As Queenslander, my winter wardrobe is pretty limited. I have some jumpers and knits and a few essential jackets. That said, in Gympie, where I live, when winter shows up, it brings its A-game, which is good news if you want an excuse to experiment with some layers or jackets. Or in my case, a knit dress or two as your go-to winter outfit.
When it comes to heading out for dinner, backyard BBQs (yes, we still have those!) or even catching a movie, this is an outfit that won’t let you down. For me, it has been worth the investment in a few key dresses (like this one from last year) that I can throw on and be heading out the door. If you’ve been around here for a little while now, you know THAT is the most important thing to me.
Highly recommend.
The best part about this style of outfit is that you can add as many light layers as you need. For this hot mess of a woman, I find that I don’t need stockings or singlets under, but you totally could. I love jeans, and I couldn’t live without all my joggers and other pants, but there’s something about heading out for the night that brings out the dress wearer in me. I feel fancy immediately in a way I never really do in pants. Is that just me?
What’s your go-to winter night out outfit?
If you’re interested in this one, I’ve put links below. All but the exact boots are still available online at the time of publishing this. I mean, if you know me and my wardrobe, you know that’s not always the case. I’ve been eyeing off a few more knit dresses for this sort of occasion, so let me know in the comments if you want to see a wrap up (pun SO intended there) of more knit dresses like this one. Until then, more pics!
Wearing 17 Sundays Snow Wash Moto Jacket (AU22), ASOS Curve Midi Wrap Skirt T-Shirt Dress (AU24) and City Chic Boots.
Been a while since an outfit post, right, team? Today, let’s make up for that with not one, not even TWO, but FOUR outfits as shown on my plus size body, that even includes some new season stuff. I mean, what’s not to love about that? If you follow my Instagram (if not, gosh, why not?) then you might have noticed the outfit post start to make it’s way back into the roster.
Which is good news, I’d missed it and I think you guys had too.
So, on this path to resuming the usual order of things, I thought this composite post might come in handy. There are some links, some extra photos where I had them, and the initial Instagram post in case you missed it. Sounds like a plan, right? Let’s get started with this week’s ‘What I’m Wearing Wrap Up’ (say that three times fast?).
(Gifted) 17 Sundays Confetti Print Dress (also in black colourway) and City Chic Boots (similar style)
The end. Let me know if this is something that you’re interested in seeing (the links and stuff could be handy, right?) let me know. I’d like to get back to full outfit posts, but grabbing photo sets can be hard sometimes. Until then, let’s live that Insta-life.
Every girl needs a go-to outfit that doesn’t need ironing, is easy to wear and can but slipped on (or off) at a moment’s notice. For me, that kind of thing is exactly the type of clothes I love to wear. Piece by piece I’m building up a wardrobe of these type of items and outfits. This ASOS Curve Mini Tea Dress is the latest favourite. I’ve had the maxi dress for a while now. Living in it for a majority of winter. But with summer on the way, I thought it was time to get the legs out and celebrate the sunshine.
It really doesn’t matter if we’re going to the park, to dinner, a movie or a wander around, this dress does it all. Paired with sneakers or heels or flats… it always looks great. Look at me going all gaga for a simple, little black dress. BUT, as I said above, you just have to have these go-to looks. What’s yours?I know a lot of women that say jeans. Which, I mean, I get it. But anything with a waistband is out for me during summer. Haha.
Too hot, too can’t be bothered.
Side note: I have one minor complaint about the range of dresses I’m collecting in this easy to wear style. If you can spare me a moment to complain. They all have high necklines. Some feel like they’re almost at my chin. The exception, of course, is my Suger Tee Dress from 17 Sundays. But, for so many of them, the neckline is a bit of a frustration. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind higher necklines, not everything I wear has to be focused around my boobs. BUT, some variety would be nice.
This dress isn’t too bad, the neckline is wide enough not to be half choking you when you sit down. But keep an eye on the blog next week, I have this graphic tee dress with the highest neckline ever (excluding turtlenecks). And while I love it (dress it up or down, whatever) a wide, deeper neck would be nice. Any suggestions for hacking that sort of thing myself? Keep in mind I don’t sew. Haha.
But for now, check out my current favourite!
Wearing ASOS Curve Mini Tea Dress (UK24), random, old AF sandals (similar’ish) and Quay Australia sunglasses.
