Welcome to the first Model and Me post for 2016.
If you’re new around here, then let me talk you through how the Model and Me concept got started.
Way back in 2010, I was asked to be a model for a local boutique hosting a Metalicus fashion parade and showing.
The reason I loved this boutique was not just because they stocked an incredible range of everyday style labels but they also understood their customer did not come in one shape, size or age bracket.
They reflected that in the stock they carried, offering plenty of choices from petite to plus.
So when they asked me to model Metalicus for them, I jumped at the chance. This was – and still is – a label that most people think doesn’t work for anyone above a size 10.
I loved – and still love – showing that that’s not the case. On the evening of the event, I was photographed in one of the dresses I showcased and later saw the same dress in a campaign image on the Metalicus Facebook page.
I thought showing the difference between how something looks on a model compared with me would be helpful to others to better visualise themselves in a garment.
From working one-on-one with more than 150 women (before I stopped taking personal styling clients), one of the big ah-hahs for me was that most women struggled to imagine or visualise themselves in a garment that was photographed in a magazine or on an in-store poster. This stopped them from trying on things they were possibly suited to.
This regular post (it wasn’t weekly back in the day) hopefully helps you to step outside your comfort zone and little and try on something you normally wouldn’t.
It’s not about me declaring I look better than the model (models are real people too!), it’s about offering a different visual alternative.
With that said, let’s get stuck in, shall we?
I’m launching the year with a stunning cobalt blue dress from Bohemian Traders.
The model
Bohemian Traders Classic Cocktail Dress $119 (now on sale!)
and me
Bohemian Traders Classic Cocktail Dress* (I’m wearing XL) | Dinosaur Designs necklace | Tiff Manuell clutch | Country Road heels
The shape of this dress is The Business. It’s the same cut as the white broderie anglaise dress I featured in the Summer 2015 Styling You Shop (you can still buy it from Bohemian Traders here).
It’s a shift with shape, a beautiful line, hip-skimming goodness, sleeves, a flattering length and a fun back feature.
It’s no secret that I love wearing blue – all shades thereof – but there is something about cobalt that is an absolute stand-out for me.
It’s also a shade of blue that you can easily dress up or down. This is the kind of dress that you could wear to the office (if you’re a fan of the belt, add a thin belt to the waist) and then take it out to drinks with a change of shoes and a quick swap out of your work tote for a clutch.
It’s also ideal if you have an event or occasion this summer and into early autumn where you need a dress you feel comfortable in and want to break free of the LBD as an option.
Speaking of the office, this week on the blog, we’ll be bringing blog posts to get your strapped in for summer at work and/or on the school run. Who’s ready?
Looking for a splash of cobalt in your wardrobe? Got any burning back-to-work style questions?
* This piece was gifted to me for editorial consideration. This post contains affiliate sales links and I may receive a small commission from purchases sold through those links. You don’t pay any more. Full disclosure policy here.
Comments 38
Hi Nikki, its a great dress. Is it possible to see the ‘fun back feature”?
Hi Cathy, if you click through to the Bohemian Traders site (link under the model photo) there is a photo of it there.
I always ‘want’ to wear colour but as I’m not as trim as could be (10 kilos to spare if anyone wants’em?) I end up feeling like I’m a bright big fat beacon…and then revert back to black. This blue is such a fab colour though. Perhaps this is a year of being braver eh? And fitter 🙂
Be brave Juzi! I’ve got plenty of spare kgs too … life’s too short!
This dress looks gorgeous on you! And I love the blue in particular. I am quite short (160) and am all hips, tummy, boobs etc – do you think this style would suit my ‘mummy’ figure?
I’m the same as you except 6cm taller Jules (goddesses we are!) … if too long, have the length altered.
I have this in white and while I love it I find it is a little short on my 5ft10in frame so it is for stand up occasions only – but this colour is amazing so tempted to buy anyway!!
Totally understand Kerri! The length is perfect for me – 166cm x
Love the colour and good to know about the shape. I love a bold coloured dress. It looks fabulous on you Nikki.
Thanks so much Bec … it’s the style of “shaped” dresses that works for me!
I love this colour! It is definitely your colour. Do you think the shape would work on someone a fair bit shorter than you?
Yes, as you could have it taken up to the length that works for you. x
Love Model & Me 🙂 Lovely dress, adore the sleeves. When I think of summer I think of this shade of blue!
I’ve been wearing a lot of this shade so I think I do too!
holy moley. This colour is MADE for you.
I agree – check out how her eyes pop!
Thanks ladies xx
Thanks so much Lisa xx
Such a great colour on you Nikki!
Thanks Vicki xx
Love this dress have it in the white lace, love the cut of it. Had worried originally that the neckline wouldn’t work for a big busted gal but it does. The blue is definitely on my wish list
The cut just works with the bust doesn’t it Karen? Same for me in the white.
I saw this dress on their website & love it but I’m concerned neckline is too high for my bust size
I’m a 16D bust if that helps? Also see the necklace the model is wearing? This create a V-neck illusion in a round-neck dress.
you’re looking very svelte nikki!
that is a very versatile dress and the colour is magic!
have a great day hun! love m:)X
All in the photo angle M but thanks … the colour is magic. Have a fab day x
You should love that colour- it’s fabulous on you!
Thanks Johanne! I do own a lot of this colour!! x
I love everything about this dress, especially the colour! I think it has magic powers because everyone who wears it, is sure to look fabulous!
I think yes they would Sammie!
Nikki – although I don’t usually comment, I wanted you to know that I always love your posts. Most especially these model & me ones and your daily postings on FB of your everyday style. I now photograph myself every day – for my own inspiration on days I feel blah, and after doing this for a couple of months I feel more comfortable in my own skin and am loving my body more though I am not “model” sized. Thank you for your daily inspiration and looking forward to seeing what you have to inspire in 2016 🙂
Thanks so much for commenting and that’s wonderful that you’ve been photographing your own outfits and feeling more comfortable in your own skin because of it! xx
Being eyeing this dress off for weeks – LOVE it! It looks fabulous on you both xx
OH my it would look amazing on you xx
Love the dress, love the colour and love it on you and the model! One thing I really like about BT is the models, they always look so happy! 🙂
They do don’t they Kathryn! x
You look AMAZING Nikki! Love this Dress and colour on you! Best news is it’s down to $119! :)xx
That’s an absolute steal! x