"bag lady you gon hurt your back, dragging all them bags like that"

I love Erykah Badu's "Bag Lady" and I thought of that song as soon as I was asked by the wonderful Denise of Loca and the cool SheDel of My Thrifted Closet "What's in my bag".......
I love seeing what people carry around, their daily essentials....and I have to say mines pretty boring at the moment. I swing from one extreme to the other.

If I have my big black Roxy bag I will have my whole life in there.....you name it and I probably have in there.....granted that most of it is junk.....but I guess the more room I have in there....the more I tend to pack in there.....

At the moment I am living out of my small Rip Curl over the shoulder bag. It is clamped shut and its really sturdy so I have fun seeing how much crap I can pack into it.....At the moment it reflects my basic needs living out in the middle of nowhere...as you can see there is no phone.....I am notorious for never having my phone on me...I think my friends and family hate that the most about me >,<   but out here there is no mobile coverage so my phone becomes my alarm clock and music piece for the gym.

So here's what is in my bag

1. Rip Curl clamp purse
2. Another smaller Rip Curl Black purse (I hate wallets... I always use coin purses where I can dig around in a pit of cards, receipts and money.....ask my friends how long I had my last one for.....they kept asking me when I was going to buy a new one)
3. Ipod touch (a must for the hour drive into town on Fridays after class.... I take a pillow and sleep listening to my jams)
4. USB probably full of random shit I have like 5 of them floating around
5. Wrigglys Zing Chewy (maybe you call it gum?)
6. Cool Mint breath freshener (my sister brought one so I thought it could be handy)
7. Avon banana lip gloss
8. money
9. earrings
10. my keys (house key and classroom key as I don't have a car out here) and my Wiggles key ring from my niece and Cairns keyring from my friend Amy)
11. Glasses and  case

That was it minus the few empty chewy wrappers I threw away.....Its kinda boring but I thats all I need out here........I usually also always carry my camera with me...but that lives in its own bag.....


Now for the fun part....I wanna see whats in:

 Emma's bag of The Girl You Lost
Catherine's bag of I do things the hard way
Jennifer's bag of Jasifer Lions Club
Deja's bag of Just Daisy

and anyone else who wants to play....I didn't wanna be greedy and request everyones....but then again...I wouldn't mind!

Big Love,


Falala Mele xo

What she's wearing in Winston-Salem USA

Ladies meet SheRea of My thrifted Closet.....the beautiful 19 year old thrift (or as us Aussies call it Opshop) crazy student who loves to find all things funky and beautiful! She spends pennies and proves that it is confidence that makes looks rather than labels. I don't know how I've missed her in my blog searches.....but the blogging Gods intervened and I am now following this gorgeous self-loving lady! I'm so happy that she has this confidence at such a young age...you can just see her BEAUTY when she smiles. She kinda reminds me of my lovely friend Daisy, young but so intelligent and someone I would REALLY REALLY want to hang out with in my real world.....

People say that personal style should reflect your personality. So if its possible can you describe yourself in 10 words?
A thriftshionista who finds the true beauty in thrifted fashion.

What is your greatest staple in your wardrobe?
Definitely my Stacy Adams Oxfords. I wear them with EVERYTHING and I never apologize for it. They really helped to jumpstart my love of thrifting and I’ve never turned back. Matter of fact, I don’t intend to.

When you want to "work it" what do you wear?
I honestly wear full-fledged confidence. No amount of clothes or accessories in the world can replace genuine self-esteem. I think I’m “working it” in sweat pants and a t-shirt and no one can tell me otherwise.  However, some banging eyes and blush usually give me that kick in the right direction.

What is something you have always wanted to buy or wear, but have never found?
I usually find what I want to wear, however I still want to rock a jean jacket. I haven’t worn one since elementary school.  Oh yea, some harem pants. Though I see them online all the time, I have never found them in an actual store.

How do you embrace your curves?

I embrace my curves by staying true to who I am. I have a large personality and I showcase that through my puffy sleeves, bold prints, florals, and large shoulder pads. I know what works for my body and I know what doesn’t. Being curvy isn’t limiting, it makes you more creative and daring. When the world tells me “no,” I respond “HELL YES, and let me show you how.” I’ve always heard, “you are pretty for a big girl” or “you dress nice for a big girl.” Sure I’m thick and curvy, but it’s not who I am. My curves are merely what I was blessed with.  I’ll rock my curves every day, all day. It’s the only way I know how.

