Aussie Curves – Black and White

November 23, 2013 / Lisa / 10 Comments

Black is my signature colour. I love black. White on the other hand is not a colour I have a lot of in my wardrobe.

It’s not that I despise white, but when I wear white, things tend to be spilt on my clothes. White is a stain magnet for me, which is why I tend to avoid it.

So for black and white week, for me, it tends to also mean stripes. So as an added bonus, this is also my stripes catch-up post. Yay!

This outfit is a fairly typical work outfit for me. Usually I will pair a top with jeans and add my blazer or cardigan. The top itself is a bubble-hem singlet. I actually have three of these now in different colours because they can easily be dressed up or down in summer, so I can wear them to work or with shorts over the weekend. Bonus is that they hide the lumpy bits and give me a smooth line. This might be in part to the fact it is double-layered material.

I paired the singlet with my new All Zipped Up skinnys. They fit really well and I love the zips. Unfortunately, the day I wore this outfit one of the zips got caught in the entry barriers at the train station and ended up ripping one of the zippers off. I’m yet to figure out how to re-attach it as I need something strong to force the metal back around the zip teeth. Pliers are most likely needed. Sometimes I wish I had my Dad’s toolbox handy.

I already featured this blazer in my Pink post and I actually can’t praise it enough. When I first bought it, it was a time when I really shouldn’t have been buying anything (in the few weeks before moving to Australia. Tsk tsk.) But I got it on sale, so all is justified, right? Anyway, it has become a staple in my wardrobe and I wear it multiple times a week. It has really been one of the best buys I have ever made. Also, I will reiterate, I think City Chic needs to make it a staple in their line, because black blazers are always a closet must-have. Plus the stripped lining is awesome.

I am wearing one of my new favourite lipsticks as well. It’s almost not a lipstick, it’s a lipgloss/lipstick mix. It’s L’Oreal Paris Shine Caresse in ‘Princess’, which I got from the October Bellabox. I love it so much that I went down to the Priceline make-up sale and bought it in ‘Milady’ as well, which is a purple-y colour compared to this coral-ish one.

This week has been so busy and hectic, I am so glad it is the weekend. I had good intentions of getting this post up earlier than today, but alas, apparently my social life decided to kick in. I actually can’t describe how exhausting it is when you go out three nights in a row and don’t get home until after 11 on all three nights. Anyway, that’s me for black and white week (and stripes). A bit of a shorter post than usual, but my brain is not functioning at 100% right now.

Make sure to click on the link below to see what the other Aussie Curves ladies put together for their black and white outfits.

Blazer, Singlet, Jeans: City Chic
Shoes: Target (gifted)
Lipstick: L’Oreal Paris Shine Caresse (from Bellabox)

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City Chic Pitt St store opens, my closet gets bigger

November 17, 2013 / Lisa / 3 Comments

I have been waiting in anticipation for the City Chic Pitt St store to open and yesterday I ventured down there to have a look.

When Man Piece and I first moved to Sydney we decided an apartment in the central city would be the best position for both of us. He already had a job based in Pyrmont and I was yet to find a job, so being central meant that when I did, I could either walk or was close to the central transport hub that it would be relatively easy to get anywhere.

But the most glaring absence in the central city, for me, was a City Chic store. I’ve been quite lucky since discovering City Chic back in 2011 to the point that I have always had one fairly close to where I lived. In Wellington it is on Lambton Quay and when I was living in Auckland there was one at the Shore City mall. Unfortunately I believe this one has since closed.

So when I found myself living in an area that didn’t have one close by, I didn’t really know what to do. The easiest one for me to get to from where I live is Macquarie Park shopping centre and I have been there fairly regularly in the last year. It probably averaged about every three months that I would head there and do a massive binge shop. I also bought stuff online, but there is still that aspect of being able to try clothes on and see how they look before you fork out the money for them, which is important.

I am extremely happy that there is now a store only a five minute walk away from me. I will probably be heading down there regularly for a look and to try things on.

The store itself is awesome. It is now City Chic’s flagship store in Sydney and one of the sales assistants mentioned that it will get every size in every style. It has specialised areas for the TDF jeans and lingerie, and the Styling Lounge is just so comfortable to try on clothes. It is so much more than a changing room. And, naturally, the staff are lovely.

