It's All About The Accesories Darling.

Hello blogland! I am still not feeling 100% in myself (although i have had my haircut, which has helped and as soon as i'm feeling super again, i shall let you all see the finished product), so yet again, i'm afraid, there won't be any outfit photographs in this post, but, to make up for it, there will be some sweet accesories to tide you over!

Work has been crazy, as usual and will only get crazier with the addition of a new artist in May, then the arrival of several European guest artists in June and then we will be working Portsmouth Convention over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of June! But, man, i love my job.

Now, onto the accesories!

The bag was an absolute steal. I had been after a simple, but attractive, black bag for a long time after my beautiful Mischa Barton Olsen Loop Hobo Bag broke after barely a month of using it (i disliked her before that happened, now you can only imagine how i feel about her). I found this beauty in Primark for £8! It is surprisingly spacious and made from a beautiful pleather-esque material haha. The clasp is pretty fun too, you have to pop it into the hole and twist to keep it secure! I adore it and would recommend it to anyone who is simply looking for an attractive, vintage inspired, everyday black bag!

The rings, no joke, made my long and difficult day today! They came free atop some cupcakes that a lady brought into the shop for us today (there was also a chick, but my boss took that home for his wife). They are so childish, plastic and grostesque that i just can't help but love them and know in my soul that i will, without a doubt, wear them (i will make sure to feature them in an outfit post in the future).

Onto my third and final accesorie and by far my favourite, my moustache earrings. I found them on the ASOS site for £6 and didn't even think twice about buying them. As anyone that knows me will know, i have a rather large moustache fetish. I think they are so sexy (a long with gold teeth, but that is another story) so these earrings were pretty much made for me. They are a perfect size and weight considering i am not someone that copes well with overly large earrings that drag down my delicate lobes and obviously, they are stunning. Moustache fans, get yourself a pair of these beautiful bad boys.

I also thought i'd share with you a few things that are on my wishlist that i absolutely must have!

And finally, i thought i would share with you my latest addition.

A cobweb on my elbow (i apologise that you can't really tell it is my elbow, but taking a photograph of your own elbow is surprisingly difficult haha)! It is something that i have wanted for years and my boss had a little free time so i asked him to crack one on for me and he did! I absolutely adore it. He gave it a traditional, oldschool edge while still keeping it bold. It was not anywhere near as painful as i had heard it would be, in fact, it was more of a bizarre sensation than an actual pain!

I have also, finally (after months of being asked to), opened a Tumblr account and i am freakishly addicted to it for its tunnel vision take on peoples lives, opinions, feelings and tastes - http://katylondonjames.tumblr.com/.

Peace out bloggers.

KLJ x

And It's Been A While.

Blog land. I am a blogging disgrace. Work has been ridiculous of late, i have been working from 9.30am - 6.30pm, Monday - Saturday with Sunday being my only day off and then most of that is spent sleeping or organising my life! So, finally, after my long absence (once again) i have found time to sit down and write a post.

Don't think i no longer love you though, bloggers. I have been following and keeping up with posts that i enjoy, even if it has just been briefly flicking through them and of course, they have been as fabulous and inspiring as ever!

So, onto the main event. No outfits i'm afraid (i am having a hair crisis, once again, as i am trying to grow it but it has got to the boring 'nothingness' stage, so i have not really felt confident enough to crack out some outfits of choice - but don't worry, i will be back on my feet with that in no time, you'll see) but, i just had to show you all these beautiful shoes i got in New Look today for £20 (i saw them and instantly new i had to have them)!!!!

They are a size 8, so 80's (there was a French brand called Bally, who, in the 80's, were particularly recognised for using this shape of shoe for women) and just divine with the pointed mid-section and pointed toe and of course, the suede! They are real suede, so i will have to be careful going out in them in any wet weather, but just look at how beautiful they are. Also, to boot, they are insanely comfortable (i love them so much, i can see my buying another pair for when i wear this pair out).

Now, onto my second purchase, a whole heap of little necklaces that are just to die for.

Firstly, the gorgeous red heart. It sits perfectly as a shorter pendant and stands out wonderfully against my freakishly white skin! It is from Primark and came in at £1.50! I was going to buy it before i saw the price and then i saw the price and it made me happy inside. The gorgeous Anchor next to it was the most expensive out of the bunch and that came in at £6 from ASOS. I had wanted it for a long time but for some reason just hadn't gotten around to purchasing it and then when i saw it had gone from £8 to £6 in the sale, i bought it there and then and have almost not taken it off since i got it! The Budgie necklace was also from ASOS and was a total no brainer for me as it looks exactly like my Budgie, Artemis (i have two, Artemis is blue and Leon is green). It was £6 and the Budgie is made from a solid enamel, which i was really pleased about as i was worried it might be a little flimsy as it is so small. The final necklace, the tiny little Teapot and Tea cup was also from Primark and cost me £1! It is so delicate and beautiful and although i don't wear it as much as the first two because the blue detail on it doesn't go with all of my outfits, i still think it is ever so pretty and wear it with all outfits possible.

