MelodyMae.co.uk

5th November 2019

A Week in Outfits — Plus Size OOTD

Hey guys! How are we feeling this week? I’ve got a week off for once and I’ve been spending some time with family back home. It’s so weird not doing anything, but I’m trying to enjoy it as much as I possible. But I’m trying to get back into the swing of things with blogging again, so we’re back to my weekly outfit roundups! Plus size OOTD abound!

Dress; Voodoo Vixen
Bag; Vendula London

Getting a little bit Halloweeny last week with some bat wing clips and a Halloween pin from the Pokemon store in Osaka! Usually I’m more into the spooky season than I have been this year, which is kinda sucky — but the majority of the month I was out of the country… soooooo… That’s my excuse.

Top; Primark
Skirt; Handmade
Bag; Vendula London

Plus Size OOTD

Halloween day and I couldn’t find my one Halloween dress I own, so I went for a whole campy 60s witch vibe. I’m really loving the whole 60’s style look at the moment, especially since I’m trying to give my hair/face a rest recently. It works so well with straight hair or a makeup-less face!

Top/Headband; Primark
Skirt; Handmade
Bag; Vendula London

Generally, I spend my non-working days in pyjamas and work days wearing boring clothes that aren’t worth a plus size ootd photo. So this is a rare day I’m a bit more dressed up. I’m loving the middle parting at the moment!

So guys, let me know how you’re doing!

And I’ll be back to my usual posting schedule from now on!

27th October 2019

Where Have I Been? Snapshots of Fukuoka

Long time no see, friends! I’m baaaack!

How the devil are you guys? It’s been a few weeks since my last post, and if you follow me on Instagram, you’d know it was because I was in Japan! I spent a week in Fukuoka and a week in Osaka doing a fair for Vendula London, so it’s only right that I show you some Snapshots of Fukuoka to start, right?

So for those of you that don’t know, I work for Vendula London (I mean, it’s in the Disclaimer so you should know). I manage their London stores, and also act as a Brand Ambassador for them in Asia. Usually my trips to Japan are to feature on the Shop Channel in Tokyo, co-hosting a live TV show. This time, however, I was representing the brand at a prestigious department store called Hankyu, where there was a British Fair. But there will be more on that in another post!

Fukuoka is on the island of Kyushu, which is the southern-most island in Japan. We were in Hakata, the main area of Fukuoka, since the JR station had a Hankyu store situated inside. Comparing straight to Tokyo, it’s a much calmer area — still metropolitan, but quieter and with a hell of a lot less people. I actually really loved it there, the people were so kind!

Our stay in Fukuoka was mainly filled with working at the British Fair, honestly. But I managed to steal a few hours in the mornings and evenings to see the area. I adore shrines and ancient Japanese architecture, which Hakata had a lot of. The shrines were even lumped together so you can see about 10 within an hour!

Fukuoka Shrines

Spending a morning wandering around the shrines was one of my favourite parts of the trip. The fair was busy and slightly surreal, and evenings were spend checking out local bars and food spots until early hours. So the peace of the temples were so welcome. I also made friends with a lot of old ladies that wanted to touch my hair. It was a good time!

I also managed to do something I’ve always wanted to do — get a decent photo of me at an extending Torii gate. Because I’m a goddamn tourist and I’m not ashamed! It’s really difficult when you’re a lone traveller to get good photos of yourself at things. I rely on my tripod and remote, or if I’m lucky, a kind fellow tourist. The former is anxiety-inducing, because people stare at you a lot more than usual.

Snapshots of Fukuoka

It was a banging photo, though! Welcome to my new profile photo. I was even lucky enough that no one stared at me or used me as a tourist opportunity. Fukuoka, I love you.

There was also a shrine with cats. That let you pet them. I may or may not have cried when the little black kitty sat on my lap. He nearly came home with me, no lie.

There was so much personality in Hakata. People were friendly wherever you went, and there was pockets of charm and joy all over. I really enjoyed my time there, and would love to go back and experience more of the area. I didn’t get to head to the beach and see the Ohori Park, so that’s on the list for next time!

Have you guys ever been to Fukuoka?

If not, just let me know how you’ve been doing in the comments! I’ve missed you guys!

24th September 2019

A Week In Outfits —

Happy… Tuesday?

