Valentines OOTW; Perfect Pin-Up

It's been a while since I've done an OOTW on my blog, but sadly I've been very ill for the past 7 weeks which means I just haven't had the energy to do any OOTW's after being ill and also working my day job & also modelling at the weekends. 

But today I'm showing you my 'perfect Pin-Up' Valentines Look! This is a gorgeous little summer dress from Collectif that I got last summer, but haven't had much of a chance to wear it or shoot with it yet. So as soon as I was shooting my Valentines Photoshoot on Saturday (Images will be over on my facebook page over the next few days and weeks!) I had to wear this gorgeous number.

Photo & Post-Processing - John Bellingham
Model, MUA & Hair Stylist - Emma Victoria

Pink Hibiscus Dolores Doll Dress (Size 18), Collectif - £59.50

Baby Pink 20 inch Petticoat, Hell Bunny - £25.00

Black 6.5 inch Heels, Charity - £5

Baby Pink Chiffon Square (Headscarf), eBay - £4.00

1940's White Size 5 Gloves with Lace edge Detailing, Vintage Shop - £10

I totally love this gorgeous look, its adorably cute and sweet and just oozes with the love that Valentine's Day is filled with. I simply adore the Pink Hibiscus Flowers, it adds the summer feeling I've been missing for so long and its the perfect dress to stand out with on Valentines Day if you have a special someone.

If you want a darker Valentines Look then why don't you look at my OOTW from Last Year

OOTW - Death by Love

Make-Up

Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation - Ivory

Natural Collection Face Powder - Neutral

Victoria Jackson Sunset Eyeshadow Palette (Gold & Pale Pink)
Bourjois Blush - Rose D'Or

Bourjois Clubbing Linner - Extreme Black

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Red Lip Liner

Barry M Red Lipstick (Blue Undertone) - Shade 151

Hair has been curled in opposing directions to create a ringlet and swirl as the hair sits on my shoulders, I used Tresemme Firm Hold Hairspray and did a wet set curl and left in overnight.

I hope you have a fantastic Valentines Day and Weekend. I might go and see Fifty Shades of Grey if I'm well enough and can find someone to go with me!!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

Valentines Day... If You're Single.

Hello again! I know its been a little while since we've really been together in 2015 - I've had a lot of other commitments and 2015 is going to be a huge year for this girl! I'm going to be doing some posts all about my adventures in life this year, next Saturday is a huge one so look out for it! Emma Victoria is going up in the world and I want you all to join me on the journey!!

--------------------------------------

Its got to that time of February where all the lovey dovey stuff is out for Valentines Day - all the adverts, all the shops everything turns into 'Love Central' but for many people across the world Valentines Day can frankly be a shit day. Some people couldn't care less (Oh how I envy these people sometimes!) but for those who do it feels like everyone in a relationship is out to remind you of how alone you feel.

So today I thought I'd write about a few things you can do to spoil yourself this Valentines Day!!

1. Get A Nice Outfit

If you are going out for the day (with family or other single friends) get yourself a really lovely new outfit - make yourself look good! Show the people what they're missing out on!
But also make sure you feel comfortable - nothing is worse then buying a new outfit that makes you feel uncomfortable.

2. Go Out/Stay In
It depends on what you prefer! If you prefer to stay in and out of the way of all the people in 'love' then get a good film, get some popcorn a bottle of wine and make a good night of it! I'll personally be having a few drinks while watching the Rugby 6 nations!
Alternatively you could go out and get smashed with your dearest friends if they haven't got a Valentines - I know a few people who love this option! 

3. Give to Charity
This year I've decided to do something a little different too - I'm giving to charity. The money I would've spent on a Valentines (and a little more) is going towards Charity instead. Even if its a little amount it still makes an impact. I'm giving to 2 charities this year - two which are close to my heart - Whizz Kidz & Chestnut Tree House. 
You can even give to charity if you have a Valentines - its just giving something to someone else that may need something more then you need them box of chocolates or flowers or that new game.

4. Wine is Your Friend
I found some fantastic deals on wine in the shops these past few days all because of Valentines Day, and I mean really decent wine - so go and treat yourself, take advantage of the deals (stock up if you want too!) and take advantage of not having to share that bottle of wine with anyone!

5. Bake a Cake
I love baking but you don't have to bake if you don't like to! Just do something you really enjoy but don't always have the time to do if you aren't working! If you are working, why not bake the day before and treat everyone at work instead!

6. Go to the Gym
Do something to make you feel good about YOU. In today's world I think people forget to do things for themselves and always do it to please other people. 

*OPTIONAL*
7. Go & See Fifty Shades of Grey!
If you love a little bit of Fifty, if you're single or have someone special in your life - go and see the movie! Book your tickets as soon as possible too!

Valentines Day is the day to love yourself and everyone around you. Drop the grudges, the arguments and the hatred and just embrace the loving and happy time, single, taken or married it doesn't matter - spread the Happiness!!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

Healthy Living - My Top 3 Fruit Smoothies

After posting up on my instagram some of the smoothies I've been having lately - all to do with my healthy living regime and I've had people asking me what my favourite ones to make are!

