Cocktails and Cupcakes

For the past few years, a debate has been raging regarding size zero, and in particular the use of size zero models on catwalks and advertising campaigns. The debate has recently reignited with the editor of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, accusing some of the world's leading catwalk designers of pushing ever thinner models into fashion magazines. Alexandra's main gripe centred on the supplying of "minuscule" clothes for their photoshoots, therefore giving the cast agents the only option of employing a size zero model to fit into them.

Over the last few years the size zero obsession has led to the eating disorders of countless models looking for work, and the death of three models through malnutrition. Recent steps, such as the decision by some leading fashion shows to ban size zero models, has moved towards a healthier approach to what a model should look like. However the big fashion houses are still churning out the tiny sizes for clothing.

Where did this idea that jutting cheekbones and visible ribs are fashionable and sexy? Back in the 40's and 50's it was sexy to have curves. Marilyn Monroe, was famously a size 16, and had no end of admirers. Even in the 70's and 80's, curvy women were popular. The 90's bought forward the fashion for 'Heroin Chic', sunken cheeks and slicked back hair. But it has only been in the last 10 years that the fashion has really turned towards skinniness, with celebs taking extreme risks to become as skinny as possible. This in particular is scary, when these young women are role models. Wouldn't we rather have role models like Catherine Zeta Jones and Oprah, over Lindsey Lohan and Katie Price?

The reality? Women look younger, sexier, and happier when they eat more than a cracker a day.

Summer is often a time when women shudder at the thought of stripping down to itsy bitsy dresses after months of hibernating in scarves, coats and thick black tights. It needn't be so scary though, and I'd like to introduce you to several dresses that will keep you not only feeling cooler in the summer months, but looking cooler too!

This dress is very on trend for 2009, with its block color pattern. It's also perfect for when you're going from day to night, as it can be worn with a simple cardigan and gladiator sandals during the day, and with a funky black blazer and sexy heels in the evening. The black panel over the tummy area is really flattering, whilst the scoop necklace is suitable for most body shapes.

It's also an absolute bargain at only £22, from http://www.plus-size.me/detail.php?id=43663349

 Another on trend dress is this stunning tropical print dress, with a nipped in waist. This dress would be fantastic with a little black shrug and heels, and a black or brown belt would add a finishing touch. The shape of the skirt is great for anyone a bit conscious of their legs as it cuts off just below the knee, the most flattering length!

The dress is only £32, found at http://www.plus-size.me/detail.php?id=44362407

Every girl needs (at least) one little black dress, and this one is fantastic, with a flattering cut, great length, and cute sleeves. The scoop neck is flattering, and the dress pulls in under the bust, allowing the skirt to float over any areas you may be less confident over. It's also a dress that's easy to accessorise, perhaps with some pearls or beads around the neck, a waist belt, and some killer heels or sandals. For a glamorous beach look, pop this over your swimsuit, slip on your prettiest sandals, and pop on a big floppy hat for a sexy 70's vibe!

The dress is only £35, a great price for a classic dress. Find it here http://www.plus-size.me/detail.php?id=39400144

Maxi dresses are traditionally viewed as the property of gazelle-like supermodels. In actual fact they're a great dress for all sizes, as they tend to pull in at the waist and then float over the rest of the body, skimming but not clinging. There's something very glamorous about floating around in a maxi dress! This one in particular is great as the detail at the bottom draws the eye down, giving the impression of height and keeping the eyes drawn to the middle.

The dress is only £36 from http://www.plus-size.me/detail.php?id=JQ652MJ

This dress is so cute, with a very flattering blue section all the way down the front, which is incredibly slimming, and also gives the impression of some sexy curves. Perfect for work too with a black jacket, this is definitely a statement dress!

The dress is £50 and can be found here: http://www.plus-size.me/detail.php?id=42158289

The dress is available for £70 from http://www.plus-size.me/detail.php?id=605797

I love little black dresses, but don't be scared about looking at other dresses with a bit of color, especially in the summer months. Purple is a flattering color on most skin tones, a very popular color this year, and the cut of this dress is perfect. The floaty sleeves and nipped in waist detail is fantastic for giving that hourglass shape, and the skirt is a great length and floats over the tummy area.

At the moment, pretty much every single magazine I buy (and that's a lot, I'm a complete magazine whore) feature 'Jeans for every shape' or ' Perfect dresses, whatever your size. Unfortunately I'm a size 12-14 apple shape. Which doesn't appear to exist in these articles. As if it's not bad enough that their examples of curvy girls are celebs like Kelly Brook (size 8!) or Britney Spears (have you seen her abs recently??)

So, for all my fellow apple shapes, here are my golden rules.

> You have great legs, especially your calves. 50's style or pencil pencil skirts look great, especially with a beautiful pair of high heels. Like this skirt below, found here  

> Dresses tend to be a much more flattering option over jeans and tops, especially as you can team them up with a little cardigan if you're conscious of your arms. I like to give the impression of a waist by wearing a wide waist belt or one with a eyecatching detail in the middle. I love the dress below, found here 

> A decent bra will make all the difference and getting fitted is the best way to do this. A supportive bra can make your tummy look much flatter!

> Leggings are brilliant, and you can wear them under dresses if you don't feel confident enough to go bare legged, or under denim skirts. Find some fab ones here

> For those readers that are office based, have a look at Bravissimo for their shirts that are specially created to accommodate different bra sizes. Great for when you don't want a button to pop open in the middle of an important meeting....Check out their range here

> Check out http://www.plus-size.me/ for more fashion for those of us that don't fall into the size 0 category.

Another gorgeous website to drool over, http://bakerella.blogspot.com/ is a website filled with delicious step by step recipes and photos. I tried to recreate these amazing cupcake burgers but unfortunatly had a bit of a fail on the cupcake front. I now have 16 burger type brownies and no buns :) Bakerella also has lots of cheescake and cupcake pops, which I have to try as they're so cute, and something that small must be healthy, right?

Fans of home baking should head to www.mumswhobake.co.uk, a gorgeous site where you can submit photos of your own delicacies, find recipes and browse their lovely shop for a wide variety of products to add some fun and style to your baking day!

My fave items from the shop include...

I discovered them whilst reading http://www.domesticsluttery.com/ (another fabulous website full of goodies) and they are currently offering a discount for Mums who Bake!

www.mumswhobake.co.uk are also doing a monthly competition when you submit your baking photos :)

I'm off to a family party at my boyfriends place tomorrow, so I'm bringing along some strawberry cupcakes to sweeten them up :)

I also discovered Funkin' Puree's, used by most of the jobs bars and clubs to create cocktails. Being a lazy sod, I loved this idea, so I picked up the Mojito one, added a shot of Rum, and voila!

Love cute and kitsch jewelery and accessories? Love competitions? then head to http://funkyjunkjewellery.blogspot.com/2009/05/competition-time-nautical-giveaway.html?showComment=1243347648881#c766383272243689551 to check out their gorgeous range and get a chance to win this cute on trend necklace