Fashion. My passion. I have loved clothes and style as long as I can remember. I don’t recall where my style came from. I was always ‘fashionable’ I guess. It must have been an in-built passion. I loved new clothes. The styles, the colours and the cuts.
I have never had a problem spending money (not encouraging this – ha ha) so shopping for the latest fashions has always been such a pleasure. Taking my God-daughter on a shopping spree to spend her money and mine is my idea of heaven!
Obviously my taste has changed over the years. But one thing remains the same. It has to be chic. It has to be classy. It has to suit me – as far as I am concerned, It’s no good buying a boob tube midi dress if you don’t have the figure for it. However, right now, I will of course admit I’ve had my share of fashion faux pas! Maybe I shouldn’t have worn those hot pants in the summer of 1998?!
I’ve pretty much always been plus size. And right now it’s so easy to find the right pieces as there is so much option. twenty years ago that was not the case. I would struggle to find what I had in mind, in my size. Thankfully the fashion industry saw light of this and so many of the high street brands stock plus size pieces. So I’m one happy fashion bunny.
I have staples in my wardrobe at all times. Jeans, trousers, little black dress and black pumps. But I do look forward to each new season just to see what new styles come.
I’m pretty boho in spirit and if I had my way i’d probably look like a hippy at all times. But I do love to glam up too. A night out or a fancy event gives me just the excuse to show off a new find.
My taste is high street most of the time. I don’t have the budget for anything else if I’m honest. But a girl can dream as she flicks through the pages of Vogue for inspiration. I do have a few more expensive items that I have invested in. But I’m happy in anything from F&F to ASOS Curve to Topshop, to New Look and H&M. As long as I love the item and it speaks to me.
So all that said I thought it was about time to dabble in sharing my fashion advice. No better place to start than with what’s hot right now. This may offer you some inspiration on what will be fashionable this summer. You can aim for all of it. Or you can just change a few pieces and add them to your current collection. Mix it up.
Jeans
Jeans rock! It doesn’t matter what the decade or the season they are everyone’s favourite surely?! So easy to wear, so stylish in the right design and so understated. You may have your favourite pair that you dream of fitting back into one day (mine are a pair of Levi 501’s that I just can’t part with).
This season the skinny jeans still rock. This is good news for me as I love them. The new take is that they have to be ripped. ASOS Curve Ridley is always my fave for the curvy girl. I love the fit and comfort. They come in lots of colors.
Topshop have a huge selection and my sources tell me the Leigh jeans are the best. Or the Jaime. Again they come in every colour and have a great ripped selection too. Perfect for a size 16 or below.
In terms of colour white skinny jeans are huge this season. So maybe get out of the comfort zone and invest.
Boyfriend cut are also really big. Distressed or just loose fitting, they look amazing with a heel and jacket. These from ASOS are gorgeous.
On a side note flares are back big style for this season. So If you like the 70’s flare then here are a few ideas. Topshop Flare, ASOS Flare.
The white shirt
To be honest this is a classic piece. It’s something you can always have in your collection. The style variations are literally endless. Every high street leader is stocking their own version right now.
My fave is this loose Topshop offering. Perfect with jeans, shorts or a skirt or as a beach cover up as it is intended. I love the light floaty fabric and the ease of wear. Add a necklace to jazz it up or just flow with its classic simplicity. ASOS have an exact style on offer.
For regular and slim fit then Zara and H&M also have fab options.
Shorts
Shorts are a summer staple. Period. Mostly because they are cool and comfortable. The classic denim short never fails to look cool. ASOS Curve has a great selection. These are what I’ll be rocking this summer. For regular fit literally every high street brand has them. My dream faves are Zara, Topshop and H&M
There are also tailored fits and ditsy prints to choose from. Fab with a vest tank top, loose T-shirt or shirt. I’m opting for this gorgeous glitsy pair from ASOS, but Topshop and Zara have gorgeous ones too.
Shirt dress
If you’re going to go for just one new style of dress this summer make it a shirt dress. There are literally tons to choose from. Whether it’s casual or tailored. It looks amazing with a belt. With ankle boots on a casual shopping day or with strappy heels for an evening look.