I'm also still setting up  my new Nutri Ninja Pro blender but for now I'm using my old blender that doesn't cut as finely at the moment! This post is about fruit smoothies, I will do another post on my top 3 green smoothies at a later date. I will also be doing a post on the other things I put in the smoothie and why I put them in.

1. Apple, Banana & Orange Smoothie

Ingredients

• 2 bananas
• 1 Green Apple
• 60ml Semi-Skimmed Milk (or whatever milk you prefer - I sometimes use Almond Milk)
• 120ml of Orange Juice - freshley squeezed from an Orange, not out of a carton!!

Method

• I put all the ingredients, finely chopped into the blender. When squeezing the juice out of the orange you may wish to sieve if you don't want the extra bits (optional).
• Pulse all the ingredients 3-4 times until items are more broken down.
• Blend the ingredients for 45-60 seconds for a smooth consistency, less if you want a lumpy/chewy consistency and don't chop up so finely. 

2. Pineapple Non-Alcoholic Piñ

a Colada

(I forgot to take a picture of this one, sorry!!)

Ingredients

• 1 medium banana
• 60ml of Coconut Milk (Light!!)
• 1 cup of fresh chopped pineapple 
• 1/4 cup of freshly juiced pineapple juice (from the pineapple not a carton!) 
• 1/2 cup of Ice!

Method

• I crush the ice up into chunks, not cubes, it helps to just blend up easier! 
• I pop all the ingredients in the blender.
• Pulse 4-5 times
• Blend for 60 seconds, pour into a glass and enjoy!

2. Berry-Tastic Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 Cup of Raspberries
• 1 cup of Blueberries
• 1 cup of Strawberries 
• 1 cup of Blackberries 
• 2 Green Apples (Or red if you prefer)

Method

• I chucked in all the berries into the blender, I finely chopped the apples and added them in also.
• Pulse for 4-5 times 
• Blend all the ingredients for 60 - 70 seconds.
• If you don't want all the seeds in the smoothie then you can sieve them out, although this is optional and depends on the individual.
• Pour into a glass, get a nice big straw and enjoy!

I hope you enjoy my favourite three fruit smoothies, let me know if you try them! 
I will be doing my top 3 green smoothies in another post!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

Book Review; The Stark Trilogy

After reading the Fifty Shades Trilogy and the first 3 books of the Crossfire series, I decided to do a little hunting for books on the erotic/erotic romance genre while waiting for the 4th book of the Crossfire to be released - and up popped the Stark Trilogy by Julie Kenner. This has a sort of similar plot to the other 2 series, but it does have its difference.

Release Me (Book 1)
When you first start reading this book the first chapter and a bit you find out all about Nikki and it kind of sets the scene of why she's in LA, her new job, why she's at this specific party. Then a little while later (I think about the latter of Chapter 2/chapter 3) Nikki meets Damien. She kind of explains what she knows about him, about his celebrity status etc. So we get to know the basics.
 
I won't give away too much, but for me at first I thought Damien was a bit of a prick, until I kind of warmed to him as I got to know him. But I also kind of wasn't sure if I liked Nikki at first either, although I grew to like her as the book went on and began to see a little of myself in here!

What you realise first of that these characters aren't clean cut, unlike the Crossfire series (which I personally love, but thought everyone kind of looks beautiful no matter what) these characters having exterior and interior beauty, along with a lot of pain. And that's what I found intriguing in these books more then anything - was trying to figure out what had happened to the characters and how it may effect the story plot - which it kind of does, a lot.

If you are expecting straight into sex with this book, you are definitely going to be disappointed, unlike Fifty Shades and Crossfire, this book makes you wait until chapter 20 - just over 200 pages in. Despite it being worth it, and you'll see why once you read the book, it did make me just want to say "get into bed already" with the sexual tension. They do have an encounter earlier on in the book but nothing physical between them goes on - I'd personally say its more emotional and verbal.

I did enjoy this book despite having to wait, and it did intrigue me what the second book would cover.

Claim Me (Book 2)In book 2 we sort of carry on where we left off from the first. This book had a little more sex in it, but there wasn't much more, which did leave me a little disappointed. I also did prefer Damien's character in the second book then in the first, but I still wasn't on Team Damien just yet. I adored Nikki's character in the second, I found she had gained a lot more inner strength but

still showed that she had her weaknesses no matter how much she tried to fight and hide from them.

In the second book, Nikki has a bit more of a 'celebrity status' and this does change Nikki's overall outlook, but her personality is very much the same and she's very insecure about things.

Towards the end of the second book though, I couldn't decide if I hated Damien or if I liked him. I'm not one for secrets - and he did spring out a huge one, and lied to Nikki. Which, with the entirety of the lie, pissed me off with the character (I know its not real, but I get very immersed when I read!)

