Author: Adrian Blatherwick

Be Budget Beautiful (New Year)

How to put together a fashionable wardrobe on a shoestring

With the economy hitting a slump recently, most of us are being more mindful with our spending habits. Although new clothing isn’t as essential as food and household bills, it is still considered a staple part of our lives. In some instances, what you wear can have a huge impact on your daily life and mental health. With that in mind, we don’t want anybody to sacrifice ‘looking good’ because of financial obstacles.

Here are our top tips to creating that ‘rich girl’ look on a ‘frugal girl’ budget.

Take Stock

The first thing is to take stock of what you already own. Pull out your favourite key pieces and work out why you love them so much. Could you perhaps utilize them more? Could you make smaller purchases this year that will simply complement what you already own?

The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity to declutter your wardrobe. Anything you haven’t worn for a long time (or that doesn’t fit) should be put away to make space for what you actually need. Either take them to the charity shop or try selling them on sites like eBay or vinted.

When everything you’re left with is what you love, then you’ll be less overwhelmed when choosing an outfit next time.

Capsule Pieces

Most fashionistas will talk constantly about ‘capsule pieces’ and there’s a good reason for that. By having a base root of key pieces available to you, you’ll be able to maximize what you own and be able to make the best use of your clothing.

Capsule pieces might include – plain shirts, vest tops, jeans, a leather skirt, and a neutral blazer.

Once you’ve chosen your capsule pieces, make sure they’re readily available to you by putting them at the front of your wardrobe or in the most accessible drawer. Because from now on these are going to be your most prized wardrobe possessions.

Splurge when necessary

Although the whole point of a budget wardrobe is to save money, sometimes it’s worth thinking seriously about what you’re buying. If something has a high price tag it could mean that the materials, it’s made of will be more enduring. Looking at how long you think an item will last you is crucial to your pocket and the environment. Sometimes it’s better to spend £100 on a coat that will last you 10 years, than £40 on a coat that will be gone by next winter.

When you are ‘splurging’, choose pieces that will not only stand the test of time but will also remain fashionable in a few years. For that reason, it’s best to go with plain solid colours and avoid anything patterned or embellished.

There’s nothing wrong with plain

Moving on from our last point, by steering clear of heavily patterned designs you can ensure your piece of clothing will be.

1. Easier to pair up with other items you own.
2. Still be in fashion in a few years’ time.

To avoid the risk of being completely boring, however, there’s nothing wrong with adding a little pattern to your life. Just ensure you do that with your more seasonal or cheaper selections.

If you’ve followed the guide above, then you know that it’s OK to buy that ‘animal print blouse’ as a little treat – because it will be ok with your capsule pieces – your pair of plain jeans and simple black blazer.

Designer Inspired

If you love the designer look but not the designer price tag, then you’re a true LJ’s girl at heart.

Throughout the year we would like to bring to you a range of high-quality products that look and feel as good as their designer counterparts but at a budget cost. From handbags to scarves, from jumpers to dresses – we can help you achieve that luxury lifestyle look for less.

Taking care of your clothes

The most important thing to remember when running a budget wardrobe is TLC or tender loving care. Because the better we look after our things, the longer they will last us.

This is crucial for clothing. The aftercare you give your purchases can be the difference between them lasting 1 week or 100 weeks.

Be sure to check the inside labelling for any washing instructions and only launder them when it’s necessary. Each time you wash a garment, however careful you are then you are going to lose a certain amount of colour, perhaps a bit of elasticity and ultimately, it’s one step closer to being destined for the rag man.

By hanging your clothes up straight after you’ve worn them, washing on cooler and more delicate wash cycles, and handling them in a gentle manner you can improve longevity (and getting the most from your spending).

Look-out for deals

Although we try to keep our prices low all year round, you may notice that we run offers and deals throughout the year to help you save even more money on your clothes.

By signing up to our email newsletter you can be one of the first to hear when a price drop is happening, a sale has started, or a limited offer is running.

Signing up is completely free of charge and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Thanks for reading, we hope this helps you keep your fashion budget in order. If you have any tips for any of the other ladies reading this article, then please feel free to comment below.

