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Plus Size Style Ideas

Friday 29 May 2015

At Blue Bungalow we're interested in women looking and feeling their best, regardless of their size. For this reason we thought we could offer a few style tips (and by that I don't mean a comprehensive style guide) that could help embrace your full-figure body.
These suggestions might not be for everyone but feel free to take them on board!

1. Wide necklines and v-necklines are flattering
Wide necklines lengthen the neck and create a balance between shoulders & hips. V-necklines are also perfect if you want your body to look longer. If you have narrow shoulders but are wider through the hips then wear a rounded neckline and balance with a long necklace! If you opt for a v-neck and you have a full bust ensure that the v-neck stops right above your cleavage. 

Our Lulu Knit Dress (below) is a great layering piece for this winter, sports the perfect v-neckline and comfortably covers the lumps and bumps! This style runs large and a size 12 comfortably fits a small! 

Grey & Black Stripe Lulu Knit Dress $59: Shop Now
Black Lulu Knit Dress $59: Shop Now

2. Don't be afraid of stripes
You can wear horizontal stripes! However, stripes need to be medium to large scaled (like on the Lulu Knit Dress in stripe above) for them to be flattering. Horizontal stripes look best on body parts that need some widening for example, if you're smaller on the top half wear a horizontal stripe top and vice versa.

3. Scale it
This tip is simple, scale everything to your size - wear wider belts and larger prints. The same goes for accessories, small and dainty accessories will make you look big in comparison. We love our handmade necklaces by Coast Etc as they balance a larger bust and frame. I personally love the tassel style (Shop here) as I'm larger busted and the weight of the necklace means it doesn't awkwardly fall between my cleavage!


1. Two Strand Handmade Necklace (Blue) $49: Shop Now
2. Cube Necklace (Green) $10: Shop Now
3. Two Strand Handmade Necklace (Coral) $49: Shop Now

4. Flatter your waist
Flattering your waist helps define your shape and can make you look and feel slimmer. If your waist is on the wider or fuller side wear clothes that nip at the thinnest part of your waist. These printed tops are fantastic as they nip you in at the waist but are fuller through out the stomach to cover any weight you might carry in this area (I know it goes straight to my stomach and thighs!). The elastic in the waist makes it comfortable and doesn't feel like you can't breathe when being cinched. This style of top also agrees with our round neckline rule and features 3/4 sleeves to cover any unwanted areas of the arms!


1. Navy Mutli Paisley Top $49: Shop Now
2. Blue Multi Paisley Top $49: Shop Now


5. Blue Bungalow Favourites
A Blue Bungalow favourite is our Draped Top $49 Shop Now (above) and is a one size fits all style. It looks great paired back with fitted skirts & bottoms. If you're narrow through the shoulders this shape is fantastic. Another plus is the fabrication, it's lightweight and I find it dries over night after washing!
Please note - our Draped Top is also available in Navy and Red!

Another crowd favourite is a kaftan (see below)! This particular style has a v-neckline and vertical detailing. This strong detail makes people's eye go up and down and has a slimming effect. Our silk kaftans are one size fits all but they comfortably fit sizes 8-18. If you're interested in covering your knees then we have maxi styles as well! Kaftans are great for occasions - put on your party shoes, simple accessories and you're good to go!


1. Silk Kaftan Dress - Black with White Embroidery $290: Shop Now


And there you have it a couple of tips and tricks from us to you...so now it's your turn:


What tips do you have for plus size dressing? Or what makes you feel flattered and fabulous?

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Packing for a Summer Holiday

Tuesday 19 May 2015


I cannot contain my excitement at the thought that I have finally knuckled down and booked a holiday - and what better place than to HAWAII in the middle of our Winter!? The sunshine is calling and thankfully Blue Bungalow is stocked with just about everything I need...

Now I know it's cold and it may sound rude that this post revolves around summer but I thought it might be useful to consider exactly what you need on a summer vacation or simply a trip to the beach! That way when summer rolls round, or you book a vacation of your own you can be completely prepared!



