What I Wore ~ Juliet Rose Skirt

July 4, 2017 By sammy Leave a Comment

Introducing the
Juliet Printed Tutu

As an Society+ ambassador, each month I’ll be bringing a new Society+ garment to you the same day it goes live on their website.

You can read more about my collab with Society Plus here

Because I’ve been travelling around the USA attending fabulous fashion events (geez that sounds so glam) I’m a little late for this post so the Juliet Printed Tutu skirt is available right now and on sale for 4th of July (yay)

You guys know that I never talk about something that I don’t love. So here’s the details.

It’s soft, flowy and feminine with an edge of vintage romance. I totally think of Romeo&Juliet with the rose print so it’s no wonder the designer named it the Juliet. (also do you know that Society+ design their garments at the Florida HQ and boss babe Jessica Kane who’s a size 22 is their fit model. Cool huh. Plus size garments designed by plus size babes for plus size babes)

Let’s talk sizing.

I wear a medium at City Chic, a size 18 at most other Aussie stores, a size 16 at 17Sundays and a 2XL at Torrid.
In these particular photos with the peach backdrop I’m wearing a size 14-16 which is a snug fit. The waist band is elasticated with a thick band so even though it was tight getting over my hips it fits my waist comfortably. In the photo at the very top where I’m wearing the white lace top – I’m wearing the next size up

To see more great options from Society+ click here

Australia’s First Ever Society+ Brand Ambassador {its me}

July 2, 2017 By sammy Leave a Comment

I’m SUPER proud to announce that I’m Australia’s first ever brand ambassador for USA based plus size fashion brand Society+

I’ve been posting about Society+ since Jessica Kane launched the brand with her friend Michelle Crawford back in 2015. They’ve created a full lineup of contemporary, stylish, and fun clothing for fashionable plus size women.

Let me tell you why I’ve been a long term supporter

Garments are designed with silhouettes, colors, patterns you can’t find anywhere else – plus size skater dresses, plus size crop tops, and their famous plus size tutu.
They carry extended sizes, all the way up to a plus size 32.
Affordable prices
International shipping (yes even to Australia and it doesn’t take forever like other brands)
Honest sizing
Model Diversity

In the last two years here’s a few of my fave outfits. Most of the items have been so popular they have been re run and are available so click the image for prices and further info.

(not available anymore)

If you are looking for plus size fashion, Society+ is your gateway to community and confidence.

Disclosure – this post contains affiliate links

Plus Size Travel ~ Overcoming self doubt and trying new things ~ CityBikes

June 22, 2017 By sammy 1 Comment

Today I overcame my self doubt and hired a CityBike.

I’m going to start sharing more of my travel experiences on my website. Quite often in the moment I think ‘ oh I should write about that, rather that just doing live snapchat feeds’ (As they expire after 24hours.) I hardly have any photos to go along with this post.

Every time I travel somewhere I eye off the city bikes which are strategically placed all over the tourist hot spots. These are available in most cities. Especially in the western world.

Deep down I’ve always wanted to hire one. I tried to think of reasons why I talked myself out of it in all my years of travelling.

I had an entire free day to myself in NYC. I’d planned to pop in some headphones, crank up Fall Out Boy and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. My friend who I’m staying with suggested I hire a bike and cruise around. He even handed me his bike pass which gives you 45minutes free ride time.

GULP. I took it and said thanks as I waved him off to work. And in came all of the excuses as to why I’m better off walking.

You’re too big. Size 18 girls don’t hire bikes. You can’t ride standing up. You’re clumsy. What if you get hurt. What if you can’t keep up. The seat will be too small and uncomfortable. You’ll get sweaty and have to re wash and straighten your hair (I HATE doing my hair) You’ll get sunburnt and weird tan lines. Your face will be red for ages. Eczema will flare up on your face. If you don’t wear a helmet you will die. Brain injury.

SERIOUSLY. THIS GARBAGE WAS GOING THROUGH MY HEAD. (maybe the helmet thoughts are valid though)

But this time instead of talking myself out of it. I ran through the positives.

You know no one. Who cares. If it’s too hard you can stop. You used to like bike riding. You only live once. Everyone speaks english if you need help. You have a map on your phone and international data. Take it slow, it’s not a race. It’s not going to cost you anything. People of all sizes ride bikes. It’s a cloudy day. You have dry shampoo. You can wear your new shoes & outfit.

I consider myself a seasoned traveller. I’m pretty confident with putting myself out there and trying new things. But the idea of riding a bike threw me off a bit. And it’s okay to admit that. I don’t have to be a strong independent woman all the time.

