Danimezza

DMNYC – Day 3

2013-06-17T05:45:53Z

DMNYC – Day 2

2013-06-16T06:23:19Z

DMNYC – Day One

2013-06-16T06:13:05Z

One Dress – 3 Ways

2013-06-13T18:19:13Z

I’ve been thinking a lot about my wardrobe lately and as I get ready to head off to New York, planning outfits and thinking of the types of things I’d like to buy, I realised that I’m slowly curating my wardrobe. Now don’t get me wrong, I know wardrobes are meant to be ever evolving (well the fun ones anyway) but as I’ve learnt more about different brands, manufacturing processes, quality fabrics, unique prints and flattering silhouettes I’ve been gradually letting the crap pieces fall into the donation bin.

I’ve been fortunate to have worked myself into a knowledgable position within the industry that brands and designers alike appreciate my feedback and send me garments to try. Not all of it makes it to the blog, some get sent back and some are gifted to fellow plus size bloggers if I feel it would suit their style more. I have an interesting job that is a lot of hard work but a lot of fun too. I feel truly humbled that you come to me with the trust that I’m going to call it as I see it, and I do. If I don’t love it, I’m not going to wear it simple as that.

So it’s always exciting when a label I have yet to try becomes a client because they appreciate that about me. They send out a few pieces and allow me the opportunity to do my thing and hope that I like it. There are so many brands out there but with most only being accesible online I know first hand how daunting it can be to spend your hard earned cash on something you’re never touched or tried on. That’s one of the reasons why I take my measurements every month and publish them for the whole world to see, sizing has got to be one of the most frustrating parts of plus size fashion.

Lucabella sent me the Jade Printed Cardigan a few weeks back for Aussie Curves – Green week and you all loved it, almost as much as I do so the team sent over a few other things for me to try. When the package arrived it was enormous and I was blown away. As I pulled each piece out of the bag and tried them on I knew I was going to have a problem because I wanted to feature them all! The best solution I thought was to show you how to style one of their key dresses (100% merino mind you!) for winter in three different ways… brace yourself for lots of photos!

Shoppers Note: When shopping online with Lucabella, in the top right corner you can switch the prices to match your currency. You’ll need to do this as the default prices listed are in NZD. If you’re worried about international postage rates never fear because they offer free shipping to NZ, AUS, UK and USA!

#1: Urban Funk

Cowl Neck Dress (100% merino wool) – Lucabella
Disc Earrings – Thrifted
Bomber Jacket – Lucabella
Metallic Belt – City Chic
Chain Necklace – City Chic
Chain Handbag – Thrifted
Leggings – TS14+
Ankle Boots – TS14+

This bomber jacket has total WOW factor. The print is called “Gelato” but the colours are actually quite earthy and much like the modern indigenous paintings you see in galleries. It’s really light weight and silky smooth. It fits comfortably when zippered all the way up (even over my huge boobs) and it has nifty little zipper pockets. Not only is it great for jazzing up a black outfit by adding some colour and life but I can also see it dressing up a pair of jeans, a white tee and a pair of sneakers.

Look, I know the dress isn’t cheap ($190 AUD approx.) but taking into account that it’s 100% merino wool I think the price is more than fair. As for the wool it’s light, yet warm and soft, not the least bit scratchy. The cut of the dress is really flattering and as I’m about to show you there are endless ways it can be worn. It comes in other colours too but I think black is a very versatile colour for a warm little winter dress that could easily be worn day or night.

#2 – Berry Warm

Cowl Neck Dress – Lucabella
Draped Shawl Jacket – Lucabella
Chunky Knit Scarf – gift from a friend
Leggings – TS14+
Black Buckle Boots – City Chic circa 2010

This would have to be my go-to winter look. It’s simple, layered with warmth and extremely comfortable. “Waterfall” cardigans are great as they can be a stand out piece on their own and they can also be layered under a jacket or coat as the soft ruffles at the front frame the length of your body.

I know you might think a black cardi is the best way to go, you’ll get more use out of it etc etc but it’s pieces like this that I think should be colourful, I mean how gorgeous is this wonderful purple! It’s also 100% merino wool and feels just as soft and warm as the dress. See how I can layer two wool pieces together without looking bulky or loosing my shape… that is what I’m talking about.

