My first ever ASOS plus size/curve order!

I was very skeptical towards online shopping for clothes, especially as a plus size lady.
I was worried I wouldn't be able to find anything my size, and that especially when it came to trousers I'd be unable to fit in the largest size.

Oh, how wrong was I!

Before I begin I'd like to give you an idea of my size and shape. I have tights size 18 and 20 from Primark, and I can fit in dresses size 18, but nowadays more comfortably in dresses and skirts size 20.
However, I could never fit into any trousers in Primark or anything with a skinny fit. Their sizes go up to 20 only anyway. My height is 165cm (5'5).

Recently I tried some Marks & Spencer jeans in size 24. They fit me, but it wasn't a comfy fit.

So, I came to the conclusion that my top is an entirely different size from my bottom.
Little did I know that I need different sizes in tops, shirts, skirts, jeans and trousers altogether. So basically, depending on my body part, I can fit into 5 different sizes.

My body shape is pear with my hips being a lot larger than my breast area.
My bra size is 42DD.

As you can imagine, when I saw the ASOS measurements I didn't know what to make of them. My waist is an ASOS size 24, but my hips are (or I thought they were) between a size 26 and 28.

And so I decided to buy two loose trousers and a pair of jeans to test the water.

I thought it'd be a good idea to buy everything in size 26, just to be safe. Well...

Disclaimer: I do not own the pictures from Asos website, I'm just posting them here for reference.

ASOS CURVE Harem Pants with Foldover Waistband In Jersey - Black / UK 26

So, the model here wears size 18.

Size 26 is almost twice my size!!!!

I love these pants, as they're super comfy and they have pockets, but they're actually falling!!! Which is probably due to the fact there is no waistband.

I don't know if I'm going to return them as they cost 21 euros only and my mom knows how to sow, which means she can alter them to make them fit me.
If my mom couldn't fix them, I'd definitely return them though.

I'd suggest buying one or even two sizes smaller if you have a small waist and want to buy these pants.

ASOS CURVE Harem Trouser with Shirred Waist - Rose / UK 26

The model here is wearing size 18 as well.

This one isn't so bad for me, because even though it's clearly at least one size larger, the elastic waist band makes it possible to wear it and it won't fall.

I'd definitely not return this, and I actually like it's loose fit.

However, if I knew how it'd fit me before I ordered I'd have ordered size 24.

In general, I'd say stay true to your size, or order a size smaller if you want a tighter fit, but even your own size -and even a size larger- won't be too loose due to the waistband.

ASOS CURVE Farleigh Slim Mom Jeans in Prince Light Wash with Busted Knees - Blue / UK 26

The model is wearing size 18.

I'm so happy I bought size 26 on this one!
24 would probably fit me as well, but it'd be so uncomfortable!

With this one I can sit, I can bend, and I can generally be so comfy.

If you want a comfy loose fit choose a size larger than your normal size, otherwise just buy your normal size.

Final Thoughts:

I generally don't regret buying a size larger than what I suspected was my size, as it's easier to make clothes a size smaller than to make them a size larger (actually you can't).

I now know that when it comes to jeans and trousers I'm a size 24 and I could probably fit in size 22 as well -if the material is stretchy.

I hope this helps all the plus size babes with similar body types to mine!

Xoxo

Colourpop Swatch & Review

So sometime I go I made two orders from Colourpop. 

Apart from the customer service drama that I spoke about here, I decided to actually swatch and review the products for you. 

Stole the show

The formula feels like a mousse. It's like a wet powder. Very pigmented. VERY!

Love it! But it can be tricky to learn how to apply at first.

8.5/10

Little Weapon

Stricky. Very. Looks amazing on pictures and camera, but not that nice in person. Clings on every imperfection and it's very runny. 

5/10

Lumiere 2

Amazeballs! A beautiful cool toned mauve nude colour. Dries very quickly though so you have to work fast.

9/10

Beeper

A lovely warm toned brown nude colour. 

7/10

Trap

Another pretty cool toned nude. More on the grey side rather than mauve. 

8/10

Viper

A dark berry colour. It's absolutely stunning.

8.5/10

Sauce on top of Viper Lip Liner

I have to say that I prefer Sauce by itself or the lip liner by itself, as combined they create kind of a dull colour. 

Sauce by itself is very similar to Viper, but slightly lighter I believe.

