It’s been a while between Model and Me posts. I’ve been Keeping it Real … and I will continue to do so but as the fashion season changes so does the range of clothes available in store.
If you’re new to Styling You, Model and Me posts are all about helping you see those model images of new-season clothes in a different light. I am not a size 8 gorgeous young thing. I am a size 14-16, 40-something, stressed-out mum of three who’s not afraid to try on some of the same clothes I see photographed on models for in-store posters, magazines and online boutiques.
I’m not saying I look better, I’m just offering up the same look on a different sized woman. In an ideal world I’d love to feature a range of sizes in the same outfit but I’m a blogger, not a media mogul 😉
Anyhoo, today’s Model and Me post is all about transitioning to a new fashion season, having a bit of fun, thinking about what occasions you have coming up and what purchases need to be made.
This is a super tricky time of year for me. We’ve just come off the back of 30 degree-plus days but all fashion thoughts are firmly on winter. Something I’m unlikely to see in Queensland until late May.
So, in between times, I’m looking for wardrobe additions that cross over seasons; that work great now but could also become a winter season staple with the addition of tights, boots and coat.
Which brings me to today’s post – the first Model and Me post for the autumn-winter 2012 season.
It stars Australian designer Leona Edmiston, of whom I’ve long been a fan.
I love her jersey pieces. Pieces that work for busy women but require minimal effort in the laundry department to look good. Pieces that drape and flatter and make you feel good. That’s what good fashion design should do.
I’ll show you some other faves from her new-season collection but first up let’s look at the Pia dress ($265 but currently on sale for $199).
This is the model wearing the Pia dress in cherry:
And here is me:
My Emerson for Big W leopard print pump worked a treat with this dress (I’m wearing size 4), as did this ring from Wild Bling ($29).
This dress ticks all the boxes for me. It will travel well, I can dress it up like I’ve done here, it hides my tuckshop arms but brings the “girls” out to play and the length is just right for my legs. I can also see me in a few months wearing this dress with black opaque tights, a black stretchy long-sleeve top underneath and maybe a coat on top if it’s really cold.
The Pia is also available in orange, blue and green – great block colours that will keep your autumn-winter looking lovely and bright.
Here are some more of my picks from Leona Edmiston’s autumn-winter 2012 collection:
Leona Edmiston Ruby Renee dress $149
Leona Edmiston Star dress $325
Leona Edmiston Ruby Rosie dress $139
Do you find it difficult to imagine yourself in a dress you seen on model? What stops you from trying it on? Do you have a favourite here?
The Leona Edmiston Pia dress and Wild Bling ring were sent to me in accordance with my disclosure policy
Comments 50
You look huge in that dress Nikki. Would prefer the black hun.
Guess what Petra? It might have escaped your knowledge but I’m not a size 8 model. I’m a size 14 and it is what it is. I hope leaving a derogatory comment has helped you to feel better about yourself!
Nice one, Feel good about yourself?
Oh my….is it just me or is it hot in here!! That dress was made for you…..I can only imagine your husbands reaction, hubba hubba!
Author
Oh, you’re funny Kerri – but thank-you – my husband’s only seen this photo – I got “dressed up” for the photo, which my daughter took, then went back to my casuals!
The Pia dress was on sale online yesterday for $199. Went back today to buy it and it is now $265!!!!!
Author
Oh, so sorry Catherine – it was on sale when I posted this blog. Leona Edmiston has a great text and email alert system for their sales that is worth signing up for.
Holy Hot Stuff batman!
You look *better* then the model…
Author
Oh you gorgeous thing – not better, just different. Viva la difference!
You look great! Love to see you in Renee too.
I’m sitting here in a Leona dress between sessions (I’m a corporate trainer). These dresses are my toto for traveling. I never know if a room will be hot or cold and I can easily layer, dress up and down, launder and pack. I find pattern hide a multitude of sins.
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JoJo, that’s so true with conference rooms – and Leona’s style is perfect for travel!
Nikki you are rocking that dress like nobody’s business!! x
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Thank-you gorgeous girl xx
Do you think I could get a pregnant belly into that Pia dress?
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ahhemmm … is that code for you’ve got something to tell me?!!!
I’m 16 weeks today, belly is already HUGE!
Author
CONGRATS! And yes, this dress would work for a pregnant belly x
Yep I like a couple there too, I must investigate
Ha, I just bought the pia in orange. I hope you get a commission!
Author
No commission – just joy at others enjoying the same frock! You’ll love it Jodie x
You look fab in that dress. My fav would have to be Ruby Renee love the drape and the fabric design. At 6’2′ I need to wear more fitted clothes although I love the other dresses anything that doesn’t define the waist, boobs etc just makes me look like a Mallee bull.