I'm sorry about the short nature of my first post in a long time, but i will be back, do not worry about that. Now, as a final thought, i would love to show you all my absolutely divine new tattoo.

It is easily my favourite piece. I cannot gush about it enough. It is an oldschool tattoo with a fresh, newschool twist. I found the picture of the man and knew straight away i had to get him done and then left it to Kye (one of my wonderfully talented boys from the shop) to tart him up for me and this is what he came up with! He is such a brilliant artist, he sometimes genuinely shocks me with his talent and that is not even including the fact he has only been tattooing 15 months! I nearly killed him several times as it was, without a doubt, the most painful i have ever had because there is so much work and so much shading it in (i wasn't sure where to put him and Kye insisted i had him on my foot even though i greatly protested as it really is not a nice area haha but i am so glad i did now as it looks wonderful) but it was beyond worth it. I have been somewhat crippled for the past few days as the foot does swell because of the lack of flesh there, but thankfully that is dying down now and i can concentrate on appreciating my latest, beautiful piece!

Also, i have decided to post the album i am listening to from now on, at the time i write each post because music really does inspire me with my fashion and my writing. At the moment i am listening to Alison Krauss & Union Station - Paper Airplane. It is beautiful, true country and i urge anyone with a heart to give it a listen.

I've missed you blogland.

KLJ x

A Leap Of Faith.

This is only a little post, not about fashion particularly, but something i really felt to blog about!

So, today, i took the plunge and got the palm of my hand tattooed (with a crown surrounded by some rays - the symbol itself doesn't mean anything specific to me but the tattoo generally represents a lot) courtesy of Kye Stacey, one of the wonderfully talented artists at Exclusive Tattoos (the shop i work in). It is something i have been wanting for a long time, but it also means that i have now gone past the point of no return regarding being able to completely cover my tattoos and it feels like a big step for me. Something that feels really good. As i explained in my previous post, my moods have been very up and down lately and getting my palm tattooed has cemented to me who i am and who i want to be and i am not necessarily only talking physically, but also mentally and spiritually. Although tattoos have become a lot more accepted in day to day life, there are still a great number of people that look down on tattooed individuals, especially tattooed women (and even more so in a smaller area like the one i live in) and to be a part of that community makes me feel strong. But, now i have taken this step (although my chest would seem pretty major to a lot of people, it is still something i could cover with a high necked top/dress) i feel liberated and empowered by it.

I love my job, i have never felt more accepted in my life. I am sure some people will read this post and wonder about the point of it and the point of my tattoo at all but thats fine, i will never please everyone.

Now, at 21 i can honestly say that i feel completely myself for the first time in my life and it is wonderful.

KLJ x

A Tempestuous Few Weeks.

Blog followers, i am home. Back to the warm bosom of my blog and the soft, comforting hands of what i do best - writing.

The past few weeks (or is it months?) in which i haven't posted have been outrageously up and down. I would like to keep my blog about fashion but i would also like to tell you all a little something about me. I have suffered from Bipolar since i was around 13 years old. I have incredible highs and even more dramatic lows, despite various medications. These altering moods usually occur for no apparent reason, but like anyone, my moods can also be greatly effected by outside influences. At the moment, a combination of an unstable Bipolar driven low and unfortunate outside occurrences are stopping me being at my best - but, i thought i would share this with you and crack out a nice new post to try and get my life a little more back on track.

However, onto something more positive. I recently added Brighton Tattoo Convention and it was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life. Surrounded by other people interested in the same things as i am, i felt at home. Everyone was so friendly and the atmosphere, art work and talent was incredible. I also got to spend time with my boys from the shop, out of work, which was hilarious and really enjoyable. I met some truly wonderful people and spent the night with a total gent (moustache and all!) who will be tattooing a beautiful owl on me in July! The convention inspired me so greatly to continue to get tattooed and to continue being who i am.

Now, onto the fashion ladies and gentleman! I have compiled a small fashion wishlist for this season so far;

These outfits combine some of my all time favourite fashion influences into 8 stunning pieces, all with very different tailoring and fittings. Of course, the majority of my outfit choices are from the ASOS CURVE range because, i find, they are the most ontrend in the plus size world. Evans, New Look etc have some priceless finds but i think they are rare, whereas ASOS CURVE is consistently bringing out new and exciting plus size pieces. My personal favourite is the dress with the navy blue polka dot blouse and the black skirt - it is so effortlessly glamorous, with clear 1950's style influences. I think a lot of fashion today has lost that ease and natural beauty that fashion from previous eras had - but these key pieces recapture that perfectly (prices ranging from £20 to around £50).

