Debt Free, Before 30?

Hello My Loves!

I have been thinking about doing a post like this for a while as I think it is something that affects many people and I want all of you to come on my journey with me. I obviously have the support of my family but I want to try and do this on my own and try to be more independent before I am 30.

I have never been particularly good with money. As a child my mum would put any money I got for my birthday or Christmas in a savings account and when I went to University she gave me the bank card because I was supposed to use the money for my first year at Uni.

To be fair to myself I was pretty good in my first year, I watched what I spent and I didn't really drink much or go out much. My downfall started when I reached second year and moved in to a house with my friends. My bank decided to increase my overdraft (even though I never planned on using it) without my consent. I went to them many times to ask them to remove it from my account but always left feeling defeated by their persuasion to keep it 'just in case'.

I wouldn't say I ever needed it because if I struggled for money my parents would help me. I don't mean they would give me thousands but my loan didn't cover the cost of my rent and I really struggled to find a job. I probably could have tried harder but I didn't, so I had help.

I remember the day I went into my overdraft. I had to renew my passport because I was going to Belgium and I didn't want to ask my parents for the money so I thought I would use my overdraft and pay it back when I got my monthly allowance. This did not happen. After the holiday I went into a spiral of spending what I thought was 'free' money. Before I knew it by the end of my 3rd year at Uni I was £2000 overdrawn. I had no job and had to go on Job Seeker's Allowance because I was having absolutely no luck on the job front.

I finally managed to get a job with a well known plus size brand in one of their stores close by to my home. I thought 'Great! I will be able to pay off what I owe in no time'.
This was most certainly not the case. Instead I decided to spend my money on clothes, jewellery and make up. I opened 4 store credit accounts. All the time I was thinking 'well there isn't any interest on my overdraft' and 'I will be able to pay all these other accounts back monthly'. I promised I would never spend more than £100 on each account but then Christmases and Birthdays came.

I now know that I don't need to buy everyone a present all the time (hind sight is a wonderful thing) but I just thought its fine £400 is nothing I will pay that back in no time. My need to spend and to have more clothes, shoes and bags got out of control and now I am really paying for it.

I could keep saying to myself  'why didn't you listen to your mother?' Or 'if only I hadn't bought that, then I would be able to...' but that time has passed and I now have to deal with the consequences of my actions.

I have made myself a 3 and a bit year plan to pay off what I owe and get back on track with my spending. I want to be able to save and pay for holidays out right rather than owing this and paying off that. I have set my self some very strict rules and I am determined to stick to them.

I blame myself for my uncontrolled spending and I need to start telling myself just because you like it doesn't mean you need it or should have it. Now, I'm not saying I'm never going to buy anything ever again but I really need to start budgeting. I don't earn a lot of money and I need to stop spending money I don't have.

This means for the next 3 and a bit years I will be paying off that Very account and that Simply be account along with my overdraft. I have a repayment plan with my bank and now, I need to work one out with my other accounts myself. I need to have a good look at my spending.

I can't put myself on a spending ban for 3 years but I can certainly change the way I spend and justify my purchases a bit better. I love to shop and I love to buy new things but I need to do this for the money I have and not a penny more.

I hope that you will follow me on my journey! Let's see if I can make it! December 2020! Here I come!

I will try to do a couple of posts month about this so I can keep track of myself. A bit like a diary. I will also outline my plans and try to give tips and tricks along the way.

If anyone is in a similar position to me, then I hope we can do this together and support each other.

Much Love,

Abi

Horizontal Stripes and Queen Bee

Good Evening you lovely lot!!

I said I would have a blogpost this weekend so I'm gonna stick to my promise and give you a blogpost!!!
Motivation: 1 Laziness: 0

I find it so difficult to take pictures for my blog as I don't really have anyone to take them and I'm too cheap to pay anyone to do it for me. I did however manage to steal 20 minutes of my cousins day for her to take some for me!

As you may or may not have seen  on my insta a few weeks back, I went to Bicester Village and I bought a really cool T'shirt from Kate Spade.. I know right.. Me? Fitting into Kate Spade clothes??? Pah!!

Well, I did with this T-shirt and of course I'm gonna wear it loud a proud!! I even did my make up nicely too!!

