Apart from my weekend away I plan to make the most of the outdoors this September. If the sun does shine I’ll be outside in my favourite plus size halter neck top demanding a spritzer, you mark my words.

I bought so many beautiful summer plus size clothes (and I love being able to find my size first time) that I only had chance to wear when I was away in Barcelona, I am determined to make the most of them. Let’s all hope for an Indian summer and a warm September, I’ve got a lovely smock dress just waiting to be worn!

My Joanne is starting at sixth form soon (blimey, that makes me sounds old!) and no doubt she’ll be after some new catalogue clothes now she’s out of her school uniform. Well she can keep her hands off my Marisota. I’ve got to get some new clothes for work myself now I’m back full time and I don’t want her copying my look!

I like to look smart for work and a lovely pair of plus size linen trousers and a few pretty tunic tops are just what I need because I can mix and match everyday. It means I don’t feel out of place if I go for a quick drink after work with the girls either, I can simply be myself. Perfect!

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that September is going to be sunny. I’ve got a girls’ weekend away to the Lake District planned so it was straight to the Marisota catalogue to get some fabulous holiday plus size clothes, of course. I’ll be ever so upset if I don’t get to wear my new wrap dress on a night out, I’m praying it doesn’t rain! Just to be sure (because you can’t trust the Great British weather, or the weathermen for that matter) I have invested in a few chunky knits and an ultra stylish jacket. I expect we’ll do a few walks but nothing too punishing, I haven’t been to the gym in 7 months despite paying £30 a month for it. Oops. Better keep my plus size bikini then!

What a busy month! Honestly, trying to get three kids back to school is no easy task. As soon as they are safely dropped off at the school gates I’ll be straight back to Marisota online. As a part time supply teacher I need back to work clothes too! Only I want to get myself a lovely new dress and some cardigans or shrugs to go over them. I do need larger size clothing, which is why I always go back to the Marisota catalogue.

It can get chilly in our school sometimes because it’s more than a hundred years old. Wide-fitting shoes are important too, I’m on my feet all day and a comfy pair that’s both pretty and practical is just what I need.

Thinking about it, I might treat myself to some new underwear too. I need the right support with my bust and I just think it flatters my shape better if I get the right size. Not forgetting it’s mine and Pete’s wedding anniversary soon and we’ve already got our hotel booked in Florence. We go to the same one every year and I always get some special plus size lingerie for that weekend.

I think I’ll treat myself to come cropped trousers too, to enjoy the streets of Florence. Holiday clothes can be such a struggle to find when you’re a larger size, but not anymore. I’m counting the days until I go away!

I’ve noticed I’ve been shopping an awful lot more since my divorce. It’s amazing how many wonderful styles there are in plus sizes, dresses, trousers, wide leg jeans… everything. Perfect for my salsa dancing, it’s two nights a week and is just my favourite hobby (and not because of Rico the dishy instructor… honest).

I know you’re probably supposed to dance in a mini skirt or something, but I’m too modest for that so I like to mix it up a bit. Last week I wore a wonderful pair of stretch fabric trousers from the Anna Sholz collection at Marisota. They’re so comfy and have a gorgeous bit of jewel trim by the pockets to add some sparkle. A cute little shrug finishes the outfit off nicely, I wonder if Rico has noticed…

After having three children, it goes without saying that it’s taken its toll on my figure. Obviously I love the kids to bits, but sometimes I can’t help wishing I had the flat tummy I had before I was a busy mum. Like most women in their right mind, the thought of surgery scares me to death, so I have got a brilliant tip for anyone after an instant tummy flattener without going under the knife. You need to try Spanx – a lingerie range at Marisota that smoothes your curves and really holds you in. You’ll have seen them on TV, it’s those shapewear slips and shorts. Not the sexiest looking underwear but it really works. My Hide and Sleek Slip gives me such a boost whenever I wear it. Get yourself one, I promise you wont regret it!

Finding plus size lingerie that still looks pretty can be really tricky. That’s one of the best things about Marisota. Although the plus size bras are really supportive I still feel gorgeous when I wear them. Homeshopping is so much better for buying underwear too. Hurray! No more changing rooms!

Sophie x