It’s been a while since we talked about clothes, team. Even longer since I last covered off on plus size maxi dresses. When was the last time? Can anyone remember? But this felt necessary because I am wearing a bunch of maxis on rotation at the moment. For almost every occasion, it seemed important to the whole documenting things thing. It’s not a where to buy, but I’ve included as many links as I could. Most are pretty recent additions, so they’re in stock. Some, not so much. But either way, I tried.
So, why maxi dresses, right?
What’s the appeal of that?
For me, it’s a really easy way to be dressed all at once. No mess and no fuss. Whatever the occasion; backyard BBQ to kind of formal occasion, you’re all set. Add some great shoes and whatever accessories float your boat and you’ve got a whole outfit. Maxis work for those who want to wear little shorts under their dresses in summer and are even cute with ankle boots in colder months. But surely, I don’t have to tell YOU that? You’re a woman of the world, let’s get things started, shall we? (This post contains gifted items, as marked, and affiliate links)
Plus size maxi dresses I’m wearing now!
The casual maxi dresses
This is the section where you are going to be annoyed because you can’t buy the majority of them. Sorry about that. But I live in my 17 Sundays maxis* from last year, both the black and white stripe versions as well as the black and leopard print. Phew. They’re my go-to item for casual and work and if you didn’t buy one you’re insane. Sorry, that happened to you.
In rotation with that are a couple of City Chic maxi dresses. You’ve seen the blue maxi dress in my beach photos, which is sold out. BUT, don’t panic, they’ve just released it in a couple of new colours and prints and there are plenty of them in the RESORT section on their website These are such easy to wear dresses they could really be added to the nice maxis section below. But, well, they’re here.
The nice maxi dresses
These are the maxis that are more wear them out for the evening. Add sandals with a little heel or chunky wedges and you’re good for an evening out. This is such a great option for plus size women especially because they’re easy to wear, you have options on what you put under them (anti-chafe shorts or similar for example). Something like this PQ Collection dress is perfect for dinner and drinks. Trust me, I’ve done both. SO much room for dinner and drinks. Haha.
The ASOS Curve Black Maxi Tea Dress is one that I wear ALL the time but apparently have never taken a photo in it. It’s the same as the image I’ve shared below, but longer. Sorry, team. It’s still a basic black jersey fabric but the tea dress neckline and little slits at the ankle just make it a little more special than the casual maxis. It absolutely dresses up for dinner or I wear it to client jobs sometimes when I want good coverage, to be comfortable and also look like I tried a little.
My shorter version of the ASOS Curve Black Maxi Tea Dress (sorry, team)
My friend, Pip owns the website Sisu and Finn and when I started taking a few outfit photos again, she offered to send me some items to try out and keep a couple. These two Kiyonna Maxi Dresses were part of that parcel. It was my first time trying this brand and I have to say that the quality was beyond what I expected even after being told to expect them to be good.
They are beautiful to wear and look spectacular on. Special occasion coming up? These are worth a closer look. I ended up keeping the navy Meadow Dream maxi dress you’ll see below. Navy is more my colour all year round, and I felt like the neck (boob) line suited me more. Having both in my wardrobe would have been indulgent, so I was happy to send the green Vienna maxi dress (above) back to her to enjoy after taking a few photos.
Another great maxi dress for special occasions is the Embody Women (formally Embody Denim), Birkin Maxi Dress. My friend Desiree has this dress in the spot print and it is STUNNING. Such a showstopper no matter the occasion and available in a range of colours and prints to make finding something that works for you easy. My personal favourite is the current navy colour, it’s so beautiful. I think it’s pretty easy to see that come to special occasions navy is sort of my thing. Haha.
And there you go, team! A bit of a whip around my wardrobe of plus size maxi dresses. You have to agree that this is such a versatile length; especially when you go swishy and full with the skirt. Do you maxi? I hope you do, let me know about it, I’ve enabled the image upload int he comments, show me ALL the things. Otherwise, find me on Instagram, tag @sugercoatit – I can’t wait to see!