So long story short. I hired the bike. It took a few times to get the hang of it, even though the seat was large and comfy, I ended up stopping and walking on the pavement with my bike because I wasn’t comfortable riding on the road with NYC traffic.

Once I got to the bike track I rode comfortably and pushed my way up the slight incline over the bridge. I took it slow and used my bell to alert walkers (who were on the bike track) that I was behind them. When I got too hot and tired I stopped and had some water. No big deal.

It was a little tougher than I thought it was going to be getting up that slight incline. I ended up walking up some of the way. My face was beetroot red. My eczema was itching because I was sweating, luckily there were lots of clouds around so the heat wasn’t too intense.

Wore my FitForMe shirt that was gifted at Full Figure Fashion Week.

If you are travelling alone, don’t be afraid to ask someone to take a couple of photos for you at different angles. Some people will say no but 98% of people will say yes. It’s all about picking your moments to make sure they are free. More importantly always offer to help someone take a photo first and they will most likely be happy to take one for you. If the photo they took was blurry or at a weird angle, just ask someone else once the other person has moved on.

Ended up walking and chatting to a lovely bunch of women who had come out for the day and left their grumpy husbands at home. Honestly they were hilarious. They even invited me to join them for lunch which was so kind of them.

I made it halfway across the bridge and rode back downhill because my 45minutes was almost up. With the wind in my hair and yelling at people to get out of the pathway I felt great. I rode a bike in NYC. The world didn’t end. I spent the next few hours walking and exploring taking in as much of the NYC Summer as I could.

Please be a traveller, not a tourist. Try new things, meet new people, and look beyond whats in front of you.

What I Wore ~ Hope&Harvest Empire Shirt Dress

June 18, 2017 By sammy Leave a Comment

I tried out the Hope&Harvest Empire Shirt Dress and absolutely adore it.

Here’s why,

I’ve been living a gypsy life for 8 months ago. I’ve roughed it in Nepal and now I’m in the USA for NYC Full Figure Fashion Week. From one extreme to the other I know.

So I thought I’d share a few of the outfits I’ve brought with me. Stay tuned for more posts

When it comes to travelling, theres a few things that I consider when packing for fashion events. curvysam

Firstly, the weight of garments is always super important. The less things weigh the more I can pack (we all know I mean buy)

The next thing is versatility. I always run through in my mind how I would wear the outfit.

– How can I style it?

– Does it dress up or down?

– Can it be worn in both seasons

The Hope&Harvest Empire Shirt Dress ticks all the boxes. It is super lightweight as it’s made from American Crepe and can be worn a few ways.

The sleeves are elasticated so you can easily wear the at elbow height or at your wrists.

For those cooler times pop on a blazer, stockings and killer boots to pull off a killer Winter look.

You have the option to wear the neckline open or buttoned up. I like to show my décolletage (neck area) so next time I’ll remember to iron it open.

Buy your own Hope&Harvest Empire Dress here

Photos taken by Elizabeth Estrada
Disclosure ~ This item was gifted

Trying out Nike Plus Size Activewear

June 7, 2017 By sammy 1 Comment

As soon as I saw the media release come out for Nike extending their sizes I wrote a blog post in excitement right away. {read here}

As a plus size woman who loves to be active, the idea of a mainstream brand selling plus size workout clothes is ground breaking. Unfortunately it’s mainly available online, especially in Australia. But even the smallest step forward counts.

So naturally as soon as I landed in the USA I went straight to Nike to check it out. The store I went to only stocked a style of leggings which I of course had to purchase then and there.

Alas, similar to Australia stores don’t hold much stock of plus size products.

Staff members said that if there was something I liked online I could have it delivered to the store for no extra cost. The customer service at Nike stores in the USA is impressive. They also expressed their frustrations in having to tell pull size women that the stock is online and not in store.

I’d expected to buy a workout top in store too but nothing in the female section fit me. Which sucks. Those fat kid feelings came rolling back in.

So the top you see below – is from the mens range……

So the leggings. Glad I purchased them on sale because as soon as I started my hike they started to roll down my tummy. I can see in the photos that they were sliding down my body, especially over my mid section and crotch area. They are a ‘hyper cool style’ and I figured that I would be okay with the thinness of the material however I quickly found that my wobbly bits didn’t feel supported.

A friend who was walking behind me said they were see-through. I did know this already as I did the classic bend over check in the change room. Sigh. I love the print so much too.

Not even meaning to be a negative Nelly but can’t help feeling a little disappointed. You guys know I’ll always keep it honest and genuine.

So this time around Nike, it’s a pass from me.

