on losing weight: fashion + clothes (etc)

What I want to talk about today is clothes. I used to post a bit of fashion-related stuff on my blog, back in the day, but as I've got older, I've found that I care less about what I wear, in general, as long as it's clean..

Finding clothes to fit me is something I think I'll always struggle with - as I'm not your average size, height-wise. I was talking to my brothers girlfriend recently, she's much slimmer than me, but we're about the same height, and she struggles to find trousers to fit her properly, so much so that she makes her own. So, I can't see my struggles improving in that department...

But recently since I've been losing weight, I've started caring again about what I wear. I'm not going to go crazy and buy all the clothes you see in Topshop because I'm really not that 'on trend', but I've got really into basics (exciting, I know). For example, I never used to wear jeans, now I'm on the hunt for a really good pair of them. (I was so pissed when I found out Topshop had replaced GAP in my local mall!)

Anyway, I'm going off on a tangent. I thought I'd talk about the pros and cons of finding clothes to wear - post-weight-loss.

THE BAD:

• Buying clothes in the middle of your weight-loss journey is an awkward one. Back in May/June I bought a lot of new clothes. I'd lost a lot of weight, it was my birthday, I want to look nice, etc. I got several pairs of new jeans, a few dresses.. I'm now almost 40lbs lighter. Just over a month ago, I got a new pair of jeans (a cheap pair from F+F as I'd learnt my lesson this time around) and, you've guessed it, they're too big now. I mean thats exciting, but it's not cheap. Be smart, if you think you're going to be losing more weight, wait. It'll save you money in the long run. 
• Finding your current wardrobe doesn't suit you anymore is tricky, too. I used to be a fan of oversized baggy everything, hiding all my stomach and my arms and my thighs and anything that I didn't like. Now that I'm a bit more confident, all those clothes swamp me, and I look the same size I did before. It's a shame, one of my old-favourite shirts is just unwearable because it's too big now.
• On a similar theme, re-learning my ~personal style~ is something I am still doing. I used to try and cover up everything I hated, but now I am happy wearing things a bit more close-fitting, but I'm not really sure what. I can't give you many pointers here, because I'm still in the midst of it, but I'm hoping that I'll get better along the way.

THE GOOD:

• Finding little things about your new body that look good in clothes, is one of my recent favourite things. After trying on thousands of pairs of jeans, I've found that some make my bum look pretty good. And then I stop and think about that thought, that shit, my bum can look good in jeans. 
• Whilst trying to figure out your new style is difficult, it can also be really fun. Clothes that you thought weren't options for you are now suddenly available, which is really fucking fun. I've been trying on all manner of random clothes when I go out shopping these days, to get an idea of what I like and what I don't like.
• It's really amazing to be able to walk into a regular clothing store and know you'll find your size. (Well, most of the time that is. I was in a New Look the other week and found they didn't stock in-store above a size 12, what the fuck is that about, New Look?) 
• Feeling more confident, generally. I spend a lot less time worrying about whether my shirt is too tight and clinging to bits I don't want, etc, because theres less bits that I don't want on show. It's exhausting, worrying about things like that constantly, and it's mad how much energy it takes up. 
• Caring less generally, about what people think of my fashion choices, too. I used to worry that people were thinking if I wore a certain item of clothing (how dare that fat girl wear leggings, leggings are not for fat people, for example, is something I overheard once). I think this comes with growing up and giving zero fucks about life, also.

This doesn't mean that I don't have tantrums about clothes not fitting, like any other human being (well, mostly the women, I suppose) out there but things are improving for me..

All other On Losing Weight articles can be found here!

hibernation season

To me, Autumn-fashion is synonymous with big sweaters, long socks, wooly scarves and hats. But when I'm at home and lounging about, and find myself chilly I resort to lugging around my hand-made quilt, dragging it about the house and wrapping myself up in it. This is partly because I'm cold, yes, but also because it's made from flannel (like a fleece!) and is oh-so-soft and cosy.. Unfortunately, this isn't always practical.

