Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

First of all, sorry that the results of this week's Goodie Bag contest are a bit late! I had such hectic days yesterday and the day before, and didn't get to put my feet up until 11pm last night, that I didn't have time to draw the winner until now.

This week I asked what you as readers like about DLB. It was nice to read all the feedback, and there were definite themes to be found in the answers. As features go, DIVA of the Week seems to be the favourite of many of you. It certainly was one of the first ideas I had when starting out with this blog, to showcase cute curvy girls putting beautiful outfits together. At the beginning I had these lofty ideas about going out on the streets and scouting new girls every week, and I did try to keep that up for a while. It just turned out to be way too time-consuming and stressful trying to fit in diva looking time around my other commitments, so I eventually opened DIVA of the Week up for everyone to send their pics in if they wanted. So far it's worked fine, and it's actually interesting to see how girls dress all over the world, not just in London.

Another thing that a lot of people requested, was to see more of me and my personality on DLB. That's an issue I can't quite get my head around yet. Originally, it was a conscious decision to not force my personality on this blog. My idea was to have a neutral, magazine-like, environment where plus size girls could find inspiration, share tips and have fun with clothes. I never really wanted it to be about me. I have my own personal blog, where I post daily outfit pics from time to time, and I'm still not sure how they would really fit in here... Opinions are welcomed though, should I move, or maybe cross-post, my daily outfit pictures on DLB as well?

Well then, now for the winner! As always, the winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on Abigail! Congratulations! :) (p.s. Can you please email me your address so I can post your goodies to you.)

Psst... Up to 80% off at IGIGI

Get as much as 80% off at the IGIGI Thanksgiving sale. You will also get free shipping in the US, or £15 off on international shipping.

Psst... Torrid Holiday Sale

You can get an additional 50% off clearance items, and save with many other offers, such as 50% off shoes, at the Torrid Holiday Sale. Promotions ends Sunday 30th November.

Psst... £20 off DUO boots

DUO is running a great Christmas promotion where you can get £20 off their gorgeous shoes and free shipping! Seeing that their boots are to die for, this is one hard offer to resist! Just quote code VCTW at checkout.

Hot off the Press - Confessions of a Shopaholic

The wait is almost over! Confessions of a Shopaholic will hit theatres in February 2009. The movie will be based on two books from the very popular shopaholic series written by Sophie Kinsella, Confessions of a Shopaholic and Shopaholic Abroad (alternatively titled Shopaholic Takes Manhattan). Watching the trailer, it's weird to take in the american setting of the movie. Rebecca Bloomwood is a long way from her original stomping ground of Fulham, and since the character is loved by so many, I wonder how the americanisation of her will go down with the fans. Then again, what else could be expected from a Hollywood film. Well, at least gorgeous clothes galore will be guaranteed!


P.S. Props for the fact that for the first time ever, a joke involving a Finnish character (happens more often that you would think!), has an actual Finn speaking Finnish and not gobbledegook. :D

Look Book - Rainy Day Woman

Look Book feature is the backbone of DIVA Look Book. It's where I pull together workable looks for different occasions from clothes that can be found in most plus sizes. There's no excuse for every girl not to look, and feel, fabulous!



Now that the weather has turned colder and wetter, comfort and warmth tend to be the deciding factors when choosing your outfit for the day. I've also noticed that at least my own colour palette tends to turn darker and more monochrome in the winter months. While bright colours certainly are a pick-me-up, often you feel that they're a bit wasted when it's so dark outside - there's a certain comfort factor in blending into the what seems like endless nights. The little details, such as the dragonfly necklace and the butterfly umbrella, echo memories of summer.

• Silver dragonfly necklace from the Handpicked Collection.
• Black waterfall long cardigan from Yours.
• Black pleat detail mac from Evans.
• Pure cotton long sleeve boat neck tee from M&S.
• Black slim leg jeans from Simply Be.
• Black Rovigo biker boots from DUO.
• Black magpie print umbrella from Accessorize.
• Grey diamante beret from Dorothy Perkins.
• Grey fingerless gloves from Dorothy Perkins.

DIVA of the Week - Mayra

DIVA of the week is a feature that showcases people with an inspirational personal style. DIVA of the week is someone who's not afraid to have fun with clothes and who dresses to please herself, and in doing so, brightens up everyone else's day.



