Exciting Announcement: Introducing HILDAS – Your Size Inclusive Robe Destination

June 12, 2023 By curvysam Leave a Comment

Hey you! Gosh it’s been a while hey?! Whilst I miss the days of blogging, life has evolved across to social media and now my journey has me launching size inclusive robes. A few of them are even reversible, becuase you gotta get your monies worth!

But why robes? Well for those of you who don’t love reading. Here is a video where I explain why.

Long story short, as someone who lives in a bigger body, I want everyone to be able to be able to wear a beautiful robe that fits their body. And I designed a range of matching dresses that are perfect for wearing around the home, for breastfeeding, to bed – basically anywhere

HILDAS launched with three style robes and a dress all available in different patterns/colours.

Hilda is my UK Great Grandma. The thing about being around Hilda is, you always felt at home with her.
(which is why my website is www.athomewithhilda.com.au) I’m super lucky to have grown up with her around. Her fave colour was green which is why my branding is a beautiful forest green. Unfortunately we lost her just before I finished the first round samples. But I have no doubt she’s around haunting me and happy with how georgous the products have turned out.

Now, let me show off some of my products, modelled by my wonderful friends.

The ‘Sara’ Reversible Kimono Long Robe

This robe is perfect for lounging at home, after a relaxing bath or shower, or even as a stylish cover-up over jeans. Comfort and style all in one! Made from buttery soft rayon material.

With the reversible feature, you can easily switch between the two sides, giving you two robe options in one. The green botanical print on one side offers a bold and eye-catching look, while the solid colour on the other side provides a more subdued style.

The robe comes with a detachable belt and the shirring at the back creates a more shapely silhouette. It also features wide long sleeves that provide ample room for comfortable movement.

Gillianne Short Reversible Robe

Crafted from high-quality rayon material, this robe with ¾ sleeves is soft to the touch and lightweight, making it perfect for all seasons.

The best part is, it’s reversible, giving you two robe options in one. Wear the botanical print on the outside for a vibrant and eye-catching look or flip it inside out to reveal a solid colour for a more subdued style.

It comes with a detachable belt and deep pockets, one of each sides providing ample space for your essentials.

Adele Cotton Robe
The Adele Robe comes in a variety of beautiful block colours, so you can choose the one that best suits your style and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a classic neutral, a bold red, or a vibrant orange – you’ll find the perfect hue to match your mood and taste.

Made from high-quality, soft cotton. This robe is designed to be lightweight, breathable, and comfortable to wear. It features a classic kimono-style design, with wide sleeves, an open neckline, and a tie belt to cinch in the waist – for a perfect fit. We have also added an internal tie so there’s no chance of it flapping open

The EveryWear Dress
Imagine a versatile dress that is not only stylish, but also comfortable enough to wear in various settings, from picking up kids from school to even wearing to bed.

First and foremost. The dress is made of soft and breathable Rayon fabric, that feels gentle on your skin. The fabric is carefully selected for its comfort and durability, ensuring that it is suitable for extended wear.

This design allows for ease of movement throughout the day or night. So versatile, it is even the perfect dress for breastfeeding as it has shirring at the bust.

We recommend the print dress for sleeping as it’s super soft whilst the block colours are made from sturdier cotton material. Either way the ‘EveryWear’ dress can be worn everywhere.

The sizing is generous, so if you are looking for a tighter fit around your bust then you might wish to size down.

Where To Buy Plus Size Loungewear in AUS

June 3, 2020 By curvysam 2 Comments

Plus size loungewear isn’t the easiest to find in the Australian retail space. So many styles stop at a size 20 and even those were limited. But alas I am here to help and I’ve dug around to find the cutest cosiest looks from brands that have retail stores where you can pop in and try the styles on.

Kmart

Feel comfortable at home in style with Kmarts Textured Drop Shoulder Top and Wide Leg Pants, $15 each in sizes 6-24
If wide leg pants aren’t your think you can also pick up a cuffed ankle style too.

Naturally I was drawn to these pants because they are pink. (if you are new here, I live in a pink themed apartment, its a bit of a thing) But if that’s not your colour then they come in a sage and silver colour too
Top – V-Neck Moss Pullover sizes 18-26
Pants – Ribbed Culottes sizes 6-24

This lounge set is from Kmart. I couldn’t find the details for it online. Wearing the size 22-24 which is very oversized on me. I should have got the size down

BigW

I’m totally vibing the matchy matchy look this season.

