In my inbox this week are Hank & Hera and their thoughtfully designed sleep and loungewear available in sizes 4 – 34. Yes, you heard that right. It’s a generous size range, and I’ve found them to have plenty of room to move within that range. But I’m getting ahead of myself. In my inbox might be the series, but Hank & Hera isn’t new news to me; I’ve been working with Philippa on their website and emails for a while now. From the start, I had a draft here waiting for me to share the story of this brand with you. What is ‘In My Inbox’ for if not that?
Backstory-wise, I first “met” Pip through her website Sisu and Finn while actively blogging. We worked together on some photos and a post for the blog—in a dress, mind you, that I still wear to this day. You know the one, the navy wrap dress I wore for family photos the other year? And to my brother’s wedding? That dress. But we’ve had poolside adventures together now in some very fine establishments. Once, she took Kel and me on an adventure in Sydney to kill some time before our flights. When internet friends become real-life favourite people, right?
But now, a little more about Hank and Hera from their website:
Hank & Hera was founded by Philippa Giles in 2023 as a frustrated consumer who wanted beautiful garments that did not exist in plus sizes. Through Hank & Hera, Philippa combines an adoration for timeless silhouettes and an unwavering commitment to ensuring that all women have access to impeccably crafted garments to design luxurious, natural fibre sleepwear from size XS to 4XL (AU 4 – 34). Her driving force behind the brand is to create garments that evoke a sense of divine beauty and celebrate all women, of all sizes.
Hank & Hera is proudly designed in Australia. Each garment is meticulously crafted and supported by female-founded businesses. By supporting local professionals and embracing female-owned businesses, we contribute to a legacy of quality craftsmanship and empowerment within our community.
In a busy world with so many time pressures, Hank & Hera believes every woman deserves to indulge in luxury as part of the everyday. Our designs cater to individuals who savour life’s finer pleasures, echoing the sophistication and grace of our namesake, Hera, the Queen of the Gods.
Just like the enduring elegance of our muse, Hera, our range is designed to transcend the latest trends, celebrating lasting style through quality fabrics and classic colours. The range is designed to effortlessly transition from traditional sleepwear to chic ensembles suitable for any occasion, embodying a slow fashion ethos that prioritises longevity and versatility. Whether you’re relaxing at home or heading to brunch, Hank & Hera’s range has been designed with versatility in mind, to add value to the customer.
And then, for Christmas 2024, Philippa gifted me this light, cotton beauty, which is perfection and one of the most beautiful gifts I’ve ever received. It’s an Aurora nightgown (size 3XL), and while I’d never consider myself a girly girl, the femme details and classic style are, somehow, so my style. I love it. I only take it off to put it through the wash and start again. But never fear, and I know you were worried about me. I have theArianna in Navyto wear while that happens. I haven’t reviewed this style yet because I haven’t had a fancy bathroom to take photos of (mine still isn’t renovated, sigh). But I’ll get there. With the pictures and the renovation, of course.
But for now, head to the website to check out the entire range. Use code SUGER10 (linked to my affiliate account) for 10% off your order.
It started in the lead up to Christmas. We were heading north, and I knew that meant long days in the heat or pool, coming out for meals or to sleep. So, I wanted something that looked festive but was easy to wear. Enter this accidentally oversized swing dress in white brocade. No, that’s not the word for it.
*pops a new tab and googles eyelet fabric, usually white, starts with b?* Broderie Anglaise, that’s it.
It had been a slow evening at home, and I was scrolling through the ASOS range of dress offerings on a hunt for a ‘Christmas Dress’. As I’ve mentioned, I tend to lean towards relaxed, comfortable and usually in a maxi style for maximum easy-breezy. Then I spotted this dress and well, it ticked every box for me. So I quickly ordered, somehow ordering probably two sizes larger than I needed, and it was on its way to me.
A Christmas miracle. Right? In plus, how often does it happen that when you’re looking for something, you can never find it? It’s why so many of us buy items just in case or keep them forever because we might just need them again—all fair in my books. Buy the best quality available to you and wear them until they break down to compost; that’s my strategy. This dress, this beautifully made dress, fit into that plan flawlessly.
