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!!

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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

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

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

OOTW & Tutorial; Halloween Dead Diner Doll

Halloween is only 2 days away! I conjured up this really cute yet creepy Halloween look - it covers adorable retro chic, my favourite brand of clothing and being totally creepy and creative!

Here are the links to last years Halloween ideas!Rockabilly Zombie
Vintage Broken Doll
Seductive Devil
Dead Slutty Barbie Doll

Outfit

Pink Cynthia Doll Dress, Collectif - £89 .50
White Bobby Socks, eBay - £5
Black Creepers, New Look - £12

Make-Up and Hair Tutorial

Step 1 First off you need to prime your face, I used a basic primer which I had come in a set. I primed my whole face so that the face paint would sit better.

Step 2 After priming, prepare your face paint - I used the Snazaroo face paint in White (you can use any strong pigmented face paint - this is the only one I can use as I'm allergic to others). I did about 2 layers of face paint and blended to make it smooth. When doing the first layer, apply and then smooth out, leave to dry before applying another coat.

Step 3 I then went on to use a blue shimmer dust to contour my face, again for a more dead look. I used a angled brush for a harsh line and then blended out using a blusher brush.

Step 4 Moving onto the eyes. I want a very harsh look to my eyes, seeing as I need to look creepy and dead I used dark greys and blacks. I heavily went over my under eye with a black eye-liner and then smudged this out used a Q-Tip. On the actual eyelids, I used a shimmery grey all over the lid, including the inner corner of my eye, and then in my crease I did a thick blended out line of black. I then used my liquid eyeliner to give myself a medium thickness wing. I tend not to wear false eyelashes (personal preference) so I just used my Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara.

Step 5 The next step is the scars. I used the same liquid liner I used on my eyes to make the scars. These are pretty easy and basic and you just need a steady hand. (I also added a beauty spot!) I then made some fake blood, using an old cheap red lipstick I don't used along with some Vaseline, I then added a scrapping of black eye-shadow to make the colour a bit darker. The gloss of the Vaseline in the light gives the scar a fresh bleeding effect (simple but effective!) I then filled the scars in and over with the fake blood. For the scar under the eye I made a gap between the two centre lines of the scar (seeing left above image) - this is an open wound, its the same process, just fill in the gap with the fake blood.

Step 6 The lips - I used my Rimmel Dark Berry Lipstick I got for winter last year (I love dark berry shades for Autumn and Winter). After applying my lipstick as normal, I added some black eyeshadow to the corners and outer line of my lips and rubbed my lips together for a dark red/purpley/black effect!

Step 7 The last step is the hair. I did a simple messy beehive, just cause its simple, easy and easy to make a mess of! I split my hair into two, I put the lower back half into a high ponytail where I want the beehive to sit, and the other half a bun on my head till I have the ponytail where I want. I then back comb the ponytail and fold it over itself, pinning the hair on the underside (use as many pins are you wish on this part, it will be covered over. I then took the rest of my hair, back combed it and put it over the now back combed folded over ponytail and pinned. I then took a comb and just made the beehive messy!

And your done!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! (Go be creepy...)

Emma Victoria

xoxox

The Fear of the Swimsuit Kind...

If you know me personally, you've probably never seen me wearing a swimsuit. This is genuinley no word of a lie... The only time I actually put one on was for my Body Confidence post way back in October. But I finally decided to face my fear head on... and actually buy a swimsuit! In fact I actually bought 2!!!!

I'm going to be really honest about this now, I still don't feel as if I feel 'okay' in a swimsuit, I still feel nervous and still feel as if people stare at me funny if I wear one out in public. But I need to fight my fear, if I don't fight it now then I probably never will!

(Please bare in mind I took this images about 8 weeks ago but only got round to doing this post, I have lost weight in this time too).

The first swimsuit is this floral coral halterneck swimsuit from Peacocks, for £12 in a size 20. What I really like about this swimsuit is probably the fact that the bust actually is underwired, which is a god send for my boobs. The halter neck is an adjustable tie it yourself so you can have it give as much or as little support as you wish. I do really like the design of this swimsuit, and it is very feminine. 

The second swimsuit is from M&Co and this is just adorably retro and cute (and its polka dots and we all know I love polka dots).

I do feel a little more 'exposed' to my body in this swimsuit, and I do struggle looking at the mirror when wearing them. I think the mindset of not knowing what I look like helps me not realise my fear as much and what happens 'happens'. But overall the swimsuit is really nice, it is rather clingy so if you feel paranoid about your problem areas then bare this in mind. This is partially like a swimdress with the frilly skirt which sits on the hips. I got this in a size 20, I would like to lose a little weight to feel better in this costume but otherwise its really nice!

