The Clements Ribeiro SS13 Swan Collection for Evans

Hi guys,
I've just seen some of the images from the latest Swan Collaboration between Clements Ribeiro and Evans. I was impressed with the first drop from this collab, and now there are several pieces from this new one that I really love too! To help promote the collection Evans and Clements Ribeiro enlisted the most stylish and influential personalities within the plus-size blogosphere. UK bloggers Georgina Horne, Bethany Rutter and Callie Thorpe have been photographed alongside Nicolette Mason and Marie Denee from the US, to showcase the clothes on differing shapes, provide powerful inspiration and give a statement of the relevance of plus size voices in the world of fashion.

I thought it was a smart move by Evans to have plus sized fashion bloggers model the collection: plus sized blogs are the newest popular 'fad' in fashion blogging (about time too!) and the resulting images look fantastic! So what was the inspiration for the collection? Well, designer Inacio Ribeiro said: "After three collections in which we tried to create smart capsule wardrobes, including some serious eveningwear, we decided to come with a surprise turn by creating a holiday range that is playful and easy. "The shapes are very casual and straightforward and the prints are full of wit. It is infused with the urban energy the bloggers inspired us with, but also ready for a week of fun in Rio."

What do you think of the collection? I really like the lobster printed jersey dress, whereas the other graphic prints aren't really to my tastes. But that lobster dress has my name all over it - as does the domino clutch bag!

The collection is available in store and online now, and prices start from £35.

Love Tor x

From one extreme to another?

I still haven't had a chance to go and view the Beth Ditto range at Evans yet.

If it's a full review you're after then I would highly recommend you check out the one from Fat Girls Like Nice Clothes too. She looks amazing in almost everything she tries on, by the way!

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But, despite being just outside their target size demographic, I do intend to go down and see what the collection is all about. I think it's important, and I think it's about time fuller figured ladies were given a little more variety in choosing what they wear; I know how it feels to have limited choice everytime I try to shop for swimwear; it makes you feel isolated and miserable!


If they sized down just a tiny bit, then these are the sequin encrusted pieces I would be making a beeline for:
I read an interesting piece (aka an evil piece) in the mirror of all places this morning. It's about the Beth Ditto range, which is why i'm writing this piece. The extract in question goes like this: "You know, the size zero debate in fashion was all about looking out for people's health and promoting a healthy BMI.
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So why then are the fashion press salivating all over Beth Ditto's collection for Evans when it's already been reported that obesity is as big a killer as smoking?
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I think it's fair comment to say that Ditto is obese.
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Is this the fashion industry majority giving the middle finger to the leaders, and Tessa Jowell, who tried to tackle the cult of the size 0 models and put the spotlight on more healthy ideals?
It's gone from one extreme to another - both unhealthy shapes and both within the realms of eating disorders. You can be an over-eater just as you can be an under-eater."

This extract made me immediately angry. Because this woman has no right to decide who or what is healthy and Beth's collection shouldn't be about size (although of course it is!) it should be judged on it's fashion merits: leggings with reinforced waistbands so they don't ride down? Genius! Sequins all over the place- what's not to love!?

And I would also like to point out that no matter how "equal in their illness" Miss Mirror Writer likes to profess that overweight and size zero women are, I dont see many size zero women struggling to find something trendy to wear to work or for a night on the town! I'm sure there are lots of bigger women that would like to lose a little weight (myself included) but does that mean they should be punished by wearing ugly and unattractive clothes? What kind of incentive is that!?

Oh and for the record, there were 16 comments about the article quoted above, all saying almost exactly what I have said above. This is an extract from my favourite: I don't think that this is a celebration of obesity. Every single woman who shops at Evans knows the health implications of their size, just as every time someone sparks up a ciggarette they are fully aware of the consequences of that action. Evans are excited about using Beth Ditto as a celebrity endorsement, as all of us larger women have missed out on every other celebrity line. It feels like everyone has been to a great big party and I was only allowed to look through the window!

I will be going to view the Beth Ditto collection this weekend. But I will be judging it on its cut and shape, not the size it comes in!

Love, Tor

PS - Don't forget to check out my competition for your chance to win a gorgeous Mink Pink dress!

The rise of the chunky monkeys!

Whilst not exactly slim, I think I have an OK body; i'm all in proportion, I wear my clothes well, and I leave the house feeling (just about) happy every morning. I certainly never have any problems finding clothes to fit; Although high street stores, if you're listening a little bit more accomodation for a larger bust would be nice.

Boots however, are a different matter. See, I have disproportionately large arms and legs. My mum kindly refers to my legs as the chunky monkeys in fact. And whilst I can buy short boots from just about any where, hence my love of the shorter boot, knee high boots are much more of a problem. So there's only one store I look to when I need new knee highs, and although it used to embarrass me to admit it, it embarrasses me no more; I buy my boots from Evans.

Yup, Evans of plus size fame. And yesterday, with the wet feet I invariably get when it snows, I decided to pop in and invest in a new pair (they usually cost about £100, which is why I only buy a new pair when the old ones die; apparently having fat legs is expensive!) But not today! For Evans have a sale on, and the last laugh is on the skinny minnies for once; because this season their boot selection is amazing!! So amazing that I got two pairs!! (Well actually I got one pair and the bf got me the other because, and I quote, "It will stop me whinging about not having any nice knee high boots")

Here they are:

The top pair were £20 and the bottom pair were £30, both reduced from £70 and £75 (If I remember correctly) and both so so comfy; they really do fit like a dream! The tan ones also came in black (reduced to £40)

And here is how i'm wearing the black ones today:

Primark dress £15, Warren James necklace £20, Evans boots £30. I'm not sure how much I like the dress now i've seen it photographed, but the boots more than make up for it!

And there were so many other lovely pairs; all their boots were heavily discounted. However (tip of the day coming up!) go into the store if you fancy a pair, dont buy them online! Lots of the boots aren;t discounted or arent discounted as much on the website; I have no idea why!

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So if you've got chunky monkey legs like me, or just like to wear your boots loose and slouchy (how I envy girls who can wear their boots loose and slouchy!) then my advice is to get down to Evans quick, whilst the sale is still on!

Lots of love,

Tor x

PS - I know the shows are on and I should be writing about them, but I was just too excited about my boots not to show you all! Maybe i'll think about looking at some "real" fashion tomorrow!