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Snapshots Of London – Lumiere London

Although I definitely don’t do New Years Resolutions, I have decided a few things I’d like to do this year. One of them is just going out and seeing things in the city I live in and love. There’s just so much to experience in London that require no planning or money! So the past weekend I braved the freezing cold in order to see Lumiere London.

The second thing I really want to work on is my growing loneliness – just to bring the tone down a bit, haha!

lumiere london

lumiere london

Sooo. I’m kinda lonely these days, I’ve been low, busy with work, and sleeping a lot. I’m not making a lot of time to enjoy time by myself, nor time for friends. The nice end to this would be I hung out with all my friends when seeing this. But actually, I spent a couple of hours being cold and wandering the streets to experience Lumiere London by myself.

But you know what? I loved it! Listening to music (I’m really into InMe again), wandering around looking at pretty lights – that’s a great way to spend an evening!

lumiere london

lumiere london

You might have guessed from these photos that Lumiere London is a light festival. There were installations all around the centre of the city, including an enchanted garden in Leicester Square, an illuminated phonebox aquarium in Covent Garden and sensory light experiences in Kings Cross.

I really love the concept, it was almost like a treasure hunt of lights!

lumiere london

lumiere london

Did you go to Lumiere London? Or maybe something else interesting is happening where you are at the moment? Or even better! Let me know your best tips for enjoying time by yourself!

melody mae

{ Style } A Christmas Elf With We Love Colors!

Merry Christmas Eve-Eve beautiful people! I hope your present-buying is over and you’re all settling in for the big day with some mince pies. I’m working (boo), but I’ll be heading to my mum’s this evening for festive joy and enough alcohol to paralyse. For today, though, I’m going all out with a 50s Christmas style post!

50s christmas style

Christmas is a funny one for me, since I spent the majority of my teens and early adulthood hating it. I’d not felt the magic of Christmas since I was a kid, and my family were poor and my mum worked a lot. Therefore I just resented it. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more and more into the festivities the more I enjoy time with family. Maybe just a touch too into it, since I’m dressed up as an elf.

The main influence of this entire outfit is clearly the tights! We Love Colors sent me a little assortment of their statement tights, including these adorable candy cane striped pair just in time for the holidays!

we love colors

I never would’ve thought I’d be in love with a pair of tights, but you guys need to hear about these! Forget the stripes, these are tights that actually FIT, most importantly. Tights that fit my height, my large thighs and tummy and don’t bunch up on my small waist and ankles. I didn’t have to pull these up even once. It’s a Christmas Miracle!

I’ll be back in the New Year to tell you more about We Love Colors and their products, but for now I want you to revel in the kitsch. I had so many comments on them when out at Winter Wonderland, maybe I should be a candy cane more?

50s christmas style

But of course, no Melody Outfit is complete without a Vendula London bag, and this Toy Shop Box Bag was perfect! A little kitsch, a little Christmassy, no other bag would of worked with this outfit, would it?

It completes my little worker elf chic with a shop full of all the toys I’ve helped make! I’ve also been looping the shoulder strap around the roof of the box bags – it’s a great way to create a handbag style out of it.

50s christmas style

My talented friend Chris was kind enough to come and take these photos for me at Winter Wonderland at short notice, and aren’t they great? Even if we did see the worst Santa statue known to man – I’m calling him Liver-Failure-Santa. This is the face of alcoholism, kids. Drink responsibly this Christmas.

Actually, don’t. Have the merriest Christmas of all, my darlings!

50s christmas style

melody mae

Photography; @GreasyChris on IG
Hairbow; Primark | Necklace; Handmade
Bangles; Vintage and Splendette | Brooch; Luxulite
Dress; Lindy Bop | Bolero; Collectif
Tights; C/O We Love Colors | Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

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{ Lifestyle } Introducing… Vendula London Covent Garden!

Happy Wednesday sweethearts! Sorry that I went missing for a bit there! But it’s all for a good reason – it’s due to the fact we opened Vendula London Covent Garden!

If you don’t read my Disclaimer on every post featuring Vendula London, you might not be aware that my day job is working for them! We opened doors officially on the 9th December, and oh my it’s been a ride! For today’s post I’d like to take you on a tour of our new home!

vendula london covent garden

vendula london covent garden

Of course, we have our famous Shop Front ranges! An entire wall of Shop Front bags and purses, even! From the kitschy Toy Shop to the girly Chocolatiers and punky Music Box ranges, we have something for everyone.

And most noteworthy, we also have the absolute LAST of The George bags in Covent Garden. This will be your absolute last chance to grab the iconic range!

vendula london covent garden

vendula london covent garden

But of course, that’s not all! Vendula London Covent Garden isn’t a small shop, so we’ve got all the ranges you can see on our website and more.

Our AW17 ranges are displayed expertly (If I do say so myself 😉 ), with the Cinema Light up bags glittering next to the Russian Dolls!

vendula london covent garden

vendula london covent garden

And I wasn’t kidding when I said all the ranges from our website – finally we have Online Exclusives in store too!

My personal favourite is the Love Boat – I mean, how cute is it?! I’m biased since it’s just my colour palette, but it’s also just adorable.

vendula london covent garden

Of course, you can see all of these online. But seeing them in real life is something else, so when you’re next in Covent Garden, do drop in!

Vendula London Covent Garden
54 Neal Street
London
WC2H 9PA

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{ Sewing } Hang On Now, Gingham In Winter?