Tis the season! The Sparkle seasons! And at LJ’s we’ve got some stunning Christmas party outfits coming in. So now all you’ve got to do is style it ready so you can dance the night away, comfy, stylish & feeling fab.

Dresses

This one isn’t too tricky, a beautiful wrap dress like the Brandi is pretty much a full outfit but you might just need to think how to keep warm. Add a pair of plain high waisted leggings to start, they’re better than normal tights due to the soft material and the thick waist band so you feel supported and comfortable.
Now you don’t want to take away from that sparkly dress but it’s Winter ladies, don’t make me tell you twice that, you’ll probably be needing a jacket. To keep it smart there’s ruched arm jackets which you can add a pop of block colour with a red or green, (keeping it Christmassy) or a classic black to not overwhelm the outfit.
You might want some a bit thicker to keep the chill off, or a little less formal but always keep that outfit trendy. We’ve got some beautiful plus size biker jackets like the California to finish your outfit off fabulously.

Trousers

Just because it’s a party doesn’t mean it has to be a dress though. Choose something a little different with a pair of Glitterbabe sparkly wide leg trousers. These are full of sparkle, and once you know how are simple to style.
Let’s start with full blown sparkle! We love a stand out piece to make heads turn, put on a Glitz & Glam jacket for the ultimate sparkle and then add a block colour top to the ensemble to tie it together without going too OTT.
A none sparkly top is also the way to go, but with a little print, keep it in theme and try an LJ’s Exclusive Christmas T-shirt for a bit more of a casual look than full blown glam.
Or again, something a little different, a Cutie Pie Pussybow Blouse is very glam, paired with a fun pair of glittery trousers and some killer heels and you’ve got yourself an outfit!

Top

Now the last thing on today’s styling list is a beautiful sparkly top, we’ve got plus size sparkly Lolita vest or Midnight Kiss top. Even a glittery top you can dress right up before you hit the town. PU Croc Leggings are classy and comfortable with plenty of stretch in case you want to treat yourself to an extra mince pie or two, add on a Dreams sparkly blazer for an extra layer and you have yourself a very trendy look perfect for parties, dinners or even the day itself!
Lastly, we know we always preach our big love of bright and bold outfits, but sometimes it’s just n to everyone’s thing. So a Christmas outfit, with some glitter but want a classic look, try the party skirt, a black pleat skirt with silver twinkle running through it, paired with a black sparkly Lolita and you’re ready for any festive season.

As we enter the final months of the year and November greets us with the promise of festive charm, you may wish to start planning those Christmas outfits!
With the LJ’s sparkle season launch now in full swing, we take you through some easy ways to make 2024 your most FASHIONABLE Christmas yet.
We believe in making the most out of everyday Christmas activities – it’s the one time of year you can really go ‘ALL OUT’ and nobody batters an eyelid – so with that in mind, let’s run through some TOP Christmas activities and how us LJ’s girls would make them more stylish.

What to wear for Christmas Shopping

Whether you’re hitting the high street with determination, or leisurely strolling through Christmas markets with a mulled wine in hand – it’s often the first opportunity to wear some festive cheer.
This time of year can be chilly, but when you’re popping in and out of shops you can soon warm up!
We’d choose an outfit with LAYERS for Christmas shopping. A pair of comfy magic jeans teamed with a thin polo jumper will give a versatile base layer. Then simply add another jumper for the middle layer. Right now, we’re all falling in love with the Tasha fur gilet. This cosy sleeveless coat will give you the freedom to move around effortlessly in warmth.
PLUS it looks ‘the part’ –
get ready for hot chocolate poses by the market tree!

What to wear for the work Christmas lunch

If the boss has suggested the whole team enjoy lunch out to celebrate Christmas, you might be looking for an outfit that’s festive, but smart enough to wear around the office beforehand.
Our choice here would be a dark pair of magic trousers or leggings, teamed up with a glamorous blouse. Our collection of blouses and shirts for curvy girls includes some stunning options – with pussybow details, sparkling finishes and flattering high low shapes there’s some great options. You’ll be going from desktop coffee to lunchtime margarita faster than you can say ‘Chrimbo’.