A few weeks ago I was having a cheeky evening hot chocolate in Next with my friend Gemma and stumbled across this oh-so-soft and cosy sweater which I really just wanted straight away. I resisted for about a week, but then just caved, and went back and bought it. I do not regret that decision in the slightest. It's incredible soft, if I haven't said that enough already, but it really is. Like baby sheep fleeces or some crap, I don't even know. It's got a really lovely roll neck that you can pull up and keep your neck all warm, or let flop over. I particularly love the little thumb-holes in the sleeves that you can keep hooked down.

Generally, it's just a really great winter-investment, and I can see me getting such a lot of wear out of it in the coming months. I'm really loving getting all comfy in bed or on the sofa and settling down with my laptop for some quiet-time, such a nice thing to do. I'm really pleased with the quality and price actually, for Next, normally I find their quality doesn't match up to their price - like they price their clothes at a higher point than they're really worth - but this I felt was spot on. £20 for something I can even wear out of the house (and have popped to the shops in!) is actually pretty reasonable. I got a bigger size than a needed (XL) because I want to be able to cuddle up in it. 

This isn't a sponsored post or anything, by the way, I just really wanted to share this all with you because I love it show much, and have barely taken it off since I bought it. And it's still in the shops if you want to pick one up!

favourites things in june

SHORTS: I am including this in here for an important reason - basically, I have become body confident enough to wear shorts. Not little skimpy hot pants, but jean cut-offs that come to about my knee. You have no idea how weird this is for me (the girl who hasn't shown any skin above her ankle in public in about ten years). It's weirdly liberating to not give a single fuck if someone thinks my legs are too fat or too pale or too lumpy or too scarred or whatever and just wear them because it's bloody hot outside.  

BIRKENSTOCKS: So yeah, I'm one of those people that wear them. I don't even care if they're ugly, which yeah, I know they are, but I've wanted some for ages since my friend told me how comfy hers were, so I found the Birkenstock Arizona's at John Lewis, paid for them and they were waiting for my the next day when I went into work (I really love Click & Collect). 

NEON NAILS: Now it's all sunny and lovely outside I want to make my feet all ready for summer - which is sort of frustrating because I hate wearing shoes when it's nice outside - so my feet take quite a beating. I have been trying to keep my feet looking nice for the summer, but I saved you the picture of my exfoliating tools (really, I saved you) but my feet are feeling tip-top for summer. Pictured above are Illamasqua's neon yellow Rare (photos & review here) which is currently on my toes, Models' Own Toxic Apple (Instagram picture!) and China Glaze's Flip Flop Fantasy (photos & review here), three of my all-time favourite neons.  

GRADUAL TAN: When you start getting your legs out, wearing sandals and painting your toes highlighter-yellow - you realise your legs are hella pasty and blindingly white. So I found this St. Tropez gradual tanner at work and I stupidly bought the medium/dark one - which may be a teeensy bit too dark for my skin-tone, but it just makes me look super tanned, which I like. Just a warning though!  

ACCESSORIES: Apart from my usual day-to-day jewelery, some other things have made their way into my wardrobe - my trusty all black Swatch watch, and my still perfect Ray-Ban's. Both of which, I really love, I extolled the virtues of my sunglasses when I got them a couple of years ago but they're still a summer essential (they get use in the Winter, too, when the sun is low and bright in the morning) and they just go with everything. They're my first pair of prescription sunglasses and they're honestly the best thing, don't know how I coped before I got them? I also really love my Swatch watch, which I just think looks great when I'm a bit more tanned in the summer. 

SUMMER SCENTS: My standard, go-to, fail-safe summer scent is Penhaligon's Blenheim Bouquet (full review here), it's still the most heavenly perfume I've ever worn. It smells like gin-and-tonic, like elderflower cordial, like late nights spent outside, warm air, summer rainstorms and it fades to the most delicious, practically spicy, lemon and lime smell on my skin. I've also been using my Crabtree & Evelyn Tarocco Orange, Eucalyptus & Sage hand-cream on my hands, elbows, knees and heels, and it smells like bitter orange blossom, I'm in love.

