Win My Favourite Dress from Sacha Drake.

Yesterday, Mum and I trotted off to Woollahra to meet Australian fashion designer Sacha Drake. For those who don't know, Woollahra is just about the fanciest part of Sydney  with tree lined streets playing host to some very sweet shopping.

I confess I do get a bit nervous around fancy people. And all of the small dogs they cart about the place.

We were a bit early, so we did what you do when you are about to meet a designer, a PR and a stylist. I ate a big plate of garlicky pasta and washed it down with a cold glass of riesling.

Just because I wanted my food baby to really come along very nicely thank you very much....

We wandered into the fancy smells shop that is Jo Malone, and I bought some of those sticks that you whack into a jar of oil to stave off the house pong that has continued to torture me all week.

Watching Vivienne wrap the oil and sticks was pure poetry. Vivienne is a French lady, I would say mid 50's. Thin as a whippet in the way the French are, she had a cropped grey do and funky glasses. She was like a stunning caricature. 

She got a box, filled it with crushed tissue paper and gently and considerately nestled my purchase in it.Then she closed the box before fussing a great deal with a ribbon. 

THEN, she got a bag and filled it with crushed tissue paper. Viv selected a scent from under the counter and gave the tissue paper a generous dousing of sweet pong. THEN she put the box in the bag. THEN she fussed with more ribbon, all the time telling me about the importance of details.

The whole process took about 15 minutes and I was completely mesmerised and quite beside myself with glee!

It was time to go and meet Sacha and her team.

"I use my talent to make women happy. I like to design clothes that boost women's confidence. This is my contribution to the world!"

I must admit I did feel a little intimidated, but those feelings quickly left as I found myself being draped and fussed over by the woman who knows bodies.... REAL BODIES with lumps and bumps and all sorts of challenges.

I was told that I was an hourglass shape, which was nice as I had always considered myself more of a block of flats.

The session was overseen by Josh Flinn Style Guru, who would clap his hands or give a very slight shake of the head when I would appear in yet another dress. It was hilarious and everyone, EVERYONE needs a Josh when they go shopping. He even told me that I needed new bras and pointed me in the right direction.

I have a very fancy pants wedding to go to on the horizon, and so we came up with this as the solution to the BLACK TIE FASHION NIGHTMARE that was the dress-code required.

This is called the Grecian Maxi Dress and it suits all body shapes. When Sacha pulled it out, I was all like... "In your dreams woman..." but the magic dress was just that... Magic.

I am a size 17, which is SO HANDY.... but I have come to the point in my life that I have accepted that I am what I am and will no longer accept clothes like THIS as a fashion choice for anyone over a size 14.

If you have a fancy event coming up, I urge you to click through here to find out all the different ways you can wear it.

OR YOU CAN WIN ONE HERE!

Answer this question in the comments section.

Where are you at with regards to accepting your body shape and rocking what you have got? 

It is as simple as that.

The winner will be selected and announced on Friday 27th. I am going to get Josh to choose the winner. I haven't told him yet, but that is how it is going to go down.

This post was not sponsored in anyway.

Thanks to the team at Sacha Drake for a great afternoon.

http://www.sachadrake.com

With Summer around the corner, we have you covered!

Want to wear a singlet top?

CLICK HERE!

Eye Rolling

Sponsored by Garnier

On a daily basis, I am on the receiving end of an eye roll. They mainly come from my kids. Things that cause them to eye roll me include, but are not limited to, the following.

·      When I sing.

·      When I ask them to take the garbage out.

·      When I ask them to do their homework.

·      When, on receiving the request of a snack, I point to the fruit      bowl.

·      When I suggest a bath might be in order.

·      When I pull the nit comb out each Sunday for a critter check.

But, when the shoe is on the other foot, things that cause my peepers to do a 360, is thus.

·      When I get my electricity bill.

·      When I watch the news.

·      When Mr Woog talks about gardening or motorbikes.

·      When I accidently listen to talkback radio.

·      When people tell me that green smoothies are delicious.

·      When people tell me about their exercise régime.

·      Kale, quinoa, carob and all things associated.