*indicates gifted items where it was weird to insert the word gifted
When I gave up the last of my office jobs, I gave up wearing corporate clothing AT ALL. It’d been in steady decline for a while, but that was the nail in the corporate coffin. My wardrobe was made up of relaxed fit dresses, casual tee’s and sneakers; soooo many sneakers. I was out of the game, so my wardrobe reflected that. And I was totally okay with that.
Then I started to notice the gaps. An event to attend here and a meeting that required something a little extra there. I realised that as much fun as I was having at the casual end of business casual, I needed something that served the other end. Enter the Neena Wrap Dress from Alison Dominy Designs.
It just happens to be in one of the best possible colours for my skin tone. Can’t be sad about that. There’s something simple about a wrap dress that appeals to my new casual look. The soft fabric and comfortable fit are just like wearing a tee and soft pants, but I’m dressed up and ready to business. Or a party for that matter.
Look, I hate to brag, but for me these days, work wear is super casual and pretty much always includes sneakers. After years of working in real estate and therefore offices, it’s the best change! I said the other day that it’s been years since I wore heels for longer than a couple of hours. I mean, if that’s not hashtag goals, I don’t know what is! Haha.
My take on ‘work’ clothes these days is more about being able to do what I need to do. I work from my office and on-site at various businesses, where I take photos, video and then will spend time in meetings or offices with their teams. The idea of being in restrictive clothing and impractical shoes, makes me screw up my nose.
It just wouldn’t work.
So I go for classic pieces, items that move with me and shoes that I can wear on a closed shoe site if required. For some, this is a pretty strange combination. Especially the sneakers with skirts and dresses, but it works for me and I’m always ready to do what I need to do. Let me just tell you, those oversized slouch dresses are on HIGH rotation too.
Something else that is essential is a GIANT BAG. For longer trips and day-long photo shoots, I’ve started carrying a backpack. It’s the only thing that works to carry ALL my heavy camera gear. But day-to-day I’ve started using this bag from All Bags 4U (gifted). The tote style fits a camera and laptop easily for jumping in and out of the car. The fact it is leather is a bonus, I can’t wait until it softens up a little and settles in around my goodies.
Alison Dominy Designs Sara Asymmetrical Skirt, City Chic Khaki T-Shirt, Nike Outburst sneakers via ASOS and the All Bags 4U Paddington Leather Tote.
Sometimes I miss the more corporate style, but I’m glad to be at a stage in my business where wearing what I want is an option. So much fun. What do you wear for work? Team PJ’s I’m hearing you. Tuesday is my no meetings, work from home day so I’m keen for some PJ action myself.
Ummm, prosecco fans, get yourself ready for your summer beverage of choice. You’re going to love this prosecco cocktail with blackberries and mint. The best news is it is easily adapted for one or for a crowd. And speaking of a crowd, it makes so well ahead of time you won’t even be mad at it. Entertainer win.
How to make Suger’s Prosecco Blackberry Punch
YOU’LL NEED
6Ft6 Prosecco
Lemonade
Vodka
Blackberries
Mint
DO THIS
Combine the vodka, blackberries and mint in a jug. I left my mint whole, but tearing or chopping into smaller pieces would work too, as would muddling it in the bottom of the glass or jug. Use one shot of vodka per serve. Add the prosecco and lemonade at approximately a half/half ratio. I prefer mine more prosecco, less lemonade, but you do you. Serve chilled. Frozen berries assist with this on a hot day! So if serving frozen, add berries when all ingredients are combined.
So, you’ve got a giveaway too, huh?
I’ve been on the lookout for a blog wine sponsor for a number of years. My search has proven to be fruitless but it won’t even stop me trying. That’s when I’ll know I’ve made it. For sure. Alas, this is not that moment, BUT the kind people of 6Ft6 wines have provided some goodness to giveaway!
Competition closes Friday 20th October 2017, with the winner being announced shortly after that. You must be 18 years or older and an Australian resident to win. This is a game of skill, Mr Suger and I will be choosing our favourite answer with a little help from the 6Ft6 team.
The prize pack includes THREE bottles of 6Ft6 Prosecco, a set of four 6Ft6 wine glass tags and their new limited edition tea towel valued at $99. Woooo.
