Aussie Curves: Pretty In Pink

John Hughes' films have a been a big part of my childhood and teenage years. So for this week's Pink theme, there was no question in my mind - Molly Ringwald had to make an appearance. 

This wasn't too hard since...I MET HER A FEW WEEKS AGO! That's right - she was in Adelaide doing a show for our Cabaret Festival.

While not a "powerhouse" jazz singer, she was absolutely charming. I bought her jazz album after the show and lined up for the signing. I was fourth in line and she said she liked my dress!

Initially, my friends and I had decided to dress up in pink for the event, but last minute we changed our minds and decided to present more of a "mature" vibe. We certainly looked like we had it all together, but as soon as she'd signed our gear, we ran away giggling like little girls and jumped on Instagram to brag! haha!

Anyway, I'm sure you're interested in seeing my "pink" outfit...

dress: THRIFTED $6

shoes: DOC MARTEN

belt: CITY CHIC
lipstick: BARRY M, COLOUR 62

Truth be told, I hardly ever wear pink. I'm more of a purple kind of gal, so this dress is sort of the best of both worlds.

"The Bouquet dress may be short or long, tight or full, bare or modest, but in all its incarnations it is covered with embroidered, appliqued, or printed flowers...The Bouquet Dress is meant to call to mind the traditional association of women with flowers: whether you are a shrinking violet, an exotic orchid, a full-blown rose, or as fresh as a daisy, the Bouquet dress conveys that you, too, are a beautiful miracle of nature and deserve appreciation as such." - Erin McKean

Thanks for reading! x

Aussie Curves: Metallic

jacket: JAY JAYS (XL)

t-shirt: ASOS (size 18)

skirt: ASOS CURVE (size 22)

tights: CITY CHIC (Large)

shoes: DOC MARTEN

Mixing a little gold and silver for the Aussie Curves Metallic theme. I haven't worn these docs in ages, so it was killer getting them out again! I found them secondhand on eBay and I placed a bid on them straight away, since gold docs are quite rare.

Here I am, pretending to help out the boyf with car stuff...but really I was just distracting him by making him take photos, haha!

Thanks for reading x

Recent Posts:

Why Fashion Blogging Is Important To Me

My Non-Sponsored Makeup Favourites

Why Fashion Blogging Is Important To Me

I came across this comment on the Independent Fashion Bloggers website by someone called Selma:

I think that fashion blogging becomes totally insane, are you people really really convinced that everybody in the world of internet is searchin’ for FASHION TIPS, OUTFITS, CATWALKS AND MORE? OMG!! NO! I am sorry but fashion blogging has become the hypocrite side of the internet.
Fashion blogs were interesting when genuine, “pure”, but today it’s a business, who cares?
Everybody has a personal style, of course, but I don’t know why everybody necessarily have to become a business blogger or a fashion icon or..
I find very insane all that stressed life around smartphones, Instagram, Fashion blogs, no, this is not a real useful sharing, it’s a self-centered world. No interesting in real sharing, no interesting in real conversation.
I am sorry fashion blogger, web doesn’t need you all, do you realize how many thousand blogs are online? How can you think that blogging could be a chance? It’s over now, let’s take a look outside and please, put off you computer.

My first response to this comment was to smile. I found it really funny! And then I realised that it actually provides a wonderful springboard for discourse around why I have this blog and what it has meant to me to be a part of the Aussie Curves community. I don't know the future of my blog or how long I'll keep going with it, but I do know that it's changed me as a person since I started. For the good.

"Are you people really really convinced that everybody in the world of internet is searchin’ for FASHION TIPS, OUTFITS, CATWALKS AND MORE?" - Great point, Selma, and this question bounced around in my mind a fair bit when I first started my blog. Would people actually read or care about my blog? At first I was convinced that I was only doing this for myself and that if no one ever read my blog, I'd be okay with that. But I know that's not true anymore. Community means a lot to me, and just as I love and want to be a part of other blogs that I admire, so I want others to be a part of mine. But I also understand that this is a niche topic. Fashion is a specialized corner of the internet, and plus size fashion even more so. Added to that, I have a full time job and I don't have a "professional" goal for my blog. Who knows, that could change, but for now I'm not interested in turning my blog into a business. For that reason, I don't particularly feel pressure for "everybody in the world of internet" to discover my blog. I'd much rather have you lovely folk who come here because you want to! 

"Everybody has a personal style, of course, but I don’t know why everybody necessarily [has] to become a business blogger or a fashion icon" -Well, Selma, I know of maybe two other Adelaide fashion bloggers? In my city, there aren't many of us, actually. And I can dream a little, can't I? Haha! If an icon is defined as someone who is a representative symbol of something, then a fashion icon might be defined as someone who leads in fashion circles; who is innovative in their fashion choices; who despite dressing stylishly is still able to have a unique and celebrated "look". I'd also see a fashion icon as someone who has the confidence and gumption to make almost anything they wear look good! Do you have to achieve this on a national or worldwide scale to achieve "icon" status? How is icon status measured? Because I know that in my workplace I'm considered somewhat of a "fashion icon", so to speak, or at least "that teacher that wears cool clothes". It was a friend at work that told me to start a fashion blog in the first place. But at the end of the day, not everyone has to be a fashion icon, but we all have the freedom to start a fashion blog if that's something that is an area of interest or passion. I didn't even start my blog with the intention of being a fashion icon. Not all of us do.