Soon I found myself wearing it to travel, out for dinner, with crisp white sneakers, chunky slides, or heels (I have no match fitness for THAT anymore). I can even see it with boots when that time comes. I especially love it worn casually over swimwear with a messy bun, no shoes and the warmth of the summer sun across my face. Sigh, I miss holidays, don’t you?
This is why I decided to write this post despite not knowing the current stock levels of this exact dress. I want to remind you that trends come and go, but your style can be whatever you want it to be. Find pieces that call to you that you love, and wear them. If one thing has changed since I first started blogging, there is no go-to look we all have to adhere to. No way. The kids wouldn’t have that. Express yourself through your clothes, do it as quietly or loudly as you see fit. Just be yourself.
With things around here settling in for the year, it felt like time to get back into the swing blogging-wise. Kelvin opted to have most of January off from the business (doing odd jobs here and there). And I was helping out with the extended school holiday childminding while restarting my work on Fiverr. A slow start, for sure, but I know we aren’t the only ones. But now, I’m feeling the surge of energy that usually comes through late December/early January, and I’m ready to go.
Heck, I’ve even made some promises to get out more this year which I’ve actually been keeping.
This brings me to what does one wear to launch themselves back out into a world (albeit timidly because I’m not down for catching COVID just for the sake of it – no, thank you). As you may know, my usual casual style has been taken up (down?) a few notches since I quit my job to work for myself from home. It’s all simple dresses and bike shorts with oversized tees around here. Sometimes I forget that I even own bras with wires. Not a structured waistband to be found. All in all, it’s pretty chill.
So, dressing up to head out for breakfast, lunch or coffee started to get a little tricky. I had older clothes, plenty of them in fact, but most don’t fit me. The last couple of years, working from home and keeping to myself led to changes in my body. I found myself stuck and falling back on the same few pieces over and over. Which worked for a while, ages really, until I got bored. And I decided it was time to add some new items to my wardrobe that didn’t come from the great selection of cheap and cheerful dresses and nighties at Best & Less.
Enter this tie-dyed wonder from Friday Flamingo.
What can I say, I’m a creature of habit. It’s black and white, right in my wheelhouse. It is casual and made from 100% cotton so it doesn’t smother me in the Queensland summer. Plus the fun sleeves on it not only make it extra comfortable to wear but they add a little something to elevate it from the dozen and one t-shirt dresses I already own (in various states of well-loved wear). This girl knows what she likes. What more is there to say? Add some sneakers or my current obsession, Birkenstocks, and off I do. Which is exactly what I do, you can count on that!
And before I head off can I just say? Whoa, team, Kel and I are a little rusty at this whole outfit photo thing. Not just remembering to get a photo, but how the heck we used to take something that resembled an interesting one. Sigh. So you’ll have to hang in there with us as we get back into the groove of such things. But for now, enjoy the shots of this casual cool tie-dye dress that helps me elevate my everyday style with some killer sleeve action.
You know the weather is getting chilly around here when I start wearing my knit dresses. As someone who hates feeling trapped in overly warm places, clothes or situations, I’ll only wear a knit dress when I KNOW it will be cold. And that I will definitely, without a doubt, need the warmth. It’s a whole thing. But I love this brief moment that my hometown turns on the winter. When we all get to pretend all those winter clothes are actually useful to own.
We’ve only seen a peek of winter, but I was keen, what can I say?
I took this knit dress out of my draw and out it onto my body at the very first twinkle of the possibility of it being cold. This year, I’m going for it. I’m usually such a summer kid. But I find myself craving the colder months more and more as I get older. Blame it on a love of red wine and fires. Or maybe it’s Desiree’s fault? She’s always been such a winter kid. But whatever it is, here for it. The sheer amount of winter content we’ve already had on the blog this year demonstrates that.
And so, I pull on the Docs, which are still a little firm across the bridge of my foot, and we went to eat all the sushi that the local place could offer. Another bonus of the knit dress, plenty of room for activities. With all that cosy warmth and stretch, you can do whatever you’re doing and still have all the comfort of being at home in your PJs.