What to wear for the BIG Night out

Whether it’s a work thing, a family get-together or a full ON Christmas ball – we’re sure to have something to suit your style. Nothing says ‘Christmas Party’ quite like sequins – and here at LJ’s we’ve sprinkled them on almost everything this year!
If you’re ready to make heads turn, opt for a sparkly wrap dress (the Glitzy is our favourite this year)
Trousers more your thing? Our Tinsel Tess Jumpsuit set offers a complete look with full on sparkle! What’s more, both these options come in a generous size range – best fitting ladies up to size 26.

What to wear on Christmas Eve

If the night before Christmas is your time to cosy down in-front of the tree and binge on your favourite movie, then we’re on the same page!
Our top choice for the perfect Christmas Eve at home would involve one of the LJ’s comfy lounge sets – The Elizabeth, The Hush, The Velvetise and the Chillax are all of incredible quality and perfect for settling down in. What’s more, because they’re plain in pattern, you’ll be able to wear these long after Christmas time – an investment piece for sure!

What to wear on Christmas Day

Although it’s going to be a sad moment when you climb out of your lounge set, do not fear – this is Christmas Day and magic does happen!
For the most indulgent day of the year, it has to be a pair of magic trousers. With their incredibly comfortable (and stretching) elasticated waistband you can say ‘yes’ to that extra mince pie without haste. What’s more they look just like a regular pair of trousers whilst being as comfortable as a pair of PJ bottoms. Their comfortable elastic means you can stretch around the kitchen and loll around on the sofa with ease. But what to wear on top? It just has to be one of the LJ’s Christmas tops! For those that feel the heat, choose one of our hand-designed festive T-shirts – or if long sleeves are your preferred choice – our soft and lightweight Christmas jumpers will do just the trick.

And that’s it. That is what Leesa, Sally and the team will be wearing this Christmas
Now to think of New Year…….

We love the autumn collection this year with some gorgeous, bold colours and prints coming up, but sometimes we just need that little extra something to tie the whole outfit together.

Keep reading to find out some of Autumn’s top accessory trends of 2023.

Look At Me Earrings

I think sometimes we don’t really overthink about earrings unless we’re dressing up to go out, then you put on the good stuff, doll yourself up and get ready to go out, but putting on a bold pair of earrings can really make your autumn outfits pop.

A combination of different bold colours and shapes can make even a simple wardrobe winner like jeans and a top have its own unique personality.

This year, as well it’s not just double denim and leather jackets that are coming back into fashion it’s ear cuffs too! An added bit of glitz to really glam up your style.

Things To Watch

A bold bracelet really does add something to your look. Whether you want to be casual and chic or over the top and elegant. Even better is that there’s no right or wrong way to wear a bracelet! You can have fun with them, stack them up, mix and match, and do something a bit different to what you wear no matter the occasion.

If chunky bracelets aren’t your thing, but you still want some wrist bling, a beautiful watch is a great way to style an outfit this Autumn. A classic neutral watch to work with all different styles and colours, and it’s not just a style statement; it’s obviously practical too.

No Outfit Is Complete

We are obsessed with a gorgeous, patterned scarf! It’s an easy way to add some pizzazz to your clothes while keeping yourself cosy and warm when there’s a chill in the air. Not only for everyday wear, but there’s also a stunning range of luxury scarves to dress up even for special occasions such as weddings or throw it around your shoulders as a simple shawl. By picking a different colour scarf as well, you can incorporate more colours and personality into your outfit and easily pair it up with the same-coloured shoes to complete the look.

Autumnal Colours

Autumn comes with some beautiful block colours like Purples, Blues, Greens, and yellows. Now, you don’t want to overcomplicate your clothing, and big patterns might not be your thing, so a chunky necklace with another one of these autumnal colours for contrast means you can still have fun with it. For example, a mustard yellow dress with a magenta necklace can make for a truly royal combo.

And if you’re prone to getting cold and like to wrap up, add a stylish shawl with a bold statement brooch for such an easy and fashionable look.