The only piece in this list not from the ASOS CURVE range is the black, high necked lace tunic. I absolutely adore it. It is so overdramatic and beautifully gothic. I would team it with a pair of kitten heel chelsea boots and ivory tights (white would be too much in my opinion). As i mentioned before, Evans occasionally knock out fashion gems and i believe that this is one of those!

I'm sorry that this post doesn't include any of my personal outfits but that will definitely come in the next post. I shall build a collection of personal outfits and put them all into a big post of my current favourites! However, have a little snap of me currently as i have changed a little since my last post;

I am sorry for my absence, as always blogland.

KLJ x

The Day The Snow Came.

As i sit listening to the rain tapping against my windows, i know that it is time to post about the snow. I will, once again, greatly apologise for my absence, although, this time, i have no real reason for it. I do not know what has been wrong with me lately but i have been feeling terribly uninspired and unmotivated - but as the new year is fast approaching, i am beginning to feel that tingle returning, the tingle that tells me plus size can be fabulous and ultimately, chic!

So, back to the matter at hand, the snow. No doubt there have been a ridiculous amount of posts speaking about the snow, posting outfits in the snow, etc, so why should i be the odd one out haha?

This is the outfit i wore on the initial snow day! Of course, as we all know it carried on to get a lot heavier and a lot colder haha. I am wearing a Leopard Print Faux Fur Coat from Newlook (size 22), Lace Panel Black Leggings from ASOS CURVE (size 22), Black And Gold Chain & Stud Detail Boots from Matalan (size 8) and a Cream Hand Knitted Jumper that was knitted by my Step Dads Mother haha so i have no idea what size that would be classed as (it wasn't knitted for me, it was knitted for him but i pinched it haha). I am also wearing my staple Twisted Gold Chain that i got from a Charity Shop and then the longer necklace i am wearing (which i unfortunately did not take any closer photographs of) is a Gold Stags Head mounted on a Dark Wood Plague with a Chunky Gold Chain and that was from ASOS also (so much of my stuff is from ASOS, it is terrible haha they should endorse me!). I love this outfit because it is so comfortable and warm, yet still remains stylish and in fashion (i am seeing a great deal of chunky knitwear at the moment, which i am all about). The coat i am wearing is an absolute MUST to all of those who are partial to Faux Fur, it cost me something like £40, which is beyond a bargain and it is lined.

This was outfit number two for me! This was worn on the day that the snow became outrageous and settled heavily, leaving a good 5/6 inches (i know that doesn't seem much to people who aren't from the South, but for us, that is a great deal haha) - hence the very unstylish Wellies i was forced to wear, but we shall ignore them! I am, once again, wearing the Leopard Print Faux Fur coat from Newlook, a long with the Black Lace Panel Leggings from ASOS CURVE, a Plain Black Longline Vest from ASOS Curve, a Light Pink Owl Print Bat Wing Top from Topshop (shock horror!) and a Black and Gold Chain Print Scarf from ASOS. I absolutely love love love the Owl Print Top, not only because i managed to find something that fits me in Topshop haha but because it is so comfortable, flattering and stylish. Unfortunately, you cannot see the arms in these photographs, but the are 3/4 length with a heavy batwing and look fabulous. The hem is also cut shorter at the front and longer at the sides, so it sits at an interesting angle and the material is stretchy, lightweight and soft. I love this outfit and find i can wear it at most occasions - to work, on a night out (with different shoes and accesories of course), out shopping during the day, out with the girls to the cinema etc!

I will finish up this LONG overdue post with a few hilarious/lovely photographs from the snowy days, including a few of my Mother wearing my jumper from my first snow outfit haha (it is a family jumper haha).

When the weekdays finally return to normal and all of these bank holidays are out of the way, i will post about my massive Christmas haul of goodies, as i am still waiting for most of them to arrive in the post haha - i have some lovely pieces to show you all! I hope you all had absolutely wonderful Christmas's, full of presents and far too much food and alcohol! Merry Belated Christmas!

It feels good to be back on the blogging scene again, i am feeling a lot more positive now i have taken the time to write this post. 2011 is going to bring wonderful things for the world of plus size fashion, i can feel it and hopefully, it will bring equally as wonderful things for me personally (i also promise i will get that Tattoo post up in 2011 haha as i have been talking about it for months and months).

KLJ x

And Who Would Have Thought?

Golly, it has been a long time my friends. Once again, i cannot apologise enough for my absence. Things at work have been crazy, as we recently moved into a much bigger shop - which is amazing! I have finally been able to find a day to take a few snaps and then sit down and write a new post!