To win the prize pack you must be following @sugercoatit and @6Ft6wines on Instagram and tell me in the comments below what YOU would do with your prize pack? Do you have a special occasion coming up or friends coming over? Get creative and the best entry wins. Competition closes Friday 20th October 2017, with the winner being announced shortly after that. You must be 18 years or older and an Australian resident to win. This is a game of skill, Mr Suger and I will be choosing our favourite answer.
EDIT: If you’re having problems with Disqus (my comment system) you can now enter on Instagram!
Check this out; it’s been awhile since we spoke about health and wellness on this blog, yeah? I had some stuff to figure out for myself about how I felt about my body, the way it’s told to exist in the world and all that. I didn’t want to continue to burden anyone here with more unlearned lessons about health. But today, I’m back to share something that matters.
Fat Yoga by Sarah Harry.
I requested a copy of this book for review. Yoga has always been something that interested me, in Uni the girls and I used to meet in one of our lounge rooms and bend and stretch to Geri Yoga a few nights a week. Usually followed by dinner and drinks. Spice Girls fans might remember it, most people won’t. Anyway, for better or worse that was my entire experience with Yoga.
But thank goodness for this book. If you’re interested, curious, and want to start at home, this could be for you. If you’re all those things and fat too, well it’s definitely for you. You see, most videos, books and even the YouTube clips focus on small bodies. Knowing how to handle a large body in these positions safely is not only helpful but will go a long way to ensuring that you don’t hurt yourself.
Because yes, that matters.
Remember when I spoke about the pitfalls of plus size women starting out running? This book is like that. But with pictures to guide you through positioning your body in each pose and getting the most out of it. Because I don’t know about you, but even some of the most basic poses just don’t work with a serious amount of boob and belly in the way. Child’s pose? Ummm, yeah, right.
There are a few chapters, really easy reading, introducing you to ways to get in touch with your body, why body positivity matters and all that jazz we love to discuss here. Then, what Sarah does is give you the run down step by step to set up your practice and walk you through, in photos, all you could need to know.
The best part for me is that Sarah does this in Fat Yoga without judgment or an assumption that you’ll ever be smaller. It’s a refreshing change from all the conversation promising (demanding?) instant weight loss and lean muscle definition. Sarah just states it as it is, only referencing changes in your flexibility and competence with poses. As someone in the conversation for enjoying my body, using it as I will without an aim to force it to be anything, I enjoyed that. I think you will too.
And now, a giveaway.
Good news, team, I’ve put together a little prize bundle! Firstly, I have a copy of Fat Yoga by Sarah Harry (you can buy one online here) to give away. Along with that, thanks to the author, I have a set of body positive affirmation cards. You’re going to love these. For some of you having access to this deck of cards will be a game changer. Change your thoughts one card at a time. I believe that wholeheartedly.
Add to the book and the cards a few goodies from me! Undetermined yet, but well, I’ll make sure they’re something good. I just think wherever possible I’m going to stalk you a little and add something to the package. Like, if you were a new Yoga do’er, maybe I’ll grab you some tights or a top. Who knows, but you get the idea, yeah? Bonus prize! This was so vague, my bad. Haha. It’ll be good. Trust me.
Want to win??
Leave a comment below sharing how Yoga (or moving your body) has or could make a difference to you living your biggest, best life! Dig deep team, for this entry, what you say matters. There’s another chance to win over on Instagram (it’ll require a little less soul-searching), so make sure you check that out. Entries close this coming Friday, the 7th July at 10 am. I’ll announce the winners on the Facebook page and Instagram later that day.
I’m Team Slouch, maybe more so these days than I am Team Stripes, shock horror. I love to wear draped, easy, oversized pieces. It’s become my thing in the last few years. The combination of a deep neckline and slouchy dress or an oversized maxi knotted up to show some serious leg is just really sexy cool to me.
There’s a conversation that says that plus size women shouldn’t wear ‘oversized’ shapes to avoid looking bigger. God forbid, right? Why would ANYONE want to look fatter than they are? Forget that. Forget all that they told you. First of all, why is every fashion aim to look smaller, leaner, thinner? Why is that the only outcome we are told to achieve? Flattering, ugh, that word is so overused and annoying.
