Domzy in a Snapshot

Take a look at this picture.

Jeans: ASOS
Blazer: Talbots
Turban: Primark Scarf
Black Wedges: New Look
Wizard Glasses: Camden Market

It's of my good friend Domzy, and  was taken a couple of months ago by yours truly. We were in Camden, and I decided to mess around with my old camera phone. We had a lot of fun that day. We even stopped at one of the stalls to buy geeky glasses, (or Fay Bans, as I call them).

There are a number of reasons why I love this shot. Namely because, although she looks like she is posing, the beautiful Domzy was actually queuing up for the cash point. (I totally agree with you D, when you say you prefer the spontaneous to the contrived). Also, I remember her not being too enthusiastic about her outfit, but I love it!

Domzy is very good at creating chic and interesting outfits out of basic pieces. Her love for makeup and accessories always wakens up the dullest of clothes. Watch this space because I will be doing a full profile on her a bit later.

Have a lovely week ladies, and don't forget to capture life as it unfolds.

Amusez Vous Bien.

Madeline

xx

Digging Deep!

Have you come across a something in your wardrobe lately that you haven't seen in such a mighty long time, that you forgot you had it? 

Around a week ago, the glorious weather in London was a far cry from the damp, dark grey clouds and rain that has now decided to torment our summer months. I was on my way out, and thought I would set myself the challenge of wearing something I haven't worn  in a while.

I actually surprised myself and manged to create an outfit with a top I bought from Great Universal  when I was 18! According to my calculations, that makes almost six years since this one shoulder jersey top has been hibernating in my wardrobe.

Top - www.kandco.com (formerly Great Universal)
Jacket - Primark
Skirt - Peacocks

Creating new outfits from old clothes helps to save money and also exercises your creativity. This might have been the reason why I decided to wear these shoes instead of flip flops (which would have been the obvious choice for me)

Shoes - Primark

Bangles - Primark, Oasis

Ring - Evans

We all have old pieces that have been sleeping in the back of our closets. You may have even thought about getting rid of them. Ladies, this week why not set yourself the challenge and dig deep?

Amusez Vous Bien

Madeline

xx

Let it Glow!

Paying attention to what you put on (and in!) your body is important. And the steady stream of compliments I have received about my skin in the last few weeks is definite proof of this.

I wouldn't say that I suffered from bad skin. As a teenager, I had the odd annoying pimple which would take a defiant stance on the end of my nose, or on the middle of my forehead, but it wasn't anything life threatening. And in my twenties nothing much changed. However, I started to notice that although I didn't have spots, my skin was dull and actually felt rough.  

At the time, I was using St. Ives Apricot Scrub to exfoliate twice daily.There was nothing wrong with it, and it kept the pimples at bay, however I felt my skin needed more. So I decided to make some changes.

Before, I tell you about the products I switched to, I think it's important to tell you first that I have combination skin. This means I have an oily T-zone (which included my forehead, eyelids, and the bridge and the end of my nose),  while the rest of my face tends to feel dry and tight.

The first change I made was to ditch the fizzy drinks and juices for water. This was difficult for me as I have a sweet tooth and love sugary drinks. But a change had to come.

 I used to treat the natural stuff like I would bleach - great for cleaning the toilet and sink, but otherwise should not be touched. What a whole lot of good a change of mindset did for me. Do not underestimate the benefits of water guys. Drinking water will hydrate your skin, and make you look younger as it'll replenish skin tissues, moisturizes skin and increase its elasticity.

There was a time where I felt there was absolutely nothing wrong with smothering my face in cocoa butter. I ignored the advice of the beauty experts to use a lighter moisturiser, and saw it as a ploy to get me to spend more money. Why buy a separate moisturiser for my face, when I get just use the cocoa butter already sitting in my room right? WRONG!

I knew I needed to make changes when my skin started to look dull and greasy. I invested in Superdrug's Naturals Papaya and Mango Body Butter. As good as it is, I felt I needed a bit more moisture for this awkward UK weather. So I mixed it with Coconut oil. And ladies, this is what I feel is mostly responsible for my new glow. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturiser and also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections.