FITNESS APPS & SUPER BRIGHT CROP-TOPS: I'm still on my weight-loss mission and I'm doing well - things slowed down through the month because of being away, having birthdays and meals out, and they're all excuses, but I am still dropping my weight, and I'm only 4lbs away from losing 4 stone! Which I'm still not quite sure is a real thing, but I know I'm so much fitter, I know that my clothes are so much looser (I've dropped two sizes in jeans!). I've been using the app Myfitnesspal to track my calorie intake and exercise and it makes me really think about everything I'm putting in my body, and it feels great! I'm also loving getting nice work-out gear, which makes early mornings at the gym worth it. I picked up some cute crop-tops (bras, if you're of the small-breasted variety) to wear under vests if they have slashed arm-holes from TK Maxx for under a tenner.

So I was sat at my desk on Sunday night with a slice of Victoria sponge and home-made lemon curd (oh man, that is making me hungry all over again, they'll be a recipe up soon for it!) and I suddenly realised that it was practically the end of June. I sat up straight and opened my calendar and realised, yup, there was only one day left until July. Where did June go? I thought in a panic, I remember my birthday, and being off work, and going away, and so many sunny days I can barely remember but... still, I'm really not sure where it went. Is this a sign I'm getting older? Actually, don't even answer that one, I already feel old enough when all the new kids are at work, telling me how they've just finished their first year of sixth-form (shudder).

Anyway, the point of this ramble (and a super long post) is that I thought I would show you some things that I've been loving this past month, even though it's been whisked out from underneath me and now it's suddenly the 2nd of July, which I still don't quite get (sometimes hot, sometimes not, when are the kids out from school, should I risk the beach this week or will it be rammed with kids, etc etc..).

Share with my anything you've been loving recently, I love to try out new things!

planning party dresses

(images from asos.com)

Despite the fact I used to post a lot about fashion on here - I feel like I have stopped caring a lot about the things I put on my body these days. I basically live in a uniform of black (continued on from my university days where it was useful to hide the ink stains) and dressing up consists of putting on an unstained pair of jeans or trousers and a smart blouse. 

That said, there are parties quickly approaching that I will have to look presentable at and I thought I would treat myself to something new, and something colourful, for a change. I've resorted to ASOS, because as much as I can't stand their awful customer service, they do have brands that I like and a good selection of bigger sized clothes. 

I need two dresses, one for my dad's 60th birthday party, and one for a casual birthday party of my own with a few close friends. I'm thinking the blue or the green will be perfect for my dads 'do, one of the red and orange dresses for mine - I've got these lovely platform heels I haven't had a chance to wear yet. 

But as is the way with these things, they could get here and be awful! I will keep you posted, because I know you're all hanging on the edge of your seat there. 

groundbreaking florals

After living inside giant hand-knit sweaters and brothers/fathers hand-me-downs for five months, I feel like I've emerged from hibernation these past two weeks. This, coupled with the fact I've lost quite a bit of weight this year, have made me seriously need some spring-appropriate clothing. I went with the intention of getting just a few basic black vests (why stray from tradition, I suppose?) and happened on this t-shirt in Primark. It's so different from anything I usually wear, that I really love it. It's just a black t-shirt in the back, but it's just the right length for a t-shirt on my 5'10 1/2 frame (so it would probably run longer on shorter girls). I wore this on Easter sunday with my blue pants for lunch with the family, and it looked nice, I think.

Of course, I got the obligatory black and white vests and such, as well as a really nice sheer kimono from H&M, and a light-weight knit kimono/cardigan from there too. Good things. Now I just need a warm day when I'm not stuck at work to wear them!

fake outfit v2

Blue Geometric Patterned Dress, £19.99, New Look

Another cheating-ootd, I couldn't be bothered to set my camera up all properly, as I was running late, so I just snapped a few pictures in my mirror! My brother recently passed his exams and got into uni (Cardiff, to do Maths!) so we went out for dinner as a sort of celebratory thing, also because my older brother wouldn't be able to see him before he went off to uni, due to work and such. 

I wasn't originally planning on getting anything special to wear, figuring I would just dig something out of my wardrobe, but I went shopping that day with my friend Gemma, and saw this dress. I was drawn to the print, immediately - I love a good print, especially anything geometric. And you can't see them (because I stupidly threw a cardigan on) but it has adorable little puffy cap-sleeves, which are really sweet. The elasticated waist is not my favourite, I'll admit, but it does sort of suck me in!

