Aussie Curves ~ Nature

June 15, 2014 By curvysam 5 Comments

This weeks Aussie Curves theme is ‘Nature’ which is quite fitting as we have had some unusual weather this week in Far North Queensland. {as in a little chilly and rainy}. Each weekly fashion them is open to our own interpretation and nature to me is colour and life.

The first nature related outfit that came to mind was JLO ‘s controversial 2000 Grammy Awards Versace outfit. Good ole Jenny from the block nailed the nature look. What a babe.

I had planned to take some photos in the beautiful Cairns botanic gardens but it’s rained for days and days. Not to mention it’s peak tourist season and even through the weather isn’t great Cairns is packed to the brim with tourists exploring the tropics.

Winter in FNQ is my favourite time of year. In the evenings I can finally wear a cardigan or a hoodie (whoopee) and if I’m super lucky and the temp is below 20 degrees a pair of jeans.

Due to the warm climate sugar cane is a huge part of northern agriculture and typically grows between three and four metres high {seriously tall}. The flowers on the cane are only around for a month or two before harvesting and it’s such a spectacular view. Nature in its pure form.

So whilst I’d planned to wear my floral Igigi dress in front of a floral backdrop, I just couldn’t resist taking some photos of the nature that surrounds me on a daily basis and is a huge part of the Australian agriculture economy.

I wish my iPhone could photograph the beauty of the sugar cane in flower. I love how Summer from Summer Rain Photography has captured just how stunning the flowers are. {and the model Michelle Andrews looks beautiful too}

IMAGE CREDIT: Summer Rain Photography
https://www.facebook.com/SummeRainPhotography

This Igigi dress was gifted to me from MissMel late last year. It’s another one of those impact dresses that doesn’t need any accessories as the detail in the pattern completes the outfit. Dresses like these are perfect for work, cocktail functions or even a high tea with your girlfriends.

Igigi make such high quality dresses made for curvy bodies and especially for those of us who need a little stretch in the bust area.

Outfit Details

Dress ~ Igigi (gifted from MissMel)
Shoes ~ Big W
Makeup ~ Iridis Cosmetics

What would you wear if you had to select a ‘Nature’ related outfit?

CurvySam’s Top 10 confident and classy corporate wear made for killer curves

October 24, 2013 By curvysam 4 Comments

Who say’s corporate attire has to be black and boring? Those days are long gone!

For the last 10 years I’ve worked in the corporate world and as much as I would love to accessorize with belts, funky necklaces yada yada I just didn’t have time for it everyday. 60 hour weeks + many hours of dashing between home, the office and the airport {this was pre tropical island living by the way} meant I needed simple and elegant business outfits.

Here are my top ten plus size ‘power’ outfits. The simple yet sassy outfits that you put on and BAM you feel like you are next in line to rule the world!

1. Igigi Polona Dress ~ $122 USD
Fully lined, the Polona Dress features an abundance of blossoms in an on-trend monochromatic full-skirt silhouette. The look is classic, sophisticated and charming. Play up the red waistband by painting your lips a similar hue and throw on your favorite black peep-toe pumps.

Don’t want to pay for the USA postage? This dress is stocked at Te Kiero Boutique (VIC)

2. Sara Print Knit Dress ~ $39 AUD {on sale now}
The Print Knit Dress has a flattering keyhole neckline, extended sleeves and comes with a removable elastic waist clincher. The upside of the dress being made from polyester elastane means that in the warmer this dress will shift with your body and hug your curves in all the right places

3. Igigi Virginia Plus Size Dress in Cobalt Blue ~ $170 USD
By balancing an alluring hue with modest proportions, the final result speaks to the modern woman who’s in love with all things lady-like and chic. The lace detail adds a nice touch to the dress, formal enough for daytime and funky enough to wear out after work for drinks.

4. Embody Denim Cleo Wrap Dress ~ $170 AUD + Free delivery
Cleo is the glamorous option for your summer or winter days. A wrap dress with detailed panels on the shoulder with a sexy neckline to enhance the beautiful lines of your bust and waist. Add to this slimming design with wrap belt to cinch in the waist.

5. Embody Denim Lola Skirt ~ $130 + free delivery within Australia
An absolute basic that every women should own, not only is it slimming in shape but has a design tummy support waistband suitable for all body shapes.

6. SWAK Fiona Belted Dress ~ $60 USD
A classic, faux-wrap inspired dress featuring a crossover v-neckline. Prefect for business during the day or night this chic dress flatters every shape. The elbow length sleeves provide extra coverage for those who are worried about showing arms. Another added bonus is that the dress comes with a removable belt.