I did feel for Nikki on the job front though, as she didn't really have much luck. But she did have amazing sex...

I did find this book focused a lot on the romance and developing feelings between the two characters. Although I did like the fact that her friends weren't always at the forefront of the storyline, but did add to it in dramatic effects as well. It was perfectly balanced.

Complete Me (Book 3)
Well, out of all three books I found this one the most emotional. To me it had the most impact, and quenched my desire for the characters to become more true to themselves and to each other. I personally thought in this book we saw the raw'er more real side of the multi billionaire, universe running, sex god who played tennis - and it was refreshing.

I also liked how when Julie Kenner wrote this trilogy, that Nikki's character didn't drastically change overnight since being with Damien, which I found in Fifty Shades and a bit in the Crossfire series, that the characters just miraculously adapted to the new life a lot easier then what someone in reality would.

I think this book also had a rather dramatic, yet adorably sweet ending. Admittedly, I cried and definitely got wound up into all the drama.

My only fault with this book was, the sex was phenomenal - when we had it. I personally thought in the third book, we didn't get a lot of the thoroughly detailed sex, only Nikki's want/desire for Damien and to have it. I think had there been a few more detailed times, it would have improved the book slightly.

AND... What a cliffhanger, yet absolutely amazing bombshell at the end of the book!!!!

Overall
I really enjoyed the Stark Trilogy, I still personally have the Crossfire series as my number 1, but this does par up well with Fifty Shades. I think there could've been a few improvements here or there - but I really liked how the characters developed and I did like how Nikki's character changed, but only slightly as time went on. 
My only main fault with the whole Trilogy is the fact that I don't hardly recall Nikki ever having a period?! Correct me if I'm wrong, but it was all the sex and none of mother nature popping her head in? The only other fault is that, I know there are mini little follow up Novella's about Nikki and Damien which Kenner has written BUT if you don't own a kindle you can't read them, as I can't find them in paperback (annoying).
However I do know there is a spin off about Jamie called Tame Me - so if you want to find out more about Nikki's best friend/roommate this is meant to be a good read!

I would totally recommend this if you enjoyed Fifty Shades and want a storyline very similar with a mix of the Crossfire series and Fifty Shades.

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

OOTW; Das Rock Haus Skirt Review

Today's OOTW is the first of 2015 and its a review of the gorgeous Das Rock Haus Olga Wrap Skirt!

OOTW

Olga Wrap Skirt, Das Rock Haus - £33.74 (converted into GBP)

White Long Sleeved Top, Novelle - £8
Long Apple Pendant, New Look - £5 (discontinued)
Stone Patent Double T-Bar Pumps, New Look - £7
Coral Headband, New Look - £5

Review
When the lovely Fiza contacted me about reviewing a skirt for Das Rock Haus I immediately jumped at the chance! The choice of skirts are wonderful and they are all so pretty and beautiful! Fiza and me discussed which would be best and I had a look, but I fell in love with the Olga and I'm so thrilled with the way it looks. Seeing as the skirt came from Singapore, I expected what with the Royal Mail for the skirt to take a little while to arrive but it arrived in 5 days which took me by surprise! When the skirt arrived it came in this wonderful mesh bag, with the ribbons tied in a bow. I completely loved the presentation of the skirt too, it was just the extra touch that makes the difference!

The fastenings are hook and eye fastenings which I honestly love, it's a more comfortable fit and no buttons coming off or loose! All you need to do is, take your measurements and the skirt's fastenings are done to your measurements for a perfect fit - which I honestly LOVE! I always have a problem when it comes to the 'right' size on my waist, and I think this is the perfect idea for an amazing fit!

I honestly love the fit on my figure - I'm an hourglass (with a little extra sand!) and I really love how this comfortably sits on my waist and doesn't dig in when I sit down. The wrap around skirt also helps to weight the skirt down a little so no awkward moments of the skirt flaring up when its a bit windy. I'm not wearing any shape wear with this skirt either. This skirt will be perfect for the hot Spring and Summer to come!

The skirt is a light weight material with a gorgeous triple bow detail on the top hem of the skirt - its the perfect touch to this already stunning skirt!

I give the Olga Wrap Skirt a 10/10!

Love

Emma Victoria
xoxox

OOTW; The Christmas Edition '14

Well, its Christmas Eve! Which means today's OOTW is going to be what I'm wearing over the next 24 hours... and the last OOTW of 2014! I normally go super super elaborate at Christmas, with a gorgeous dress; which I did actually purchase. But sadly after feeling a little bit low emotionally the past few days I went and bought a more casual comforting outfit to try and make me feel a little more 'cuddled'. (Silly I know, but its the little things).

I do feel a little upset and let down that I feel so low at this time of year, seeing as I've been so excited for Christmas since November but alas that is life sadly!

'Twas The Night Before Christmas

Tonight I'm going to be wearing my new pyjama set from New Look's plus size range 'Inspire' ...
As you can see I opted for the 'I'm a train-wreck' look with unbrushed hair and no make-up and also posing next to my natural habitat...