My purchase is this Next grid design. I also love New Look’s Navy take. And this gorgeous loose casual piece from F&F is a bargain. This tailored wrap dress from Topshop in classic white is a stunner or this looser fit from Zara.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are always my passion. This season big is still big. These over-sized gold shades from New Look are fab. A cat eye look or a classic aviator will also work. Ray ban are the dream. But the high street have great affordable pairs.
The round frame are also big news. The bigger the better. Or go for the John Lennon look.
To be honest anything goes. Coloured frames, adornment. You can’t really go wrong. But if in doubt stick with the aviator. It’s always chic with any outfit.
Shoes
Every curvy girl knows that if in doubt shoes are always a winner as they usually fit! This summer there are a few new trends. In terms of what to invest in I’ll break it down.
Funky sandal.
Probably the flat sandal has come through stronger this season with a few new takes on the originals. Invest in a two part which is great with jeans or shorts. The slider for pool side or just a casual day. The jeweled, classic sandal or laced gladiator all look amazing with Jeans, shorts, dresses or skirts.
Espadrilles look amazing with shorts, skinny jeans and a T-shirt or with your bathing suit. They are so comfortable too. There are some amazing offerings on the high street. New Look, Next, Topshop or ASOS are all killing it. But If we could live the dream then these would be my ultimate investment. Chanel.
The Single strap heeled sandal was strong last season and remains so this season. It is a classic cut that elongates the foot and leg. Next have nailed it. You can go for block heel for more comfort or sky scraper for high style. Zara’s have a ring strap to bring an edge. They look amazing. With a dress or with my favourite, jeans.
Wedges are coming through again and that 70’s vibe is shown in suede textures and wood base. Peep toe or cross over. Anything goes. These suede wood sole from Next are amazing. Or the cross over from Zara.
The ankle boot
Now you’re probably thinking this is a winter essential. But to me nothing looks more stylish than a boho cream dress and brown western ankle boots. Perfect for festival chic. Ankle boots are everywhere in every color and style. My current faves are the Ash Jalouse. But just check out the high street versions. New Look, Next, Topshop. Amazing with skinnys, shorts, dresses. You really can’t go wrong.
Smart top
If you have a dressy top in your wardrobe then as long as you have some skinny jeans or slim trousers you are good to go.
For curves the Bardot style top is big right now. The off-the-shoulder style is really flattering on the curves and shows of the shoulders beautifully. Go for a colour like this one from ASOS in rust or classic black always looks classy. Team with skinny’s or a midi skirt for that Parisian feel.
This season it seems simple is best. Light fabrics in a sleeveless chiffon, lace or a structured shell top. I love this simple halter top from Zara. These beautiful racer back cami’s from New Look are simple and understated. Great with shorts or jeans or under a blazer. I love the simple look of a block colour drape front blouse with skinny jeans and a long necklace. I also love this blush top from Next. You cannot fail to look put together.
Loose T-shirt
T-shirts never go our of fashion. This season go for a linen texture that’s light an flowy with a v-neck. Next have an amazing selection. A white, grey or black T-shirt with skinny jeans or shorts and you’re made. Just add your sandal or boot and you’re rocking. This Topshop jersey pocket T is fab and would look amazing with a white blazer, skinny’s and heels. Alternatively pair a logo T-shirt with a blazer and you look Cannes chic.
Stripes never fail to look chic with that French air. Zara’s striped tank is very cool. Any striped top with jeans on a casual day will really make you look put together. F&F have this gorgeous T-shirt that is a take on a classic. Its loose fitting and has some block colour too. And Next have this gorgeous Neppy T.
Anything white.
Summer means sun. Which to me always means white. There is something so classy and feminine about a white top, dress or skirt. This season there’s loads to choose from. Lace or chiffon tops. Little white dresses. All enhances the summer glow of your skin.
I love this white embroidered shell top from ASOS for us curvy girls. White dresses are really big and always look amazing on tanned skin. This jaquard print from H&M is beautiful. Topshop have this gorgeous white embroidered lace top which would look amazing with slim trousers, shorts or skinny’s.
This beautiful lace peplum from Zara is also gorgeous. Paired with their white belted slim leg trouser is a perfect look. Just add sandals and some strong jewellery.
Jewellery
Accessorising with jewellery immediately updates your look. This season necklaces are either stronger silver statement pieces or wispy fine long gold that drape perfectly down the cleavage.
I love this statement silver necklace from New Look. It is bang on trend and a bargain compared to most high street options. Put this with your loose T-shirt, skinny’s and heels and you will rock!
