A little Monki try on session.

Fitting rooms are back open in the UK! One of the totally trivial things I have missed during this pandemic has been the ability to try clothes on before buying. I absolutely hate having to return stuff bought online, and I miss being able to go into shops and try silly things, or different shapes, or different sizes to guage the best fit etc...

Being plus size with a body where I carry more weight around my waist, with smaller hips/bum/thigh makes knowing what size to get hard sometimes. I have absolutely no issue with buying a range of sizes depending on fit or specific shop sizing etc... Whether its an 18 or a 24 it makes no difference to me, I just want to know its going to look nice.

So when I was in the office this week, I popped to my local Monki store for a little try on session.

* for reference I am a UK size 22 and 5ft 7ins

There were safety precautions in place, you have to keep your mask on while trying clothes on, there were cleaning stations where you could wipe down surfaces and use hand gel etc... Every other cubicle was cordoned off so you were never close to another person. Also I went around 5pm so it was an hour before closing and was fairly quiet.

I did feel a little overwhelmed at first, and while I was tempted to grab everything and anything to try on, I settled on 4 things.

First up was this super cute cropped white shirt. Now, I should never be trusted with a white shirt. I would spill coffee or my lunch on it within seconds - guaranteed. I also am terrible at seperating my washing so it wouldnt stay this white. I did love the sleeves and cropped style though, it was roomy enough in an XL for my 38 HH boobs. It is £25

I have deep deep regret over not grabbing this yellow beauty! It was only £10 in the sale and the last one in my size. I know, I know - what was I thinking?! It looks a little bulky around the middle here as I still had my jeans on underneath. It is still £35 on the website sadly.

I adore this floral number, the fabric was such a lovely quality and it felt expensive and nicely proportioned, but it was a tenny snug across the chest on me - if you are less endowed than me it would be DREAMY! Its like modern day little house on the prairie vibes and makes me want to buy a wicker basket and fill it with flowers. It is £30 which I feel is a bargain for the quality.

This peachy dream dress is utter perfection, I am wearing an XL but its stretchy and flowy and just perfect! I bought it without hestiation. I wore it the next day with my pink check blazer and cycle shorts - felt amazing.

I paid £25 for it in store, althought it looks to be reduced online (not many sizes left), they also do it in a few other colours though.

I tried on a few other bits but they either didnt fit or I wasnt a fan - It felt so good to be able to try things on my body again. Up next I want to visit Marks and Spencers and H&M! Despite living in a fairly big city there arent really that many options for plus size clothing in store.

Have you ventured into any fitting rooms yet? What weird things have you missed during the pandemic?