Stay snug wearing the Avella Fleece Trackpants and jumper. Perfect for lazy days at home, these trackies feature cosy lining, front pockets and an elasticised waist with a drawstring adjustment
Pants – $10 Fleece Trackpant by Avella size 16-26
Top – $10 Fleece Sweat by Avella size 16-26

Both styles have pockets which don’t add too much bulk to your hips

Pant (left) – $25 NYC Lounge Pant sizes 16-26
Pant (right) – $25 Love Yourself Pant sizes 16-26

Personally I love hoodies with zips because its way easier to unzip a bit rather than to take an entire garment off. Or if you get a cold butt in Winter then I highly recommend wearing a high low top as pictured.
Top (left) – $15 Fleece Hoodie sizes 16-26
Top (right) – $25 Panel Tunic sizes 16-26

Best&Less

I have to say I was impressed with the range available for plus size women. They offer 12 plus size trackpants in various styles and colours & 26 jumpers.

But what I do personally find frustrating is that if all these styles start at a size 18, then why are size 14 models used? And no shade to my friends who are the models, you gals are beauties. This is all about the brand wanting to make money from plus size women but not actually using models that fit the clothes. We as customers want to see a realistic image of what the clothes look like on a visibly plus size women, ya know, like us.

Pant (left) – $12 Plus Jogger Pant – sizes 18-26
Pant (right) – $10 Straight Leg Trackpant – sizes 18-26

Top (left) – $15 All Over Print Sweater – sizes 18-26
Top (right) – $15 Pullover Hoodie – sizes 18-26

Cotton On

Cotton On is quite new to the curve world. Their Summer stock was fab but it seems like there aren’t too many winter options for curve. Make sure you check out their slogan tees, I highly rate them!

Pant – $29.99 Curve Super Soft Slim Fit Pant – Sizes 18-24
Comes in light grey (pictured), dark grey and a light animal print.
Top -$29.99 Curve Super Soft Mock Crew Neck Top – Sizes 18-24
Comes in two shades of grey (light and dark)

Pant – $29.99 Curve High Rise Trackpant – Sizes 18-24
Comes in light blue (pictured), black and light grey
Top – $24.99 Curve Long Sleeve Cross Back Waffle Top – Sizes 16-24

Rivers

Pant – $24.50 (on sale) – Fluffy Track Pant – Sizes 8-22
I love the emerald green colour, you can also buy this in light and dark grey.
Top – $24.50 (on sale) Brushback Hoodie – Sizes 8-22

Nike

Pant – $110 Sportswear Tech Fleece – sizes 22-32
Top – $80 Sportswear Icon Clash – sizes 22-32

Bamboo Body

This brand came highly recommended from so many of my followers. People raved about the comfort and the quality of the natural fabrics.

They’ve got quite a few different styles depending on how you would like the garment to fit your body. Personally I like wide leg pants because I like to be able to pull them up when I’m hot.

Here’s a list of where this brand is stocked.

Pant (left) Lux Wide Leg Pants – sizes 6 to 22
Top (right) Knit Hoodie – sizes 6 to 18

When it comes to loungewear, it’s all about wearing what is comfortable. It doesn’t have to be trackies, I mean personally I love to wear a long cardigan over leggings. Happy shopping!

10 Shirtdress Looks You’ll Love for Spring

September 14, 2015 By curvysam 1 Comment

We can never have too many dresses for the hot season, especially when they’re a perfect style combo of casual to even office wear.

Shirt dresses are one of those versatile styles that suits everybody shape. Seriously.

Define your waist by wearing a belt or leave it un-belted for a more effortless loose look because soft feminine silhouettes are back in.

River Island Paisley Print Shirt Dress

Sizes 6-18 AUS
$103 from ASOS

Features:
– Smooth woven fabric
– All-over-print
– Point collar
– Concealed button placket
– Slim leather-look belt to waist
– Curved dip hem
– Regular fit – true to size
– Machine wash
– 100% Polyester

3/4 Sleeve Shirt Dress
Sizes 8-20 AUS
$59.95 from Katies

This dress can easily be worn with leggings, or even jeans. Belt it now and wear it loose when the weather warms up.

