MelodyMae.co.uk

26th November 2017

{ Style } Red, White and Perfect For Autumn Days!

Do you ever have certain outfits that you wear over and over? Ones that you put on and just go “Yes, perfect.” This is certainly one of those outfits! So I’ve got a bit of plus size style for you – with some school vibes!

This is an eShakti dress I bought roughly two years ago, and I adore it! I love any sort of grid patterned fabrics, as you could tell from my Gingham Obsession in the summer and my tartan love through the winter.

It’s one of those dresses I wear all autumn and winter long because it takes so little styling to look great! Because it’s two years old now, it’s sadly not available on their site anymore – but they do have the Puff Sleeve Plaid Shirt Dress and the Tie Neck Windowpane Shirt Dress which are similar!

The thing that I love the most about eShakti and their products is that each garment is customisable. On the site this dress had short sleeves, a pointed collar and a short skater skirt. I was able to extend the sleeves to below the elbow, the skirt to a midi and add a peter pan collar! I mean, how often do you find an amazing dress that just isn’t quite what you want? eShakti makes it so easy.

I think they’re US only, which is the biggest pain ever. When I ordered from them I shipped them to my US friend and she shipped them to me (Thanks again, Sarah!) so it took roughly two months to get to me. But, after two years there’s so much life in them, so you can’t complain, right?

So after last weeks post talking about my personal issues with parts of my body and body image, I wanted to say a few things. Mostly thank you – as much as it sounds ridiculous and overly vain, your comments and love was quite amazing. And it does help hearing other’s positive affirmations, since it helps you suddenly believe these things about yourself and for yourself.

My feelings towards my body have been so much more positive because of that post and the interaction. It just goes to show how the internet isn’t all bad – we can all support each other in our self love and body positivity journeys, and it’s just so beautiful to see.

I love you guys.

Earrings and Brooch; Bow and Crossbones
Dress; eShakti | Bolero; Collectif
Shoes; Miss L Fire | Bangles; Vintage and Splendette
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

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18th November 2017

{ Style } Nope, Nope, Nope… Aaaand A Pencil Skirt

There’s one thing you might notice about this image. That thing just might be a pencil skirt. It might just be this pretty bloody amazing velvet Boohoo Plus pencil skirt!

So if you’re following me on Instagram (@MelodyMae if not!) you may have seen over the Halloween period that I sported something scary – a pencil dress! I became a bit obsessed with Boohoo during my Halloween Lust List, and I bought the Skeleton Midi Dress. It fit perfectly, and for the entire evening I felt somewhat amazing.

But because of my insecurities surrounding my tummy, I’ve not worn a pencil style in years. I touched upon this with my post on a straight skirt here, but not too much has changed in my actual feelings towards my body. I love myself, I do. But part of that loving myself has been wrapped up in an image of myself in flared dresses. Therefore I’m pushing myself to change.

These photos can be hard to look at in moments. I notice my tummy more than anything, how my butt isn’t an ideal shape, and how I really wish I’d worn a corset to cinch me in more.

Don’t get me wrong; I love this skirt. It’s super stretchy (go a size down) and feels like a dream on. Plus it was £15, and I’m not joking when I say Boohoo quality is phenomenal. However, there’s still this part of me that believes that my body is not good enough for a pencil skirt.

Part of challenging myself is being able to stand in front of this camera in the middle of a park and invite people to look at me and wonder what I’m doing. It’s being uncomfortable and building up each moment of courage. It’s sticking the photos up on my blog and allowing the world to see me, lumpy butt and overhang tummy and all.

So then there’s the moments that I look at myself and think; “Damn girl you look fine”. And it’s all worth it. Because this body is MY body and it’s fucking wonderful in all it’s fatness and beauty.

Unrelated to that, though, is my new favourite accessory;

The NOPE beret of dreams! After the Cactus tie on hat I made in October, I was thinking of more winter-appropriate hat to customise. As a result, the NOPE beret was born! Using some gold trim and a pre-made beret I can now ‘nope’ my way out of all situations by proxy. Likewise, it’s a great retort for catcalling. Point at your hat and swan away!

Even more, I’ve got a tutorial ready for you so you can make your own!