I used to wear this dress with knee-high boots a lot, which I loved, that’s the post tagged above, but it was a little rough on the knit. Going with an ankle boot meant fewer snags and pilling on the knit. That’s a hot tip; you have to treat your knit well if you want it to last. And fold it, don’t hang it. I’ve lost plenty of knits to hanging them up, especially since I have to cut out all the dangly things because I hate the feel of them on my skin.
The best part about a knit dress is that you can pull them out year after year; it’s always a look.
I can’t link this dress, but some amazing Australian brands are offering knit dresses, whether it’s neutral like this or one of this season’s stunning tonal colours that would make the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Places like Hope & Harvest and their stunning green oversized maxi or Harlow Australia and their chic styles you can wear together or separately. Most overseas websites have reduced or cleared their winter stock now, so that’s also worth looking for a final-run, end of the line piece.
Heading out into the world this week was interesting. It was cool enough for a coat, locally, but still warm enough that you could wear slides. Or, at least, I could. I know, don’t come for me, I’m warm-blooded, what can I say? I ran around doing a few errands, picking up groceries and reminding myself why I hate spending too much time at the shops. We spotted these doors, and despite a large amount of flora growing around it, I decided it was a perfect spot to grab some photos.
Perfect may be a stretch, but we got them anyway – Victory!
Why? Because as far as I’m concerned, you need a long cardigan in your wardrobe no matter the season (see the flashbacks below for proof). It’s an easy throw on with whatever you’re wearing, they come back into style year after year, and a good quality one will last you for a number of those returns, especially if you find a fit that works for you. I love the style like this knit coat, which can be wrapped around the body. But I also love the chunkier knit, throw on cardigan style too, like this one.
And can we talk for a moment about how much my hair just keeps dropping colour!? Haha. Yes, this time it was helped by the ocean, but those blonde ends (from when my hair was blue) are determined to live out their blonde life. BUT. Watch this space, I think I might dig out the leftover pink shampoo I have here and colour my hair. Before my next scheduled appointment to top up the copper, that is. I’m not trying to get myself in trouble with my sister/hairdresser here, it’s the same brand they use in the salon, so I’ve been given the all-clear. Pink hair for a while? Don’t mind if I do. And that, my friends, is that. Have a great week.
I mentioned on Instagram that I was breaking in some new Docs and didn’t know if I could take it. This old girl is so far past wearing anything that makes her uncomfortable; heck, most days I refuse to wear a bra. And those who know know breaking in a new pair of Dr Martens is some next level feet (ankle, heel) pain you can endure. Read the comments on the Instagram post; it’s not a “me thing”. But the other thing we know is that once you wear them in, once the leather gives and you’re through the worst, Docs are soft and wonderful, and you can live your life in them. So, you suffer. And you do it happily for the love of the Docs.
A little while ago, I put this outfit, with a maxi rather than a midi length dress, in one of my casual capsule wardrobe boards. Before the post had even launched, I’d picked up the coat from Cotton On. The fact it was basically summer already, and I wouldn’t be wearing it for a while didn’t bother me. I knew the time would come.
And so, a few months passed. Into my inbox came an offer I couldn’t refuse, and I ordered my newest pair of boots; the Pascal. The reviews said the softer leather would be easier to break (boy, I hope they’re right). And I just loved the extra texture on them. They arrived, and I love them. I mean, I set up an entire scene in my office to snap some photos – obsessed. But after an initial fit test, I put them on the shelf to wait.
My outfit was complete and ready for the very first sight of winter on the horizon. Which came and went while I hid out at home, not really feeling it. When I put together the post about winter trends I’m looking forward to here in AUS, I remembered the coat was in my wardrobe somewhere, and it was time to drag it out. So, after committing to showing up and sharing what I’m wearing more, I put it together on a hanger and waited for my chance.
On an ordinary day, as the sun slid toward the horizon, that husband of mine asked if I wanted to get dressed (casual is kind around here) and grab dinner. Dressed! Actually dressed. Well, yes, sir, I did want to get dressed. So, with a flick of a hanger and some grunts of excursion, I was dressed and ready to go. Boots, check. Jacket, yup. The moment had arrived. And I hobbled into it boldly.