There’s some conversation online about this style of dress. With its over-sized shape and modest, for lack of a better word, lines it has been labelled an unflattering sack. Gosh. Because people on the internet just can’t hold it in, right? But once again, the people of the internet and I disagree.
Strongly.
There’s this thing that happens in plus size fashion, this hyper-sexuality and femininity that is ‘required’ of us. Be feminine in the body they told you isn’t sexy, or delicate or desirable. To embrace your body, you must expose it and dress in ways that either flatter it or show it off. It’s a confusing, opinionated world out there. That is why I chose to dress for me, and you should dress for you, in whatever makes you happy.
I’ve talked about missing the ‘girly girl’ gene before. When it came to my clothing, I’ve never felt comfortable in anything overly femme. This girl was Sporty Spice inspired leaving Baby in the corner. That doesn’t make me right; it just makes me me. In the same way, if you prefer bodycon over slouch, that’s your business. Or ruffles over stripes.
See where I’m heading with this.
When you immediately dismiss something over-sized or slouchy as a sack and decry it on Facebook, you’re telling me, and those that dress like me, that we’re wrong. And really, who died and made you boss of what any of us wear?
I sound a little ranty, right? I get it. But I’m sick of heading onto plus size clothing retailers Facebook or Instagram pages and being inundated with complaints. Buy it or don’t, let me tell you, the retailer knows the outcome of sales. But can we quit with the whole ‘ripping’ on everything thing?
You’re making my wedge dress super sad.
Wearing 17 Sundays Seamed Wedge Dress in black {AU24} and City Chic Peep Toe Ankle Boots {42/11} {check out the link for similar}.
I added this prompt to the Hashtag Plus Blogger challenge myself. I’d been watching some YouTube {yeah, I know, same old same old} and came across a movie by Casey Neistat titled ‘Do What You Can’t’. Watch it if you haven’t seen it and have no idea what I’m on about. I knew it would be an interesting prompt. A prompt open to all kinds of interpretation. Outfits you ‘can’t’ wear. People who told us we can’t. Anything that has ever stood in your way.
So, here we are.
For my post this week, it’s a little of all of them. My outfit is very much one people have told me I shouldn’t be wearing. One that ‘requires’ shapewear. One that I should reconsider. For a moment after I saw the photos I thought maybe I should too. Too round in the stomach. Heck, too round everywhere. Maybe if I reconsidered the neckline or the fit of the skirt, or something to turn me into a sucked in sausage person, I could. But, I probably can’t.
But I’m wiser than that now. I’d say smarter, but it’s not that kind of wise. I’ve been in the trenches of being at war with my body, with allowing others to be at war with it, and I’m done. As I enter conversations with women, like I did in Melbourne this past week, I hear the same thing time and time again. Oh, I can’t. Not, I don’t want to or I’m choosing not to. No. They say, I can’t. Like there is a force out there making them.
But is there?
When you hear the voice that says you can’t, who is that!? It’s not the law, in Australia at least, there is very little restrictions on what you can and can’t wear. Sure, it could be magazines or style blogs. But meh, who listens to those people anyway. Maybe it’s the voice of your mother or grandmother, installing their idea of what it is to be appropriate so you can be safe. Maybe that voice, after it is all said and done. Or maybe it’s just you.
Did you set the rules based on something that happened once? Something you heard or the way somebody treated you. I get that. Seriously. I get that in so many ways. Hear me when I say I’ve been there. You heard me share above, and some of you might very well have agreed with it, but that voice isn’t the boss of you. That voice isn’t the one in charge and you can stop blaming it on you can’t.
Don’t want to? That’s different.
Saying you can’t. That makes it someone else’s problem. Someone else’s decision. It takes the power of who you are {and what you’re wearing, as the case may be} right out of your hands and dumps it in someone else’s lap. And that, my friends, is no way to live. Change your language and stop handing over your power to other people. Because sure, maybe you can’t, but most of the time I put to you, it’s you that’s getting in your way.
Wearing Boohoo Duster Jacket, Atmos + Here Skirt and ASOS Tank and City Chic heels {similar}. Sorry guys, most are from my wardrobe or sold out.
Link your post or photo below!
Thanks for playing along, team. I can’t wait to hear your take on ‘You Can’t’. Are you giving us some rules to play by or breaking them? Challenging someone who told you ‘you can’t or praising someone who was the voice that said you could. I want to hear all about it. See you on your blog soon!