Forget the rules! Have I mentioned before ‘they’ lied?
And yet, if flattering is what you’re after, there is plenty of it here. Plenty of flattering, plenty of comfort, and plenty of easy to wear goodness. As someone who was 100% team pencil skirt, skin-tight dresses and t-shirt (and sometimes, still am) there is a lot to be said for the casual cool ease that comes with an oversized, slouchy silhouette. Try it, if you haven’t already, you’ll thank me later.
This White Haven Emporium dress (called the Curve Miracle Dress) is the latest addition to my Team Slouch, crease free closet of wash and wear favourites. I’m going to do a blog post of how I’m putting together my favourites in this category. I mean, when it comes to my life wash and wear is the way it goes. Especially since I gave my sister my flash steamer iron. So watch out for that.
Wearing White Haven Emporium Curve Miracle Dress (free size – gifted) in black and ancient ankle boots from BareFoot Tess.
The dress, gifted to me, is free-sized and true to the guide on the website saying up to a size 26. I’d say this would comfortably work to a size 26 and depending on your height, beyond. I’m a size 24 at the moment and I have plenty of room and length. If I was at the smaller end of the range, I would consider the ‘straight-sized’ option or get in touch with the team to discuss that. I’ll leave that up to you, team.
Despite a (still) full wardrobe, there’s nothing I can do to resist a chambray shirt dress. Literally nothing. There has to be a rehab for that, right? Probably. Someone do some googling for me, would you? Haha. Anyway, when the PR team for new brand Valentina Loves approached me they had my number as soon as I saw this dress.
Heart eyes.
It’s a pretty unique cut and style as far as sleeveless shirt dresses go. It’s pretty straight through, wide at the hips with POCKETS and dual side splits. The fabric is heavier than a light-weight chambray but not as heavy as a jean denim. If that even makes sense.
For me, it’s a little small (I’m wearing the 22) across the chest and back but nothing undoing the buttons won’t solve (not an option this day, I was visiting my Mum’s work). I considered sizing up, but to be honest, there is a lot of volume at the bottom of this dress for me so it would’ve looked strange.
As far as styling went, I kept it as simple as simple gets. Nude shoes. Full stop. I considered a belt and even tying my light chambray shirt around my waist (good options for those playing at home looking for ways to easily change up this look) but in the end, it was hot and I wanted easy.
As you do, it was 35 degrees ffs. Hello SUMMER.
Speaking of styling this dress, I almost wore sneakers. But places to go, people to see. It’s going to look great with my white Converse though, watch out for that. This dress is absolutely something that will be able to be worn dressed up, or dressed down. And if unlike me, you can button up the neckline, a longline necklace would be a great addition when dressing up.
Wearing Valentina Loves chambray dress (gifted – size 22), City Chic nude heels and Quay Australia Tell Me Why sunglasses.
It’s been all about the bikini or the fatkini in the last year or two. And I love them, I think every single day you WANT to wear a bikini you should. But that said, I’m pretty much always team plus size tankini when it comes to being active in the water. If there’s one thing we know about me, it’s that I’m a water baby.
And the second thing is that I have a long torso. Okay, so maybe you didn’t know that but it’s true. And a long torso means one piece swimsuits can be problematic. By that I mean they either drag my boobs to my waist or give me a permanent wedgie.
I’m sure I’m not alone in this struggle. Hands up if this is you too? What I used to do with one pieces was ‘size up’ and order the size above what I would normally wear. This is not always a successful move and when you wear a size 22/24, sometimes that just isn’t an option!
Enter, the plus size tankini!
Freedom for my boobs and butt by way of chopping my swimsuit in half. Yeeeesssss. Plus I still get the coverage I want when spending long days in the sun, the security being tucked away for frolicking and all that jazz. For me, a tankini works.
Lucky, more and more brands are providing options that work for me. And if you’re looking, for you too. One such brand in Queensland based (YAY) swimwear brand Capriosca and their sister brand Curvy Swimwear. The majority of my serious swimsuits are by this brand and over the years, they have become a friend of the blog.
