It's a Wrap!

Melbourne is notorious for its crazy weather - four seasons in one day. You can leave your house to blue sky and return home to torrential rain. Having grown up in Melbourne and experiencing its weather first hand, I thought it was appropriate to create a look which demonstrates how to layer-up for four seasons in one day!


In this look the model is wearing an over-sized white t-shirt, wet-look leggings, suede booties and a bright red scarf. Most people would advise women with thighs and a bootie to stay away from leggings, however, if you style leggings in the correct way they will look great on women of any size.


The trick is to be selective in the pair you choose to wear. Curvey women should avoid leggings that are too tight or that have too much going on (for example patches and stitching) as your legs will appear larger. Wet-look leggings are a great option for anyone with bigger legs - the sheen will make your legs appear longer and leaner. The number one rule for any woman wearing leggings is to make sure you wear an over-sized top or dress which covers the top of your thighs and butt - no matter what size you are leggings will never be flattering around your mid-section!


One of the best ways to layer-up when in between seasons is to add a colourful or patterned scarf. This season over-sized scarves or snoods are a great trend. If you normally shy away from colour in your wardrobe, scarves are a great fashionable and affordable way to introduce key colours for the season into your outfits.

Model wears:

Top: COS
Pants: Zara
Scarf: Susan
Boots: Tony Bianco

Work It!

In this shoot I wanted to demonstrate how to achieve a fashion forward outfit for work even if you are plus-sized.


The model is wearing high-waisted cigarette pants and a peplum top in mustard (a key colour for Autumn). Every curvey girl should have at least one peplum top or dress in their wardrobe. The peplum is a great way to emphasise the waist and cover any lumps and bumps around the middle. It is important to be selective in the type of peplum you invest in, some pieces are cut in an unflattering way and add bulk rather than making you look smaller. The peplum also needs to synch in the right places, it should synch at the waist and not at the hips. This particular peplum top is great - the colour suits the model perfectly, it synches her waist to make her appear smaller - adding a chuncky belt ensures that you define the area you want to draw peoples attention to.


Cigarette pants are a trend that most people associate with smaller women. However, if you select the right pair of pants (make sure they are not too tight!), cigarette pants will make your legs appear longer and slimmer. High-waisted pants also provide extra comfort and create a flattering pant line around the tummy to ensure there is no muffin-top issues.


Wedges are a great trend for any season. They allow you to be super high without being uncomfortable. These wedges are great for Autumn as they are suede and open toed which is perfect for in-between seasons.


I also added a dark lip to the model which is a makeup trend for Autumn/Winter.

Model wears:

Top: White Peacock
Pants: Zara
Belt: Zara
Shoes: Tony Bianco

Autumn Whimsy...

This photo shoot highlights some of the key colours and tones of Autumn. The model is wearing a loose fitting cream dress which is belted at the waist which adds definition and highlights the model's figure.

A key trend this season is the fidora hat. Adding an accessory such as a fidora hat is an easy way to lift what would otherwise be an ordinary outfit to being a fashion-forward outfit.

I paired a chunky charcoal knit with the cream dress. The perfect knit should be a staple in every woman's Autumn/Winter wardrobe. However, if you are plus-sized you need to be more selective in the type of knit you wear. The wrong knit can add unnecessary bulk rather than accentuating your figure. I styled the model so that the knit was worn open to draw attention to the model's figure. The oversized collar also provides a focal point for the model and makes her appear smaller.

Finally, I put the model in some super high (but super comfy) grey patent t-bar stilettos. The advantage of high heels is they force you to have good posture, make your legs appear longer, therefore, you appear smaller.

Model wears:

Dress: Arthur Galan
Knit: Scanlan & Theodore
Fidora: Witchery
Shoes: Country Road

Escaping Melbourne.

The opportunity to escape Melbourne for a weekend in the country provides me with new inspiration. I wanted to capture the morning fog which created a golden haze across the Autumn countryside.

Bella + Richie's Autumn Trends

Autumn is officially my favourite fashion season. As the trees loose their leaves and the weather becomes cooler the fashion industry indulges in luxurious fabrics, rich colours and lots of layers. Here are some of my key trends this Autumn:


1. Be BOLD! Autumn 2012 is all about colour - deep red, mustard, purple and emerald green are all key colours for the season. One way to incorporate these colour trends into your wardrobe is to try colour blocking your outfit.


2. Think LUXE. This season it is all about interesting fabrics and textures. Leather, lace and fur are popping up in most fashion houses this Autumn. My "must have" pieces for the season include a fabulous pair of leather leggings (yes even if you are plus-sized), a lace lbd, over-sized woolen scarf and suede booties.


3. ACCESSORISE. An easy way to capture the season's trends without blowing your budget is to pick the right accessories. There is no easier season to do this than Autumn. Some key accessory trends for Autumn 2012 include the fedora hat, a sleek metal plated belt, a chunky necklace, fur and an over-sized scarf.

A win against too slim!

Bella + Richie support Vogue's commitment to not knowingly hiring models under the age of 16 or who suffer from an eating disorder. This is a positive change for the fashion industry and reiterates Bella + Richie's philosophy that an editorial look can be achieved by women of all shapes and sizes.

http://www.theage.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/vogue-bans-tooskinny-models-from-its-pages-20120504-1y2jx.html

Where the Wild Things Are photo shoot.

I wanted to capture a sense of innocence and youth in this photo shoot – a child lost in the woods.

The shoot incorporates a number of key looks for Autumn. Bold colours – mustard, bright red, deep blues and greens. Luxe textures – the rich corduroy skirt, chunky glass beads and soft silk head scarf.

When styling for plus-sized models it is important to pay particular attention to the individual body shape you are styling. Some full-proof advice – emphasise the waist (not the hips) and choose lengths that are flattering for the woman’s shape (avoid super short and too long). In this particular shoot the model is wearing a Ralph Lauren corduroy skirt which synchs at the waist and cuts off just above the knee, this draws attention to the smallest part of the model’s body – her waist and makes her legs appear longer.

Model wears:

Skirt: Ralph Lauren
Top: Vintage
Scarf: Marcus B
Beads: Morocco

Coming soon...