Keep a look out for more of our gorgeous accessories coming this Autumn and winter, including super trendy cross-body bags 😉

We love playing around with different clothes and colours and outfits, but sometimes we do realise how daunting this can be for people.
Throughout the years Plus size ladies may have been put down or discouraged, so we at LJ’s say no more!
We thrive on body positivity and making sure we’re all comfortable and happy in our own bodies, in whatever we wear. So this blog will be all about REAL plus size outfits, everyday clothing for curvaceous women and we will be proud, and positive and REAL.

Colour Combos

Now our Sally can throw an outfit together, and with the new Autumn range that’s no exception. She plays around with colours until she finds what works. Laying them out on the bed and adding pieces to it until she gets the outfit she desires.
This outfit is a perfect example of pairing some colour combos together with the khaki and tan and adding a bold print scarf to make the outfit really pop

Casual Day Out

We know Sally can pull some fantastic combinations together but we also LOVE to see what our ladies are wearing. Having you share you photos of your out fits of the day really does make us so so happy. So here’s some more examples of some real feedback and and true outfits of the day from our ladies.
An everyday casual look, a simple yet classic look of Magic trousers and a plain t-shirt brought together as a stylish ensemble by the Denim Jacket.

Daily Dress

Dresses aren’t just for special occasions, there’s no reason not to boast a colourful look anytime of the day. This Shona collard dress is not only a stunning design to help you stand out but the curved hem is flattering on your curvy body and it’s lightweight so you’re not restricted whatever you’re doing throughout the day. Finished off here with a pink blazer to match the pink edging and you’ve got yourself an outfit! Even though this is a stunning little summer look, I can’t wait to see this styled with a pair of leggings and a chunky boot in the Autumn!

Layer Up

Staying warm but make it fashionable, the last thing you want to do is find a fantastic outfit for the day and then it be cold and you need to cover up! Here you see a faux suede biker jacket that not only compliments the rest of the clothing but makes the outfit stylish and a fabulous fit.
Other plus size ladies may agree that finding a good biker jacket that works for us can be a tricky one. Well LJ’s doesn’t even just have one option, there’s several. With giving fabrics and flattering fittings as you can see in this photo you won’t look or feel restricted, the usual “normal” materials wouldn’t always be flattering on our figures but these faux suedes and stretchy leather look materials are a complete game changer.

The 3 B’s

Never dampen your shine be bright, bold and beautiful! This OOTD is a solid example of what we’re all about, bright colours and bold pattern and looking & feeling beautiful. The colours of the Whizz pop Dress are complimentary for their skin tone and blond hair then the twist knot in the middle which really enhances her shape.
Seeing these types of photos not only inspires us but other ladies too so we can be confident in our every day looks.
Make sure to join LJ’s Boutique VIP page to see and share more fashion inspiration and do tag us on social media in your LJ’s outfits as we love to see them!

You may or may not know by now LJ’s Ladies Boutique are having the biggest sale we have ever had! Our website is filled with huge discounts and slashed prices. With seasons changing we’re giving you ladies some fantastic offers on the summer gear before it’s too late while also keeping up with the gorgeous new Autumn fashion trends.

We know this year has been a struggle and money may be a little tighter than normal, but that doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves every once in a while. So what we’re going to do here is put some outfits together and keep it under budget.

Under £100

I know what you’re thinking, an outfit under £100 that’s not that difficult. Well what about 3! Going on holiday can be expensive, so needing to buy a whole new wardrobe to wear while you’re away can make your head spin.
So lets start off with the Roseanne Bandeau Dress. This is ideal for lounging around on sun loungers, slip on over your costume at the beach and stick on some jewellery and a pair of wedges for a cool going out look. The dress only being £16, and when you realise just out comfy and stylish this dress is you’ll be cracking it out for every bit of sun back home for years to come.
Last but not least the Roccoco Wrap style top and White Denim Pedal Pushers, because you don’t always want to wear dresses and these two paired together can make a classy even look with heels or a pair of trainers for a day trip. These tally up to be a very reasonable £26 for both!