Picture this: At the time you wear something and you think it’s the baddest shit going, but then later you’re like OMG? WTF? Would you care to describe if this has ever happened to you.
HAHHAHAH YES HONEY!!! Back in high school, I was an urban brand whore. Excuse my language. I loved Apple Bottoms and Baby Phat. I wore them ALL the time. I spent almost $100 on one pair of jeans. I thought I was the most fashionable person in the world. I look back at older photos of me and I laugh because I wouldn’t be caught dead in those things now. However, I don’ t condemn persons who continue to wear the brands.  I can only laugh at myself because that was the old SheRea and I’ve grown and evolved.  That was a part of my past and I embrace that. I grow every day. That’s life. That’s my reality.

What is something daring that you want to introduce to your wardrobe?
Not so much daring, as fabulous LOL. I would LOVE some harem pants as I said before. The only thing is that I’m skeptical to buy them online.  My thighs and butt hold no punches and I want to make sure the pants are flattering. I ALWAYS try on bottoms, because I never know with my lower half. I hope to find some soon so I can rip the runway and turn heads. I’ll let you know when I get some. 
 
What is the one thing (clothes, makeup or whatever) that transforms you (into sexy you, smart you, confident you or glamour you) when you wear it?
I always feel sexy in leggings, whether I dress them down with a t-shirt and sneakers to exercise or I wear them with combats or a cute top. Leggings hug me in the right places and  they are sooo comfortable. I love my men’s dress pants, but I swear to you, I fly in leggings. They make me feel free AND fabulous.

Any tips or secrets you want to share about shopping or plus fashion style?

I think people should try to thrift more. Thrifting offers soooo many great things for women of both straight sizes and plus sizes. There are sooo many possibilities. No one likes to look like the person sitting beside them and thrifting eliminates that. Thrifting is virtually the only thing I do and it works.  As LOCA said, keep safety pins. You never know when something might rip or tear or when a button comes loose or something is too big. Keep them with you constantly. Also, racks can’t be trusted. Try on a piece on your lovely body. It’s our bodies that make an outfit and not the other way around. Racks don’t do remarkable clothes any justice. Give odd and out there pieces a second look. You never know. Oh yea, don’t be afraid to try on smaller sizes. I’ve picked up many Large straight size dresses in a thrift store and they fit me perfectly. Our bodies are funny things. Believe that. 

No more questions, the floor is yours....any last minute messages and or shout outs to our lovely bloggers and readers?
Hi Loves, Mele is AWESOME!!! I recently discovered her blog and I’m hooked. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity. I’d like to apologize for rambling on, but I love to talk and once I start, I can’t  stop.

I reiterate: TRY THRIFTING and Live. Laugh. Love Thrift. Check out my blog: http://mythriftedcloset.blogspot.com/ to see how I transform thrifted pieces. Also remember that being plus size, curvy, thick, or whatever you consider yourself is not a death sentence. Don’t hide in your clothes, give life to your clothes. Be beautiful, wonderful, and extraordinary!!!!!!!
 

summer garden party

I have really been enjoying all the grad posts all over blogger. Shirley's grad & Alexandra's Grad come to mind ....I think it's because it reminds me of mine....and how excited I was with all of my friends....the uncertainty of what comes next and also the realisation that there is a NEXT and that we would all go our separate ways.....college was the most fun filled jam packed four years...so many good times, such wonderful girls...... we lived in a girls dorm and while it might seem old school to some....it allowed us to really connect with each other....rather than worry about being noticed or impressive.....it also created some fun times with the boys dorm/girl dorm rivalry..... like I said...kinda old school....but LOADS of fun...... I can't believe its my second year out teaching since graduating....time does fly!

My friends are scattered all over Australia...some are working internationally as well......I moved to the other side of Australia leaving behind my home, family and friends on a quest to "make a change" and have an adventure after grad...... but we still have that genuine friendship of our time spent together as sisters...... Here are some pics of our Grad garden party.....it was all the girls on our floor.....Level 2!  We chucked everything out our windows and set up outside...it was warm....we had a dance floor, bubbles, watermelon and punch.....it was prefect! So I will be sharing a few more pics of my graduation in 2009....and I'm also looking forward to my sisters graduation December this year...... Congratulations to the 2011 Graduates!


