AUSSIE CURVES - BLACK & WHITE

As soon as I saw the theme for this weeks Aussie Curves theme, I knew I didn't need to put much effort in... Black and White is basically my wardrobe (with a few bits of colour thrown in).

Here are a few of my Black & White outfits that I wore as part of the Shop What You Got challenge (you can see my daily outfits on Instagram @hanketteblog)

 

I adore Black & White so much, it was the colour scheme for our wedding last year...

To further examplify my love of B&W... our lounge room is black and white accented, we had one black and one white dog (RIP deafy!), my car is black and hubbies is white. Okay, maybe I am a little obsessed!!!

Check out the other curvettes Black & White outfits...

PND AWARENESS WEEK

Post Natal Depression, it isn’t always black and white.

Trust me; I learnt that the hard way. 

Whenever I hear of a friend giving birth, my heart hurts thinking of all the emotions they may face. My first thought is to message them and let them know that I am here for them, and that no matter what they may feel over the next few days, weeks or months, that things will get better.

I realise this isn’t the most “normal” response to such news, but it always brings back memories of what I like to call The Best and Worst Week of my Life.

I am referring to the birth of my son. 9 weeks early. Grossly underweight (weighing 1.28kg // 2.8pound). At a hospital 3 hours away from home. Completely on my own.

The first 48 were a blur. My husband (and a few visitors) arrived and left again. I was stuck in a maternity ward, watching other new mum’s nurse, bathe and hold their babies.

While my son battled to breathe and grow, I physically battled to overcome pre eclampsia, high blood pressure whilst recovering from a c section. Mentally was even worse. I just wanted things to go back to how they were a week ago. I wanted to be back in Sydney, I wanted to still be pregnant. I couldn’t see past those hospital walls. It felt like I would be there forever. Eventually, I didn’t even want to go to the NICU to see my baby. And when I did, I would be in tears, begging the nurses to find a NICU bed in Sydney so we could both be closer to home. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep… I couldn’t do anything but cry.

 
Eventually the doctors asked my husband to take leave (without pay) from work and come and stay with me. He slept on a hospital floor for 4 nights... Slowly my blood pressure went down and my head was clearer. The day before I was discharged, I made the hardest decision I’ve ever made – to go back to Sydney with my husband and leave my baby. (My dad was going to drive me the 6 hour round trip every day to see my son and deliver my milk to him) I know I was judged on this decision, and I am sure some of you reading this will be judging me now, but it was the only way I was going to get better, emotionally. If you’ve ever felt like ‘the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders’, you will know how I felt once I made that decision. I knew I would be OK once I was home.

Fate played its part, and by the time I arrived back in Sydney, the hospital called to say my son was being transferred to our local hospital by the NETS team that afternoon. He stayed in that hospital for another 5 weeks, and although I had my good and bad days, I was OK.

 
I was thankful that by the time I came home, I was in a much better mental state, and could handle having my son in the special care nursery. I am actually grateful for it because I learnt so much from the wonderful nurses, and because of my struggles early on, I really appreciated the time I got to spend with him every day.

But I am scared to think of how bad things could’ve been, if I had been stuck away from home for much longer. Please, if you are feeling emotionally unwell after giving birth (even months down the track), talk to someone, or contact PANDA or their National Depression Helpline on 1300 726 306

Novemeber 17 - 23 is PND (Perinatal Depression) Awareness Week. You can join the discussion on twitter, facebook or Instagram using the #bePNDaware and putting a black and white filter on your photos on November 20

 

 

 

 

 

AUSSIE CURVES - SWIMWEAR

This weeks challenge from Aussie Curves is swimwear! And my, oh my... Isn't this what the "Aussie Curves" movement is all about?

This week has been truly crazy... And has made me realise that we should love our bodies, regardless of what they look like. It doesn't matter if you a slim, fat, toned or thick... What matters is that you are healthy. 

For that reason I didn't want to miss out on this weeks challenge. 

As a kid, I loved the water and especially the beach. Then I hit those awkward teenage years where you become unsure of yourself and don't want to be the "fat" girl at the beach (I wish I was that "fat" now!!!)

I can't tell you at exactly what moment I though "fuck it" but once I was around 18 years old I started wearing two piece swimmers again, and never looked back. 

For me, wearing board shorts was never comfortable, neither was wearing a one piece. 

I could point out a million things I see wrong with my body, and I'm sure you could as well, but in all honestly... NO ONE CARES! (And anyone who does, only does so to make themselves feel better). 

