New purchases from City Chic and ASOS because

November 10, 2013 / Lisa

I have finally finished tidying up by blog after giving it a bit of a make-over.

Doesn’t it look fabulous?

It was quite interesting looking at some old posts of mine. I realised just how far I have come. My confidence has grown, anger has dissipated and I am so much happier.

But enough about that, do you want to see some of my new purchases?

I might have been a little naughty and made purchases from both ASOS and City Chic this week, but I’m justifying it because I didn’t pay full price for anything.

First ASOS.

New Look Inspire Marilyn Monroe T-shirt:

I kind of wish I had gotten this up a size, but at the same time I’m sure it will stretch. Plus it’s Marilyn, I don’t want to return Marilyn! It says, “Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” It is still available here.

New Look Inspire Aztec Print Singlet:

I am wearing this right now and I am in love with it. At first I was a bit dubious, but over the course of the day, it has stretched out a bit and now sits quite well. It will definitely look great paired with a dark denim jean, although I have only worn it with leggings today. It is also still available.

Also, I have learned that I probably need to size up with the Inspire range from ASOS compared to when I’m buying Curve.

Last is the ASOS Curve Exclusive T-Shirt With Holographic Check Print:

I decided to buy this one because I thought it would be the same as my other grey tee from ASOS with gems on the shoulder. Which I love and I now wish I had have bought two. Unfortunately the fit is a tad different and I still don’t know how I feel about this one. The sleeves actually aren’t rolled up as in the picture, so I’m going to have to do that myself – a couple quick stitches will secure the folds in place. But I’m sure if I wear it, it will stretch a bit and look a bit better, the tops from ASOS seem to do this. It is also still available here.

Now from City Chic.

Lace Stud Peplum Top:

As soon as I saw this I knew I had to have it. Yellow, lace and studs – what more was there to love? This is only the second peplum I have bought, but I think I love it even more. I decided to size up, as my other one keeps riding up whenever I wear it. It sits comfortably and I don’t think I will be having that problem with this one. Only thing I will have to do is buy a new bra. I pretty much only have coloured bras, so they won’t go well with this. I’m thinking a nude strapless would be a goer as not only nude straps, but also it means I could get some clear straps to put on it. This has only been available from City Chic for about a week, so it is definitely still available. It also comes in Melon and Black.

Lastly I got the All Zipped Up Skinny Jeans:

I seem to have a love-hate relationship with jeans. I love them because they are so comfortable and can be dressed up or down. But I hate them because they can be so hot during the summer and a pair usually only lasts me about six months. I have recently had my black TDF jeans rip in the thighs rendering them unwearable. I only bought them in April/May. My blue pair have also gone the same way after only buying them last November. Even though both pairs have split, they are still the best fitting jeans I have ever had and will be buying more as soon as possible. However, when I saw this pair I fell in love instantly and thought they would pair well with the above peplum. These are also still available.

I ended up using my $30 voucher on this purchase, saving me from paying full price. And I have to say, I love the new CC Nation loyalty programme. I always thought the old one was a bit redundant – why was I swiping my card with every purchase when I got no rewards? But now I will get something for my excessive purchasing. I’m totally looking forward to the buy one bra, get one free and the free shipping on any order. Yes, I have Glam status.

I will start including these in a few outfit posts, unfortunately I couldn’t share proper photos of myself wearing them this weekend as my photographer is in New Zealand. Soon, I promise.

Aussie Curves – Races

November 5, 2013November 6, 2013 / Lisa / 9 Comments

I have never quite understood how the Melbourne Cup was called ‘the cup that stops a nation’, but now I do.

Having experienced my first one in an Australian workplace, I witnessed my colleagues all stop what they were doing for about half an hour and then all head back to work.

It was great.

My horse lost.

But the best part was the fashion! Many of my colleagues dressed up and wore something pretty in their hair.

Here is what I wore.

Fabulous.

I actually don’t have that many ‘nice’ dresses. I’ve been looking for a some because I have a few events coming up this month which require cocktail attire. This one I have had for a little while and it was love at first sight.

It’s really comfortable as it is made of ponte fabric, but it can be a bit warm for a Sydney summer.

I love the see-through shoulders and the diamantes on it. Unfortunately these tend to come off in the wash and I have already lost a few. I should really know better by now to buy things with sparkles on.

I paired it with the tights because I was going to work and wanted to be comfortable, and today was unusually cold compared to what it has been lately in Sydney.

I have also realised there is nothing better than a red lip. I feel almost invincible when I put it on. This is my Revlon Ultimate Suede one again, which I have already professed my love for many times. (Side note: I am so much more comfortable with these images that I was with the Retro ones.)