Photos by Elizabeth Estrada @lizphoto

Testing Out ‘Root Blur Hair Colour Concealer’

May 12, 2017 By sammy Leave a Comment

If you’ve been following a while you will know that I love to travel. Whilst I LOVE being a blonde bombshell, I’m also one of those girls who really hates having their hair done. (I know shock horror)

Every four weeks or so I get a scalp bleach but when travelling it can be a little tough to get someone to do this. And lets be honest I don’t have the skills or desire to do it myself. I know having dark roots is ‘in’ but I’m just not a fan of that look on me.

After being in Nepal I spent Christmas in the UK and because I didn’t book a gazillion months in advance I just couldn’t get an appointment. Because. Christmas sends everyone festive crazy.

This led me on the hunt to conceal my roots which felt black against my bright blonde hair. I found this at Boots UK & I’ve heard it’s also available at Priceline for all those Aussies. Was I skeptical about this, YUP. But desperate times my friends. Lucky this stuff was amazing and totally saved day.

Firstly, I sticky taped my phone to a mirror and made a tutorial video. High end tech haha. Or scroll for photos

It comes in a cute compact with a brush and two shades. I only ended up using the lightest shade.

You apply it like this. SO EASY.

As you can see the results aren’t the same as getting your hair done but I totally rate this as a good cover up to get you through.

Since I made the video at Christmas John Frieda has come out with a few new shades (see below) or click the images to be taken directly to the site where you can check it out.

What I Wore ~ GabiFresh Athena Swimsuit

April 22, 2017 By sammy 6 Comments

I must admit I’d been eyeing off Gabi Fresh’s swimsuit range (especially the GabiFresh Athena Swimsuit) when it launched last year.

I was tempted but was waiting for something a little more out there and unique. The second drop of styles has certainly delivered thats for sure so I eagerly ordered the Athena Underwire Swimsuit from SwimsuitsForAll.com.

GabiFresh casually being a total babe

Buying swimsuits online can be a bit of a risk especially from Australia because lets be honest postage isn’t cheap and plus sizing differs so much depending on who’s making them.

I’m so grateful that brands are using plus size bloggers in their campaigns. It’s refreshing to see women that I can relate to body wise, I’ve personally met Gabi before so I know she is my size and we have a similar sized bust. And she wouldn’t wear something that doesn’t fit her. Plus its SO COOOOOOOLLLL. Fashion + Swimwear = happy Sam.

If you want to follow people that may look like you – heres a list of 50 plus size babes you should follow

Whats also great is that you get to see photos of the swimsuit in a smaller plus size model and a real plus babe with lumps and bumps. Both equally as beautiful but its nice to see some size diversity.

I ordered the 18F and I wear a size 18G cup inAustralia. I didn’t see the G/H cup online when I ordered {whoops} which would have fit better but the 18F cup still fits me. I did bulge a little on the sides but it was manageable.

So if you’ve been following me on social media you’ll know already that I’m moving away from my tropical home in Far North Queensland and moving to Brisvegas. So in my last few weeks here I’m lapping up as much tropical goodness as possible. I’m not one to style photos, my photos are taken in the moment having fun.

Being an Aussie, I always have a set of bathers and a towel in the boot of my car for occasions just like this. A Sunday drive with no set destination that ended up at Millaa Millaa falls with my friends. Like to note here that I wasn’t hungover at all but poor Monique in the back was on struggle street topping up on gatorade.

These falls are the home of the herbal essence TV commercial {where bikini clad babes flick their hair back in the water} AND Peter Andre filmed mysterious girl there. Ha. It’s FNQ’s claim to fame and we all tell everyone the story.

Because it was a rainy day we ended up having the whole place to ourselves. The water was slightly chilly but the outside temperature was still 28degrees so lovely and warm.

Now gals. Boob and tummy support is important for me. I like to be held in firmly and be super comfortable. I do wish I had of sized up to a 20G for the bikini top. The size 18 was perfect for my body and I really feel that Swimsuitsforall for all have taken on board all the feedback customers provided last year with the sizing running small for the first release.

Aussies – allow for a few weeks for delivery. I’m going to be honest with you, this isn’t a sponsored post in any way out of a $430 AUD order for three top of the range swimsuits plus a hefty delivery fee, that I paid for myself, I’m only retaining this one. Make sure you sign up for their newsletter because they have SUCH GOOD SALES! I ordered the day it came out so I paid full price however I’ve ordered from them many times and scored some absolute bargains.
Oh. And in case you are wondering. When swimming and exploring in FNQ I swim with my shoes on because there’s rocks, oysters and submerged trees. Plus touching squishy seaweed with my feet freaks me out. As do crabs. Ha.