And when I do not get enough sleep and I look in the mirror and am greeted by two eye rolling eyeballs, shadowed by a silvery purple hue. It is probably a sign that I should start listening to people’s exercise regimes and green smoothie consumption while taking notes and implementing their tactics, but I am a realist. And take shortcuts where I can.

I conducted an informal poll on the Facebook Page the other day, asking the gang which Garnier product was their favourite. There was a landslide victory to this old stalwart.

Moisturiser, sunscreen and foundation in one without the heavy, mask like finish. This is used every single day on my face. Love it.

But did you know there is new, younger cousin on the shelf that can help you take your face to the next level?

This little tube is an eye roller, much like most people living under this roof, but it will not give you any attitude at all.

 Apply your BB cream as usual. Grab the little tube and roll liberally under your eyes. The cold roller will help to de-puff the area. Then, using your pinkie fingers, start on the inside corners of your eyes and pat, pat pat. DO NOT SMEAR ROUGHLY as you will just end up rubbing it all over the shop.

Pat, pat, pat, little blending. Done. Sorted. Ready to face any eye rolling coming your way.

For the first time, Garnier BB Cream Eye Roll-on combines Haloxyl, an active ingredient that fights dark circles and reduces puffiness, with mineral pigments that unify and smooth the skin for a perfect look in just one application!

Chuck it in your trolley next time you hit the shops and give it a try. $13.95. Bargain.

The Garnier BB Cream Eye Roll-on is part of two fantastic Garnier Hampers* that I am giving away. 

To enter, simply tell me a quick yarn about what makes you roll your eyes.

Open to Australian residents.

Winners will be chosen on creativity and will be announced on OCTOBER 1st, where I will also be telling you another story, sponsored by Garnier, about the time I spend 40 minutes dying my hair the exact shade of grey I was trying to eliminate.

*

Skort!

According to my sources, the skort is actually in fashion at the moment. Which brings me screaming back to another unusual garment.

CLICK HERE

The Spring Fashion Report.

Because spring is not far away, I thought it was time to dip our tow into the wardrobe and give it a bit of a shake up. I feel I am qualified to discuss fashion, as I am currently gussied up like this.

Ok, so we have that covered off, I am going to share a few of my rules when it comes to wardrobe maintenance.

I have a steadfast habit of, when making a new purchase, I take it out of the bag and hang it up. Then, with the bag still in my hand, I take two items that I have not worn in donkeys, and put them into that bag.

That bag is then taken to the local charity store.

This works well, because you are thinning out as you go and only adding clothes that you actually like. And really, you should not drink and shop online on a Friday night. That is another tip I learnt the hard way.

This week is OP SHOP WEEK, visit HERE and get on board people!

Now you have purged yourself of polyester regrets, you now have space in your wardrobe to fill. Here are a few things that have found their way into the quagmire in the past 3 months. Some good stuff, and some caveat emptor-esque.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

HANDY! Worn with a white t-shirt and jeans in the day and trot it out of an evening with a black "column" underneath, that being a black tank and black pants, or ye olde condom dress which Seed now stocks permanently thanks to THAT post.

I also like to pop this on when I am feeling a bit shit because SPARKLY!

Ok, next one is a shirt that I reckon is pretty great. Ezibuy sent me some clothes to wear on the telly, which is good because you know, that first picture up there....

Amongst the stuff was this shirt, known as the Sara Poplin Shirt*. I normally shy away from shirts because they make me feel a bit boxy but, according the the Channel 7 Stylist Brooke, these are terrific because of something called "structure."

These are available in sizes 16-28 and come in 18 different colours. Currently on sale, prices between $18 - $29. You have my permission to go nuts HERE.

Their new colours for this season are HERE at $49.99.

ARE WE READY FOR A FASHION FAIL YET?

To be fair, I didn't try these on when I bought them but I thought they were exactly like my khaki ones that I bought at the start of winter. BUT THEY ARE NOT! A totally different cut.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

You cannot really tell from this picture, but there are a lot of stitching going across the thighs, and as there is no stretch in them, when I sat down wearing them, all I could think of was this......

Which is the reason, ironically.

Ok, everyone needs a good black cardi, and this is the best one around.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

This is draping at it's finest and the pleather panels over the shoulders and across the back makes it fit like a glove. Knocks the kilos off like a mofo and has survived several outings in the washing machine. RESPECT!