I got the top in an XL and it fits pretty well. I have problems with tops because of the boobage but this one is okay because it has quite a bit of stretch in it.

Also, did you notice? I'm fat and I'm wearing horizontal stripes! No on died. Shocker!

I always go for optimum comfort with outfits and anything with a bit of stretch in it makes me very happy!

 My aunt told me to take one like this with her only rose! I couldn't do it seriously so that's why my mouth is open!

 Look at them bingo wings!

See I told you my makeup looks good!

Top: Kate Spade

Skirt: Asda

Jacket: River Island

Boots: Newlook

I hope you are all having a good evening!

Much Love,

Abi

I Went Shopping

Good Evening Lovely People,


The Saturday before last, I went shopping with the beautiful Michaela and I spent a lot of money on stuff I don't need and had no money for. I am a self confessed shopaholic so I really can't help myself.

We went to Bicester Village for the day and it was thoroughly enjoyable. If you ever plan on going, go early so you can leave early. Myself and Michaela realised very quickly that we would not need to spend the whole day there but the train tickets I booked only allowed us on the train at a particular time.

Any way, it was a fun day filled with shopping, many laughs, amazing food and both of us being extremely tired by the end of it. I still think now that I haven't fully recovered.
Our intention was to find a bag for Michaela but I love shopping so I had a few items on my wish list too. All the staff were very friendly and helpful and the Village is really easy to navigate. It was very quaint and cute.

Here is what I bought! Sorry it has taken so long Hollie!!

Anya Hindmarch

 I blame Michaela for this purchase but the patches in this shop are great and I couldn't resist buying one.

Kate Spade

I originally picked up a pouch but then I saw this T-Shirt and searched frantically through the pile to find the biggest size... And there it was and XL glittering in my eyes!! AAAnnnnddddd, it fits as well!!

Pandora

I don't know what it is about Pandora but everyone I go to there is always a queue outside. I was waiting in the queue for about an hour, probably a bit longer. I managed to pick up four charms. I believe some of these are still on the Pandora website. I'm not gonna link the because I can't be arsed.

Cath Kidston

This is where I went completely crazy. There were so many bargains to be had! I have always loved the robot pattern and there were sooo many things with it on. I finally managed to pick up an overnight bag and some other bits an pieces. I have no idea why I bought spoons. Don't judge, I was buying on impulse.

L'Occitane

This was the last shop I went to, I have never used any of the products before so I was looking for something to try. The I saw this £12 bargain and had to have it. It's four handbag size perfumes. They all smell amazing and I think I will do some reviews on them too.

Thanks for reading!

Much Love,

Abi

Bore off!

Hello Wonderful People,

Today I come to you with a post that is very different for me.

I have been thinking about writing a blog post for a while now and I have been putting it off because I lack the motivation, time and patience.

To get my mojo back I started looking through my blog content and to be honest, I have changed so much as a person over the last year or so and I cannot really relate to the girl in my older posts.

So, today I have decided to say more about what I am thinking rather than what I think people would like me to say.

Here it goes,

I am taking a stand and I am saying BORE OFF!

BORE OFF! To the boys that used to chase me round the play ground calling me 'Kong Kong' and 'Big Foot'.

BORE OFF! To the little boy in the playground that told me I was a fat bitch when I was at my most insecure.

BORE OFF! To every 'friend' that ever said that they 'think they are fat' or 'feel fat', whenever we went out shopping together.

BORE OFF! To cold shoulders, butterfly prints, batwings, dress tents and body shaping underwear.

BORE OFF! To clothes that have my size written in them but aren't actually my size.

BORE OFF! To what people say is or isn't flattering on my fat body.

BORE OFF! To when I went shopping when I was younger and all I could buy was accessories and men's clothes because nothing else fit me.

BORE OFF! To the people who tell me I'm not fat when I clearly am.

BORE OFF! To the same people who say you're not fat but you're pretty or beautiful.

BORE OFF! To every advert about weight loss or getting that 'bikini body'.

BORE OFF! To every job I have been turned down from because of my name, size, skin colour and the fact that I am a woman.

BORE OFF! To the man that thought it was okay to insult me because I turned him down on a dating website.

BORE OFF! To my doctor, who tells me every time I go for an appointment that I am extremely overweight.

BORE OFF! To all the plus size brands who don't actually cater for plus size women.

