Aussie Curves - Christmas

Finally! I am able to take part in my first AC challenge postbaby!

Funnily enough, I have actually 'played along' with most of the themes, choosing outfits at some point in the week in accordance with the theme, but I just never got around to taking any photos, so they went unposted.

This week's theme should have been easy enough too, afterall, I was getting dressed up anyway, and surely there would be photos? Well... kind of. I yet again forgot to take any proper outfit photos! I was determined to take part though, and after coming home from a day of shopping I realised I was pretty much wearing the same outfit, just a different necklace, so I had Hubby snap some photos!

Peplum - City Chic

Skirt - City Chic

Sandals - Target

Necklace - Peeptoe

For Christmas Day I wanted something pretty, but comfortable. This outfit was just perfect. I had been lusting after the peplum trend, watching on in envy as so many different styles came out. However, as I was pregnant for most of this year, I could only watch on in envy. 

This is one of my firts purchases post baby! A beautiful floral peplum that can be worn casually or dressed up. What i love the most is that it goes in where i'm smallest, but also perfectly covers my soft post baby belly.

Another lusted after trend was pleather! I really didn't think this would look good, but this pencil skirt is a perfect fit. The best part about this skirt was that any mess spilled on it just wiped right off. A very neccesary feature when you have a newborn and a toddler.

My sandals are my current favourites. They are from Target and are just so comfortable! They actually slip on, with the back part being made from a stretchy velvety fabric. These shoes just seem to glam up the simplest outfit, and I am kicking myself I didn't buy the same pair in the cream and black colour that was also available. I can;t seem to find them instore at the moment. 

The necklace I actually purchased from Danielle (Danimezza) at the plus size market day that we participated in a few months back. It is by Peeptoe. I think it goes perfectly with the sandals, and also adds a bit of bling to a simple outfit. I will confess that I actually wore a different necklace on the day, but I prefer the look of this one! 

I hope you all had a Very Merry Christmas!

Check out what my fellow curvettes wore this silly season!

Aussie Curves - Polka dot

I quite like the classic polka dot combination of red, black and white. Polka dot just screams retro, and I love the retro look.

I did have a particular top in mind for this weeks challenge. It is a nice white with black spot top. However while I was out shopping I spied this scarf at a $2 shop! I just loved the colour and the pattern (and the $4 price tag).  One of the aims of this blog is to show that you can still look great as a plus size woman, while on a budget.

Scarf - Hot Dollar

Top - Dorothy Perkins

Dress/Skirt - Crossroads

Shoes - Rivers

Bracelet - Gifted from a boutique shop

Sunnies - Target

Buying a cheap scarf from a cheap shop may not be everyone's cup of tea. However I really believe in not spending a lot of money on things like accessories so you can spend more money on great statement pieces or good quality staple items. I felt this scarf was a great example of not spending a lot on something small.

Budget Tip: Spend less on accessories or fashion trend pieces so you can spend more on other items

I loved how the pop of orange looked with the navy blue peplum top I was wearing. I also loved the fun mix up of the spots with the stripey 'skirt'. In fact, it is not actually a skirt, but a dress with my top worn over it. I find putting a top over a dress often works really well, and it adds a bit of versatility to the piece when you are able to mix it up a bit.

Budget Tip: Make the most of your clothing. Consider turning a dress into a skirt by adding a top over it.

The peplum top is a recent buy from Dorothy Perkins in the UK. I recently sold a bunch of clothing on Ebay with the purpose of making money that I can spend trying some stores from the U.K. I often look at Dorothy Perkins and ASOS but never felt like I could risk spending my money on something that may not fit. By selling my pieces I no longer wear I made a bit of pocket money that I could spend guilt free.

I purchased this peplum top, as well as a stunning red peplum dress (which I am saving for a wedding). I was delighted with both items, and they turned out to only be $35 including postage. One tip I learnt was to go a google search for Dorothy Perkins coupons because you may find coupon codes that can give you a further discount. I put my already heavily reduced items in the shopping basket, then added in the coupon code and received an extra 15% off. Yay!

I was really unsure if peplum would work for my pear shape. However this top is great. It has a soft stretch material. It doesn't stick out too much, and the peplum part starts from the bottom of my rib cage, so it basically glides over my tummy, but stops just below my hips.

Pear Tip: Don't dismiss clothing without trying it on. It is often about the cut of the item, so something may look good, even if it shouldn't suit your shape.