By the time we returned home, my feet were done, my belly was full, and we’d snapped some photos near an industrial shed as the sun dipped. Perfect. Would recommend trying for yourself. Speaking of which, would anyone like to volunteer to wear in my Docs? It pays terribly, but I’m sure the job satisfaction will be all you need, right? HA.
Recently I spoke about how my mojo feels like it packed up and left. Which, when you directly relate it to this blog, means taking photos of myself mostly. It’s what connects me to you and ultimately does well in the general search/Pinterest/SEO world. But I’ve been struggling to get in front of a camera. That’s the long and the short of it.
My body has changed in the last year or two. It looks different, and I look different, and that can be hard to reconcile in photos. I look at them and don’t like what I see—discarding most of them, not feeling like I could post others. I know I’m not the only one in this boat. When I think about what the world has been through in the past two years, it boggles my mind. But we did it. We made it here.
Today I’m going to say what is troubling me out loud in the hopes that by confronting it, it will diminish. By pushing myself to get out and taking the photos anyway, it reminds me of who I am. I am more than my body or face or how I look in photos. I’m a person with plenty to offer, and the way I do that is by showing up for people on the internet. Come what may.
Once, I credited taking outfit photos for the blog every week with my strong positive body image. When you stare at pictures of yourself week after week, set after set, you get a little numb to your features, your faults and flaws. It just blurs into what is; nothing good or bad about it. I’m reminding myself of that right now when the little voice in my head does its worst.
And, if, like me, you miss out, opt out or make excuses to avoid being in front of the camera. Consider this post your reminder to stop doing that! You’re perfect just the way you are, and I don’t ever want your body or how you look to define that for you. We will do the work and show up, just as we are, and I know things will change for us.
How can I be so sure about that? I know because I’ve done it before. This blog has changed my life in many ways than I give it credit for. Have I mentioned that? When I started blogging didn’t have a single photo of myself to use as a profile photo (so I decided to blog anonymously, lol). Entire pieces of my history and life are gone, left to the vagueness of memory—an untrustworthy source at the best of times.
As I participated more, took the photos (and kept them!), the documentation of my life streamed along behind me; the people and places, the highs and lows. I want that for myself again. For there to be a record that I was here and I lived a big, exciting, joyful life. I want to be in the middle, undeniably living; I want to show up. Let that be my promise to you; that’s what I’ll do. Even when I don’t want to or don’t feel like it, imperfectly perfect, I’ll be here.
How do you like your denim? When it comes to plus-sizes I have found it can be hit and miss; some are great, there are quality offerings and then there are the ones that aren’t even denim at all. I like jeans and I wear them sometimes, weather permitting, but what I really want in jeans is comfort, a little bit of give so I can sit down and a whole lot of style.
I don’t care what Gen Z says about Skinny Jeans, you do you. But me? I’ll be living in joggers until a better offer comes along. (I mean, who listens to teenagers anyway, scary little things). Me? I’m team wear what you want, but I switched to joggers ages ago. I’ve been a dedicated skinny jeans wearer; I especially love them with boots. But joggers are so easy to wear, comfortable and dress them up or down; they’re a win. Plus, I have no hips or ass, and skinny jeans spend their life sliding down on me. Don’t tell me I’m in the wrong size or cut, I’ve tried all the things.
Does that happen to anyone else? Or just my flat ass?
(And excuse me, Grammarly, I do mean flat ass, please stop correcting my text to FAT ass; I can have both, thank you. Haha).
There was a time that I was team Boyfriend Jeans, and I’d still recommend trying this fit if you want a straight leg option. These days you’re more likely to find them being called Mum Jeans or something like that (hello, higher waist). Cotton On offer some great options at the lower end of the scale, Embody does a pair to a size 22 (check the sizing chart) if you can make that work. Check out some more options for jeans in this post; I updated it a little while ago, it probably needs doing again but it will get you started.