BORE OFF! To anyone that has ever tried to put me down because of my size.

BORE OFF! To any plus size campaign that left plus sizes out.

BORE OFF! To size exclusion.

BORE OFF! To anyone that ever told me that my body can't wear this or shouldn't wear that.

BORE OFF! To dieting.

BORE OFF! To anyone that has ever told me to loose weight.


Is there anything that you want to say BORE OFF to?

I am trying to take my blog in a new direction that is more honest and open about me to the people that read it.

Good day to you,

Abi xx

Happy (Belated) New Year!

Good Evening My Loves,

After taking a short break from blogging I have decided to come back and make some realistic goals for myself this year!
I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and have been enjoying the new year so far.

I just thought I would check in and say Hi to you all.

Talk soon!

Much Love,

Abi

I bought Makeups

Hey Lovely People,

I have recently been spending more money on make up than clothes. SAY WHAA??  I know! I thought it was about time I updated my depleting make up collection. I have never really been a big fan of it and only started wearing make up in Uni. I am in no way professional and wouldn't even consider myself a novice but recently I have started to take more of an interest in make up and I blame all you beauty bloggers out there that I follow! You are all enablers! I'm going to name and shame as well, just coz I love you all so much,
Fatbeauty x, Leah XL, Beauty Breaks With Vicky, Just Me Leah, you ladies are responsible for me having to declare myself bankrupt at the end of this month... Hehehe!

Anyway, onto the haul!

MUA

Trio Eyeshadow - Emotions

Trio Eyeshadow - Theatrics

I can't find the exact luxe colours on the website but there are these two:

Velvet Lips Lipstick - Tranquility

Velvet Lips Lipstick - Serene

Power Pout Acrylic - Potency

FREEDOM MAKEUP

Pro Reds Lipsticks

Pro Conceal Pallete - Dark

Pro Studio Anti-Shine Fixing Spray

Pressed Powder - Translucent

Pro Melts - TGIF

Pro Melts - Jammy Dodger

Pro Melts - D-ream

Pro Mattify Primer

Now, I can't remember/find all of these so please don't hurt me.

Collection Work The Colour Eyebrow Kit

Sleek Blush - Flushed

Makeup Revolution Matte Effect Concealer - Medium Dark 

(I can't find the darker shade on the website)

I hope to have some reviews of some of these products up soon. But I want to  be sure of the ones I really love first. 

Much Love,

Abi

And It Comes To An End

Hello My Lovelies,

I am going to alert you now the pictures in the post are really not the greatest. They were taken on my slowly deteriorating phone but I like the dress so I have to share it.

Now that Summer has actually come to an end I wanted to share an outfit I wore (a really long time ago and forgot to put up). As you all should know, I practically live in dresses (or pyjamas). I have so many that I don't really get the chance to wear them as I buy them but when I dig in to the depths of my wardrobe and find them again I realise why I fell in love with them in the first place and this dress from Dorothy Perkins is a prime example.

 This dress is so light weight and really comfortable, I don't believe it is still on the website but if I find something similar I will link it for you all. I love the bold print and the deep v-neck which allows me to show off my 'assets'. My only qualm would be the length, I would like it to be a couple of inches longer.

 The sandals are from ASOS Men's. I often check the men's shoes as I have wide feet. I found these and the are amazing. They did take a little while to break in because the are real leather but when I wore them I felt like I should have been in Hercules... The Disney movie... I'm not even ashamed.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Denim Jacket: From a clothes swap

Sandals: ASOS

John Lewis - Studio 8 Launch

Morning Everyone!

A few weeks ago I was invited to the Studio 8 Launch for John Lewis. I was so excited as I didn't know that John Lewis had a plus size section and I couldn't wait to see what they had to offer.
When I arrived I was met by a lovely lady and taken to a meeting room. And of course in my true fatty form headed straight for the food, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

We had a nice chat about the collection with the designers and some of the John Lewis staff. Everyone was really lovely and welcoming. I also met some fabulous ladies on the evening and I had a really good massage from the wonderful ladies at Clarins.

The range goes from a size 16-24. We got to try on clothes from the range and here are my favourites.

I love this dress and jacket combo, I am quite tall so I would have to wear this with really thick leggings.

