It happened yesterday as I was waking up; the tweets and responses to the new Boohoo campaign started streaming in. Before I clicked over I knew what had happened. Another ‘inclusive’ campaign with zero representation. My eyes rolled involuntarily as I clicked through to watch. But I’ll get to THAT later. See for yourself this masterpiece of inclusivity.
As one tweeter said, did you think throwing in some POC and a pregnant woman would suffice as diverse? The short answer is of course not! This is a brand that sells a plus size range, so where are the plus size women? This is touted as an inclusive campaign, so where are the trans or disabled women? Women at all life stages, well where are the older women? Heck, someone over 25 would’ve been close enough. Nowhere to be seen, that’s where.
ALL GIRLS!? Seriously, what were they thinking with that? It’s barely ANY girls. It’s the same girls over and over. It has to be one of those marketing meeting decisions akin to Pepsi’s “Kendall Jenner saves the world” gaffe. Privilege is clearly at play here. How did no one who looked at this campaign or was involved in the all girl crew of this campaign not notice?
Where was the thought “you know what guys, I think we are missing something here?” during this whole thing? Did Boohoo seriously think there was nothing wrong with this? Are we still in the middle of that conversation? Surely not. Yet, here we are.
How did I know before I clicked over?
The short version? I know the brand because I’ve followed their social media on and off for years. At the start of the Boohoo range coming to Australia with their plus size range, I did some work for them on the blog. I’m something of a Boohoo brand expert without having ever exerted any effort to become so. The internet, it does that to a person. Because of that, I KNEW they wouldn’t have plus size women in their campaign, never mind any other level of representation.
If you took one look at their Instagram, you would know. One look at the promotions relating to the website and lookbooks etc. The size of the “Curve” section models are often a cause of complaint within the shopping community. It is, after all, VERY difficult to get an idea of the fit of a garment when it’s pinned to within an inch of its life on a straight size woman. They have shared one photo of the most acceptable type of fat woman (think hourglass, size AU14, with boobs and a butt) in an entire Instagram scroll. I know. I literally just checked their feed.
It’s always the same. They’re aiming their brand squarely at the young, thin, white women that fashion is notorious for celebrating and fawning over while collecting the money from the fat girls behind the scenes. Diversity and inclusion appear to be totally against their branding strategy. So, why did they do it?
Because it’s so in right now.
Yup, I said it. It’s cool to be inclusive. It’s hip to be #GirlPower driven (can we please be women now, please?). But here’s the thing when you pull this rabbit out of the marketing hat, you get it wrong and you piss off a lot of people. Not just in the way that they won’t like the campaign, but in the way that they are fundamentally offended by your brand and what they ‘stand for’. Which, apparently, is nothing.
They proved that today when they tried to use inclusiveness as a way to sell their clothes. Sure, Boohoo could have pulled this dramatic brand shift off, maybe, but the genuine chances of them doing so were slim to none. It takes something, an actual shift in culture and brand identity, to genuinely be inclusive in your promotions and considerations.
Successful transitions rarely happen when a brand (especially one who is so exclusive in its marketing) shouts from the rooftops, out of nowhere, that they are ‘doing inclusivity’. Want to do it? Great, we applaud you. Do it quietly and do it in a way that is genuine. That’s all anyone can ask; of a business, a brand or a person. Try harder.
With one last sigh, that’s my rant done.
Make up your mind how YOU feel about Boohoo’s attempt at inclusivity and what that means for where you spend your shopping dollars. You’re a big girl, it’s entirely up to you. But I know if you’re anything like me this puts a terrible taste in my mouth and I’m waiting to see what they do next. Stay tuned.
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).
On the weekend, I like to deal with my hair and wear all the clothes I never seem to get to wear during the week. And by weekends I include Thursday night and all day Friday because I work on my blogs Friday, so office clothes be gone. The other evening Mr Suger and I were off in search of pizza and beer (for him, I’ll drink just about anything else) and I was dressed from a blog boss style meeting. So we stopped for photos.
Because shorts, a sleeveless vest and a t-shirt that in some light you can make out the pattern on my bra in (darn you New Look and your thin material), is something that MUST be documented. I’ve seen a lot of posts around about how to wear shorts, why to wear them, how to style them. Heck, I even wrote one myself. So with all this talk about shorts, all the fear and angst and drama, I decided to just put my money where my mouth it and just wear them more often.
Right?
