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Pretty Big Butterflies

Family, Food & Plus Size Fashion Blog

Ripped Distressed Jeans & Other Autumn Desires

I haven’t done a wish list for the longest time. I think I’ve really been hanging tight for the autumn if I’m honest. There are some real strong trends this season. Animal prints and mustard shades are two of them. Both of which I’m TOTALLY here for! Everything that’s hitting the shops at the moment is just so wearable. You can create a really strong and versatile capsule wardrobe from just a handful of items, which is always a good thing. Plus, it’s far from boring! It’s the perfect time for you to experiment with colour, cut and even shoes. Just to prove my point, and in true Hollie style, here’s my current wish list for Autumn / Winter. There might be a few surprises, but that’s why you love me right?

 

 

First on my wishlist, looking at the items above, are the plus size ripped black jeans from Good American. I’ve heard great things about the denim from this brand and I’d really like to try them for myself. They ship to the UK and go up to a UK 28 – woohoo! These jeans are my favourite though. It’s the raw edge that does it for me. Some of my favourite jeans have a raw edge hem. It just makes an outfit look instantly stylish! (In my opinion anyway) – Here’s an example of some raw edge hem jeans that I already own and I LOVE them!

Very Curve Range Review - pretty big butterflies

Next up let’s look at prints. Snake print (That cream shirt is just lush!) and checks are everywhere for autumn. Leopard print is too, but I feel like we’ve talked enough about that lately. We don’t want too much of a good thing, do we? The snake print shirt from the Dorothy Perkins curve range is a great way of being on trend in any environment. You can dress this simply with skinny black trousers or a tucked into a pencil skirt for work. Team up with ripped jeans (like the ones from Good American) for a casual vibe or for a real on-trend look, tie up the shirt and wear with skinny jeans! So many ways to wear one simply shirt.

Talking check. I’m in love with a bit of mustard and this check shirt is perfect for casual weekend autumn vibes. One of my favourite pieces is the check pinafore dress. It’s so cute. Because it’s grey, you can basically wear it with almost any colour. Polo necks in everything from pink to green. Match it with tights and ankle boots. Autumn wardrobe sorted. The same goes for the printed yellow dress from Evans. I know it’s a busy piece but don’t be scared to layer it up with jumpers- either on top or underneath!

Last but not lease. White boots. I’m gagging for a pair of good wide fit white boots. They sound like the most impractical thing ever during autumn and I actually agree. I mean you’ve got, rain, mud, snow… the list goes one. But there’s something about white boots that are seriously calling my name. I’m hoping that a good pair goes into the sale soon because I’ll be snapping them up for sure!

Those are the key pieces I’m after at the moment – no doubt you’ll catch them on my Instagram soon because I can’t stop the temptation!

*This blog post is in collaboration with Nakturnal

3 Ways to Level up Your Autumn Outfit

It’s official, autumn is here! I’m not complaining though. I love the fresh mornings and the crisp leaves scattered on the ground. I feel like it’s just a stunning season with beautiful colours. It’s a shame that those rich colours aren’t always reflected in fashion. Especially plus size collections! So I’m totally here to celebrate the V by Very plus size collection. It’s available in sizes 14-28, and the standard V by Very range goes up to a size 24 so you can dip between the two. I feel like they’re one of the brands that really offer staple seasonal pieces. It isn’t always about fast fashion, it’s also about finding pieces you love now and you’ll love this time next year too.

So going back to the autumn weather, how do you add a bit of colour to your autumn wardrobe? We all love the browns and tans but sometimes it can get a little boring don’t you think? Here are 3 ways that I’ve been levelling up my outfits so far this autumn.

Patterns

Plus size check shirt - pretty big butterflies

Plus size slogan top for autumn - pretty big butterflies

Having two little ones, I have to be practical most of the time. From running around after my 21-month-old while he waves his nappy around to avoiding baby sick from my 3-month-old. I want to look good but be comfortable. Plus, I don’t want it to be boring! This plus size check shirt is pretty much the epitome of easy fashion. It’s a gorgeous bright red but so comfortable. It works as a great layering piece too when it’s not quite cold enough for a coat.

