Wednesday, 25 May 2011

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

Thursday, 21 April 2011

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

Tuesday, 12 April 2011

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.

Sunday, 27 March 2011

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.

Thursday, 24 March 2011

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