy with my collection.

This Boohoo coat is probably the oldest coat in my wardrobe but its one of the first I go to every year. I think its because its a cape I can wear it more frequently. It looks amazing with my Collectif Penny dress which is probably my most easy to wear wiggle dress.

I am toying with the idea of wearing it to the Plus Size Awards at the end of this month (hello lack of planning) but that would mean a shopping trip for accessories (oh no!)

Jodie x

TARTAN SHAWL

Shawl: River Island (similar here and here)

Dress: eBay (similar here and here)

Bag: gift

Pumps: Topshop

Scarf: eBay

Belt: New Look

As the weather is getting colder I have revisited my biggest love of layering up my clothes. Its my favourite part of autumn/winter! I just love being wrapped  up super warm. It also means that I don't have to sacrifice my summer wardrobe for the colder months.Unfortunately the weather means bare legs are a no-go from now on.

I still don't seem to be able to neglect this dress at the back of my wardrobe (even though its lack of sleeves isn't winter friendly) and I don't think I ever will. Its a dress I love unconditionally (and by unconditionally I mean a little tight around the chest).

Tomorrow marks the end of a particularly hard placement- and onto completely new challenges. I feel a bit sad about leaving a team I get on so well with, but at the same time I can't wait to free up my evenings from researching. I completely miss blogging more regularly.

Jodie x

P.S. sorry about the slightly blurry photo :(

BLOGSTOCK

At the beginning of September me and April packed up my little Micra and headed to Blogstock at Borehamwood for a weekend of blogging delights. After hearing about last year’s event on Megans blog I was gutted I didn’t attend so entered Reeree Rockettes IG comp and was over the moon I won! Topping it off with winning VIP camping courtesy of Hertz! I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect but it exceeded my expectations none the less.

After wrapping up and a quick walk around the campsite to find the toilets and showers (which felt amazing to wake up to in the morning) we were allowed into the main area. After signing in, orientating ourselves and grabbing some free Thai we spent a few minutes confirming our plans for the weekend (because making two list prior to arriving wasn’t enough for me). Starting the weekend of talks off with Lela was perfect. I felt inspired to write with more of my voice and branch out with different ideas. You can already tell I took advice on blog design from Becca and transformed it into a lot more fun (and hopefully easier to navigate). I’ve spent the previous fortnight redesigning and learning a very small amount of code which I am really quite proud of.

The first few hours or so really set the tone for the rest of the weekend- we had a blast! Once we had settled into our tipi provided by Hertz UK (which was seriously amazing and comfortable) I filled my Hertz cup with cola and we were ready to mingle.

My heart truly belonged to Affilinet and their endless supply of hot chocolate and herbal tea as it was FREEZING! As well as being friendly individuals they offered some fantastic advice for the future of Be A Goddess and I can’t wait to work with them more.

Although mainly organised with Travel Bloggers in mind- as plus size fashion bloggers me and April were clearly the niche of the weekend- I was shocked with how much I learnt coming away from the weekend. The only downside (which we couldn’t help but agree about) was the emphasis on making money from your blog all weekend. I am honest in saying I haven’t even earned £100 in the 4 years I’ve been blogging and wasn’t entirely bothered. But we felt the pressure in selling our souls a little bit- which prompted a very lovely conversation on the drive home about our blogging ethos (thank you for the tip) where we both decided to ignore pretty much all the financial advice we had been given-ha ha ha. It firmly placed where we held blogging in our lives (as a creative outlet surrounded my individuals with the same ideals) so even our least favourite part became a learning opportunity.

It’s hard to pick the most informative talk of the weekend (although the most alcohol fuels must have been the final debate and the “tweet for a drink” idea) but I especially liked Reeree’s peep talk on “Why blog at all?” and Maria's photography tips have already been put into use. I only wish the weekend ended a little warmer!