Also, because I'll probably get asked, my lipstick is Dior's Dolce Vita Red (which may be overtaking Russian Red as my favourite mid-tone red.. I have a serious problem, I'm willing to admit that).

you can't always get what you want

grey jersey knit boxy tee, £16

navy jersey knit boxy tee, £16

charcoal knitted cocoon top, £18

white knitted cocoon top, £18

dark blue and burgundy jumper, £14.99

true black pure body scoop gown, £24.95

heather grey pure pullover hoodie, £29.95

russian navy pure pocket v, £24.95

black eva ballerinas, £30

black patent loafers, £25

I'll state it right now that I am just fed up of this summer. As someone who really craves sunshine, the rain is mostly doing my head in. I went shopping on Monday and I think the shops know that I am fed up. They were full of light knits and plain, simple, oversized shirts and vests and things that make my heart sing. I just want all of it.. I don't think that's appropriate. Here's a list of things I found that I adore, I'm really lusting after simple, oversized silhouettes in basic colours. Grey, navy, black and white. Pair with black leggings or jeans, and shiny patent loafers or flatforms and it looks really classic, in my opinion. 

I want all of this! Unfortunately I don't have £230 to blow on it, sigh. In fact, I barely have any money. I think I'm going to bribe my mum into getting the loafers for me (for uni..) and one of the dorothy Perkins boxy tee's (the grey). 

I went into Gap the other day (something I very rarely do) and I really enjoyed their selection. I snagged a super comfy white jumper in the sale for half price, and having a look online, they have some things that I really enjoy - like their Pure range which is just a load of oversized basics which is what I'm after.

As for the shoes, although I love the flatforms, the loafers are way more appropriate for uni, cheaper and something I've been after for a couple of weeks! I found some beautiful ones in Russell and Bromley, Kurt Geiger and Dune, however, they're all shite in that they don't go past a size 9. I messaged Dune on Twitter about this, and they said there is "no demand", which is, frankly, bullshit. I know many girls with feet larger than mine, and to say there is no demand is pretty stupid. I didn't even dignify them with a response because they obviously didn't take me seriously. THAT however, is beside the point. I found these pretty loafers from Next, which are in my size, and much cheaper! I think they'll be good for uni, so I'm excited to get these.

Have you picked up any bargains recently? Let me know! 

fake outfits

This is a bit of a cheating outfit of the day (please excuse the mess in the background!). I got this mirror from Ikea the other week, because I was lacking one in my room, since I have redecorated. On Friday last week, me and my friend wanted a day out, so we planned to go see Downton Abbey (lol). Unfortunately it was shut, but we didn't let this dampen our spirits, and instead had a nice wander around Winchester, drinking amazing iced-coffee from a little coffee-shop, wandered around the cathedral, watched Escape to the Country on a large screen in the church-yard? Yeah, I don't know! We perused the Oxfam bookshop which is amazing, and had a nice day. It wasn't what we had planned, but it was very sunny which kept our spirits up!

Anyway, I recently purchased this dress from ASOS and I am in absolutely love with it, it's the perfect length and weight (it's a fine knit) and looks casual and dressy at the same time. I love it! I got it on sale for £24.50 and I am so happy with it. I can really picture me wearing it to private views and the like for uni, as well as to dinner, or just regular days out.
I've had a really lazy day, just watching the Olympics and chilling on the sofa, but I'm quite content with this! What've you been up to? 

something special

Me and my housemate Alex had a really lovely day out in Brighton today, he's from the area so he knows Brighton really well and ahh.. it's just a really lovely town! We walked along the pier and it was so sunny, and we had a good look around all shops up and down the Lanes, as well as uhm-ing and aah-ing over things in American Apparel.. we had some really good food, and I bought myself a big treat, but I am very happy with it..! I will show you later in the week if I can get a good picture! If you follow me on Twitter, you might have seen me tweeting about it..

Anyway, I sort of threw together this outfit in a rush, but it felt quite summery and I liked that.