Because the only way that you get over something is if it’s stuffed down your throats time and time again until you can’t handle it anymore and just give in and turn into a raving fangirl. Right? Like with the Kardashians. I’m doing my bit, because shorts are comfortable when you buy them well, so enjoy them. Side note, totally related, if you’re having to pull and tug and de-wedgie yourself, you’re in the wrong size. But you cna read all about that in my post about shorts. The one with the link up there. That one. Now, let’s look at some pics.
Wearing basic black tee from New Look (but try this instead), Boohoo white sleeveless vest (similar), check shorts from ASOS Curve (similar) & shoes from Target Australia (similar).
Not every outfit has to be all glam hair and makeup, crazy heels and corsets as tops (cough cough). Sometimes the way you feel most confident and in control is when you nail the perfect casual outfit. Sneakers, dress, jacket. Done. Well that’s how it works for me.
This outfit is on high rotation in my wardrobe, it’s actually the third time we’ve tried to get photos for the blog of this outfit. Seriously. One set was too dark (hello winter sunset times), the other was too light (hello midday sun) and this set, while far from perfect finally gets the job done.
My friend Lisa Kerr will be happy! She sent me this dress one hundred years ago. Here it is Lisa! Finally out of the wash and on the blog. And so you know, ladies out there, this remarkable little dress is wear anywhere, slouchy, wash and wear. All my favourite things. Win.
For those playing at home, it also looks great with ankle boots, knee-high boots and wedges. I tried them all. It’s fool-proof. I have big plans for this baby come summer with tan wedges, maybe a belt (mine is short already) and my sleeveless white waistcoat. Lots of options. I’m glad to have it in my wardrobe. I’ve even slept in it as a nightdress.
Wearing T-Shirt Dress by Lisa Kerr Designs, MYNT jacket and Adidas Sneakers.
Oh man, long torso problems. Raise your hand if you’re with me. Bodysuits, overalls, swimsuits, jumpsuits and onesies are a minefield of camel toes and garment straining proportions. It’s the curse of the long torso-ed folk. But if you’re determined, like me, you do your best to circumvent this complication and get on with things.
Most often, I size up for extra length. When shopping I keep a post-it close by with my actual measurements including the length of my body for size charts. Not that length is often listed. But if you have that information, and the company has made the sizing information available, you’ve got a head start on getting something that fits.
If the item arrives and you’re still having problems with the fit there are things you can do. I have been known to stand in the crotch of swimmers, pull the straps towards the ceiling and stretch them out. Not recommended for garment longevity. (Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but it works).
Somethings that DO work to lengthen a bodysuit are;
Buy an extender from a maker on Etsy (or similar) – these are mostly made for baby onsies, but if a snaps extender is what you need, send a request!
Hook and eye problem? Try using a bra extender to give you extra length. Just make sure you’re not doing any damage to yourself with all those extra hooks.
Leave it unhooked and tuck into fitted, high-waisted underwear. It doesn’t always stay smooth, but this works well enough to justify the original purchase.
When I ordered this bodysuit from Boohoo.com I wasn’t surprised to note it was a wee bit short in the body, I have even sized up to the 24. The bottom half of this suit is nice and stretchy, and mine is loose which allows for a very 80s high cut look to make the whole thing work. Even if it’s more of a cropped wrap than it’s meant to be making it a little more boobs out than I’d normally wear.
That’s my point ladies and gents.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. No shirt on the planet gives “the tuck” a cleaner line than a bodysuit. If not a bodysuit, try a bodycon or slim-fitting dress instead. Whatever you need to do, get a little creative long torso friend and see what you can make work. I mean, outfits like this are worth putting in a little effort for. For more bodysuit options, make sure you check out Universal Standard, their range is amazing and available all year round.
Bodysuit from Boohoo.com Plus, shirt and denim skirt from 17 Sundays (now in MYER)and sneakers are New Balance via ASOS.com.
Our first official morning in Melbourne Liv and I, in our capacity as official Curvy Couture Road Show 2015 bloggers, were asked to attend the Blogger’s Brunch at the gorgeous Little Mule Cafe. Hosted by the event organisers it gave us the perfect opportunity to catch up with the other bloggers, meet some new faces and drink all the coffee Melbourne had on offer. Yum.
In a last-minute outfit switch, I changed into a completely different outfit than I had planned before leaving. I wore my very 90’s City Chic, dual-layer top, paired with the always there when you need it Harlow Scuba Skirt, and my New Balance sneakers. Then because Melbourne was being Melbourne, the duster jacket from Boohoo.com. How very 90’s sitcom girl of me, don’t you think?