Big Love,

Falala Mele xo

acces denied

 

Skirt: City Chic $30 Top K-mart $5, Shoes City Chic $20 Bangles City Chic Earrings: Equip $5



Hello my dears!!! It feels like I have been gone forever but its only because my crummy net usage out in the bush was nearly up and its my only link to the outside world so I was trying to be super good and only use a little bit each day.....but then my provider was making some big changes to their billing system and I'm pretty sure it wiped the old usage meter which means I'm back in business!! YEW!

Sometimes I get so caught up with life and my job that I forget I have pictures and outfits that I have never posted....That's like these pics here....I'm pretty sure they are from march. I called this post "access denied" cause it was honestly so freaking sad....well to my life (at the time it was).....after being sick all summer....I finally started to get better...and my cousin sisters from Sydney were down and they were having a retro RNB night at a local pub...so I thought...lets go for a dance.....its free and will surely be a fun time...to cut a long story short we got ready......they boy cousins were drinking......they wanted more alcohol......they were gonna drive to get it...so my cousins boyfriend made my stupid cousin (the one in the front) take them to the bottle-o to stock up on grog...and the time ticked away....to the point where we arrived at the door and got rejected cause we were like 2 minutes passed cut off time.....FML!

I was so mad....it was the first time I was heading out...feeling like a normal person.....feeling pretty again after being pale and stuck in pj's for so long. I actually cried a little...and I never cry! Oh how some disappointments feel like the end of the world.....I can laugh about it now...but I was dirty on the night....my silly "do-gooder" cousin Sia could see how upset I was (I know....GET OVER IT MELE >.<) and she tried to make it all better by saying "we could go here or do that" and it made me feel even lamer for dressing up so much.....and like I thought they would...the stupid boys laughed at us when we came back home from our rejection..... anyways after I kinda realised it wasn't the end of the damn dramatic world I had imagined we decided to swing by to my other sisters house and kidnap her from one of those "I have my man so my family don't exist" relationships.....and we drove around blaring our music like teenagers getting coffee from maccas, taking photos at the local wharf and scouring through K-mart for more summer sale bargains....It was a pretty okay night.....

The outfit: I love this skirt so much...as soon as I saw it I had to go and try it on!!! Its so pretty, and dressy and flattering....it was only $30 and still on sale now (well it WAS but it must have sold out...but there is one close to it on the website here). I love it because I can add any top to it and it will look good. I love it with my $5 top because it looks like a LBD...and its comfy...and the SHOES! Low heel, comfortable for dancing all night and only $20 from City Chic.... both pieces will definitely get a lot of wear!


Big Love,

Falala Mele xo

Black and foral OOTD. 2

 Sorry about the mirror pose....I really hated doing it....cause I usually see tweens doing this with a buttload of eyeliner and their little bras exposed....and its in the toilet....ARGHHH SO TACKY! 

Anyways this is an outfit from Broome that I  forgot to post and I had no one to take a nice photo....*giggling to myself*....while my collegues are the sweetest....I am totally different from them. I mean I can get along with most people because I try to talk and generate SOMETHING to talk about.....but on most days I think they look at me and think "Why does she dress up? Poor girl, we are in the middle of nowhere".....well chap sometimes thats the point! 

If I'm bored I will usually wear something loud, funny or silly just to get a reaction....or for the fun of it.....I mainly do it as a game between myself and the kids in my class. I have a pair of bright yellow flat shoes...and I have the same pair in black....I wore them odd to school one day because I had black and yellow on in my clothes....and the kids FREAKED out...and laughed and told me all day "Miss you got wrong shoes on"....one of the smaller kids who doesnt really speak that much english looked at me, then my shoes and then shook his head....not as if he was disapproving....but he was just trying to tell me that I got it wrong.....But really, who says odd is wrong? Odd is just another word for different and I'd rather be different than the same as anyone else!

Totally being a tourist....I have no shame)

 

Big Love,

Falala Mele xo

Munchin' Out. 1

 

So I love food.....I think my love for food has developed into a real joy and love for cooking. I mean I don't wanna be no Masterchef but I like the fact that I can prepare something that I genuinely love to eat....and this can take some skill when your trying to make things YUMMY as well as healthy.

I really love cooking for family and friends but it's also the event of eating with people and the conversations that move fluidly throughout the table as the passing of food around occurs like a merry little dance. 

My biggest challenge when it comes to maintaining a healthy (or at least healthier) lifestyle is eating in moderation the things that I  L O V E!! I honestly could be happy eating bread and pasta and cheese and nuts for the rest of my life.....But that wouldn't do my insides (and my outside) much good.

