New season Johnny Bigg

Well helllllllllo 2016! How did you sneak up on me and where have you already gone?! It's been a quiet on the blog front, lately there seems to have been less time for the laptop and more Instagram photos on the go. Well, no time like the present, I've got some fun things in the pipelines ready for you team! So let's kick this year off (albeit three months late!), with a bit of husband handsomeness!

I was so excited when the Johnny Bigg team asked us to choose some pieces for Ben to wear again. It was great fun dressing him up last time and a nice change for me to get behind the camera. Plus it's always fun to see the man you love looking handsome! And handsome he does!

Ben wears:
T-shirt: Hawkins Pocket Tee, size 2X
Jacket: Marlon Hooded PU Jacket, size 2X
Pants: Monae Stretch Cuff Pants, size 40
Shoes: Molano High Tops

For the first outfit, we went for a casual look. Ben had wanted a tan jacket for as long as I can remember, so when the Marlon Hooded PU jacket popped up in the new arrivals, I snapped it up and we built an outfit around it. The jacket has a great, relaxed, slouchy feel with a zip off cotton jersey hoodie. But it still has such awesome structure that it makes even the comfiest of looks seem pulled together. 

We had to ask for the high top sneakers, they have a totally cool, vintage-basketball feel to them. Plus they are going to get heaps of wear heading into the cooler months. I swear he's never mastered the casual, closed in shoe look before, but these shoes made it easy! The pants are a different style for Ben, but I loved the idea of him wearing the elastic cuffed ankles, I knew they were going to look awesome on him. He always jokes about what great legs he has, not going to lie though, they are pretty fantastic! Plus how totally rad do high tops and cropped pants look together?! Instant sport-luxe!

He wore the outfit last Sunday afternoon, when we popped out to play around with a recent op-shop find. This Russian made, 1970s Zenit-E camera was $20 at Chandler markets, I couldn't resist! We both get a kick out of old cameras and between us we've collected quite a few. (Check out this 8mm video camera I found a few years back too!)

Ben has become such a fan of Johnny Bigg that we snapped up almost a whole new wardrobe for him in the Christmas sales. The brand has been a real eye opener for Ben, and truly, I think it's got him thinking more about what he's wearing. He's always been a bit of an old soul when it came to dressing up. Ben was the one in grandpas hand-me-down loafers while the other guys were wearing Etnies. He had this insane collection of vests when I first met him as well. The style was always there, he just wasn't very good at bringing it all together. Especially being a bigger guy, it was always hard to find the right cuts and sizes that he wanted. I feel like Johnny Bigg has given him a bit more insight into what he feels (and looks!) best in. So when I suggested adding some navy suspenders (or braces?!) to his more formal look, we ran with it! I love the classic twist it gives to the outfit, it looks almost like I could have plucked him out of somewhere in the early 1900s. Looking back at these photos the next day, I felt like there was a bit of 'make it count, meet me at the clock' Titanic-Jack-ness about it. The look is cheeky and playful, dressed up, without being ostentatious. And it's sexy. Sexy for the win!

Ben wears:

Shirt: Ruben Check Shirt, size 2X
Jacket: Usher Stretch Jacket, size 2X
Pants: Coniston Stretch Dress Pants, size 40
Shoes: Barber Lace Up Shoe

I love brown, smart lace-ups. They add such a punch to any outfit and these did not disappoint. Ben wears his old black lace up JB shoes to work everyday and they are still in such good condition. It's worth the investment when you know you're buying a shoe like this that can easily be worn dressed up or down and will last through the seasons. Plus the colour looks fantastic with the grey and navy hues.

Ben has always been a fan of stripes and checks, the print makes up a large quantity of his wardrobe, so the check shirt was a definite must have. We actually had a totally different outfit in mind for the smart casual outfit originally, but the stock sold out so fast we missed it! Nonetheless, both looks started with a simple check shirt and we went from there! I love the solid coloured inside cuffs on the Ruben Check shirt, little details like this are so chic and add so much style. Ben is wearing a size 2X here and it fits him perfectly. He often has trouble with shoulders being too big if he sizes up for his belly, but these are cut so well, the great fit is what keeps him going back to the website to buy more. God forbid they open a store near us, I'd never get Ben out of it!

Grey dress pants are such a style staple. No matter the year, no matter the current fashion, a grey pair of slacks will always look fashionable. Think about it next time you notice a well dressed man, he's probably rocking some grey tones. Ben has always been a slacks fan (you've probably read me whining about how it took years to convince him to wear anything BUT dress pants), so it was a no brainier that his more formal look would feature a pair. The Coniston Stretch pants are so effortless, they tie the whole look together perfectly. Ben wore this outfit out for some drinks last Monday afternoon and he got so many compliments about how great he looked. Even my Mum, a notoriously tight lipped, tough-to-impress lady (imagine Meryl Streep in Devil Wears Prada-esque and you'll get an idea), commented how much she liked the look when I sent her a photo and if that isn't the greatest praise, I'm not sure what is!

