Strike a Toes

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERATop: Urbane at Myer

Trousers: Asos Curve

Shoes: Gino Ventori at Bob’s Shoe Store

Necklace: Made By Emily Green

I don’t wear trousers very often, and toe-baring shoes even less often, so this outfit is a bit out of my normal comfort zone. It includes two things I always swore I’d never wear: joggers (the last time I wore elastic cuffed trousers they were probably fleece, it was probably the 80’s, and I could probably count my age in single digits) and open-toed sandals (I don’t like showing my toes. It’s weird, I know. My toes are fine, I get that. I just don’t like them on display).

I’m a frocks and skirts girl usually, but on really sweltering days when things get a bit sticky and uncomfortable (ahem! stay tuned for an updated post on THAT particular issue) I often just want to reach for a breezy pair of trousers. These navy pants – currently on sale at Asos – look surprisingly put-together for something with elastic cuffs: the tailored detailing, high waist, and side pockets make them perfectly suitable for the office. Teamed with a cropped tee and some sandals they’re also great for casual weekend wear.

Watch out for your size – there’s non-stretch, and I bought the smallest size thinking they’d be too big, but they’re actually fairly snug. Unusually for Asos Curve I’d say the size chart is about bang on the money. They’re a tight fit on my thighs, but fit comfortably around the calves, and don’t cut in around my ankles (which look positively dainty).

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAShoes: Gino Ventori at Bob’s Shoe Store

I do a lot (a lot of a lot) of walking in my day-to-day life, so comfortable shoes are an absolute must. I’ve been looking for something a bit more open and breezy for those really hot days, but had basically given up of finding a pair of sandals that were versatile, comfortable, and didn’t make me hate my feet.

I was in Perth just before Christmas for work, and was meeting my little sister in Fremantle after I finished on the Friday so I took the opportunity to do a bit of shoe shopping. I spent the better part of an hour at Bob’s Shoe Store, putting a very patient salesperson through her paces while I tried on a good thirty percent of the store’s inventory. These, miraculously, ticked all the boxes: They’re soft and comfortable with a little bit of a wedge heel, a flexible sole, a versatile colour, and a style that worked with my wide calves. I tossed the box before I flew back to Melbourne so I haven’t the foggiest idea what the style is called, and I’m only about 75% sure they are even from Gino Ventori since I’ve managed to walk the logo off. Sorry, bad  blogger (obviously I need Penny from the Big Bang Theory’s shoe finder app).

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERANecklace: Made By Emily Green

I also bought myself a second Made By Emily Green necklace, and I’m loving the hell out of it. The nude shades work with pretty much everything in my wardrobe, and I like how the individual beads have different textures or patterns: polkadots, glitter, pin-pricks or a kind of granite effect. It’s goes well beyond my own bodgy DIY’d attempt (unless you count cat fur as a texture….)

FFFWEEK: Day 3

DSCF1694

Top: Urbane @ Myer

Pants: Asos

Shoes: Easy Spirit

Day three at the Full Figured Fashion Week was a busy one with back to back events that started with breakfast at Lane Bryant’s flagship store in Manhattan.

When I was visiting in April I didn’t get the opportunity to drop in to visit one of the US’s most recognisable brands for plus size women, so it was great to be able to wander about – danish in hand – and check out their wares in person.

DSCF1699_2

Lane Bryant is a spacious, airy and well-designed shop front with covetable change rooms and a great approach to merchandising. It’s definitely a welcoming space and they have a huge range of fashion to choose from; from t-shirts and casual wear, suits, lots of maxi-dresses, and even a decent range of activewear.

Upstairs they have a huge range of the Cacique lingerie line.

DSCF1698_2I was a bit disappointed not to find much in my size in amongst this riot of bright colours and prints, but was amazed to see such a range of fun young bras and panties available in plus-sizes. For the grown-ups Lane Bryant also does a beautiful range of more elegant pieces in the Cacique range.

DSCF1702_2I particularly love that red set.

After our breakfast we headed back to the FFFWEEK headquarters at The Affinia Hotel to hear what Lane Bryant had in store for us for the upcoming season.

If you follow me on Twitter you might already know that Lane Bryant’s keeping on-trend  with prints featuring bold geometric lines, polkadots, plaids and chevron prints in a colour palette of monochrome or fiery red, deep blues and leafy greens. They’re talking about using more textured fabrics, and details like chunky gemstones and lace appliqués, and also embracing sequins (hurrah!) and flocking.

I’m excited by what I’m hearing, so I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled on the website to see what comes up as the new seasons roll out.

DSCF1729_2

Dress: Asos (remixed)

Belt: I Will Fly

White Cruise is consistently the most popular event on the FFFWEEK schedule every year. It’s an opportunity to get frocked up (in all white, naturally) and hit the dance floor of a cruise boat while the gorgeous backdrop of New York’s skyline slips past in the distance.

I was so blown away by some of the amazing outfits put together by the other attendees – people really go all-out, and I have to admit I felt a little underdressed in my little cotton sun-dress from Asos. It was a cheap buy – around the $40 mark – and needed some major dress-surgery to make it fit, but I have a remix-project in mind when I get it home.

DSCF1735_2

Fellow Antipodeans Siki-Lou, Tash and Mele

DSCF1733_2

Melbourne blogger Ashley Rose in a dress custom-made for her by City Chic with the model Nassali Kiggundu

DSCF1714_2Me, with the gorgeous Gaelle from The Curvy and Curly Closet

DSCF1732_2Marie Denee from The Curvy Fashinista was wearing a sheer lace dress from Jibri which has rocketed to the top of my lust list.

DSCF1751