But for now, and because my head is already out of date in these photos (I died my hair copper, did you see?) enjoy the pics. They’re from last weekend (not our Valentines adventure, but still worth a mention) from my weekend, drinking iced coffee and driving around looking for someone new to go for lunch. And if you’ve been somewhere for a great lunch in the Gympie/Sunshine Coast region lately, let me know. We need some new spots.
I’m not going to lie, I left my run, on the whole getting ready for Christmas thing, too late this year. Since sometime last week I’ve been progressively more stressed that my small-ish hometown won’t have everything I need to be ready for Christmas! That I will be Christmas-less.
But, really, spoiler alert, it all worked out fine.
I donned my finest summer OOTD attire (see below) and hit the shops. Powered by coffee and bad choices, I started checking things off my list like another chubby person we all know and love. Glad I’d at least put the thought into it, I powered through the shops, ponytail flipping about the place, teeth gritted.
My least favourite thing is shopping centres. And people in shopping centres. Which, if you’re trying to pull off a last-minute, get your shit together Christmas, you’re going to see a lot of. I start getting hot and uncomfortable just thinking about all that recycled, warm air that they pump into those places and well… Anxiety, level 1,000.
But I did it. I bailed on the shopping centres pretty quickly (barely out of the car and I was turning back) and shopped small. I was picking up gifts from places that hand-make or select their inventory. I put together little baskets and bundles, and soon my list was entirely checked off. I sourced some seemingly impossible to find Christmas paper (I don’t want to discuss how much I paid) and I was outta there!
There being places with other people.
There being the packed main street and hot interior of my tank-like, hence not parking friendly, vehicle.
There being anywhere that wasn’t my house surrounded by the click and collect groceries I’d purchased and wine I’d ordered weeks and weeks in advance. I have my priorities in order, clearly.
And now, with Christmas Eve upon us, I’m finishing off some work then wrapping some gifts. Later, my family are getting together in a small bus to view the Christmas lights around town. We used to do back when my siblings and I were teenagers that had fallen by the wayside as we got older. (Not for my sister, but for the rest of us).
I can’t wait, to be honest, it feels like the first time in a while that Christmas Eve is something to be really excited about. Usually, we’re travelling, or it is just the two of us and a cheeseboard. Not that there’s anything wrong with either of those things. But it’s nice to be doing something special, something festive; especially after the year that we’ve had.
Here’s hoping you have something to look forward to today, or over the next few days if you celebrate Christmas or any of the holidays that fall around this time of year. I know not all your plans will have worked out, and I’m sorry to hear that, and I hope you find something to mark the occasion. And now, until I see you next, I’m off. Outfit info etc. is below. Love you all, Merry Christmas from Kel and I.
I’m team sneakers; you guys know that. Somewhere along my personal style journey, I stopped pairing everything I wore with ankle boots and made the switch. To say I’ve never looked back wouldn’t be overstating it. Due to this excessive and almost exclusive wearing of sneakers, I’ve been asked ‘how to looked dressed-up in sneakers’, how to look like you’ve made an effort and no just thrown them on on the way out the door as an afterthought.
This post will answer that. But before we get started, I want to talk about the expectations for being stylish when you’re plus-size. In my experience, plus-size people are required to try harder to prove to the world that we aren’t slobs. Usually, there’s an element of being hyper-feminine to that too. The stylish outfits of our smaller peers are deemed unfashionable and lazy on us.
No, it’s not fair, but nor is it a rule YOU have to live by. I decided a long time ago that I wouldn’t girly myself up just because the world said I should. I think the sneakers are part of that. It’s been a long time now since I felt the need to wear my higher heels to anything. This is a reminder to wear what you like when you like, and if sneakers are it, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s talk about looking ‘dressed up’ in sneakers!
Cute outfits required
When you’re wearing sneakers to a more dressed up occasion, the focus is definitely going to be on what you’re wearing. I chose a dress with a bit of a puff sleeve over some of my more casual dresses because it adds something. I like a midi length, but maxi works just as well. Minis may be cute but will take a bit more effort to make look dressed up with sneakers. Not into dresses, a cigarette or cropped length pant shows off a great amount of ankle IMO.
