AskBronny Blog

I have a little book recommendation for all you Buxom Babes.

It's the Trinny & Susannah book "The Body Shape Bible". I had seen it around but hesitated to buy it, wondering if it would be good value.

Well, I am happy to report, it was well worth the purchase.

It's obviously re-inforced what I knew, but have given me some great idea about what to avoid and what to wear. I discovered that I'm an hourglass, which is one of the more well-known shapes. But I could have been a Cello if I'd had a larger waist. And whilst a cello would also be a buxom babe, with generous cleavage, the clothes that flatter the shapes are quite different!

But you know what I really liked about it. The ladies they use as models are REAL women. Some are old, some are big gals, some are slim.

And when they put on what's recommended, as opposed to what they start in, they really do look great.

I also love the T&S way of describing body shapes. It's not "what's the hot look this season". It's "what's the hot look for you!". There's a lesson here that I think we need to learn over and over. Don't focus on what you aren't, focus on what you are. Don't be a slave to fashion, tame that fashion beast and make it work for you.

So T&S - the BB's love you. Good work. Enough said.

I always get rather excited to discover that a brand I wouldn't have expected is catering for the Buxom Babe. And then I think "smart people" as the BB always has to work a little harder to look hot, which means she'll often dig a little deeper into that pocket.

My latest happy revelation was that Australian designer Leona Edmiston has a size 4 in her range (which I take to mean a 16 as I tried on a few of the dresses in the range, albeit stretchy ones, and they fit really well!).

So what other Aussie labels/stores have a size range that welcomes the BB? A surprisingly decent list when I did my homework (aka wardrobe audit!).

If you know of other brands, please add to comments!

Veronica Maine
Maiocchi
Anthea Crawford
Feathers
Charlie Brown
Country Road
Sussan
Colorado
Laura Ashely
Jeans West
Sportscraft
Jacqui E
Portmans
Howard Showers

When I was out shopping the other day I had yet round of trying on items that didn't fit well or way out of my budget range.

Rather than head home all mopey and dejected, I decided to re-think my outfit challenge. Instead of looking for new clothes, why not go accessories shopping?

And it was a revelation. You see, the beaty of accessories is, they always fit! Doesn't matter if you're a size 6 or a 16, you can all shop from the same rack!

(Although, speaking of racks, even in the land of the necklace, some styles suit better than others. I've been on the overlong necklack kick. One that doesn't get lost in your cleavage and has impact, so if you wear it with a well loved top, no-one notices the top and every notices the necklace.)

But you know what I decided I REALLY liked about accessories. You can do cheap and cheerful and NO-ONE (except maybe the eagle eyed fashionista) will notice. I don't know how many times in the past year I've complimented super trendy gals on their super trendy rings and found out they were from Diva and had been purchased for under $20!

But even if you're prepared to pay a bit more for something a little more unique, it's still often less than the price of a new piece of clothing. Places like the Rose St artist market or Sisters Market in Melbourne or Paddington Market in Sydney have so many fabulous treaures than you can never walk away with just one piece.

So if you've got a special occassion or just want something pretty, head out to get some hot new earrings, a fab new brooch or stylish new scarf. No sweating in change rooms required, which in itself is the perfect selling point really!

I love getting things in the mail, don't you? I think it's the reason online shopping is so compelling - you get to send yourself little presents!

I also love having mag subscriptions that arrive in the mail and my current subscription is for Madison (although I must say it started as a good mag and has slid a little downhill over the year - just one gal's opinion). I was rather keen to read one of the features "jeans for any shape". For all sized girls, finding the right jeans can be on par with finding the right bathing suit - lots of time spent sweating and pulling in badly lit change rooms, often ending in depression.

So, back to the article. I flip it open and they do the standard "shapes" - pear, curvy, etc. But the stinker was, the models in ALL of them were, oh, maybe a size 6, and the only pear in their world was what they'd find in their fruit bowl! For god's sake, our eyes won't burn out if you actually use a model that (a) is over 50kgs and (b) may actually be blighted with the same figure challenges as the rest of us.

I know that in a fashion spread you want the clothes to always look their best, but in the sort of spread that's purporting to help me choose jeans for my (sadly too wide) butt, I dont see the point in ignoring the size and shape of the gal you're putting the demin on?!

And this isn't just Madison. I got an email yesterday about a great product: "Yummie Tummime Shapewear and Body Shapers - These cute tops have a hidden panel to smooth your midsection and make you feel fabulous."

Sounds perfect, no? So I go to the website and find the tops modelled on, you guessed it, 6ft, concave tummy, hotties. Sheesh, if I'm gonna buy the thing, I'd at least like to see what it looks like on someone over 21 and who doesn't live on marathons and coffee!  

So sorry, this has been somewhat of a rant, but it has to be said, over and over. We are not all amazons, we are not all a size 6, in fact the most common Australian size is a 16!!!! So please, editors and advertisers, show us some beautiful gals that reflect our dimensions and allow us to see if these clothes will actually make us look as gorgeous as we know we can look!

Ok, I really mean "the bra", but god sometimes it feels like a sling, doesn't it?! I'm so not a fan of plastic surgery, but after a day of wearing an E cup bra sometimes I do dream of getting 'the girls' fixed up so that they'll hold themselves up without a tonne of elastic and lace…ok, I digress! 

A good bra - or a selection of bras - is really all important to us Buxom Babes.

 Whilst I've waxed lyrical previously about the fabulous Le Mystere, I'm also excited to share that mainstream Bras'n'Things have finally cottoned on and area stocking a very cute range of D+ items that don't cost a bomb.

