XL as life!

Sydney Opera House

May 8, 2012 by Natalie · 3 Comments

I’ve lived in Sydney all but 3 years of my life & I often forget how beautiful it is here. While I’ve always wanted to travel, see the world, live in the UK and New Zealand for a year or so, I feel so blessed to have been born in such an amazing country.

Spending last week at MBFWA, we had the most amazing view of the Sydney Opera House. I’ve been inside the Opera House, seen it hundreds of times, but seeing it from a different angle was looking at it through new eyes. I can totally understand why it’s classified as one of the ’7 wonders’.

My life is currently full of darkness. I feel like i’m lost deep in the water, struggling to breathe, not sure which was is up. I found myself sitting and just watching the water & staring at the Opera House often last week, I guess it was a reminder that beautiful things do exist. Try and find happiness in the small and simple things. When you find the right way up, and break through the water, take your first big breath of fresh air, when you open your eyes, you may be greeted to your own Opera House waiting for you.

All these photos were taken on my phone, and not edited, apart from re-sizing.

Filed Under: Australian Spotlight, Quick Pics, Random! ·

Winter Warmth

April 24, 2012 by Natalie · Leave a Comment

I’m team cold all the way. I much prefer winter over summer, though I admit, those in between months of cool weather, pretty colours and bright skies are my favourite. Summer is too hot, and while I love swimming, the whole icky sweaty, can’t get cool feeling just isn’t fun. Winter, you layer up your clothing, you snuggle under your doona & drink hot chocolate. I probably wouldn’t cope with some other countries ideas of winter, but Australian winter, I love.

I only came across TS14+ at the start of 2011, when I was checking out what the local Myer had to offer in the plus size section. They make the most amazing layer pieces. I have the Essential Decorous Body Tee, in Magenta (size M) & I have to say, it’s already become a starting point for so many outfits since I received it. Actually, you can see me wearing it in THIS post, as well as THIS one, just goes to show it looks great under things or over things.

Honestly, it’s the above cardigans (and THESE boots) that i’ve fallen in love with. I get warm easily, so I tend to go for cadigans in winter. These are on my wishlist. From Left to Right. Granite Cardi in Indigo | Love the Nightlife Cardi | Granite Cardi in Black | Ashes to Ashes Cardi in Black | Granite Cardi in Cadet Grey

Nope, this isn’t a sponsored post, I just really like the range of cardigans they have to offer at the moment!

Filed Under: Australian Spotlight, TS14+ ·

Australian Spotlight – Ruby Hoppen!

March 1, 2012 by Natalie · 5 Comments

It’s been a weird summer here in Sydney, that is no doubt, but a recent talk with my sister about an island holiday had me dreaming of fun swimsuits. I know of all the usual great swimwear places, but as i’m slightly addicted to etsy at the moment, I thought I’d do a little search. It came up with Ruby Hoppen, a gorgeous crafter residing in Victoria, Australia! SCORE!

I loved the retro styling of the bathers, I love the pointier shape of the top in the Bombshell Bikini, the velvet of the Glambake Bathers & the cut away back of the Bombshell bathers. I’m thinking of saving to invest in the Glambake Bathers, as I can see myself wearing it often, not just as a swimsuit, but as clothing. Imagine it paired with a midi skirt, perfection! All of the swimwear come with a control feature on the bust, and as they are halterneck, they are adjustable.

I am able to make these in different colours and patterns, I will endeavour to cater to all sizes. Please contact me if you are interested in a custom swimsuit.

That’s the line that impressed me even more! When talking with Ruby (I always ask the person/brand, before posting an Aussie spotlight) she seemed lovely. While i’ve not purchased anything, she seems to be a lady who is willing to work with you, I’d feel really confident in talking with her about finding the perfect fit for me. As these items are made to order, she’s able to cater to YOUR sizing. Which yes, means plus sizes.

The current pricing is really reasonable in my opinion, with items ranging from $140 – $160au.

You can find Ruby on ETSY, FACEBOOK and she even has a BLOG!

This IS NOT a sponsored post. I just wanted to showcase some awesome Aussie talent.

Filed Under: Australian Spotlight, Etsy, Fashion Must Have · Tagged With: Australian Spotlight, Bikini, Etsy, Ruby Hoppen, Swimsuit

Cocks, Wankers & Knobs. Only in Adelaide!

February 6, 2012 by Natalie · 13 Comments

Sorry about the swearing. I don’t normally swear on the blog, but I felt it kind of fitting. Oh, and no, that’s not what I think of Adelaide, or Adelaidians, I really do love it here. However, I did want to make a post about this SA Motor Accident Commission.

In the months since Adam & I split, he got his licence, so while i’ve been here, we’ve gone on a few drives. One of them took us down the highway to the Barossa Valley. While driving along, looking at the scenery, this sign pops up. I remember thinking “Don’t drive like a chicken? No wait, that’s a rooster! Don’t drive like a cock!” Oh my!

We spotted 2 more billboards on our drive, and I have to admit, Adam had to decode the ‘KNOB’, my head thought it looked more like a ‘red button’.

MAC are not shy to some pretty full on campaigns (See more HERE), I found they always tended to be very blunt, graphic, brutally honest and somewhat scary.

I’m not easily offended, and I guess these ads don’t offend me, but I have to say they certainly surprised me. They are targeted to a young adult audience and I think in that way, they are well made. They have received complaints, but as they aren’t outright saying anything, and it will go over childrens heads, they have been allowed.