leopard prints

Hey fam!

I did an impromptu shoot over the weekend because I have been meaning to try this look.

Since autumn is upon us, I styled this up accordingly but without a sweater because  it’s still too darn hot here!

It’s a different look for me because I have typically stayed away from shorter skirts but what with being at ease finally in denim shorts and swimwear over the past few years, I figured this was not going to be too difficult to pull off!

Asos Curve denim skirt in leopard print, UK 20

Asos Curve tank top, UK 18

Animal prints are taking over for Fall 2018 and it comes in a variety of colours, textures and prints from zebra, leopard, cheetah and the most popular one this season – snakeskin. I love anything bold and vibrant so this skirt Had to be tried!

I love that medium sized belts are in right now so if you wanted, you could add that to this ensemble.

Clearly, this is not Fall weather *shrug* but I amped it up with darker autumnal shades with makeup. I accessorised this look simply with a pair of gold hoops.

Do you see yourself trying an animal print or two this Fall? Which print is your favourite?

xxxo Aarti

P.S :

Purchased this bikini last year from Forever 21 Plus and will surely be bringing it on holiday in November!

chronically ill but make it Fashun

Hey loves!

So chronic pain and my injury have been kicking my ass this year and as a result I did not feature quite a few looks styled over the months, instead posting them on the Gram. But it is not fair for my readers here and I will make more of an effort to post them here first as I always have in the past! Not all of these looks were shot ‘professionally’ from the DSLR but I reckon you will like them all the same. Enjoy!

This will be in chronological order by the way. Also, most of them are sales items or outfits I purchased last year but never got around to wearing because of the injury. Life happens, expenses for my and the pets’ health cropped up a fair bit. So I will not add a link to where you can get the items unless they are still available because they will most likely be gone from the shopping sites.

 

Tomboy

The Midnight Wasabi lipstick from Fenty Beauty’s Mattemoiselle series has become one of my personal favourites!  

Both t shirt and denim shorts are from Forever 21 Plus. 

 

Night out with the Girls

Forever 21 Plus in size 1X 

shirt dress with collar

Getting dressed up has become a little infrequent of late so getting some makeup on and cleaning up for dinner with my girlfriends was so very welcome 🙂

 

Valentine’s/Galentine’s Day

sheer off shoulder blouse – Forever 21 Plus

Asos Curve jeggings in Uk 20 

Your girl does not find it terribly exciting to partake in Valentine’s Day but my girlfriends who own plus size retail store The Curve Cult had a neat event for their customers for the occasion and it was so much fun with some bubbly haha!

 

Women’s Day shoot and video 

off shoulder blouse and floral skirt – The Curve Cult 

I was so honoured to be a part of my friends’ from The Curve Cult’s passion project for International Woman’s Day featuring personal stories from a diverse range of Singaporeans.

Summer Lovin’

 bodysuit – Forever 21 Plus in size 1X

white jeans – Asos Curve in Uk 20

 

Geek Chic 

both top and shorts are from Forever 21 Plus 

cute comfy shoes from Hush Puppies

 

Polka Dotty

Asos Curve top and jeggings 

Oh I love this shirt so so much because it is so Yayoi Kusama inspired! Polka dots have been very popular this year in plus outfits and I have enjoyed wearing a few outfits in the print.

Cateye Help You?

 Sometimes we centre an entire outfit around an accessory or a makeup look right? I know its definitely not just me who does this! I have enjoyed getting myself cute pairs of glasses this year to add to my collection.

 

Baecation Please

Hubster and I had a much needed staycation at the Fort Canning Hotel, for some relaxation time. Lovely place!

 

Hey Kitty Girl!

The Asos Curve X Hello Kitty collection gave me LIFE!!

 

Heart of Glass

A little bit of Blondie never hurt anybody 😉

 

Date Night Velour

I love this suede-like dress from Rue 107. Purchased it in 2016 but never got around to wearing it!

 

Summer Blousey

this Asos Curve blouse is so comfortable and because it has lining I can choose to go braless if I want hehe 

 

Flared Up

The trend of flared, frilled pants definitely had me piqued too. Did l enjoy it? I’m not too sure. Also HAAAYYY Resting Bitch Face!

 

Pizza: a love story

this is an older dress from Rebdolls but I enjoyed taking these shots so much I had to share!

 

Uptown Girl

a look for a rare night out and about in town, wearing an Asos Curve tank top and pencil skirt

Pride 

I adore vibrant Forever 21 shirt and gave the flared Asos Curve pants another spin!

