From the Archives: My first style post and a big fat thumbs up to ASOS Curve

Words and photos by Susie Sandford Smith

No..this isn't a maternity piece - think that's a food belly you spy there.

I've decided that I'm going to feature myself in my blog more, I was just starting to do that a little in my old blog and I found that it was helping me gain confidence in myself. So yeh, I'm going to step that up a bit now..which means that I have to learn how to take photos of myself aka learn to use the timer or a remote control and learn to use a tripod. Bear with me please, it might be a slightly rocky road. For this shoot I forced my son, Horatio*, to take the photos and he really wasn't up for it this time so...well, you'll see. Tee hee. Here's my little homage to ASOS Curve.

I also want to make more of an effort with the way that I look, have more attitude, take more risks. I studied Fashion Design for goodness sake, and at The London College of Fashion no less. It's time to stop being a shrinking violet, trying constantly to take up less room and be more invisible. Sod that I say. I'magonna take up some space from now on! Hell yeh.

And honestly...there's really no excuse now if you're big for not looking good. I mean, if you're not interested in fashion and clothes that's a good enough reason but if you are, then the great clothes are out there. It's not as good as in the US, I'm constantly seeing stuff I like the look of and then finding that it's a US label but, it's pretty damn good. Once I get my sewing machine fixed I'll be knocking up a few things for myself again too...can't wait.

Having said all of that...my first outfit is not particularly out there, actually..I doubt that any of mine will be especially, but it's an outfit that I feel so comfortable in and I feel like I look bloody cool. I'm top to toe (not quite as I'm wearing Converse) ASOS Curve. This brand has reignited my interest in clothes and fashion - it's ruddy marvellous.

I absolutely LOVE this coat, fraid I bought it ages ago so it's no longer available, it's an Army style coat and is made of a very heavy, quite itchy/scratchy fabric but it just feels so...Strong. It's what I wear when I want to feel fierce.

The scarf my sister gave to me a couple of Christmases ago and I'm not sure where she got it - which is a shame because it's an absolute favourite and I'm sure they'd have others that I'd love. The trousers are no longer flattering but man are they comfy and also, I don't care - I feel good when I wear them.

I bought the long sleeve top in black and the same grey as the t-shirt and they've been in almost constant rotation in my wardrobe. I meant to go back and buy more but I think I'm a bit late. The fabric is a really fine jersey, it's almost see through and it's got such a lovely drape, it feels super good on too. It's got a raw edge at the hem and the seamlines are sewn (very obviously) on the outside. You can see the ridges in the photo above on the dropped shoulder line. Both the long sleeve top and the t-shirt are absolutely gorgeous products, can't recommend them highly enough (if that's your style).

My mum gave me the Converse for Christmas - I'd been without a pair for ages and I'm so happy to be reunited with them again.

Well, I rather enjoyed this first style post - I'm off to Charlotte Tilbury for a makeup lesson in a couple of days (coz I thought I looked rather tired in these photos, and puffy, which is probably because I don't get enough sleep so AM tired and puffy) so expect me to be looking "A Okay" in future posts (well, I'm planning on shooting a couple over the weekend, before the products sell out so I'll not have picked up any hints and tips in time for the next few posts actually).

Oh, by the way, his name is not really Horatio.

Coat - ASOS Curve, Top - ASOS Curve, T-shirt - ASOS Curve, Trousers - ASOS Curve/similar, Shoes - the mighty Converse