Features:
– Graphic Print
– Shirt-style trend
– Belt detail
– Hi-lo hem
– Rolled 3/4 Sleeve

Zizzi Floral Print Shirt Dress

Sizes S-XL
Note – the sizing is based on body measurements
$98.90 from Navabi Australia

Button up in style with Zizzi’s stunning floral printed shirt dress. Made from lightweight, semi-sheer georgette it boasts a beautiful fluid fall and sits elegantly on the knee.

Features:
– Sheer georgette in floral all-over print
– Cuffed long sleeves
– Shirt collar
– Patch pockets at chest
– Concealed button fastening through front

Navy Jersey Floral Print Shirt Dress
Sizes 18-28 UK
$50 AUD / 23 Pounds UK from New Look UK
Plus Size. Whether paired with pointed courts at work, or strappy sandals on warm summer days, this floral shirt dress is a great wardrobe investment this season.

Features:
– Simple sleeveless style
– Button fastening
– Woven fabric
– Belt loops
– All over print
– Mini length

Long Sleeve Shirt Dress in Olive
Size 4 – 20
$29 from Target
Perfect for weekend dressing, this shirt dress is a wardrobe must-have for comfort and style. Sitting just above the knees, this style looks great worn with sandals or wedges to complete the look.

Features:
– Made from a soft lyocell fabric
– Long sleeves with tab button detail
– Side pockets and a drawstring waist.

Alice & You Utility Shirt Maxi Dress
Sizes 18-28 AUS
$84 from ASOS

Features:
– Lightweight woven fabric
– Point collar
– Button placket
– Twin patch pockets to chest
– Stretch waist
– Regular fit – true to size

Blue Diamond Shirt Dress
Sizes 8 – 18 AUS
$129.95 from Sussans

Features:
– V neckline
– Short sleeve styling
– Curved hemline
– Waist tie

Dutch Blue Maxi Shirt Dress
Sizes 8 – 18 AUS
$149.95 from Sussan

Features:
– Button up front
– Short sleeve styling
– Utility styling pockets
– 70% Viscose 30% Ramie

Khaki Tie Waist Shirt Dress
Sizes 18-28 UK
$39 from New Look UK (17 pounds)

From day to night this khaki shirt dress is a key wardrobe piece. Add ankle strap heels in the evening.

Features:
– Simple short sleeves
– Tie waist
– Belt loops
– Mini length
– Belt loops

Plaid Shirt Dress
Sizes 12 – 30 USA
$82 AUD / $58.50 USD from Torrid

Jersey-like red and black plaid challis makes this shirt dress impossible to take off
Features:
– 3/4 tab sleeves
– Button down front
– Empire waist

What I Wore ~ Tropical Romper

August 3, 2015 By curvysam 7 Comments

Colour. Tropics. Plus fashion. Flared sleeves. These are a few of my favourite things.

I pre ordered this ‘Irie’ Romper as soon as LA plus brand ‘Zelie for She’ posted some preview photos on Instagram. Vibrant prints are a must have for any wardrobe. I was quietly excited to see that the new collection had so much colour.
I could just picture myself wearing it around my tropical FNQ home town in Winter.
Now you all know I’m a dress kinda gal so the idea of wearing a romper worried me a little. To start with I have a large bust and hold my weight in my tummy area and have seen other women with similar body shapes post photos of them wearing rompers and every part of me said NOPE. That style is not for me. For an outfit to be fabulous it has to be flattering, enhance my curves and not make me look rounder than I already am. (each to their own of course)

As soon as it arrived I tried it on and I loved it. It’s equal amounts of sassy & sexy.

I’ve worn it quite a few times over the last couple of months and thought I would take some pics to share with you all. Nothing fancy here guys. Minimal makeup, fluffy hair and raw images uploaded.

One of the key differences (in my opinion) is that this romper is designed and made for plus size women by a plus size woman. I first met designer Elann Zelie at Full Figure Fashion Week in NYC. This fashionsta had major style. So I had 100% trust that her garments would be fabulously designed and fit like a dream.