Beret; Handmade | Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Necklace; Primark (old) | Brooch; Luxulite
Top; Primark (old) | Skirt; Boohoo Plus
Shoes; ASOS | Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

11th November 2017

{ Style } Please Drink Irresponsibly With Vendula London

I took a little trip to my hometown of Fareham the other month for a bit of R&R. It was a lovely week of catching up with family and friends, and of course – drinking. Now you guys know I love a theme, right? How perfect was it that the town’s local pub just so happened to match the Vendula London Crown design?

After the success of The George (featured in this and this post) we needed a new pub on the Vendula Block. And thus The Crown opened, inviting us into its cosy little boozer with chintz armchairs and roaring fire!

When I saw the design in it’s early days, the roof was different, and I have to say I thought the whole bag was ugly. Then once the roof had been changed to this amazing faux snakeskin (Remember, all Vendula products are animal-friendly!) and it took on a whole new light for me. It looks traditional and a bit more muted than some of our other Shop Front designs, whilst keeping the Vendula Charm!

Because of the tones in this bag, I wanted to create a dark outfit to make the bag stand out – and boy does it! Against a black background the features are shown so well, my favourite details include a sleeping bulldog outside and a portrait of good ‘ol Liz!

I so love this outfit, I was mainly using it to show off my amazing new shoes from ASOS (that I can’t walk in but shhh), but the little gold details worked so well. Makes it so much easier to deal with a pub-full of people laughing at you when you look this good, too!

Now the Shop Front ranges come with four bag and four purse styles. The style I’m wearing is the Box Bag, but my sister in law also wanted in on The Crown action!

Therefore we have a guest showing off her Pouch Bag; My sister in law Emily! Proof that no matter the size, The Crown range looks amazing!

Most noteworthy; please remember if you ARE drinking irresponsibly, I’m not to blame. I’m not to blame if I drink irresponsibly, come to think of it!

Hair Flowers; Handmade
Necklace & Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Bangles; Vintage | Brooch; Luxulite
Cardigan; Collectif (old) | Dress; EShakti
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)
Shoes; ASOS

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4th November 2017

{ Style } Autumn Perfection With Voodoo Vixen Curve

I spoke recently about how my style is leaning towards the most casual, in most part because of giving my hair a rest. Finding a good compromise between looking like a tramp and being hilariously overdress with bad hair isn’t so easy. It’s a good thing that this Voodoo Vixen Curve Emmie Dress is here to bridge the gap!

One thing you may notice about this post is that there’s no link backs to the actual dress. That’s because unfortunately for you, my darlings – it’s sold out!

However. Voodoo Vixen’s Curve range is still in full swing with plenty of other styles! As I mentioned in my last post, they’re updating the whole range in the spring, too.

This dress is literally the perfect size for me! Unlike the Connie dress from my last Vixen Curve post, the bust is not too tight and not too loose. It’s also just exactly right in the waist for my short torso. If you’re fuller busted or longer waisted I’d recommend a size up – if you can find this dress anywhere, that is!

I love the tartan of this, which makes it perfect for autumn, too! The only thing I don’t like about this dress? The skirt is a touch too short, and not as full as I’d like. It means I can’t fit a petticoat underneath as my hips fill the fabric (always an issue with half-circle skirts, boo). However. It means it looks best less dressed up!

And just LOOK at this neckline. One thing I think Voodoo Vixen do well is necklines that are interesting, but fit the style of dress perfectly. Those cap sleeves are so forgiving, too! I haven’t got small upper arms, and there’s room in there – which is mostly unheard of. The Joni dress also features the cap sleeves, if you want a nautical style!

And with the code CURVE10 you can get 10% off any of the Voodoo Vixen Curve styles! Get them before they’re gone!

Headband; Vintage scarf | Necklace; Handmade
Earrings; Bow And Crossbones
Dress; C/O Voodoo Vixen Curve (Disclaimer)
Bag; Zatchels | Shoes; Melissa

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28th October 2017

{ Style } Life Is A Box Of Chocolates with Lindy Bop and Mars Chocolate

Dreams do come true – I got free chocolate! I have such a sweet tooth, so I was excited to be included in a new campaign between Lindy Bop and Mars. It includes chocolate and a limited Lindy Bop Lily Dress!