+

Finally I changed my exfoliator. I felt my skin had become accustomed to St. Ives, and it was no longer having an effect. Queen Helene Cocoa Butter Natural Facial Scrub can be bought from most hair shops, and generally costs around £3.00

I am not an expert when it comes to skin care. I just found what works for me, and wanted to share it with you. The important thing, I guess, is to know your skin, and most importantly to LET IT GLOW!

What products do you swear by? What works for you? Don't be afraid to share.

Amusez Vous Bien.

Madeline

xx

J'adore... Gabby's Style

Today is my birthday, and I have received so much Bday love. So I thought it I would pay back the love with a fabulous blog post!

I created this blog with the main intention of sharing little pieces of myself. And what better way to do that than to share a bit about the people who inspire me. One of the most important facets of my life is my role as a youth leader - a role I take very seriously.

For the last year or so, I can't help but notice that one of my teenagers is developing her own sense of fabulousness. Little Miss Gabby is becoming a trend setter, and I must confess that one of the joys of meeting my youth group is seeing what she will wear.

Anyway, Gabby kindly agreed to be my model for a few weeks, so I could share with you a snippet of her wardrobe.

 Enjoy...

This black beauty has a lot to say, and what she lacks in words, she certainly makes up for in her style. She is a UK size 12. When I asked her what inspires her, and where she likes to shop, this is what she had to say

"I am not really into labels ,I shop anywhere there is a good bargain. Being known to spend under £20 on a whole outfit without stepping into Primark and then also creating a whole outfit from there. Shopping shouldn't be restricted to the big expensive high street labels. The sales racks can be good anywhere. I draw inspiration from around me: people from the streets, school friends, church members, family, and then give it my own twist. I'd say my style is eclectic. I will wear anything if I like it."
Phew! I told you she normally has a lot to say. But she is a girl after my own heart.

What is your wardrobe like? who, or what inspires you? Where do you like to shop? Talk to me.

P.S. Happy Birthday To Me!

Amusez Vous Bien.


Madeline
xx

Sweet Tooth!

It seems the sun has not given up yet. Yep, that's right. Us Londoners are blessed enough to be bathed in more sunny rays, and it looks like it's set to continue. Yipee!!! J'adore le sun!

Anyway, yesterday, I decided to treat my sisters to an afternoon in the Leicester Square's Haagen Daazs Café. Firstly, because it was sunny and I needed to get out, secondly because two of my lil' sis celebrated their brithdays last week and I had promised it to them as a belated birthday present, and thirdy to satisfy the yearnings of my sweet tooth!

As the temperature was above 20 degrees , I thought it would be a good idea to pull out last summer's clothes. (Sorry about the poor picture quality guys, I was in a rush and didn't have the time to do loads of takes!)

  Jacket - Primark

Top - Camieau

Skirt - Primark

Gladiator Sandals - Oasis

Shades  - New Look

I am always a bit aprehensive about bringing out these sandals. Simply because I think they are a bit audacious. Also, they tend to dry out my legs.  (However, my good friend Domzy pointed out that that's just a simple fact of leather, so I guess I should just get on with it, shouldn't I?)

Before I forget, let me share with you the best part of the day!

That's right! Fat girl's Style

Mmmm!!

What have you been up to in the last few days? Don't let the sun go to waste. Get out and enjoy yourself!

Amusez Vouz Bien!

Madeline

xx

J'adore...Beauty UK Glam Nails

Hi guys! It has been a while hasn't it? Please forgive me. This blog is still in its birthing stage, and I am not really getting off to a good start, am I? Well, I promise to change my ways and feed you with more regular posts.

For the past week or so, London town has been drenched in glorious sunshine, and people are shedding their morose blacks and greys and exchanging them for bright colours, cute jackets and sun shades.All the while, my job has left me at the mercy of a bland grey uniform. Oh how I hate uniform! (But that's for another post). I have found that the only way to brighten up a morbid uniform, where accessories is forbidden,  is with make up.

