This weeks Aussie Curves theme is ‘Retro’.
I’m loving all of the retro styling that’s featured in main stream fashion at the moment. Especially the pin up / stepford wife trend which I see so many people incorporating into their outfits.
At a local Op shop I had found the CUTEST 1960’s hippy dress along with what I would call ‘the crazy art teacher’ smock style dress which I had planned to feature in this weeks post.
But then my cute ‘Ikat Print Challis Shorts’ arrived from Torrid. I LOVE them! So instead of delving into showing you the thrifted outfits I thought I would share with you my retro styling for a classic yet edgy look.
Bare in mind it was 33 degrees and 60% humidity when I took these photos so all I could manage was stepping out onto my front deck of my house before retreating to the comfort of the air conditioning.
I prefer to wear shirts open with a cami underneath (from Target of course) so it compliments my bust however just for fun I also wore the shirt done up with a gold necklace placed over the shirt. The shirt was very tight on my bust so all you could see was BOOB. Not flattering for my shape.
The attention grabbing pattern of the shorts screams retro. I can’t wait to add a pop of colour when wearing these shorts.
As it’s very hot in northern Queensland, I matched the shorts with a sleeveless top and some simple gold accessories {gasp I know, a larger woman dares to show her arms…but frankly it’s too hot for me to care}.
Shorts ~ Torrid
Cami ~ Target
Shirt ~ ICE Design
Shoes ~ Betts
Earrings ~ River Island UK
Bracelet ~ Next UK
Sunglasses ~ Equip
Bag ~ Glowmesh from Op Shop
OK, so lets just step aside from the outfit for a moment.
ICE Designs is not normally a store that I would step foot into. Why you ask? Other than it not catering for anyone over a size 12, it’s a store that is generally know for a much younger audience…the demographic who wear next to nothing so little that you feel like calling their mothers to ask them if they know how their daughters are dressing in public.
In saying that the shirt that I’m wearing in the retro outfit caught my eyes as I walked past and for $12.50 I thought I’d give it a go. After stepping into the store I could see that they had come a long way with their clothing range and even had cute blazers and classy dresses suited for younger girls. Just goes to show how easy it is to judge and how warped our perceptions can be.
So how do we reach these so called perceptions? After a while us plus gals stop shopping in stores where we can’t wear 98% of the clothes. We’ve all been there. The awkward glance from the uber trendy toothpick sized shopping assistant where you feel that they are thinking ‘ummm why are you shopping here? Nothing fits you’.
15 years ago whilst a teen I shopped at ICE / cheap bargain stores quite often. I can honestly say I have not stepped into Sportsgirl, ICE, Portmans, Glassons etc to browse the clothing for a good 8 years. This could also be because my fashion taste and body shape has change. Not to mention it’s much nicer to shop in a store where you can fit into everything.
But things are changing. Retailers are slowly starting to realise that their size 12,14 & 16’s are selling out first which means many companies are increasing their size ranges in Australia {America and UK are WAY ahead of Aus with many stores already stocking a size 18}.
I challenge you, to step into a store that you wouldn’t normally shop in. Give retailers that you once loved another chance.
Take the risk of them not having your size in a particular garment BUT also take the risk of finding a really stunning piece that will fit you.
Let me know how you go
CurvySam xx