Oh hey outfit post watchers, it’s been a while, right? Welcome back to the blog for this cool outfit that pretty much sold out already. Ummmm. Sorry about that. I really did try to get you something that was in stores now this time. Who doesn’t love some newness, right?
This striped midi skirt arrived and I took the photos the day. It was only hours after launching my ‘what’s in the mail‘ haul video and well, this end of the stock item just went and sold out. Seriously, when you guys see a bargain, you go for it, I’ll give you that. Haha.
You guys have got a gift. For sure.
But old stuff or new stuff, a casual outfit you can reach for and head out the door is a must. In my books, anyway. I couldn’t live without these simple to pull on, virtually uncrushable basics. Pretty much every day of the year I live in this style of outfit. Nothing makes it easier
You know the best part about these photos? That when I look at them it brings back this rainy afternoon with the Mr. It’s about coffee dates and the day to day things that make up a life. This blog has never really been about the clothes or the things. It’s about my life and how it works.
Clothes, they’re a fun sidetrack.
Making your husband take outfit photos in the carpark before you buy toilet paper, that’s the real show. Haha. Living and sharing and hanging out. So, yeah, I wish I had some new stuff for you guys to buy. You seem to like that. But, hopefully, what I’ve got coming up this week will be just as fun. Blog life, right?
Wearing 17 Sundays Cape Jacket, City Chic Online Basic T-Shirt {various colours}, 17 Sundays Stripe Midi Skirt {XS only left, as of right now} and white low cut Converse
Hello, team! As I mentioned a few weeks ago, we are kicking off a new blog challenge. So if you’re looking for outfit inspiration or even a prompt to write your next blog post, this should help. Not only that, but I’m hoping this will help bring together a community of bloggers who what to be inspired and inspire.
Sounds familiar, right?
For years a number of plus size women joined together in weekly challenges under the Aussie Curves banner. Created by Danielle of Danimezza, it thrived for years! There was a community of women who joined in every week and the word spread. We had an amazing time doing those challenges. For me, it gave me a way to step outside of my comfort zone every week.
I wasn’t the only one. A lot of the bloggy pals I still count as friends to this day missed the challenges. The chance to put together an outfit, to write and share our journey. Whatever the platform, whether we blogged, Instagrammed or tweeted for fun or for profit. We wanted to bring back the good old days. Nostalgia, it’s so in. Haha. But Aussie Curves wasn’t mine, it wasn’t any of ours, so we couldn’t just revive it and pick up where we left off. We decided to start again.
How can you join in?
Simple. Use the #hashtagplusblogger hashtag on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook so we can find you and visit your post. If you have a blog or YouTube channel, I’ll be uploading a link-up every Sunday evening. You can add your link there. It’s not just about creating an outfit, though for a lot of us it will be, it’s a chance to use the prompt to write too. To create! To make something.
All I ask is that you visit the others who are participating and show them some love. Supporting each other and cheering each other on. That’ll be important, I think. That we show up for each other and for me, it’s kind of the point. So, if you’re going to play along and create something, make sure you share the love. It’s not all about you, you know. Haha. Now, are you ready!? Let’s get started.
Introducing project Hashtag Plus Blogger #hashtagplusblogger
Prompt 01 Halloween
For this week, share your blog so we can get to know each other before the Halloween prompt starts next Sunday night. Add a link to your Instagram or YouTube if that’s where you’ll be playing along.
Want to display the link up on your blog? Send me a message and I’ll send you the code specific to your blog. Blogger, WordPress, Typepad, whatever!
I can’t wait to see what you come up with! The link-up will be open until next Sunday night when the next one opens. Feel free to prepare your posts ahead of time. Whatever you need to do to get your blog groove back!
Welcome plus size bodycon shoppers! You’ve come to the right place, but first, there’s something I want to say. Wearing a bodycon dress when you’re a fat woman takes a certain amount of stubbornness. Firstly, that you can wear what you want and who cares what other people think. But secondly, because finding the perfect combination of fit and stretch and oomph can be impossible.
That’s where I come in.
Whether you wear them out and proud or layer them, I’m telling you now that you NEED a bodycon dress in your life. Don’t believe me? Today I’ve included a few links to past outfits for some ideas. The gallery is at the bottom of this post, just click the image to view that post. Want to just scroll through at your own pace, check out my outfits gallery.
Bring on the bodycon goodness!