My hair piece is just a headband with the feathers attached. It has kind of become my go-to piece when I need to wear a fascinator. I did my hair in a simple, messy side bun.

Dress: City Chic
Tights: We Love Colors
Shoes: Target (gifted)
Headband: Mita (NZ, can be found in pharmacies) However this one I got about a year ago. (gifted)
Sunglasses: Glassons
Lippy: Revlon
Bracelets: City Chic

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Bellecurve – a new plus size range from Target

November 5, 2013November 7, 2013 / Lisa

Last week I was invited to the launch of a new plus size range from Target Australia – Bellecurve.

In the course of my job as a journalist, I have been to many PR events and just events, but never anything quite like this. Fashion is a whole different catwalk.

And as my first foray into fashion launches, it was exhilarating.

Taking place in a beautiful penthouse suite at The Establishment in Sydney, small groups of other fashion bloggers, many of them fellow Aussie Curves posters, were invited to meet with Bellecurve ambassador Fiona Falkiner to discuss and try on the new range.

Covering sizes 16 to 26, the collection dubbed ‘Out on the Town’ contains 14 pieces which are said to take you “from desk to dinner”.

I would describe the range as City Chic, but cheaper. I love City Chic, it was a godsend when I needed it, but you have to admit, it can be expensive and not everyone can afford it.

Bellecurve is priced from $49 to $79. I can just see Man Piece’s frown now when I start bringing home more clothes for my ever-expanding wardrobe.

I didn’t manage to try everything on, but here is what I did manage. First the Float Away Tunic in Cobolt as seen here:

It is only $49 and also comes in Black. It does come with a singlet underneath, but that is detachable and a little redundant. I also found it quite small in comparison to the rest of the top. Also pictured is the Shine Bright Sequin Shrug at $59. These two pieces look fantastic together, but the shrug isn’t quite my style. I will be going out to get this top though. (Jeans are not part of the collection, soz.) I’m wearing a 24 in both, which is what I expected to be in the sizing.

Next is the Reach For The Stars Studded Top at $59. This is quite baggy – I even sized down. I originally tried on the 24 but felt it was too baggy and went for the 22.

Now that I’m looking at the photos, this top is growing on me. I wasn’t completely sold on it while I was wearing it, but now, it actually looks quite flattering.

I really loved this Lolita Dress. I have already been on the hunt for it, but so far cannot find it. It is a steal at $59 – the perfect LBD.

With the beautiful Fiona Falkiner being all matchy-matchy. OMG TWINS.

The twin theme appeared again when Jo from iCurvy and I were both in the Glamourous Sequin Dress. This one is top of the range price-wise at $79.

In both the dresses I went for the 26 – the 24 did fit, but for comfort and a bit more movement, I decided to size up. I had expected on the more fitted pieces that I might have to do this.

Overall, I am loving the range and can’t wait to get my hands on some of it for myself. It is great to see Target is branching out to cater for plus size women who do want more glamorous clothing, but for a reasonable price.

As you can see there is a bit more colour in the collection with the floral patterns than what I have shown you. It wasn’t really my thing, so I didn’t try them on.

Also, here is a sneak peek of what you could expect in January. The bottom image is the collection which has been released this week.

Now what would a fashion post be without a selfie?

Special appearance by Elise from yElle Styling and the Dazzle Me Pencil Skirt.

So far it would seem the full collection is not in stores, but I’m sure it will appear in the next few days. You can also look at the entire collection on Target’s website.

I also have to say a huge thank you to Target for gifting me a pair of heels which were available for us to try on with the clothes. I have a lot of trouble finding shoes because I am a size 11/12 with a very wide foot, so even if a store does stock an 11, it is not often that it will fit me. I might have had a moment when they said I could have them because I have really struggled lately to find any shoes. Target seems to be the only place that I can go and try on shoes that are reasonably priced.

I believe this is the pair (I don’t have a good photo of them right now). They are so comfortable and easy to walk in. I’m hoping to take them for their first spin tomorrow when I dress up for Melbourne Cup day.

So what do you think of the new range?

Aussie Curves – Retro

November 2, 2013November 7, 2013 / Lisa / 8 Comments

Today was one of those days where I was never going to be happy.

I wasn’t happy with the outfit I had chosen and I definitely wasn’t happy with how the photos have come out of said outfit. And with the unhappiness of these things then came feelings of hate towards my body.

Why are my arms so flabby? Why are my knees like that? Why am I so goddamn pale? White doesn’t look good on me, I should never wear white. This skirt is showing off my tummy. And on it went.

Contrary to everything I was feeling, Man Piece kept saying ‘You’re pretty”. Even if I didn’t believe him (and still don’t). Because today was one of those days when I was never going to be happy.