Mayra 19
Sunny Southern Texas, US

How would you describe your personal style?
My style usually revolves around late 1950's to early 1960's. Although, I'm a chameleon and influences in style change often. I'm always intertwining eras, patterns, colors and shapes. My ideas range from favourite shows (Pushing Daisies), movie stars (Katherine Hepburn), and music (Buddy Holly). Right now, my grandmother's style in the 60's in my biggest inspiration. I know I'm getting it right when she tells me she had something just like that when she was younger.

What are you wearing today?
The sweater is from Old Navy. I bought it ages ago and it has to be the one thing that I constantly have to stitch together from using it so much. The dress is from H&M, my one indulgence when I visit my sister in New York. The shoes are from Marshal's. You can find me there once a week scanning the racks like a mad woman. Recently, I found a DKNY skirt and I practically fainted.

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If you want to be featured as DIVA of the Week, send a good quality photograph, preferably taken outside, and answers to the questions: 'Name/Age/Location', 'How would you describe your personal style?', and 'What are you wearing today (in the picture)?' to diva [at] divalookbook.com.

Goodie Bag - What do you like about DLB?

The Goodie Bag feature is where I host little contests and promotions, which give you a chance to bag yourself something nice and add some cheer to your day.



In this week's Goodie Bag are:

• Adorable letter stickers
  
• Cute 'Happy Time' card with envelope from Lady Luck Rules OK
  
• Funky PacMan necklace and blue ghost earrings from Punky Pins
  
• A pretty pen from Paperchase
  

Good morning ya'll! Let's kickstart this week with a brand spanking new goodie bag. Here's hoping that this week will be a bit better than the last!

Now that DLB has been around for a little while, I feel like it's time to take stock. I'd like you to tell me what you like about DLB. What are your favourite features? What would you like to see more of (or less, if that might be the case!)? Is there something that you'd like to find here that's currently missing?

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry and let me know what keeps you coming back to DLB. As a bonus, if you link back to this entry, you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 28 November at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night, and will aim to announce it on Saturday.

Gok Wan in action at Simply Yours

25 lucky Simply Yours ladies recently got the opportunity to meet Gok Wan, and 3 of them got given the Gok treatment in his Gok Wan underwear range.

Here's a video of Gok in action at the Simply Yours offices in Manchester.



And here are some funny outtakes from the day that are sure to make you giggle. :D



P.S. It would be nice to get a little review from Take it easy pumpkin, who won the Gok Wan lingerie in my Goodie Bag a couple of weeks ago. How was it? Fabulous I hope! :)

Psst... Sexy City Girl necklaces are back

Due to overwhelming popular demand, and just in time for Christmas, Punky Pins has re-released their best selling Sexy City Girl acrylic name necklaces. These fab necklaces are available in gold or silver coloured mirrored acrylic. The perfect xmas present for any fashion forward girlfriend!

Elena Mirò S/S 09 runway video

In September I wrote about Elena Mirò opening the Milan fashion week with her Spring/Summer 09 plus size collection. At the time it was very hard to find any pictures or footage of the collection, but now a DLB reader has kindly shared a link to videos where you can see the show yourself, thanks so much Camilla!



You can watch more videos of the show here.

Psst... 20% off brands at ASOS

Head to ASOS now as they are running a week-long promotion where you can get 20% off top brands (selected items) throughout all departments. Offer ends on Friday!

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thank you once again for taking part in this week's Goodie Bag contest. This week I asked how you tackle the problem of dressing for bad weather. Most people seem to put their faith in wellies and umbrellas, but there weren't very many tips to go around on how to keep your hair and make-up looking presentable through this nasty season of horizontal rain. Also it seems that dressing nicely is forfeited for 'dressing appropriately' when the weather is less than ideal, which can't be the only solution!

In the spirit of this contest, I'll attemp to put together a Look Book on bad weather clothing for next week. There must be some cute and practical options out there!

As always, the winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on Elean! Congratulations! :) (p.s. Can you please email me your address so I can post your goodies to you.)

Diva Tips - Torrid Holiday Look Book

Torrid has put together a look book for the festive season. Here you will find selected items in categories such as 'Naughty is Nice', 'That warm, fuzzy feeling', 'Gifts she can't wait to unwrap', 'Good things in small packages', and lots more. You should be able to find something to get you into the spirit of giving - and receiving! :)

Psst... Monsoon eveningwear offers

Get £15, £20 or £30 off eveningwear at Monsoon - available online today. I love the glamour and eye-popping colour of this Lavonne dress, available now with £20 off.