Navy Fairisle Jogger Bottom Pyjama Set, New Look - £11
(Bought in Sale - Reduced to £4)

Oh I Wish It Could Be Christmas... Everyday!

So as I said, its very casual this year, unusual for me, but I just honestly don't feel in the mood. People should be glad I'm even making an effort to put make-up on if I'm honest!

Black, White & Grey Long Line Jumper Dress, Peacocks - £18
Slub Cable Knit Cardigan, Peacocks - £25
Large Bun Hair Donut, Peacocks - £3
Baby Pink Glitter Bow, Beauxoxo - £5

My face is also very very plain, I'll probably rub some glitter rub on me on the day if I can find it and pop on some perfume - but otherwise I'm sticking with foundation and mascara.
Base is;
Collection 2000 Concealer in 01 Fair
2True Concealer in 01 (Under Eyes Only)
Rimmel Match Perfection in Ivory
Maybelline New York Dream Satin Liquid Foundation in Ivory
Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara

My hair is very simple, just up in a bun using a large hair donut and added a cute bow for some cuteness.

I also painted my nails (sorry for the messy edges I literally just painted them and hadn't cleaned them up yet!). I used a matte varnish for the first time ever. I used the Barry M Matte Nail Paint in Shade ' Crush' number 441 - its mix between a deep purple/plum and a rich burgundy, I can't really decide. But I'm very impressed and this is my absolute favourite shade right now!

Well I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, not sure if I will be posting up a Saturday post this week as I'm going to the rugby in Twickenham on Saturday but we'll see... If not I hope you have a Happy New Year too!

See you guys soon!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

Oh Christmas Tree...

Today's post is just going to be a picture post of my lovely Christmas tree all decorated. I added some more hints of gold and added some black to my tree for a slightly more 'glamorous' vibe, I didn't go overboard, but kept it simple with a few statement baubles. Clashing glamorous with a Nordic touch!!

My gorgeous Tree!

Mixing the Black and Gold Glamour with the sweet Nordic style

White and Gold

My new favourite decoration. Glass bauble with sticks
 and fake snow. Beautifully rustic

My mum is going for a Great Gatsby theme downstairs, and the Black and Gold
co-ordinates with our theme!

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxox

The Christmas Tag

The lovely Bex from Eclectic Bex tagged me to do the Christmas Tag; so here it is....

1. What are your favourite Christmas Movies?

Hmm this is already a toughie for the first question! There's many films I really love at Christmas, I've pretty much seen every movie they have on the Christmas 24 channel too. But I'd probably say I really love Jack Frost. It was very much a love or hate film.. But everytime I see it, it makes little old me cry...

2: Do you open your Christmas presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

My family open our presents on Christmas morning, but we also have table presents. We don't do crackers in our house, so we do a £5 table gift instead of the cracker, something someone may like or a little joke present. Its just a sweet little tradition we've had for quite a few years.

3: Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

As sad as it sounds, I don't have a favourite. I've always enjoyed Christmas, I've never really ever had a bad Christmas, but I don't have one memory that stands out overall. (Oh god how sad and boring do I sound!)

4: Favourite festive food?

Oh golly I do love a mince pie - but not the traditional ones. I really like the Cranberry ones I make, I think I might have to put the recipe on here one day, cause they are so delicious, and are a little healthier too!

5: Favourite Christmas Gift?

Oh golly another tough question. Again I don't really have a favourite but if I had to pick it would be between the handmade bunting my Aunt made for me a few years back, my Pearl Coat I got as an early Christmas gift this year as I needed a new coat and my sewing machine last year. I can never pick one, but I'm always very grateful for what I receive from anyone, big or small.

6: Favourite Christmas scent?

Cinnamon, Gingerbread and Mulled Wine.

7: Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?
My mum always cooks a special Christmas Ham that we have, and I normally watch all three Robbie the Reindeer short movies along with a Bailey's Hot Chocolate.

8: What tops your tree?

We have 2 trees in our house, one in my bedroom, just of decorations I've liked or gotten over the years and downstairs we have the main tree which is always decorated in luxurious gold... both both tree's a topped with a Star.

This year we also have a third tree - our Gatsby Tree. We've gone for a roaring 20's theme this year, introducing some blacks. Plus I just love Gatsby and the Gatsby inspired decorations in my nearby garden centre. This is topped by a Masquerade Mask.

9: As a child what was the one (crazy, wild, extravagant) gift you always asked for but never received?

I don't think I ever had one which was so wildly extravagant - I was a very basic child. Jesus I never realised how boring I can be ha! Unless my parents can think of any...

*Toodles off to ask mother*... "

10: What is the best part about Christmas for you?

The best part of Christmas for me, is seeing how happy it makes Children, The way their faces light up, seeing the lights and seeing Father Christmas. Its the happiness of the Children that makes me so happy and cheerful at this time of year. Children make Christmas for me.