I love nothing more than seeing "bigger" girls at the beach or pool being carefree! Enjoying the sun and water. I prefer to see that, than a woman looking so uncomfortable in her layers of clothes, and too embarrassed to join in on the fun! 

Top from ASOS and bottoms from Kmart.

Yes, this is me, being a big kid and playing under the sprinkler! 

I hope these brave, lovely ladies below have, or will, inspire you to NOT GIVE A F*CK next time you go to the beach, or pool! 

SHOP WHAT YOU GOT WEEK 1 ROUND UP

It has been 7 days since we started iCurvy's  "Shop What You Got" challenge and the first week has been fairly easy (as expected)

This past week has been hectic in a general sense, so my outfits were kept pretty simple and somewhat boring. I think this weekend I am going to make an effort to plan more of next weeks outfit.

Tuesday was Melbourne Cup day and I wore a dress that I picked up on the weekend (and that filled my number 30 spot on the list "To Be Purchased"). I was so unsure about the shift dress, but I have received so many compliments about it.

 

L-R Day 1, Day 2 part one, Day 2 part two, Day 3

L-R Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7

My ASOS order was an epic fail (I returned 3 of the 4 items) so I updated my list with a few substitutions.

One thing I've noticed from following #shopwhatyougot on Instagram is that my outfits are so basic compared to some of the ladies participating. I feel as if it may look like I've just chosen basic pieces just to make it easy to match, but in all honestly, this is the general look of my everyday style. I don't own nearly as many clothes as I once did - so I stick to basic items that I can mix and match.

You can follow my daily outfit posts (including where items are from) on Instagram @hanketteblog

Let me know if you are joining in on the challenge
x

AUSSIE CURVES - RACES

Happy Melbourne Cup day! I thought today was an appropriate day to post this weeks Aussie Curves challenge - Races!

While I am not actually going to the races anytime soon, I did dress up for work today in celebration of cup day, wearing my new dress that I bought on the weekend (thanks to all my IG friends giving my change room snap shot the thumbs up)

Dress: Target

Wedges: Target

Bag: Kmart

Flower: Lincraft

 

 

I used to LOVE going to the races, back in the day! I've had some hit and miss outfits, that is for sure. One thing I have always been consistent with is my lack of headwear. Honestly, facinators and big hats just don't do it for me.

 

I usually either wear a simple headband and big hair (unfortunately this was usually matched with an organe tan!), a simple flower or clip, some killer earrings to still draw attention away from my boobs to my head, or a fancy braid.

 

Here are some of my good (and one particular not so good) Races outfits over the years... I wish I could find photos of some of my other races outfits. Some of these outfits I would never be caught dead in... but they have all come with many memories, and some race meets I can't remember, so I wouldn't change them for the world.

 

Good luck on the race today, and to all the Aussie Curves ladies going to the races on Thursday - enjoy! I'll be stuck at work, just around the corner :(

 



 

MIRA'S HAND GIVEAWAY WINNER

Congratulations to the winner of our Mira's Hand Giveaway winner;

@kimbalikes via Instagram.

Thanks to everyone who entered, and remember you can still get 20% off all products at Mira's Hand using the code "Hankette"

SHOP WHAT YOU GOT NOVEMBER

Tomorrow is the 1st of November, which is the start of iCurvy's Shop What You Got challenge.

Basically, we are limited to 30 pieces of clothing or accessories (excluding jewellery) for 30 days. Pick them out, and remix them to create an outfit everyday.

I know most of the girls who are taking part have mentioned how hard it is to pick just 30 items, but I am somewhat of a minimalist (who wastes too much money buying then getting rid of stuff I didn't really like!) so I think I can easily limit my wardrobe to 30 items.

iCurvy's rule are;

Pick your 30 pieces

 

Over the course of the challenge period, you are only allow to mix and remix those 30 items as your outfits for the month.

 

Shoes, scarfs and belts are included but jewellery is not.

 

Weather specific clothing is not included (umbrella, hat, gumboots, raincoat etc) and neither is sleepwear/gymwear/swimming costume/uniform etc. I’m talking about your main outfit for the day.

Underwear is not counted. Please, in the interest of public hygiene, wear as much underwear as you want. Seriously – go nuts.

 

If you are giving yourself a day off – or have a special occasion – this is fine – but try and declare it upfront. This challenge will require you to some-what try and plan your outfits in advance.

 

If you are participating in other fashion challenges – like Style Me Friday or Aussie Curves – it’s up to you whether these outfit posts will be included or not. For me – unless otherwise stated – they are included!

 

I am choosing to curb my clothing shopping for the challenge period – this is optional.

 

 

Here is my list of 30. My husbands Hawaiian theme 30th party is this month, so I am omitting the grass skit and coconut bra I will be wearing for that (jokes... sorta!)

