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?

Top 10 tips for dressing when you have a large bust

September 6, 2013 By curvysam 13 Comments

Whilst having a large bust is desirable, in reality it can be quite frustrating. There’s a fine line between showing a bit of cleavage and letting it all hang out.

People are always surprised when I reveal that I’m a 16FF. Depending on the occasion sometimes I dress to minimise and sometimes {at parties etc} it’s all about flaunting what you’ve got… let’s just go with the term ‘enhancing the assets’ as my mum would say.

If you have your own set of big ta ta’s, jugs, boobs, tits, fun bags or whatever you call them here’s my top 10 tips for dressing when you have a large bust

1. Wear a good bra

You can’t build an awesome castle without a good foundation. Same goes with bras. Not only will you feel more comfortable and supported – your clothes will look better. The higher and firmer they sit, the more your waist will be accentuated. Make sure you wear a bra that supports you in all the right places and more importantly go get fitted. Even if the lingerie store doesn’t stock your sizes they can still measure you.
{blog post to come soon for where to buy bras above a DD cup in Australia and online}

2. Embrace the wrap

If you have a larger bust, then you should own wrap dresses and tops. Wraps separate the bust and enhance your waist.

3. Avoid high necklines that aren’t accessorised

Wearing high necklines can create a uni boob. A large space with a big hump can accentuate the size and make your bust look lower than it really is. If you do wear a high neckline, reduce the bulk by wearing a necklace, fitted jacket or belt. This will elongate your body.

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Black body con dress on left is from www.embodydenim.com.au

4. Select the right accessories

Put those small, dainty, tight necklaces away and opt for more of a statement piece for the ultimate wow factor.

Image credit www.insideoutstyleblog.com

5. Choose the right neckline

Whether it’s a peplum top, dress or even a t-shirt, aim for a scoop or V neck as they give the appearance of smaller bust and are flattering to the bust area.

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For some great fashion made specifically for plus size women check out Australian brand www.17sundays.com

6. Invest in a fitted blazer

Blazer/jackets are a must have for every wardrobe. They nip in at the waist giving the right balance to waist and hips creating a streamlined appearance. Be mindful of the button placement on jackets {see image below of my button nipples – giggle} and overall I looked wider due to the double breasted buttons.

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My black and white blazer is from Torrid & Dani’s denim jacket is from City Chic + Igigi dress

7. Keep the baggy clothes for bedtime

Baggy tops swamp your figure and can make you appear large than you are. {in saying that if you layer with a cardigan and a belt it could totally work}

8. Create a focal point

Big boobs are a focal point in themselves. Add some shoulder detail, wear a wide collar or statement necklace.

Left to right
#CurvySam wearing SWAK www.swakdesigns.com
#JessicaKane wearing Torrid www.torrid.com
#CurvySam wearing Lucabella www.lucabella.co.nz

9. Belt up

A pretty belt like this one is a major multitasker: It dresses up your look in seconds, gives you a sexy hourglass shape and will earn you the evening’s best-dressed title.

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Sarah on the left is wearing a SWAK ‘Sara’ short sleeved dress with the Elle buckle belt
CurvySam is wearing a SWAK ‘Juilet’ dress with the Dakota woven belt
www.swakdesigns.com

10. Distract from your bust with print

The right print will help to accentuate your curves, elongate your body, and even have a slimming effect. By pairing the right print with an excellent fit, your bust will not be the feature of your outfit.

From left to right
#CurvySam wearing City Chic
#Mariedenee from www.thecurvyfashionista.com wearing a Rainbow Chiffon dress from LA Based plus size boutique, Chic and Curvy Boutique
#Curvysam wearing Embody Denim’s ‘Tinseltown Digi Print Dress’
#CurvySam wearing Harlows ‘Digital love wrap front dress’
Olivia from #waituntilsunset wearing City Chic
Kelly from www.masquemag.com rocking a dress from Rue 107

The above 10 tips are my opinion and I’m a big believer in breaking the rules when it comes to fashion. At the end of the day you should look and feel your best, wear your outfit with confidence and hold your bust high 🙂

What do you wear to either highlight or downplay your bust?