A check pattern is totally in this season and, to be honest, it’s always on trend. A check shirt is a classic, but I know how hard it can be to get classic pieces when you’re plus size. So if I were you, stock up on this shirt while you can! It’s a simple but effective way of adding some colour to your wardrobe but keeping it really casual.

Black & White

Black and white striped top - plus size - pretty big butterflies

 

yellow autumn accessoriesHollie, you’re contradicting yourself I can hear you shout at the screen. But wait! Hear me out! So autumn is full of reds, tans and browns, right? Well, there’s nothing like a pop of strong black and white to make your outfit stand out against the autumnal backdrop.

When I say black and white. I don’t mean boring or subtle. Take this gorgeous jersey striped wrap top from V by Very Curve. It’s a real statement piece. It fits perfectly too, one of my fave tops at the moment actually. It has just the right amount of stretch.  I’m all here for colour but black and white can really pack a punch this season if you choose a statement top like this.

Bright Lips

Autumn floral outfits - pretty big butterflies

 

brighten up your outfit with a bright lipstick - pretty big butterfliesBrightening up autumn doesn’t just have to mean your clothes. You can bring a pop of colour to any outfit with a bright lip. I’m not a huge makeup person, I mean with 2 little ones it’s a hard task to do anything let alone a face of makeup. But a bright lip is easy, quick and levels up any outfit.

One of my favourites at the moment is this Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in shade Pioneer. It’s a deep red which stays put for ages! (hooray!) Keep a bright lipstick in your bag at all times, it’s the perfect autumn pick me up and even if the rest of your face is bare (and glowing of course!) you can level up your whole look in one swipe. (That’s the nursery run sorted then!) by the way, Very don’t just do clothing, they have an epic range of beauty products too. So next time you want to compliment your outfit with that bright lip I’m talking about, you know where to go.

How do you keep your autumn bright and level up your look in the cooler weather?

*Post is in collaboration with Very*

Why I love the classic check print this season

Check never really went away. From well-worn lumberjack style shirts that are ALWAYS in fashion to Burberry’s instantly recognisable pattern, the check has been a constant in our wardrobes since what feels like forever. This season, the humble check is a standout trend all over best-dressed lists from New York to Milan. SO obviously that filters down into all the autumn and winter ranges hitting brands as I type. Including this absolutely gorgeous plus size check wool coat from Manon Baptiste at Navabi.

Manon Baptiste CHECK PRINT WOOL COAT

 

 

 

 

Here’s why I love the classic check print right now and why this coat is basically a dream!

Classic = classy

Fashion is having a grown-up moment right now. Hemlines are down, necklines are up, figure-hugging silhouettes are apparently out (I’m not too sure on that one!) and modesty dressing has become just ‘dressing’. I’m happy about that because I don’t think dressing should be classified as ‘modest’. It should just be however the person wants to dress… right? But I do feel like this is a grown-up coat. It’s one that would make walking into any workplace a powerful moment.

This seasons neutral isn’t black — which can be mistaken for covering up when you’re big — but grey or brown. Fashion has become so classic that in February (when this season’s runway shows were held), Queen Elizabeth II made her first ever appearance at London Fashion Week, at the grand old age of 91. So it makes sense that heritage fabrics are in, and the check has gone from high street to high fashion.

How to wear plus size check - pretty big butterflies

…but not too classy

 Unlike other heritage fabrics e.g., tartans, tweeds, granddad knits — check has an air of playfulness about it. It isn’t boring and can come in so many colours. This coat is a mixture of grey, red, white and black. Classic but ready to be mixed with anything in your wardrobe.

Check clothing with floral print- pretty big butterflies

Navabi discount codeIt’s super versatile

You can wear check with pretty much anything that takes your fancy — smash it together with florals, use it to dress down evening wear or go classic with a block colour top and jeans. There are even lots of different types of check — it isn’t just about chunky lumberjack patterns, try a smaller print check for a more subtle nod towards the trend. This coat works perfectly with basically anything! It’s so gorgeous and the perfect length for midi dresses which are also on trend. I can’t wait to wear it with a bright polo neck and skinny jeans when it gets a little colder.