"I find [it] very insane all that stressed life around smartphones, Instagram, Fashion blogs...this is not a real useful sharing, it’s a self-centered world. No interesting and real sharing, no interesting real conversation" - I was concerned for some time that starting a fashion blog would be a narcissistic thing to do. This doesn't bother me anymore because, as Naomi Wolf (The Beauty Myth) puts it, “A woman-loving definition of beauty supplants…narcissism with self-love.” Being a part of the plus size fashion blogging world has taught me to value myself. It's given me a voice in a "notoriously fat-loathing fashion industry". I think plus size blogging is very different to standard blogging, because in a lot of ways it is a fight; it is defiance. It's standing together to demand more of fashion, to share ideas and to "own" it. In a culture that often forgets or completely excludes the plus size shopper, this is a corner of the internet where we all have a voice. That sounds like "interesting and real sharing" to me.

 

"I am sorry fashion blogger, web doesn’t need you all, do you realize how many thousand blogs are online?" - Well, no man is an island. I'm glad I'm not the only blog online. What's the fun in that? Where's the community in that? We are each like snow flakes, no two of us the same, and I enjoy reading other blogs. That aside, there's actually room for all of us. There will be people who will visit my blog and never return because, shock horror, they didn't like it. Different blogs appeal to different people. What happened to having an abundance mentality? It's not like other blogs are going to drain mine. You could even say that because of the Aussie Curves community and linkytool, more blogs grow my blog. Aussie Curves has brought a lot of traffic and life to my blog.

"How can you think that blogging could be a chance?" - I suppose Selma thinks that everyone who starts a fashion blog is looking to be famous. While I've no doubt that many of us would like to be recognised on the street from time to time, if I wanted to be famous that badly, I wouldn't do it by starting a fashion blog. Especially if I wanted instant fame. Many of the notorious fashion blogs I follow have openly talked about the years, tears, sweat and perseverance that it has taken to get their blog to where it is now. It's not easy fame.

I'd just like to conclude my post by avidly thanking you for reading this, because without my readers, I probably wouldn't have had the motivation to continue with my blog. YOU are what makes this worthwhile. I read every comment you leave and I try to support your blogs as much as I can because this community is important to me. Thanks xx

Aussie Curves: Boho

 

Dress: ASOS Crochet Smock Dress, Size 18 (here)

Jacket: ASOS Fringed Suade Leather Jacket, Size 18 (here)

Shoes: Doc Martens

Headband: Lovisa, $15.99

When I'm shopping, I always gravitate towards the hippie handicrafts, short flowing dresses, headbands, Indian headdresses, anklets, satchels and tan handbags. Which means I think that deep down, I am more boho chic than I realise. I'm really happy with how the photos turned out. The warm lighting of early autumn created the golden glow and earthy tones that I love about the bohemian/hippie look. Bohemian fashion or "boho chic" is mainly inspired by the fashions of the hippie movement of the sixties. Although it does include some elements of the hippie trend with its long, flowing clothing and relaxed style, it also incorporates fashion of the Romani culture, or what we like to call gypsy. It's ironic that the style originated with poor artists and nomads, who could only afford older clothes and unfashionable styles. Now it is both fashionable and chic, and can even be quite pricey. 

Most of my outfit is from ASOS, but from the standard sizes. I've learned not to be shy of that section because a lot of the items are "oversized", especially the smock and shift dresses. I always read the description of items, as it will often tell me if the fabric has stretch and what the cut is like. The key to shopping in the ASOS standard sizes is to READ THE DESCRIPTIONS and watch the short runway videos to see how the garment sits on the body. The white dress is see-through, so I'm wearing a white slip underneath. It's also very roomy and would fit up to a size 20 I think!

Thanks for reading! x

 

Have You Found Your Style?

As plus size women, do we really have the luxury of finding our style? Or is it already chosen for us in the somewhat limited options available?

Over the past few years, I've really felt like I've had plenty of choices in regards to clothes. I check out ASOS and City Chic regularly and always find more that I can afford. My saved folder on ASOS is always plentiful and I spend much more money on clothes than I really should. I adore my wardrobe and I love piecing together outfits.

After I had my nails done yesterday, I did something I rarely do these days: I wandered into a few mainstream retail clothing stores. There was nothing to fit me in these stores and I found it painfully triggering. It made me feel like something was wrong with me. In my mind, the shop assistants were giving me "slimming glances" and wondering what I was doing in there. I perused the racks, feeling bitter disappointment to be reminded of how easy it is for women to find clothes in smaller sizes. There are items of clothing on my wishlist that just aren't available in plus sizes. For example, I've been after a tailored cream wool coat this winter. I can't find one in my size. I would love a houndstooth trench. I can't find one in my size.