 

I got it from my Papa

Went purpley plaid with this Forever 21 dress for Father’s Day. The title is pretty accurate when you see the identical resemblance we share! Don’t believe me, check this out

 

UNCANNY right?

 

Retro Chicky

You know I don’t do flattering clothing – if I like it, I wear it. And this retro blouse was calling my name! Also, if I take pictures at home, rest assured our Jack Russell Schatzi will be in the frame. If she isn’t it is because she is being carried by the photog to get out of the shot! 

 

Weekender

 

 

Comfy in Crop

 

Romping

This cute romper from Forever 21 Plus was another purchase for summer of 2017 that I did not get to wear because of the injury so I styled it up here with this gorgeous blue lipstick – who else but Fenty Beauty! It’s a mix of 2 of the Mattemoiselle lippies. 

 

I was Beyond stoked to have this artwork of me from a talented artist made inspired by this look!

 

I really enjoyed this impromptu shoot

 

Weekday Casual

 

More Polka?

Another impromptu shoot I did in this dotty Jumpsuit from Asos Curve! Love the earrings, they’re from Pretty Little Thing 

 

Classic Combo

 

Tangerine Dream

I really love this satin Asos Curve jumpsuit and should have done a proper blog shoot! If you’d like to more of this let me know and I will happily get a more professional shoot done 🙂

I quite adored the makeup for this look, even if I say so myself.

 

Day at the Beach

Camisoles have been trending this year as well and it has been fun reworking it into my wardrobe since I only used to wear them back when I was straight sized. 

 

Aaaand that is a wrap for now loves! Which look/looks were your fav? What have you been styling up or added to your wardrobe this year?

 

xxxo Aarti 

 

fatkini season – the beginning

Hello my loves!!

Has it been a while! Now I know you might be wondering where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to – all to be talked about in another post.

This fatkini post is a first of many to come 🙂 I’d first seen Gabi Fresh wear the fatkini years ago and was in awe. In awe because I had given up hope on ever wearing a two piece swimsuit.

I had worked hard in my 20s to gain a ‘bikini body’ – I wanted those taut abs, slim legs and toned arms. Having given up on my body and ever wearing swimwear beyond boring black swimsuits, I became bitter and angry at myself.

But of course you know how that changed and I am well on my way to being at peace with myself, in all aspects. However when everyone broke out into fatkinis last year, I still found myself struggling.

Crop tops changed that for me. When crop tops began trending, I loved how my plus size fashionistas around the world were embracing showing off their midsection despite the haters and shamers. All I can see when I see a fatshionista wearing a crop top or a two piece swimsuit is the liberation and glee on their faces!

So when I tried on my first crop top, I was terrified but it felt so exciting. I couldn’t believe how good it looked contrary to my previous belief of hiding the lumps and bumps. Girls were opening up about their fears and facing them. I decided to take that leap too and it was well worth it. There is no turning back now 😉

Speaking of which, the look above was featured in this Buzzfeed article that was published in May this year, whee!

For my ladies who are still debating with showing off their midsection, this post by my fatshionista friend and founder of hashtag Alternative Curves, Margot Meanie will be very helpful.

So..on to the fatkini..Jeepers am I nervous.

The Look

 

peach bikini top and bottom – Forever 21 Plus

headband – Cotton On

pink wedge heels – Rubi 

I got this set in a size 1X a few months ago and when I tried it on, I screamed and jumped for joy because it was the PERFECT first-time bikini set for me. It is so comfortable, the padding and lining was done well and most of all, I just loved how I looked in it. These sets sell so fast on the website, by the time I wanted to purchase a few more in different colours that I liked, it was all sold out!

Of course there was the trepidation with snapping these pictures and of course it had to be a busy day at the poolside of my parents’ condo. I had been stared and pointed at the last time I did the Gabi Fresh swim sexy one piece there, so I did know what to expect and I was not going to let it get my spirits down. I felt cheery and there was nobody that could take that feeling of joy and pride away 🙂

As a first-timer in a bikini, this style is definitely one that I would recommend to you budding summer bathing beauties. It does not have to be a top of the line, pricey brand..start simple and work your way up to more fabulosity – thats how I have navigated my way through fashion since creating the blog.

I have flappy friendly arms, a tiger striped midsection, dimpled thick thighs – in other words I look NOTHING like the models in plus size swimwear ads. No matter how slim I was, my arms were always fleshier, my tummy had those marks and the thighs remained dimpled.

THIS IS MY BODY, and I will not apologise to be seen in a two piece. I have wished for the day I would splash about in the pool with a bikini. I don’t care for the perfect body. I just want to be at ease with myself after years of disapproval and self-hatred.