For the long wispy look, ASOS have this beautiful gold layered piece. This with your drape front blouse or summer dress will look divine. This triple row from New Look is also amazing.
Everyone on the high street is hitting it with fashionable jewellery. The midi rings make the hand look long and stacking looks great. Alternatively one bold statement ring looks amazing on your index finger. I love this split ring. For those with less slender fingers like me, then ASOS Curve rings are always fab and wear really well.
Earring cuffs are huge too. Lots of takes on the standard stud earring. This beautiful rhinestone number from Topshop is gorg.
Blazer
In terms of covering up and rocking a look the blazer is still a classic piece. You may have one from last season. Or you may want to add to your collection. White is in big time as are florals and your standard black or navy. As soon as you add it to your skinny’s and t-shirt or light cami, you look the part.
This floral blazer from New Look is in my collection. Its beautiful over a simple camisole with blue or white skinny jeans. Their classic black is amazing too. Next have a fab selection.
The double collar black blazer from Topshop is classic and will last you for years. And Zara’s double fabric blazer comes in white, black, fushia, yellow and off-white. Add a pop of colour to this years wardrobe and just add a white T-shirt and jeans or a camisole and cigarette trousers.
Casual dress
This can be anything from a midi to a maxi. Whatever makes you comfortable. White is big as I said. Or a floral ditsy print. Add wedge heels or flat sandals some jewellery and you have a mix of looks for any occasion.
I love this ditsy floral pocket dress from F&F. This floral frill dress from New Look is gorgeous too. Just add brown wedges and you’re set. This stripe jersey maxi dress from Dorothy Perkins is fab as is their paisley denim cami dress.
Zara have lots to choose from. I love the basic sleeveless sun dress. And their long scarf print dress is to die for.
I’ve already purchased this beauty from ASOS. The embroidered swing dress.
Handbags
Now let’s stop here. This is my down fall. Handbags. I literally could buy one a week. Why are they so coveted?! I do not know. If you have only three bags in your life then let it be a large tote, an across body and an evening clutch.
For totes there are always lots to choose from. They are classic and go with everything and they literally hold everything I love this Arrow Tote from Topshop. This reversible black tote from Zara rivals designer high end brands. And this classic leather tote form ASOS is beautiful and a bargain. It comes in lilac too. For a summer take, go for the casual canvas version like this classic stripe from Oasis at ASOS.
An across the body is chic and functional. Its easy to wear and means you are hands free. I
love this tan leather fringe from Topshop, or the mini duffle from ASOS. For a classic piece then this grey from Warehouse at ASOS is leather and beautiful. Plus it will go with everything.
I love a good clutch. My treasured possession is my Whistles Rivington its classic and functional for every occasion. Next have a bargain dupe. White is big this season this foldover from Next is gorgeous and ASOS have loads to choose from I love this basic white leather clutch. I would opt for a black and a tan so you can mix looks. I love this tan soft leather from ASOS and the black version is also beautiful. It will see you through season after season. You might fancy going for a pop of colour and this block colour clutch from Zara is lovely.
Jumpsuits/Playsuits
Jumpsuits and playsuits have been in fashion for a few seasons now. They are literally the easiest way of looking put together. Add shoes and jewellery and you’re done. This classic cut black from Next works for any occasion. I also love this pale grey back detail they have. There are some really beautiful playful playsuits. I love this tropical floral from Newlook and this utility playsuit from ASOS Curve adds an edge. I also love this elephant print from ASOS.
Really anything goes. Either dress it up with heels or wear to the beach with your favourite sandals.
Leather jacket
Again, what you would think to be a winter piece but it can be rocked any time of year. Particularly in Great Britain. Biker still holds number one and I don’t think it will ever go out of style. All you have to do is choose the colour, cut and hardware colour. Then rock it girls. Wear with literally any item; dress, skirt, jeans or shorts. It’s totally up to you.
My pick for the curvy girl is this ASOS waterfall biker in black. For regular fit then this Topshop shrunken fitted is a classic investmest piece that will last you a lifetime.
This brings us to the end of Kiki’s edit for spring/summer 2015. I hope you have got some ideas and some inspiration and enjoyed the piece. Let me know what you will be wearing in the comments section below. Happy shopping my loves. – Kiki xox
