The Quest For Dungarees...

I have wanted dungarees for years. There's just something about the look of them that I love. But for many years the options for fat girls were basically non-existent. You either had basic maternity, really cute Vintage reproductions in a maximum size of about 18 or the only ones big enough: the boring "work wear" style.

Then came fatshion and the rise of cool clothing for bigger people. There started to be more options but alas still no dungarees... Until last year! I'm not sure what triggered it then but they were available! I just didn't have the money to buy them :( Roll forward 12 months or so and 90's revival is in full swing and that means Grunge and that means more dungarees! And this year I happen to be working and have the money to buy them.

At that particular moment only these from Simply Be were available. A re-release of the ones that got my heart going last year. And then... Well it was a bit of a fail. I ordered my normal size 24 (which was proved correct by some jeans I bought from Yours Clothing later) and they would not go up my legs. I thought OK maybe they're a little small, I'll return them and reorder a 26. The 26 came and still no go on the legs. They are just so narrow! For reference my calves are 22 1/2 inches round. Reading the most recent reviews it appears I'm not the only one having the same problem and of course it eliminates people with larger legs from wearing them.

At this point I was feeling disheartened but then I remembered I'd had a leaflet in the post from Curvissa (not actually sure why I had the leaflet but minor detail) and there were a pair of dungarees in there. When I looked them up at the time they weren't available yet so I forgot about them until all these sizing issues so I looked them up and they were available and looking at the composition they mentioned Elastane a useful addition with the leg worry.

I took the plunge and ordered in my usual size of 24 keeping my fingers tightly crossed and I must say I was very pleased with the service. I didn't pay extra for next day delivery yet they arrived next day! And as to fit? Perfect! My legs are very happy. If I have one tiny criticism it's that the bib appears shorter than the photos and I would prefer it slightly higher but it's not a big deal. I do also plan on getting mum to shorten them slightly as I am a bit short (5 foot 4) and they are slightly longer than my preferred. I could cuff them but that's a lot of hassle to get right each time.

Sadly no photos at the moment but I hope to wear them out soon so I will try and remember to get one then.

The One Dollar Horse Book Review

Owned or Library?

Owned

The Cover

Simple yet effective. The horse is lighter in colour than the one in the book but that's not a big deal. My copy also has bright pink page edges.

Synopsis

The One Dollar Horse by Lauren St. John is an uplifting story about refusing to let your dreams die even if the seem hopeless. There are also side themes about trust, putting your faith in a near stranger, trusting that someone is making the right decision and how to overcome setbacks.

Characters

Casey Blue is a very vibrant, real character. She's determined, loyal and doesn't want to give up on Storm.

Mrs Smith is a very elegant character and I like that we weren't given her whole story in one go. She also has a determination that I admire.

Roland Blue is very sweet and kind but very misguided and too easily lead. Hopefully things will stay good for him but judging by the preview for the next book it looks not.

Peter is really sweet and kind and doesn't seem to have any bad points... Except maybe not being open with Casey earlier.

World Building

I really believed it all. From the misery and run-down feeling of Hope(less) Lane (I feel bad for the horses that live there considering how bad London's air quality is and the fact that it doesn't sound like there's much in the way of grazing/turn out) to the energy and atmosphere of the shows, it all seemed so real and very effective.

Conclusion

A great, realistic book who's main flaw is the rushed ending. The epilogue could have been another full chapter easily and I was disappointed that we didn't get a resolution with Mrs Smith unless that's being saved for book 2? One I own and I'd like to own the sequels.

Rating 4.5/5