And for the perfect thing to layer that cardi, check out these. Fitted over your chesticals and then.... SCHWING!

Fashion writing is hard! This is taking FOREVER.....

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

The jury is still out on this one. The tags may come off if I ever feel the need to milk a cow.....

AND NOW TO THE WISH LIST!

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

Simple navy shirt from Ollie and Max. Love this label as they cater for sizes 8 - 24 and it is quality, quality, quality. Would look nice with the strapped ham pants, if you have nice legs.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

"Neat fitted silhouette features a front overlay with spliced Leather-effect panels. "

This to me means FORGIVING! I will give this a go and hopefully it will replace the black dress I have that, once it hits the tips of my nips, billows out like a circus tent, making me look like a large, Greek widow in mourning.

AND NOW FOR MY BIGGEST FASHION FAIL.

A fail so big, it hurts. DRUMROLL PLEASE!

CLICK HERE IF YOU ARE A SADDEST

So I thought I was so tough. A STUDDED SHOE! The "FUCK YOU" of the humble ballet flat.

I obviously have and unusual gait which causes my ankle to connect with the opposing heel. After a day in the city walking around yesterday, I came home and looked like this......

WTF!

So, avoid these at all costs, even though I love them to look at. In the end I had to walk around like I had spent a day riding a horse.

So there you have it, My Quarterly Report into my fashion fails and triumphs.

Anything catch your eye?

Who is going to do a wardrobe cleanout with me this weekend?

Have you got a super find you would like to share in the comments? Be my guest!

xx

*was sent this

The Bra Queen is in the house!

I was working away last week when something started irritating my chin. I looked down to see the underwire of my bra had escaped and was heading north.

The state of my *ahem* lingerie was dire, so I immediately went online and bought a bra. I started counting A, B, C, D, DD, E etc in my head until I got to a place in the alphabet that I thought my girls would be comfortable. I likened the whole process to playing darts after 7 martinis.

Bra arrived and of course it was way off base. It was HUGE! 

So I have enlisted the help of the best boob blogger in the land, The Bra Queen, Renee, to guide you though the process of buying hooter hammocks online.

Meantime, I have my Melbourne Cup Headwear sorted.

Duck face with slight cross eye. Geeze I am hot..

TAKE IT AWAY, RENEE!

I’m not really sure what it worse…attempting bra shopping with a kid at your heels, going in and out of the dressing room so the entire store can see your girls and randomly knocking over everything in the store leaving, a trail of destruction. 

Or searching endlessly online scouring pages and pages trying to find a bra and crossing for fingers to find one that fits??? 

My aim for this post is to give you everything you need to go bra shopping online without the need for several vodkas and a valium first. 

Firstly before you even enter the bra shopping online arena you need to know your bra shape and your bra size. What most women don’t know is that knowing your bra shape is just as important as your bra size. Often it’s not a size issue, it’s a shape issue. 

 How to find your bra shape.



 What it should look like.


 Tip: Stand side on in the mirror and your nipples should be half way between your elbow and your shoulder. If they’re any lower your girls need a lift! 

Most women think they’re bigger around the back then they actually are so don’t be surprised if you need to go down in your band size. 

If you want to know how to find your bra size you can download my (free) App or read this post. 

Know the bra shapes available and what’s going to work for you!

Bras can generally be broken down into three basic categories. 

There are other types of bras, of course, but most of them are mainly variations on one of these three. 

The Balcony/Balconette Bra I describe it as the ones that have a sweetheart neckline. Balcony bras have fans worldwide, although they’re generally referred to as balconette bras within the international market. Whatever you call them, these bras combine sexy cleavage with good old-fashioned values like support and comfort. A balcony bra pushes the breasts up to create great lift and a flattering cleavage, but maintains a more traditional bra shape on the bottom. This combination means that balcony bras work on almost any body type or breast shape, making them one of the most popular bra types in the world. 

The Plunge Bra Plunge bras started out as the sexy sister of the bra world, but they’ve now gone mainstream. As fashions get smaller, we need our plunge bras more than ever. If you’ve ever seen a lingerie ad, you may believe that a plunge bra is defined by crazy cleavage and tiny straps. The only thing that defines a plunge bra is a lower centre gore (the tiny firm connector between the cups, if you’re not a bra-aholic like me), making them great to wear under v-neck shirts and low cut dresses. 