#3 – Glitz & Glam

Cowl Neck Dress – Lucabella
Crystal Hoop Earrings – Wild Bling
Silver Metallic Belt – City Chic
Silver Sequin Bag – Wild Bling
Patent Pumps – Target

Just because it’s winter and it’s cold outside doesn’t mean the party season is over. There are still weddings, work functions, birthdays and date nights. You could freeze your butt off in a poly blend dress or you could cosy up in merino like I have. The dress has a rouching detail up the very center of the dress to the bust line and then the same rouching is found on the arms which you can just see in this picture. It’s very subtle but you wont leave the house feeling like plain-jane I promise, especially when you work the accessories like I have.

So there you have it! One wonderful dress worn in three ways that’s under $200 AUD and it’s suitable for all this chilly weather we’ve been having. Winter has only just begun so if you are looking for a piece like this I highly recommend. Like will all wool garments you’ll need to follow the care instructions and invest a few dollars in a lint roller to catch any stray hairs or fluff that it may pick up. I’ll also confess that finally having some merino in my wardrobe has made me feel just a little more grown up. Next step… cashmere!

This post was brought to you by Lucabella

Eye Lash Extensions

2013-06-12T15:25:38Z

Late yesterday afternoon I nervously headed to one of the local beauty salons to get eye lash extensions applied. If I’m honest I always thought it was a bit silly to pay upward of $100 every 2-3 weeks just for long lashes but after having what felt like permanent panda eyes during FFFWeek last year I started to reconsider.

As much as I liked the look of false lashes (and I have gotten better at applying them) they’re time consuming and tedious when you’re in a rush. Peeling them off and getting rid of the gunk was another thing I hated. When I do it occasionally for events, that’s fine but all day and all night and every single day for a week was killer. Sure, no one was holding a gun to my head but the US ladies were on their game and I loved the way their full thick lashes looked.

Olivia looooves hers as does Jo and after asking them what felt like a million questions, I finally decided to do it… the only problem was finding the right beautician. I tried countless places and most didn’t offer the service or just seemed shonky.

So I did what I recommend everyone should do, I called the fanciest most expensive spa and asked the receptionist if they did eye lash extensions (knowing full well that they didn’t) and then asking for a personal recommendation of someone who does as all the beauty girls seem to have them done these days. She’ll have to whisper it into the phone of course so she doesn’t get in trouble from the boss so write the number down quickly.

If you live in the Hawkesbury I recommend you eavesdrop on my whisper and head over to Ron Day Vu, Studio 206 in Windsor. Admittedly I took a gamble but they seemed the most switched on and could answer all my questions without hesitation. My set cost $120 and they should see me through New York with no dramas. I can choose to have them infilled when I return at a lesser price but I’ll see how I go.

When I arrived I explained I wanted to mirror my natural shape and density but with added length, anything thicker or heavier than that and I feared I would get irritated. I laid down and she got started at 3:45pm and she was done by 5:15pm so by no means was it a rushed job.

After some research I knew “cluster” lashes weren’t for me, individual lash application was the way to go as there is less risk of damaging additional healthy lashes when old ones fall out but this took time. That was ok because it gave me plenty of time to explain what blogging is and what I do and my trip and about cameras… it was nice!

Tape was applied under each eye, covering my lower lashes to protect them from the glue. It felt odd at first but I was all for protective measures. Sometimes the fumes from the glue got a little too much and the beautician used a hand held fan which helped. My eyes didn’t feel sore or sting at all really. Now lets get to the good stuff, the before + after photos…

BEFORE

AFTER

SIDE BY SIDE

FRONT ANGLE

I didn’t get to take a photo from the side but you can see how curved the flicks are at the corner of my eyes, so pretty and natural looking. I haven’t got any make up on in these photos so you can imagine how fierce they’ll look with mascara and eyeliner applied which I’ll probably only do for the fancier events so I don’t stress the lashes out.

As far as caring for my beautiful new lashes go, I have to keep them dry for the first 24-48 hours so my facial cleansing wipes have come in handy to keep my skin feeling fresh without risking my lashes. I don’t like touching my eyes and so far I’ve had no inclination to pull or play with them, which makes them fall out faster. I have a clean little disposable mascara wand and I use that to brush them just as I would my eyebrows. I’ve never had lashes so long that they would tangle before, so weird.

There you have it, I got eye lash extensions… TaDa!

Have you ever had them done? Would you?

Camera Gear Packing

2013-06-10T02:46:07Z

Last year I failed to deliver on news whilst in New York, I felt horrible about it but I tried. I tried to share every little part of my trip but I felt a constant delay. A delay in editing, in finding the right words, in finding sleep. I realised that the way I planned to share was as grand as it was flawed so this year I’ve made changes.