Sauce: 8/10

Viper Lip Liner: 8.5/10 

Final thoughts:

They're all long lasting and they can dry your lips. Matte finish does that.

But you're not supposed to put anything on your lips before application, which I don't like due to the drying quality they have.

Most of them dry quickly so you have to work fast. 

Overall worth the money if you don't have to pay for shipping and customs.

Why I will never order from Colourpop again

A few weeks ago Colourpop offered free international shipping.

Since I've heard so many good things about this company I decided to place 2 orders.
One for Greece and one for UK.

I kept both orders under £15/€22 so that I wouldn't have to pay customs, Vat or any other charges (as stated by EU law).

It took them 4 days to ship my Greek order and 6 days to ship my UK order.
My Greek order arrived 5 days after being shipped.
My UK order arrived 10 days after being shipped.

Weirdly enough, my Greek order arrived in Athens first.
My mother received it, no issues.

My UK order on the other hand...
First of all the USPS tracking service showed the order as delivered, when it was not. Secondly, Royal Mail showed the order was held at customs. I contacted Royal Mail and they said the order was going through customs.
I thought, hold on, why is this happening?

I will not go through the details, as you can imagine there was a lot of phone and email ping pong to find out what was going on.
Colourpop did not respond to my emails, and when they did it was either automated emails, or their attitude was informal, and not responding to my questions.
Unacceptable.

In the end, I found out they put the wrong price on the parcel. I had paid $18 for my parcel, but they put $24 not including the discounts that I got.

So, I had to pay £14 for Royal Mail to hand me my parcel.
Needless to say this is the price of the actual parcel, so I had to pay twice!!!!

I cannot begin to tell you how upset, how enraged I am!

I did all this to make sure I wouldn't have to pay any customs, played by the rules, kept my orders under £15/€22 and due to Colourpop's incompetence I was charged in the end!

It goes without saying that I will try to get a refund from customs, but Colourpop is not co-operating and getting a refund is a long and very complicated procedure. Which I shouldn't have to go through in the first place!

I will never order from them again, and I am completely put off from using their products.

Also, one of the lipsticks I had ordered had been opened and used. You could tell if you compared it to the other ones....

Coincidentally, Colourpop has made the comments on their facebook page hidden, but if you manage to find them, all of them consist of complaints...

I'm blaming myself for falling into the trap of IG products and buying from them.
But I will never make the same mistake again.

Headphone Reviews

I've been throwing away faulty headphones without ever reviewing them, but I think it's time to start keep a 'headphone diary'. Every time I'm ready to throw headphones away, I will write a review here.

This way I may be able to help one of you as well.
I will keep updating this post.

So here we go:


Volcom Posso (2017 review)

I got these a long time ago. Probably around 2014.
This isn't a picture of my pair, as they're worn out and not pretty at all anymore.
I ain't getting technical on characteristics.
Imma keep it simple.
They're good looking, stylish, have decent sound, do alright with bass, but don't last long.
In less than a year I started having problems with them, and the shop I got them from was super sketchy and didn't replace them, even though I had a 1 year guarantee.
I don't recommend them at all.








Skullcandy Hesh (review 2017)

 

I've had these since 2008/9 and they still work!
Not picture of my ones as they're quite rough.
They even survived a stupid girl who was lapdancing and decided to use them as nipple covers, twisting one headphone and breaking it.
Ever since, I got tape around it, but somehow it still works.
Good sound, awesome design, does alright with bass, but after a long time sometimes the sound flakes. Not sure how else to explain it. I just think it's a cable issue, which happens to most headphones, but it took a pretty long time to happen to these ones.
I definitely think they're worth buying.

Various Incense Sticks Review

I have been thinking about writing a review on various incense sticks I have gotten myself in the past eight months, since my incense stick love was revived and I started experimenting with aromatherapy.

So here it is: A review of all the incense sticks I have purchased in the past eight months.
Every individual review will comprise of an image, a couple of sentences on the scent of the sticks, and a rating.

In the end of this blog entry you will find my final thoughts and my top 5 favourite incense sticks from the ones reviewed.

Enjoy! x

Reviews:

~Stamford~

Stamford: Angel Dust 

This one is one of those scents that I don't mind once in a while, but it's way too intense to use it often. It's supposed to have a lily scent.



Rating: 6/10

Stamford: Sandalwood

At some point I was obsessed with this scent! It has a wood, earthy feeling to it, so if you don't like that maybe Sandalwood is not for you. I personally love it when I want to meditate and relax.