7. Autograph Anke Lenght Tuxedo Pant ~ $70 + Free Shipping on Orders over $80
The black pant gets a revamp this season with a spash of cream these tuxedo pants will elongate your body and break up the bulk of your legs. Match with a fitted black blazer or a flowy cream blouse.
8. Dream Diva Georgette Scoop Neck Dress ~ $90 AUD
This fully lined dress has elbow-length sleeves and box pleating centred at the front. It also has a gathered elastic waistline and a keyhole opening on the back neckline. Belt is included
9. Leona+ By Leona Edmiston velvet floral dress ~ $150 + Free delivery
Prints look fabulous on business dresses, this dress will certainly get many compliments.
The flattering design features tapered arms and a clinched flowy waistline which is perfect for those who feel self concious about their stomachs or arms.
This brand is exclusive to Myer.

10. 17 Sundays Beautiful Mess Peplum Dress ~ $130
The Beautiful Mess Fringed Peplum Dress has a scoop neckline, a short-sleeved design, and a cinched waistline.
Boasting a contrast panel construction, the flattering dress has a fringed, peplum flounce on the waistline and a mid-length skirt. For an afterwork look, belt it up and rock it out with a heel and a leather jacket.

Show your clients and colleagues that you mean business by following these helpful tips

~ Wear clothing that flatters your body and never wear anything you feel uncomfortable in.
~ Less is more, keep those amazing juggies and cleavage tucked away.
~ You don’t have to wear the most expensive clothes, but spend the money wisely. Just think, if a dress is $150 and you wear it once a week for a whole work year {let’s go with 48 weeks} That’s $3.10 a week!
~ Black is boring, add a pop of colour to your outfit or wear bold prints.
~ Get the most out of your outfit and wear every season. For the winter months add some funky stockings or boots.
~ Always have a fitted black business jacket to wear for those days where the weather turns or for more formal occasions.

What do you wear that makes you feel powerful and confident?

Aussie Curves ~ Tee

September 21, 2013 By curvysam 6 Comments

This weeks #AussieCurves theme is ‘Tee’

I don’t have too many t-shirts in my wardrobe however they are slowly growing on me and I find myself wearing a tee every now and again outside of my workout outfits.

Because I have a large bust, the tees I wear are either scoop or v necks and generally have a print pattern.
{Part of me can’t help but cringe when I see women wearing high neck tshirts with no shape but each to their own}

Here’s some photos taken by Aussie Curves creator Danimezza took for me this weekend whilst out sailing.

My shorts are from Torrid and they have a black versionon sale for $14!

The cuffed shorts came with a cute floral chiffon belt which I have adapted and wear as a headband

I picked up this Tee at Macys in NYC and also wore it to a Full Figure Fashion Week event matched with an Embody Denim skirt and my Calvin Klein heels.

It’s so soft to wear and I love the bird print matched with a V neckline

Aussie Curves ~ $50 Outfit

September 9, 2013 By curvysam 22 Comments

This weeks #AussieCurves challenge is to create an outfit for $50.

Rather than ramble I’m going to let the pictures do the talking. These are all from my current wardrobe so didn’t really plan the outfits. {I work in the events industry so these are also my basic work outfits}

$50 Outfit {Number One}

Dress ~ Marks & Spencer $8
Shoes ~ Kmart $9
Cardigan ~ Old Navy $11
Ring ~ Torrid $4
TOTAL OUTFIT COST = $32

A SIDE NOTE ~ Best & Less

You may or not have heard that budget retailer Best & Less has launched its ‘One Price Fits All’ collection as part of a national campaign to deliver female plus-size clothing at the same prices as other sizes.

Yup, you read right. The same sized pieces for the same price! And not only are the items available from sizes 8 to 26, they are also priced $30 or under.

Sarena Cambell, Best & Less head of merchandising, said as the company is mindful of growing competition it wants to deliver a line that will be suitable for any female regardless of age, size or budget.

I own three Best & Less dresses and wanted to test them out before I posted any feedback and I’m pleased to say that I’m impressed. After over 15 wears and washes per dress they still hold their shape and look the same as the day I purchased them.

Here are my final $50 outfit looks featuring two of my Best & Less dresses. {Not sure why I was so giggly in the final photos}

$50 Outfit {Number Two}

Dress ~ Best & Less $25
Shoes ~ Kmart $9
Ring ~ Torrid $4
Necklace & Bracelet ~ Lovisa $8
TOTAL OUTFIT COST = $46

$50 Outfit {Number Three}

Dress ~ Best & Less $25
Shoes ~ Emerson / Big W $16
Ring ~ Torrid $4
Earrings ~ Colette Hayman $3
TOTAL OUTFIT COST = $48

Which is your fav $50 outfit? Look 1, 2 or 3?