I’m heading to the USA and this cute swimsuit will certainly be coming the a Vegas pool party.

SHOP THE LOOK

Sunglasses – Vision Direct – Tom Ford JANINA {gifted}
Shoes – Ipanema
Swimsuit – Swimsuitsforall – Gabi Fresh Athena

Top Tips ~ Wearing & Buying A Plus Size Jumpsuit

March 18, 2017 By sammy 2 Comments

Being a larger gal. Fat. Curvy. Plus Size. Whatever you are comfortable with saying – we always get told what we should and shouldn’t wear. Jumpsuits are one of those styles we are told to ‘stay away’ from.

I’m here to tell you now that you should totally give it a go.

All “trends” are for all bodies. Wear whatever you want, when you want. How you want
Who even comes up with all these trends and rules?!!

Perfect for festivals, a stroll through the markets or a night out, jumpsuits are a cute versatile and comfortable option.

In early Jan, whilst snuggled up on the couch in the UK I ordered my first ever jumpsuit from ASOS because I just loved the colour and the print. Because it was Winter I wore the jumpsuit with a black cropped jacket and ankle boots. Didn’t think to get any photos at the time (worst blogger ever I know). So now that I’m back in sunny Aus, this time around I wore my jumpsuit out to lunch and got some pics before the boozy Sunday begun.

It’s out of stock sorry babes but here’s the link anyways

Going to keep it real here guys. Lets talk about VBO.
At a size 18, I hold my weight in my mid section (from chin to crotch) so was a little apprehensive that I’d paid so much for an jumpsuit that I had no idea would fit me. The roundest part of my body is my tummy. There are gals out there with the ‘fuck flattering’ mentality who will comfortably embrace any look. (and hats off to those women who do!) So I was apprehensive about wearing a jumpsuit. But oh how I was wrong to worry about it!

I’m not the fuck flattering kinda gal. I believe in aesthetic lines and outfits that hug you in the right places to give you shape. I want to feel absolutely bangin so when it comes to jumpsuits I size up to ensure I have a loose fit around my stomach and bust area. You can wear a jumpsuit without VBO being the focus of your outfit.

With this particular style I loved how the lower half were culottes which is a looser style fit. So if you have larger thighs the material doesn’t cling or give you the dreaded front wedgie.

One of my top tips is to consider what underwear you are wearing. Under this beautiful outfit are high wasted firm briefs. Not glam at all but they don’t roll down and give me firmness to my wobbly tummy.

plus size jumpsuit fashion playsuit romper outfit flattering curvysam

River Island Plus Floral Print Culotte Jumpsuit product code 994293 on ASOS (sold out)

I’d fully intended to just talk about my jumpsuit, then I thought, there’s SO many amazing curvy babes (many of them friends) that rock the jumpsuit on a regular basis. Why not share their tips too!

So here they are, all different shapes and sizes looking fabulous

@suzie_stevens
“I always suggest sizing up, that way you don’t have to worry about it clinging or riding up your thighs giving you a faux camel toe effect. Seems to only happen if your thighs touch.”

Jumpsuit from @embodydenim

@remi_viviensmodel

“A print is the perfect way to go when it comes to jumpsuits. Prints can be a welcome distraction when you aren’t feeling totally confident in your body. There is something about a bold printed jumpsuit that oozes confidence and style and enables the wearer to feed off that. If you arent keen to go all out on your first go, try a bold colour with a small dainty print and then go from there.”

@trishma

“Wear what makes you feel fab!”

Jumpsuit from @punyu

@thisismeagankerr

“Add a belt – it helps break up the line of the jumpsuit and adds texture and detail to your outfit”

www.thisismeagankerr.com

@gaelleprudencio
“I always go up a size for jumpsuits and don’t choose stretchy pieces because they give more structure to the outfit”

www.gaelleprudencio.com

@j1987t

“I love wearing jumpsuits they are a fun option, I always love accessorising them with my lipstick, jewellery and shoes. My tips is, always be prepared for the bathroom trips early as they take time to get out of”

Jumpsuit from @seraphimstore

@fearlesslyjustme
“I always love to add a little edge to my look and with a chic jumpsuit, a moto jacket does just that. I love adding a jacket period to a jumpsuit. It’s the perfect accessory to take your jumpsuit to new level. A pretty peplum jacket or even a nice blazer will have your jumpsuit ready for any occasion. Even a cropped denim jacket… The possibilities are endless.”