Please make sure they’re clean.
I mean, it sounds obvious, but make sure your sneakers are clean if you want to dress up the outfit. Fresh, new’ish sneakers are much better at pulling off this look than worn in, worn out, dirty sneakers. So either clean them up or have a pair that you save for special occasions. Which sounds a little crazy, but works. I have a pair of sneakers that I wear every day for everything and a couple of others that I wear when I’m going somewhere.
Accessorise your butt off
I’m pretty low-key when it comes to accessories and don’t often wear a lot of jewellery other than my wedding rings. But if you’re dressing up sneakers, you may need to consider adding a nice bag, some layered necklaces or statement earrings. It’s about balancing the sneakers with some effort. It makes the sneakers a deliberate choice.
Own it
There’s only one other thing that you’ll need to do if you want to look dressed up while wearing sneakers. You need to own it. If you’re feeling weird about it or underdressed, that’s going to show. If you feel great, are confident in your outfit, then that’s all anyone else will see. Think about it when was the last time you saw someone wearing something a little unusual but loving it? Did they look happy with their choice? Did you envy their excitement and confidence in depressing their personal style? Be that person for yourself. Sneakers aren’t even that controversial anymore, promise. Dip your toe in and I guarantee you, pretty soon you’ll be all about unrestrained person style.
The idea to try on my old clothes was an idea that came to me while I was cleaning out my closet. Again. Some of the items that I still own and wear are upwards of 5 years old. Some have been with me for longer.
My first thought was, do they still fit. After all, my body has changed over the past five years. Which is normal, FYI. I’m a thirty-eight-year-old woman now. Some of these before photos are from 2013. With that in mind, I selected items with a bit of stretch of flexibility in how I could wear them (buttoned instead of buttoned-up, for example).
Then my second thought was, do they still look GOOD after all these years. After being washed, not very carefully mind you, and worn for all these years. I have some older items that have made their way through the everyday wardrobe to the ‘around the house’ draw. Which is fine, not throwing out perfectly good clothing to landfill is something I stand behind. But, who made the cut? Let’s see, shall we?
Did you watch the video? Haha. It took a bit for me to get back into recording videos but I’m glad I did. But this video wasn’t about that. And while I’m sure, plenty of people will be kind enough to point out the differences between 30-year-old me and current me. (Oh, internet). It wasn’t about that either. It was about how if you buy quality clothing when you can afford it, it will last. How, when you get a lock on your personal style, the pieces you buy will last you a long time. It’s the figuring it out part that has taken me the most time.
And I’m using the term date night, pretty casually here, folks. But what we did have was a chance to take a drive, pick up some takeaway and hang out somewhere that wasn’t our living room. I’ll take it. And I’m sure for any number of you continuing to self-isolate would feel the same way. AIR. Fresh air. Haha.
So, what does one wear to sit in a car, grab food and eat it outside?
Casual stuff. Comfortable stuff. And ultimately, whatever makes you feel good because that’s the main aim here. My choice was a midi dress I picked up from ASOS at the start of summer. I sent it back twice to get a size that works for me, and it’s still not ‘perfect. But it works, and the slightly oversized at the top nature of it means I have room for tops worn underneath (a favourite look of mine) or room to move in general. I’ve worn under my 17 Sundays BASIC tee, knotted at the front with sneakers I keep forgetting I own. I bought these back when I picked up my New Balance ones (which was January’ish) and have worn them maybe three times. Don’t worry; I have plans to rectify that by leaving them near the door for the good old slip on and go situation I do so well.
That’s what I wore for our date night.
And in true, flashback fashion, I parked us at a nearby grey wall and asked Kel to snap some photos. It’s not something we do a lot anymore, but we’re getting back into it. I miss having a reference of outfits I like to refer to when I have no idea what to wear. I miss getting dressed dressed too. Working from home for almost two years meant I really pared back the way I dress and the clothes I wear often. But I’m feeling like having a little more fun again. I’m hoping you won’t mind me sharing them here (again). It’ll be like old times. But new times, haha. Sounds like a plan, yes?