Today ladies, they are going to become a friend of YOURS! They have thrown their support behind Swimwear Week and are giving away your choice of swimsuit from their range. Simply complete the form below, consent to being added to our mailing lists and you’re in the draw. The winner will be announced in 7 days and contacted by email by me. Prize subject to availability and is not redeemable for cash.
Tonight the local show kicks off for the general public. Event and stallholders and the like have been here a while, but tonight with a bang of fireworks, it all begins. It’s showtime. A hot topic of discussion leading up to this week is where is the normal show weather. Where are the cold nights, the temperate days, the sunshine or the rain (we alternate between both)?
There has been none of it.
Until yesterday. Yesterday there was a killer sunset and bam, the cold descended and we find ourselves with a heaping helping of show weather. Mr Suger and I even shut up the house for the first time this year last night. There are already whispers about starting the fire. I’m calling those whispers premature.
With winter comes my winter wardrobe. In my hometown we get a couple of months of chilly nights, minus morning temperatures and foggy mid-mornings. And when talk turned to winter, it got me thinking about my hair. As you do. And that despite loving my growing mane of blonde hair, I was getting a little bored with such things…
Famous.
Last.
Words.
What came next was an experiment of epic proportions with my cousin Bec and the salon she works at, a semi-permanent colour named after some version of concrete and my lightened, beach weary, in need of a trim but who has time for such things, hair.
The results? Well see for yourselves. It’s the ashiest blonde/brown I’ve ever had. Yet in some lights it’s very much the blue grey it claimed to be. Plus, as usual, my hair took matters into its own hands and managed to still throw some gold. It’s a hybrid colour and I’m loving it for a change. Especially since we are expecting it to fade out pretty quickly, changing with every wash.
But winter hair managed, don’t you think?
And there’s no way I could finish this post without a few words about this slouchy, slinky dress sent to me by Harlow Australia from their Autumn/Winter collection. It’s been in high rotation already in my work wardrobe and I can see it continuing all season long.
But then I’m not surprised, I still wear my Harlow Wrap Dress from two years ago at least a few times a month. The team knows their work style, well worth a look for those that want dresses (especially, but lots of other options) to pull double duty for work and for play.
Wearing Harlow Australia Diva Slouch Dress (gifted)
Well, if it’s not autumn where you are just know I feel your pain. Even when I spent the weekend in Melbourne, it really wasn’t autumn weather. More like, maybe I could sleep with a sheet and a blanket perhaps weather. But that doesn’t mean I’m not turning my attentions to what I’m wearing when the weather cools down.
If it ever cools down.
Remind me I said that when it’s minus two here and I’m complaining because it’s freezing.
So I went to Melbourne and part of that trip with the 17 Sundays VIP night. Super fun night and let me tell you, that Margaret MacPherson is just as cool as she is hot. She’s a Queenslander though, we sort of knew that would happen, right? The best part was that the team raided their warehouse and filled racks and racks full of their clothes and it all just looked so beautiful. So cool. So fashion, you know?
And from those racks I put together a few outfits to hang up and Suze and I played around with making them all look fab. Anywaaay, my point is that this outfit that I’m wearing is one of the outfits we put together. So it’s 17 from head to toe and I’m sure you’ll agree it’s pretty darn epic.
I mean, you can’t argue with all this print and texture and layering and awesomeness. You really can’t. And I think that’s key. You need to be unafraid to put things together that may not work on your way to finding something you love. This outfit started out with the lather look pants and the skirt just worked better. For me anyway. You know me and ankle boots with skirts…
Wearing new season 17 Sundays, check out the page here. I’m calling it gifted but in reality, I raided their warehouse, like a kid in a candy store, and took as much goodness as I could fit in the suitcase home with me. And on that note, I’m wearing the 24 in this skirt for those playing at home. If you’re interested in buying one, it might be worth contacting the team to talk about sizing. That’s the pro tip.
Introducing 17 Sundays STICKS & STONES A/W16 team. I know some, if not most of you by now I’ve been a little slow on the delivery of this post, will have seen it already. Basked in the gorgeous images and hot hot hot clothes. This campaign is gorgeous and I know it’s going to be seen far and wide. And I want to say something about that before we get started.