My Doctor recommended that I go on a Low GI diet as it helps you to loose weight (well duh...all diets do that I guess) so I try to avoid high GI foods most days....I mean if I'm out and somebody orders a delicious garlic bread or pasta....this girl ain't saying no that....but when I shop I try to fill my trolley with live stuff (mainly fruit and veg) because I believe this stuff will give my body the nutrients and fibre it needs. 

So most days I try to avoid bread, potatoes, pasta, cooked carrot, corn and peas (apparently high GI foods) and when I'm craving bread I try to opt for the most healthiest option and for pasta I either get Spelt  or Quinoa  pasta and I have made fresh lasagna sheets out of Lupin Flour  as well.

My weekly meals are split between vegetarian and meat options...I like both and they usually have broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower (I'm not in love with it....its fresh and cheap where I am living ATM) capsicum, onion, garlic, Asian greens (when available) and frozen spinach (I never see the fresh stuff if Farmer Jacks)......I REALLY REALLY MISS fresh sweet tomatoes, mushrooms, fresh sprouts and bean shoots, yummy salad leaf mixes (its the good old ice-berg lettuce and that's all) and fresh herbs...mainly basil and coriander...the both make everything fresher and better.

I would be EXTREMELY HAPPY if you fed me any of the following:

Bruschetta (soooo easy....but the taste in insane)

Anything with an amazing bolognaise sauce

Homemade pizza with HEAPS of garlic, fresh tomato and basil

Lamb or Chicken Curry

Rice (with any delicious sauce)

A wheelbarrow full of cashews, pistachios, peanuts, walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds

But my body tells me I should only have them sometimes....not never....but not all the time either (DAMMIT >,<).

I also cook with loads of lentils, because they fill me up and they are good for me and with the colder weather setting it....I just soak them overnight....chop up and vegetables that I have and chuck it all in the rice cooker with stock.... easy as.... OKAY well I'm so off track.....See! I can go on and ON AND ON about food. But I wont. Oh but I also try avoid sugar....or as my Dad likes to call it "The white plague". I'm not crazy strict about it (I honestly love food and eating too much to deny EVERYTHING) but I find I really enjoy food a lot more because when I go out and I order something special and I don't feel guilty because for most part....I eat okay.

The above photo is Lamb and Lentil Curry with spelt flour, chia and garlic rotti (if you haven't looked into spelt flour and chia seeds you should really do it....they are SO GOOD for you!). I thought I'd be bad ass and have some carrot in it as well......I was sad I had no potato in it so at least the carrots made up for that whilst the lentils thickened it the same way the potatoes do. IT WAS YUMMY!

Big Flavour, 

Falala Mele

What she's wearing in San Francisco USA

Ladies meet the fantastic Denise from LOCA; a blog deddicated to chubbies with style! I have to say that even though I havent been blogging all that long....she was my first blogging buddy!!! I love her bold style and use of colour. She is always rocking a lil sum' somthin wether its some popping lips, trendy bags or killer shoes..... but most of all...I love her honest and frequent blog (it kinda feels like shes one of my girls and I like seeing what she is wearing even though we haven't met) and I love her FUNK!!! She has loads!!!

I was so happy she agreed to be featured here....if you havent checked her out...be sure to click on the link and then FOLLOW!!!

People say that personal style should reflect your personality. So if its possible can you describe yourself in 10 words?

Just a chubby who loves, food, family, friends and clothes.

What is your greatest staple in your wardrobe?

My black leather jacket with pink cheetah fur.  I've had this jacket since I was 15, and it's the best gift I've ever received!  The lining is pink satin and it really is to die for.  I can, and do, wear it with everything because it adds instant spice.  I haven't had it pictured yet because I've gained a little weight so it's a little snug, but I intend to get back into A-sap.

When you want work it, what do you wear?

I usually wear a bold lipstick, throw on some pumps, actually lotion my legs, and pack on the black eye liner.  There's nothing spicier than black eyeliner.

What is something you have always wanted to buy or wear, but have never found?

A thick clear belt with rhinestone accents.  I've seen some in straight sizes but not for us chubbies.

 How do you embrace your curves?

Girl, being a chubby is like embracing your curves everyday.  It's SO not mainstream to be plus-size, especially in San Francisco.  I think going out and feeling confident every single day is my approach to self-acceptance and  body acceptance.

Picture this: At the time you wear something and you think it’s the baddest shit going, but then later you’re like OMG? WTF? Would you care to describe if this has ever happened to you.

