A few weeks ago I was due to go and see the amazing Lucie Luella for a hair transformation and had arranged to go and see all the lovely ladies at Florentya Dawn with a view to getting a dress for the up-and-coming British Plus Size Awards next month.

Fabulous Florentyna

I travelled up on the afternoon before, and after driving for 3.5 hrs, booked into the lovely Alma Lodge Hotel.

The lovely Alma Lodge Hotel

I had arranged an appointment at 10am and didn’t fancy such a long drive there and back in one day, so had opted to book a cheap local hotel. I was really delighted with the room and the whole establishment, and it was at such an amazing price too.

The receptionist was so lovely and friendly, and made me feel so very welcome. Attached to the hotel was a fantastic restaurant called Luigi’s. As I had been to work until 2pm and then driving straight to Stockport, I was shattered and decided not to go and find somewhere to eat, and try the hotel restaurant instead.

After getting freshened up and dressing, I went downstairs to try and get a table.

Heading to the bar area, I ordered a drink and asked for a table. I was seated immediately and offered water, a menu and a copy of the Table d’hote menu.

Dressed for Dinner

Deciding to go with the set menu, I asked what the pasta of the day was – Spinach ravioli in a sage and butter sauce. Well, that was my starter sorted out!

Sage and Butter Pasta

For my main course I had the sirloin steak with pepper and brandy sauce. This was served with roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables; cauliflower, french beans and carrots.

Sirloin with Peppercorn and Brandy Sauce

I have to say, the whole meal was sensational! I finished every single morsel and was stuffed. This was a shame as they had a dessert trolley to die for! Tiramisu, English trifle, Torte, Creme Brulee, and more. It was such a pity I was so full that I couldn’t manage a third course.

My dinner complete with a couple of drinks came to the grand total of £25.00 and was worth every penny!

Best Steak Ever!

My appointment was for 1200 so I got up early and headed to visit a lovely dress shop, Florentyna Dawn. Now, I had been to a blogger event that they had hosted several months ago and I knew they would have the perfect gown for me.

Florentya Dawn is like a cave of wonders. Hats, bags, shoes and the most divine clothing you have ever seen. I love walking into the building as it feels like paradise to me!

I had an idea of some of the gowns that I liked, as I had stalked their website. However even I wasn’t prepared for some of the loveliness that was in front of me.

I had in my mind that I wanted a black gown. This is mainly because I never wear black. When I stepped away from my previous style, plain black went out the window, as I wanted bright colourful clothing.

With this in mind, lots of gowns were brought out for me to look at. My eyes were drawn to the black ones over and over. I tried on a couple of them and loved what I saw.

One of the beautiful Dresses

Then I was brought a gown that just stopped my breath. I looked at it and wanted it to fit so badly. It was like nothing I had ever worn before, and for me, it had the wow factor. It was dripping in shiny sequins and gemstones.

Cautiously I put the dress on. It was miles too big. My heart fell as I loved everything about it. Apparently they had it in a different size, two sizes smaller than what I had tried first.

With my breath held again, I stepped into it. Being zipped into it, I had everything crossed……

It fit!!!!!!!

Now, bearing in mind I hadn’t styled my hair or even had proper make up on, I felt like a princess. It was just perfect. I tried on a couple of other dresses afterwards, and even though they were amazing, they didn’t make me feel like the way the other dress did.

That was it, I knew I had found the one. I had expected to be in there at least a couple of hours. Yet, in 40 minutes I had found the dress of my dreams.

Of course, I am not going to show you the pictures yet! You will have to wait for the awards ceremony when I reveal all.

I really can’t thank Florentyna Dawn enough. When you need something special, their size rang from 6 to 50 really can’t be beat.

I am even more excited for the awards ceremony now. I am going to sparkle my little heart out!