Limited internet was my biggest hurdle so I’ve bought an unlimited calls and data sim upon recommendations from other Aussies who have traveled to the USA for work. Unfortunately I’m unable to utilise my phone’s hotspot with this sim but I’ll still be able to blog using Affinia’s room wifi.

This meant that blog posts weren’t going to be my main tool for conversation during my trip, I’d have to rely on social media. Below is a list of all the platforms I use, please click the link to be taken to my profile pages and “follow/like” so you’ll be notified of updates… oh and don’t forget to follow #DMNYC on twitter and instagram just in case you miss anything.

Now that crucial part is taken care of and I’ll be able to sleep at night knowing you’ll be able to see and hear what’s going on, I thought I’d tell you a little bit about the gear I’m taking over to FFFWeek this year and the reasons behind it. Firstly, my iPhone is going to be the hero for this trip. It’s all well and good to have a big fancy camera and beautiful lenses but with that comes heavy gear, expensive risk, big bags, editing and large time consuming posts. I don’t have a team, I just have me and I have to be realistic.

The iPhone5 is great as it fits in my pocket or clutch, has heaps of storage, I can take pretty pictures and even film. It allows me to chat in real time on twitter, facebook and instagram and I’ll have complete access to the internet no matter where I am allowing me to share. Last year my iPhone was dead weight, useless unless I stayed up late at night and pounded out instagrams all in a row before the wifi collapsed. Lesson learnt.

iPhonography

iPhone5
2x Charger Cables
LED Light
Microphone
Wide Angle Lens

By a stroke of pure luck I won a camera last week and I’m still baffled by it. I was excited because the camera, a Canon 650D had video and would allow me to experiment more with the medium. Sure the iPhone had done me well in the past but I wanted to go the next step and the opportunity just fell in my lap. By no means am I giving up my Nikon D700, it is a beautiful machine. The 650D is smaller, much lighter, has a swivel screen and a touch screen. This will make traveling, self portraits, vlogs and outfit photos whilst on the go that much easier.

Camera Equipment

Canon 650D with 50mm lens
Macbook Pro Retina and Charger
Wireless Remote
Spare Battery and Charger
Gary Fong “Puffer” Flash Diffuser
2x 8GB SD Cards
2x USB Cables
Cleaning Cloth and Pen
Silver Audrey Lu Camera Bag

Last year I took big, heavy, extremely expensive lenses. I took all the equipment I’d need but I felt torn. I’d get up, get dressed in cute outfits and then let myself down in the shoes department because I wasn’t stable enough in heels. I’d see fancy bloggers dressed to the nines using nothing more than their phone to document the trip and they looked comfortable and polished. At the other end of the spectrum was the event and media photographers, carting around similar gear to me but wearing tees, jeans and sneakers. I was caught in the middle and I hated it.

I was selected as a Fashion Front VIP Blogger again this year so I decided that was exactly what I was going to be. Sharing my news with my readers and followers in real time, raw and live moments exactly as they happen. Winning the camera only cemented that decision. It’s small size meant that carrying it wouldn’t bother me, especially during my tourist treks after FFFWeek. It also wont be as intimidating for others when I ask them to photograph me. Not to mention if it was lost or stolen my heart wouldn’t feel like it was being ripped from my throat… I’m very very attached to my D700, can you tell?

This year I only have one room mate, the ever lovely Ashley Rose and we’ve both been frank about our expectations and understand whilst it’s all fun and games there is also work to be done. We’re going to keep each other on-game, take each other’s outfit photos and share with you all the little details that make FFFWeek so special. I really want you to feel as if you’re there too!

Here are my social media platforms again and don’t forget to follow #DMNYC

Aussie Curves – Feminine

2013-06-09T05:37:26Z

Strike the world with beauty and behold it in your hands for all to see.

Owner of your reflection and all that makes up the atoms of your existence.

With grace, power and a silent preoccupation with an understanding of how things are.

What they could be.

How they could be.

A woman’s mind is not only her own but away with the stars.

Soaking in the atmosphere drenching thoughts and sheets.

An all encompassing passion for life.

For love.

For her loves.

She is the light that breaks darkness and embraced if only for a fleeting moment.

She is there in your hands, in your cheeks and the stars mirrored in your reflection.

Never be without her.

Never let her go.

Hairy Knit Jumper - Crossroads
Maxi Dress - ModCloth
Necklace - Target
Large Brooch - Lovisa
Small Brooch - Vintage
Earrings - Lovisa
Hairpin - Colette
Ring - City Chic
Bag - Vintage Glomesh
Shoes - Lane Bryant

Packing Malfunction

2013-06-09T06:13:29Z

This was me last year heading off to NYC

I will be in New York for 20 days.