Hope you all had a good weekend? We’re a day late with this post because, well, life happened a bit. But it also included meeting new people AND socialising, so that’s a win for me! So let’s get on with the weekly roundup, right? Pin up style abound!

Turban; Alice Brown’s Cupboard
Necklace; Animal Hair
Top; Primark
Skirt; Handmade

They call September the “Back To Life” part of the year, and honestly it’s a hard one. I’ve been moments away from a breakdown for a few days at this point, which sucked.

Dress; Handmade
Bolero; Collectif

Second day of gingham? Yes please! I’m honestly considering making this dress in every colour gingham known to man.

Dress; Handmade
Cardigan; Banned
Bag; Vendula London

Third gingham in a row! But after a few days of crying and feeling like hell, I dyed my hair and felt like a new woman. Fickle, I know, but that freshly-dyed-hair confidence it something else! Look how goddamn happy I am!

Dress; Lady V London
Cardigan; Collectif
Bag; Vendula London

Pin Up Style

Looking good and feeling good! This was the day after I did some modelling for Bow and Crossbones, and I’ve clearly got some of my mojo back. Doing my hair is a lot of effort these days, so it’s nice when re-setting it goes so beautifully. Annoyingly it’s better hair than I had on the shoot — typical.

Dress; eShakti
Cardigan; Collectif

Someone’s feeling their oats! A typical pin up pose for some typical pin up style. I love this dress so bloody much, it’s possibly my favourite dress I’ve ever had. Actually, I’d say this is one of my most worn outfits since 2014. This baby got me laid so many times in my single days, haha!

What have you guys been wearing this week?

21st September 2019

Boyfriend Bi-Mothly — Rosie The Riveter Style

Well hello friends! How are we all today?

It’s Saturday and it’s been a difficult week for me. Hopefully you guys are doing better! For today’s post, we’re revisiting the Boyfriend Bi-Monthly for some Rosie the Riveter style!

If you’re confused what The Boyfriend Bi-Monthly is, you can find the last one here. It’s basically where my boyfriend dresses me! But it’s a fun way of playing with my wardrobe in a new way, instead of constantly wanting more clothes I can’t afford.

Rosie The Riveter Style

Whereas last time The Boyfriend® had a bad gal vibe going on, this time he had a clear idea in mind. Rosie The Riveter style. Ever the feminist icon, it was quite an interesting exercise to recreate her look with what I had in the house. It’s slightly less factory-standard than Rosie’s outfit, but the essence of it is pretty clear, don’t you think?

Of course, I had to add a little feminist flair in the styling — have I ever mentioned how much I adore this Punky Pins pin? I have a coaster on my bedside table like this, too, which reminds me to empower other women on the daily.

I realised whilst editing these photos just how great this little feature was — mostly because I’d realised that this is how my boyfriend sees me. Rosie was a sign of female strength in the war, and has spent the last few decades inspiring new waves of feminism and women’s rights activism. And is, in his words “a straight up badass”. And he chose a recreation of this strength and badassery for me because he thinks I embody it, right? There’s nothing more flattering than that.

What do you guys think of his choice?

Let me know in the comments, as always!

Dress; eShakti
Bag; Zatchels
Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Bangles; Splendette
Pin; Punky Pins
Shoes; Rocket Originals

18th September 2019

Wednesday Wishlist — Pinup Basic Skirts

Congrats guys, we’ve made it half way through the week!

I’m not religious in any way, but lord save me from this week. I’m in stupid pain at the moment and my brain’s to functioning correctly. Life with depression is a real bitch! But I’m going to stare at pretty things and carry on my pin up basics Wednesday Wishlists. Today we’re heading into the land on the pinup basic skirts!

Miss Candyfloss

If there was a winner for best range of basics skirts — Miss Candyfloss is the one. I was honestly shocked by the range they have! They have the most perfect separates for those who fancy 40’s styling more to 50s, too.

Hell Bunny

Don’t try me, leopard print and tartans can be neutrals. Haha! I mean, no rockabilly worth their salt would pass up a leopard pencil skirt!

Boohoo Plus

Okay, hear me out here. Boohoo isn’t the first thing you think of when you’re trying to find anything pin up. However, what Boohoo does do is incredibly well priced items that you can work into your pin up wardrobe easily. I have a few of the tube skirts that I wear in my alternative wardrobe, but also dressed up with a cute vintage-styled top for added vamp!