The other thing that I wanted to squash before we started was that little voice that says you must have a flat stomach, a bubble butt and perky, perfect boobs to wear bodycon. Which, even as I type that out, I think you get where I’m going with this? Just do it. If you like it and you think it’s something you’d like to give a try. Then, my dear delightful friend, do it!
Where to buy plus size bodycon dresses.
One ASOS Curve V-Neck Midi Dress | Two Rebdolls Essential Tank – Maxi
Three Redbolls Essential Tank – Midi | Four Rebdolls Essential Tank – Mini
Five ASOS Curve Strappy Front Dress | Six Rebdolls The Union Dress
Seven ASOS Curve Shoulder Pad Mini | Eight City Chic Corset Body Con
Nine Chunky Knit Midi Length Bodycon | Ten One Shoulder Ruffle Bodycon
Eleven Block Party Midi Dress | Twelve Colour Block Midi Bodycon
There you go, team. Get out there and squish yourself into something slinky and enjoy it. Because for all the angst and drama over whether someone will see your stomach or not (spoiler, they will) bodycon dresses are SUPER comfortable. Get on board. Give it a try, I promise, you’re going to thank me.
Gasp. How is that possible. How could THIS be the last winter outfit? Summer doesn’t feel that long ago. Days, rather than months, and here we are at the end of winter. I’m a summer kid. Mainly because of the beach and the long days of summer. But this year I’ve enjoyed winter. The warmth of our fireplace and being able to snuggle under way too many blankets won me over. I’ll miss it.
But if this is the last winter outfit, I’m okay with that.
As part of my how-to wear joggers video and post, I wore three different joggers outfits for the afternoon. This is my favourite. I love the casual one, who can argue with comfortable, but this girl was born for heeled ankle boots. What can I say? Add a swishy kimono throw, and I’m happy. I’m not sure what the point of that was. But, I like it.
Winter being over, that’s right. Am I the only one who is having heart attacks over the fact that there are only four months left in the year. Four months. It’s remarkable how a year can just slip away and yet feel so jam-packed. Have you ever experienced that? I feel like I can’t think of one single thing that I’ve done this year but I’ve been busy the whole time.
Oh man, I hope I’m not turning into that ‘busy’ person.
I probably am.
In 2017, I am that person, aren’t I?
Anyway. The opportunity to lament the way this year is speeding past couldn’t be ignored. After all, what else did I have to do tonight (hello, I scheduled this)? It’s not like I watch Game of Thrones or anything. It feels like the entire world is watching the season finale. My sister-in-law even made a themed dinner. I mean, that’s dedication. And here I am.
You guys should check out the pics now, this clearly isn’t going anywhere. Haha. Enjoy what could very well be my last winter outfit of 2017. I mean, I’m more of a summer kid anyway.
Wearing 17 Sundays Kimono Throw (sold out) and Warpaint Joggers in White, Dip Hem Tank from ASOS, and City Chic Booties (sold out online).
How-to wear plus size denim joggers, as told by me. The owner of this blog and general wearer of such things. Jogger pants are the best of both world for me, half jeans and half slouchy tracksuit pant, so when they came to plus size clothing stores, I was IN. So in. Let’s take a look at how I wear them. And can I just tell you, this little project has now been a week in the making so other than being OVER IT, I’m proud to present, my first ever how-to wear that video.
Find your fit. For me, in a jogger pant, I want comfort as much as I want a great fit. The ones I’m wearing are a little snug at the waist (that’s not on the pants, that’s all me) but the fit on the legs is close where you want it close. I have a tendency to size too far up, especially after I wear them in, and lose the shape around the legs. So, keep looking team, find your fit.
Show some ankle. A denim jogger pant outfit needs a bit of ankle. That bit of skin helps to bring the whole look together so don’t be afraid to roll or cuff to get it. I love how the lace up shoe works with this look because it gives that skin down the ankle. It feels like it helps to elongate the leg when joggers can be a little bit responsible for shortening it.
Dressing them up rocks. I love wearing my joggers for casual, slouch around type outings. It’s the best. Easy to look put together and comfy. But don’t underestimate the jogger pants for a really put together evening look. I know we’re talking about denim here, but I have a pair of pleather joggers that I LOVE for evenings when it’s a little cooler. So hot.
Don’t be afraid of the crotch/belly combo. A lot of plus size women I know fear the pant for the crotch or belly displayed. I get it, people have been telling us for decades to hide our stomach and look thinner. But here’s the thing, you can keep worrying about that forever and not wear what YOU like, or you can just go for it. And I think you’ll find that the shape of the plus size denim jogger gives you more room around the stomach than your average jean.