: @bettyerainwaterphotography Jumpsuit: @citychicusa
Jacket: @lanebryant

@garnerstyle
“If you are different sizes on the top and bottom, fit the largest part of your body then tailor the other part”

www.garnerstyle.com Photo by📸: @jessecampbellphotography

@miss_connie_constance
“If your easing into the jumpsuit style it is easier to start with something baggy and casual. If you are tall like me then size up 1-2 sizes to make sure you have enough room for your long torso/crotch area.”

@calliethorpe

You all know how much I love a jumpsuit. This one is my new favourite and ridiculously comfortable.

@daniellevanier

@jkgphotography
Jumpsuit from ASOS

Behind The Scenes ~ BeMe

March 4, 2017 By sammy Leave a Comment

Reunited with Bel @missboi

Straight off the plane from travelling OS I popped past the BeMe HQ in Sydney to meet the team and say hi to my beautiful friend and model Belinda Morgan whilst she was shooting their new Autumn range.

For those of you who are wondering who BeMe are. BeMe are the plus size range available in Rockmans. Now whilst their plus ranged is aimed at an mature demographic there’s quite often a few funky pieces that I love to wear. What I like about their range is that it’s great for basic staples too. Women of every shape and age can shop instore at Rockmans and find something they can look fabulous in.

Here’s a look behind the scenes

Check out all the shoes in the background! And that was only half of them

SO much goes on behind the scenes, its fun, fast paced and super organised. I’m always impressed with how organised the team are – and they have to be because theres just so many garments to keep track of.
Excuse the lack of correct technical job titles here guys.
Other than the model, makeup artist and photographer, there’s generally a person watching the screen to ensure that the garments have been captured in the right way (e.g. collar is straight).

Then there’s someone prepping the garments and generally another person keeping track of what has been photographed using a number system. Every now and again other people pop in to see how it’s all going. All hands on deck as they say!

It’s like being apart of one big fashion family. This is why I love working with BeMe. They are all nice people who want women to look and feel good.

The beautiful and talented Belinda Morgan represented by Bella Models

In stores 13th March

The BeMe team had it totally down pat with their organisation that’s for sure. Not that I was there to judge at all, I go to so many shoots and everyone does it differently. Check out BeMe for their new arrivals

Disclosure – this is not a sponsored post

Nike Goes Plus ~ up to a 3X

March 2, 2017 By sammy 1 Comment

If you follow me on social media you’ll see that I’m an active and adventurous gal. But shopping for active wear at Australian retail stores (outside of a city where they seem to have more) is a NIGHTMARE when you are plus size. Most of the time you are limited to boring black leggings and without naming any names the quality isn’t great. (lucky there are many amazing options available online for us curvy babes)

15 years ago as a teen Nike was my go to sportswear. As I got older and rounder I had to settle with just wearing Nike shoes. And you know what. It’s so frustrating to want to be fitter and not being able to buy workout clothes at fitness stores. God forbid fat people work out…..

So I’m SUPER excited to see a mainstream brand extend their sizes. Nike teamed up with some bangin plus influencers Grace Victory and Danielle Vanier to front the campaign to launch the range which goes to a 3X

Photography by JKG | jkgphotography.co.uk

(Click here to see Dani breakdown what she’s wearing on her blog)

Explaining their reason for expanding their size range Nike said:

“Nike recognises that women are stronger, bolder and more outspoken than ever. In today’s world, sport is no longer something that she does, it’s who she is. The days where we have to add ‘female’ before ‘athlete’ are over. She is an athlete, period. And having helped fuel this cultural shift, we celebrate these athletes’ diversity, from ethnicity to body shape.”

Photography by JKG | jkgphotography.co.uk Visit http://www.graciefrancesca.com to read about the launch

Now I know we’ve seen brands do this before. “Ohhh we are making plus size, we now go to a size 18” – when all they do is increase their proportions to make their products slightly larger. This time I know its different, one of the perks to working with bloggers is that we trust their voices in the community. If we as plus bloggers don’t believe in a product we don’t work with that brand.

A spokeswoman has also acknowledged that plus women hold their weight in different places so they have tried and tested many designs to get the best and most supportive fit. For me its the upper thighs and tummy region that I like to be firm.

Now there’s a strong black and white theme but I have my eye on these.

NIKE PRO HYPERCOOL

Now let’s talk about their sports bras – by the looks of it they’ve gone up a size but not cater for a larger plus size bust. Which I for one am SO disappointed in BUT this is the start of good things to come.

Shop the Nike plus size range here

Photo courtesy of Nike.com

Introducing the Juliet Printed Tutu