Author
The Renee is divine, Caz and it’s great that you know what shape of dress suits your shape. I’m falling off my chair laughing at your Mallee bull reference though 😉
Girl…you are all woman! Fantastic! Love that red on you and as for that ring. What brings it altogether for me is that dash of red lipstick. Finding your right red is so very important and you’ve found yours! Thanks for another great post Nikki. Will we see you with matching snorkel in the next issue? Hope the rain is easing 🙂
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Oh you’re funny Anita! And I thought the rain was easing but it’s started again!
Wow! You look fantastic. Found you a few weeks ago and am loving your site. I usually don’t bother with any of the fashion houses because, as another reader posted – there is no reference point for a ‘real woman’. Well, after two kids, and full time shift work I’m as real as it gets. I really think I could pull that look off! I’m so excited! I was tempted to post on ‘lurking’ but this article really brought me out of my (disorganised, boring) closet. Thanks xx
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Oh, hello Tania! I’m excited that these posts excite you. I’ll still be doing the Keeping it Real posts but the Model and Me posts feature actual garments available at the time they are posted. I learned from my clients that they have trouble imagining themselves in the garments they see on the posters in store or in magazines, so this is my little way of trying to help people try on clothes they otherwise wouldn’t!
Hi Nikki,
You look fantastic! I might go try that one myself now.
Thanks for introducing me to the Leona Ruby range, I’ve got a couple now. So easy to wear and most importantly wash! Makes it so easy to look put together for work with minimal effort.
Loving the ring too. I think I might need one.
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Hi Jane, I think this would be wonderful for you – and I’m so glad you’ve falled for Leona 😉
Thank you for showing us not size 8’s what they look like for us. Yes I have curves lots of them and being in my forties have no references so bring it on. Thank you you look great.
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Thanks so much Melissa – there will be more posts like this. They run seasonally as there is new stock in store.
I agree with the previous commenter – you look better than the model. The shoes look fab.
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Thanks Madam BP xx
You look better than the model! And I’m in a migraine fuzz, but can see enough that you look hot! I’ll b saving my pennies for that!
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You’re too lovely for words Rachel – thanks!
You look fantastic Nikki – I love that dress!! The electric blue is stunning also.
I am LOVING that ring – I think I might ‘need’ one myself 🙂
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I have “needs” like that as well!
You look absolutely sizzling. That is one super-flattering dress (not that you especially neeeeed super-flattering, of course!). Leona does the ‘in-between dress so well. Not hugely dressy, not hugely casual. Real life, pretty stuff. x
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Thanks Bron – yes, Leona does the dress-up; dress-down stuff so well. You know you’ll actually wear them. And I’m all for the flattering 😉
You look gorgeous Nikki! That is a dress that I would never have thought to try on if I saw it in the shops (I am same kind of shape/size as you). I do love Leona though. I think that Ruby Renee dress has my name on it. Love some ruching….so forgiving in the tummy area.
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The Renee dress would be uber flattering – and that pattern would hide bits too.
I tried this one on last year (or very similar style), in a bluey-purple pattern. It’s very comfortable and beautiful.
This looks gorgeous on you. x
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Thanks Chantelle – yes, it’s a design that Leona has brought back because it is well loved! Would look great on you x
You look amazing Nikki (but then you always do!). I do love sleeves like that as I do not like my upper arms and that colour looks amazing on blondes. Thanks for these posts. Love them! I’ve been looking for a fab red lippy. Where’s yours from?
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Thanks Rach – I do love those sleeves too! My lippy is Napoleon Perdis Lady in Red lip gloss/stain. I fell in love with it last year – perfect for my colouring and lasts without drying.
You rock that dress!! Love the look!
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Thanks Joslene x
I love Leona too, Nikki. Just being able to throw the dresses in the wash, drip dry and wear again, totally no fuss, is awesome. The Ruby range is such good value and I seem to have made a collection without realizing it! Renee may have to join us shortly. Where were you off to? I wore my red Leona dress to Mary Poppins on Friday night. Mine is last season, more 50s style whereas yours looks more early 60s inspired (I think). I came so close to giving my leopard skin pony pumps (David Lawrence) an airing, but ended up deciding my fancy black patterned stockings wanted me more so I wore black pumps. Personal question, Nikki. What is your favourite bra for low cut tops? I am always self conscious with the cleavage issue.
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Hi Thea – wow your outfit for Mary Poppins sounds amazing. Now, re that bra … I’m actually not happy with the one I wore in this photo. I’d like a little more lift 🙂 – it’s a Loveable one I bought specifically because it has a low front strap so can work under these kind of dresses. I’m thinking in future I’d wear my black Nearly Nude bandeau bra over the top too to cut back on the cleavage drop – but that would depend on the occasion.
PS. I wasn’t heading out anywhere … my hair and makeup had been done for a photoshoot, so I took advantage of the good hair afternoon and dressed up for the photo (and another outfit I’ll show soon). I’m sneaky like that!
you look fab, love that colour on you. I have been looking at the blue online, but think I am going to have to go and try it on. Love these posts, they get me looking at different styles then I otherwise would try!
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I’d definitely try it on Trace – the blue is stunning. I actually love all the colours.