Banned Retro

Banned Retro go from strength to strength each season, and they have a really lovely range of solid-coloured skirts up to a 4XL to choose from. That mustard swing skirt is quite dreamy!

Do you have a go-to for your pinup basic skirts?

And don’t forget to keep an eye out on my Pinup Basics Pinterest board!

16th September 2019

A Week in Outfits — Casual Pin Up Style

Why, Monday, Whyyyyyy.

Guys. I’m not feeling this whole Monday thing at the moment if I’m honest! I’ve been feeling a bit vulnerable the last day or so, thanks to my body not doing its job of moving very well. So for today I’m going to be sulking, but that doesn’t stop me from being a show-off! My daily outfits are below, bringing you some real casual pin up style, plus some bonus “can’t-be-arsed” style too!

Top; Primark
Skirt; Lindy Bop
Shoes; Primark

Do you see this face? This is the face of a woman who frankly has had enough! I was only really dressed because I had to do a few interviews, otherwise I might of worn my pyjamas to work. One day, I say, one. damn. day.

Cardigan; Old Collectif
Necklace; Punky Pins
Dress; Boohoo

And we’re back to “can’t be arsed” camp, however I will always love this combo dressed up or down. Fun fact for you all, this Collectif cardigan is my favourite thing in the world. I don’t buy from them anymore, but I’d sell my soul for different colours in this! Five years later and it’s still going strong — no other cardigan can survive me for that long! Also; coffee.

Top; Primark
Skirt; Handmade
Brooch; Luxulite
Turban; Alice Brown’s Cupboard

I’m sad summer is ending, however there’s one incredible thing to look forward to; Turbans! I’m not sure if you’ve ever noticed, guys, but I love a turban. I also love this Luxulite brooch paired with my tanuki skirt, because matching. Anyone else matchy-matchy here?

Dress; Lindy Bop
Bolero; Collectif
Brooch; Luxulite

Casual Pin Up Style

Top; Primark
Skirt; Boohoo
Shoes; Vans

This one is a sad one — I went out after a photoshoot to say goodbye to an old friend and second home to me, Big Red in Holloway. Vans might not be your first thought for an outfit like this — but believe me, it was necessary. In other words, these sticky, blackened, beer-drenched shoes are on their way to the bin.

Top; Coheed and Cambria Merch
Skirt; Boohoo

Fun fact; I have four of the same Boohoo tube skirt. Other fun fact; I didn’t even get drunk and yet had the headache from hell all of Sunday. Joy. If this is my body telling me I can’t drink three pints without a hangover now, I’ll be livid. Anyone over 25 get the same? I’m praying my head just hated me…

Have a good week!

14th September 2019

Plus Size 70s Style With the Lindy Bop Ivory Dress

Yello! How are we doing today?

Had a good week by any chance? I’m tired, but it’s also been a productive sort of week. I happen to be off on my first foray into commercial modelling today, actually! I’m excited for a lot of what is coming on at the moment, especially after the recent diagnoses of CFS. But we’re up and fighting as usual, and travelling south today for some plus size 70s style in Somerset!

This item was gifted in return for a review and images. Opinions are my own, I’m not paid to say anything in particular. Some links may be affiliate links, it just means I might get a few quid if you buy through my links. You can read more in my disclaimer.

So me and The Boyfriend® travelled to Bridgwater at the weekend. We were up in Somerset for a gorgeous wedding on an organic farm. That bit was wonderful, but Bridgwater itself wasn’t really worth the early morning coach there! It was also really strange to see people looking at me with confusion or ridicule. I’ve not lived in a small town for about 7 years, so I’ve forgotten the looks you get when you have bright hair and eyebrows. Such a stark contrast from London, where no one bats an eye!

Plus Size 70’s Style

But I digress. This post is all about this dress — the Lindy Bop Ivory dress in blue! I’m going to start the review off by saying one thing; this really isn’t a ‘me’ dress, if you will. I loved the look of it, and the colour is absolutely beautiful. But after talking to Lindy Bop again, I probably just needed a size down to make it perfect. I often make the mistake of throwing the tags off clothes before I shoot them, so the sizing is my mistake rather than the dress’!