It isn’t actually located on Pitt St or in the main Westfield part of the mall, which originally took me ages to find it. But if you head down the escalators under Myer (so you see the Cupcake Bakery) and then start heading up to the street and away from the QVB, it is located just there on the right, near Stylz hairdressers.

It is very different to any other CC store I have been in. See the horse head on the wall above? Yeah. And the use of brick throughout. It is just so cool.

The Styling Lounge has awesome steel gates on the changing rooms with a decent thick curtain that pulls across as well, so you are assured privacy while changing. The above picture shows these gates and the few lampshades throughout the store. The quote on the mirror entering the lounge says, “Always dress like you’re going to see your worst enemy.”

After looking around the store and finding a few pieces to try on, I headed to the Styling Lounge.

Time for some photos, yeah?

This is the Mirrored Unicorn Top. It is very similar to the Leopard and Tiger tops that I already have, so I knew it was going to fit well and be worn with a lot of my current wardrobe already. When it came to buy it, this was the question that I asked – is it too similar? But then I was like, it’s unicorns, of course I’m bloody buying it. So this is the first addition from my shopping trip. It is a bit longer than my other ones, so aside from pairing it with jeans, I’m also keen to try it with my wet-look leggings.

The next top, I was so surprised with. It is the Wet Look Peplum Corset, which I had seen on the website and Facebook and thought it would be an awesome top to have, but with the weird sizing lately, I thought it might not fit, but I decided to try it anyway. When putting it on I found it is actually super stretchy and comfortable. Man Piece immediately agreed that it looked fab and that it should be added to my wardrobe.

I should add here that Man Piece came with me on this epic shopping session, taking all the photos for me and standing there for an hour while I tried everything on.

This is the Pop! Print Tank and while I loved it as soon as I saw it online, once I tried it on, it wasn’t what I thought it was. It fit really well and so did the attached boob-tube, but the singlet itself is more of a cream colour than white and I (and Man Piece agreed) that it would possibly look old and stretched quite quickly. I would still be keen to find something similar to this, but in a slightly different material, or even a t-shirt.

The colour of this dress is what drew me to it originally. It is the Zip Front Pleat Tunic in the hibiscus colour, which is actually more a bright pink than the orange showing here. I thought the dress might not fit properly, but as soon as I put it on, I was in love. It looked amazing and fits like a glove, accentuating my boobs but hiding my tummy. It looked great without the belt, but then one of the ladies said I should try it with the belt and it looked even better. Both of these items came home with me. I had been wanting some good belts for awhile, but I haven’t been able to find any that fit. This one did though, so, sold! I have a wedding to go to in the Hunter Valley at the end of the month – a more casual event, as it will likely be warm. I’m thinking this dress with the belt, a pair of heels and a statement necklace should be a goer.

This is the Sexy Stripe Dress which is really stretchy and comfortable, but I wasn’t really feeling it. The reason is because the chest is actually lace-up, which is ideal for ladies with bigger busts that need a bit more lee-way, but I am still rather conservative about showing off my bra. So this one stayed in the store.

Lastly, is the Disco Sister Dress. I love this style of dress since the gold sequined one came out a few months ago. It sits nicely around my bust and hides my tummy. It can be dressed up or down. I even bought the Aztec patterned one a wee while ago, but then returned it when Man Piece said he hated it. He does not like this one either, but I love it! So I’m in two minds about actually buying this one. Yesterday it was left in store, but I don’t think I can let it go that easily. The skirt is made of a nice soft leather-esque material, which I think is better than the sequins as I’m always scared they are just going to catch and all fall off. There is not a chance of that happening with this one.

So readers, should I buy the Disco Sister Dress? What are your thoughts on it?

I also tried on a few bras and bought those because I was in desperate need of some new ones. Added bonus was that as a Glam member of the CC Nation, when I bought one, I got one free. I got the Kiki Contour Bra and the Poppy Contour Bra as well as a new black and skin-coloured strapless bras.

I even tried on the First Dance Dress, which I really really wanted, to only be bitterly disappointed that it didn’t fit. I thought this might happen as the tighter fitting dresses often don’t fit me. (I didn’t actually bawl my eyes out in the changing rooms, but I did make some really awful faces in the photos Man Piece was taking of me.)