This Manon Baptiste coat shows just how versatile check can be. The inside lining of it is one of the most gorgeous floral prints I’ve ever seen. It’s bright pink and when you take the jacket off it’s a mega talking point. I put it on the back of my chair when we went to breakfast last week and I can see the little side eyes of wonder from the people nearby. I almost wanted to take it off in slow motion!

Keep cosy with a check coat - pretty big butterflies

 

It’s cosy when the nights get colder

Fashion isn’t just about looking good; it’s also about feeling good, and this coat is cosy, warm and hard-wearing. This coat is so warm and comforting, it’s shawl type colour keeps you feeling super snug — if it was a food, it’d be your mum’s apple pie.

What’s really great about this coat is that even though it’s chunky, weighty and a real winter warmer, it doesn’t make me feel like I’m a walking house! I don’t feel like I’ve suddenly doubled in size as some winter coats do. Not only is it a perfect fit but it FEELS good to wear. Know what I mean?

The check is classic for a reason and deserves its spot as this season’s number one trend. This coat also deserves it’s spot as this seasons number one coat!

plus size autumn and winter coats - pretty big butterflies

If you fancy treating yourself to this gorgeous code, or anything else from Navabi, grab yourself a 15% discount now using code HOLLIE15 – expires 31/10/2018

The best bra for your breast type

Hooters, knockers, jugs or beestings – no matter what you call them, they all deserve the breast (sorry) I mean best treatment. Without putting them in a box of classifications, we’ve distinguished several categories that usual breasts fall into and the types of bras best suited for them. Usually, they’re compared with fruits for their size – but there’s so much more to breasts than just their size.

So, we’ve all been told that there are no two snowflakes that are the same. This is possible also true for breasts (and even on the same body). One breast is usually always slightly bigger, slightly higher, slightly further inwards, the nipples can be slightly different shapes and the skin tone also slightly varying.

There are as many different breasts as there are bodies that they are on, and as many different daytime bras for them all. For when you are not wearing your daytime bra – wear your seamless lounge bra to avoid unwanted sagging and to be always comfortable and supported. Sugar Candy Bra is your ultimate lounge bra that provides unrestricted, seamless comfort and support.

 

Have fun classifying yours….

  1. Round

You are as round on the sides as you are on at the front, and as round underneath as you are on top.

Best Bra Vote: Triangular shaped, no padding.

Because you are round, you can pretty much wear anything. Maybe avoid push up bras as these can make you look like you have implants (unless you like that sort of thing).

 

  1. East West:

The bulk of your breast is closer towards your armpits. The nipples can be on the outer edges also or can be facing forward.

Best Bra Vote: Push up bra.

Because your breasts are facing outwards, we can try to bring them inwards with either a push-up bra, a balconette bra (this will lift them) and any bra that is close at the centre front.

 

  1. Ski jumps:

Shallow on top, can be concave and round or heavier underneath.

Best Bra Vote: Balconnet

You will need most of your support from underneath, this is where push up and balconnet bras are handy. Check that your bras do not have a stretchy lower cup – this needs to be more rigid for your breast to keep them upright.

 

  1. More in the middle:

The opposite to east/west. The fullness is more towards the centre of your body.

Best bra vote: Everyday spacer t-shirt bra

Balconette bras are good here as they typically lift without pushing your breasts together. Also look for bras that have a bit of a gap at the centre front.

 

  1. Lopsided:

Sisters but not twins. This is where one is fuller, positioned differently or with a differently placed nipple than the other (this is the majority of women.

Best bra vote: Padded decorative bra.

Padded contour bras are good here as they can mask the lopsidedness. Also try spacer bras, as these are also great for concealing differences.

 

  1. Full and low:

This is where your breasts are heavy and the nipple position is low.

Best bra vote: High impact sports bra

Something with a bit more support. You will need good straps and wires and preferably with a double back for an extended life. Try a 3 or 4 pcs cup bra with uplift or balconnet support.