This is my best Forrest Gump impression. I’m going to go out on a whim and say I’m just a tad more glamorous, however! I certainly have more Resting Bitch Face than Forrest, but also more glamour. Right?

So in collaboration with Mars Chocolates, Lindy Bop have given one of their popular styles a special makeover. In a red and off-white polkadot, the Lily dress matches the iconic look of Maltesers chocolate packaging. And when you order this dress, you can receive a box of Maltesers Luxury chocolates – and the dress’ belt matches the shimmery box!

As with most of my Lindy Bop dresses I’ve reviewed, I took the Lily in my usual size, 22. And I’ll say this has been the best fit I’ve gotten from a LB dress so far!

Unlike other styles I have, this isn’t a cotton blend – it’s actually 97% Polyester. Now I know what you think, and I thought it too – it’s pretty high in polyester. But I’d go out on a whim and say that actually it works! The finish is a matte sheen, that adds a touch of luxury, and because of the 3% elastane you’ve got a good amount of stretch in there.

It’s pretty true to size for once, and unless you have a much larger bust I’d go for your usual in this version of the Lily. It’s also better for more average torso lengths than mine!

Honestly, the only thing that lets this dress down is that there’s no pockets. Other than that one specific thing I love in my dresses, it’s really great! So comfortable and classy – the perfect combination!

As I mentioned before, I have a real sweet tooth, so I couldn’t help but eat a few whilst shooting, although I will say I got some strange looks photographing myself eating!

It’s such a lovely little dress to add to your wardrobe, and £35 for a dress and free chocolate is a great deal! Head over to Lindy Bop’s site to grab this little polkadot wonder in sizes 8-26 today!

Hair Flower; Handmade
Bolero; Collectif (old)
Dress; C/O Lindy Bop (Disclaimer)
Stockings; What Katie Did | Shoes; Primark

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21st October 2017

{ Style } Hey Ma, I’m A Rockstar With Vendula London

Okay, I’m not a rockstar. Although I did always expect I’d turn out to be one! But sadly, I’m just a girl in a (faux) leather jacket who sings emo tunes from 2005 like it’s current. Thank god this Vendula London Music Box Bag makes me look a bit cooler!

Recently I find I’m becoming more and more casual in my style. I still love set hair, petticoats and heels, but I really need to give my hair a rest at the moment. So when I’m not beating my hair into curled submission, I think the rest of my style follows.

I’ve also been suffering quite severely with my mental health the last two months, and curling my hair and making an effort can be difficult. Does anyone else find this when they’re dealing with a less-than-ideal mental state? Regardless of whether its depression, or exhaustion or just a bad day, it really knocks me out to the point that getting out of bed is hard enough.

Anyone have tips on dealing with it?

Anyway. It’s not exactly jeans-and-t-shirt casual, and will be overdressed for some people, but this is definitely my casual! Melody Casual, if you will, haha!

I’ve mentioned before how much I love this jacket, and it’s still the best £10 I’ve spent in Primark. A little punk rock, a little cutesy, and the perfect place to display all my pins! There’s a mix of cheap eBay finds, some pins picked up when travelling in China and Japan, and an amazing Game of Thrones one from Pin Game!

I also purchased a little group of cute and body-positive pins from Punky Pins back in September when I was at Autumn Fair. They serve as a great reminder to be looking after myself, which is something I’ve been finding hard to do lately.

Vendula London’s Music Box Grab Bag (and matching Coin Purse) is the perfect addition to my Shop Front Collection, and also the newly-branded Melody Casual! Mixing a record shop and punk elements with black and multicoloured glitter for a girly edge, it’s such an eye-catching design. It dresses up any outfit, but also looks at home in a less-flashy style outfit.

It’s a winner for me!

Sunglasses, Top and Jacket; Primark
Necklace & Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Skirt; Handmade | Bangles; Splendette
Shoes; Melissa | Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)
Jacket Pins; Punky Pins, Pin Game

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14th October 2017

{ Style } Making A Spectacle Of Yourself With Vixen Curve!