There’s a tie at the back and with the generous neckline so it’s quite easy to step into the romper.
You’ve probably noticed from the photos that this garment has some serious bell sleeves going on.
This is one of those effortless outfits that doesn’t need accessorising as the print is bold enough. I wore yellow Colette Hayman stud earrings, yellow shoes I picked up in NYC a couple of years ago and a pair of oversized ASOS sunglasses.

Shop for your own ZELIE FOR SHE romper here

Plus Size Fitness ~ When Strangers Offer Encouragement

August 1, 2015 By curvysam 2 Comments

Believe it or not I’m a pretty active person. I walk many times a week, sometimes it’s a casual stroll and other times I work up a sweat walking up to the local lookout.

Us Aussies, we are a friendly bunch, especially when exercising. Frequently people congratulate me for exercising, give me the thumbs up as they pass me or if I’m lucky I get a wink. YES A WINK. Weird I know.

By frequently I mean MANY people comment or make some kind of gesture. And I’m kinda over it.

I don’t need encouragement, winks, thumbs up and random health tips from strangers whilst I’m exercising.

Part of me thinks that its oh so nice these strangers are encouraging me to walk up the hill I tackle a couple of times a week. The other part of me finds it patronizing.

It just kind of makes me feel like I’m a kid being patted on the head by an experienced adult. I shrug it off, because it was obviously meant to be a nice gesture, but it got me to thinking about how other plus size people would react to this.

If someone said the same to you, would you find it encouraging or a little frustrating?

When the size 6, perfectly toned woman from my yoga class says to me as I arrive ‘oh you’re here again…good for you darl’ in her husky voice whilst finishing her last cigarette before the class. I grin and politely respond when I really want to make a witty comment back about the irony of chain smoking before and after a health class. (In my mind it would be to the tone of Kath & Kim)

I don’t understand why people feel the need to comment and provide encouragement to an overweight stranger minding their own business. So for a while now I’ve been exercising before dawn or after dark when there aren’t as many people around.

Is it because I’m bigger than everyone else? Do strangers see my wiggle and jiggle on my size 18 body and think wow she’s big I should say something to help her. I DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT.

Don’t get me wrong there’s a certain amount of comradely in the fitness world. I’m a positive person and take all the comments in a positive way. But seriously…..its getting a little to much.

So to the strangers who see me minding my own business, on my own, powering up the hill with a pink (moreso purple) face squinting at the sweat stinging my eyeballs. Please don’t wink at me. Please don’t give me the thumbs up. Because I find it condescending.

Don’t look at larger people whilst they are working out and pity them. They are out there enjoying life.

(I respect that in certain situations such as group fitness encouragement can be very motivating – this post is more directed at strangers commenting when I am alone and minding my own business)

Curvy babes, have you experienced this whilst working out?

Dressing For Ramadan In The Middle East

July 10, 2015 By curvysam 3 Comments

The Middle East can be conservative at the best of times. The Islamic calendar runs on 12 lunar months and every ninth month Ramadan comes around.

Rama-what? I hear you ask. Don’t worry this tradition was new to me this year too.

Ramadan is enshrined in law; it is not simply a religious option. Travellers are not obliged to fast, but are required to respect the traditions. It’s something that all travelers to the region need to be aware of.

To give you a brief overview

No eating or drinking in daylight hours – not even water
No smoking or sexual activity
In the evenings and pre sunset families gather together to eat
Emphasis is always on reflection, prayer and charity
Modest clothing to be worn, knees and shoulders covered

Now whilst I don’t understand nor agree with many aspects of how things are done with religious beliefs I respect that it’s their culture. Experiencing this tradition briefly was a positive experience & I learnt a lot.

Travel is all about experiencing and learning new things!

My parents have been living and working in Doha, Qatar for the last 10 months and I’ve been lucky enough to visit them there.

I can certainly pick my timing to visit, not only was it Summer (which can sit at around 50degrees) I landed straight into the Ramadan Season. I’m not good when it’s hot. And the idea of having to cover up and not being able to drink water in public so much was super daunting. Especially because I’m on of those people who carries a bottle of water everywhere.