1. Rainbow Aztec Kaftan Dress $69.96: Shop Now
This kaftan is light weight, colourful and quick to dry - everything you need from a piece to wear over your togs. Because this little number isn't sheer it covers the lumps and bumps AND could easily take you from beach to bar.

2. Walnut Niki Sandals $49.95: Shop Now
The ideal slip on for the summer season. This style is leather so it can easily take you from beach to bar - it sounds like I'm more concerned about the bar than the beach...Mojitos anyone?

3. Monroe Roc Sunglasses $89.95: Shop Now
Eyewear is so, so important! However, I'm sure most of you already know that. This style is stylish AND it has 100% UV protection. They're not just fashion sunglasses! Our Monroe sunglasses have a category 3 UV rating and are warranted for one year.

4. Rolled Brim Cowgirl Hat with Shell Trim $37.95: Shop Now
Slip, slop, slap! Same goes for your head, protect it. There's nothing worse than a burnt scalp when you're on a holiday.

5. Natural Sunscreen $29.95: Shop Now
If it smells like coconut I've already bought it. There's something about that smell that reminds me of the beach! In the case of this sunscreen it is SPF30, all natural and 3 hours water resistant. Need I say more?

6. Knotty Turkish Towel $39.95: Shop Now
If you haven't seen these towels before then listen up! They're super soft, absorbent, lightweight and SO easy to pack. Just roll it up and you'll barely notice the space it takes up.

7. Woven Striped Bag $29.95: Shop Now
A beach bag is rather self explanatory - it fits all the items I've mentioned above and keeps the essentials safe. In the case of this bag it features an inside zip pocket and mobile phone/sunglasses pocket. It will try to keep out the sand but no matter how hard we try it ends up everywhere anyway!

Pssttt, if you're interested we booked to stay at The Modern Honolulu and I am far too excited. Just check out the sneak peaks I've found on the website. Prepare for too many holiday snaps come July. 




If you have the time feel free to leave tips for shopping, eating and exploring in Hawaii?

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How To Tie a Scarf

Sunday 17 May 2015


For this post we thought we would let the videos do the talking! How to tie a scarf is a mystery for some, if not all of us, so we thought we'd take a minute out and show you three simple ways to wear them.
Now is the perfect time to buy, or get out your old scarves, with the weather cooling down and the back of our necks definitely feeling the breeze!
All of us here at BB have way too many scarves to count but there's always room for more when you figure out a couple of new ways to wear them?

The videos below show the "Preztel", "Loop" and the "Wrap. Which way would you wear?



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Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Thursday 7 May 2015


Mother's Day is just around the corner...and by just around the corner we mean 3 days away!? Enter panic mode...If you're unprepared for a gift, or just want to buy something for yourself then have a snoop of our Mother's Day edit. 8 items you need or just can't live without?

1. Cleopatra Earrings $39: Shop Now
A light weight, affordable accessory that adds a bit of glitz to any outfit. Pair with earthy, urban colours or black for a striking balance.

2. Blue Striped Sweater $59.95: Shop Now
This Striped Sweater is the perfect pair for mum's favourite denim. Features a raglan sleeve and soft to touch fabric. This sweater = style and comfort.

3. Tan Madrid Cross Over Bag $149: Shop Now
This deliciously soft leather bag looks great with just about every outfit. Big enough to fit the essentials, whether it may be kids gear, a laptop or everyday items, this bag can handle it all! The shoulder strap is adjustable so if you're a shortie there's no need to worry! Forget Mum, feel free to buy this number for any of us!

4. Red Felt Fedora $64.95: Shop Now
This winter's statement felt fedora is a stylish way to stay out of the sun. This style comes in a variety of colours but we're currently loving the red. There seems to be a theme going on here?