That bring our total to: £91, which means you can even splurge and grab a pair of inspired sunglasses now also on sale for £4.50. New total = £95.50

Under £50

Now again I could go simple here and say to you under £50, EASY! Here’s the wrap dresses for £25 and done, but no let’s do this properly. A full outfit, smart casual day look, usually your jeans alone would take up most of this but with our sale we can treat ourselves to a complete look. The dark denim everyday push up jeans are price dropped to a fabulous £16 lets pair with a simple yet delicate Majestic top now only £12 and you even get a necklace! Then no outfit is complete without a jacket Monica at £22 is elegant and summery to keep that chill off. And there you have it our final total being £50 exactly.

Under £30

This one is actually pretty easy, there’s so much on sale now that’s under £30.
Jody Playsuit £15, Shirley Maxi Dress £21 even dungarees with a nigella top underneath equalling £27.
I think it’s plain to see there’s a bargain to be had here, and if you’re smart with your outfits you can get multiple looks from each one making the savings even bigger!
So don’t miss out on these unbeatable deals and just remember all sales are final there are no returns on sale items due to the prices being dropped so low.

“Summer and Fall waltzed to the wind in a stolen sweet romance” – Angie Weiland-Crosby

The great British weather has really lived up to its name, hasn’t it? We’ve got these amazing summer clothes, and I don’t know about you, but I’m not ready to put them away yet.

Although I’m sure you’re all very excited to see the new gorgeous Autumn range come in, here are a few little tips for incorporating both seasons together before you start to put your summer outfits away.

Layering up

People seem to think now the cool months are here, we have to go back to trousers and jumpers the whole time; I, for one, disagree. This summer, LJ’s had some incredible plus size maxi dresses, like the Equinox and Marseilles. With stunning patterns and colours, it would be a crime to hide them all away until next year! By adding a stylish biker jacket or a dark denim jacket, you’ll balance out the colours as well as keeping yourself warm.

Maxi Dresses

Now maxi dresses aren’t for everyone, you might have some of the fan favourites like the Judy waterfall dress or the Lois, something that still shows some leg but has a longer sleeve. You can have a little vintage look by adding some high-rise leggings to the outfit to keep off the chill. Even if you went for a soft neutral colour in the dress, you could add in those awesome rich autumn colours with a bold red wine or emerald green legging.
Then finish it all off with a chunky boot, an absolute staple piece for your Autumn wardrobe.

Jumpsuits

When you want to keep wearing your jumpsuits like the Peggie or the Donna Dreamcatcher, the easiest thing way to warm up is a cute little t-shirt underneath, with these coming in a lot of bold colours, you’re probably thinking, don’t be mad! How can I keep wearing these now summer has gone? Colour blocking. If you’ve got pinks, add in the chocolate browns, greens pair with a tan. You can still wear your favourite bright colours and work in the Autumnal shades to transition in nicely. Lay the different colours out on your bed, play around with different combinations, and have fun with it!

Look alive and accessories

Another thing to look at it is accessorising. It’s crazy to think how much something as small and easy as accessories could change up your outfit.

In summer, you may have picked up some beautiful floral dresses. Now flowers aren’t just for spring and summer, you know! Let’s take the Ophelia dress, for example, and bring it to Autumn with us. By simply adding a fedora hat and those trusty chunky boots, you’ve got yourself a very stylish and on-trend outfit.

Another great example is the shirt dresses, like the Fleur. Take it from being a beach cover-up in the summer to a fashion-forward Autumn look; by accessorising, you completely change the game. Belt it, add some knee-high boots this time and a scarf, and you’ve transformed a seemingly summer item into fall.

I hope that gives you a few sweet trips to change up your plus size fashion as the seasons start to change. We’re so excited for the rich and stunning Autumn clothing to come in, but it’s nice to be able to stretch that wardrobe a little bit longer and get more than one style out of an item.

LJ’s Ladies Boutique is proud to announce its breastfeeding and maternity range! A few months back, I (Tilly) had posted a photo in a London wrap style dress and a friend messaged to ask for more information. With the wrap style top and elasticated waist, she said how perfect it’d be. She’d just had a baby boy and would be breastfeeding. So then I thought, LJ’s has spent years finding the perfect clothes for gorgeous curvaceous women, so why can’t we do the same for beautiful changing bodies of new mothers?