During Ramadan fashion sensitivities are heightened but in the midst of all the tradition, there’s fabulous fashion. Yes theres the plainer outfits but theres also lots of lavish cover-ups, embellished abayas and pops of colour across maxi skirts.

I hardly took any photos whilst on my trip. It was seriously hot. My go to super cool and comfy outfit was this Alice & You utility shirt maxi dress from ASOS. I buttoned it all the way down and ended up wearing an singlet top and leggings underneath as the buttons came undone every now and again. Size wise I got the 20 so my bust would fit but the sizing was generous so the 18 would have been fine. And ladies this dress goes up to a size 28.

For most of the trip I was busy hanging out with my Mum in the aircon and also had the opportunity to visit an animal shelter a couple of times in a privately owned complex so I could get away with wearing this. (It was pretty overwhelming and I’m still taking it all in. Planning to post some info about it pretty soon)

Bali jeanie pants, Next UK shirt and thongs of course. Photo taken in the complex where my parents live

Every region is different and some areas like Qatar may be stricter moreso than Dubai.

If you have the time pop past some of the more popular shopping centres, you’ll see that the store are all adorned with Ramadan specific clothing. High end brands such as DKNY, Louis Vitton and Oscar Delarenta stock amazing clothing but you’ll also see that more affordable brands like H&M, Next & Tommy Hilfiger are giving shoppers more Ramadan style options.

Local supermarket clothing options perfect for Ramadan

Random fact for you – one of the shopping centres in Qatar is 5km long!

Here’s a gallery of fashionistas I’ve come across on Instagram with amazing Middle Eastern style.

: https://instagram.com/ascia_akf

: https://instagram.com/beautykhanfidant

: https://instagram.com/soumayadouiri

: https://instagram.com/ygolsharifi

: https://instagram.com/zahralyla

: https://instagram.com/zahralyla

: @withloveleena http://www.withloveleena.com

If you’d like more info about visiting during Ramadan I found this post really helpful.
The Holy Month of Ramadan – an introduction for non-Muslims

Bell Sleeve Skater Dress

June 25, 2015 By curvysam 2 Comments

Whilst I was out an about today I thought I’d share a couple of photos of my new ASOS Curve Floral Skater Dress. Nothing is styled or planned about these photos. At the moment I’m in Northern UK and its ~~summer~~ a balmy 18 degrees during the day. For a Queenslander thats actually pretty chilly.

Comfort and style are important factors for me, especially whilst travelling. I’m not one of those people who plans their outfits with matching accessories on a daily basis. (this is also why I don’t claim to be a fashionista) Dresses with bold prints are handy to wear because they don’t take up much room in a suitcase and don’t require any accessories.

Today I picked flowers from my Great Grandmas garden in Wales and wandered back from lunch at the pub through a field.

I’m wearing a size 18. Made from polyester theres a fair amount of stretch in the material. When I see that things are made from polyester I generally think its going to be cheap but was pleasantly surprised at how soft the material was. Fashioney people use the term ‘hand feel’. Basically that means when you touch the fabric it feels nice and soft.
The wrap front design and plunge heckling is flattering on my G cup chest and there’s a fair amount of stretch in the material.
I love the long bell sleeves. It’s so 60’s! (although they did get in the way doing the dishes and cooking dinner later in the day)

And because I’m a true adventurer. I’m more than happy to take shortcuts through paddocks even though I’m wearing a dress. Such a lady. (sometimes ha!)

Dress ~ ASOS Curve Floral Bell Sleeve Skater Dress $56AUD
Cateye Sunglasses ~ ASOS
Shoes ~ Kmart $11

Making New Friends As An Adult

June 10, 2015 By curvysam 5 Comments

I have been living in my ‘new home town’ for 1.5 years. Whoa. So much for only staying for a couple of months. Moving to a new place can be tough, it can take a little while to settle in.

A couple of months into living in my new location I stepped away from some of my closest friends that I moved here with. We were all so clicky it got a little too much & frankly they were on a journey I didn’t want to be apart of.

It made me realize that I needed to stretch my wings a little and expand my local friendship group.

To start with I made a rule that I wouldn’t be going down the path of joining ‘friendship’ sites or Tinder etc. Face to face interaction, the oldschool way.
Making friends as a kid is super easy. There’s school, sports, play dates and all sorts of activities where you cross paths with others. I’m not a parent but know lots of women bond over mothers groups and their children.

