USA Summer Outfits of 2012

Hello my lovely friends,

How are you all? I hope life is treating you well and that your banks are full and your bodies are strong. Today all Australians had a day off work to remember the fallen ANZACs (see my post from last year HERE ) and all those who have or are currently serving our country. It was so nice to have a day off work and to spend time with my sister and friends in the sunshine. We ate pastries and drank tea and I let the day roll on by without doing an ounce of work (even though I packed my to-do list with a million things to complete).

Another thing I did today was book my next trip! I was supposed to be heading over to Spain, Italy and France during the mid year school holidays but for a number of reasons I wont be able to make it this year :(
I admit I am disappointed that I won't be there to soak up the European sun and food this year but I plan to move to the UK for a few months next year. So I'm going to save the money that I would have spent on this trip and make an extended one next year.

Sooooo back to the tickets that I did book...... I'm soooooo very very very very very excited to be heading back to New York this summer with my sister and cousin. I'm also OVER THE MOON to be able to check out some of the FULL FIGURED FASHION WEEK 2013 events. Not only will I get to visit my friends like Deja from Just Daisy and Gabby and Candice but I'll also get to tee up with our Aussie blogger ladies like Danni from DANIMEZZA and Ashley from This is Ashley Rose and Olivia from Wait Until Sunset.

My bank may be empty but my head is full of all the exciting things to come.  So as I prepare to trawl through my cupboard and pack another New York wardrobe I thought I'd compile a set out outfits worn on my last US summer trip to New York and Vegas.

I still plan to wear a lot of colour and pattern this year but I also need to find something white for the White Cruise. For those of you that are going what are you excited to wear?






Big Love,


Falala Mele xo

BNNM: How to buy a pre-loved present

Hello lovely ones,

One of the biggest challenges when participating in the BNNM is trying to stick to it when other things pop up. Birthdays usually mean the purchase of a gift for a friend. You couldn't possible give your friend something second hand. That would be tacky. They wouldn't like it right?

Wrong.

Yeah yeah yeah....it's the thought that counts blah blah blah. But seriously buying a good present is a skill. You have to think about the person, their interests, what they have, what they don't have, what they like and of course the budget.

On my last birthday I received perhaps the BEST present I have ever gotten. My friend Moala sent a big box with me as I made the move to Mildura and I waited to open it when I got into my new house. With each item I picked out of the box I thought "Yes! You know what I like!".

I think if someone gets you something that let's you know that they know what you like, then your job is done.

Wrapped beautifully in some newspaper ;)

Instead of buying tissue paper she wrapped it in this beautiful scarf.

Loads of gems inside. This vintage buckle bag, AMAZING glasses and one of the many fab pieces I got.

Moala works at a radio station in Sydney so she gave me some CDs she scored from work. YAY country music ;)

Five gifts that won't break the bank but still mean a lot

1. Photos of special moments. Many people take loads of photos but hardly anyone ever prints them off. I usually go to my local opshop and find a beautiful frame and fill it with a special memory.
2. Cook breakfast, lunch or dinner. You have to eat right? Why not spoil them with something you made.
3. I personally love letters. I cherish all my 3 shoeboxes full of high school moments and memories on each page of scribbled handwriting. The conversation was riveting. Who loved who, who wore what, who kissed who. But that was our youth. We were still innocent, calling our friends houses for a three way chat and collecting tazos. We were still listening to Rick Dees and recording our favourite songs onto tapes. Now days kids get texts and pictures. Just not the same. Write a letter to your friend and fill it with special moments or special nothings that will one day mean something as they open it up 10 years later. I scanned all my old letters I got from my BFF and made a photo collage for her birthday. She loved it!

4.Vintage bags. While some people get all freaky when it comes to second hand things, most people cannot turn down a beautiful vintage bag. There is usually 1 or 2 quality bags when I visit a second hand store and prices start from around $5

5. Pick some flowers. It's spring. Go for a walk and pick some. My Mum has been filling our house with loads of flowers from her morning walks. She put some in my room when I went home for the holidays and it was so nice. Get an old glass jar and tie and ribbon around it. People love flowers.

What about blokes? Wash their car. It's a nice gesture and it leaves them with one less thing to do.

Big Love,

Falala Mele

What she's wearing in Nashville, TN

 It has been forever but I am so overdue at updating my "What she's wearing" posts. Thankfully I managed to stumble across this beautiful girl on tumblr. I didn't know who she was but I LOVED her style and was so chuffed to figure out that she was a follower on my blog. I immediately had to contact her.

This was the pic I tumbld a while ago. Cool huh?

 So without any further ado, please meet my beautiful friend Dimples; the blogger behind Broke Fatshion.
I love her amazing use of colour and I often look through her photos saying "Oh I like that whole look". Definitely blogger crushing on her style and the overall polished look of her blog. Her blog is quality and worth checking out.

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

exuberant, eccentric, bright, fun, bubbly, earthy, sultry, nostalgic,easy-going, BOLD
 

What is your greatest staple in your wardrobe?

 My vibrant collection of blazers, no wardrobe is complete without a great fitting blazer.

  When you want to "work it" what do you wear?

 I would wear bold colors more than likely some color blocking or throw on some bold and bright prints.

What is something you have always wanted to buy or wear, but have never found?  neon sheer maxi....I have yet to find one in my size. I have added this on my d.i.y list.

                                                                     How do you embrace your curves?

I wear whatever I want and never leave the house without my confidence. It is the most important thing in your wardrobe. 

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

I have sometimes worn things that later after taking pictures I felt like they did not photograph well but I have never walked out the house...styled up or casual and completely had any regrets on the pieces I have worn. If I have an ounce of doubt I go back to the drawing bored before the mistake is made lol.

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

 I adore all things vintage and retro and love high waist jean cut offs that I see many people wear. I am not big into wearing short shorts but I love how they look. I just got done making some high waist cut offs and ripping them up. I cannot wait to wear them.

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? 

The last thing I usually put on before leaving are my accessories. I am crazy about accessories I don't follow rules I wear what I want and they put that B in Bam for me, my earrings and rings in particular. I cannot go anywhere even the gym without wearing earrings.

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

Most of my clothes are thrifted. If you have not ventured into thrifting its never to late to start. I love finding one of a kind pieces and my best tip to having a great thrift haul, is go when you have plenty of time,and make sure you scan every rack and section. I have had finds from straight sizes and men's section. These finds make up 60-70% of my wardrobe. Thrifting can become addictive and its so fun.

 

Remember be daring, bold, and never second guess yourself.Stay Fashionable <3

 So what are you waiting for? Check her out, follow and be inspired :)


Big Love,

Falala Mele

BNNM ootd.3

Hello lovely readers. just a super quick post. These photos were taken a week ago when my sister, cousin and friend decided to pay the Minchinbury Salvo stores a visit. It is really big and we had fun trying on heaps of stuff. They walked away with one or two items....I think they chose stuff that they really needed and didn't buy for the sake of it. I didn't buy anything but my sister found this awesome oversized jumper...(I'm waiting for her to wear it so I can borrow it!) and it was only $5!

I wore my opshop/thrifted skirt $2.50 (it has a matching jacket aswell) with my old singlet and black shirt....just something casual...but still....nothing new...so I'm going good guns at this!


Hope you are all well,


Falala Mele

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!!!!!!!