I don't get this feeling much, plus there's little evidence of me because I've always hated pictures (which is ironic because now I have a blog, haha).  However, sometimes I do see pictures where I'm like "woah" but then I'm quickly over it because that's what I liked at that time, so who cares.  I guess one thing I could look back on and be like, "mama mia" is when I shaved my head in 9th grade.  I totally looked like a dude!

What is something daring that you want to introduce to your wardrobe?

For me, pants!  I've just never wanted to wear pants, they feel so restricting and not so easy breezy as a dress.  Except now, I really want to try to incorporate them into my wardrobe.  I've always fantasized about wearing really tight white jeans, kind of like Baby from Dirty Dancing, but I definitely gotta do some searching for the perfect white jeans because I know how hard pulling off white can be. (I had to include this pic because this was uploaded after she emailed me her answers....so SHE DID IT!!!)

 

What is the one thing (clothes, makeup or whatever) that transforms you (into sexy you, smart you, confident you or glamour you) when you wear it?

Black!

Any tips or secrets you want to share about shopping or plus fashion style?

Improvise, improvise, improvise.  Nothing is ever going to fit us quite right because we are not boards so buy something if you really love it, but make it work for you.  My secret weapon is safety pins, although my Mom would kill me for saying this, but they're good for a quick fix!  Also, sometimes you see something on the rack and it looks boring, but then you just have to visualize how you can jazz it up, I do this a lot with thrift store finds.

No more questions, the floor is yours....any last minute messages and or shout outs to our lovely bloggers and readers?
 Never say: "I wish I could pull that off."  This kills me because you CAN pull it off if you stopped thinking about it so much.  My motto:  "If you like it, wear it!" 

I'm so happy to be part of the chubby blogosphere, and thanks Mele for inviting me to do this, you're pretty rad.

Big Love,

Falala Mele xo

OOTD: What I wore with them before I left

 

Counting down the days until I can go home......

Big Love,

Falala Mele xo

I am my Mothers daughter

Well any day that celebrates my beautiful Mother gets the thumbs up from me. She is, without a doubt; the most generous, loving and amazing person I know in the WHOLE ENTIRE WORLD. Where do I start? How about she gave me 7 brothers and sisters, she told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be and she worked her ass off to put me through college. But what stands out most is all the little things that she does and how selfless she really is. During the Christmas holidays I was really sick....like crippled with pain and she would sit by my side and not move until I was sound asleep and pain free. The endless heat packs and back rubs and small prayers comforted me beyond words.






I am my Mothers daughter and there's nothing else in the world that I want or need to be.

This is what she has taught me so far:

Give your best to others, and give with all your heart

Give thanks to God everyday for everything

Money comes and money goes but the Lord will always provide

Love your Father (she lost hers when she was a little girl)
Family comes first (she is always calling our family all over the world...just to keep in touch)
Singing makes you happy (she used to work in a retirement village and she would brighten the place up so much by singing and wearing flower crowns...the oldies loved her)

That I am beautiful

It doesn't matter what you do or how much money you make...all that really matters is the type of person you are. 

Help others.

What I love about her:

That she is somewhat technologically challenged (she won't touch the computer and it took her years to realise that my sister and I weren't going to break our Dad's computer by just using it)
That she creates with her hands (crocheting, embroidery, sewing, beading....she's good at it all)
The fact that I benefit from her creativity (beanies, scarves, bracelets, necklaces, pillowcases, dresses)

How selfless she is

How she laughs and poses for photos (she tries really hard when we are like "MUUUMMM smile properly!)

Her strength

Her faith

That she is my Mami

That she looks after my rabbit and tells me how he is in the letters she writes

So heres to you my dear Mother.....

Poached egg on rye with garlic spinach, mushroom and chorizo

Happy Mothers Day Gina Yeates.... you are amazing and you inspire me. I wish I could cook you breakfast....maybe next year aye...two years in a row missing Mothers Day with you is enough...I cooked this because Im imagining that Im at home having brunch with you.




Also wanted to show my love and appreciation to my other special Mothers.... Aunty Marnie...Aunty Nola and Aunty Mui....I truly feel loved like a daughter by you three. You all have helped and supported me throughout my life....things wouldn't be the same without you...Happy Mothers Day

and to my Nanna and namesake....I only remember good things about you...your kind nature and the fact that you always cooked everything from scratch. I miss you...I'm sure we'd be best friends if you were still here.