But as an adult, especially not having kids, we get wrapped up in work and everyday life. We have so many shifts in our modern lives that separate us from our friends. Friends, they come and go. Circumstances change and sometimes you drift apart or are physically too far away. It’s always nice to make new friends who live in your area.

Here’s some of my tips to resist the urge to stay home with your non human friends watching re runs of friends/sinefield (whatever floats your boat TV wise) and get out there to make new friends;

Make a list of the things you like to do
Your potential friend could just be out there doing the same things you enjoy.
Joining a club or group sport is a great way to meet new people.

For me I love activities where you don’t get sweaty. If someone is looking for a jogging friend, I’m not their kinda buddy. There’s no amount of sportsbras out there that will fix the bouncy boob situation.
So joining a Yoga course was a nice gentle step in the right direction. Even though we aren’t really chatting, there’s always before and after class banter. And last week, Kate invited me to her Tupperware cocktail party. Ha. I’m so going to go. Cocktails and Tupperwear – how can it go wrong? Secretly I think she is trying to set me up with her brother.

Become a yes person & commit to plans
Life is busy. We are all busy. But if you don’t set aside time for yourself and constantly say no or being invited somewhere or better yet constantly cancel after plans have been made (hint Lynney) then people will stop inviting you.

Sure you may not be into horse racing, but a day at the races having a picnic is a great way to enjoy being outdoors and getting dressed up. You just never know who you may meet.

A while back I got invited to a games night and even though I’m not a fan of playing cards, I met a whole new bunch of people that I really got along with. And now we are friends. See it’s as simple as that. I said yes and opened myself to the opportunity to meet others.

Image source

Attend public events
I’ve made a habit of looking to see what’s happening locally over the weekend where I live. I pop it into the calendar and gather friends so we can go check it out. I don’t live in a huge town so I’m lucky in that I’m starting to recognize people who attend the same events. Every now and again we say hi and chit chat about the event we saw each other at last. It’s kinda nice.

Image source

Have people over for dinner
Food connects people. I especially love to cook and often go crabbing so I can make chilli crab. There’s no way I’m paying $45 a kg when they are on my doorstop.
Seems now I have reputation for cooking and existing friends have told their other friends about my cooking and a whole group of new people come over for dinner for chili crab night. It’s like a thing now.

Image Source

Don’t force it
Be genuine & real. Be passionate about your beliefs. Talk about them without being bossy or overbearing. No one likes someone who big notes themselves. If you meet someone new take the time to be interested in the other person and their opinion.

Image Source

Volunteer
There’s always volunteer work available & it doesn’t have to be doing unpleasant things.

My home town held a fashion festival (it was a pretty big deal) and I reached out to offer my events and sponsorship management skills. I attended meetings, ran errands and connected with SO many people who liked the same things as me. I’ve kept in touch with some of the other volunteer and formed some great friendships. Maybe not the type of people I’d sit in my PJ’s with and watch movies, but I’d still call them industry friends.

Be upfront
I’ve mentioned to new friends that I’m looking to expand my friendship group and try new things. Since doing that the invitations have flowed in. Our greatest fear as humans is that of being rejected so it makes complete sense that we hear that voice! It can feel very vulnerable to put ourselves out there, fearful that we want friends and to make positive changes to our lives.

Friendships are vital to our health and our happiness. So make friends and be happy.

Whether it’s because you’ve undergone a life transition that made you grow apart from old friends, a re relocation, a job change, a divorce, a marriage or whether you’ve just recognized that many of your friendships have gradually faded (or worse, become toxic), you’re never alone if you’re looking to make new friendships.