This dress is an adorable tea-dress style with massive cuffed bishop sleeves! I don’t often go for this style since it’s more of a 70’s style in my opinion — hence my styling is a bit more toned-down and 70’s-esque. I loved the option of trying a new style out that I ordinarily wouldn’t, which is something I love so much about this whole blogging thing.

Lindy Bop Ivory Dress

It’s made from polyester, but a soft one at that, with textured “polka dots” running through the shell fabric. It’s got a bit of stretch to it, with a stretchy lining. Which is great when you have bigger hips like mine! It caters to them very well, especially with an elasticated waist.

I took my usual 22 in this dress, and the sizing is a little large, honestly. As I said above, this would look a bit better on me if it wasn’t so blousey up top. If you’re busty, go with your regular size, but size down if you’ve got a smaller bust. The waist is really forgiving, so that bust measurement is the only one to go for!

The Lindy Bop Ivory dress is incredibly comfortable. I mean sitting-on-a-coach-for-hours comfortable. (Which is also why it’s a bit creased — oops) Soft fabrics and stretch make a real difference with dresses, and this one would be perfect as a day dress, or even one for the office! Personally, I wish there was pockets in it to make it perfect for all occasions.

I love the sleeves so much — the one downfall this dress really has is that the cuffs are just a bit too wide. Not sure if that’s with the sizing or the dress itself, although it won’t take much to alter, honestly!

What do you think about this slightly different style for me? And tell me your thoughts on the dress below!

Dress; C/O Lindy Bop (Disclaimer)
Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Shoes; Yours Clothing
Hat; Primark

9th September 2019

Outfits of the Week – Sleepy Gal Edition

Welcome to Monday, friends!

Hope we’re all doing well? Had a good weekend? I was in Somerset for a wedding, and I was drinking with the Irish — so it’s been a drunken weekend for me, I’ll tell you! But the past week has me in a good mood for once. I finally got diagnosed with CFS after years of struggling and not being believed by doctors, which is incredibly freeing. And because of that, I’m learning each day how I need to slow down and allow my mind and my body to just be. We’ll talk more about CFS later, however, because today is Monday, and we’re rounding up the outfits of the week!

Top; Alexisonfire Merch
Skirt; Boohoo
Shoes; Everything 5 Pounds

Starting off the week with some alternative style! Decided to try out my usual “I can’t be arsed with dressing up” outfit with these espadrilles I’ve been wearing all summer. Funnily enough, it turns out the shoes, makeup and hair really dress it up a bit more than usual.

My tiredness has really knocked me off my feet this week, and dressing up has been really hard. I find I have to sit down and take breaks when getting ready in the mornings because my body refuses to work with me. Now I know it’s CFS and I’ll have access to more psychological and physical therapies I’m feeling much more optimistic. But this particular day I was finding the morning hard. I wasn’t even able to get my yoga in more than once this week because of it!

Outfits of the Week

Dress; eShakti
Cardigan; Old Collectif
Necklace; Bow and Crossbones
Headband; Primark

Accidental teacher vibes with this one! I had a big delivery at work, and so I needed to be comfortable. Also, if you’re in the UK — what the fuck is up with the weather? It’s suddenly turned cold enough for longer sleeves and soon enough tights will be needed!

Dress; Handmade
Cardigan; Collectif
Shoes; Melissa

I find it slightly amusing that you can now tell exactly what days I can’t be bothered through these blog posts. Especially now it’s colder and I need to retire a lot of my happier-looking clothing. And whilst wearing this old handmade dress this week, I realised it really needs to sit in some dye for a while. This is why 100% cotton is such an arse — the colour runs out of it too easily, don’t you think?

Dress; Joanie Clothing
Cardigan; Old Collectif
Necklace; Handmade
Headband; Primark
Shoes; Melissa

I’m starting to realise that this dress is so much more than I originally thought it was — literally every comment I had this day was about the dress! It’s pretty cute as an outfit, though, so I don’t blame people.

What do you think of this week’s lazy style, guys?

As always, let me know what you think in the comments!

2nd September 2019

A Week in Outfits — A Mix of Plus Size Styles

Monday again?

