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.
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.
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.
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?
You know the whole concept of the CEO outfit, right? The one look that you can pull on day after day. I wrote about considering a personal uniform here, and for some of you, it was a little meh, because a) who wants to be like Mark Zuckerberg anyway. But b) we express ourselves through fashion, so why restrict yourself to wearing the same thing over and over?
Good question, team.
My thoughts are that there is a time and place for everything. When I need to get dressed be out the door, I love a uniform. When I’m dressing for myself and have the luxury of time, I choose something else. Going the whole hog on a uniform doesn’t allow for such freedom, but when you’re setting your own rules, you can do what you want. I do it to simplify my life. When I don’t need simple, I enjoy myself more because of it.
But you really can’t go past the simplicity of something like this (you know me, I switch up the black graphic tee depending on my mood). Knowing that I have a few keys pieces that I know fit well, wash and wear like champions and are comfortable come what may is something I value. For you, that might be another combination of items (I have a casual stripe maxi dress that is a bit of an alternative to this outfit).
In 2019, my uniform looks a little like this…
And that said, I’d love to hear your thoughts on all of this. What works for you? Do you have a default uniform like this or do you prefer to express yourself daily through clothes? You know what to do, add a comment below (or join us over on the Suger Coat It Facebook or on the post on Instagram).
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.
I know we all LOVE our little black dresses. So easy, so simple and always so cool. But there is one hundred a case to be made for the little white dress. And I don’t even mean just in summer, either. The little white dress is becoming a must-have in my wardrobe, and here’s why you should consider adding one to yours.
It’s fun!
I know, that’s deep, right? Haha. But seriously, the little white dress is fresh and modern, it’s youthful and fun. If you want to mix things up from your usual, give it a try. For me, every time I slip this swishy, ASOS number on (pictured) it feels like summer. And summer feels like good times, beverages and all my favourite things. WIN.
In winter, it makes for an excellent layering piece. There’s something crisp and, yeah I’ll say it again, fresh about white layers in winter. Colours of cream and ivory, bone and pure white. So beautiful and easily matched to your colouring. Find the shade of white that works for you and wear it all year long.
And yes, I know that the idea of keeping it clean is a nightmare for some of you. Small children, prone to spills and making a mess. But I buy easily washable fabrics and lots of Napisan. Need a tip for keeping it clean otherwise? Pack a light shirt or scarf and simply cover any spills or stains with that. Hide and seek. It’s the only way for team embrace the white dress.
I know, I’m the captain of the spilling stuff on my boobs crew.
But my favourite thing about the little white dress is how easily it converts casual. The black dress, it works, but there’s something about the white dress that pairs beautifully with sneakers or casual flats for backyard BBQs and lunchtime outings. The little white dress will take you everywhere!
Like onto the streets of your hometown to be heckled by those driving by while you make your poor, long-suffering husband stand practically in the road to use this awesome building as a backdrop for photos. For example. Just sharing for a friend. Obviously. Haha.
So get on board, team little white dress is waiting for you!
Wearing ASOS Curve dress and City Heel heels (both sold out online, sorry guys!)
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.
My friend Emma is getting married later this year and when I looked into my wardrobe, the discussions over what to wear have begun, there was nothing there that I hadn’t worn a billion and one times and I was over it. So I did what most plus size women do for such an occasion, I went to ASOS.
Months in advance.
Because there’s one thing I’ve learnt about buying plus size clothing for special occasions and that is that there will be nothing when you need it and there will be lots when you don’t. So you better start early and plan ahead. Such is life. Murphy’s Law or something.
With some browsing, this blush bodycon dress, along with the marble print one from a few weeks ago, made their way into my cart and into my post box. There might have also been a bit of casual clothing action too, but what can you do? A girl must be prepared. Haha.
Now, the Mr thinks this dress looks like someone took a longer dress and tucked it in the belt. Like when you are getting married and you have to hoick up your wedding dress to pee… Like that. Thanks husband type person. Men. But I like it. I think the drape and the oddness of it is what makes it cool.
Even if the back split meant I spent the majority of the afternoon attempting to securing my bra’s back strap below the split. Anyone have any tips for getting your bra to sit lower? Do I need a special bra or can I manufacture something out of what I have? Let me know. I’m not above using duct tape a la Kim Kardashian, but let’s face it. I’m going to require a substantial amount…
Wearing Blush Bodycon Dress from ASOS Curve, Target Australia Heels and Quay Australia Muse in Pink/Gold.
A few weeks ago I gave away a pair of these joggers in a double denim awesome giveaway with the team from 17 Sundays. Now, a lot of you didn’t win. Obviously, there could be only one. But I know some of you went a grabbed yourself a pair anyway. Hello, these spotted pants of awesome are so fun. So are you looking into the different ways to wear them?
I bet you are.
And you know me, always happy to help.
So I thought I’d bring together how the ladies who entered the giveaway suggested that THEY would wear them along with showing you how, this time, I wore mine. That’s a win, right? Styling ideas are the hardest part of any new item of clothing… So we’ve got your back.
Firstly and always I’m team double denim. The matching shirt is great, I love them together and Margaret rocks them like no one’s business in the promotional images. BABE. But this time of year, it’s a little more practical to pair it with a simple chambray tank and get a similar, more weather-friendly option. And heels, well, always a win with this style of pant to elongate the leg, if such a thing is a concern for you.
My (wrinkled after some time in the car) version of printed denim jogger type things, I’m wearing the size 22, looks a little something like this…
Now. What did the other ladies suggest we do with them?
Suzanne suggests pairing them with a white tee (a popular choice) and platform heels.Agree, Suzanne, agree! Actually. A number of the ladies suggested pairing with a white tee and everything from sneakers (you guys really get me, bless your heart) to your favourite statement heel. Nice one. These joggers were made to be paired with white.
Megan G said she was going to wear a bodysuit (YES!) under hers and pair with a statement necklace, a super high top knot and hot red lip.Well, hellloooooo Megan. I love this idea. Love, love the idea of dressing them up and giving them a night on the town. Great thinking Megan.
Nat said she would wear them with the matching shirt in a long torso style double denim boiler suit of awesomeness.Now I know you know I’m on board with this. I’m so long in the torso often I have to size up twice to get jumpsuits etc to fit me. Ling body life, what can I say. So this is a great tip from Nat, if you’re long in the body, rock matching prints in a ‘faux jumpsuit’.
And finally a lot of ladies suggested pairing this delicious denim with pops of colour. I can’t argue with that. The tones in the joggers lend themselves to lots and lots of colour options. I prefer cool tones with my newest hair colour (and because Nat Tucker told me to). But I’m sure they lend themselves to whatever works for you.
And yup. Long torso problems, that’s my stomach poking out of a ‘long line‘ top. Haha.
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).
