Plus Size Picks for those who're bored of the girly stuff

The girly picks in my last column went down well with a lot of you, but I know not everyone over a size 16 wants to dress in florals, polka dots and peter pan collars. So this week I'm taking you over to the dark side with some more subdued picks. These aren't full-on edgy / alternative - it's an unfortunate truth that most stuff in the mainstream UK plus size market is pretty tame - but there are definitely no frills, ruffles or pink. Instead we have textured fabrics, graphic prints, masculine touches and only a tiny amount of bling.

If you want something a bit unusual without ditching all colour, Forever 21+ has delivered the goods with this graphic print tee for less than £15. I really like the way it's been styled with the faux leather pencil skirt, but it would work just as well with jeans, PVC leggings (not normal ones - too sheer on the bum for a tee this short) or a maxi skirt. In the endless cold weather it's crying out to be topped with a biker jacket.

I know Carmakoma is a fave with a lot of DS readers, and the Danish plus size retailer definitely delivers when it comes to unexpected, modern pieces. The Scilla dress isn't cheap at just over £95, but there's a lot of detail going on - all those leather panels have laser-cut detail on them. A lot of women shy away from swing shapes because they're full of volume, but that can look really cool, especially with black tights and massive heels.

It's hard to keep up with what prints are the latest must-haves. Wasn't it owls a minute ago? Or sausage dogs? No, wait, pugs! But if all those twee animals do your head in, there are always skulls. We have Alexander McQueen to thank for the ongoing popularity of this look - and three years after his death, the print still shows no signs of disappearing from the high street. Just Curvy has this blouse in black or white for £25.

Time for another ASOS curve bodycon number that'll have some readers wishing it came in smaller sizes too (I think it did at one point). I keep on featuring these classic shaped dresses, but that's because ASOS are so clever at making them in the kind of in-your-face, eye-popping prints that other plus size brands are too scared to produce. The best news for you brave ladies is that this baby is reduced to £18 in the sale.

Finally, as it continues to be cold, wet and miserable despite the fact we're supposed to be in Spring, I couldn't finish without a non-girly coat. So many of the parkas and military jackets this season have been dolled up with sequinned sleeves or leather or studs which can end up looking a bit stupid. This one from Very's So Fabulous range (£45) is a little bit more subtle, though there are a few jewels on the pocket. If I were a proper fashion writer I'd chuck in something about festivals and denim shorts and hunter welllies right now, instead i'll just say that this is a nice alternative to a belted mac if you're fed up of those.

I hope these picks worked for those of you who like something other than 50s style dresses and bird prints, but if you have any more requests, be sure to comment and let me know!

Wallpaper Wednesday: Erica Wakerly

It's taken a while for me to choose a favourite amongst Erica Wakerly's striking wallpaper designs. They're a mix of traditional techniques and uber-modern patterns, which really appeals to me. At first I thought my favourite was this quirky Homes design. Then I thought it might be the Screwed Up paper:


Elle Decoration even agree on that one, it was shortlisted for their Best Pattern Design Award. But it's neither of these. It's this one:


I love the industrial print on this 'Construct' paper. It would look amazing in a hallway, and any room that had some natural light in it. There are loads more beautiful designs. Go spend your lunchbreak having a bit of a peruse.