If you have soft breast tissue due to weight loss or pregnancy, you may have a hard time finding a plunge bra that works for you. Look for bras with narrow wires to help keep everything in place. It’s a handy bra to have in your lingerie drawer. 

The Full Cup Bra used to be the only type of bras. Unfortunately this has made the full cup bra the choice of grandmothers everywhere, which hasn’t helped it gain a following among the young and fashionable. Full cup bras have come a long way from the bullet bra days and now feature everything from white cotton to colourful fabrics with sheer cups. 

Full cup bras are often combined with minimising construction techniques to create a great basic foundation under clothing. Whether you’re a fan of nude bras or crazy patterned ones, there is a full cup bra out there for you. 

Tip: A bra myth/ marketing ploy for larger cups sizes is they want “minimising” bras but every bra fitted correctly is minimising because of the lift it will give you and the forward projection, leaving you with a shapely silhouette. 

The reason I am so passionate about lingerie is because I think it’s a small thing we can do to make ourselves feel good, everyday (even if you’re doing mundane things). 

There is a bra for every body, every shape, every size and every personality. Everyday bras can still be pretty and make you feel great without you wanting to rip it off at the end of the day.

 Finding your bras and shopping online! 

A lot of people wonder why bras are more expensive in Australia because they can buy them cheaper overseas. It comes down to tax and freight, the mark up on bras is really quite small when we’re talking about imported bras. 

Companies that manufacture their own bras and sell direct to consumers have a ridiculous mark up and don’t even get me started on that! 

Back to you… 

 For smaller cups sizes I really like Fine Lines for a basic range, they now have launched a range that goes up to a G Cup called Blest. They are well made and they are affordable and have a shape for everybody. 

One of my favourite lingerie companies is Mimi Holliday because I believe they are the master at the Balcony bra and they are just divine. 

For larger cups and small back sizes I love Freya, Fantastie, Panache and Cleo. Their sizes all range from an Australian size 6 to 18 and cup size C to J. 

For ‘plus size’ my all time favourite is Elomi Lingerie, having said that Goddess are coming out with same really lovely bras in beautiful colours. 

My favourite Australian online stores 

Debra’s Lingerie - Deb and her team are the pioneers in finding a bra for everybody and they are passionate about it. 

Nicci Smalls - They have a really great range of lingerie, she has really worked hard to offer smaller cups sizes a great range. Lingerie collections that isn’t readily available in Australia. 

Storm in a D Cup - Esther and her team are a lovely bunch of girls who help the Busty girls in Australia. 

Intimate Couture also have a great site with a great range. 

International Online Site, Bravissimo is also fab! 

I think it’s worth noting that Bra Queen never accepts money for recommendations nor are we affiliated in any way. They are lingerie stores/ brands who I know and have experienced, all reviews are completely unbiased. 

 Renee Mayne 

visit http://www.braqueen.com.au/

Bra Queen, Lingerie Expert & Lingerie Business Mentor.

"Immersed in all things lingerie, I love it because I believe it’s a small thing you can do that makes you feel great….everyday. I believe in stereo UN typical success and everyone needs to define what success looks like for them. Success for me is to make a difference to everyday lives, that’s what lingerie does…that is what I always aspire to do."

Please note that Renee will be hanging around Woogsworld this weekend to answer any boobage questions you might have.

So make the most of this excellent opportunity to get advice from the best boob wrangler in the business!

Hump Day Report, now with added Mundane.

Mundane-A-Plenty this week and the year continues to whirl by like a big rig with dodgy breaks being driven by a truckie hocked up on no-doze and Red Bull.

I saw Christmassy shit in the supermarket and freaked the fuck out.

Panatone is not nice. Please restrict it's marketing to commence on December 24.

But around this place, a few events stand out.

I was dared to wear a large floral headband on National TV while delivering a deadpan message about dodgy fashion trends that are in shops. Done with APLOMB people.

On Saturday Night we went en-mass Woog style out for dinner, where Jack showed us that white pants are not just a summer staple.

