Plus Size Tall model competition: the final

Jan 14th, 2011 | no responses 18:03

This weekend is the grand finale of the Plus Size Tall modelling competition and some of the team from evans head office will be heading there to meet the 15 finalists and the ultimate winner.

Being surrounded by gorgeous and fashionable curvy ladies will be a fantastic way to spend a Saturday. The judges are going to have a tough job on their hands to try and pick a winner.

The days starting bright and early at 11am at the trendy Avalon club in London’s Shoreditch where a team of hair and make-up artists will be assisting every one of the final few look their best.

After a break for lunch, the judges will be taking their places on the panel. The lucky winner will be heading off to Las Vegas to model in the Curvy Revolution fashion show next month, armed with £500 of evans vouchers.

If this inspires you to get on the catwalk and have a go, then watch out for news of further competition later in the year.

My best buys from the winter sale

Jan 13th, 2011 | 2 responses 14:17

Hello, My name is Kat, and I write the blog, Plus Size Beauty. I started to blog back in February 2010 and wanted to prove that you can be both plus size and fashionable. Being plus size shouldn’t limit you to anything! My philosophy is if it makes you feel good, wear it, there are no ‘rules’ in fashion. Fashion to me is about having fun, dressing up and making yourself feel good!

I love the January sales! It gives you an opportunity to try things without having to spend too much cash. I like to have many versatile pieces in my wardrobe . . . An item of clothing I can wear with many things, for many occasions, very often and in different seasons. I chose this Sasperilla lace and floral dress for that very reason as it’s something I normally wouldn’t have looked at. I took a chance with it, and I’m so glad I did! I love the mix of romantic floral with the slightly edgy lace.

I like to wear it with these black brogues, black quilted charm bag, metal flower stud earrings and denim jacket for a day spent shopping or a casual weekend drink with friends.

Another piece I bought was this jumpsuit:

I have never worn a jumpsuit before! I like the belt and the fact you can just put it on and go . . . No tights needed, no scrabbling around for something in my messy bedroom to match it . . . Just ‘jump’ into it, pop on some heels and head out the door! This piece will also take you into next season, as the 70’s trend will be huge for Spring/Summer. I plan to wear it with this chain bangle, chain domed ring and black croc clutch bag.

The only thing I need now is a slick of red lipstick and I am good to go!

How to wear... Graphic Prints

Jan 12th, 2011 | no responses 10:18

The new year means a new start so it’s the perfect time to be more daring with your wardrobe. Graphic print is one of the key trends for 2011.
Cast aside plain tops, tunics and dresses and start experimenting with shapes. Graphic print will get you lots of compliments, whether you wear them on clothes or accessories.
If you’re a woman who doesn’t do things by halves, embrace the graphic print trend with a bold dress. The camel Aztec print tunic is guaranteed to turn heads with a stunning diamond print design and three of this season’s most popular colours are black, white and camel. You can wear it in the day with jeans and wear it at night with leggings and knee high boots for a 60s inspired look.

The mono print jersey dress is less bright but equally beautiful with flattering jersey panels, it ties at the back and nips you in at the waist, creating a slimming effect. Wear with heels for occasions you need to dress to impress and if to show you mean business add jewellery like the long smooth ring or the circle cuff.

If you want to play it safe then wear one of evans gorgeous graphic print tops and tunics with straight leg or bootcut jeans or leggings. The printed long sleeve top will help you start the new year on a bright note while the abstract print 2 in 1 and the swirl print 2 in 1 are more subtle but still worth a second look. Add some silver and gold bangles and drop earrings to draw attention to your top. It’s a classic day to night outfit so wear with the ultimate all-occasion shoe – the ankle boot.

Cautious types can get involved with graphic print accessories. The graphic print scarf adds a cool edge to any outfit while the glitter lace zip purse is small but perfectly on trend. Or try the paisley print tights with a little black party dress. Graphic = Gorgeous!

Sneak Peak at Evans HQ!

Jan 11th, 2011 | no responses 14:49

Some items are a must-have and some are a lust-have but we think the tan tassel bag is both.

It makes our hearts skip a beat with its gorgeous tan brown colour and its strokeable suede material, all the essential characteristics of a lust-have. The long shoulder strap, means you can wear it across the body, and the lock buckle fastening make it a practical, must-have bag.
It’s just the right size for a day at the shops with room for your purse, keys, mobile phone and various other handbag essentials.
The long tassels are totally on trend for 2011, giving it a bohemian, ethnic edge. While the brass studs on the upper half also add a rock chick detail.
The more we look at photos of this bag, the better it gets and it’s even more gorgeous in real life. Keep you eye peeled for this little number, available in evans stores in March.

Top Tips for the January Sales

Jan 10th, 2011 | no responses 17:02

For most of us, January means new year resolutions and sales shopping. Why not combine the two and make it a resolution to be better at sales shopping?
Whether you love the sales or you’re overwhelmed by the range of bargains on offer, we can all do a few things to maximise our chances of saving money while keeping our sanity.
Here are our top 7 sales shopping suggestions for the January sales . . .

(1) Try things on at home
The best way to know if an item of clothing will work with the rest of your wardrobe is to take it home to try it on. The lighting’s better and you can try it with different shoes and accessories. At evans you have 28 days to return to store and 14 days to return online.

(2) Know your size
Measuring yourself before you shop means you can focus your efforts on locating the perfect fit. Use our measuring guide to help.

(3) Have regular breaks

For every hour of shopping have 15 mins of relaxation. Grab a coffee and recharge the batteries for your next sale buy.

(4) Don’t panic buy
If you’re not 100% certain then don’t buy it. Wait a while until you’ve made up your mind and come back for it.

(5) Make a list of what you are looking for

Take the stress out of the search by knowing exactly what you need before you start shopping. This helps you focus.

(6) Ask for a second opinion
Shopping with a friend is more fun and you can trust them to tell you what they really think of an item.

(7) Look for a mixture of classic and trend pieces
The sales are the perfect time to stock up on wardrobe basics, sparkly tops and party dresses may catch your eye but remember you also need those essential items that work for all occasions.

For basics look no further than this charity bird t-shirt, bootcut jeans and black military jacket below and whilst your there the odd treat never hurt, we love this mix shape stone ring and ribbon wrap bracelet.

Hairstylist Chi Wong shares his top hair tips for 2011

Jan 5th, 2011 | no responses 15:04

We were lucky enough to catch up with hairstylist Chi Wong who was responsible for bringing such shine to Marquita Pring’s hair at our recent photo shoot. (Click here to see photos from the shoot.) Chi’s career has seen him work alongside some of the industry’s top photographers, style for top magazines including Harpers Bazaar and work with celebrities including Lady Gaga! Here he reveals his top hair tips for 2011 . . .

What’s your top tip for achieving stunning locks in 2011?

I am a big fan of lots of volume and beautiful curls and I recommend adding extra detail by accessorising with hair clips. I really like these crimson rose clips from Evans.

Do you predict 2011 to be all about volume or will we see the straight sleek look return?

I see the return of a lot of 70′s wave this year. Hair will be long and loose in a carefree kind of way. Healthy gorgeous free flowing Californian hair is a great look!

Which celebrities do you think we should keep an eye on for hair inspiration this year?

My top three stars to watch for 2011 are Romy Madley Croft (the lead singer from XX) Chloe Moretz and Beth Ditto.