In conclusion, I love everything about this store – the location, the fitout, the music playing, the layout, the styling lounge and the staff. I even found that the sizing of the clothes has gotten better again. I have found for a few months now that the sizing and fit of things had been slightly off, but it seems to have gone back to what it was. I look forward to making this my regular City Chic store and I expect I will get to know the ladies in there.

I apologise for the epic post and the dubious photos, which were taken on my phone of which the camera is rather shit, to say the least.

The wait for the new store to open was definitely worth it. If you are around the city, it is definitely worth going to check it out.

Aussie Curves – Swimwear

November 16, 2013 / Lisa / 14 Comments

So, swimwear, aye, Aussie Curves? Trying to throw the tough ones at me. Well played, sir, well played.

As a kid I was always in the water. I loved it. I would just chuck on my togs and jump in the pool. I was lucky enough to have a pool in our backyard from the age of eight – Dad dug the hole and put it in himself. With the help of a few other people, like my Granddad. But as soon as we had it, every year come October when it would start to warm up a bit, right through till about March, we would be in the pool regularly.

In fact, here is a photo of me as a kid (probably around the age of four or five?) at the local pool where we would go to swim before we had our own.

For the most part I didn’t worry about what I wore. I was a kid – what did I care? I was having fun. But at some point I became aware my body was different to everyone else’s. Perhaps I was bullied at some point about my swim suit, I can’t really remember. Mostly because there was always general bullying of me. Maybe it was just that. I was bullied about my size from a very young age and because of that, I didn’t want to show my body when swimming. I began wearing board shorts over my togs – even when swimming in my own back yard with no one else around! There was even a phase of wearing board shorts and a t-shirt when my confidence was so low about what I wore in the water that I didn’t even own a proper swimsuit. I then stopped even venturing into the water.

But a few years ago I had finally had enough. I wanted to go swimming because I loved it. I managed to find a swim suit that fit me and I ignored the size, because what did that matter anyway, as along as I was comfortable again doing something that I loved. That swimsuit was from Ezibuy’s Sara range. I still have it, it still fits and it is still in good condition.

But it is a few years old now and I wanted something new. Man Piece and I are heading to the Gold Coast for a few days between Christmas and New Year’s where I plan to do nothing but sit by the pool or on the beach and read. Every once in a while taking a dip to cool off again.

So I went looking for a new one and Autograph provided.

As soon as I saw these pieces hanging in the store, I knew they were for me. I kind of guessed the size I would need and headed to the changing rooms. I guessed right and everything fit perfectly. I was done. I headed straight to the register. I also had a lovely conversation with the store person and another lady in there. I love how supportive plus size clothing stores can be. Bonus: Autograph had 30% off its swimwear when I headed in there. Even better!

Unfortunately these photos aren’t what I wanted them to be. I originally wanted to head to the beach to get some great shots, but Sydney has been having some unusually bad weather. So that wasn’t going to happen. My back-up was to head to my usual place in the alley behind our apartment building. It would provide good light. Yet when I headed downstairs a whole bunch of cyclists were in the alley (we live above a cycle shop). To avoid the weird looks and the awkward conversation of trying to get them to move away from my wall, it was back to the apartment.

This cover-up also comes in the same turquoise colour, but I thought that would be a bit too much turquoise for one outfit. I think the black looks really good over top as the turquoise can pop through underneath. Alternatively, you could get the black top and turquoise cover-up, doing the reverse.

And finally without the cover-up. Please excuse my whiteness. Fake tan was going to happen, but then it didn’t. Long story.

I love this top for the colour. Currently I am drawn to all things that are within the teal/turquoise colour palettes and I buy them. This swimsuit was inevitable, really. It also makes the girls look amazing, while keeping them secure, plus the ruffles on the front help hide my tummy. Even though the ruffles and laser cut pattern on them are not really my thing, it works. This is a two-piece with both the tankini and pants having a secret mesh panel for a flattering shape. The pants are also high waisted, giving a smother line – they honestly are sitting just under my boobs. Added bonus is that they won’t be falling down anytime soon!

The best thing about the togs and the cover-up is that they make me feel awesome. So if I do manage to get to the beach or pool this summer in Sydney, I’m not going to give two F’s what people think. And I’m going to have so much fun on the Gold Coast this Christmas.

Lisa: 1, Haters: 0

Tankini, bottoms and cover-up: Autograph. Shop here, here and here, all are still available.
Shoes: Diana Ferrari

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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