I know, it’s back to the grind for the beginning of the week. But hey — it’s not all doom and gloom surely? Let me know how your Monday is going in the comments. For me, I’m at work, doing my admin and getting through an entire box of man size tissues. But as it is Monday, I’ve got some of my outfits from last week to show you — and it’s a real mix of plus size style this week!

Hair Flowers; Lady Luck’s Boutique
Dress; Lindy Bop
(was gifted it as a sample, not sure it ever went into production!
Shoes; Swedish Hasbeens

First of all, wearing last week’s poodle for the last time today, as my scalp was getting itchy and I was desperate to wash this mop! I loved you, poodle, but my psoriasis did not after four days.

Necklace; Handmade
Top; Primark
Skirt; Handmade
Shoes; Everything 5 Pounds

Plus Size … Sinus Infection Style?

My body happened to give up on me midway through Tuesday (The Boyfriend™’s birthday, annoyingly) and gave me some annoying cold/sinus infection thing. This is me very much trying to look human, but honestly I gave up on work after a few hours. My face really says it all, to be honest with you. Straight to bed that night!

trying to look human with a sinus infection

Top; Primark
Skirt; Collectif
Shoes; Everything 5 Pounds

Sadly the early night did not help, as you can see. If you ever wanted more realism in your bloggers, here it is. Yes, I’m literally blowing my nose on toilet roll and making a face. Yes, I still had to go to work, and so yes, I did take my outfit photo. Funnily enough, I actually took this as a joke, but out of the three shots I took; this was the only one that wasn’t blurry. The camera has spoken, friends — it wants me to show you this real glamorous side of me!

Dress; Retro Peaches
Bra/Harness; Playful Promises
Shoes; Yours Clothing
Bag; Vendula London

And finally, back to being overdressed! I’ve still got my stinking cold, and I spent Saturday in pyjamas because of it. However, today was the opening day of London Edge, and I wanted to dress up for it. This dress is honestly the most beautiful and comfortable thing I own!

And that’s that for this week’s outfits!

What are you wearing on the daily? Links/photos in the comments please! And if you happen to have some good home remedies for shifting a cold / sinus infection, you know what to do!

31st August 2019

Last Summer Days, Late Summer Style

Congrats – You reached Saturday!

Hope you’re all doing well friends! Today I’m actually spending the day doing a lot of self care since my body decided to give me some cold/sinus infection thing. Booooo. Apparently that’s what happens when you’re overworked — who knew! However today’s post isn’t about that, we’re talking about some late summer style!

It was The Boyfriend®’s birthday on Tuesday (the big 3-0), and he wanted to spend it drinking in the park like the teenagers we wished we could be. And so we spent the day lounging around Finsbury Park pretending we were hooligans. I joke, my hooligan days are far behind me! But drinking in a park seemingly isn’t, to be fair.

Anyway, hooliganisms aside, I took the opportunity to pretend I was in an Austen novel for a moment, wear a summer hat and frolic barefoot on the (incredibly painful and likely glassy) grass. I really didn’t do as much ‘summer’ stuff as I wanted to this year, especially sit and drink in parks with friends, have picnics and go to the beach. So in the last of the summer days, I decided I at least needed to try out some late summer style.

Late Summer Style

This is an old handmade dress of mine, actually made back in 2015. Lord, that feels like a lifetime ago! It certainly doesn’t fit me as well as it used to, but I think you’d agree that it’s too cute to not wear at this time of year, right?

The hat was also handmade — if you can call it that, really! It’s one of my IKEA placemat creations similar to last year’s Monstera Hat. This is simply using a scarf threaded through to attach it to the head — it’s really very simple. But attach a few flowers and boom! You’re suddenly a Bennet sister and ready to frolic in a meadow or two. Or inhale wine in a London park — that’s your prerogative, my friend!

The leaves are already starting to fall, and as much as I love autumn, I’ll be sad to see the back of summer, honestly. Sure, it’s been disgustingly hot and I’ve had a permanent sweat moustache since June, but the sunny days sure do energise me!

How are you planning to spend the last of the summer days? Let me know in the comments!

pin up blogger — Lensflare that JJ Abrams would be proud of!

Dress; Handmade
Hat; Handmade
Necklace; Vintage
Brooch; Luxulite
Shoes; Swedish Hasbeens

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