Get the Look - Wardrobe staples

Looking fabulous is reserved for the famous and skinny? Think again. Get the Look shows you how to dress with the best.


Alexa Chung makes dressing up look so effortless. Her secret to looking understated, and yet extremely cool, is building an outfit around well cut wardrobe staples - such as a crisp white shirt and a black waistcoat - but leaving the look a little bit unfinished and dishevelled.

• Black waistcoat from Fashion World.
• Joe Brown slim leg jeans from Fashion World.
• Perfect white shirt from M&S.
• Black Oushka Finley bag from Red Direct.
• Black Zoe leather platforms from DUO.
• Seven silver link bracelet from ASOS.

Celebrity image: www.elleuk.com

Goodie Bag - How to dress in stormy weather?

The Goodie Bag feature is where I host little contests and promotions, which give you a chance to bag yourself something nice and add some cheer to your day.



In this week's Goodie Bag are:

• Some fashionable sweetness from Topshop
  
• Cute blue umbrella pin from Lady Luck Rules OK
  
• Cool yellow necklace from Punky Pins
  
• Some fun 'I am smarter than you' pencils
  

Hello, and happy Monday to all of you out there. It's rainy and miserable in London lately, so this week's goodie bag is something sweet and cheerful to brighten up these grey days.

The question is, how do you dress nicely in such nasty weather? I don't care much for rain, but I really hate strong winds - it ruins my hair, pulls on my clothes and puts me in a bad mood. Do you have any wardrobe staples that help you through the winter rains and make you feel at least somewhat put-together?

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry and share your stormy weather favourites - pictures would be a lovely bonus! As a bonus, if you link back to this entry, you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 14 November at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night, and will aim to announce it on Saturday.

Psst... Dorothy Perkins VIP Week

Here's your chance to update your winter wardrobe for less. Get 20% off everything during the Dorothy Perkins VIP week, now on. Promotion ends next Sunday, 16 November.

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Thank you for taking part in this week's Goodie Bag contest, and sharing your funniest 'Bridget Jones moments'. I've had a good giggle reading through the various underwear malfunction stories. :D I will try to get back to the comments later on, but for now, I know you're probably dying to find out who the winner is.

As you know, this week's awesome prize was sponsored by Simply Yours, which was very nice of them! I'm afraid next week we're back to the more humble goodies of old.

As always, the winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck smiled on Take it easy pumpkin! Congratulations! :) (p.s. Can you please email me your address so I can post your goodies to you.)

From catwalk to closet - Party Spirit

From catwalk to closet takes a look at the hottest trends on the runway and shows you where to find the key items for your own wardrobe.



Cocktail hour was big news on the A/W runways, and now that we're finally in the thick of the party season it's time to make the most of all that jewel-coloured inspiration. Don't forget your bling!

Purple satin tulip skirt from Dorothy Perkins.
Black Viola top from Monsoon.
Black strappy heels from Evans.
Chain and stone woven bracelet from ASOS.

Runway image: www.elleuk.com

Psst... Extra 50% off Torrid clearance

Get an additional 50% off all Torrid clearance items. Offer is valid online and in stores 6-11 November.

Psst... Fashion World Winter Savers

Save up to 60% on fabulous winter fashion with Fashion World Winter Savers. You can find some brilliantly stylish bargains there!

Psst... LaRedoute Bonfire Night offer

Get 30% off all your shopping for one day only with the LaRedoute Bonfire Night offer. The offer is valid until midnight 6 November. Just enter order code 1588 at checkout.

Psst... IGIGI Casual Friday

Save as much as 50% on casual-ware at the not-so-basic sale for basics at IGIGI Casual Friday. Hurry as sale ends 7 November.

DIVA of the Week - Cynara

DIVA of the week is a feature that showcases people with an inspirational personal style. DIVA of the week is someone who's not afraid to have fun with clothes and who dresses to please herself, and in doing so, brightens up everyone else's day.



Cynara 25
Winnipeg, Canada

How would you describe your personal style?
I am always trying to move forward and evolve. The only thing consistent about my personal style is that it's constantly changing, always in flux. It's kind of a sickness really, an addiction to the point where i won't wear the same outfit twice. I do have staple pieces, but I will always change tights or accessories or--at the very least-- jewellery, to avoid repetition, I used to believe in all the so-called "rules" put forth by "style experts" on makeover shows, ridiculous things like "don't mix prints, wear horizontal stripes, a-line silhouette only" etc etc now I take great joy and satisfaction in flouting the rules. I like unexpected colour and texture combinations, bold prints, and playing with layers and proportions.

