Bellecurve – a new plus size range from Target

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:

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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.

target2Now 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.

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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.

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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.

target6As 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.

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Now what would a fashion post be without a selfie?

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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

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:

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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.

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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.

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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 – Pink

So it turns out I actually don’t own a lot of pink clothes. The weird thing is that I thought I owned more pink than I actually do and I possibly do, it might just be packed up in boxes in New Zealand. I left a fair few clothes there a year ago and haven’t retrieved any of them.

I also tend to stick to the blacks, greys and blues in my wardrobe. It’s what I feel comfortable in.

But I do have this new singlet.

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When I put it on and asked Man Piece if it was pink enough he replied that no, it’s purple and I was all, no it’s pink. We settled that it is pinky-purple. (But more pink.)

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I think this is going to be my new photo taking place. It’s a lot better than looking back to the street and much lighter than the blank wall of my apartment. Success!

I paired the top with my black ponte blazer. It is honestly one of the best purchases I have ever made. I wear it constantly.

Spijkerkat was singing its praises in last week’s stripes post. It really should be a staple of City Chic’s line. I would have featured it in my stripes post as well, but I have been rather unorganised since returning from NZ and didn’t do one.

Anyway, back to the pink singlet. When I saw it, there was a bit of ‘ooooh, I really like that, must have it’ thing going on. Then there was the 20% off everything sale at City Chic and it was mine.

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Singlet top: City Chic
Jeans: Mink Denim, Myer
Blazer: City Chic
Shoes: Diana Ferrari

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Aussie Curves – Tee

This week’s Aussie Curves challenge is Tee.

I love t-shirts. I pretty much wear jeans and a tee (or just a nice top) everyday, it is the most comfortable thing for me to wear and my work is quite casual, so I don’t have to wear business-y type clothes often.

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I got this t-shirt from ASOS in my recent order and I absolutely love it. The shoulder embellishments are just plastic gems sewed on and they sparkle a lot.

Sometimes they dig into my shoulder, especially when I have my bag on my shoulder, so I have to be quite careful not to rip them off. I hope none of them fall off, but I should be able to easily stitch them back on if they do.

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Also I had my hair cut last weekend and it feels so much better now. Much lighter and thinner. I just got the hairdresser to thin it out with those razor scissors – I love them.

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I really do love this tee, I’m so glad I bought it. I think it is going to be one of my favourites of the summer.

Tee: ASOS Curve
Jeans: City Chic
Cuff: This is the same one from last week that I took off a pair of shoes from Target. (I’m still trying to wear said shoes in so they don’t cause blisters, so haven’t worn them yet.)

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Impulse purchases on City Chic because robots

I was just casually scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed earlier this evening when I saw a post from City Chic.

All it said was “Fancy something sweet?” and a link heading to the website.

I clicked on it thinking it would be more things added to sale items and I better have a peruse.

Little did I know it would lead to amazingness.

TURNS OUT there is a new section called Sweet Steals where there are 50 for $50 (& under). Every item is under $50. AMAZING.

Also, did I mention the robots?

Oh, ok. Well here they are! This is what I have purchased.

Black Robot Flippy Skirt only $30:

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Black Robot So Cute Dress only $40:

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(I actually saw someone wearing this on my way to the train station yesterday morning and was so epically jealous because I wanted it. Also, my co-worker has an entire dress made out of the same material, but not from City Chic.)

Crucifix Jewels Graffiti Tee only $20:

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Skullz Hi Lo V Neck Top only $30:

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The Sweet Steals section has plenty more skirts, dresses and tops, so definitely worth a look. (Look at me, promoting CC, nawwww.)