Considering I’ve mentioned I don’t often buy red dresses, I’m wearing a lot of red dresses recently! As soon as I received this Voodoo Vixen Curve Connie Dress, it was love! I’ve already worn it so many times, it’s hard to get it off my body!

Since we’re at the start of autumn here, I’m finding it difficult to work out how to alter my wardrobe for the change in weather. Turns out this dress is one of those great multi-season dresses due to a neutral print and medium-weight fabric. The little cap sleeves would make it a great spring/summer dress, but equally looks wonderful with a cardigan and tights for autumn/winter.

I took a 2XL in this dress, and for the most part the fit is perfect. The fabric is a medium-weight cotton elastane which means its got stretch for a comfortable fit.

The bust of this dress is something special, I will say. It was the main feature that really drew me into the dress, because I love the shape it creates. Saying that, it’s a touch on the revealing side, though! Although the dress fits me well, I’d definitely recommend this for a bigger bust if you don’t want your bra poking out!

I, on the other hand, kinda love the bra element! Adds a little saucy to it, don’t you think? Oh I wish they did this in plain black!

One of the other aspects that really drew me into this dress in particular was the pockets. I make nothing less than a spectacle of how much I love pockets in dresses! These ones are particularly nice patch pockets with black piping detail and pleats – which means they can hold quite a bit!

You can also see the print much better in this photo. I won’t say I’m really into it, as a non-glasses-wearer it seems somewhat nonsensical. That and it’s a bit of an odd subject matter for a dress print. It doesn’t take anything away from the dress overall, though!

On the whole, I adore this dress SO much. I didn’t expect to wear it quite as much as I already do. Voodoo Vixen will actually be expanding and rebranding their Curve range for SS18, and personally I can’t wait to see what they bring out! They’ll be adjusting sizing too, so fingers crossed they add more than a 4XL.

Until then, they’ve been kind enough to give you beautiful people 10% off current Curve items until the 30th November! Simply use the code CURVE10!

Necklace; Vintage | Bangles; Splendette
Dress; C/O Voodoo Vixen (Disclaimer)
Bag; Sunjellies | Shoes; Melissa

7th October 2017

{ Style } Looking Sharp With A Cactus Hat!

Last weekend I went to the wedding of the CENTURY. We headed up to Norwich to celebrate the gorgeous Rosie Alia get married. It was as colourful and amazing as her and her new husband, and we had so much fun I want to do it all over again! And since it was a wedding I could easily get away with a silly hat. And boy did I try! So I’ve got some plus size 50s style for you – with a cacti spin!

I’ve been holding onto these ‘hat bases’ for about a year and a half now. I’d seen the tie-on sun hats on various people over the years, and made in interesting discovery – they are actually place mats! So I bought a pack of four place mats from Wilko and added some cacti. Because cacti. They’re made from felt, sewn on with a prick stitch and embroidered.

It wasn’t quite as perfect in execution as I’d hoped, but it did catch the eye of a lot of people there, and you guys on Instagram loved it! Most importantly, I have a hat with cacti on it. That’s high on the priority list.

I’m actually going to put together a little tutorial for you guys to make your own tie on hat soon. So keep those eyes open!

I’ve had this Lindy Bop Lana dress for about a year now, originally bought as part of my Ariel Disneybound in Shanghai. The dress is great, don’t get me wrong, but I hardly wear it. Green can look a bit too festive against my hair, which is such a shame!

The original plan was to appliqué black cacti to the border of this dress to tie it all in. Because you guys know I just LOVE a theme! However, that never conspired, so I just went plain instead. I feel like I accidentally dressed as a witch, but hey, maybe there’s some Halloween inspiration in here?

Hat; Handmade | Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Brooch; Luxulite | Bolero; Collectif (old)
Dress; Lindy Bop | Bangles; Splendette
Shoes; Primark (old)
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

16th September 2017

{ Style } Farewell To Summer With Lindy Bop

God knows what has happened to summer in this country! But after a disappointing August it looks like its over and autumn is in. So I thought I’d say goodbye to my favourite season in style. You may have seen this Lindy Bop Tiki print dress on my Instagram before, but it needed a last hoorah in a post!