Which outfit was your favourite? Relaxed or smart casual?

Change Room Adventures: H&M Garden City

H&M opened at my local Westfield, Garden City last Saturday and today I made the trip out to explore the store myself. I had purposely avoided the opening weekend as I knew it was going to be crazy-busy, but even in the middle of a weekday today it was packed!

There isn't a whole lot available in the Aussie online store (I've added links to any items that are online) so I wasn't expecting much. I had a wander around the shop by myself first, checking out all the goodies. They had some pretty awesome opening specials ($2.95 shoes anyone?!) but I couldn't see any clear signs for where the plus size collection started. I ended up asking a few people who pointed me in the right direction. The range is currently on the second floor in the upper right hand corner near the door. Its not huge, maybe about ten meters cubed, but its a good start! I must have looked pretty suss walking around taking photos because it was enough that one of the shopping attendants came up to have a chat to me about it. She told me that there is still a lot of plus-size not on the floor yet and that they are waiting until it quiets down to finish all the unpacking. Nonetheless, I found several pieces I quite liked and even took a few home!

I loved this 87 top right away and for $19.95 it was a steal! The letters are made with a gold, glitter material that doesn't shed and gives off a faint shimmer. I'm wearing the 2X in the top and the 24 in the straight jeans. I wish I snapped this bad boy up, putting this soft cotton tee back is my biggest regret of the day!

I ended up buying this cute little striped tee because the $19.95 price tag was just too good to resist. Plus, stripes never go out of fashion! I'm wearing the 3X here and its a great, relaxed fit.

I quite liked the look of this top on the hanger, but in the change room it was another matter. I wanted to like it! I really did. But the flowy cut (and I'm wearing the 22 here) just didn't do me justice at all. And it was very see-through and wearing camis under tops is the balls.

This little jersey number was my splurge of the day. It set me back $29.95 for the 2X I'm wearing in this photo. I thought it was a little on the expensive side, but it's so warm and soft that I justified it by thinking I'd pay way more if I bought it elsewhere! Also, it's worth noting that it's the same price on the Aussie H&M and the USA online H&M store, I love that. Regardless of exchange rate, shipping and taxes, it's still the same! That's fashion dedication H&M! And much better than *some* USA stores that have opened in AUS.

This funky sweatshirt has an awesome Footloose vibe to it. I'm wearing the 3X in this photo and I reckon even the 2X would have been slouchy and comfortable. At $29.95 its a cute little basic piece to have floating around.

I looovvveeddd this sport luxe v-neck jumper but at $39.95 I've already got a few things at home that are similar. I'm wearing the 3X and it cuffs and flares perfectly. Super cute!

Raglan sleeve tees always remind me of the USA. So trying on this one felt just like being at H&M while on holiday in Los Angeles for me! This one comes in four colours and again at $29.95 was just out of my budget right now. Such a great fit, though.

This was my favourite item of the day! The slouchy fit, classic black and deep neckline: this tunic had to be mine! I'm wearing the 4X in this photo and it is hotness!

So I've been in the shop for about an hour now, 99% of what I've tried on has fit (always ignore the label guys, in the photos above I'm wearing items from the range in sizes 20, 22, 24, 2X, 3X and 4X!!) and then this happens......



DUUUUHHH DUH DAAAA!!! Size 24, skinny leg jeggings, stuck on my calves. I want to add here that its not that they are too long, its that I couldn't get them passed my calfzillas! It wasn't meant to be team!!

There were a few other things I liked on display, including this feminine blush pink dress, this killer sleeveless jumpsuit (which I wanted to try on but it was hanging up too high for me to reach!), a few jersey tops and this white lace blouse. Butttttt, not a single skirt was on the racks! Not a single one! And I was sooooooo looking forward to getting my hands on this tulle skirt! Just another excuse to go back, I guess! ;)

So, like most new plus-size collections, the sizes had sold out pretty quickly. H&M Australia say that they carry sizes 18 to 28, but looking around the store, most things were sizes 16-22 with a very small handful of 24s. I didn't see a single size 26 or 28 (except for a few size 4Xs). But seeing as you can't get many of these sizes anywhere else in Brisbane, they must have sold like hotcakes! I hope H&M take note of how fast the extended sizes sell and continue to stock a large range of plus-sizes for us!

From a shopping experience point-of-view, the store was busy but laid out well. Once the staff pointed out the plus-size section to me I did notice a small sign delegating the area. The staff in the change room were lovely and the lady I chatted to about the plus-size stock out the back seemed genuinely excited about the range expanding out further. Apart from a very bored (and rude) cashier downstairs who ignored me and chatted to another employee while 'serving' me, the staff were all eager to help and easy to find.