 

  1. Wide set

Different to east-west where they are facing east/west. This one means there is a wider gap at the centre front between them.

Best bra vote: Push up bra

A plunging push up would be great here. Look for wires that are flatter on the outer edges, this is great for pushing your breasts together a bit more.

 

  1. Permanent cleavage:

This is the opposite of wide set, this is where the breasts are much closer together and are usually always making cleavage

Best bra vote: ¾ cup balconnet

Look for a bra that has a very narrow centre front between the cups. Avoid push up bras, as these will make the creasing more pronounced. Look for a balconnet that will lift and separate slightly to give a more separated look.

 

Whatever your breast shape or position – choose a bra that you are comfortable with, fits you right and are happy with, and you are sure to be taking care of your puppies the right way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Katie Brooker, the creator of Sugar Candy Bra.

 

One of Katie’s main mission in life was to design the most comfortable bra in the world for the larger busted girls. She understands the difficulty to find a bra that is comfortable and supportive whilst being uber cool at the same time. Sugar Candy was born because of this driving passion. Stay tuned at SugarCandyBra.com and @sugarcandybra to see more of her designs comes into fruition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Office Chair of Dreams

‪ I never would have thought there was such a thing as sexy furniture. That was until I found the Scarlett Velvet chair from Furnish Your Home. I know this sounds dramatic but it’s actually beautiful. It’s the epitome of minimalistic glamour. Plus, let’s be honest. It’s an instant Instagrammable piece of furniture.

I’m in the midst of turning our spare room into a secondary office space for me. Chiino already has his office (aka man cave) but I want somewhere pretty that I can work away from the kids for a while. So our spare room is being decluttered and slowly we’re adding the things that we need. It doesn’t need much. Just a massive sort out, new curtains, artwork etc. But I really wanted a small desk and chair that I loved. Something that made me want to sit there and work. Know what I mean?

Instagram worthy office chair from furnish your home - pretty big butterflies

Well, this gorgeously stylish office chair ticks all those boxes and so much more. It’s a super soft velvet fabric that makes you want to gently stroke it. Plus it helps stop a numb bum! It has a stainless steel base which is super sturdy. The shiny stainless steel goes around the body too, like a trim, giving it a mirror effect. So so so pretty. It takes my weight no problem at all and doesn’t dip when I sit on it. Winning!

It’s such an elegant chair and just by the quality of it, I can feel it’s going to last. (It comes with a 12-month guarantee anyway). What really worried was that it was home assembly. I am rubbish at DIY. I really struggle. If I could I’d pay someone to do all my furniture assembly. Chiino is good but if it goes wrong I’m such a moaner, so I try and do it myself. That way, if it falls apart I can only blame myself!

Well, honestly speaking, from a DIY hating, furniture assembly avoiding procrastinator… this was one of the easiest things I’ve ever put together. It took me about 10 minutes from beginning to end. By that I mean all the unpackaging, reading the instructions and building it. It’s so straightforward. I think there’s like 3 things you need to do. Everything is included too, so no need for any tools. If I can do it… ANYONE can do it. Trust me.

Scarlett Velvet grey office chair - pretty big butterflies

I’m on the lookout for a desk that matches now. It has to live up to expectations I’m afraid. I feel like with a chair this good, I need the desk to match. This gorgeous Cara silver desk is basically the Scarlett Velvets chair partner in life. It matches like a dream and is another example of the gorgeous pieces from Furnish Your Home. Although to be fair, it’s one of those pieces that will make ANY desk or room look good. I’m wondering if it’s conventional to move the Scarlett Velvet chair to the dining room and eat my dinner while I’m sitting on it. It’s far more gorgeous than my dining chairs that’s for sure. Plus, I just want everyone to see it! It’s too good to be hidden away!

Dream office chair furnish your home

As soon as the desk is sorted, I’ll be showing you my journey of spare room dump to cute office sanctuary. Wish me luck, with two kids under two it’s not an easy task. If you need me, I’ll be hiding in the spare room twirling around on my beautiful office chair!