So go ahead. Give it a go. You may even meet your new best friend

IMAGE: TUMBLR TRUSTMEIAMALAWSTUDENT

Tropiflora {Win a $100 Voucher By Commenting}

June 9, 2015 By curvysam 70 Comments

It’s like this print was made for me. I mean I live in the tropics and love to wear colour. Totally me. Kate Aikins, designer of Misty Belvidere was wearing this print when I met her at the Curvy Couture Roadshow. I was captivated by the signature tropiflora print, its seriously mesmerising to look at. You’ll probably have noticed by now that I’m all about wearing colour. The colours we choose to surround ourselves affect us more than we think. As a society, we associate colors with so many different things – they have meanings beyond simple visual stimulation. Yeah wearing black can be ‘slimming’ but WHO CARES. I don’t live my life with the aim to ‘look slimmer’. When I wear colour, I’m celebrating life. Which is every day. Interior designers use colour to create different moods in different rooms – to inspire, energize, or calm. I apply this concept to my outfits. So if you are felling a little meh, channel some of the power of colour into your outfits and see what happens. Now back to my tropical outfit. This gorgeous and flattering high waisted skirt is knee-length, made of cotton sateen and has the signature Misty Belvidere metal zip at the back. Size wise I’m wearing a size 1. Theres a fair amount of stretch in the skirt and an especially generous amount of space for those of you who have larger hips and thighs. The print on the skirt is such a statement that I decided to keep it simple with the top. The black ‘Avante Crop’ is made of a soft, buttery feeling stretch ponte. It has a scoop neck and fitted sleeves. Now guys this is a crop crop. If I had of put my arms up you’d see a slither of tummy and I’m totally okay with that. For those of you with a big bust (I’m a 18G) I’d size up just so you have a little more room. My shoes and bag match the subtle flecks of purple in the skirt. Keeping it simple and smart. WIN WIN WIN For the chance to win a $100AUD voucher to Misty Belvidere simply visit the online store and comment below and let me know which of her collection is your favourite. Terms & Conditions ~ This is open to everyone worldwide ~ One entry per person ~ Entries close 2pm AEST Friday 26th June 2015 ~ Winner will be notified via email

Skirt ~ Misty Belvidere ‘Clairvaux Pencil Skirt’ Top ~ Misty Belvidere ‘Avante Crop’ Shoes & Bag ~ Betts Shoes (2014) Lipstick ~ YSL 31 Corail Alla Prima

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Aussie Curves ~ Black

June 7, 2015 By curvysam 11 Comments

Back in January I hung out with UK brand boohoo.com & USA Blogger Nadia Aboulhosn who was shooting her designer plus size range in Manchester. (check out the behind the scenes stuff here)

For me the stand out features are the edgy plunging necklines, sexy splits, shorter hemlines and more importantly the fit. Not a baggy moo moo in sight, because us curvy girls don’t need to hide our shape. This collection focuses on flaunting what you’ve got, accentuating body shapes with a sexy edge.

Now you all know I don’t wear much black but every gal has to have a LBD in her closet. This has to be one of my new favourites.

Figure-skimming and flesh- flashing, this mesh mini dress gives nights out a sultry side! I love wearing it with my fav white point heels, an envelope clutch and bold lip.

Having a bigger bust I’m limited to the style of neckline I can wear. I choose not to wear strapless bras because they are uncomfortable (and believe me I’ve tested many). I was uber excited to see that Nadia’s collection had so many edgy necklines included in the range where you can still wear a bra with straps.

Because of my large bust I sized up to a 20. Generally I’m a 16-18 in Aus sizing. This body con style hugs my curves in the right places and has plenty of stretch. Its short in length but I like it that way.

These gorgeous legs have held me up for 29 years and travelled the world so if my cellulite or thighs offend you then look the other way and go about your own business. (especially you Lynney)

The most important thing to realize is that we have the power to reject the influence of a body-bullying friend and we have the power to choose instead to love ourselves. Remember that nobody can take away your power unless you let them!

There is so more to life than obsessing about your appearance or taking the time to shame someone else’s body.

I don’t care that the photo below is a little out of focus, shows the bump in my belly or makes my neck look solid.
One of my close friends took these photos for me. It was one of those days where we roared with laughter throughout the day. This is a roaring laughter moment.

I truly have some amazing people in my life (even though you guys are all over the world) and every day I’m grateful to be connected to you all.

Live every moment and laugh everyday.

Dress ~ Boohoo.com Plus Nadia Mesh Detail Midi Dress (gifted)
Shoes ~ Wayne Cooper
Bag & Earrings ~ Colette Hayman
Lipstick ~ Iridis Cosmetics ‘Smooch’ (gifted)
Foundation ~ Illamasqua Skin Base Liquid