I tag anyone who reads this to do this tag.. but I shall definitely say that my lovely fellow bloggers Stephanie Maverick should do this tag & so should Hayley from Lady Haze of Vintage! 

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxox

(P.S I also just want to say a huge thank you for getting my little 'baby' blog to 40,000 views! Guess it isn't really a baby blog anymore!)

Review: Hold-up Stockings from Amazon!

 So a while back I was looking for some hold up stockings that didn't cost the earth, that stood up well throughout the day and that were good quality. While browsing on amazon I came across these and thought I would take a risk. I got them in a size XL (my thighs normally fit a size 20-22) and the fit was really good, and they didn't cut into my thighs at all.

These stockings were also a really good height on the leg for me too. I normally find with stockings they go right to the top of my thigh, which sometimes is great but sometimes I like ones that sit a little lower on my thigh instead of right up near the kitty; and these ones do the trick perfectly!

So the black pair were really nice, and found they didn't ladder at all for me (despite ripping a toe nail, very painfully, just before putting these on for work) - both pairs are 20 denier and are definitely better then some of the ladder resistant stockings I've bought in the past. These isn't too much lace on the top, but just enough and the hold up tape is very hard wearing too. I wore these frequently when I had a lot of meetings and I was darting around London in a pencil skirt suit, these didn't fall down, I didn't need to adjust them at all only when I went to the bathroom.  

The white pair are really good for anyone who needs Bridal Wear and don't particularly want to wear a suspender belt. The white is really lovely and isn't a too stronger pigment (I did expect these to be more white then they are when I first bought them). They were perfect for me when putting together a winter snow themed outfit.

Both sets of hold-ups are very comfortable and haven't for me, since having them for 2 months, have not laddered at all. I personally hand wash them in cool water after they've been used and worn in shoes for many hours a day in meetings. 

Another really good thing about these stockings is that they come in various colorus as well, so you have an array of choice.

Paradise4women - Buy Here for £2.89 a set.

Emma Victoria

xoxox

OOTW; From Smart to Casual

So a couple of weeks ago, I was working flat out and had to go from office wear to casual going out to dinner wear. So I decided to wear a multi-change outfit, one suitable for 2 different situations.

So for me I made a base outfit and by adding either a jacket, or cardigan made it either smart of casual!

Underwear
Floral Set, Bra and High Waisted Knickers; Simple Be - Bra £30 Knickers £15

Black Hold Up Stockings, Amazon - £2.89

Outfit
Base
Navy Blue Alice Top, Collectif - £15

Black Pencil Skirt, Chairty - £5
Black Patent Clover Heels, Clarks - £50 (discontinued)

Casual
Pink Fluffy Cardigan, New Look - £24.99

Pink Patent Handbag, Next - £30

Smart
Tailored Blue Spot Jacket, Next - £35

It was super easy for me to shrug off my jacket from work and pop on this super cosy and cute cardigan, perfect for the cooler evenings now, and go out to dinner! Literally took me just 5 minutes

to change over and do my eye make-up! Super cute and super quick. The base outfit is simple, and can be worn for various occasions, either dressed up or down! 
For my eye make-up, I used a candy pink on the inside of my eye, and on the outer lid I used a bold shimmery blue. I then blended the two and got a beautiful purple hue in the middle! Totally cute and super simple to achieve, by using an angled brush and blending brush! 
I just used my scandal eyes mascara and used the Mary Kay lip gloss in 'gold rush' for a slight shimmer. On my cheeks is the Bourjois blush in Rose D'Or; and foundation and concealer are Collection 2000, both in shade ivory.

Not long until its December and we can officially go Christmas Crazy!!

Emma Victoria

xoxox

Review; Collectif Pearl Coat (Beige)

Happy Saturday! Sorry today's post isn't up at the usual time, but I've been so wrapped up into my reading, that last night I forgot to write this post up (and while I write this I'm actually watching the rugby)!!

Anyway, today I thought I'd show, and review my absolutely stunning new coat! I'm in complete awe and love with this coat - I waited a year to purchase it, and its everything I expected and more.

So lets begin with the actual aesthetic looks to the coat.
The Pearl Coat has a 1930's style with stunning pleats on the waist, bust and back of the coat to give volume and to shape. The coat has a small hourglass cut to the waist, which is also supported with the flare of the skirt on the coat too. (Perfect for those ladies who want to flatter their figure, or to acheieve a little hourglass figure while wearing a coat). The collar, cuffs and trim of the coat are all in a faux fox fur which is so super soft you never want to take the coat of at all! I also saw a post on Tumblr where the Pearl Coat looks identical to the one in the picture (link here).