You can get the M&Co Swimsuit here along with other beautiful clothes & swimwear on their site!

I am hoping to get another swimsuit soon, so I might review that if it comes before I go on my break!

Love you lots

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

OOTW; The Marilyn

This weeks OOTW is inspire by the ever so gorgeous Marilyn Monroe.
It's been a while since I've dressed up like this, so I gave it another go!

By the way, I'm sorry for not putting a post up on Saturday! I had a surprise for my birthday, my friend came down without me knowing so never got round to writing the post on Friday neither did I have time on Saturday my actual birthday as I was in Brighton!

Black Grace Top, Collectif - £32.50

Black Pencil Skirt, Charity - £5

Sling back Heels, Peacocks - £12

Circular Sunglasses, Brighton Vintage Fair- £5

Make-Up

Vie Sheer Perfection in Light

2True Concealer in shade 1

H&M Dipliner

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in shade 'Reckless'

This look for me is just beautiful. I genuinely feel as if I'm Marilyn when I'm wearing this! I always have people stop me in the street for pictures with me too! I pretty much just mimicked the way her make-up was so oftenly done. My hair was meant to be in tighter curls, however because it had been so super backcombed the day before and it needed washing the curls decided to fall into looser curls!
I just rolled my fringe back with curlers and pinned for this look.

The outfit itself, enhances my curves phenomenal, I would normally opt for shape wear to wear underneath also, however decided not to for today.

This outfit and style always gets the attention when out in public, and you can embrace your inner elegance of being Marilyn for a day!


I also took this rather impromptu photo and I really like it!! 

Lots of Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

P.S If you have any outfit suggestions you'd like me to do then just say! I'm always open to new suggestions and what you guys want to see!

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!)

OOTW; Schwing...

Happy Wednesday!!! I am just loving this summer weather we've had!! This weekend I went for a couple of dog walks with Alice and Freddie and taught Alice to swim! However... A few people are still going on about me and trousers so here is another trouser outfit that I really like and have been sporting a lot recently!

White Dolores Top, Collectif - £25

Black Franky Swing Trousers, Collectif - £45

White Cinch Belt, Hell Bunny - £5
Black T-bar Heels, eBay - £15
Sock bun, Peackocks - £1
Vintage Circle Sunglasses, Vintage Fair - £5
Swallow Love Necklace, eBay - £10

This outfit is very much a crossover of the 40's and 50's, I personally just wanted to make this outfit a bit more flirty with the cleavage from the Dolores top, plus seeing as its summer I don't want to have a too heavy top as I would just get hot. I just went for a simple black and white look with this outfit purely because I just wanted it to be simple and effective and making the cinch of the waist stand out more. By going simple with the colours, it also makes the red lipstick stand out more, which I personally love by highlighting this one part of the outfit!

You can also wear flat pumps with this look, I just opted for heels! The Franky Swing trousers are a definite must-have in my opinion... These are perfect for creating that vintage look but also making your bum look amazing!!!! I got mine in a 22, mainly because trousers are normally tight on the bum for me, but these were just a tad too 

big! So I tailored the inside seam to make it tighter and also tailored the length in the leg as it was just a tad short for me, seeing as I only stand at 5ft5.5 in height.

I went for my signature rockabilly look today - just half white and half golf eyeshadow, Starting with white across the whole lid and in the crease and about half the eyelid in golf eyeshadow blended out, winged eyeliner and ruby red lips! I'm super loving my new sunglasses at the moment too! I got these when I went to the Vintage Fair on the 1st June. These are slightly different to my usual Marilyn sunglasses as these are a little more rounded, but they are just so cute!!!

Well that's all from me! I also have a YouTube video going up this Saturday!! I told you it wouldn't be months till a new one goes up! This is just a beauty faves video as suggested to me by my friend Josie! So look out for that!

Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxox

OOTW & Review: Pretty Polly

We have a double whammy again today! I totally enjoyed reviewing the Stella Sweetheart Dress in this way that I've also decided to do it for this dress...

OOTW

Polly Gingham Shirt Dress, Collectif - £57.50

Red Rockabilly Bandanna, Collectif - £2.50

White Bow Wedges, Simply Be - £20

(Discontinued)

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

For my make-up I just did the signature rockabilly style with thin winged eyeliner, and a blue undertone red lipstick to make my pearly whites shine. For my eyeshadow I just used the Rimmel Glam'Eyes Mono Eyeshadow in "Glam Ice" for an ice white feel to my eyes for an extra pop in the summer sun!

