Oh don’t you just love a public holiday … if you can swing it?
All week, you’ll be thinking it’s the day before it really is. Then you’ll get all excited when you realise you’re closer to the weekend than you first thought. And I’m contributing to that confusion today by switching Model and Me Monday to a Tuesday.
I know. Wild and crazy we are around here.
Anyhoo, today I’m featuring a label we love around here. Harlow Australia is an independent online, plus-size label that offers Australian-made fashion for sizes up to 24.
Each season designer Kerry Pietrobon creates a wearable collection that is far from frumpy and eminently wearable.
I’ve chosen a go-to dress to feature from the spring-summer 2015-16 collection because if you don’t fancy a navy and white striped pattern, the black equivalent is bound to float your fashion boat.
The model
Harlow Australia Summer Diva jagged lines t-shirt dress $159 (model wears S – 14/16)
and me
Harlow Australia dress* (I’m wearing size XS/12) | Frankie4 Footwear MONiCA heels* (new season in store now – stockists here – and online soon)
I’m going to start with the sizing. I’m not a size 12 but that is the size I generally wear in Harlow’s designs.
I have size 16 hips and size 16D bust and this XS sizing on me is generous. If you are any smaller than me than this style will not suit.
If you are sized bigger than me then factor in that and consider trying down a size (or two) from what you normally world. The size guide will help you as a starting point. My measurements sit more in the S-16 range on this guide, though.
That done, let’s talk about the cut of this dress. Genius. And oh, so flattering.
I love a stripe like the next girl but love the way they’ve been worked into the dress via panels.
The effect is a natural shaping of the garment.
I don’t do belts (short waist) but love how the model has worked a tan belt back with her look.
This is the kind of dress that I’d wear for a work meeting, lunch out or even dressed down with flats for a barbecue.
The polyester/elastane jersey makes it a travel winner – it’s dry knit fabrication and, on first wearing in the early Queensland summer heat, was breathable.
A word on the heels … I’m the ambassador for Frankie4 Footwear and its spring-summer 2015-16 collection has started to arrive in store (see here for your nearest stockist). The range will be online soon and I’ll also be sharing with you my favourites – these MONiCA heels are definitely in the line up!
Are you size 14-16 and above? What do you look for in garments to fit and flatter your shape?
* These items were gifted to me for editorial consideration. Full disclosure policy here.
Comments 36
I love the way you carry the dress! Did anyone mention your shoes are gorgeous? I love your hair too!
Amy @ Kast Australia
Thanks Amy!
Looks great. What a pity it starts at 12.
I mix it up each week for my readers Elizabeth – the 12 in this case is actually a size 14-16 in real sizes. My plus-size readers miss out a lot with other brands I feature as most sizing stops at size 16.
I love this dress and would buy it immediately but it’s too short, especially with my untanned bare legs.
I’m only 166cm and it comes to the knee – are you considerably taller?
I’m a little taller but don’t find knee length dresses flattering on me. I’ll keep watching for other ideas.
I love the pattern placement on this dress, very flattering. You look fab…and I need some new shoes so I can’t wait for the Frankie4’s to pop online 🙂
Not long to wait now! PS. Did you get my Instagram message about the #everydaystyle 2-year celebration? Would love you to come!
I know you mentioned it in one of your IG posts…and Yes, I’d love to come along. Look forward to hearing all the deets and meeting up with the Everyday Stylers 🙂
oh I missed it sorry … I’m asking that everyone emails us – [email protected] so we can send everyone out an email and communicate a little easier!
Thanks so much Sue!
Four day working week, got to be happy with that! Lovely dress Nikki! I prefer it without the belt, but I understand the concept. Belts worn like this just make me look bigger, and being short it’s not a good look. But hey different strokes for different folks! 🙂
Very happy with that – and yes, belts make me look bigger too. It’s all because of my shape.
Very happy with that – and yes, belts make me look bigger too. It’s all because of my shape.
I want to buy but I’m now confused about size. I usually find that I need a size up from what you take as I am tall and have a large bust. I checked the size guide and I also fit in the size 16 measurements but at the higher end. Do you think I should get the size XS too? This seems too small!
Hi Rach, it is confusing, sorry. The bust is generous in this dress – my 16Ds fit easily. My hips are size 16 and the widest part of me and it skims them easily too. Hope that helps.
Very flattering dress! Looks lovely on you. I am not a belt person either
Loving all my support for the no-belt situation!
I love this dress, you look amazing. And your hair and make up are beautiful too. Enjoy the short week. Amanda x
Thanks so much Amanda … professional job on the hair and makeup!
I am so glad you mentioned your sizing versus the Harlow sizing. I love Harlow, have quite a few of their pieces, I find the separates are wonderful on me, but the dresses are always way too big in the waist and hips. If you are smaller than you, I find you can wear the separates successfully. I’m a 14 bottom and comfortably wear the xs.
Yes, I’ve found the skirts true to my size but tops can be too big if I go for my regular size.
You look amazing in this dress Nikki, I love it without the belt too,I really don’t do belts either as I have no waist Xx
I think I need to start a no-belt club Lisa! x
Looks fabulous! Great work Kerry, always a winner – would consider this frock if it was natural fibers. Poly is not my friend. I purchased two dresses recently, after being anti dress all my life and I have a new found addiction!
I’m so glad you’ve embraced the frock Louisa!
What a great dress – thanks for showing it without the belt (I’m not a belt person either). Ooooh….your hair looks amazing! I like to wear A-line skirts/dresses as they tend to balance out my big boobs! Also, a well-cut empire line suits me too. And it needs to fall just above the knee. And sleeves – prefer sleeves! Have a great week!
Thanks so much Petra … hair was freshly done for this shoot! This is a boob balancing frock on me!
Thanks so much Petra … hair was freshly done for this shoot! This is a boob balancing frock on me!
you both look great in that frock nikki! … love the navy and white! fresh!
very clever placement of stripes in that pattern!
trick of the eye! … artist’s tricks!
enjoy your week hun! love m:)X
So clever M and yes, you’d know all the tricks!
The pattern placement on this dress is fantastic!! It looks gorgeous on you! x Allison @ http://www.thetallmamastyle.blogspot.com
It so is – thanks Allison!
Looking so stylish Nikki! I love blue and white stripe and the way the panels draw your eye every which way is genius and so flattering. You both look gorgeous. X
Thanks … I love the way the panels work too!