The coat itself, is very heavy, but at the same time its very cosy and warm. I genuinely can't wait to have snow again in the UK, just so I have even more excuse to wear the coat!
I bought this coat in a size 20, and its definitely true to size, I'm in between sizes in Collectif varying from a size 18 -22, but I'm predominantly a 20. The coat has a good little bit of stretch to it, not loads but enough to fit over my rather voluptuous lady lumps. The buttons are mighty sturdy too, as well as positively cute. What I love even more with the faux fur neck collar, is that you can have it loose like I am wearing in the images, or you can fasten it up so its more tighter around your neck for more warmth; there is 3 hook and eye fasteners on the fur collar, and is a really lovely option to have, depending on what the weather may be.

The coat also has really good pockets - I'm very fussy when it comes to coats with pockets. My last coat had poor excuses for pockets and I couldn't even put my phone in them without it falling out - however the pockets on the pearl can probably hold a compact mirror, lipstick and my iPhone 4s quite happily - which is perfect if you are just quickly dashing out and don't need nor want to take a handbag! (Also perfect to pop your hands in if you gloves aren't keeping your hands toasty!)

My favourite part of testing anything that has a flowy skirt to it, is the twirl test! I didn't expect this coat to be too twirly considering how heavy it is, but I was pleasantly surprised! If you are walking down the street the skirt actually swings as you go, making you look like you've stepped out of the 1930's glamour scene (no complaints here!), but if you really want to get some va va voom, then just spin in a circle (I do it a lot, way too much some times!) and then you can really get some volume under the skirt - definitely a happy girl here! No worries if it's windy though as the coat will definitely hold down so you won't have to worry about having any Marilyn Monroe moments!

11/10

So overall I think this whole coat is phenomenal - its just perfect and is classically elegant.  I even think giving it an 11 out of 10 is still not justifying how amazing this coat is, in design and quality. You can either dress it up or dress it down! I'd pair this coat with my Patsy Herringbone skirt, black tights, black pumps, a cute top and cardigan/bolero with this coat for a cute winter outfit!
The price of £185 may be a little steep for those on a budget, but I promise that it is definitely worth its price tag!

You can buy your's here:
Green - http://www.collectif.co.uk/plain-pearl-coat-p-vaw140611-c-green.html
Beige - https://www.collectif.co.uk/plain-pearl-coat-p-aw130609-c-beige.html 

Love 

Emma Victoria

xoxox

(P.S If you want to see my twirling around in the coat then check out my Mini Review on YouTube!)

OOTW; Winter Polka Dotty

Seeing as we are approaching cooler climates now its starting to get near Christmas - which always means I get super excited. However, I still have a lot of meetings to go to for various things I do, so I need to look smart yet stylish. Way back in July I think it was, Collectif had a huge sale and I bought this lovely dress, and its absolutely perfect!

Blue Crochet Multiway Bra, Simply Be - £32 (No Longer Available)

Blue Crochet High Waisted Briefs, Simple Be - £18 (No Longer Available)

Black 20 Denier Hold-ups, Amazon - £2.89

Red Polka Dot Dolores Wiggle Dress, Collectif - £50
Black pearls, Charity Shop - £1
Cream Fur Coat, Primark - £35
Patent Becca Bag, Collectif - £35
T-Bar Heels, eBay - £20

This outfit is really lovely and comfortable, I got my dress in a size 22, but kind of wish I went for a 20 or even an 18. Its actually quite big on me, but I've yet to get round to tailoring it properly to my figure. However, its a super classy, bright number which can brighten anyone's day - as my boss told me so!

I've also been really enjoying wearing hold-ups more so far this autumn/winter, I normally just wore plain tights or leggings if wearing boots. And these Amazon ones are amazing and don't fall down! I have a review for them coming up soon!

I kept my make-up particularly simple, seeing as this is a more 'office' do, and the smoky grey eyes are just absolutely lovely anyway! You can add eyeliner if you wish, however I chose not to.

Make-up

Vie Tinted Moisturiser in Very Light

Collection 2000 Concealer in Shade 02
Collection 2000 Foundation in Light
Natural Collection Face Powder shade Neutral

Light Shimmer Grey over whole lid
Dark Shimmer Grey in crease, blended out

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara
Mary Kay Lip Gloss in shade Goldrush

Emma Victoria

xoxox

OOTW; We Aim To Please, Mr Grey...

So after Saturday's book review I had a fair few emails asking me if I could do an OOTW based on Anastasia from Fifty Shades. So here is a take of one of the smarter outfits which  I'd imagine she'd wear/I'd wear if I were her...

Underwear
Black lace underwear set, Peacocks Size 18-20 - £14 (Similar here)
(Includes bra/vest shaper with a thong)

Nude Hold-Ups, M&S size XL - £5

Outfit

Black Peplum Dress, Peacocks size 20 - £14

Black Knit Cardigan, Peacocks size 18 - £12

Leopard Print Belt, New Look - £3.50

Black Suede Court Heels, Next - £25

Face
- Collection 2000 Concealer in Light
- 2True Concealer in shade 1
- Collection 2000 Foundation in Light 
- Natural Collection Face Powder in Neutral
- Victoria Jackson 24/7 Makeover Portfolio palette (Using the Neutrel Baby Pink and Gold Dust Champagne shadows over the lid and the Coffee Brown Champagne in the crease)
- Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara
- Barry M clear lip gloss

Hair is in a simple back combed side bun.

