AskBronny Blog

Being buxom creates both opportunities - and challenges. One particular accessory than can cause consternation is the necklace. The vast majority of these - in the 'costume jewellery' space - tend to fall at exactly the wrong spot: that is, right into the, ahem, valley of your peaks!

Thus in selecting such pieces, you should aim for those the plunge below your neckline. It adds some 'length' to your appearance and ensures the necklace maintains its position. I prefer pendant styles, with a definite point, or if you prefer continuous beads, keep them small with only feature beads in larger sizes. 

Images below: Mimco Pearl Wonder strand [visit ] and Adorne Timber necklace in the Birdsnest styled outfit.

There's a growing number of brands creating super comfy fashion from super stretchy fabric. Plus they feature a huge benefit in my book - no ironing! This makes them perfect for travel…and every day wear too!

Pioneers of this trend in Australia were Metalicus, of course, but I've always found their "one size fits all" approach a little off. Their clothes 'fit', but if you have large "assets", they can end up looking far raunchier than intended.

So I wanted to share another brand that I've recently purchased which is getting it right for the buxom babe - Clarity. In fact, I am writing this blog post wearing the first dress pictured below (which I bought without a slip and wear with a black Metalicus dress UNDER it). The cross over front is extremely flattering to the decolletage and the fit is great, with mutliple sizes from S through to XXL. This brand is stocked around Australia but is handily available online at great little Aussie online store Birdsnest . 

Mesop is another label featuring lovely, super soft fabric. The lovely coral dress pictured is also ideal for the buxom babe, with the flattering neckline and A-line shape. I can again speak from experience of wearing this, as I recently nabbed this dress too. I got it in a cute little boutique in Gilbert St, Torquay, but you can check out their website for local stockists . Birdsnest also stocks Mesop.

So if you're looking at these sorts of frocks, steer clear of high necks, and most V-necks, and you'll find some lovely new flattering additions to your holiday - and general - wardrobe.

Clarity

Mesop

Clarity

Leona Edminston Peony Dress

I got married last year, and one of the biggest challenges was deciding on what to wear. I'm not a massive gal, but being a size 18 puts you outside many "off the rack" options. Also, you need to dress to suit you buxom figure - boobs and all!

I worked with a very clever friend who made my dress, and I relied heavily on him to know what would look good, because I'm not used to wearing full length gowns…or white for that matter. We came up with something I loved, that managed to marry my style with a nod to tradition.

One website where I did find some inspiration - and off the rack dresses at fab prices and full size ranges - was iGigi.com.

I had my eye on this dress as a "back up", in case I didn't enjoy what was created. I've included an image of one of my favorite's below.

So it's taken me a while, but I though I should share some bridal gown tips for the buxom babe!

1. Don't be pushed into a dress that you don't feel comfortable in. And don't spend too long looking at super skinny models in sheath dresses! These are not for you, and you'll look even MORE beautiful on your day.

2. Even if you're short, long (maxi) styles can work for you. Just make sure there's not too much fabric in the wrong places - no dropped waist, stick with a higher, A-line style.

3. Don't get fabric that is too stiff - it adds "bulk" and so makes you look larger in all the wrong places.

4. Made for you means you wont need to wear a bra - I sooooo didn't believe this could be true for an E-Cup, but I didn't need a bra which meant no worrying about covering straps or weird bulges from behind!

5. White doesn't have to mean white - I really didn't want to wear white, it's just a bit to "common". I couldn't get excited. But working with the dress maker, we shopped around and I ended up with silver and black sequined, stripes on white. Sounds odd, looked great (pic below).

6. Forget the wedding mags and check out some of the fabulous wedding blogs around for inspiration. I spent WAY too much time visiting the gorgeous StyleMePretty.com blog.There's also lots of inspiration at Australian blog PolkaDot Bride .

Buxom babes, you know what I love about shoes? They fit no matter what. You can be having a "fat day" and your fave shoes will still fit…and make you look and feel great.

As a BB on the shorter side, heels are my friend. But I must admit, I can't stand wearing them all day, every day. I just can't handle the pain! But there is a fab wedge that is my ultimate comfort shoe…wait for it….Crocs! Before you shun me, I'm talking about two pairs of shoes I have that I ALWAYS get compliments on and ladies are always blown over when I say they're Crocs! I've included an image below of one of the styles, although I own these in a different colour. That said, red patents get me every time!

However, I've been on another shoe journey lately - hunting for wedding shoes! What a drama! I wanted wedges that didn't look too casual, and I didn't want black or nude. Let me tell you - a very tough ask…and one that left me thinking there's a business opportunity for a savvy fashion entrepreneur cashing in on the garden wedding craze.

But I digress. Having trundled the Internet looking for shoe sites, I came across a lot more than I thought existed! Here's a few you may want to check out yourselves.

