Too Fantastic For Words - S/S12 Review at Emma Plus Brighton

I and Anna can count ourselves extremely lucky to be down in the south and have the fantastic Emma Plus independent plus size boutique within our reach. Located in Church Street, Brighton this shop boasts an awe inspiring stock from many European designers covering a size range from an 18 to a 34. The store owner Emma Hayes studied art and design and has now worked within the plus size sector for over 20 years. A plus size woman herself she has an exceptional understanding of what plus size women want, need and wish for with our clothing. She has a fantastic blog/forum here. The shop boasts extremely loyal customers from their testimonials who come from far and wide to avail themselves of the unique experience that is Emma Plus. We plus sized fashion fiends are gradually finding our shopping trips limited to the internet. Whilst internet shopping is a boon and can allow us to get items from the other side of the world we lose the interaction and service that stores like Emma Plus can offer from alterations to a cup of tea and a smile

Me and Anna got the train up to Brighton. It's less than an hour from London out of Victoria station. I would also suggest that as a destination for a weekend away and a shopping trip combined, Brighton is fantastic. The store is a short walk from the station (10/15 mins) or about 4 pounds by taxi. Me and Anna arrived at the shop very quickly, another handy point to note is that if you are driving the shop is smack bang next to an NCP carpark which in Brighton is amazingly good news. Emma also does a deal where if you purchase items over £100 you get 2 hours free parking - BONUS!

The day me and Anna came we were in the wonderfully capable hands of Kim as Emma and Jaq were buying for AW12 at Anna Scholz's studio. We had a complimentary coffee, a chance to sit down and catch up but we soon got round to the all important thing - THE NEW SEASONS CLOTHES !!!.

This beautiful Marina Rinaldi Sport embellished top (above) is a classic example of Emma's exceedingly clever eye when it comes to buying for the shop . It reminds me of the beauty of impressionist paintings, in a viscose mix it's breathable and it's a highly versatile piece that looks great teamed with black trousers, or would look lovely under a black skirt suit.

This stunning Anna Scholz aztec print print (below) was the next thing that caught my eye. In a delectable mix of silk and lycra this is one of those dresses that will never date. Worn casually with beaded flats and plaited hair for a day on the beach, it's easily jazzed up for the evening with glitzy earings, heels and an updo on the hair.

For my sins of which there are many I could not resist keeping the Anna Scholz dress on for longer, I then picked up an amazing Kristen Krog lace style cut through shirt that looked amazing over the top of it (below)

The next thing I wanted to try was this gorgeous tunic top from KjBrand (below). I loved this, This vivid blue based print in a viscose mix this would look gorgeous over black trousers, indigo blue jeans and would also work as a throw over a bathing suit.

Anna tried on this other gorgeous KjBrand tunic (below) With Anna's italian colouring this looked stunning. It looked amazing over her denim skirt and would look equally gorgeous providing a rainbow riot of colour against a black skirt or trousers.

Next Anna tried on this popping xxxx top.. It looked great over the denim, but would look equally gorgeous over black leggings.

Me and Anna really wish we could show you everything in stock but we can't so please go and visit for yourselves. On the 12th of May a really special event is happening Anna Scholz is visiting the store and is bringing the cream of her S/S 12 collection with her for you to purchase. This is going to be an amazing day with drinks and nibbles, prize draws and the opportunity to meet the amazing lady herself so don't miss out get yourself there !!!!__