5 Days of Colour| The Accessory

Hi!

This is an old scarf from my collection of about 30+! Mr C reminded me that I keep wearing the same scarves each week. I have about 2 or 3 favourites at the moment that I can't stop wearing.

I bought this one whilst we were on holiday in Menorca last year. I think it was around 3 euros, I got a few others as well, at that price I couldn't resist!

Swing Dress - New Look

Leggings - Forever 21

Scarf - Shop in Menorca

Much Love

Natalie

x

5 Days of colour | The Lips

 

 

Hi!

 

 

It's been awhile since I have worn this lipstick so it was time to bring it out of the drawer and use it to brighten up these dull days of winter.

 

 

 

 

 

I have blogged about this lipstick before, its the Kate Moss for Rimmel in Kiss of Life. It's a gorgeous matt red, I must admit I do prefer a matt lipstick.

I really want to try other lipsticks and colours, do you have any recommendations of brands to try?

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

x

5 Days of Colour | The Top

 

 

Hi!

 

 

I wanted to introduce a bit more colour into my everyday work wardrobe so what better than this bright kimono from New Look.

 

 

 

Kimono - New Look

Top - Primark

Trousers - Yours

 

 

Yes, those are the legs of Bart Simpson above me!

 

I seem to be in love with orange at the moment, this kimono, the bracelet in this picture are two of my favourite items in this colour.

 

What do you think of bright colours for the winter? Do you have a favourite?

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

x

 

 

My Little Beauty Box Review | Video

 

 

Hi!

 

There are quite a few lovely PS Bloggers that have YouTube channels so this week I felt inspired to film a video of my own!

 

I must admit I was quite nervous whilst doing it but I enjoyed it and might even look to make it a more regular thing going forward!

 

The video is below, thank you for reading and then (hopefully) watching - I hope you enjoy it!

 

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Style XL

Hi!

So, 2015 is here and that means we are getting closer to Style XL!

Unfortunately I missed it last year but this time I will definitely be there! You can visit the website here or have a look at my previous Style XL post for more info.

 

So, now for the great part - (drum roll..............................) I have a great discount code for my lovely readers to use! This will enable you to get a weekend ticket for £15 instead of £20 - good eh! :O)

 

AWBFOS15

 

Don't forget to purchase your tickets now! See you there.

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

x

 

Work Wednesday | The Print Clash

 

 

Hi!

 

Recently I have been struggling with outfits to wear to work. Everyday I seem to reach for the same items, vest top, cardigan, skirt or trousers. Whilst it's nice to be ready in 10 minutes I feel like I'm not putting all the lovely clothes that I have in my wardrobe to good use.

 

 

 

I know that this jacket has been on the blog already, but I'm kind of obsessed with it now. When I first purchased it I let it sit in my wardrobe for months as I was scared to wear the print, now I can't stop wearing it!

I paired it with this stripy top. It's actually a cropped top from Primark, it was only a £1 so I thought if I don't like it at least I haven't wasted too much money! The sleeves were quite tight on the tops of the arms so I just cut them off to make it into a vest top, perfect for my black and white print clash!

 

Top - Primark

Jacket - Sainsburys

Trousers - Yours

Shoes - H&M

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

 

x

Review | Taking Shape Shapewear

Hi!

So, I used to be a big fan of shape wear, if I was wearing a skirt or dress that was even the slightest bit clingy the shorts had to go on. I also thought they were a good way to prevent the chub rub in the summer, a bit warm but it worked.

When I got an email to from Taking Shape informing me that they had released a shape wear range I was pretty keen to give it another go.

They kindly sent me the High Waist Smoothing Shorts* to review. When I first saw them I was a little scared, I've never had a pair of shape shorts that I haven't had to fight to get into, you know when you feel like you need an extra pair of hands to pull them up, and then an extra pair of lungs to breathe when you sit down!

These shorts were easy to pull on, no problems at all. They are made from 86% Nylon, 14% Elastane which means they smooth over the areas you might not be comfortable with without being too tight. There are no awful bands around the waist or legs so you get a nice smooth look under clothes.