But yet, here I am, still posting the photos for Retro week. Even though I would rather delete all photos and forget the whole thing. I’m trying to grow and become more body positive. Even it means posting photos of myself that I believe aren’t that flattering.

So here we go:

Me feeling less than ecstatic about this outfit and pulling a face to hide my discomfort.

I wasn’t really sure what to do for a retro outfit. It’s not really my style. So I turned to Google to give me a vague idea. I saw polka dots, fills, big skirts and go-go boots. And thus this outfit was born.

In theory this outfit works, but it just wan’t working for me today. I haven’t actually worn this skirt since I lived in Auckland – so that is more than 12 months ago – and it doesn’t feel right anymore. But yet I still love it, so it will probably continue to hang in my wardrobe, not being worn. Which is sad, because this is an awesome skirt. It is pleated and has buttons on the front, unfortunately hidden by my top.

As for the top, I wore it a few times last summer, but it has been hanging in my wardrobe ever since. Now that it is warm again, it may make a few more appearances in my outfits. However, the problem with it is that it is white. I don’t like white clothes for two reasons. The first is that white really shows how pale I am and second, when I wear white catastrophe is soon to follow. In the form of sauce befriending said white item.

I really should have known better when buying this, but back in 2011, when I did buy it, I was naive and still getting to know my body and what I liked fashion-wise. I think the top is cute, but if I was to see it on a clothing rack now, I would avoid. The reason I haven’t gotten rid of it? I’m so stubborn about getting rid of any piece of clothing.

I added the scarf to the outfit because I thought something was missing. Even now, I still think there is something missing from the outfit. Maybe I should have donned a jacket? Or added a bit of red lippy?

Adding to my ailments about this week is that I don’t actually have my laptop – it has headed back to Apple with a thermal issue, which arose since the logicboard was replaced a few months ago. So I had to use Man Piece’s laptop (a brick of a thing with Linux on) to edit my photos with GIMP! I yearn for my Mac and Photoshop again.

Top: City Chic
Skirt: City Chic
Boots: Number One Shoes (NZ)
Scarf: Kikki K from its ‘Enjoy the little things’ collection

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Aussie Curves – Celebrity Copy Cat

October 26, 2013November 8, 2013 / Lisa / 8 Comments

At the start of this week I had no idea which celebrity style I wanted to copy. My mind was blank.

Finally Friday rolled around and I thought, I need to pick *someone*. So I turned to Pinterest for some inspiration. I started looking through celebrities and women’s fashion, but wasn’t really finding anything. Then I stumbled upon a photo of Demi Lovato and everything just fell in to place. Within five minutes I had an entire outfit planned.

This seems to be her current go-to outfit, and I have to say, I love it. Perfect mix of rock, grunge and glam. I also LOVE her neon blue hair right now. (No, I haven’t gone that far in celebrity copy cat, but one day I would love to dye my hair blue. One day…)

Anyway, here is what I have come up with. It’s kind of a mix of the two photos of her.

I actually went all out for this and I had so much fun. I planned the hair, make-up and jewelry. All fitting in with Demi’s style.

My t-shirt is actually one I have had for ages and I still love wearing it. Yes it does say “Make cupcakes not war”, cause I love cupcakes and don’t like war. It is from Johnny Cupcakes, an American clothing brand that does all sorts of cool tees and clothing, as well as accessory type things. I chose this tee for the outfit because I don’t have any of my band t-shirts with me here in AU, but I think it still fit with the style.

In the photos Demi has several chains, so I layered a couple of my normal necklaces I wear, just because I don’t own any chunky chains. I also wore a few cuffs/spiky bracelets, which she tends to wear quite often.

I even painted my nails black for the occasion. Dedicated. It is Midnight in NY by Sally Hansen. It’s a great nail polish as it has a bit of glitter in it. It also has a nice flat brush which allows for easy application, and it is fast drying.

And of course the outfit wouldn’t be complete without a bit of make-up. Demi was wearing a bright red lipstick, so I decided to pull out mine. This is Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede in Trendsetter. I love it because it really does stay on once set and doesn’t come off on glasses etc. Also note my bling earrings. Demi had a pair on as well.

So what do you think? Did I nail it? Also, new photo wall – AMAZING.

Leggings: ASOS curve
T-shirt: Johnny Cupcakes
Jacket: City Chic
Heels: Grace Hill, Ezibuy
Jewelry: cuff off a pair of shoes from Target, spike bracelets and earrings from Diva/Lovisa, necklaces from Tiffany’s and a market stall in Chatswood, cat ring from ASOS the other one I made myself from a button.