I tried on the 22 (in the dress) but for comfort think I would have liked to try on the 24 because... well because boobs.

The print on this dress (heart eyes emoji) I wasn't to keen of the fit on me but the material does fall nicely and is in scuba material so has a bit more give than many of the others I tried on.

 I don't spend much time travelling on public transport so this mac would be perfect for winter. I could just imagine it with a nice pair of chunky boots and a blanket scarf.

This wrap dress has to be my favourite out of the whole collection. I love how it fits and I love the colour.
It is so comfortable and hugs my figure perfectly. 100% YES!

And last but not least, this emerald green dress. I had to size up a bit because again, boobs, but apart from that this is a beautiful dress. The lace was a bit itchy but I had been trying on clothes for about an hour by this point so being hot and trying on clothes and the posing for a photo would make me a bit uncomfortable.

The dress was the perfect length for me and cinches in at the waist to give some shape. it is full lined and I got to swish around in it, so it made me happy.

Tamara Check tunic Top

Becky Scuba Dress

Rachel Rose Print Dress

Yvette Lace Dress

Martha Coatigan

Nicole Mac

Have you had a look at the collection? What are your favourite pieces?

Much Love,

Abi

Welcome Back Again

Morning Lovely People,

A few month ago, I said I would be making some changes to my blog as I didn't feel the layout reflected the content.

I have now cleaned it up and made the page easier to navigate and use.

I hope you like the changes I have made.

I will also be scheduling a few posts over the next couple of weeks.

I know I always say I will try to do more on this but this time, for real, I really want to spend more time on my content as this after shopping and eating is my hobby and I really enjoy it.

So, until next time...

Much Love,

Abi

Style Has No Size Takeover

Evening Lovely People,

As many of you will have seen, on Friday evening myself, Hollie, Stephanie, Michaela and Katie did out own take on the #Stylehasnosize campaign run by Evans and UKPSFW.

We all agreed that the photo released showed a huge lack of diversity and did not represent the hashtag at all.

Don't get me wrong the models are beautiful and looked fabulous but that photo does not relate to me or many people I know.

Today, I have asked everyone to join in as style really doesn't have a size, nor does it have a shape it doesn't have a race, or an age, it doesn't have a sexuality or  a gender!
As well as beauty, style is in the eye of the beholder and I don't want anyone to be left out.

So please join me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tumblr (and all other social media) to flaunt your style and show the world that #stylehasnosize!!

Here are some pictures of some wonderful people (and myself) that will also be taking part.

 Katt

Steph

Lucie 

And myself!

Please use the hastag, #mysizehasstyle so I can see all of your amazing pictures!!

And remember,

FLAUNT IT, WORK IT, OWN IT!!

Much Love,

Abi

Bloggers Do It Better

Morning My Beauties,

As you all may or may not know yesterday, Evans released an advert for their #Stylehasnosize campaign.
Now, I totally support the hashtag and the campaign they are running. However, like many other people and after the backlash it had on social media, myself and four other size bloggers took to the streets of London to do our take on the hashtag.

Don't get me wrong, the models in the original photo a beautiful but this photo does not show this campaign any justice. The lack of diversity (not just size) is incredible and I just don't understand why Evans has conformed to the 'Oh so predictable' standard size 16/18 model with an hour glass figure that most everyday people can't; A. compete with and B. relate to.

Although, these beauties do look fabulous you can really begin to understand where there are flaws. I'm not going to point out each one as it does not take much to see it for yourself.

Us ladies saw the photo, we saw what people people were thinking about it and we made a decision to give this hashtag a little more meaning!
Ideally we would have had several people all shapes, sizes, heights, races, genders etc.. but in such a short space of time I kinda think we hit the nail on the head.

We all managed to come together on Oxford Street and take this picture! I am so happy for us as I think we have managed to represent better. Five amazing women proving that in fact, Style has no anything! It is what the individual makes it and if that means lounging in your pj's all day or wearing you Sunday best than you can work it any way!

I would just like to say a big thank you to these wonderful ladies Michaela, Katie, Hollie and Stephanie! Without them, this wouldn't have been possible.

I also ask that you all join in with your own pictures! You can use the #Stylehasnosize but also #Mystylehassize and if you are a blogger #Bloggersdoitbetter.

Much Love,