I wore them under a dress to our works Christmas party and it was fine, even after a few martinis I managed to get them off with ease with only a slight wobble, due to the wonky floor of course..ahem!

I'm wearing the XL which is true to size (22/24). You can find the shorts and other shape wear here.

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

 

x

 

*Item sent for review but all opinions are my own.

Review | Nadia Minkoff



 

Hi!

So this is another item that I received whilst I was at the Blogger Love Hub Event last year. I must admit that I had never heard of the brand before going to the event.

 

When I went to their stand they had the most beautiful handbags and jewellery on show. This was one of my favourites.

 

In the gift bag I received was some information on the brand including their website and this beautiful bracelet*.

 

 

This is such a pretty bracelet, I don't have anything in my jewellery collection that is rose gold so this was a welcome addition. The small details like the flower with the pearlescent balls at the ends adds a lovely subtle contrast against the rose gold.

 

To view more of their collection head on over to their website - www.nadiaminkoff.com

 

 

Thanks for reading

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

 

x

 

 

*Gifted item but all opinions are my own

Work Wednesday | The Statement Necklace

Hi!

So, this outfit it all about the necklace! I got it a few months ago from Elvi after seeing it on show at Plus North. It was love at first sight, seriously!

 

Necklace- Elvi

Cardigan - H&M

Top - Sainsburys

Trousers - Yours

Shoes - New Look

 

I've always worn it at weekends as I thought it would be too much for work but, you know what, I decided why not wear it too work!? I wore it with my favourite peplum top from Sainsburys and this lovely cardigan I bought from H&M a few weeks ago. I always have a look around the entire store and not just the plus size section, it's worth doing this and trying stuff on, you might be surprised by some of the sizing. 

 

Have you ever shopped in H&M? What are your thoughts?

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

x

Daxon | New Year New Me

Hi!

New Year New Me, what does it mean to you? For me personally it's about finding new ways to switch up my style, maybe try a trend that I wouldn't normally dare to wear or creating new looks using items in my wardrobe.

Daxon are a brand that I have heard of but never purchased anything from.  After having a look at their website I was pleasantly surprised at the lovely dresses and skirts on offer. The sizes range from a 10 - 32 and they have a good selection of jewellery.

I was asked by Daxon to put together a mood board that would reflect my style for 2015. Here is what I chose:

Leather Skirt

 

Necklace

 

Blouse

 

 

 

 

 



 

Printed Dress

 

Silver Dress

 

 

 

I've chosen items that I wouldn't normally go for, a leather skirt, the closest I get is a leather handbag and the printed dress, I only own two at the moment but would love to add more to my wardrobe!

 

Let me know which is your favourite item from my choices!

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

 

x

 

*post written in collaboration with Daxon*

 

 





Mary Kay | Lipstick Review

Hi!

Plus North, how quickly have the months gone by since the event!

Whilst I was browsing around I came across the Mary Kay stand. It's a brand that was very familiar with me, I remember going to a few parties with my mum when I was a teenager and admiring all the products. I didn't really have much interest in make up back then but it was nice to look at products in the comfort of your own home without feeling pressured to buy anything.

I got chatting to the lovely Hyacinth who was running the stand and she showed me a few of the products, one that caught my eye was the CC cream. Trying to find a CC or BB cream for black skin is really difficult, the only one that I have is from Bobbi Brown and, as it's quite pricey, I don't use it every day.

As I left, Hyacinth kindly gave me a lipstick to try, the Crème Lipstick in Blaze*.

 

Now, as I have said before, I'm still quite a newbie to the lipstick wearing. I'm slowly starting to be brave and am trying out different colours! Blaze is a really beautiful colour, as soon as I saw it I knew it would be perfect for autumn/winter.

It has a matt finish with a slight shimmer to it.

 

I have used it quite a few times since Plus North and it's definitely become a firm favourite of mine. It lasted well even after I had eaten a huge bowl of pasta, drank a cocktail that blew my socks off and gave Mr C a peck on the cheek.

You can find a consultant to host a party or order online.

Have you ever tried Mary Kay products?

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

 

x

*This item was gifted to me but all opinions are my own.

Simply Be event with Kelly Brook

Hi!