Looking for Joggers? Try here.
My favourites (of course) – 17 Sundays. They have so many in their current range there is something for everyone. Try the cross front ones in the dark grey, life changer, I promise. The white ones I’m wearing are the War Paint cut in white. They’re a little more generous than the Finks if you’re comparing the two and a very similar fit to the knit joggers but with less stretch. I have them all, pretty much, so if you have a question about sizing or fit, let me know.
Keep an eye out on the blog next week and I’ll be sharing some more images from the shoot. Photos, so many photos! But until then, feel free to ask about the different items and where they came from. I’m happy to answer in the comments or refer you to existing posts featuring them. And if you enjoyed this video, I’m open to suggestions about what the next one should be.
In a conversation with Samara for the podcast the other day, I shared that I’ve been feeling a little off. Not sick (for once! That’s Mr Suger’s job this week) but off balance, out of whack and a little wobby. We talked about it for almost an hour, I’ll make sure I share the episode when it’s done. For me, there’s an impact to who I am when I feel like that.
Feeling a little off, it makes it hard to share yourself.
I can’t be myself when I don’t feel myself. Do you get that? I’m sure you do, you guys are always so good with getting this kind of thing. For months I’ve been feeling a little out of my depth with the new things I’m learning and challenges I’ve been tackling. I’ve been stretching myself and that is always difficult.
Even after all these years blogging, I didn’t know how to process that in a way I could articulate. Isn’t it strange how the things we SHOULD say gets lost when we need to say them the most? That’s always been the case for me. The words, usually so abundant, disappear and I’m quiet.
I know that turning inwards don’t serve me. Sure, in my head, I know that. But my gut, well, it was a little bit behind. It forgets that when this sense of overwhelming anxiety kicks in, that I need to reach out. Turning inwards makes me feel alone, on the edge and entirely left to my own devices. So, that conversation it broke the dam. I found the words I wanted to say in that chat and now here.
I found the words to say, find the words.
Then, I opened a package from a friend and found something to wear. After that I found an afternoon free, a schedule cleared, to wear it in. I’m finding my feet again. Maybe because the stretching is becoming easier. Or maybe because I found the words to share that struggle with my body and my self. It felt good.
Sometimes you just have to pull on a cute AF dress, some ankle boots (just like old times) and eat some sushi. Without a plan or a concern other than did you bring enough cash to pay the bill. Which is a genuine concern if you have ever hit up a by the plate sushi place with the always hungry Mr Suger. Even a post-flu version.
Life’s good, team. I have to find the time to remember that sometimes.
And that my friend, is where I’m going to leave this one. It’s getting late and this girl is determined not to get sick (like the Mr) so I have to get to bed. I hope you’re doing okay out there. I hope you’re well. I wonder about you on the other side of that screen sometimes. As weird as that sounds. Look after yourself. Drink your green juice, yeah? Haha.
You might remember when I raved about this black jumpsuit back in summer. Back then I wondered how I would get the most out of it come winter but I knew that I was determined to make it work. Which, with a few simple items under, I have. For these photos, it’s all about a t-shirt. A bodysuit, especially my sheer one, also works a charm, especially for evenings.
If I have one tip, it would be to use a top over a bodysuit, you thought you felt naked in a jumpsuit when it comes to going to the bathroom. WELL! Add a bodysuit to that and well, it’s rather exposed, to say the least. Use caution and wear some serious coverage underwear or you may freeze. Haha. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
For me, being able to take something you love from your wardrobe and make it work year round, is what it’s about. You’re never going to see me go on and on about new items, cheap items or adding lots of ‘newness’ to your closet. Recycling and re-wearing are where it’s at for me. And I’m sure, for most of you! It’s bullshit to expect people to be adding constantly to their wardrobe. I think so, what say you?
Wearing Birdsnest Wideleg Black Jumpsuit (size 22) over City Chic T-Shirt (similar) and Target Australia Slides (similar).
This is one of those moments that the photos just don’t do this outfit justice. The light was fading, along with my patience, and after a number of attempts, we had to leave with what we had before it was dark. Sigh. Blog life, man. But, that said, I’m pleased I have some to share with you from this afternoon. This look is one I’ve been wearing a lot this winter. Queensland winter, of course.
