The struggles of a plus size women.

I have always been larger and to me its not really bothered me. Until recently. Myself and my friends have been looking for new clothes, students loans are in and its summer, it's time for a new wardrobe! However, being a size 18 it can be really hard to find clothes that I feel confident in.

New Look is my number one choice for clothes shopping, they normally have a wonderful plus size range. However, my recent online purchases really disappointed me. I normally go for a size 18 in most things, however this time round I decided to play it safe and get a size 20. I was really excited to try on my new items, however when I started trying on my clothes I was so disappointed, I was almost in tears.

This was my first choice, I fell in love with it instantly. A cute little play-suit, costing £19.99. I thought it was great value. However, when I put it on I was very disappointed. The bottom fitted so perfectly, but the top half was so tight and restricting, I was the most upset that this did not fit because of how much I loved it.
I am tempted to try a bigger size, but I am a bit apprehensive about it. I will keep you posted...

How adorable is this little thing? Costing £22.99. I love this dress, however when I tried it on, it fitted fine, but just didn't sit right on my frame. I have a naturally longer torso than my legs. Which often sucks, because this dress didn't sit right at all. Which was a massive shame. Still a lovely dress though.

I fell in love with these shoes, they were meant to go with my summer ball dress, which is black, I wanted to do a black and white theme.
These wide fit caged shoes were £29.99, in size 8. Which is my normal size shoe, I never get anything different, always a size 8. I have a lot of shoes from New Look and never had trouble with them fitting, until this pair. Which was a massive shame because I was really looking forward to wearing them. However, I found an equally wonderful pair... in New Look.



Not all doom and gloom, I did manage to get a brilliant pair of black skinny jeans that fit perfectly and a pair of shoes. Also, a black dress which I will be wearing to my university summer ball, but was from Boohoo, I haven't brought much from Boohoo but after my black dress fits perfectly, and is quite flattering on my full figure.

The dress is a size 18 from Boohoo, costing £22. I am in love with this little black dress, and cannot wait to wear it.




The shoes are from New Look, costing £24.99. They are lovely and comfortable, I've worn them around the house and they are lovely. And go nicely with my dress.







If you enjoyed this I would love feedback, It's something very different from what I normally write about, but I enjoyed writing this. I have purchased a few other pieces, so may do another blog about them. Let me know your thoughts.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring


Bloglovin

The past few days...

I started this week beyond happy, everything felt like it was falling into place. I was doing well with work, feeling more confident and lined up another interview for May. But then things slowly started falling apart, my Facebook account got hacked so I had to make a new one, the shower broke and then something I didn't expect happened.

Someone who I thought understood me surprised me and not in a good way. I felt let down and a little heartbroken. I had a very bad panic attack, and I was unable to leave the house for 2 days. I'm fine now, happy as I can be. But this person I don't think quite understood how hard it was for me at the time. I can't explain why or when my panic attacks happen and come on, sometimes it is stress related sometimes it just happens. I don't blame this person for anything, and they made the right decision for them and I don't want them to read this and think I am bitching or ranting because I'm really not.

But after a little cry I decided to use this as a new opportunity, no distractions from anything. I made a list of little things to get me through the next month or so. Here it is, another list :P :

1. I have one month left of uni, it's time to make the most of it.
2. I have a fantastic family.
3. My friends are the best I could ever ask for.
4. I have 3 new tattoos planned for next week! NEXT WEEK!
5. I will be starting a fantastic job soon and will be independent properly.
6. My 21st is only a few months away.
7. I cannot wait for one last blow out at summerball.
8. I have graduation 

These are just a few small things that are getting me through everything. I am happy! I won't let the little things get me down anymore. 

SO if you see me around with a stupid grin on my face, its because I made myself happy. I am happy with who I am

Love yah 

IsThataRedHerring 

A little bit of sun makes the world of difference.

For the past couple of days the weather here in the UK has been lovely, Reaching low 20C which is crazy. The tiniest bit of sun and we are all in shorts and vests, myself included. We do not know how long this sun will last so lets make the most of it.

Okay, it sucks that I am stuck in doors most of the day doing uni work, but I have the nice breeze coming through the door, some good music playing and a smile on my face. The past couple of weeks have been really great for me; and this weather is really helping. It's amazing how a little thing can make a big different.

I spent the day yesterday relaxing in the sun with one of my best friends, we did a bit of shopping followed by a spot of lunch in the sun by the canal. It was perfect. Those are the days I want more of. It allows me to forget about the crappy times, days like that make me remember what I do have in my life. Great friends and family with a a bright future.

So thank you British weather, the sun is what we all needed.

Love yah

IsThataRedHerring

How I deal with anxiety and panic attacks!

1 in 4 people suffer from anxiety! 

This is a ridiculously high statistic! Not only is it alarming but also concerning. How can so many people suffer from anxiety but yet it is still a taboo subject. Those of you who know me personally will know I am very open about my anxieties and have regular panic attacks. I've tried many things to help combat it, anti-depressants made me feel worse and made the attacks harder to deal with and added the stress of restless nights and severe mood swings. I did find talking to counsellors helpful but the university only offer so many free sessions and they are expensive. After trying calming exercises, even yoga and breathing exercises I finally found something that really worked for me!

And where did I find this... In a Netflix show called the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt! 

It seems like a really random place to find something that helps my panic attacks, but it was a small piece of advice Kimmy gave to someone who was at the time panicking. 

If you can survive 10 seconds doing something you don't want to do, then you can do it for the rest of your life. The example in the show was when Kimmy who was kept in a bunker underground for 14 years, and had to turn a 'mysterious' crank... she did it for 10 seconds and then another and then another. When each 10 seconds is up you start with a new 10 seconds. At first I thought it was silly but then I gave it a try and it really worked. Not only for when I'm having a panic attack but when I'm jogging, or when I'm writing an assignment that looks endless or when I'm in a place that I just don't want to be. It really works.

I'm not saying it will help and work for everyone but give it a go. Next time you are doing something you hate or feeling a panic attack come on just give Kimmy Schmidt’s advice a go.

REMEMBER YOU ARE NOT ALONE! 

Please talk to someone.

https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/ ---- this website has fantastic information!

love yah 

IsThataRedHerring