Happy New Cheer

Top: Advocado

Skirt: Society Plus

Shoes: Rockport

Necklace: Totally Jewel

Happy New Year! Has it really been a month since I last posted? You’ll have to forgive me – the Mister and I went away over the Christmas holidays and I gave myself full permission just to loll about, and catch up on my reading, and recover from The Great Cold of 2016. Now, I’m back to work, and back into the swing of things!

Which isn’t to say that I spent the last month naked, and in fact – this outfit hit Instagram a couple of weeks ago… it’s just been a long time since I popped the lid on my laptop to write a blog post!

Last year, after being delighted by my first order at Society Plus (the Kate Midington skirt) a friend and I went in on an order together for a pair of Society Plus’ famous ‘Mermaiden’ sequin skirts. Both this friend and I sew (her much more professionally than I), but neither of us relished the thought of putting our machines through the process of sewing sequined fabric, and these just looked so glittery and gorgeous that I didn’t take much convincing to place an order.

As with last time, I followed the size chart to the letter – it meant that I was ordering a size larger than I had in the Kate Midington, but I’m very glad that I did, because as you can see it fits perfectly. The sequins are actually matte, not shiny – but I’m in my late 30’s so this probably a good thing. The sparkle is a bit more subdued, and the result is more ‘elegant’ and a bit less ‘mirror ball’.

I was a bit worried that the elasticised waistband would be miserable to wear – sequins + skin = a world of nope – but it’s actually faced with a smooth lining fabric.

The lining is cream – which is a bit annoying, as the skirt is pull-on which means the waistband fabric shifted around when I pulled it over my head, and I had to do some adjusting to ensure that none of the lining was showing. It’s an issue that could have been minimised with a matching lining fabric, but at least once it was fixed it stayed in place.

I wore it with the Arianna Cape Shoulder Top, which is a really classy piece from Advocado.It’s basically a tank top, with floaty petal-shaped sleeves that are attached at the shoulder. The result is a really lovely top that’s drapey and dramatic, but has upper-arm coverage for those who want it.

Necklace: Totally Jewel

Because the skirt was so muted I felt confident about introducing a bit of OTT sparkle, with this blingy diamante necklace from Totally Jewel. It provides the whole ensemble with just a little bit more drama.

Advocado on Toast

Frocks and Frou FrouFrocks and Frou FrouDress: Advocado

Belt: Trenery

Shoes: Rockport

A month or so ago I was invited to drop by Advocado‘s headquarters in Richmond and take a bit of a squiz at what they had on offer. They weren’t a brand I was familiar with, but I’m always delighted to hear about new plus-size brands (especially here in Melbourne) so I eagerly accepted.

I ended up having a really fun dress-up session, and went home with a couple of goodies, including this Zita Adjustible Drape Dress. The black and white graphic print fabric is a light and breezy rayon that will be lovely to wear as the weather gets warmer. It’s actually cut in a swing-style that would suit someone with a smaller bustline than I, but belted it becomes quite an elegant piece. You can also wear it with a cardigan or a jacket. I tried it on at Advocado with a cropped white jacket.

1The particularly interesting thing about this dress is the little button and loop fixtures on the inside seams that allow you to ruche the skirt higher on either side or both. The effect is a bit dress-stuck-in-your-knickers, but it’s a cute idea.

Frocks and Frou FrouThe other excellent addition, which I wholeheartedly approve of, is pockets (hooray).

I tried a couple of other pieces on while I was at Advocado, including this lovely bright colour blocked top:

2-1Top: Advocado

… and (a particular favourite) this cape-sleeved blouse and printed skirt:

3Top: Advocado

You can expect to see more of this top – I couldn’t resist taking one home with me!