I did in fact wear this to a meeting I had in London at a very posh/high end company/business and I did get the looks a lot, but mainly because of how young I was I think! My hold-ups managed to withstand the whole 13 hour day too, so I was very impressed with that!

I chose this particular outfit because I know in the books, Christian is always banging on about Ana wearing dresses/skirts which may be a little too short - and I find with this dress, it just sits on the boundary of too short ever so slightly, as we know Ana likes to test Christian a lot in the books! As said above, I did attract a lot of attention in this outfit, mainly because of the effect I had on the staff i the building with my age and such, but I had a lot of compliments from the lovely ladies on reception who made me feel very welcome! Ideally I'd imagine Ana would wear this when she goes to work or maybe when she goes to Christian's parents house for his birthday possibly. It kind of has the multi-wear factor - as Ana dresses quite smart when she is with Christian, what with his high standards an all... For my make-up I wanted a very simple look, as Ana tends not to wear much make-up. I went for a light smokey eye look, mainly using champagne colours on the lids on my eyes and didn't add any eyeliner just a few strokes of mascara. My hair again was simple yet elegant in a simple back combed bun, for that relaxed look so as not too look too stiff and still friendly - a bit like Ana!

Well I hope you liked this little take on a Ana Fifty Shades outfit!

Emma Victoria

xoxox

(P.S Don't forget to check out the first episode of Tea Time on my YouTube - leave me some questions for the next episode!)

OOTW; Pretty Perfect

I'm back my lovelies! Feels like forever since I've posted here, even though its only been 2 months. So, seeing as we are now hitting Autumn/Winter I think its time to crack on with the warmer outfits - but we can still look stylish wrapped up too!

Just to let you know, I'm not doing a new Halloween Outfit for each week like last year, as sadly I don't have the time as I work full time & model part time now. (Sorry! I might be able to conjure something up though!)

Patsy Herringbone Skirt, Collectif - £72 .50
Alice Top in Pink - Collectif - £15
Cream Gail Bolero, Collectif - £45
White Lace Bobby Socks, eBay - £3
Pink Double Flower Clip, eBay - £4
Black Belt, New Look - £4 (in a pair)
Pixie Boots, Clarks - £50 (5 years old, now discontinued)
Ivory Pearl Necklace, Collectif - £15

So you can probably see I'm still very much obsessed with Collectif... I'm always in and out of the Brighton store now days, and slowly becoming part of the furniture!

Make-up
Face
Collection 16 hour Foundation in Ivory
Collection 16 hour Concealer in Ivory
2True Concealer in 01
Bourjois Blush in shade Rose D'Or
Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner
Bourjois Clubbing Liner (Liquid) - Ultra Black
Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara
Bourjois 'Rouge Edition' Lipstick in Shade 03

Nails
Barry Hi-Shine Gelly Nail Polish in Greenberry (Green) & Grapefruit 

I actually bought the skirt in the summer in Collectif when rumaging through the sale section in the Brighton Store, last skirt and in my size and I knew I had to have it! The skirt is a super thick Herringbone material and the quality is absolutely fantastic! It has a silk underskirt for that extra layer of warmth in the winter. The skirt is very heavy if I'm going to be honest, for some people this may raise an issue but not for myself personally. (I'm not sure if Collectif are bringing this skirt back for the AW14 Collection or not this year). I'm completely in love with the Alice top, its so basic yet so pretty and perfect to match with several different outfits! I just tied my hair up into a simple high ponytail and added a cute little flower clip for the perfect look. This look is so warm and cuddly that I totally can't wait for it to get a little colder so I can appreciate its cosyness even more!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxox

OOTW; Coral

So yesterday I popped to town, and my local Peacocks shop had a half price mid-summer sale! Happy Days! So I got a top, which is loose and baggy because of the hot weather, but I also got this rather beautiful dress!

Coral Peter Pan Dress, Peacocks - £16 (£8 on Sale)

Black Waist Belt, New Look - £2.99

Coral Bow Head Band, New Look - £5

Red and White Becca Bag, Collectif - £35

White Bow Wedges, Simply Be - £35

This outfit is simple, but really lovely and light for the heat we are having right now! My make-up is also just a little bit of white and 2 pink eyeshadows blended together with mascara and a tinted moisturiser which has SPF 15 in it too. Its just a little too hot for make-up and wearing lots of heavy clothing!

I just kept the whole outfit simple and effective, its perfect for strolling round the shops and also perfect for a business meeting, this dress is perfect for a number of different situations and definitely a good buy!

Hope you have a fab day my lovelies!

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxox

OOTW; The 50's Teen

So today I have the most perfect look! I've had quite a few people ask me about doing a 50's teen outfit, so here is my take! Pretty similar to most, but its still super cute & preppy!