 

 

The items marked with the highlighted * are things I have ordered from ASOS which should arrive today or tomorrow. In the event they don't fit or I don't like that I will be substituing them with something else.

 

 

In theory, this is pretty easy for me... I wear a lot of black and white staple items, and really don't have THAT much on in my wardrobe. In theory!



You can follow my daily outfit posts on Instagram (@hanketteblog) and see all the other girls taking part using #shopwhatyougot and see the blog posts by the Shop What You Got label.

AUSSIE CURVES - RETRO

The theme for this weeks Aussie Curves challenge was Retro. The first thing that popped into my mind was one of my all time favourite items of clothing – my faithful 50’s inspired full skirt that I’ve owned for years (which, to be honest, I have probably worn to death).

Over the last few days I saw all the other Aussie Curve ladies post their retro inspired 50’s-esque looks. The 50’s was a perfect era for women with curves. I can see why so many of the Curvette’s love this look.

I tried to come up with something different, a few 80s or 90s inspired outfits… but there is a reason I don’t own anything, or would ever actually wear anything, that even resembles the fashion from these eras! You can check out my Instagram for a laugh at one of the 90’s outfits I tried to create. 

So I went back to my original outfit idea. This is a  modern take on the 50’s look, but it is an outfit I wear all the time (despite the fact that size 14 skirt is getting a little too tight!)

 

Top: Kmart

Skirt: Portmans

Wedges: Target

 

 

I know its basic, but my style is simple at the best of times.

See what the other Aussie Curve ladies came up with… some are seriously rocking the bombshell look…

WHICH HEELS ARE THE MOST COMFORTABLE??

As you get older, you become wiser. You come to just know certain things… The type of men you shouldn’t date, things you shouldn’t ever say out loud and the type of heels that you can wear all day.

For me, the latter, is any peep toe heels. Doesn’t matter if they are sky high heels, wedges of flats - the ‘peepier’ the toe… the more comfortable they will be.

I don’t know if I have odd shapes toes, or perhaps my foot slips forward to much, but with the exception of a few winter pair of closed toe heels, my shoe collection is slowly, but surely, being over run with the peep toe variety.

A few pair that have recently caught my eye;

 

1. Melba Cross Front Heels from Target

2. Bordeaux Heels from Aussie Girls Loves Shoes

3. Hannah Charging Heels by Sachi from The Iconic

4. Bus Stop Wedges from Fiebiger Shoes

 

 

 

If you struggle to wear heels, especially for long periods of time, try a pair of peep toes. I wish I had have learnt this life lesson years ago - I would have saved my pocket for all the wrong pair of heels I’ve purchased.

 

What's your most comfortable pair of heels??

 

 

FOLLOW ME

Happy Friday ladies.

Follow me on Instagram for daily Outfit of the Day (OOTD) posts @hanketteblog

Follow me on Twitter for some banter and gossip @hanketteblog

Follow me on Pinterest for everything from outfits, home decor to kid things @hanketteblog

Don't forget to enter the Mira's Hand 100% Pure Argan Oil giveaway

x

REVIEW: MIRA'S HAND PURE ARGAN OIL

I remember the first time I tried 'Argan oil'. I bought a bottle of , lets call it...Dirty-Stinking-Liars Argan Oil and raved about it to friends, on twitter, in my old blog... to anyone that would listen.

Through my online ramblings, I was introduced to (back then) new brand Mira's Hand, in particular their 100% Pure Argan Oil. I was due to restock so I ordered a bottle from Mira's Hand.

 

100% Pure Moroccan Organic Argan Oil $39.90 (use code "Hankette" to get 15% off)

  The first thing I did was read the bottle. Ingredients: 100% pure Argan oil. 'Hmm, cool' I thought.
I picked up the almost empty bottle of Dirty-Stinking-Liars Argan Oil I was using to check the ingredients on that! I nearly died when I saw a list of ingredients I didnt even know how to pronounce (Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum), Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Yellow 11 (CI 47000), Red 17 (CI 26100)

So when I have been raving about Argan Oil - it seems I haven't actually been using much Argan Oil at all.
I spoke with Jamila from Mira's Hand and she said that some brands use as little as 4% Argan Oil in their ingredients. I try to use as many natural products as I can - so to think I was using all that crap on my hair, AND FACE, really pissed me off!!!

