I first introduced you to Birdsnest’s Belle Bird label last season.
Belle Bird is Birdsnest’s own plus-size label and this spring-summer it’s once again produced a fabulous edit of wearable and affordable pieces for size 12-22.
Now, before you get all huffy and puffy about size 12 not being plus-size. It IS plus-size in terms of typical model sizing of size 6-8.
I’m not saying I agree with the whole way the fashion industry sizes things (far from it!). What I AM saying is that labels which design for bodies above the regular model size do so with a knowledge and understanding of curves.
A size 12 with curves – rounded hips and a bust – needs a different-shaped garment than a size 12 without curves.
Thankfully, we increasingly have so many fashion options available for women outside of the “regular” size and shape range.
My blogging friend Chantelle has created an online plus-size shopping guide if you’re looking for more shopping inspiration.
In the meantime, I’m sharing with you today my pick from this season’s Belle Bird range.
Let’s take a look at it on the model, shall we?
The Model
Belle Bird wide stripe wrap dress $109 @ Birdsnest
and me
Belle Bird dress @ Birdsnest (I’m wearing size 14) | Misano Shoes heels
You know how I love a stripe? Any stripe? Yes?
So yes, this dress had me at the navy and white stripes – stripes that follow a drape line and create an incredibly flattering illusion.
The dress is also a good quality jersey, so great for travelling, easy-care washing and never looking crinkled.
And I’m here to tell you, I’m not wearing any shapewear under that jersey either.
Too much information? I believe not my curvy sisters.
See, the bottom half of this fab frock is lined which just takes its hip skimability and comfort factor to 11/10.
This is a dress that would be suitable for office workwear, cocktails, the races … all manner of frocking up occasions for spring. Wear it now with stockings and a trench coat.
Don’t you just love a dress that skims in all the right places?
* These items were gifted to me for editorial consideration. This post contains affiliate links. Full disclosure policy here.
Comments 34
Oh it’s sold out, no….!!!! Probably because it looks fab on you Nikki!
I love a stripe. I try to wear a stripe a day if I can. This is a GREAT dress and YAY, my size!! Thanks Nikki. I hadn’t heard of this label before, so I’m off to check it out. x
It’s only their second season Bron but I just love what they’re doing – and I’m wearing this dress today for luck and comfort for my national Telstra Awards interview!
I think you look better than the model x
Oooh I’m getting one of these! You had me and navy + stripes + no shapewear.
Stunning! Can’t go wrong with stripes! Classic and elegant!
Dress looks fantastic. And cannot get enough of navy and white at the moment! x
Love that dress!
Stripes: forever and a day YES! x
Oh I love this dress! Very Melbourne! 🙂
Great looking dress! I recently made my first purchase from Birdsnest thanks in part to your recommendations Nikki, and I love my items. One dress is going back due to being too big (years of finding brands whose measurements never seemed to match mine meant I ordered up a size!!) but the blazer and remaining dress are fabulous. In fact I’m wearing the dress at work today and have received some lovely compliments.
BTW, where did you get your fabulous shoes?
Oh that’s wonderful to hear Mel … and yes, the whole sizing shebang is not fun to navigate. Once you get it right though, all good.
Oh that’s wonderful to hear Mel … and yes, the whole sizing shebang is not fun to navigate. Once you get it right though, all good.
Gorgeous dress, and your hair looks AMAZING! Have a great day!
You too Petra!
wow, what a great dress! Stripes are always a great idea in my book. I can see this working at a fancy pant posh lunch, or a casual BBQ! Love it! You look gorgeous Nikki <3
wow, what a great dress! Stripes are always a great idea in my book. I can see this working at a fancy pant posh lunch, or a casual BBQ! Love it! You look gorgeous Nikki <3
What’s not to love, easy care dress? Tick; stripes? Tick; not black? Tick; no need for shapewear? Tickety tick!
That dress is fabulous on you Nikki,love the shape and the drape of the dress and I’m a little bit in love with the shoes you’re wearing with it Xx
That dress is fabulous on you Nikki,love the shape and the drape of the dress and I’m a little bit in love with the shoes you’re wearing with it Xx
Love it. You are a great model.
Such a fabulous dress – you look gorgeous! xx
Such a fabulous dress – you look gorgeous! xx
Love it!
Birdsnest are doing great plus size pieces! Love a wrap dress and a stripe…winner!
What a great dress! Looks fab on you. x
I saw this dress online and thought of you?! How weird. I love a stripe dress and I LOVE a dress that doesn’t require tummy sucking undergarments. Winning. You look gorgeous. I love the dress on you. x
I saw this dress online and thought of you?! How weird. I love a stripe dress and I LOVE a dress that doesn’t require tummy sucking undergarments. Winning. You look gorgeous. I love the dress on you. x
Gorgeous! I saw this online and was immediately drawn to it. I have their wrap dress from last season and it is so flattering. If only I didn’t have so many striped dresses…
This dress is perfect!! You look amazing in it! I agree with you 100% on the sizing & personally I’d like to see more (or ANY) tall sizing. On me the dress would be too short & the waist would sit above my waist – not a good look. x Allison @ http://www.thetallmamastyle.blogspot.com
This dress is perfect!! You look amazing in it! I agree with you 100% on the sizing & personally I’d like to see more (or ANY) tall sizing. On me the dress would be too short & the waist would sit above my waist – not a good look. x Allison @ http://www.thetallmamastyle.blogspot.com
I bought a black wrap dress after finding it from your last post on Belle Bird and it’s an absolute staple in my wardrobe! I’ve just ordered this one too. Thanks for the inspiration
I love it!!!! Looks fabulous and I do love Birds Nest!!! Do you know if it comes in any other colours?
That looks like a great dress. Just the kind of thing I like to wear. I’m very, very tempted to get one as it really does look versatile. I guess shoes would be my issue as I tend to wear mostly black or red. Do you think red, nude, brown would be good options?
Also, please do more of your photos from this angle. I really like being able to see what the outfit looks like directly from the front as it gives a much better idea of how it will look in real life.
I’d love to see you model more Belle Bird outfits. Love the idea of clothes designed for curves that go down to my size. Usually I’m not a ‘plus size’ but I’m definitely not the right shape for a lot of regular sized clothing.