So that’s what I wore, but what did we do?
Well, I’m glad you asked. The ladies all met at the cafe, Liv and I, on time for once made a little detour around the block before finding the location just 15 minutes after the start time. A new record. Settling into the bar stools around the lavishly presented tables (Melbourne, you’re so pretty) we gave out hugs and semi-squealed hellos.
With breakfast served, and more coffee ordered, we received a rundown of the Curvy Couture Road Show 2015 events to follow. The media times, the event, the after party. We had all the details, and things just continued to get more and more exciting. We were here. Yeeeesss. All the time and effort spent to get here was a memory now. Now it was time to let our hair down and enjoy.
Which of course we did. Big time. HA.
Let me say though that these bloggers, the women we have met through blogging, they make up some of the best people I know. Sure we live interstate some of us, dress differently, enjoy different things. But in the end when we scooped Nat and Hayley up and dragged them back to our hotel room, we were as at home as if we had known each other our entire lives. That’s the upside of sharing yourself online. The plus in a world that can seem full of negatives. There are people out there who will be your friend, genuinely, if you let them. And that’s the best bit!
Now, some more photos!
Great venue right? Are you in Melbourne and would like to check out The Little Mule yourself? Pop over to their Instagram page for all the details. A big thank you also goes out to the organisers for such a gorgeous venue, brunch and taking time out of what was obviously a busy schedule to organise this for us.
Work outfits, work style, during the summer is harder than my everyday summer style, and special occasion combined. There’s usually some form of dress code, there’s always an expectation and it’s hot. Sometimes hotter than others, depending on whether you are in or out of the air con. So there’s all that. Plus, you’d rather be at the beach. Or I would anyway.
I find that by having a few key go-to pieces I get through most weeks with no issue. My work wardrobe is mostly black and white. Some colour thrown in on random days. Then I add a wow items like this duster now and again, and you’re in the work style game.
There’s something about the print and proportions of the jacket, the mixed up hem of the skirt and the texture of the top make this outfit interesting. The red shoes, great for a day when you’re more in the office than out, just add something extra. I like to keep my hair, makeup and jewellery simple for work because I’m lazy mostly. I’d rather sleep in those few extra minutes than apply more time. So a slick of gloss will always brighten the look .
I mentioned before that my work wardrobe is predominantly black and white and I do this for a reason. I find it much easier to mix and match from clothing in the same colour family. Navy is beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but do you know how many times over the years I’ve accidentally matched a black skirt with a navy blazer thinking they were a set? LOTS. Best spare yourself the trouble.
Sorry team, all items are from my wardrobe and have sold out.
When it comes to stripes, I just can’t get enough of them. I’m team stripes and the stripe’ier the better. So on Saturday afternoon I donned my mismatched stripes and my new boohoo plus white vest, and we went driving. Mr Suger and I like to do that sometimes; have Hybrid, will travel and all that. We had nothing planned that night for the first time in ages and decided to just kill some time hanging out.
With the windows down and ‘Shake It Off’ cranked on the car stereo (yes, we are those people) we drove the winding roads behind where we live. Wind in our (my) hair and singing loudly and badly we pass the time talking and laughing. Somewhere into the afternoon I decided we should stop, grab some photos and then grab a blue frozen Fanta. And let me tell you, I was glad we did it in that order when I spilt blue liquid all down my pristine white longline sleeveless white vest.
Le sigh.
Thank goodness for Napisan.
This vest only arrived last week, and I’ve already factored it into two outfits. I had to order the UK22 (normally I’d get the UK24) because the larger size was sold out. It works, but I would have liked that bit extra coverage in the front. Not that it’s hurting the wearability. I think next month when I tackle iCurvy’s 30 in 30 wardrobe challenge this is going to be one of my go-to pieces for versatility. For work and play which is going to be a tricky thing for me.
Stripe Tee – Emerson for BigW (size 18) – Instore now Stripe Skirt – Avella for BigW (size 22) – last year White longline sleeveless blazer – Boohoo.com (size 22 – 24 back in stock) Tan Strap Heels – Target Australia – last year
So stripes, we love them, right? And white clothes as long as there is Napisan, we love them too, yes? And can I just mention there is no black in this outfit at all. I win this round brighten my wardrobe challenge, better luck next time.
Sometimes there’s nothing special about outfits; they are just the clothes you wear when you go about your life. This day was one of those days. It’s easy, simple enough and comfortable. Sometimes it’s these kinds of outfits that just need to end up on the blog. They need to be blogged to balance the fancier, more complicated ones.