White vest, Primark
White linen shirt, Marks and Spencers
Nude and black stripy skirt, H&M
Black leggings, H&M

I'm off to London tomorrow to see Tam for lunch, I might squeeze in the David Shrigley/Jeremy Deller exhibition at the Hayward if I have time in the morning! Then in the evening, me and Rachel are having an evening in, which I am in need of!

a fail whale of a day

Jumper, Marks and Spencers

Scarf, gift

Skirt, H&M

Leggings, Tesco

Earrings, Vintage

Nails, Rimmel Rapid Ruby

Me and my mum had this really lovely day planned on Monday. My dad had to go to Oxford for a meeting, and so we thought we'd go and spend the day and see the museum and the art gallery and get lunch and grab a lift with him. Then we found out the museum and the gallery shut on Monday's. Step one, foiled. 

We thought, well, lets go to Winchester, it's a pretty town and they have some nice things to see. Get to the station on Monday morning.. no parking spots.. at all! Step two, foiled. 

Then I decided to drive us to Reading and we could get lunch in a place that's just opened up there - All Bar One. We went to one in Oxford a little while back and really liked it. We get there and we go inside. There are some staff who don't acknowledge us, and don't come over to help us - the place is empty. Annoyed, and will probably never go back there, we leave! Step three, foiled! 

We ended up in the Slug and Lettuce and got a quick bite there and then a nice wander round the shops and good browse in the bookshop, and it although it was nice to spend time with my mum, it wasn't what we had intended!

Poke at my iris, why can't I cry about this?

I apologise if you're not enjoying this backlog of outfit-posts. In my downtime, I still take regular pictures and such, I just forget to write the text! Thinking of doing less wordy posts, so I shall make this short and sweet! An outfit I wore to the cinema a few weeks ago.

Top: Primark, about £10 

Trousers: ASOS, £13

Wrap: New Look (very old, I can't remember the price!) 

Watch: Ice Watch. 

Jewellery: Owl Ring from H&M, £3.99, others are vintage.

Tiger's are my spirit animal..

Quick outfit post for you today! I went to Longleat at Easter with some friends because I had a sneaky discount and we wanted a little Easter break. It was quite nice, wandered around Bath a bit, had a lovely time. And I bought an amazing shirt. For five english pounds. I couldn't believe my luck. I bought it super big so I could wear it like a dress, and I do.

I don't look myself in these pictures, I'm not sure why that is, haha. I look a bit like a demon. Sorry for the awful lighting! I tried editing them a bit, but I just looked more and more strange! Here's the graphic on the shirt;

 

You can't really see but theres a black leopard under my hair! Snow Leopards and and Tigers are my ABSOLUTE favourite (hence, my blog title!) so I was in love. I've been wearing it with my Primark boots, but now it's getting warmer again, I may have to put these away. We shall see! Hope you en joy my silly taste in clothes..!

Outfits & Faces

I hate the term outfit/face of the day, really. It just sounds awkward, but thats what this is. Here is what I wore for a little night out in town with some friends, having drinks before my friends went back to uni again! I'm actually quite an unconfident person, if I'm honest, and I don't ever really think I look that good, I just hope my appearance is not vomit-inducing, haha. I don't normally like going out because I feel self-conscious, etc. Anyway, that said, I felt quite nice! Which is an unusual occurrence.

Black lace skater dress, was £20.00

I bought this dress ages ago, but forgot that I had it! I tried it on at this Outlet up the road from me, but they didn't have it in my size there, so I bought it online.. and I don't know, I just kind of forget when I buy things online, because I consider it much more, when I buy things in person, they're more impulsive and I want to wear them straight away.
Anyway, I've had it in my cupboard for a couple of months? I wasn't really sure with what shoes to wear it with, but in the end I wore it with my black Primark boots. I think I looked a bit of a goth in the end haha, but I liked it!
Eyes:
Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Surge
MAC Eyeshadow in Idoleyes
MAC Eyeshadow in Nylon
MAC Eyeshadow in Parfait Amour
MAC Eyeshadow in Top Hat
L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara
MAC Kohl Power in Feline  Face:
Diorskin Nude Concealer in Ivory 001
MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NW15
MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NW20
Nars Albatross

And he shall be my T-Rex, and I shall name him..

