A Bright, Bright, Sunshiny Day

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 Dress: Sohomode

Cardigan: Boden

Belt: Asos

Shoes: Gorman (similar here)

Well, today was freezing.

Every year I seem to find myself saying “It’s way colder this year than last” but I think I’ve come to the conclusion that actually winter’s just winter, and I just forget how cold it is because I always forget to wear a coat.

It’s grey and winter and wet, and the trees outside my sunroom that in summer gave the most lovely dappled light are stripped bare and barren.

On my walk into work I’m starting to see some little hints of spring – early blossoms in the trees and new green growth – but yep: definitely still cold.

Fortunately this Sohomode tea dress – my very first! – is made out of a heavier bark-cloth, and is perfect for injecting a little bit of floral sunshine into a chilly day.

How’s your week been so far? Mine’s been hectic – I took a flying visit to Sydney for work, caught up with a couple of girlfriends for dinner, and met someone new for coffee. On Sunday I spent a day with Erika “the Queen of Curves” and the super lovely Kerry from Harlow at the Love Your Curves VIP Shopping Event at Doncaster Shopping Centre.

I’d never been to a stylist, and I’ve always been a bit wary about someone telling you what you should and shouldn’t wear (remember my number one fashion rule? Don’t follow fashion rules) so when Erika presented everyone with the old adage about “body shapes” and what styles “flatter” each shape, but then added “So that’s the “box”. Feel free to fuck the box” I wanted to give a little cheer.

I was enormously impressed and heartened by the day that Erika and her team put together – it was way less about “figure flattering” and “slimming” and “thou shalt not wear horizontal stripes”, and way more about body positivity, learning how to silence the negative voices in your head (and some good comebacks for the ones on the outside, too), and how to learn confidence and pride. It was like an empowering and supportive pow-wow with a group of girlfriends, cupcakes, and a bit of fun shopping on the side. Oh, and awesome goodie bags to take away!

It was also nice to be able to hear directly from Kerry about what her philosophy behind Harlow was, her design process, and her vision for the future of plus-size fashion. Plus, as you know I like my internet shopping, but really nothing compares to being able to try the items on and see how they look in person!

I’d definitely recommend bookmarking Erika’s Facebook page and if you’re in Melbourne and feeling a bit down, or if you have a friend who could do with a bit of a self-esteem boost then maybe thinking about coming along to one of the next Love Your Curves events.

15 thoughts on “A Bright, Bright, Sunshiny Day

    1. I’ve been off the blogging radar for a few (yrs?) not quite sure…it’s all a blur. As I’m catching up, obviously I have read some of what you have been through. The old adage misery loves company does NOT apply here as one would think considering my world after 23 yrs, and four children came to a screeching halt. Everything I thought I knew was false. My point is there are no guarantees in life but as you are doing; continue to love, conquer and persevere. I can’t tell you that you will find that certain someone and life will always be wonderful; it’s an illusion. But I can tell you that the human condition to repair and move forward is an amazing gift. The discovery of self is never more evident. A beautiful blog and a beautiful life you have…inspiration.

  1. Love the dress with the yellow cardigan! I think this might be one of my favourite iterations of the dress. How could anyone fail to be cheerful when looking at such lovely colours? 🙂

  2. Love, love, love the look and the smile! I love that you went out for coffee (loved how you snuck that in there). I looked up the temperature in Melbourne yesterday and as a proud Canadian, I’d love to have 12C as a winter temp 🙂

  3. You look FABULOUS darling!! I like the outfit, it matches your attitude for life of never to give up! Oh and about the “never where horizontal stripes….blah blah blah” its not how you look in a dress or whatever its how wear it, feel it, and present it!…I will have a cosmopolitan drink to your name Lili *CHEERS* XOXOXO -Eric

  4. Love it! I know exactly what I am wearing to work tomorrow, inspired by this outflare (not outfit!)!

  5. Love every single thing about this! The dress, the sunny yellow cardigan, the belt, the shoes – everything is absolutely perfect! You look stunning!

  6. I love seeing you still wearing this dress cos it’s beautiful and flowery and can’t believe u weren’t freezing! I’m going with the melb does get colder each year…though I know I’m fooling myself! Though the dandenong a got two lots of snow this winter which does mean it was cold!! The whole outfit is lovely together!

  7. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dress and these wonderful lively colors on you. You look so light and bright and alive. I’m 100% certain you brought a smile to the face of every person who saw you. Keep up the happy colors!

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