I was very excited to be invited to the launch of Marisota's Pop-Up Shop tour (read more here) in London on Thursday last week (13 March). It was held in a spacious venue near Oxford Street and reminded me of a modern boutique, with crisp white decor and colourful products. I got my compact camera out straight away and started photographing the displays; just to forewarn you, this post is going to have a lot of photos!
![]()
I was introduced to one of the Shapeologists, the lovely Lucy, who talked me through the Shapeology technology and other fit and fabric techniques as we picked out items for me to try on. What I enjoyed most about this is that Lucy was able to talk to me about many of the products from her own experiences and make recommendations on that basis. We picked out so many things to try and could've chosen much more; in the end I tried on 4 outfits.
![]()
The first piece I tried on, which I unfortunately don't have a photo of, is the Coleen Nolan Illusion Panel Maxi Dress (£59.00). This dress has a lovely, bright print and is very flattering. For a night out, I'd style it with the Neon Orange Box Clutch Bag (£25.00), Mood Statement Stone Colour Necklace (£20.00) and sandals.
Image (Below) © Marisota Magic Mirror |Next up was the Tribal Print Jacquard Trousers (£39.00) and Joanna Hope Print Kaftan (£45.00). These trousers are really comfortable and have hidden elastic in the waistband, so I was able to wear a size 22 instead of my usual size (24). The kaftan has a separate jersey cami to wear underneath, or you could wear it without as a coverup/beachwear. Unfortunately you can't see them in the photo but I am also wearing the Catwalk Sparkle Pumps in black (£28.00, sizes 4-9 and E or EEE width, also available in silver).
![]()
Image (Below) © Marisota Magic Mirror |I then tried on the WOW Slim Leg Jeans in Coral (£45.00), Oriental Print Woven Vest (£18.00) and Joanna Hope Textured Jersey Jacket (£55.00). These jeans are very aptly named as there are an amazing fit! They have a hidden bit of elastic at the back of the waistline and the fabric itself has a bit of stretch to it; Lucy suggested that I try these as I discussed my problems with jeans gaping above and below the bum, I'm glad that I did and would highly recommend them (I went for my usual size 24). The jacket and vest I both tried in a 22 although if you're big on the bum/hips like me I'd suggest sizing up in the top (I'd go for a 24), as due to the fit it was a bit tight on my stomach; with this style I don't think it'd matter if it was a bit of a loose fit elsewhere. The jacket is lightweight and great for office, casual or evening wear. I don't normally wear white or pale colours at all but I absolutely adore this crisp, summery look!
![]()
Image (Below) © Marisota Magic Mirror |Last but not least, my favourite outfit, the Print Kaftan Maxi Dress (£45.00) and Sole Diva Plain Flatforms in Purple (£20.00, sizes 4-8 and E or EEE width). This dress is beautiful, floaty and lightweight, but not opaque so it can be worn on it's own; if you're going on holiday this would be a great piece to bring with you and it'd take up very little room in your suitcase. The flatforms are a lovely vibrant colour and very comfortable, as someone who dislikes like the pain and discomfort of heels I am very keen on these.
![]()
Whilst attending the launch I was also filmed chatting to Karen, one of the Shapeologists, about my shapeover and experiences of shopping as a plus size woman. I've been informed that the footage may be used at the other pop-up shops, so you may see my face on screen! How exciting (well, for me haha)!
All of the items shown in this post and more are available from Marisota in sizes 12-32. I'd like to thank Marisota for inviting me to the launch and also for gifting me the fabulous Beaded Ethnic Print Shopper (£40.00) and scarf, as well as an outfit of my choice up to the value of £100 (to be continued...!).
Disclaimer: This is not a collaborative post and all views are my own.
All images © Big Fat Betty unless otherwise stated.
I was introduced to one of the Shapeologists, the lovely Lucy, who talked me through the Shapeology technology and other fit and fabric techniques as we picked out items for me to try on. What I enjoyed most about this is that Lucy was able to talk to me about many of the products from her own experiences and make recommendations on that basis. We picked out so many things to try and could've chosen much more; in the end I tried on 4 outfits.
The first piece I tried on, which I unfortunately don't have a photo of, is the Coleen Nolan Illusion Panel Maxi Dress (£59.00). This dress has a lovely, bright print and is very flattering. For a night out, I'd style it with the Neon Orange Box Clutch Bag (£25.00), Mood Statement Stone Colour Necklace (£20.00) and sandals.
Image (Below) © Marisota Magic Mirror |Next up was the Tribal Print Jacquard Trousers (£39.00) and Joanna Hope Print Kaftan (£45.00). These trousers are really comfortable and have hidden elastic in the waistband, so I was able to wear a size 22 instead of my usual size (24). The kaftan has a separate jersey cami to wear underneath, or you could wear it without as a coverup/beachwear. Unfortunately you can't see them in the photo but I am also wearing the Catwalk Sparkle Pumps in black (£28.00, sizes 4-9 and E or EEE width, also available in silver).
Image (Below) © Marisota Magic Mirror |I then tried on the WOW Slim Leg Jeans in Coral (£45.00), Oriental Print Woven Vest (£18.00) and Joanna Hope Textured Jersey Jacket (£55.00). These jeans are very aptly named as there are an amazing fit! They have a hidden bit of elastic at the back of the waistline and the fabric itself has a bit of stretch to it; Lucy suggested that I try these as I discussed my problems with jeans gaping above and below the bum, I'm glad that I did and would highly recommend them (I went for my usual size 24). The jacket and vest I both tried in a 22 although if you're big on the bum/hips like me I'd suggest sizing up in the top (I'd go for a 24), as due to the fit it was a bit tight on my stomach; with this style I don't think it'd matter if it was a bit of a loose fit elsewhere. The jacket is lightweight and great for office, casual or evening wear. I don't normally wear white or pale colours at all but I absolutely adore this crisp, summery look!
Image (Below) © Marisota Magic Mirror |Last but not least, my favourite outfit, the Print Kaftan Maxi Dress (£45.00) and Sole Diva Plain Flatforms in Purple (£20.00, sizes 4-8 and E or EEE width). This dress is beautiful, floaty and lightweight, but not opaque so it can be worn on it's own; if you're going on holiday this would be a great piece to bring with you and it'd take up very little room in your suitcase. The flatforms are a lovely vibrant colour and very comfortable, as someone who dislikes like the pain and discomfort of heels I am very keen on these.
Whilst attending the launch I was also filmed chatting to Karen, one of the Shapeologists, about my shapeover and experiences of shopping as a plus size woman. I've been informed that the footage may be used at the other pop-up shops, so you may see my face on screen! How exciting (well, for me haha)!
All of the items shown in this post and more are available from Marisota in sizes 12-32. I'd like to thank Marisota for inviting me to the launch and also for gifting me the fabulous Beaded Ethnic Print Shopper (£40.00) and scarf, as well as an outfit of my choice up to the value of £100 (to be continued...!).
Disclaimer: This is not a collaborative post and all views are my own.
All images © Big Fat Betty unless otherwise stated.