So, my lovely little followers, this is what you call regular blogging! Quite intriguing, don't you think. Anyway, this is what I wore Christmas day (and boxing day, cheekyy). I got some lovely new bits and pieces for Christmas, so thought I might show you them.

I know I look a little bit silly, but I really like this photo! I thought I looked quite good for a change, haha. Anyway, HOW great is my lipstick? This isn't really an accurate description of the colour, so if you want a proper post on it, let me know! It's Corrupt by Illamasqua, and it's super bright pink. Not like fuschia-pink, more a paler hot pink. It's hard to describe but it's excellent!

Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Surge

I know my eyeshadow is a little bit smudgy but I'd worn this all day, whilst shopping during the sales! Haha. Here I am wearing my shiny shiny new Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Surge, which was also a lovely Christmas present from my Grandma. I wore it with an eyeshadow over the top and with a base but it did unfortunately crease. It's very liquidy, so I might have to leave the top off for a bit to let it dry out, haha.

Pure Cotton Cable Knit Jumper

This may be my new favourite jumper in existence. I picked it out, from Marks and Spencers, from the mens section, and I got it for Christmas. It's this beautiful, amazingly cozy beige cable jumper. They're not even that expensive. I know the pictures on the M&S website look very cheesy, but I like that I can pull this down long enough to wear it just over leggings, or stick a £3 H&M skirt on underneath... Lovely lovely stuff. And very useful for cold days at uni!

Also, I genuinely cannot recommend men's jumpers enough! A much much nicer fit than womens ones, which are always cropped and fitted and shit. Horrid! Haha.

(ALSO, doesn't my wall on the left of me look pretty awesome? I redid it with new photos and such not long ago!)

Galibardy T-Rex Necklace

And finally, my most excellent present of all, which I adore. My Galibardy Dinosaur necklace. It is amazing, and I've wanted it ever since I laid eye on it. I'm going to do a whole post about Galibardy but let me just say.. they have some AMAZING pieces. Everyone has commented on it, and it's just excellent. One of those quirky jewellery piecs that I just love. He definitely needs a name now. I'm thinking something like Trevor. Who knows, I will take any suggestions!

Not gonna lie, thought I look quite stylish that day. Haha, if only you could see me now, in my stretched out primark jumper and pj pants, with my hair all greasy and eating chocolate orange in bed at 5AM cause my sleeping pattern is fucked! hahah.

Anyway, I hope you don't think this is bragging or showing off or anything, just thought I'd show you where to find some wonderful things that I love already. (:

What did you guys get for Christmas?!

Clare Marie
xxx

(Under the jump is a list, of everything I used on my face, just in case you fancy such things!)

Smells like Autumn.

I start my degree on Monday and I'm pretty much just desperate to start already! I need a bit of something new in my life, and a fresh-start, or something.

And then I was on Tumblr the other day and saw this picture and I was like YES. This is what I want. I want hats and scarves and boots and autumn.

So I bought myself some boots and I dug out my scarves and I am looking forwad to being able to wear them. And this picture generally just emulates what I'm into for this Winter. I did a little hunting on my favourite websites, New Look, River Island, Dorothy Perkins, ASOS (I cannot WAIT until H&M open their online store!).

I'm totally buying into the whole chunky socks and boots trend, too, I want to hit up River Island and buy me some. The heeled boots with aviator-style-fluff are from New Look and I want them so badly. I just can't think where I would wear them, and as a five-ten girl, I don't really need boots like this, haha. So I compensated and bought the black boots in the bottom left, courtesy of River Island. They were only £40 and thought they would be useful for winter times and slogging about uni. I definitely want a big fairisle-style scarf, like the black and white River Island one or the grey New Look one in the bottom left. I also really want a parka. I'll have to see about that one.

In conclusion, it has rained all day and I want to start at uni already! Going to check out my friends halls down at Maidstone tomorrow, hoping this will get me all geared up for it. (:

What are you wearing this winter? Show me!