This is where I introduce you to the very first of my J'adore... posts - a feature where I invite you to the products and clothes I love the most. So ladies, I present to you Beauty UK Glam Nails in Soft Grey.

I normally love wearing bright reds and pinks on my nails, but on my first day at my job when I was told I could not wear bright nail polish, I knew I had to find an alternative. I find the colour goes well with dark skin, as it stands out more. I also love the same brand in Smokey Lilac. And with a lick of top coat it lasts around a week before it starts peeling. Be careful though, it starts to look a bit dull after a few days!

You can buy Beauty UK Glam Nails from Superdrug. I can't remember the price exactly but I know it costs under £2, so it's definitely a bargain, and a good investment for the summer.

I am now looking for other subtle colours that will blend with my uniform. Any suggestions? Please let me know.

Amusez Vous Bien

Madeline.

Good Old British Weather!

It is a well known fact that the British rely on the weather as the backbone of many of their conversations. Think about it, it's the best way to break the ice with a stranger, and it's a good way to make small talk with someone you sort of know. Without the daily  mélange of sunshine, sleet, snow and showers British conversation would practically be dead.


This is why this morning, I was getting ready for church and was totally lost as to what to clothe myself in. In the morning it was gloomy and grey and the clouds in the sky looked as if they were about to burst wide open at any minute.


So I opted for this outfit...

Sorry about the chipped nail polish!


Skirt - Dorothy Perkins
Cami - H&M
Brooches - Evans
Scarf - Primark
Ring - Primark
Bracelet - Primark

Jacket - Primark

You see, I knew that this weather would fool me and change things up later on, which is why I didn't wrap up too much. 


I love love love my maxi skirt. It's a simple way to chic up your look. Also it's handy if you want to cover your legs without wearing trousers or tights. I added the scarf, to cover up the cleavage (as I was going to church...), and the brooches to make the blazer look a bit interesting, as I wear it practically all the time!


Anyway ladies have yourself a great week, pack your brolly, your shades, your scarf and your sun lotion, and enjoy the good old British weather, or whatever weather you find yourself in!


Amusez vouz bien
Madeline.

Welcome to My World!

Hello world!

After months of umming and aahing and turning it over and under in my mind, I have finally taken the big FAT step.Welcome to J'adore Plus More. There is a huge selection of  fashion blogs out there, and I didn't just want to be yet another one. I want to be...different. The idea of starting a "fatshion blog" was first conceived in High Street Kensington underground station. I was with my girl Domzy (check out her amazing make up and beauty blog, Lashes and Pearls!), we were on our way to a networking event, on the escalators when she suggested, "why don't you start a fashion blog?".
"Who, me?", was my first response. You see, I wouldn't describe myself as particularly fashionable, but being the good friend that she is, she gave me the 'gentle' push I needed.
"It's not about fashion, it's about having your own style"...mmm, she has a point you know.

A couple of weeks later, I was in Paris, where I had the time, and the right mental balance to ponder over and nurse the idea, and voila! J'adore Plus More was born!

So what do I intend to do with J'adore Plus More? I will like to share with my "fatshionistas" the little I know about dressing well for our size. It will also contain general notes of the world through a big girl's eyes. Anyone who is a size 16 and above in this country  has probably experienced the horror of trekking the whole length of Oxford Street, and not finding a single thing that fits, and the things that do fit usually come with a hefty price tag to go with the heft waist line! I do not claim to be any sort of expert, but I would however just like to share the little I know and have a good time with it in the process!.

But before we get to the fun stuff, let me introduce myself.  My name is Madeline Asala, I'm a 23 year old Londoner, and a UK size 16/18 of Ghanaian descent. I wouldn't describe myself as an extrovert, but I definitely like to express myself - sometimes through words, sometimes through the clothes I wear.

So, embark on this journey with me ladies, and let's have fun with it. Amusez vous bien!

Cardigan - New Look

T-Shirt - Small souvenirs shop in Paris

Jeggings - Primark

Bracelet - Primark

Brogues - Primark