I can't believe i missed posting about Halloween, so here is a super belated photograph of my Halloween costume;

Can anyone guess what i went as haha? Well, Halloween is all about bad taste right? You can't really see what i wore too spectacularly in this picture but i had on a purple, satin frill sleeved dress from ASOS CURVE, a bunch of gold jewellery also from ASOS, a torn, laddered pair of tights (laddered using a cheese grater!) from Evans and my beloved Sam Edelman Black 'Joss' Boots. I spent my Halloween in Plymouth and had a jolly good time all round!

Also, during my time of absence, i had a complete hair restyle and i adore it! I have decided once and for all that i am going to grow my hair (including completely growing out my undercut - i was bored or it and fed up of people thinking i was a lesbian/butch) and this time, i mean it. I plan to end up with a Florence Welch-esque style eventually. So here is a photograph of my new 'do;

Now, onto my recent purchases! I have suddenly discovered that Next sell the occasional delicious plus size item and of late, the Next Clearance store (in Clarks Village in Street) near me has been packed full of said items! So, to make sure that i didn't miss out on this once in a blue moon opportunity, i went crazy and bought every gorgeous item i could find haha (however, the first dress in this barage of photographs is from ASOS CURVE but it is so beautiful, that i just could not resist it);

All of the dresses in these photographs are a size 22, but because the Next that i purchased all but one of them from is a Clearance store, the sizing varies dramatically (obviously the different cut of the dresses contributes to this too). I adore every single one of these dresses and i feel comfortable and confident in them all as they all fit really well, despite the varying sizes - i feel they are all sexy and interesting without being too over the top.

My love of 1960's inspired fashion has returned with avengance. The purple checkered dress and the grey checkered dress are particularly 60's influenced. I love the simply cuts and clean lines of the 60's style and the fact you can remain classy and sophisticated but still incorporate an interesting edge.

Normally, i try to avoid exposing my arms at all costs (despite my tattoos) because i am not a big fan of them, however, these dresses are cut well enough that i would be able to feel ok wearing them without cardigans/cover ups.

I plan to wear the ASOS CURVE dress out for my work Christmas meal - so i will post a photograph of that outfit when i wear it! I really need to start posting more complete outfits, rather than single pieces. That is definitely on my 'list of blogging things to do'.

For this post, i took all of these photographs, in these various outfits, one after the other - by the end of it, i had changed 6 times in around 15 minutes haha, it was tiring stuff - afterwards i felt satisfied with the thought that i now know how models feel haha (these photographs also show a rare shot of me smiling and showing my teeth, this is something that doesn't happen often haha). Here is a rubbish snap of me looking a mess, with my hair swept back, after the mass wardrobe swapping;

I have said this before, but i will say it again and try my best to stick to it - I WILL POST AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK! I feel i have neglected the individuals that follow my blog by not posting in over a month. How could i be so awful?

Please feel free to let me know which of the dresses is your favourite on me/which you would like to own and any other opinions you have on this post!

KLJ x

It Is Time For Something Different.

Hello bloggers! As i am writing this post, i am feeling a lot better about the world of blogging. After some fellow writers read my previous post, they sent me messages of encouragement and advice, which i really really appreciated and it made me realise that i love writing these posts! So, no more doom and gloom from me dear readers, oh no.

Now, as my title suggests, i have gone for something a little different in the outfit i shall be posting today. Well, different for me haha.

A White Dress! Ta-daa! Now, to most of you out there, this won't be that different at all haha but for me it really is. I am a great dan of darker colours - black, grey, purples, greens, rather than the more bold, bright colours. So, really, it was a gigantic case of going from one extreme to the other.

The dress is a White Kimono Sleeve Dress is a size 22 and i got it in the ASOS CURVE sale an few months ago. It is lined with a comfortable, jersey material and then has the white lace overlay. It is super comfortable, flattering and breathable. However, it is really not one for the more clumsy amongst us (myself included) because it is, obviously, very easy to stain - but if you have a stock of Vanish handy, it isn't as much of a worry. The Black Footless Tights are from Evans and although very comfortable, are insanely long, so i do have to keep pulling them up (not at the waist, but at the actual leg) - their sizing when it comes to tights is odd, it is eitgher size 1, 2 or 3 and these were a size 3. The shoes are my beautiful, old faithful Black Flats With Gold Heart Detail from ASOS, the long Rosary Bead Necklace is also from ASOS (and featured in my previous post) and the Shorter Gold Chain is my daily must and i bought it in a charity shop at least a year ago!

I am also attempting to grow out the majority of my undercut (minus a small section at the front of the left hand side) so please forgive any future posts in which my hair looks somewhat bizarre haha.

I realise that, right now, i am mainly only posting outfits, whilst ignoring Autumn/Winter collections etc. I decided against blogging about Beth Ditto's latest collection for Evans because the amount of plus size blogs featuring it was ridiculous. However, i am going to scout around for my favourite picks of the current Autumn/Winter fashions and my recommendations generally!

As always, feel free to let me know how you feel about the outfit and i hope you all like my Moustache haha.

KLJ x