If you’re not comfortable as yet with wearing what I have on here – Don’t be unkind to yourself about that fact. Don’t despair either. Celebrate the little achievements You have made with body positivity, they matter. You don’t need a large sweeping makeover or change to learn to accept yourself. There is so much more to a person than the clothes we wear. As much as I love to dress up, I work hard at the other aspects of me. My passions, train of thoughts, campaigns and initiatives..they matter a whole lot to me. So remember that the next time you feel daunted with improving your wardrobe or style sense.

May your heart be Kind, your mind Fierce and your spirit Brave

All my love, Aarti Olivia xxxo

It’s Always Sunny In Singapore

No really. 

Except for 2 rainy months at the end of each year, it is Hot, Humid and drives a lot us indoors. 

But my salvation in this heat is the pool. Since my folks moved 5 minutes away from me in their new condo that has a pool (among other facilities), this is my once or twice weekly zen spot. Plus it always seems to be a lot windier at their place because it’s on a low level and unobstructed by tall buildings. 

So! Everyone knows about blogger Gabi Fresh‘s swim sexy collection for Swimsuits for All. I fell in love with a few pieces and ventured to get a one piece. A two piece is coming up in a month or so. I don’t think I’ll shoot that one at my parents’ condo though..lets just say there were a number of inquisitive onlookers who didn’t look too kindly at my fat body. Because fat bodies shouldn’t be visible, that makes people cringe in Asia! 

Whatever. Who knows, I might get the gumption to do it there again and this time just have my “fuck em” attitude with me. 

So without further delay! Here goes: 

   

 

I got the D/DD cup Underwire One Piece in a tropical pattern, size US 16 (UK 18). 

It’s gorgeous isn’t it?!?!! When I got it in the mail I was so nervous about the fit because it was my first time purchasing from swimsuitsforall but once I put it on I was so happy!! 

  

Naturally I don’t usually wear heels or earrings or makeup when I am about to swim but I wanted to make the effort for the photo shoot 🙂 

My Review

The beautiful tropical print aside, the swimsuit fit me perfectly. I don’t have a long torso and I am a busty girl, plus I have a lot of booty. I was afraid that the suit would be cut too high or the cups would be too tight but I had no such problem. I always prefer underwire bras because my breasts are not perky so the support with this suit made me feel safe. 

The suit is fully line with tummy control and it isn’t a thin fabric, thank goodness. In fact I had to double check that I wasn’t wearing my underwear by mistake under the suit because it’s much thicker than my other swimsuits. The straps are detachable but I’d rather keep them on for safety purposes! :p 

It has a good amount of stretch, which always helps. The padding of the cups is firm. 

Overall, I really really like my Swim Sexy one piece! Previously my swimsuits were functional – for swimming laps basically – but hey I love having fun with fashion now so I am absolutely going to get a stash of gorgeous swimsuits for a jaunt to the jacuzzi. 

By the way, you can definitely swim in this suit without worrying about a wardrobe malfunction – If you are not too chesty. I consider myself moderately chesty so it wasn’t a problem for me. But, I do think suits like these need more TLC when washing them so it won’t be used as often as my more functional swimsuits are. 

   

 

Little Details

   

 

Serious props to the hubster for the picture above! Not like he minded.. 

Have you bought yourself some swimwear lately? I would love to know the kind of swimsuits you own and what you’d like to buy! This year is Hella Fierce swimsuit season in the plus size world, so many companies coming up with Gorgeous designs! 

I have to give a shoutout to ModCloth for the swimsuit shoot with their own staff. You can read all about it here.It was really nice to see women of all shapes and heights try on the same suits for comparison. All size inclusivity FTW! 

Before I sign off, I’d just like to extend tight hugs and so many thank yous for the sweet, encouraging and heartfelt comments that have come my way since my last post. It was very difficult to write and I was so afraid of putting out there but you guys made me feel at ease and gave me comfort. I love you all so so much. 

Have a lovely weekend my loves, let’s be kind with what we say to ourselves and of others. 

 Edit   

Love, Aarti Olivia xxxo 

Curves Around the World relaunch (part 2)

Note to Reader: My apologies for the delay with part 2. Health woes came in the way and I will be seeing a specialist to work through the PCOS and Endometriosis issues.

Righto, so where were we? 

Why did I begin fashion blogging? (Cont’d)

A vast majority of women speak badly of their bodies quite a number of times in a day. Why? Because we have been conditioned to view ourselves as inadequate in the eyes of the masses. In order to be accepted, there is a constant strive for physical perfection. More women today go under the knife to live up to societal expectations than ever before. This, happens in a world that ‘supposedly’ celebrates originality.  