I know I should be grateful that the plus size fashion industry has come a long way, but I have to admit that sometimes I still feel that unless you are into peplums, skater dresses and blazers - well, good luck to you. I love a pencil skirt with a peplum as much as the next gal, but I've always been a bit weird and quirky in my tastes and sometimes I struggle with options. I would probably define my favourite look as boho. Try finding these outfits in plus sizes!

(Source)

(Source)

                                                                            (Source)

I've actually bought a few similar pieces from ASOS standard sizes (size 18) but ASOS Curve are a bit more limited. I haven't had much luck with other plus size brands either.

I'm really looking forward to the day when plus size brands give us more options so that we can fine tune our styles a little more. Because I can tell you what - I've got enough peplums and blazers to last a lifetime!

My Non-Sponsored Makeup Favourites

As a teenager, I was a bit of a loner and "homebody" and spent a lot of time alone in my room reading, watching movies, writing and practicing make-up! I fell in love with makeup long before I fell in love with clothes.  I now want to share some of my favourite products with my readers.

I only discovered the difference that a good primer can make about two years ago. In my teenage years I often went to bed with my makeup still on and then used a hot flannel to scrub my face in the morning. As a result of not taking proper care of my skin, I now have very large pores on my t-zone. Applying a primer 10 minutes before foundation radically reduces the appearance of those pores, and also makes my makeup last longer. To be honest, I don't wear a primer to work. I only bother on special occasions. I also don't bother with moisturizer if I wear primer. I've only tried a few brands, but after using Elizabeth Arden's primer, I haven't really bothered to try any others.

Another fantastic product for minimising the appearance of pores is Benefit's the Pore-fessional. This is quite simply, amazing. If I had one minute to apply makeup and had to choose one product to use, it would be this. I smooth it over my t-zone, apply a bit of blush, mascara and lip balm, and I have a natural, effortless look that still feels fresh and feminine. Lovely.

Because I spray tan quite frequently, I have a variety of shades of foundation. When I'm tanned, I use Elizabeth Arden's Cream Makeup. My mum has used this one for years and put me onto it. It goes on beautifully and disguises my pores more efficiently than any other foundation I've used. You can apply it as thickly or thinly as you like. It's almost like stage make-up. The coverage is excellent and the sponge makes for easy application.

On other days, I go for an Inglot foundation. It's a lovely product, but with the bottle only being 30ml, I find that it doesn't last long. It's just a good foundation. Everyone I know who's used it says they like it, but they don't necessarily rave about it. It's just my old faithful.

 

For face powder, the Inglot pot is fantastic and it's really a makeup staple for me. It lasts ages as well.

For blush, I tend to use a peachy powder one (Innoxa or Natio) but lately I've been using the Benefit tint because it gives a more natural, dewy finish. The tint can also be used on the lips, followed up with a nice balm. Lovely. It also smells like roses.

I'm an eye shadow girl. I love experimenting with colour. Inglot does the best colours and they go on beautifully. I prefer Inglot eye shadows to any other brand I've used (even Mac). There's a huge range of shades, and you can put together your own colour palette in store. What's not to like about that?

I LOVE liquid eyeliner and Maybelline is my favourite. I love the applicator pen and it's long lasting.

For mascara, the tried and true Maybelline Great Lash Mascara is an old faithful. It's affordable and reliable. The iconic pink and lime green tube has been around since the 1970s, proving the age-old adage if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It's also the world's most popular mascara.

Eyebrows. I was a little late getting on the ol' eyebrow maintenance bandwagon, to be honest. What changed things was this Christian Eyebrow Stencil Kit which my sister sells in her salon. It comes in a range of colours and has two stencils and an application brush. The stencils are fantastic if you're just getting started. I now just use the angle brush and do it manually. It's the ultimate eyebrow starter kit. I've never met anyone who didn't love it.

This Tweezerman kit is a nice companion for the Christian Kit and perfect for the makeup bag. It's got all the other nifty emergency eyebrow stuff you might need - tweezers, staying gel, brush and highlighter pencil.

Lippy! I love the Revlon matte red lippy for a classic look.

Bonne Bell does the best lip balm I've ever used. One of the few balms that does everything you want it to - protects from the sun, isn't sticky, and keeps your lips moisturized without any drying affects.

In the first edit of this post, I included some Lime Crime products, but I've since read some controversial articles about its creator, Doe Deere, which was so disturbing that I've since deleted those reviews. 

Good makeup brushes are worth investing in, and if you buy the right ones, they'll last you for years. I have a professional kit of brushes, but this Bloom travel pack of brushes is soooo handy and practical for the makeup bag.

My favourite scent at the moment is the MOR Lychee Flower range. The roll-on perfume and handcream is divine.

I want to wrap up my post by telling you about my beauty bible - Makeup: The Ultimate Guide by Rae Morris. I bought this book about four years ago and it is BRILLIANT. It will tell you everything you need to know, from contouring to eye makeup for Asian eyes. There's also a section on make-up for older women. You won't need any other book on makeup ever again, and you'll look at the beauty tips in fashion magazines and be amazed at how substandard and deficient they are. It's all you'll need for the rest of your life. Every friend I've shown it to has gone out and bought it the next day.

Are there any makeup products you couldn't live without?