I've bought several pretty 3/4 cup, contoured Bra's in their "Short Stories" range and I've been really happy with them. They tend to be low enough in the front that you can wear a bit of a plunging neckline and not see more bra than décolletage! And they come in pretty prints AND plain colours.

Finally, you should check out Zodee's fuller figure range. I buy quite often from this online store, they offer great discounts, reliable service and a good range.

You know what I’m loving about this season’s fashion for us buxom babes? Long cardigans.
Unlike their super short, “what’s the pointâ€� cousins (aka the cropped cardy), long jumpers are your friend. They are warm, can create a nice line to make you look taller…and have the added bonus of being able to hide the odd bumpy bit!
Cardigans – despite their nanna name – also make us Buxom babes look more chic and less “bulky�, thanks to the natural deep V you can create with the right buttoning combination.
But a warning – if you’re height challenged (like me at a whopping 5 ft 2 in) – then avoid the belted look favoured in most fashion mag spreads. It cuts you in half, making you look wider and shorter. Never a good look!
So where to nab yourself a few of these winter essentials? Well, I’ve noticed Country Road have some great, long woollen cardies for around $129. (A couple may even have followed me home this week). Other high street stores I’ve seen with some decent pieces include FCUK, Witchery and OJAY.
Country road link: http://www.countryroad.com.au/#/womenswear/casual/13
Witcher links: http://www.witchery.com.au/www/136/1001127/displayproduct/fine-web-knit-cardigan–4273932_cardigans–3162172_.html
http://www.witchery.com.au/www/136/1001127/displayproduct/stripe-knit-coat–4342618_cardigans–3162172_.html

Yes, I must admit I'm loving the fashion this spring season, because we've finally moved from clingly to floaty. I was a doubter when it came to the trapeze and tunic top. But after much lurking in changerooms, trying all sorts of variations, I can safely announce there is a version to out there to suit the buxom babe. Go for something in soft, flowing fabric, so it still gives a hint of curve under the material, ensure there's a decent amount of decolletage to give you some length, and you're on your way to being in style and in comfort.

There's some great examples at Witchery, especially if you're looking for something in this season's classy shade - silver. Or if you're more like me, and love your colour, check out Country Road, who've got a great range in fabulous primary colours.

And the best bit - you no longer need to endure the marathon tummy hold in feat!

Whilst out shopping for smalls last week at O’Donnells lingerie in Sth Melb (I find it less daunting that Myer!) I was faced with a wall of product to make my heart sing – an entire range of bra’s C-J cup.

The brand is Fayreform and the bras are pretty AND reasonably priced.

From their marketing guff: “With over 70 years of corsety heritage Fayreform are leading the way in Australia and New Zealand with their desire to offer fuller busted women feminine bras in large cup sizes. With beautiful, stylish Fayreform bras available in cup sizes up to a J and the range expanding constantly Fayreform excites fuller busted women with truly unique fashion lingerie without sacrificing exceptional fit, comfort and support.”

So I pulled out my wallet and bought a “Candid” bra – very pretty and great fit. I’m not QUITE as in love as I am with Le Mystere for hold, but if you’re wanting to SHOW a bit of bra, the new purchase gets full marks.

Available online at Zodee and Bella Forma.

I’m feeling sheepish

Firstly, because I have been neglecting the blog! Bad Buxom Babe.

Secondly, because I want to talk today jumpers. Woollies. Knits.

It’s still cold out there - and getting colder - and as much as I tried to resist, I just HAD to stock up on a few new jumpers.

Well, okay, I didn't try that hard, but I dont like to spend money on jumpers. We buxom babes can be faced with a jumper challenge, as I’ve mentioned before. Too bulky and we look all Michelin man.

I also have other jumper dramas.

• I don’t like scratchy wool – I’m a sensitive petal.
• I don’t like too much hand washing – I’m too lazy.
• I often feel a bit frumpy in a jumper – yes, I’m a princess.

So this winter I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time shopping for the perfect knits. Like to know what I’ve road tested and can recommend?

Lush – I love the clothes in this shop. Some are a bit wee for me, but there’s lots of knits that are a little quirky and lots of fun. (no website I could find, they've got a store in Greville St, Prahran, Melb and I know they're in other places too)
DeCjuba – Haven’t shopped in here for years but got a gorgeous little cardigan  They had some fab little plunge front vests too.
Jaquie E – I know, hardly high fashion. But they had some COLOUR (I’m so not a black and grey gal) and they had the all important cotton knits. Easy to wash and nice to sensitive skin.

Love to hear any other jumper tips? 

I’ve got one word for you this winter. Layers. They can be tricky to pull off as a buxom babe – too busy, too bulky and you can resemble the Michelin Man – but done well, they are practical, pretty and handy for hiding the odd bulgy bit!

A good stop off in the layer hunt is Metalicus. It took me a long time to buy the concept of a “one size fits all” that actually fit me and my size 8 sister. Then I met the stylish owner, Melma Hamersfeld at at party and she convinced me to at least visit one of her shops and check it out. And I have to say,  quite a number of the items in the range really do work well on a buxom babe, especially if you take the layer concept to heart. A bit of singlet, then a plunging neckline frock then and over dress/coat. Bought well together, they can also be worn apart, and they pass my essential new clothes purchase test – they don’t need to be dry cleaned or ironed.

So next time you are worried a top looks a little tight around the back, or your tush is feeling a little wide, don’t necessarily through the baby out with the bathwater. Hunt for a second layer, allowing your shopping choices to be expanded and your style to be improved! I'm just off to enjoy my black Charlotte Lace tank dress and fab grape wrap dress…