After extensive research and here we are! A perfect range of clothing to keep new and expecting mums comfortable and effortlessly stylish right from pregnancy and all the way through to breastfeeding if they so wish.

Affordability

So you’ve found out your pregnant and there’s a million things running through your head. It’s not the most important thing happening right now but eventually, you may have to think of changing your wardrobe. Now babies are wonderful and joyous but boy don’t we know babies are expensive!

The Yummy Mummy range hasn’t added any extra pound signs to the LJ’s clothing just because it’s a special collection. Like with the free sizing, the clothing will grown and shrink with your changing body. Nearly all of this range has drawstring belting and elasticated waist bands.

Which moves us on nicely…

Comfortability

The last thing you want when pregnant is to be uncomfortable, am I right? We’ve carefully selected items for our Yummy Mummy range to make sure you feel comfy and secure in your clothing. The magic trousers are a staple for LJ’s and the 4 way stretch is perfect for going up and down in sizes, now also available in shorts to stay cool.

Also wrap style tunic tops, again with elasticated waists, soft materials and a wrap front. Same as our wrap dresses in short and longer lengths. The wrap style is great for any breastfeeding mother. Back in the day, it was being swamped in big baggy t-shirts and hiding under blankets and towels just to stay discrete in public. Covering your baby as they eat the most natural thing in the world! Putting yourself in uncomfortable seating positions just to not flash the world as you do so. Now with our clothing you can simply just pull down the side you’re feeding from, keep the rest of your top on comfortably and pop that wrap back over again when baby is done. Baby isn’t warm under a cover and mum doesn’t feel too exposed.

Style

Now we do know the last things you’d probably be worried about is looking good. Well now you don’t even have to try! We’ve been working with suppliers for new patterns and designs so you can effortlessly look good. The wrap dresses like the Kira are a whole outfit without having to spend hours piecing something together. Just because you’re curvier, doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous! We pride ourselves on putting women in gorgeous bright and bold clothing. Not only that, but you’ll have days when you want to stay home. You may be feeling exhausted and people want to visit, if you can relate to that then make sure to look at our lounge sets. These sets are super comfy but too luxurious to class as pyjamas. The Loris Lounge set for example means you can pop to the shops even with zero energy to dress up.

Get Involved

We’re hoping to keep growing the Yummy Mummy range and help lots of new mums with their changing wardrobes. If you yourself or someone you know if expecting or recently become a mother don’t be shy to get in touch to become apart of our affiliate scheme. This helps promote the maternity and breastfeeding collection whilst you can earn some commission on sales. If you work with breastfeeding support or baby groups let us know how we can help! Or if you can help us.

Contact [email protected] or [email protected] or message us on facebook

Closet Staple

If you’ve not got a kaftan in your summer wardrobe yet, then what have you been doing? Easy to pack, easy to style and easy to wear. A Kaftan is timeless and the silhouette is just classic, take a look through our collection of plus size kaftans.
Even if you’re not going away for your holidays this year it’s an effortless yet elegant cover over.
Day in the garden? Something like the Paradise Kaftan to keep your shoulders from burning but making you still feel cool and comfortable.
Quick trip out? Your kaftan can make a simple vest and shorts into a full fabulous outfit. Plus we know what English weather is like so an extra later to keep off that breeze is a must, but just because you’re a little chilly doesn’t mean you can’t still look great!

My Lovely Lady Lumps

Now kaftans always have a similar style & silhouette, the thing that makes them unique is their diverse patterns, fabrics & colours. So something that’s floaty, free really is perfect for ANY kind of shape and size. Any insecurities you’d like to hide a kaftan won’t hug to those bumps, bigger busted? No problem! Kaftans are very flattering in highlighting your features without being over revealing.
Want something that covers your hips but insinuates your waist, perfect! Try the Mamma Mia Kaftan with the drawstring middle to sculpt your shape.

Let’s go to the beach!