Recently for my hair I've been totally loving the 60's beehive hairstyle; I'd never really tried it so I've just been experimenting with what works for my hair seeing as mine is growing out and is layered. I just matched the red bandanna for that extra rockabilly touch and just to help shape up the beehive a bit more.

Review

As I said above, I got this dress as a thank you gift. I'd been pining over it since Collectif actually released the images for this dress which is part of this years Spring/Summer Collection. I've been looking for a good shirt dress for a while that actually fits over my rather large bust area and Collectif never fail to make me smile... I actually went for a size 20, I normally go for a size 22 due to the chest area always being tight, but I gave the smaller size a shot; and I was actually pleasantly surprised at how well the fit was, with my bust measuring 44-46 depending on the cut I was in between an 18/20. You can either have the dress fully buttoned up, or if you want a slightly more rebel rockbilly feel have it on one of the lower buttons which shows more cleavage! You can either be preppy princess or rebel rockabilly!

The twirl test is probably my favourite thing about reviewing dresses! This dress does have a full circle skirt, however due to the different material it does twirl a bit differently, and actually I really like it! The skirt of the dress actually swings in more of a direction unlike my other circle skirt dresses which just follow your movement - the extra movement of the skirt gives an amazing dimension when walking down the street in heels as it helps to exaggerate your hip movements. 

Overall I LOVE the polly dress, its definitely a summer must-have! If the weather does become cooler however you could match this with a bolero; I'd personally reccommend either the Gail Bolero in Cream or Jean Bolero in Ivory

The Polly dress is available in either in red gingham, red or black. 

See you saturday for my next post my lovelies!

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxoxoxox

OOTW: Summer Spots

I know you guys have seen this adorable skirt before, but sometimes I can't always afford a new outfit for every single day - and its so easy to fashion the same clothes in a different style! 

Black Marilyn Cat Eye Sunglasses, Wear it Again Sam - £10
(Also here)
White Gold Button Collared Top, New Look - £8

(Discontinued)

Navy Polka Dot Liesel Skirt, Collectif - £46.50
Rockabilly Pumps, Babycham - £15

(Discontinued)

I just super love everything about this adorable outfit! You can also add a white cardigan over your shoulders if it becomes a little chilly or if there's a bit of a spring breeze! I'm totally enjoying this sunny weather we are having, it makes little old me so happy and cheerful and I just love to twirl around in pretty skirts in the summer!

This outfit is super light, and perfect for when we get some really hot weather, you could wear a petticoat with this skirt, but sometimes I prefer to wear it without (like above) because the skirt has such a lovely fit as it is!

My make-up is super plain today I've just got a thin winged eyeliner on its own, with foundation and a lip gloss I haven't used in what feels like forever! I've used the Mary Kay Nourishine Plus lip gloss in shade Beach Bronze as its super subtle but has a gorgeous shimmer to it! (You can buy it here!)

See you soon!

Summer Kisses

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

OOTW: Hell Bunny Leona Dress

Just want to say thank you before we start... The blog hit 20,000 views on sunday!!! Thats crazy! Thank you so much for reading the posts and just being super awesome! THANK YOU!

Today's dress is the second ever rockabilly dress I ever bought! The first was a purple polka dot one, and I bought this one in London when shopping with my 2 friends! This dress is just a signature Hell Bunny Vixen dress, with the belt and the sweetheart neckline with the halter-neck strap.

Hell Bunny Leona Dress - £44.99
Rockabilly Flats, Babycham - £15

As said above this is just the typical Hell Bunny Dress. I super love the design on this dress, its just so beautiful (and well, super floral). Instead of using the belt that comes with this dress, I used one I got in a 2 belt set from Primark just as I kind of preferred it on the day I wore this outfit. I love this dress mainly because it makes my boobs look FANTASTIC! Cliché I know, but it really makes me feel so much more confident when my tummy is hidden and my boobs and butt are enhanced!

Make-up is the same us usual and again my new pink lipstick is featured, I'm super enjoying wear pink lipstick at the moment! Makes a change instead of red all the time! I just used a coral pink bow headband in my hair along with a simple pearl necklace!

On my tootsies, I just have some white socks rolled down for a more preppy look again! I got loads of compliments when dressed like this, and by having socks with my shoes it made me look a little more preppy!

Another short but sweet post from me today!

See you Saturday!

Much Love

Emma Victoria

xoxoxoxox

P.S Cutest 30 seconds you will watch ever! ARGH I CANNOT CONTAIN MYSELF!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJeqMLP-00s