When it comes to casual I often reach for my chambray pieces. Lighter and easier to wear than denim, I love the pop of blue; the opportunity to add light layers and 90s vibe. As far as I’m concerned everyone needs a go to casual outfit theme. It just makes it faster and easier to get out the door. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know I have a few; sneakers pencil skirts, stripes and anything tucked in. Do you have a style you always reach for? You will have, think about it.
Now about this outfit, it features my trusty chambray which has currently been re-released and a new season t-shirt from 17 Sundays, my boohoo skater that I love and strappy low wedges. I added this necklace that I picked up at a clothes swap, for me, the mix of metals ties all the colours together. Plus all in all it took me 7 minutes on my way out the door to throw it together, that’s what casual style is all about.
Chambray Shirt – 17 Sundays Crossover Back T-Shirt – 17 Sundays {gifted} Skater Skirt – Boohoo Plus {old stock} Ankle Strap Wedges – Target Australia {last year}
Yesterday as the rain started to fall, and the night settled in I took advantage of the first day I felt somewhat human again to pull out my new stuff from Boohoo.com. What does one wear with such obvious sports luxe wardrobe additions? You throw your hair up in a high pony and slide your feet into some sneakers and hey presto. Easy outfit.
Wearing this bomber jacket zipped as a top was a bit of a last-minute decision, and I’m happy with how it turned out. I love a good crop line on my shape, and this gives a cute peek of midriff too. Always a win. Mr Suger told me that I was silly and that I wouldn’t be warm enough. He’s such a nanna sometimes.
But in the end the outfit served its purpose. Dinner was acquired; errands were run, and life goes on. I was happy we grabbed a couple of photos on the wet driveway on our way out. It gives me something to share and reminds me that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be included on the blog. Next time I’d throw some chains on and maybe even some earrings. Glam it up a bit, you know?
Say you ran into me in my hometown, just ducking to the shops or going about my day on a Friday when I have the entire day to myself, what do you think I’d be wearing? Sometimes I’d almost guarantee you’d walk right past me, not recognising the girl in the flip flops with hair messily dragged on her head… Most the time you’d find me wearing something like this.
Jumper, at the moment, with a skater skirt, boots and a scarf when I want to liven up the black on black that I love so much. Sometimes it’s a slogan t-shirt tucked into the skirt. But always, always it’s relaxed and more than a little laid back. That’s what I like about it. It’s me.
I know a lot of folks with colder weather are freaking out right now at the bare legs, scarf or no scarf, which has to be cold, right? Well haha NO it isn’t really. I’ve worn this look all winter so far and have only been cold once. Stupid outdoor coffee shop tables in the shade, brrrrr. What can I say, I live in an awesome part of the world. Even if more a little more of an occasion to wear a jacket or real live coat might be nice. I’ll take bare legs any old day of the week.
For some people style is about playing dress-up, creating a look or an outfit that they imagine themselves to be. This can be such a fun, motivating thing to do. To experiment with your style and be someone else even for a moment, to express something that you want to say without saying it. Even if just for that day. And then there are the times that it expresses so perfectly who you are. A simple statement of you’ness. The latter is my favourite.
Tunic Style Jumper – Target Australia (aaaages ago) Waffle Skater Skirt – Boohoo.com Scarf – Cotton On Mirrored Aviators – Shopping Centre Stall Boots – Target Australia
Slipping the fabric of this white dress over my head, pulling it over my hips and into position around my legs, I thought to myself how comfortable, how easy it is to wear and how stylish. With a shake of my hair, the grabbing of my favourite boots and the addition of some jewels I was ready. Another dinner out. Grocery shopping has been avoided this week at all costs. ALL costs.
I shouted to Mr Suger that I would meet him in the car, grabbed my camera on the way past and flicked through my phone while I waited for him to join me. We left and on the way pulled over to grab some photos. The sun was setting, so we had to be fast. We do this often, fast is not a problem. Then as we returned to the car Mr Suger, with an odd look on his face said, I don’t know, and that dress looks like a cross between a sack and a nighty but with better material. Then he shrugged, jumped in the car, and turned the key.
As he drove us to dinner, I punched him on the arm. Told him to shut up, this dress rocks and what would he know anyways. I love the man, but he is the worst when it comes to helping choose my outfits. It’s the reason we’ve decided I wouldn’t ask him, and he wouldn’t tell me. After all, he has no idea, right?