I will never tire of this line – If everybody looked the same, we would get tired of looking at each other. (I quoted musical group Groove Armada on this!). 

We weren’t churned out of factories with people assembling us identically. This need to look perfect does nothing for your self worth. Am I purpoting that you do not lose weight? No. Am I suggesting that you should not take care of your body? Certainly not. 

There is a big difference between Wellness and Obsession. 

As a plus sized woman, I have my fair share of body shamers and haters. Especially because I have the audacity to parade myself across social media platforms without being profusely apologetic for it or without explaining myself. Among my plus size Asian counterparts, almost 80% of them would rather be slimmer than be comfortable in their current silhouette. 

Why? Because we get shamed everywhere we go. People do not know how to engage in body positive dialogue, let alone know what that even means. The first thing a person says after meeting you in a long while is “Oh my, you’ve lost weight/put on weight yah?”. I have noticed that there is a hostility that gets served up when someone like me refuses to acknowledge such conversations or (gasp!) not explain away that I am in the midst of a weight loss regime to put their minds at ease. Walking into a clothing store will guarantee that I will be ‘fat scanned’. That comes with the guarantee that I will either have a sales assistant squinting her eyes at me while she says “Sorry, nothing in Your size here. Maybe you can try another place.” (If I am lucky, that they apologise, that is) OR I will be referred to the section of extremely ill-fitting, matronly-looking clothing. 

People are very vocal with their opinions about my body. They are compelled to dish out nuggets of nutrition or fitness advice. Because obviously I have NEVER seen the inside of a gym and obviously my idea of relaxing involves copious amounts of second helpings during mealtime. As a woman, I object to this. As a feminist, I abhor this. Female bodies are considered public property. Everyone feels the need to get in on critiquing a woman’s appearance from head to toe. 

Which is why I publicly post fashion shoots of me in my big body. Look at these flappy arms, this double chin, that VBO (visible belly outline), those thick dimpled thighs. Look at it in all its glory and Learn. Learn that some of us are part of a simple but revolutionary movement: Loving our bodies. 



Before a fashion fiend and body positive activist, I am a feminist. If there truly is to be equality across genders, women of ALL forms need to be respected and loved. My fashion posts are not just about trying the latest trend or showing off a snazzy purchase. I am taking a stand. 

What is my mission as a blogger moving forward?

My mission is to harness and create a safe space for people of All sizes to pick away at the moulds they have been told to fit into. Curves Become Her is a body positive habitat. I hope to encourage open communication between my readers and I, to be a confidante when they feel poorly about themselves, to reframe the internal/external dialogue and body politics we engage in. 

Naturally, this is without a doubt also a place for me to grow and learn from. To share my introspective explorations, to share my evolving style journey and work through my insecurities/hang-ups. 

What has blogging taught me? 

Oh gosh where do I even start. Blogging has taught me to feed my mind with an inspiring curriculum in order to harvest creativity. 

It has taught me that being passionate about this constantly drives me to take my posts to the next level. It challenges my style quotient, helps me gain new perspectives, inspires me to type draft after draft and do the necessary research. It makes me want to keep myself informed with the goings-on in the body positive, plus size and fashion worlds. 

It has taught me to look for inspiration in everything that I do and experience. I have learnt to prioritise my time better. I plan my posts in advance and and take better care of myself (health wise) so that I can stay sharp. Downtime is so important – there is nothing like switching your mind’s jibber jabber for a while to just soak in a tub or watch a funny show. 

Blogging has taught me to appreciate critique but not take nonsense from insensitive shamers or haters. 

It has taught me to have fun with fashion again 🙂 



I have met so many amazing people since starting this little webspace and formed a sisterhood of sorts. I have definitely learnt to overcome my shyness (yes I am Very shy, believe it or not) and reach out to fellow bloggers and other folks. 

This wraps up my relaunch post for Curves Around the World. Be sure to check out my fellow CATW lovelies’ relaunch posts in the links below: 

Aislynn from Denmark

http://www.Aislynnsworld.com

 

Kate from Perth, Australia 

http://www.sparklesandlace.net/blog

Nina from California, USA 

http://www.curvymod.blogspot.com/

Thuli from South Africa 

http://www.thickfitandfabulous.blogspot.com

Jennifer from Germany

http://www.dressingthesecurves.blogspot.de

Stephany from Germany 

http://www.dressitcurvy.de 

Elizabeth 

http://www.withwonderandwhimsy.com 

Chat soon dearies, Be kind to yourself! 

xxxo Aarti Olivia