What's your favourite piece???

OOTD: Let's sparkle

At Curvy Couture Roadshow (posts coming next week!) I watched all of the fabulous fashions sashay down the runway and it rocked my world. One of my favourite standouts was Nyata. It makes me so proud to be an Aussie when I see such high fashion, original and sexy plus size designs being made. They've nailed the luxe plus-market, with gorgeous cuts and sexy detailing, I always feel amazing when I slip into one of their pieces.

Dress: c/o Nyata

Stockings: We Love Colors
Heels: Torrid
Clutch and Sunnies: New Look

I jumped at the chance to get my hands on some of their new goodies and the Biarkan Glitter certainly didn't disappoint. I love that I can wear it as a top or a dress, its easy to make it totally glitzzy or just to add some sequiny sparkle to an everyday outfit. For my first wear I went for a relaxed glam feel. With some stockings and a funky clutch, it was perfect for sunset drinks by the river. And I tell you what, I felt like a rockstar! 

The comfy, relaxed fit of the dress was one of my favourite things about it. Its the best of both worlds, killer sexy lines with the eye-catching sequin detailing and the comfy cotton of your favourite t-shirt. How often do we suffer through an uncomfortable outfit because we know it looks good? Hard to admit but true. Nyata's designs have taken all that stress away, there is no compromising comfort for fashion here team!

And now for the absolute coolest thing about Nyata? I'm wearing size Amazing (24-26) annnndddd their entire collection is available in sizes 8 to 30. Knowing I can wear the same high fashion and fabulous sequins as my thin besties is awesome!! And, when they asked me where I got my dress from, I can point them in right direction without having (that sometimes embarrassing) 'uh, but it won't fit you...' conversation. Its not about size classifications, its about looking and feeling good no matter what your body shape!

How do you feel about sequins??

OOTD: Cool without trying

When I visited Ben in China while he was there for work, I saw a handful of women wearing these super cute reindeer antler hats. I pretty much turned Shanghai upside down trying to find one for myself (unsuccessfully I might add), and Ben, being the kickass husband that he is, said he would try his hardest to bring one home for me. In fact, he almost missed his plane doing a last minute dash around the shops for one of these bloody hats. He came home empty handed, I was bummed about it but life went on. And then, a magical parcel arrived in the post on Thursday night. As it turned out, he and one of his Chinese work colleagues had been secret-squirreling the last few weeks to get me one. And its has barely been off my head all weekend!

Jacket: c/o 17 Sundays

Top: New Look Inspire

Bag: Domino Dollhouse

Leggings: Kmart

Flats: Rubi

Hat: China

Necklace: ASOS

Lipstick: Limecrime

How totally awesome is this 17 Sundays kimono jacket?! Funny story about this top, Suger had come over for a sleep over and packed a bunch of the new 17 stock for me to try on and sigh over. I fell instantly in love with the slouchy and relaxed cut of this jacket, I love that its not trying to be boho or hipster, its just an inherently cool item of clothing in its own right. Its such a new and rad cut, so different to any of the current patterned and printed lightweight kimonos around. And apparently I fawned over it so much that Sug and the 17 crew decided I could keep it! Gems that they are!

I wore this outfit out last night for end of year drinks with some of Ben's work buddies. I felt cool and chic the entire night, there is something about this rocking jacket that just gives off that rad vibe. Plus, with a killer hat like this and my cute 'Got Milk' bag, it pretty much makes for coolness without trying. 

Festive Season Survival Guide: Dressing to Impress

With the end of the year fast approaching it means that party dress season is in full swing! As I wrote about in my last post, I always agonise over what to wear to these big fancy things and at this time of year, its often not just one or two, but quite a few fancy things you need to look pretty at! When you look good, you feel good and when you feel good you have an awesome time! So with the amazing range of dresses from ASOS Curve, I've got you covered this festive party season! Party away!!

WEDDING SEASON

Ahhhh, weddings. Its always such a mix of emotions when you open a wedding invitation: excitment that your friends are getting married, wonder, as to whether or not there will be a bar tab with beer, wine AND spirits (don't even kid yourself, you totally think about that), anticipation, as you think about who will be at the singles table, horror, as you remember the drunken dancefloor moves you busted out at the last wedding you went to and then of course, the dreaded anxiety, when thinking about what you're going to wear. So here is my secret wedding guest outfit tips:

- if you're wearing heels make sure they are your comfy ones and honestly, no matter how good they are, make sure you've got flats to change into later, you don't want to be part of that table of girls who can't boogie the night away because their feet are too sore!
- Be super confident about your makeup. I routinely get eyelash extensions before big events, but if money is tight I slap on some strip lashes for the night. No matter how drunk/teary/emotional you get, you still look fabulous with big, gorgeous lashes!
- Get an outfit 'wower' like a facinator or a statement necklace. It takes the outfit to a whole new level and they look amazing on you all night long.
- Wear a dress that you feel amazing in. No matter how good it looks on, if you aren't comfy, it will show in the way you hold yourself. Make sure it fits right, sits nice and helps you feel fabulous!