Rating: 9/10

Stamford: Demon's Lust 

I absolutely adore these! The scent is described as green oriental and I do find it has this sensual undertone that tingles your senses. Great if you have a special someone over and you want to set the mood. Bare in mind there is an earthy scent to it.


Rating: 8.5/10 

Stamford: Vampire's Kiss

I find this scent extremely sensual, even more so than Demon's Lust. But it's also quite refreshing at the same time. It's described as a musky scent comprising of a variety of perfumery raw materials (as all Stamford incense do).



Rating: 9.5/10 

Stamford: Fairy's Mist 

This is a refreshing yet gentle scent of white rose. I do enjoy burning those incense sticks after a long day at work.



Rating: 8/10







Stamford: Witches' Curse

I have used them for sometime without realising their scent was Aloe Vera -which is my new obsession. I usually use these when I'm really pissed off at someone and negative energy lingers in my room. Such a powerful, yet calming scent.

Rating: 9.5/10

Stamford: Unicorn's Grace

Another Aloe Vera scent. This one has lower energy and in my opinion has a floral undertone to it. For some reason I have related it to Angel's Dust.


Rating: 8/10






Stamford: Pixie's Dance 

These have become one of my favourite incense sticks! They have a vanilla scent -which I am in love with. I am a vanilla scent girl though, so no surprise there. Good for when you need a calming moment, or to just change the energy in your room.


Rating: 10/10

Stamford: Mermaid's Love 

Another past obsession of mine! When I first burned those, I couldn't get enough of them! Another white rose in the Stamford collection, only this one has a sensual yet fresh undertone to it.



Rating: 9.5/10 

Stamford: Werewolf's Bite 

Frankincense and Myrrh. I was a bit hesitant with these incense sticks, but they grew in me with time. An interesting combination of power and calmness. I believe they could be used with spells or to enhance one's spiritual dreams.


Rating: 8.5/10

Stamford: Angel's Touch 

Even though I'm generally not a fan of floral incense sticks, these ones are lovely. They have a sweet powdery floral aroma. Perfect for changing the energy of your room, and burning them could be a good way to start or end your day.


Rating: 6.5/10

Stamford: Water Dragon

White musk. It is not often that I find incense sticks that unbearable, but I am contemplating throwing these away. I just cannot seem to find their scent attractive at any time or situation.

Rating: 1/10

Stamford: Fairy Dreams 

As I've mentioned before, I'm a vanilla scent girl. This is one of my old time favourites. The sweet vanilla scent of those incense sticks is perfect for dreaming, relaxing and taking a bath. I usually burn them right before I go to sleep. (This scent reminds me Pagan Magic by a different company -it came in purple packaging).

Rating: 10/10 

Stamford: Dragon's Blood

Dragon's Blood. I am not too bothered by this scent, but I am not in love either. I do enjoy burning these when the energy in the room feels dull.

Rating: 7/10 

Stamford: White Sage

I was always curious about white sage, as I had heard and read a lot about it. At some point I was obsessed with these incense sticks! I use them to block negative energy from my space, cleanse the space and my energy. I have to admit if you use them too much, you do get a bit tired of the scent.

Rating: 9.5/10

Stamford: Vanilla 

I don't like to repeat myself, but yeah, as you've noticed I am fond of vanilla scents. I usually burn these sticks when I want to relax or change the overall aroma in my room.


Rating: 9/10

Stamford: Pagan Magic

I actually thought this was the same Pagan Magic that came in a purple box and I had discovered years ago, but unfortunately, this is a very different scent. One I cannot stand. Apparently these specific incense sticks have an aphrodesia musk aroma.

Rating: 1/10 

Stamford: Prosperity 

Another sandalwood scent from Stamford. I burn these incense sticks when I'm not feeling very lucky or when I want to feel the energy flow in my room change. Not as heavy as the Sandalwood incense sticks, they have some fresh undertones to them.

Rating: 8/10

Stamford: Dragon's Fire 

Roses. A gentle and discreet fragrance which fills the room with a pleasant vibe. As all Stamford incense sticks that come in a black box and red lettering it has a sensual, mystical undertone to it.

Rating: 9/10

Stamford: Egyptian Musk

Musky, earthy and with a hint of something ancient and sacred. These incense sticks are some of my favourites to burn when I want to meditate and relax.

