Aussie Curves - Boho

I decided to try something a little different this week for the Boho theme. There are times when my wardrobe definitely leans towards Boho. I just love exotic patterns, bright colours, chunky necklaces, earrings and multiple bangles.

I attribute part of my love for Boho to my youth. Being a plus sized teen was difficult, as when i was growing up there was very little above  size 14 - 16 for my age group. I leaned on the items I could find from Tree of Life, with it's flowing silhouettes and one size fits all.

I have a few pieces I could have chosen to wear, but i decided to do something a little eclectic, which to be is exactly in the spirit of the bohemian.

There was a time when I wore a vast array of those layered skirts that are made from Indian fabric. These skirts are often sold in little booths in shopping centers and come with a dvd that show you the many different ways you can wear them. I never had much luck with turning my skirts into a dress or any of the other designs. I wore one of these skirts during the AC Celebrity Copycat week ( I was channeling my inner Asher Keddie aka Nina Proudman)

However, i had a sudden thought that I could possibly wear the skirt like a kaftan!

 Jeans - Autograph

'Kaftan/skirt'- Unnamed brand

Shoes - Kmart

Accessorises - Unknown (Most of them are really old!)

While this look certainly isn't the most 'flattering', it is colourful and comfortable.

I played around with the skirt a bit and found I could wear it a few different ways. One way was to simply drape over my shoulders and tie the skirt string around my back. Another way was to bring forward the purple layer and crisscross it across my front, securing it with a belt. This made it look like a full kaftan. The last look I gathered the second layer to the front and let it drape a bit like a scarf, but i conched it in with a belt again to give a bit more shape.

I accessorised with bangles a big pair of dangly earrings, although I wish I had some big gold ones. I  really need to update my makeup supplies. I am a bit dissapointed with how my makeup looks here, as it looks like i'm not wearing any!!! This would be fine, except I had hoped to do a heavier make up look, but was limited by my supplies. Note to self: Get some darker lipstick!

I think this is a look i'd really like to play around with. I might try it again with one of the shorter skirts I have. Seeing as i'm pregnant I think this look plays up the bump rather nicely, and can see it looking even better once my bump gets bigger and firmer.

Tell me, what do you think? Does this look work? Should I wear it out in public? I'dd love to know other people's opinions.

Meanwhile, check out how the other ladies are channeling their inner bohemian!

Plus Size Maternity Fashion Series - #1 - Work your wardrobe

I am currently expecting my second child, due mid November. Maternity fashion can be challenging, with your body expanding and your old wardrobe rarely working well with your changing body shape.

Being Plus Size and Pregnant  Even more difficult. It can be hard for a plus size lady to find nice maternity clothing that fits. Many Maternity brands only go to a 16 - 18, so if you are a size 18 + before falling pregnant it can be difficult to find maternity clothing that fits.

However it isn't impossible. Over the coming weeks I am going to share with you my own maternity wardrobe and share some tips and tricks that I am learning along the way :D

he very first thing you should do is have a good look at your wardrobe and make a list of what clothing you have that you think will be able to be worn through the pregnancy, or at least until the third trimester.

Things to look for are:

Dresses
- Maxi dresses in a stretchy fabric
- Empire line dresses that are stretchy or have a full skirt

Bottoms
- Maxi skirts that have stretch
- Pencil skirts that have stretch
- Pants that have a fold down band or elastic waist
- Jeans that are elastic, stretch or are able to have a belly belt attached
- Leggings - Especially full styles that may go up to your belly or higher.

Tops
- Look for tops that are flowing from under the bust
- Tops that are stretchy and long
- Tops that may have ruching on the side or under the bust
- Any tunic tops

Can we see a pattern here? Check if it has stretch!! If it is stretchy, you will get a bit of extra wear out of it. If you have some (or all?) of these items then you are well on your way to building a maternity wardrobe. You can extend the wear of some items by doing some of the following

Turn shorter dresses into a tunic/top. Sometimes your dresses appear to be shorter on you because more fabric is being taken up by your expanding belly. Sometimes you can then wear that dress as a tunic instead. Try seeing what it looks like with some leggings or skinny leg jeans.

Use a belly band. You can undo the buttons/zip on a pant or skirt, but then add a stretchy belly band on over the top. I will keep the item from falling off, while giving you room for your expanding belly.

Undo the first few buttons of a button down top and wear a singlet underneath, or open the top up completely and wear it like a jacket.

Shopping your wardrobe will definitely help you keep costs down when you are trying to put together a maternity wardrobe. After all, you only really wear it for about 6 months (given that the first 3 you can usually squeeze into your normal clothing) so you don,t want to spend a fortune on it.  However, you DO want to feel and look good. It is an exciting time, but your body goes through so many changes, feeling like you LOOK good definitely helps.

Do you have any cost saving tips for maternity fashion?

Movie Date.. with a gal pal.

I recently went out for dinner and a movie with a Mum from my Mummy group. It was a rare treat for both of us. Your life definitely becomes consumed by your little one when you become a Mum. Although both my Husband and I have made  a point of ensuring we get some time with each other, but also by ourselves. It is so important to not lose yourself when you have a child. I think many times, women especially, lose their identity a bit. They become 'Mum' , sometimes 'Wife', but forget themselves.  

My friend and I decided to go see a movie, in Gold Class, share a cheese platter and go out for cake and coffee after. We watched the Australian comedy 'Mental' Oh My Word - HILARIOUS! I would recommend it to anyone, especially if you have an affection for quirky Aussie humor  We both cackled and roared our way through the movie. 

Afterwards we gossiped while we enjoyed a coffee and a piece of red velvet cake. Sharing our trials and triumphs as Mothers, Wives and in other aspects of our life. It is a friendship that I certainly cherish. 

Dress - Big W

Jacket - Crossroads

Shoes - Kmart

Necklace - Lovisa

Belt - Came with another dress

I wanted to wear something a bit special, but still a little casual. My skater dress from Biw W was perfect for this. I really love this dress as it is a thick knit but still light enough to wear into the warmer months, with 3/4 sleeves so my arms are covered. The best part about it is hat it can be worn to work, dressed up for going out, and dressed down for the movies.

The denim jacket really helps make the dress more casual. I also really love wearing brown with black. It always seems to lighten it up a bit. I popped on a brown belt, and a pair of brown canvas wedges

The wedges are also a total steal at Kmart for $15. The are really comfortable and fit my wider foot. I bought them in black too, and plan on going back for a red pair first chance I get.

I felt comfortable but still a bit special in the outfit. I must also add, it felt like a real treat to be able to go out with just a small handbag containing a phone, wallet and lippie! Ah, such luxury!

Tell me, do you make sure you take time out for yourself and catch up with a friend? What is your favourite place to go with a gal pal?