Simply Be Spring Holiday Fashion For Curves.

I love it when a review is a treat for me, and a chance to try out 2 outfits from Simply Be's Holiday Shop is definitely one for me. Simply Be specialise in women's fashion, plus size and curves, with clothes in sizes 12 to 32, including tons of amazing brands such as Fiorelli, Figleaves and Marc Jacobs.

I'm the wrong side of 40 with 5 pregnancies and a serious hernia behind me. My last operation has left me with a swollen, lopsided tummy and a thick scar that feels much more comfortable with something soft over it. I mainly wear long skirts or dresses and loose waistlines and I still want to look nice, the same as anyone else.

Simply Be have a great selection of dresses that I really liked, including lots by Joe Browns (they have some gorgeous sundresses), but my job was to choose from the huge Simply Be 'Holiday Shop'. It was a genuine pleasure searching the site and knowing that everything came in my size.

I chose 2 lightweight long sundresses which are not only perfect for keeping cool this Summer, they pack away incredibly small, meaning they are great for taking away on holiday...

The first dress I chose is the sleeveless Floral Print Cut Away Maxi Dress from Capsule. This is a fairly sheer printed Polyester dress which is mainly lined with black stretch jersey (to prevent any backlit surprise views). The outer dress has slits from the base of the dress up to the knee on either side. My photographer was my 8 year old, and didn't quite manage to get the entire dress in shot..

The floral dress is loosely fitted, with a keyhole fastening at the nape of the neck and an elasticated waist. It is incredibly long, but the material and cut actually mean hemming it is super-easy. If you are not tall and don't like your clothes scraping the floor, this is a really good dress to shorten.

The second dress is the Religion Dreamer Maxi Dress. I adore it, but I do have to be feeling a bit braver to wear it. An amazing 2 colour Rayon stretch dress with a deep V neckline, loose tie elasticated waist and a slit at the back. For some reason my 8yo photographer decided this looked better at an angle...

I was really impressed with how little this actually clings where you don't want it to. I felt I was taking a huge risk and I might need to have a big cardigan or shawl, but it's much more flattering than I actually anticipated.

There are some lovely details on this dress. The stitching is very neat and the ties at the waist have amazing little silver skull beads. The pattern and colour is beautiful. I feel really special wearing it.

I like comfort. I do tend to wear my Doc Martins most of the year, but I reach for the flip flops and pumps in Summer and these dresses will both match any of those. They'll also go with heels and Simply Be offer width fittings up to EEE in a huge range of shoes. Personally I like flat and simple, so I'm very happy the long time staple Ballerina Pumps are back in fashion...

 

I'm pleased with how both dresses disguise and minimise my lumpy tummy - it's clearly there, but nothing clings and the skirt doesn't lose it's own shape.They are flattering, which is what you'd hope from a brand who specialise in curves. They are also well-made and very pretty, no compromises.

The Floral Print Cut Away Maxi Dress from Capsule (sizes 10-32, rrp £35) and the Religion Dreamer Maxi Dress (sizes 12-22, rrp £65) are both available to buy now from Simply Be.

If you are as organised as I am, Simply Be offer next day delivery on orders up to 10pm for only £4.50...

I was sent my dresses for review, and lovely they are too. I'm training my assistant photographer and next time he promises the full dress without the camera at a jaunty angle!