BabyMac was in the house and so I trotted her off to New Shanghai at Chatswood where I watched her eat things and shake her head for an hour. There may have been a tear. Have you been?

Celebrated pay day by making a small purchase. Click here if you love them as much as me. Bonus as they cause pain to small children to tread barefoot on your feet.

And finally.....

I unintentionally nearly burnt the house down.

The other morning, on exiting the shower, I smelt a burning pong. I raced into the kitchen. No burning. I checked all the heaters. No burning. I went out into the backyard. No burning.

I went into the bedroom.

HOLY FUCK BECAUSE ALL OF THE SMOKE!

The sun was positively beaming through the windows, it's rays hitting the magnifying mirror I keep on the dresser for emergency squeezing sessions.

The beam, in turn, reflected off the mirror onto the pine with such ferociousness, that actual smoke was billowing up, filling the air with a putrid pong.

And it was then I discovered, as evidenced by my forensic photo above, that I had actually cheated death by fire 3 times before. The scorch marks tell the tale of my near death experience.

The mirror has been removed and, in effect, I may have saved everyones life. And they are yet to thank me.

Ungrateful is the word I would use here.

How about you?

Have you been a hero lately?

What are your worst new/old fashions in the shops?

Me?

Chambray Shortie Playsuits.
Try as I may, I just cannot make these work....

How to do... HOME PORN

....not the kind where one might set the mood lighting, shave your legs, hit the RECORD switch and do sexual gymnastics.

HOME PORN : As defined by Woogipedia.

"Nice stuff in rooms"

I am not good at home porn. I appreciate it and can enjoy being in it, but I find it difficult to create it. There are many fine blogs which can teach you home porn. Here are but a few....

FAUX FUCHSIA 

IF THE LAMPSHADE FITS

A BEACH COTTAGE

PAISLEY AND POLKA DOT THREADS

SCANDI COAST HOME

DESIRE EMPIRE

APARTMENT THERAPY

(By the way, if you have an interiors blog or know any great ones, please leave the details in the comments. I am getting into this porn in a big way.)

But getting back to my recent experience with home porn, I will need to give you the background info.

You might recall our family had suffered from 2 deaths, quite close together. My cousin Vinnie and his wife Anna-Maria flew back from Brazil, where they live, to attend the first funeral. When they returned home, they were met with the devastating news that my cousin Mark, Vinnie's brother, had suddenly passed away.

So they came back. And decided to stay on for a few months to be with family. They needed a base, somewhere to stay and of course, I have a little house called Jabba the Hut, so that is where they are now ensconced.

Anna-Maria is Brazilian and when she talks, if you shut your eyes, you could swear you were in the room with Gloria from Modern Family. She asked me if I would mind if she made a few changes to the old girl, as she is a home porn aficionado.

I told her to go for it. 

Yesterday I barely recognised her!

Anna-Maria outdid herself. She LOVES phaffing about with bits, placing things in sensible places, looking at colour and textures and making things work. The only thing that was added was the white leather couch that I found for $395 in a second hand store, and the rest was all there. Just in the wrong spot!

She vignetted the SHIT out of Jabba! And as a result, she has now been elevated into a very sweet place to be.

Even Barbara wanted in on the action....

The thing about Jabba the Hut is that I want everything to be second hand, and so far so good, apart from one rug. I have mainly found things from Vinnies, the side of the road or at garage sales. 

The second phase of her beautification is a paint festivus that Alan will be controlling. And with the rain positively pissing down overnight, now that she is a Waterfront Property, no doubt her value would have risen.

Home porn.

Do you get it?

What is your favourite Home Porn Blog?

bonus point for anyone who spotted the polar bear.....

Social Media Sub-Sects and Stuff

Mum came in last night to fulfil Grandparent's Day duties today. I requested a roast, as you do from you mum because no one can ever cook a roast like your own Mum.

With the evenings Political Shenanigans unfolding before us, I snapped this shot of Mum downing a large glass of wine (out of shot because I am an ace photographer) and whacked it up onto Instagram.

And the Instagram Followers only had one question...

"Where did you get those placemats?"

Because I am such a social media sharer, you can order them here.

Speaking of Social Media Users, I wrote about them today over at The Hoopla.

Come and discover the different types. CLICK HERE.