I’ve reviewed a few Lindy Bop styles before, and you know now how much I love their novelty prints! But this? THIS IS THE ONE. It’s the Delta dress in Teal Tiki Print and it’s got to be my favourite! I’ll be honest when I say that the ‘Delta’ style of theirs is not the best shape for me, but the colours! The print! The fabric! It’s wonderful.

I took the 22 in this dress, which is generally my size in Lindy Bop styles. The bodice of this does come up a bit big, and there’s definitely stretch in it. If you’re bigger busted, go for your usual size. If you’re smaller busted, go a size down. As you can see above, because of my bust I’ve got some epic gaping in the bodice.

The Delta style has a waist panel, unlike most of the dress styles Lindy Bop have to offer. This is great news for those of you that have a longer waist! Unfortunately for me, I’ve got the smallest waist in the world, so it looks a little off. But does that really stop me from loving this dress? NOPE.

It features a neckline with a little notch and a V-shaped back, which is so sweet on this dress. Both necklines sit so well, the front is the perfect high neckline that keeps you covered without being too stuffy.

And the fabric for this dress is amazing, too. I wish you guys could feel it through the screen – 97% cotton makes this so soft! And for £36, I really don’t know why you haven’t jumped over and bought it, seriously.

Now. Let’s talk print. Want Moai heads? Tiki girls dancing? Hibiscus flowers and palm trees? Maybe also a few mountains? Because this print has it all on a lovely teal background! I don’t own much tiki-styled items, and initially the pale background was off-putting for me. I’ve mentioned elsewhere on my blog that pale colours don’t always suit my skin tone, but the bright colours in the print balance it out well.

The only sad thing about this dress? It came out so late in summer! Photographing this one was so not easy – it was taken in between showers of rain right at the end of the day. I need some good tips for winter photography!

Hair Flowers; Lady Luck’s Boutique
Necklace; Vintage | Brooch; Luxulite
Bolero; Collectif
Dress; C/O Lindy Bop (Disclaimer)
Bag; Banned
Shoes; Miss L Fire

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17th August 2017

{ Style } Museum Wandering At The V&A

Well hey there guys! How are we all doing? Last weekend a good friend of mine was in London and we went on a little museum adventure. We hit the Tate Modern to check out the new building on the Saturday, and on the Sunday we ventured into the V&A.

I wore this sample Lindy Bop dress that the ultra-babe Bethany gave to me (perks of having friends in high places 😉 ) back in May because it’s my favourite. I wish they had more in this style – it’s so comfortable! The 60’s style boat neck also features little bows on the sleeves, which is my favourite feature.

The V&A has the best fashion exhibition on for free, spanning five centuries and featuring a few of my favourite things. This 1700s Court Mantua leaves me speechless every time! First of all, the sheer size of the thing is gorgeous insanity. Then there’s the craftsmanship of the fabric itself with it’s metallic embroidery.
Also – SLEEVES.

Corsetry has fascinated me since I was young. These early 16/1700s stays are no exception! The bottom stay is probably my favourite historical corset of all time. It might not be the most supportive, but you have to love how it looks!

I’m a real sucker for bows on sleeves, evidently!

This Schiaparelli necklace is SO my thing! I’m on the lookout for plastic pinecones to make my own version for autumn, I love it that much.

There’s so much at the V&A that it’s impossible to look through all of it in one day, let alone post about it! But these are some of my favourite pieces. Have you been before?

Necklace&Bangles; Vintage
Dress; Lindy Bop (sample)
Brooch; Luxulite
Bag; Zatchels
Shoes; Rocket Originals

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{ Style } Red, White and Perfect For Autumn Days!

{ Style } Nope, Nope, Nope… Aaaand A Pencil Skirt

{ Style } Please Drink Irresponsibly With Vendula London

{ Style } Autumn Perfection With Voodoo Vixen Curve

{ Style } Life Is A Box Of Chocolates with Lindy Bop and Mars Chocolate

{ Style } Hey Ma, I’m A Rockstar With Vendula London

{ Style } Making A Spectacle Of Yourself With Vixen Curve!

{ Style } Looking Sharp With A Cactus Hat!

{ Style } Farewell To Summer With Lindy Bop

{ Style } Museum Wandering At The V&A

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