Back in November I was kindly invited by Simply Be to visit their Oxford Street store to meet Kelly Brook and to see some of her range.

After a mad rush from Marylebone I finally made it, I had never been to the store before and was pleasantly surprised how big and light it was. Avoiding any temptation to go and look at all the clothes I headed on downstairs to the event.

I wasn't sure who was going to be there so it was nice to see some familiar faces such as Hollie from Pretty Big Butterflies and Mookie from Mookie's Life.

We sat down and were treated to drinks and some food, then Kelly came out ready to start the event but not before grabbing a quick mini sausage first. She looked amazing in a jumpsuit from her collection.

After introducing ourselves she chatted to us about the collection, blogging, swimwear and bras!

Kelly and Callie trying on this gorgeous coat!

 

Autograph signing

Apologies for the late posting, all the photos were on my phone which I have been having issues with over the past month, grr! Time for a new phone I think!

You can view the rest of the collection here.

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

 

x

 

 

 

                     

Happy Birthday AWBFOS!

Hi!

On the 1st January my blog officially turned 2! I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by and how much I have done in the 2 years.

I remember the week I decided to start this blog, I was at an extremely low point in the year, Mr C and I had an awful year, I couldn't wait to say goodbye to 2012. I remember reading an article in a magazine about plus size bloggers and that was it, a day later I came up with a name, did some basic research and A Wheelbarrow Full of Style was born.

I did almost give up at one point, I had no idea what to write about, how to promote my blog and spent ages filling my head with self doubt, that I wasn't good enough. I did persevere and I'm so glad I did, the opportunities and the confidence that I've had from the blog I am very thankful for.

Anyway enough rambling on, I'm going to start getting emotional! I will be doing a giveaway to celebrate, the prize is as below:

£10 Primark Voucher

EOS Lip balm

Covergirl Mascara

Bath and Body Works Hand Sanitizer

No 7 Bath Soak

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

 

x

2015 and me

 

Hi!

 

Happy New Year, I hope you all had a good evening of celebrations whether at home or out and about.

 

I've realised in the 2 years that I have been blogging I haven't really written that much about me, not the person who poses in front of the camera in my favourites outfits but underneath that, some of the little things that go on in my head, I'm not going to do it all in this post but you might see a few more posts over the year.

 

I've decided not to make any New Years resolutions but to set myself a few goals each month, ones that I hope will help and develop the confidence that I found during 2014. I feel like I've come a long way but there are still, lets say hurdles to jump over to get to where I want to be. I can't believe that its taken me so long to achieve the things I did in 2014, going to London on my own, eating out on my own, wearing the clothes that I want to and going to events alone. I've come to realise that, yes, people will stare, they will judge and say stupid things but why should let me stop living my life, let's face it I'm not getting any younger and if I spend my life worrying about things I will never enjoy the things I want to before I get too old.

 

Goals for 2015:

 

1.  Grow and develop my blog- I absolutely love blogging, it's probably the best hobby I ever started. I'm already excited for all the posts that I have ready for 2015 and really want to continue making new content and push myself further with outfit posts.

 

2. Be more proactive on twitter - Even though I gained confidence over the year I was still never brave enough to post lots of selfies or outfit posts on instagram. I never felt that tweets were exciting or interesting enough but this is going to change, you might see a bit more of my face on your time line.

 

3. Learn to use Pinterest. I feel that I don't use this enough and it could be a valuable platform to growing my blog.

 

4. Change my eating habits - I ate a lot of rubbish in December and now I'm beginning to feel the effects. By the time New Years eve came around I was craving cucumber, water and sushi. Along with this I would also like to do some more exercise, a little bit, I'm not talking about running a marathon anytime soon. I have quite a sedentary lifestyle especially during my working day, I rarely leave my desk for more than 5 minutes at a time.

 

5. Gain job satisfaction - I really want to become happier with my career choice and whether that's changing roles or learning more to increase my skills, this is the year to make that change.

 

These are just a few of my goals, I haven't quite worked out which goals I'm going to set for each month, that's something that I will work on over the next week!

 

Have you set any goals or resolutions for 2015?

 

Much Love

 

Natalie

 

x