Lustable.com.au - A site run by PayPal, they have a great supplier directory.

marieclaireshoes.com.au - LOTS and lots of shoes on this site, a massive range for an aussie shop.

tonybianco.com.au - More of a range than you ever seem to see in store.

peeptoe.com.au - Hot shoes if you can handle HIGH!

shoesofprey.com.au - Design your own shoes! I really thought I'd found the solution here, but sadly they couldn't meet my timeline.

solestruck.com - Lots and lots of great shoes. I ordered 4 pairs, got free shipping and have 90 days to return. Plus they only took a week to get here. Happy.

modcloth.com - Funky site with many funky shoes

wittner.com.au - VERY fast delivery. Ordered two pairs, they landed in 2 days.

shopnewyork.com.au - Cheap and big range, cheap shipping too.

So now I have six pairs to try - and the ones I really, really want being shipped to a friend in the US who is then shipping to me as the site didn't ship to Oz. Hmmm, perhaps I should have gotten a little less fixated on those!

Onto our US friends, who I haven't found have catered to the Buxom Babe as well as I would have imagined.

 I have found a few good sites though, never fear.

iGigi - If you're looking for more stylish wear this has some lovely items. As an important trait, they're models are actually curvy gals that look to be around a size 16 - so much easier to picture how you might look should you purchase from them! These clothes are specifically designed for hot curves, so fit really well.

Some other US sites to check out (with thanks to the ladies who regularly post on Vogue's plus size fashion thread - you serious shoppers humble me!):

• Eliza Parker>
• Hope and Harvest>
• Torrid>
• Old Navy> Now shipping to Oz! Lots of cheap n cheerful fashion, with fits for petites (aka short like me!) and talls (aka what I want to be). Alas, not great prices on the shipping but their clothes are so cheap, if you get a lot, it works out ok!
• We love colours> Fabulous bright tights for all sizes. There are SO MANY colours of tights on this site, you go a little crazy with desire for them all….

Some cute items I spotted on Old Navy below…yes, I'm in an "I love yellow" phase right now…

I am just so dedicated to this blog it's scary.

You see, it may seem like I haven't posted in ages, but I've been very busy, with very important research. I've been SHOPPING. Lots and lots of online shopping, from places that cater to the Buxom Babe. So if you can forgive my lack of posts and can continue reading, I'll share my online shopping sites that the Buxom Babe must try out! Let's start with our English friends….

ASOS - This UK site stocks all sorts of fashion but it's the Curve range you should check out. It is for UK 20-26 (which is more like an Aussie 16-22). Some of the clothes are terrible, but hunt through and not only will you find a gem, you'll also likely to find a tres-fashionable bargain. I've bought SIX dresses from them on sale, all for under $20, now that our dollar is so strong against the pound!! And the shipping is super cheap - in fact, sometimes it's even free, even to Australia. Here's a couple of frocks to give you a taste - flattering to the bust and your curves!

Boden - This UK site is great for casual clothes and as a bonus, the buying community rate their purchases, giving you a lot more buying information. Some of the items are a little too "horse and hound" but they have a BIG range of sizes (UK 6 - 22) in all their clothes and a nabbed a couple of great pairs of pants - usually the toughest item to buy online. Again, their sales are great, so make sure you check out the clearance sections when you visit for the real bargains. Here's some BB friendly items from their current range…

Bravissimo - Yes, by now you know what a fan I am of this site that specifically caters for girls with large busts . In particular they have a version of a dress I bought last season that I always, always, always get compliments on. So if you're an hourglass gal with great boobs but a bit of a tummy, I cannot recommend this Ballerina dress enough! Even better, it's on sale, as are their other "party dresses". Check them out ladies.

I've got some US shopping sites to share with you next time…please don't forget to comment and share any sites you can recommend for other buxom babes!

Yes, ladies, I'm back on the right bra bandwagon, after having an "intervention" with a friend over dinner about her bra size. She was (a) never showcasing her assets and (b) wearing totally the wrong bra. If you're lucky enough to be blessed with fabulous breasts, it's a crime to leave them hanging in the vicinity of your waist. Help 'the girls' out by wearing a bra that will showcase them to their best effect!

In my perpetual scout for D+ specialists, I've come across a few treasures to share. There's a lingerie store in Prahran (Brava Lingerie )that also sells online. Their line is that "every woman deserves to feel like a goddess and that they stock D cup and above.Here, here! There's also a new UK bra brand - Curvy Kate - that is doing some pretty DD-J cup bras.Plus the new and super stylish DimitySO brand, for which they stock a great selection at Zodee.com.

Look forward to any comments on any other bra brands you ladies can recommend?

Yes, ladies, I must admitted, I'm now totally addicted to shopping with Bravissimo in the UK. Seriously one of the VERY few high quality, mainstread brands that I've found which does clothes for our fabuous busts. And now that the Aussie dollar has conveniently picked up, items from there are not even an expensive indulgence. I have bought FOUR dresses and SIX tops in the last three months. Nothing has cost me more than about $120, most items were around $60! And the postage is around $14, so even that's good value.

Most recently bought this very pretty fuscia Waterfall dress and it fits fabulously. Plus it was only around $90. Also bought this cute little nautical stripe tee - too cute - and this great wool blend jersey top - which I wore to work today and felt stylish in.

So ladies, consider yourself warned….once you start buying, you'll find yourself compulsively checking back in weekly, to see if there's more lovely items ready for you to buy!

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