Probably the most popular place to wear a kaftan is…? The beach obviously! Take your beachwear up a level. Especially with Kaftans like the Alhambra featuring graceful broderie detail to really make your outfit pop. The lightweight materials will keep you staying cool while you get some sand between your toes. Paired with a pair on LJ’s Sunnies and you’re ready to go for a chilled out day on a sun lounger. Now we do fully believe that all bodies are beautiful and it doesn’t matter your size, shape ect, ect, but we know people get self conscious about some things, there’s always that little bit of yourself you’d rather hide away from others and being at the beach in your swimming cozzie brings out a lot of those insecurities. Throwing a kaftan on eliminates so much of that so your day isn’t spoiled.

Ready to hit the streets

When you are on holiday it’s not uncommon to spend most of the day on the beach or by a pool then wanting to go out for the evening. You don’t need to fill your luggage up with hundreds of different outfit options or even then waste hours getting ready. Kaftans are stylish, trendy and can definitely be dressed up!
Slip on a pair of wedges or even nice sliders, add a bit of jewellery, like a chunky and bold coloured necklace to really set the outfit off or some bangles for simple boho vibe: And you are ready to hit the town!
If you really want something special though there are those more luxury kaftans which are a whole different level of fabulous! A true glam going out style while still staying chilled on an evening.
The Wild at heart really is named well as the bold print is fun yet elegant, featuring a sequined detail and can be worn as a dress or tunic. A truly unique piece to make a statement, a perfect piece for a cruise that will surely make heads turn

So if you didn’t know about Kaftans before, you do now! A sure thing for any ladies summer wardrobe & suitcase. Make a statement, feel comfortable and most of all be happy and confident this summer!

There’s just something about the summer isn’t there?

Long nights, warm sunny days, and the promise of more outdoor events on the horizon. Surely these things alone make summer one of the most elite seasons of the year!

If you’re a curvy or plus size girl looking to embrace all the summer has to offer, then do it in style and comfort with our top tips on how to dress for summer when you’re plus size.

1. Dress for your shape

If you hadn’t realised by now, all our bodies are beautifully unique. The wonderful shapes and sizes they come in are as diverse as any species. So, the first thing to decide on is what shape you are. Consider your height, where your curves lay and what are your best assets. Then work from that. So for example, if your blessed with a good bust but prefer to hide your legs, then go for a wrap over dress that will maximise your cleavage but cover the rest of you.

If you don’t like the way your belly hangs, then ensure it’s covered with a plus size top that’s long enough. If in doubt, a dipped hem shape or high low design are flattering for most figures.

2. Wear it your way

Focusing on your shape again, choose pieces that will flatter you. An open jacket or blazer can work amazingly to shape your torso and looks great in both casual and smart environments.

If you’re wearing vest and shorts but the British weather turns, an open jacket can not only be practical but give you an extra layer of confidence.

Anything that pulls in your shape is also a winner for summer. You can find adjustable tie belts on many of our items including wrap dresses, jumpsuits and tops. Pull them in at just the right place and make the most of your beautiful shape.

3. If in doubt, choose stretch

Our best selling pieces in store are always the ones that offer some kind of stretch. With a stretchy fabric you can be sure of maximum comfort at all times. It also means that if your weight fluctuates, your outfit will still fit.

Anything in our ‘magic’ collection will offer an incredible 5 way stretch – we stock a fantastic amount of magic shorts and magic trousers in this range and once you’ve tried a pair, we’re certain you won’t look back.

4. Choose colours wisely

If you’ve spent time working out what shape you are, it’s also important to decide on what colours work best with your skin tone. The right kind of colouring can really make an outfit go from zero to hero. The best way to do this is to simply try on some of your favourite colours and see what looks best. Ask a friend to help, or if you don’t want to do that, LJ’s has a friendly online community where ladies share their fashion photos in order to get advice from each other. You can find the LJ’s VIP Facebook group here.

5. Accessorize

Once you’ve chosen your outfit now look at the accessories. If you’ve gone for a plain colour look then why not make it POP with a statement accessory? A vivid handbag, hat or piece of jewellery can make the look your own. Here at LJ’s we’re fans of chunky necklaces – they help centralise the eyes and make you look slimmer. How amazing is that!?

It’s also important to choose the right pair of shoes, invest in a good pair that will work with various outfits and you’re on to a winner. After all, the saying is “she looked great from head to toe….”