I want to say something about what it means to have a genuine, knock you on your butt, it’s so beautiful and cool and wow, fashion editorial in plus. About what it means to have clothes, available up to a size 26, given such loving attention in a fashion focused way. This is an age-old concern (and complaint) of women over a certain size, we wear whatever fits. That fashion was hard to find and personal style had to be set aside.
Well, times, they are a changing and these Australian based brands are one hundred and fifty percent bringing it. That’s why this campaign, the beautiful images and daring but simple styling is everything that a plus customer DESERVES and more. This campaign, shot in black and white with striking authenticity and homage to the light. Not to mention the attention paid to the glorious location.
This is what we didn’t know we wanted.
This campaign IS fashion, it’s fashionable and it’s for us.
I mean, thank fucking god.
S T I C K S & S T O N E S | A\W 2016 |
This is a season of textured blacks, unique knitwear and reworked denim silhouettes.
www.17sundays.com
Shot on location in Auckland NZ
Images : Lily Cummings
Model: Georgia Pratt
The team has sent be a number of pieces from the February release as part on an ongoing brand love fest (on their website now), if you’re following me on Instagram you would have seen some already. Like the stripe cardigan and the stunning hooded jacket, swoon. And yeah, I just said swoon, don’t judge me. I’ve been watching a lot of Netflix while I was sick. People say swoon A LOT on Netflix.
Errr, yes. So if you have a question about fit or sizing, styling or whatever, ask away in the comments. I’ll be adding outfit photos as the month goes on, but don’t wait, ask now. I’m here to help babes. And don’t you think it’s gorgeous? That Georgia Pratt has one heck of a face and these clothes are everything I didn’t know I NEEDED for the coming seasons… Don’t you think?
When the fine folks at Boohoo offered me a few pieces from the new collection, it took me a little while to decide what I wanted. With an idea for an Australia Day post (that, whoops, never eventuated) I chose from red, white and blue sections of the websites. This top was something I came back to time and time again. Not really my style but I’d seen other plus bloggers wear the style, and I was curious enough to give it a go.
You know me, I’ll try anything once. Even girly maxi dresses. Ha!
When it arrived, I had big plans to throw it over some denim cut off shorts with my sneakers for some Australia Day festivities on the beach. But errr, those plans got cancelled and I was instead on the couch watching copious episodes of Vampire Diaries loitering on Snapchat watching everyone else have fun. Sigh. Such is life sometimes.
But that meant I had a little longer to decide how I wanted to style this rather unique looking top. I mean, most people can manage a thigh split, but a bra level split? Well, that’s a little different. It certainly was for me. And the more I thought of it, the more I decided to pair it with my 17 Sunday anti-fit jeans (the blue of the denim was just too perfect with the colour of the top) and my sneakers. I pinned my hair back because as you might notice from the photos, it was windy AF.
Even after I wore it, I still reached out to a friend to confirm that it worked. Was it just an attempt to force a trend piece into my wardrobe where it didn’t fit or was it actually (wait for it, eye rolls ready) cool? She assured me that the styling made it very me and that it worked. Satisfied with that I started to prepare this post. What would be my tips for incorporating a trend piece into your personal style? I came up with the following;
Looks familiar.
Build the outfit from pieces you often wear, even if it’s not the way that others have paired it before, by incorporating my jeans and sneakers (total wardrobe essentials for me) it made the whole thing very me, even though everything about the top isn’t.
Try it out.
Keep looking for different ways to style the piece and shuffle it around with items until you find something that works. This top would have looked great with the shorts; I think but I would have paired them with ankle boots now that I’ve thought about it more. Give it a more 90’s vibe. So if you have a new trend piece and it’s not working, keep looking for options within your personal style to make it work.
Phone a friend.
Ask a friend about it and not just in the do I look alright in this kind of way, but in the does it look like ME kind of way. Especially if you have rad fashionista friends as I do (and you do, my inbox is always open, ask away). Have some fun with it and get their suggestions keeping in mind that you want to look like an updated YOU not a trendy them.
Wearing Boohoo Split Side Maxi Top, 17 Sundays Anti-Fit Jeans, Converse Sneakers and Quay Australia Sunglasses (similar).