As soon as I opened the bottle and poured a bit of Mira's Hand Argan Oil into my hand I could immediately see the difference.
To start with - the bottle only allows for a few sparce drops at a time... which trust me, is all you need. It wasn't nearly as oily or greasy as the concoction I had been using. It didn't have such a fragant scent too it (which is obviously because it hasn't an additional 'perfume' added to it). And it just seemed to soak into my skin and hair a lot quicker.

If you are using any kind or Argan or Moroccan oil, please please plesae please make sure you are using 100% pure Argan oil. Otherwise you may as well be using a mixture of cooking oils, perfume & chemicals on your hair. It's simple - check the ingredients - it should be one thing only listed - ARGAN OIL.
All the hype about the benefits of Argan Oil only apply to products that are 100% pure Argan oil. So the benefits of argan oil don't apply to companies who make Argan/Moroccan oil product with anything other than Argan oil.  

Mira's Hand 100% Pure Argan oil is the only product I have found that is just that, 100% PURE ARGAN OIL.

And now one lucky reader can try it for themselves; I am giving away 1 bottle of Mira's Hand 100% Pure Argan oil. All you have to do is comment on this blog post. Easy!

This competition is also running on Twitter and Instagram (see @hanketteblog on both to enter there as well).

Competition closes Thursday 31st October 11:59pm AEST. Austrailan residents only.

You can also get 20% off any product from Mira's Hand by using the discount code "Hankette"... perfect to spoil yourself or get started on your Christmas shopping.

Disclosure: I purchase this product with my own money, although I was gifted an extra bottle to giveaway to my readers. This has not influenced my opinion in any way, shape or form. For more information, please refer to my disclosure policy



UPDATE - COMPETITION CLOSED. The winner of this giveaway has been chosen. More details here

AUSSIE CURVES - CELEBRITY COPYCAT

I think most of my readers are fellow Aussie Curves ladies, but for those who are not... Aussie Curves is basically a fashion community of Australian and New Zealand woman we are size 14 and above.

These women are so fabulous and stylish, it has really opened my eyes to the plus size fashion world, and helped a lot of us with body confidence.

The Aussie Curves challenge is a weekly fashion challenge that we participate in (with via a blog, facebook or Instagram). I've been a long time lurker of the weekly challenges, and now that I am back in blogging-business, I've decided to join in.

This week's theme is "Celebrity Copycat"

I was going to replicate one of the many outfits I adore from my style muse, Kim Kardashian (whom I also have a love/hate relationship with), but it seemed like many of the other Aussie Curvette's had the same idea, and their outfits were putting mine to shame!

Then I remembered this two tone navy and grey dress I had that is an imitation of the one Miranda Kerr wore which I had purchased wholesale when I was running an online fashion boutique. Sure, I must be crazy for trying to pull off the same outfit as the impossibly slim (and gorgeous) Miranda Kerr, but in the spirit of things, here it is;

 

Dress from AliExpress.com

Wedges from Kmart

This dress was advertised as a plus size dress, although I am wearing the XL which according to the measurements should fit a size 22 (I am a size 16/18).

I do like this dress, it is casual enough to just wear with sandals on the weekend, but also can be office appropriate with a nice pair of heels. I am usually ALWAYS wearing black or white somewhere in my outfit, so the navy and grey is a nice change.

Please excuse my less-than-ideal photo quality... I've got a tripod on order so I can take better photos, in better light.

Check out the rest of the Aussie Curves ladies this week (and you will see what I mean about their outfit posts putting mine to shame!)

HOW I WORE IT: DEVON DOLMAN SLEEVE TOP

There is something to be said about a piece of clothing that not only fits your plus size frame, but was designed to fit it.

I am not complaining about main stream stores increasing their sizes to include us plus size girls, sometimes a top that was designed for a size 8, but made to fit a size 18 just doesn't work.

That is why I love Killer Curves Clothing. They sell plus size clothing that was actually designed with plus size woman in mind (and it won't cost you an arm and a leg)

Back in my previous blogging life, I was gifted their Devon Dolman Sleeve top and wanted to never take it off. I love the navy but I love love love the way it fits my body and flatters my shape.

 

Devon Dolman Sleeve Top $68.00

I've teamed it with a pair of wet look leggings and chunky wedges to funk it up a bit. Keep an eye out for this tops in more 'How I Wore It' posts...

Killer Curves Clothing have quite a few pieces on their specials page at the moment, so be sure to check that out.

Disclosure: I was previously gifted this item for considering to be included in another blog. This has not influenced my opinion in any way, shape or form. For more information, please refer to my disclosure policy

ESTY STORE OF THE MONTH: CHALKING IT UP BOARDS

I am a total Etsy addict. This addiction was escalated when I was planning my wedding, and got even worse once I had a baby. So it was a no brainier when it came to where I would go to get my son's 1st birthday party supplies.