Aussie Curves ~ Vulnerable Side

September 1, 2013 By curvysam 32 Comments

This weeks #aussiecurves theme is “VULNERABLE SIDE” which is open to each individuals perception as to what it means to them.

I’ve been sitting staring at the same screen thinking about what to write. Everyone else has opened up big time discussing what they feel vulnerable about.

The fact is that we all have things we love and dislike about our bodies and looks. I’m a big believer in focusing on what works and what I love rather than thinking about how my bust is too big, my nose is tiny or that I hold most of my weight in my stomach area.

In 2012 I attended NYC Full Figure Fashion Week. This event is packed to the brim with international fashionistas many of them pushing the boundaries of fashion, some dressed so they got noticed and some because…well they can pull it off. And if there’s anywhere you can be fashionable it’s NYC.

I’m a conservative matchy matchy kinda gal {totally fine with showing some cleavage and leg though}. After working in the corporate world for almost 10 years I wear clothes that suit my body, are flattering to both my shape and my skin tone. So even though I felt like I dressed well when I attended FFFWeek 2012 I decided that if I attended in 2013 as a plus size model and new blogger, it was time to step out of my comfort zones a bit more.

CurvySam’s vulnerable side = BODYCON DRESS

I have never worn a thin fitted dress that shows every lump and bump. I’d been browsing on ASOS and came across a stunning floral print bodycon and I decided then and there I was going to buy it and wear it to the final fashion show at NYC Full Figure Fashion Week 2013.

I was so excited to open the package. My first ever order from ASOS Curve.
And…it didn’t fit me. I ordered a size 18 and I could barely get it past my butt. With less than 24 hours to my flight I just had to deal with it. No time to exchange.

I stood in front of my best friend and my mum and they both said no way, it wasn’t flattering. I felt vulnerable, you could see all my lumps and bumps.

Even though I am confident with my looks and do some work as a plus size model. There is a line…and this for me was crossing out of my safe zone. BIG TIME.

But I packed it and took it to NYC with me. Just in case wearing shapewear underneath would make a difference.

When the big night came I did my hair and my makeup, put my shapewear on and wiggled into the dress. I only had 45mins to get showered and ready so there wasn’t too much time to fuss.

I looked in the mirror, the lumps and bumps were still there but a bit smoother.
I had a backup dress just in case I chickened out wearing the bodycon.

My roomie and good friend Jessica Kane loved the dress. She took some photos with her SLR to show me different angles. With time running out I decided to take the risk of wearing it. Silently freaking out and feeling self conscious.

In the cab on the way there I decided that no matter how uncomfortable and vulnerable I felt, the second I stepped out of the taxi and walked on that red carpet I was going to rock it.
Belly bulge, arms and all!

These photos were taken on my iphone. There are decent photos on other peoples camera’s but this is all I had handy.

I still to this day haven’t posted any photos on social media of me wearing this dress. So here goes!

The pre departure selfies {I’m not normally one of those girls who takes vain mirror selfies all the time but I wanted to see a side view}

The arrival photos {iphone and only had two seconds to take them. Will hopefully be able to see the profesh shots soon}

The networking photos

Clockwise from left, fashion designer Shanda Freeman, Blogger Ty Alexander from Gorgeousingrey.com, CurvySam, Plus model Alex LaRosa

Aussie plus size model Robyn Lawley one the award for ‘Model of the Year’. Congrats Robyn! {Thanks so much to Olivia from WaitUntilTheSunset for taking this photo of Robyn and I and emailing it to me}

After such a fun night a group of us headed out to dinner to celebrate the end of NYC Full Figure Fashion Week 2013.
{@jessica_kane, @littlelimedress, @itsmekellieb, @gabifresh, @thelizblack, @masquemag, @curvysam, @manfattan}

Outfit Details

~ Bodycon Dress In Mirror Floral Print from ASOS Curve
~ Black heels from Calvin Klein
~ Pink Belt from Lane Bryant
~ Bracelet from Torrid (borrowed from Jessica Kane)
~ Pink lipstick from Sportsgirl
~ Eyelash extensions by Miss Eyelash