I love wearing florals and pretty colours to a wedding, it always makes the day even more fun! My ideal wedding guest dress length hits right at the upper knee, it gives a flirty look of leg without being too short and is appropriate for beach, bush or church ceremonies. If I'm feeling a bit flat or *cough* didn't shave my legs *cough* I can't resist a maxi dress for weddings. When they are dressed up right you get all the comfort of your PJ's with the style of a ball gown! Winning! This floral maxi ticks all the right boxes for me, bold, colourful and sexy, its sure to get the conversation flowing with people asking you where your dress is from!

And the best bit about dress shopping with ASOS is that their return policy is awesome. When I've got a big event on and I'm worried about the sizing or cut of a dress, I order what I think I need and one size bigger, that way I get to choose the one I like best and send back the one that wasn't right. Check out some of my other favourites for wedding guest outfits below.

FESTIVAL FASHION

Now I'm not going to lie. I adore music festival season. The bands, the energy, the sun, the drinks and the people. Just being there, taking it all in and living every second. I love it! But, if you don't dress for the party you'll end up not having much fun at all. When planning your outfit remember these tips:

- Take care of yourself, make sure your shoulders are covered, I swear to you, festival sunburn might just be worse than any sunburn in the world!
- SLIP, SLOP, SLAP! Get a bag big enough to carry sunscreen, a hat, some sunglasses and a refillable water bottle. Future you will thankyou.
- I've been to festivals where I couldn't pack everything so I took a small kimono like cape. It was big enough that I could wrap myself in it and cover my shoulders and head when I was sitting down watching a gig, but still compact enough that I could fold it up into a small ball in my side bag.
- Protect your inner thighs, its going to be a loooooong day of walking, dancing and shenanigans, either wear some leggings, some bike shorts or use some chafing cream like 3B throughout the day. Chub-rub is the balls.
- Wear some comfy flats, refer to reasons above about it being a long day and future you thanking you.

Getting dressed up in a funky frock and cute accessories might even be just as much fun as the actual festival. Like most girls there, I use the event as an excuse to add  a bohemian vibe into my normal style. This 'PLAY' smock dress is perfect, cute and comfy! Add some flats and a easy to carry side bag and I'm ready for the mosh pits!

WORK CHRISTMAS PARTY

If you're anything like me, my work uniform consits of ugly and uglier. What I wouldn't give for a sexy secretary job where I can pack my wardrobe full of power suits and gorgeous sophisticated corporate wear! But no, I'm a peadatric nurse so on most shifts, I'm wearing a shapeless navy blue skirt and blouse combo and if I'm lucky, I don't have any baby vomit on me yet. Yes the girls and I get together quite a bit outside of work, but the Christmas party is always the time when everyone pulls out the big guns! So, here is my go to tips for making that hot doctor take notice:

- Sparkle! If there is one time of year you can overdose on sparkle its Christmas! I love layering up necklaces or wearing a curve hugging dress with serious sparkle sexiness!
- A statement clutch is awesome, but make sure its got an over the shoulder strap that you can tuck away inside it for later. When your stumbling between clubs at 2am you can hang it on your shoulders and still hold a kebab, genius!
- Wear wedges or a platform heel. You want to make sure you are the hottest babe there and a little extra height always helps (and makes your pins look bangin!). A comfy flat heel gives you the sexiness without the party pooping arch pain, trust me, all your stiletto'd girlfriends will be cursing themselves later.
- A bold lipstick makes a world of difference to the way you look. Sometimes all you need is a red lippy and a hot dress and you're the sexiest lady in the room. Before a big event have a play and a 'trial run' with the lipstick you've chosen, I always try and see how long a lipstick lasts and what it will rub off on so I know my pout-power before the big night.

This heavily textured black and white dress is just divine! The cut looks awesome on all body shapes while the decorative beading is such a different look. Styled up with some bling and out the door we go! The doctors won't know what hit them! ;) 

CASUAL BBQ

And of course the BBQ. Although that's what we have here in Australia around Christmas time, I'm not sure what you guys would have on the cold December side of the world. A round the fireplace party? Anyway, hot days, the pool (and 'OMG are we going to have a swim?! Thank goodness I happened to be wearing this super-cute and vintage cut swimsuit!'), beers, funky dresses and BBQs, Summer summed up right there. So I know you already know how to BBQ/round the fireplace party, so here are all of my tips summed up into one point:

Be happy, be comfy, have an awesome time! And having a rockin' dress always helps!

Are you heading anywhere special this festive season???