Rating: 9/10

~Tulasi~

Tulasi: Jasmine 

Way too strong for me.

Rating: 5/10

Tulasi: Sage 

Quite a strong scent of sage, this one is not as soft and smooth as White Sage by Stamford. Still, you can use it to cleanse a space.

Rating: 6/10 

Tulasi: Lemongrass

I had never smelled lemongrass incense sticks before. Way too earthy and uncomfortable for me. They literally smell like burnt grass.

Rating: 1/10 

Tulasi: Lotus 

I do enjoy this scent, but as it is extremely strong, I don't burn Lotus incense sticks that often.



Rating: 6.5/10 

Tulasi: Sensuality 

Patchouli, nutmeg and ylang ylang. This strong yet sensual combination of scents is great for an erotic session with your partner(s), a sensual massage or meditation. As it is so intense, I cannot burn those incense sticks too often.


Rating: 7.5/10 

Tulasi: Moon 

I am not sure what scent these incense sticks have, but it is not floral and it is not sensual. I can't really describe it. I have burned them in the past during the night, as the scent does feel right during that time.

Rating: 6/10 

Tulasi: Night Queen

I am not a fan of floral scents usually, unless they are soft and/or sensual. And this incense sticks are exactly that. Again, like the Moon ones, I do find them more enticing during the night. Especially before I go to bed.

Rating: 8.5/10 

Tulasi: Meditation 

Vanilla, sandalwood and chamomile. An extremely strong blend that is perfect for meditation. I personally do not burn these incense sticks often due to the aroma.

Rating: 7/10

Tulasi: Sandalwood

Another earthy incense. This is very strong and woody. Way too strong for my tastes.

Rating 4.5/10

~Various Brands~

As this post is too long already, here I will mention epigrammatically a few other incense sticks I did not enjoy due to their extremely strong scents.

Hem: I tried their Amber incense sticks which I did not like at all as they had a strong wooden/earthy scent, and their Almond ones, which I don't mind as they smell like almond, but wouldn't buy again. 

SAC: I tried Pine which did actually smell like burnt pine (or like a forest on fire) and Night Queen (not to be confused with Tulasi's one) which had an extremely heavy floral scent (to the point of causing me a migraine). Didn't enjoy either.

Sital: I tried Violet, which has a perfume-esque scent to it -if that makes sense. Very strong violet/floral scent, which I personally cannot stand for too long.

Lastly, I was trying to find a good vanilla incense stick -apart from Stamford's- and I decided to try GR's Royal Vanilla and Flute's Vanilla. The first one smelled nice before you burned it, but was way too strong as it was burning. The latter had a very bizarre and unpleasant vanilla scent, almost as if it had something else in it as well. Unfortunately, they didn't work for me.

I have also tried a few Chinese brands, but the letters are in Chinese, so I cannot find them in English.

Final thoughts and favourites

It seems that the font colour and box colour in Stamford incense sticks isn't a coincidence. My understanding is that the ones that come in a black box are more aetherial, sensual and kind of gothic if you'd like, whereas the ones that come in a white box are more floral and intense.
I personally enjoy the ones that come in a black box a lot more as I am not fond of extremely floral scents.
Moreover, I feel the ones that come in a black box and have red lettering are more on the sensual side, and usually, these are some of my favourite incense sticks.

Even though I do like some incense sticks by Tulasi and other brands, I do feel Stamford is the one I am more attracted to.

My top 5 at the moment:

1. Sandalwood
2. Vampire's Kiss 
3. Fairy Dreams 
4. Witches' Curse 
5. Pixie's Dance

Lastly, I would suggest trying the 'mini-collection' versions like the Mythical Collection by Stamford.

This way you can try various scents before you commit to buying the larger versions (the mini ones have 8 or 5 incense sticks each usually). 

Sources and suppliers

I wasn't able to find an official retailer website for the incense brands that were mentioned, but I am including a list with suppliers and also pages where I found the information about the scent details of each entry.

• Ebay supplier
• Scent details and information (amazon retailer)
• Scent details and retailer
• Google (for images) 
• Scent details and retailer
• Scent details and retailer 

Conclusion 

I hope you found this list useful. Remember, this is my personal opinion. Other people may have a completely different reaction towards these scents. 

I have actually buyed everything on this list with my own money, a.k.a I'm not sponsored.

I will keep updating the list with every new scent I purchase.

Peace