Jodie x

ON WEDNESDAYS WE WEAR PINK

Hi- my name is Jodie and I love pink. Ask me 18 months ago and I would have said I hated it (black was the colour for me) but now I’m in love. I’m not sure if it’s because it’s so unashamedly girly and cute, or because it’s the anti-black but I love pink. In fact I’m going gaga about colour in general.

Not only has my wardrobe gone a girly but I’ve extended it to my blog as well (giving it a little re-design and changing a few features) and I am so happy with it. After attending Blogstock – a post to come soon-I decided to take the plunge and go with my gut and make changes. Hopefully you’ll see some of it in my photos soon too.

Dress: Voodoo Vixen (similar here and here)

Cardigan: Collectif (similar here and here)

Shoes: Mr Shoes (similar here)

Bag: Sun jellies (similar here and here)

Belt: New Look

Petticoat: Hell Bunny

Headscarf: eBay

Overall this look is so silly and girly I loved it more than ever. I can officially say that (although it may not be my firm favourite) myVoodoo Vixen Kitty dress is my most worn item. I wear it at least once a week, and continually get comments on it (you can read my review on sizing here). Paired with my Collectif birdcage cardigan the look it almost perfect.  I only wish I had a white petticoat rather than red under the dress to top of what I really imagined but I am still happy.

The biggest controversy in this look is probably the ridicules hair bow. I’ve been inspired by the famous Bettie Page photo wither in a pink bow to wear them as often as possible- even if my boyfriend always says I look like a present. Wearing a uniform everyday has increased my love of dressing up so I can see the bow as here to stay.

Jodie x

PURPLE TONES.

I can't help but feel I look a little smug in these photos- but I had an awesome day with some very good news. Apparently days out in London with my best friend April is exactly what I needed.

Since becoming an auntie my mind has shifted- I doubt myself if I'm doing enough to help others, where all I want to do is make this world a better place for my nephew. Yesterday it all came to a head and April made me realise that yes I can do more- and I've figured out just how to do that :) 

Dress: eBay (similar here )

Petticoat: Hell Bunny (similar here and here)

Bag: Baia Bags

Belt: gift

Hair flowers: Crown and Glory

Shoes: Topshop

Neck scarf: eBay

I absolutely love this handmade dress I bought form eBay over a year ago. Its a little tight across my chest but I can't even contemplate parting with it. Handmade clothes are my biggest love. 

Tomorrow me and April head to Blogstock and I am beyond excited- I don't think I have ever been camping before and with my best friend I know its going to be excellent! Then Sunday I am representing Voodoo Vixen at London Edge- so be sure to follow me on twitter and IG if you're interested in that sort of thing. 

Jodie x

BOWLED OVER.

Dress c/o Voodoo Vixen (similar here and here)

Petticoat: eBay

Sandals: Dr Martens (similar here and here)

Bag: Gift

Cardigan: Vintage

Brooch: Ella Mobbs (similar here and here)

Headband: Clumsy Kate (similar here and here)

I was in two minds over posting this (hello over exposed images and side fringe) but this is an outfit I love. I swear I wear this like once a week (I'm surprised the dress hasn't fallen apart with so much wear) so is up there in my top 3 dresses.

The thing I love most about Voodoo Vixen dresses is the prints- they're so unique and bright. Sometimes I feel like the print REALLY emphasises my chest- but as a pay outfit makes my waist look smaller so exaggerates my hourglass figure. I love this dress.

These photos where taken after a day out at an air show (I LOVED IT) and a spot of rain so I was glad I had my Clumsy Kate headband to try to make a soggy fringe look half presentable. I love hair bands of all shapes and sizes but shy away from sharing them on my blog for a very silly reason- I can never get the bows to sit right. Super stupid reason!

I've been off Uni for two weeks now and I feel like I'm going a little insane. In my adult life I've never really had time off- choosing to work my holidays or spend them well planned. I've started about 50 chores and gave up, I feel like I need to have a project.

Jodie x