5. Watercolour Scarf $39.00: Shop Now
Our watercolour scarf is ideal if you have a budget for under $50. It has a variety of colours, meaning, it can be an accent to a combination of outfits. We love with earthy tones or for a point of difference mix with blue. There's a bit of navy hidden in there so you can't go wrong... If you're feeling wild, spoil mum and purchase with the blue striped sweater for the whole look!

6. Sage Tea Roc Sunglasses $79.95: Shop Now
Sunglasses can be a tricky gift, meaning that most women want to try them on! However, Roc shapes are so popular that we decided to throw a pair in. The tea frame means that it will suit a variety of complexions so you won't have to worry about disappointing Mum.

7. Beaded & Embroidered Pony Hair Clutch $149.00: Shop Now
We LOVE these clutches. 100% pony hair leather with beaded embroidery to top it off! They can be used as a shoulder bag or as a clutch. The perfect gift if you want something that's different and will make a statement!

8. Tan Chance Ankle Boots $179.00: Shop Now
Our most popular boot to date...they're leather, comfortable and the perfect shade of time. Mum, or you, will love these. They're a companion for jeans and dresses alike! 

If you're super strapped for time you could always opt for a gift voucher and address it to Mum! That way she can pick exactly what she wants!
Gift Card: Shop Now

What would you buy for mum? What would you buy for yourself?

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Lisa's Top Picks

Monday 4 May 2015


Today we gave Lisa a challenge. We said, "Imagine you have $300 to spend...what would you buy with it? What pieces could you take home that could be stylish, flattering and versatile". It sounds near impossible but she managed to pick 6 ITEMS all for under $300!

Here is a breakdown of Lisa's favourites! What she loves about them and why:



1. Ombre Scarf $39: Shop Now
This scarf instantly lifts any basic piece and adds colour, texture and depth to your outfit. It can be worn as a fashion accessory or simply to keep you warm! Lisa mentioned that she normally prefers not to wear scarves as she is larger in the chest but said that this scarf was great as it isn't bulky. As a result you don't look top heavy and can get away with it!
Unfortunately this particular colour way sold out instantly! However, we still have the Red & Grey Ombre Scarf in stock. 

2. Soft Black Draped Tee $49.95: Shop Now
The soft black draped tee is great as it comes in a size run (unlike some of our other 'one size fits all' oversized styles). This means, that you can size down if you're busty and don't want to look a tent. Let's be honest some times too much fabric is TOO much fabric. This piece pairs well with both the stripe mini skirt and is long enough to wear with ponte pants. Enough said?

3. Stripe Ponte Mini Skirt $49: Shop Now
This skirt is unlike other stripe numbers on the market at the moment, simply because it's thick! This fabric sucks you in and as Lisa likes to say, "makes you look a size smaller". If you still believe the horizontal stripes myth, don't, because it doesn't apply to this skirt!
If you're not interested in showing a bit of thigh, or knee, opt for the midi version instead -

Stripe Ponte Midi Skirt $59: Shop Now

4. White Woven Back Swing Top $59.95: Shop Now
Without sounding like a pushy salesperson, if you own a pair of jeans you need this top! Lisa loves this piece as it has a lower neckline and is flattering on a larger bust. It has a high-low scoop shape and fitted arms. As it has a different fabric at the back we all agree that it is dressy enough to take you from day to night.

5. Black Pull on Ponte Pant $49.95: Shop Now
If you've read our post, "What is Ponte?", then you will surely know we love the fabric and all the forms it comes in. Lisa isn't alone in loving this piece...we all love a pant that is slimming, versatile and really sucks you in! This style has a high enough rise that you're not pulling it up all day, perfection!


6. Black Knit Cape $59: Out of Stock
A knit cape is a necessity in the cooler months. Lisa loves as this particular style is the perfect weight for Queenslanders. We're honest when we say it's hot again right now so it's currently all we need. Bring on the winter chill please!
Unfortunately this style has since sold out. For something similar check out our -
Charcoal Batwing Cape $59: Shop Now



What Blue Bungalow pieces would you buy with $300?
 

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