Freddie Top in Blush, Collectif  - £34.50
Inspire Navy Skinny Jeans, New Look - £12.99
(I've cut and sewn mine into capri's, tutorial will come soon!)

White Bobby Socks, eBay - £4

White Babycham Shoes, £20

Black Marilyn Cat Eye Sunglasses, Wear it Again Sam - £9.99

Make-up & Hair

Hair is in a 60's beehive.

Make-up is thick winged liner using the H&M Dipliner

Foundation is Collection 2000 16 hour Wear in IvoryConcealer is 2True in Shade 1

Normally on my outfits I'm often in a dress and skirt, but I've finally found another outfit with trousers that I just absolutely love!

There is another cross-over of the era's here with the beehive and the outfit, 60's & 50's but they go so well together! Although, if you want an all 50's ensemble maybe set your hair in pincurls and pop it into a ponytail with a bow.

I went for thicker winged eyeliner, just for a more dramatic look, however you could also just have really fanned out eyelashes for a simpler/cutesy look.

The beehive is holding about a million bobby pins to hold it in place, but its probably the best I've ever done! I've also re-cut my fringe into shorter bangs, just as they were getting a little long and starting to go into my eyes.

If the weather gets a little chilly, add a cute cardigan. I've added my old cricket cardigan from New Look which I bought about 5 years ago, still super adorable and matches the outfit perfectly!

Anywho my dears! Enough chat from me today, I hope you like this look as much as I do!!

All I need now is a greaser boyfriend, a 50's diner and I'm good to go for summer!

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxox

Review: M&S Stockings and Hold Ups!

Hello my dears! Okay, so today's post is a review, I've been asked over on my twitter by some lovely plus size ladies what I thought about the stockings I had bought for some photo shoots.

I'm going to be honest here, I was more of a stockings and suspenders sort of person, however, when I tried on some hold ups for a photo shoot I had back in April I fell in love (and became slightly obsessed). 

So I was a bit hesitant to actually go and buy hold-ups, y'know having thunder thighs and all. A friend recommend that I try the Big Tight's Company ; but I never got round to ordering, so I took a punt when I was in M&S and bought these in Black...

Sorry for my ill fitting bra in these... I was washing my bra's and this was the only clean spare one!

These are the 15 Denier Ladder Resist Shine Hold-Ups - these were only £5, so if they didn't fit there wasn't a huge amount of loss in money. I got mine in an XL, the biggest size they had, and they actually fit really well! They don't slip down when I walk, especially in public, which is an absolutely key factor when it comes to hold-ups. The stick adhesive is actually really good and does have a good stay, I only have to re-adjust every now and again so there is no qualms there. 

After absolutely loving the ones in black I did go out and also buy them in nude, cause you can never go wrong with nude stockings/hold-ups am I right?! I never really thought I'd be converted, but I seriously am. I really enjoy the feel of these; and especially with the ladder resist side, my friend and me bought a tester pair and punched some holes in to see if they would ladder... They didn't! The product does exactly what it said it should; and I really love the fact that a girl who fits into size 22 jeans with thanks to my thunder thighs fits into these lovely hold-ups.

You can buy them here

10 Denier - Illusion, Black, Nearly Black, Cocoa, Natural Tan, Ivory, Navy.

15 Denier - Black, Nearly Black, Nude.

Shoes are from Peacocks - £18

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxox

P.S - I'm 19 a week today, ahh!!!

OOTW; Gretel

This week features yet another new dress I bought in Brighton a few weeks back... Its the Gretel Dress in Gingham from Collectif! 

Gretel Swing Dress, Collectif - £58.50
Round Sunglasses, Vintage Fair - £5
Peep Toe Sling Back Heels, Peacocks - £12

I did super basic make-up with this, just a simple thin winged eye-liner and foundation. Mainly because I opt to wear less make-up in the summer due to the heat. I put my hair in plaits mainly because, well, I think I look cute and it matches this outfit absolutely perfectly!

Overall the Gretel dress is super cute, it has the halter neck style I really adore and the buttons on the front of the dress are an adorable heart shape. The top half actually opens up like a top which is quite a sweet feature if you maybe want a little more cleavage. The skirt of the dress and top of the dress has a beautiful little crochet lace detail on the trim, it just adds to the cuteness of this dress completely!!

I was a little wary of this dress at first (yes I know, surprising for me with a Collectif dress!), however a friend bought this dress a while back and she found it came up quite short, now both of us being plus size princesses we have rather chubby thighs, and tend not to go for shorter dresses. But I bit the bullet when in the Brighton shop, and bought it. For me it sits just on the knee, as you can see from the above picture, which is good for me personally, as I stand at around 5ft5.5, so the dress isn't too short for me.

The dress is super lightweight and is perfect for summer, however you can team it with a cardigan on the shoulders, if their is a slight breeze in the air!

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxox

P.S Guess who was in the Hell Bunny Rag... ME! Sporting my Red Meriam Dress (blog post here!)