Happy Saturday, darlings! How are we all doing? So due to preparing for something exciting at Vendula London, I’ve had some time off! I’m a workaholic at times, and having some time off has been both a blessing and a curse. The main thing, though? I finally got the time to sit at my sewing machine and make something! And here is my hot-off-the-machine gingham 50s skirt!

gingham 50s skirt

I bring up my love for gingham on a weekly basis. My rule is Gingham in Summer, Tartan in Winter. But hey, I’m throwing my usual rules to the wall recently with some pencil skirts so why not gingham?! I’ve been idolising Brigitte Bardot a little bit, and this photo has had me all sorts of swooning. So hell, a few meters of my favourite 1inch gingham from Rolls and Rems in Holloway and a day at my sewing machine and I have my new favourite skirt!

plus size sewing

gingham 50s skirt

If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, this skirt might look familiar. That’s because it’s the same dirndl style I used for the Can I Be A Raccoon Dog skirt, Strawberry Sundae skirt and All Hail The Gingham Queen skirt. What can I say, if I like something I’m going to have twenty versions!

These skirts are generally the easiest projects to make in the world. It’s as simple as pleating a length of fabric to a waistband and then adding a zip and pockets. This version has nothing that the others don’t, it’s fully lined in white cotton, deep pockets trimmed with ric-rac and has a centre back invisible zip.

The back isn’t my proudest moment of sewing, since it’s a bit skew-iff and sits kinda funny. I made the mistake of making it just a touch too small, oops!

plus size sewing

gingham 50s skirt

The reason I love these dirndl skirts is because they’re just so easy to wear. Jumpers, cardigans, t-shirts, crop tops – they all look good with this skirt. And I’ve mentioned I’m going for a Melody-Casual sort of look these days, which means these suit me perfectly. Effortless dressing is what makes good style, right?

melody mae

vendula london biscuit bag

And finally, accessorise with Vendula London! I love this Biscuit Shop (sold out) Grab bag, the white colouring seemed a little less me than some other designs, but I use it so often! And doesn’t it just look great with gingham?

So what are your thoughts, guys? Would you like a tutorial to make your own version? Or maybe you’d like to commission your own if you don’t sew? Comment below!

Have a wonderful weekend darlings!

plus size sewing blogger

melody maeScarf; Vintage | Earrings; Bow and Crossbones
Necklace; Vintage | Brooch; Luxulite
Bangles; Splendette | Top; Collectif
Skirt; Handmade | Shoes; Miss L Fire
Bag; Vendula London (Disclaimer)

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{ 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!

plus size style

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!

plus size style

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?

vendula london day

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.

melody maeEarrings 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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{Tutorial} Make Your Own Hand Embellished Beret

Happy Wednesday, Dolls! So amongst all the conversation of my own body fears and the way I view myself in a pencil skirt on my last post, I did also mention I made something spectacular. The Nope Beret! And in the interest of sharing, I’ve created a little photo tutorial so you can make your own embellished beret!

beret tutorial

Here’s what you need;

  • Beret (duh)
  • Haberdashery Trim (Ric Rac, Rope, pom poms – the choice is yours!)
  • Polystyrene
  • Pins
  • Needle and Thread, or fabric glue

beret tutorial

beret tutorial

I know you’re thinking “Why do I need polystyrene?” But this is an important step if you’re using anything that isn’t flat! Simply trace around your beret, cut out a polystyrene disk and stick it inside the hat.

This creates a nice even surface for you to work with, but also is easily stab-able! If you’re using flat trim and fabric glue you can still use this method, but I wouldn’t suggest if for flat trim and sewing. I know because I tested it, and it’s just so much easier to just pin flat to the fabric of the beret instead.

embellished beret tutorial

embellished beret tutorial

Once you’ve got your stabby-beret all set up, the world is your oyster! I’d decided to use this gold-toned rope I’ve had in my stash for a few years spelling out “Nope” after I realised how much time I spent shouting the phrase at men in the street. Yep, I made a conscious fashion decision based on cat-calling. It’s quite empowering, honestly.

But we’ll get back to the tutorial, shall we? This is the simple and fun part of designing your hat – you just push the pins through the trim and beret until you hit the polystyrene! From then on you’ll spend roughly an hour getting frustrated with how it doesn’t look how you imagined, forgetting how to spell words, and wondering how people write a ‘P’. I know this through experience. I mean, how DO you write a ‘P’?

embellished beret

But after faffing about you’ll have a layout you’re happy with, your ‘P’ will look less alien, and you’ve stabbed the polystyrene in frustration more times than you care to admit. Use short stitches with a matching thread to your trim to permanently attach to your beret! Somewhat fiddly, (especially with behemoth nails) but so worth it. And it will be ready to wear in less than an hour.

If you’re using fabric glue at this point, there’s so much less to fiddle with, but I would suggest only using it for flat trims. A rope trim definitely needs a stitch to keep it anchored, but ric-rac would be great for a quick and easy project!

embellished beret

And now you have your own embellished beret! The possibilities of hat style and phrase combinations are endless. Anti-cat-calling phrases on a beret? Your favourite swear word on a sunhat? Or even themes on a deerstalker? The cactus embellishment from my tilt hat in this post would make an amazing beret, I’d say!

But there’s always those that are less crafty and don’t fancy giving it a go. And that’s absolutely fine!  You can always ask real nicely if I’d make you your very own, simply send me an email at MelodyMae(AT)me.com.

Let me know what you think of the tutorial – and if you’d like to see more easy ways of updating and embellishing things on the blog!

embellished beret

melody mae

{ 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!

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.

boohoo plus pencil skirt

asos gold shoes

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.

embellished beret

embellished beret

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!

boohoo plus pencil skirt

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

{ 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?

vendula london pub bag

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!

vendula london crown

vendula london pub bag

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!

vendula london crown

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!

vendula london pub bag

vendula london crown

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!

vendula london crown

melody maeHair 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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{ 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!

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

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{ 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!

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!

lindy bop lily dress

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!

lindy bop lily dress maltesers

lindy bop lily dress maltesers

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!

lindy bop lily dress

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

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