First off... Invitations!

You've probably seen a lot of 1st Birthday chalk boards on pinterest. I've always thought they are super cute and a great way to let family and friends know your bub's size, interest and development.

However, I thought it would be a better idea to include this information on the invitation. That way people who may not see little Hank as much as they like will have a better indication of where he is up to. Little Hank was born 9 weeks early, so most of our loved ones realise that he isn't at quite the same developmental stage as his "actual age".

There wasn't as many sellers on Etsy that offered the chalkboard combined with a photo invitation as I thought there would be... but I did manage to find Krissy & Erica from Chalking It Up Boards. The girls were great. Within a day I had the fully customised proof sent to me, and within 48 hours they had emailed me the file ready to be printed. They were even able to convert the date and measurements format into the format/metric system we use here in Australia.

 

 

 

I am soooo happy with how they turned out. I just took them to our local photo shop to be printed - although I could have easily done it at home.

And better yet, our family and friends love them as well (and have said it has been very helpful in giving them an idea of what to get as a gift).

 

 

If you have a favourite Etsy store, please let me know, I'd love to check it out

 

 

 

Disclosure: I was not paid for this review. I purchased this product with my own money.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEW: SPORTSGIRL BRONZING MOUSSE

We all know we should be faking not baking when it coming to tanning, however I am a bit of a novice when it comes to fake tan. I love nothing more than spending hours lazing in the sun... Its my favourite thing about Summer. Tsk Tsk, I know!

Since last Summer... I've given birth to a little Hank, which means my days of laying in the sun - and not being sun smart - are gone (and I wouldn't have it any other way, aww!)

 

I've tried a few at home tanning creams, sprays and mousses, but the best one by far has been Sportsgirl Bronzing Mousse ($12.95) It is a gradual tan, but is tinted, so it goes on with a hint of colour which helps to make sure you haven't missed any spots. Also perfect for those mornings when you put a skirt on, only to realise your legs are so white they are almost transparent. Instant tan!

I applied it with the Tan Applicator Mit ($9.95) at the advice of the awesome Nat from Sportsgirl Blacktown and I must say, it is a lifesaver. I will never apply fake tan without it. Gone are the days of 'tan hands'

I had SO many comments on this picture when I posted it on my personal Instagram. For under $25.00 this tanning mousse and mit is a seriously worthwhile purchase.

What's your favourite self tanner?




Disclosure: I was not paid for this review. I purchased this product with my own money.

PLUS SIZE MARKETS

Last weekend, my sister-in-law (to be) Liz joined a few other ladies and held a stall at our local Rotary Markets to sell our pre loved plus size clothing.

 

 

 

 



The plus size clothing market was organised by the gorgeous Danimezza (who has held a stall at these markets before).

Liz & I only decided a few days before that we would hold a stall, so admittedly, we were a bit unprepared.
We went through all our pre loved (but still in good condition) clothes and sorted out what we would sell and for how much. Most of our clothing was things that no longer fit us in the range of a size 12 - 16, although some of the market goers thought this wasn't exactly 'plus size' (I guess you can't please everyone!)

In the end, we ended up about $40 on top (each). So while we didn't exactly 'make bank', we did end up with a bit of spending money for the weekend.

The ladies who we spoke to loved the idea of the plus size markets, and are definitely keen to see it happen again. I think doing it on a 6 monthly basis would be enough time to accumlate more clothing, and prepare for the new season.

Our tips for those who may want to hold a stall next time are;
* Price things as cheap. We sold most of our items for $5 - $20 (depending on brand and wear)
* Label clothing to reflect their 'street size'. We had many woman look at our City Chic pieces only to comment "to bad its a size small". We had to point out that a size Small at City Chic is actually a size 16 street size.
* Wear sunscreen. Seriously!
* Don't forget about accessories
* Take spending money to shop at other stalls!

Danimezza did a great blog post about what she took the first time around, and what she wished she took, so if you are interested in doing something similar check out here post here.

Of the things we didn't sell, we bagged up some and donated to Vinnies and the rest we've packed away until the next stall.

If you want to see something similar in your own area, I suggest contacting friends or local bloggers who may be interested. The more the merrier for something like this.

ABOUT

Welcome to Hankette.

Hankette is the new pen name of former fashion blogger KarinaXOXO.
I started my original blog in 2006, but through many changes (and hiatus') felt it was time for a fresh start.

Hankette is a blog dedicated to style, fashion, design, health and beauty.

Stand by while we take shape, and feel free to contact with me via twitter or Instagram (both @hanketteblog)

H x