What are you wearing today?
I'm wearing a houndstooth sweater skirt by Le Chateau. The cardigan is george line at Walmart and the tee is Old Navy. Tights are from welovecolors and the mj/booty hybrids Anne Ross via Chacha Shoes. The flower pin is from Holt outlet.

--

If you want to be featured as DIVA of the Week, send a good quality photograph, preferably taken outside, and answers to the questions: 'Name/Age/Location', 'How would you describe your personal style?', and 'What are you wearing today (in the picture)?' to diva [at] divalookbook.com.

Goodie Bag - Funniest underware malfunctions?

The Goodie Bag feature is where I host little contests and promotions, which give you the chance to bag yourself something nice and add some cheer to your day.

In order to kick-start November with a bang, here's a real treat for you. This week the Goodie Bag is being sponsored by Simply Yours, the brilliant lingerie store behind the most kick-ass plus size lingerie you can dream of.

You might remember when I told you earlier about how celebrity stylist Gok Wan has collaborated with Simply Yours to create his first ever underwear range. The 11-piece shapewear collection is designed not only to work wonders on your figure but to look sexy too, and it's available in sizes 8-32 and up to a G cup.

Now all you lovely DLB readers have a chance to win some gorgeous Gok Wan lingerie in the form of the brilliant Curve Controller, worth £55. Here's what Gok has to say about it:

“This bodysuit is absolute sex on legs simply because it’s got a fitted corset around the tummy and it’s got a built in pair of pants in that very, very special fibre that’s going to work with your body. It’s really good for giving you a tiny waist and great bangers.” Gok x

So, what do you need to do in order to be in for a chance to grab this great prize? Well, since I've been ill and am in need of some cheering up, I thought it would be a giggle to hear about any funny underwear malfunctions that you girls might have experienced in your life. We all know the right underwear makes a world of difference, and that sometimes inappropriate underwear can get you into embarrassing situations. I'm sure we've all had our Bridget Jones moments, so let's share! :D


In this week's Goodie Bag are:

• Gok Wan Curve Controller in Naked - size 40E
  
• Gok Wan Shimmer Stick
  

Crafted from the finest fabrics, the Curve Controller will give you an outline you have only ever dreamed of. Stunning plunge neckline, hot Gok pink lined underwired cups and delicate bell detail combine in a bodyshaper designed to make you feel incredibly special and sexy all over. The Curve Controller comes with a spare set of clear straps presented in a gorgeous organza bag.

To be in for a chance to win this Goodie Bag, comment on this entry and share your most embarrassing/funniest underwear malfunctions. As a bonus, if you link back to this entry, you will be entered into the draw twice.

This contest closes on Friday 7 November at 5pm GMT. I'll draw the winner later on Friday night, and will aim to announce it on Saturday.

Hot off the Press - Goodie Bag Winner

Wow, I can't believe how many people took part in this week's Goodie Bag contest, where I asked about your favourite fashion mags. Thanks for that! I'm not going to answer all the comments individually as majority of you seemed to have the same favourites. You seem to draw most of your inspiration from mainstream fashion mags like Elle and Marie Claire, with a bit of Glamour thrown in. Trendi and Olivia were also clear favourites among the Finns. There certainly seems to be a distinctive gap in the market though, as none of you knew of any plus size fashion magazines being published at the moment. I tried to have a bit of a nosey around the internet to see whether I could locate any at all. The pickings were slim. And the ones I did come across, all seem to be based in the US. Here are a few I found:

AmaZe - possibly the most promising one of my finds
Scorch - not sure if this just an online magazine, but I like the design
FigureMagazine - this one looks the most established, but I don't know if it is really about fashion
PLUS Model Magazine - this one gives me so many ideas on how I'd like to develop DLB
Radiance - if the cover and the design of the website is anything to go by, possibly the least inspiring of all of these...

It seems quite clear that we need a plus size fashion magazine catering for the European market, something that would have an edge and be inspirational and make everyone one of us feel like there's no reason we can't take part in the big dressing up game!

As always, the winner of this week's Goodie Bag was drawn randomly, and this time lady luck (on who's behalf the lovely Jen, who's here visiting at the moment, did the honours) smiled on Eltsi! Congratulations! :) (p.s. Can you please email me your address so I can post your goodies to you.)