I am allowed:

1x 7kgs Carry On Baggage
2x 23kg Check In Baggage

You do the math… suffice to say I’m freaking out a little!

Last year I was only away for 10 days and although it was tight I didn’t have any excess baggage. I half-packed each suitcase to allow space for purchases in New York and I put my camera bag in my carry on suitcase but on the way home I filled my carry on with shoes and used my camera bag as a handbag. I felt extremely clever.

Now Full Figured Fashion Week has twice as many events and is spread over the entire week not just four days. On top of that I have over a week of me-time to think of. I can’t just pack fancy fashion stuff, I’ll need comfy walking tourist stuff too. I have four days left until I get on the plane so I really need to get my act together… so of course I procrastinate by writing a post about it.

I’m staring at the suitcases right now and packing them seems unfathomable. How on earth can I possibly pack all I require? A part of me wants to pack knickers, bras, PJs and then buy everything else when I’m there. Another part wants to pre-plan all my outfits and put them in ziplock baggies and correlate them to a spreadsheet of activities. I’m caught somewhere in the middle and my brain feels like it’s going to explode.

Planning to take 2.5 suitcases is all well and good but I also have to take into consideration that for the second part of my trip I’ll be staying with my friend Kristin who has limited space, like all of New York. She also lives up five flights of stairs with no lift. My ass and thighs are crying in pain already. I’m trying to find a way to take only 1.5 suitcase but as I’m big and my clothes are also big it’s not proving practical. I do plan to post things home but to not make use of the extra 23kgs wouldn’t be economical.

I’m excited about New York and I know this is just part of the pleasure and pain of it all but I wish someone would just come over and take care of it all for me.

What are your top tips for packing for an overseas trip?

It’s a Girl Thing

2013-06-07T10:42:19Z

A few weeks ago I headed into the city really really early to work out… I’m serious. I’m not a morning person so I’m still in shock that I actually managed to make the train and stay awake for the entire journey in and then punch out a work out. Did I mention I’d be working out whilst surrounded by polished magazine people and fitness bloggers? You could also say I was the token big girl but that didn’t stop me being me and doing my thing…

I was looking forward to trying the Pilates Reformer machine and it didn’t disappoint, the only negative I found was that there were no pilates studios in my area that used them. I felt really supported throughout the exercise, I felt ease in movement and yet at the same time I felt the burn. Using the resistance method meant that the weight I was pushing against was my own so I wasn’t surprised when I was more red faced than others at the end. If I could I would do it twice or even three times a week and no matter your physical condition I highly recommend you try it. Thank you Running Bare for the lovely invitation, the comfy clothes and the blow dry afterward. I left feeling fresh, pretty and energised.

Have you tried Pilates Reformer?

Simply Country

2013-06-05T23:57:34Z

I live in a beautiful part of the country called The Hawkesbury, about an hour out of Sydney and as much as I complain about the commute in for events and how much I lust for a little townhouse in city I’m also secretly head over heels with where we live. It’s full of rolling hills, rivers and streams, farms and settlers cottages and the best op shops around. I don’t live in the best parts of town but it suits our little family just fine. We can walk to school, to the grocer and to the post office. We can spend our afternoons at the park, we can feed the ducks and we can drive simply to take in the view.

Every Sunday since Aidan was about 18 months old Steve takes him for a Sunday drive just as his father took him. I’m usually left to sleep in as they quietly eat breakfast, read the paper and then they head out for man to man time. At first I struggled to stay home, I felt I was missing out but then I remembered that the boys need their bonding time, a special thing they do together without Mumma butting her nose in… I also began to remember how much I loved to sleep in.

We do go for drives together. Up into the hills, exploring the back roads and stopping for roadside flowers and at vege stalls. These pics were taken after heading up to Kurrajong for the markets. It was a cool cloudy day and I felt like a country princess in my silky dress. We’ve been taking the camera everywhere lately, something I haven’t been inclined to do for awhile. The Aussie Curve challenges are fun and allow me to dream up outfits but I also want you to get a better idea of the kind of outfits I wear in my little town… and occasionally give you a backdrop that’s a little more exciting than my backyard wall.

Denim Jacket – City Chic 2010
Coral Print Dress – Igigi
Glomesh Purse – Gift from my sister
Lace Up Shoes – Spendless Shoes 2011