LET’S GET FUNKY IN HARLOW

I’ve had a personal connection with Kerry from Harlow for a couple of years now, I’ve purchased her designs, modelled them in a fundraiser parade and the delightful (and talented) Kerry has supported a few of my Breast Cancer fundraisers. Kerry’s label Harlow is for sizes 12-24 and is fierce, funky and fun…with a peppering of rock star and babe town thrown in. Yeah just because we’re curvy doesn’t mean we want to be dressed boxy n boring…come at me Harlow!

Come at me indeed…I nearly needed a TENA when Kerry asked if I would like to try some of her spring/summer range…woohoo, yes please. I chose a few pieces that could work hard in my wardrobe and I just know these beauties will work hard all year round for years to come.

The cooler months are when I trot out the black clothing preferring lighter colours in summer, but I chose a few well-fitting high quality pieces you will see me in these over the summer too…because when I put them on I felt sexy, sassy and edgy…there’s a rock chick inside this tone deaf curvy sista LOL.

I love a bit of mesh, living my teen years in the 80’s how could I not? Well check out this *’Borderline tee’, I loved it from the moment I put it on I knew I would order another one. It’s so darned soft and the weight is perfect…skimming all my lumps n bumps for a super flattering fit. The soft V-neck and curved hemline was a welcome bonus too, my pet peeve is tees with boxy hemlines. The mesh flashes enough skin to be modest and just looks cool.

 

Who doesn’t love a maxi skirt? I know right, every wardrobe should have one that makes you feel good and when I put this one on I instantly had swagger, uhuh I was totally struttin…in my bedroom but with attitude. The *’Borderline skirt’ made me feel like a grown up version of an 80’s Madonna, I felt sexy and sophisticated. I’m in love with the mini (half lining) and the mesh skirt, it acts like a veil and gave me the confidence to let my legs show.

Team this skirt with heels and a great jacket or go sports luxe with canvas sneakers a tee and a bomber…and to really feel like Madge maybe a crucifix pendant or tulle headband! Please note that the lighting in the pics makes the mesh seem a lot more seem through than it really is.

I’ve been watching the bomber trend from the sidelines for a while now not really convinced of its worth on a curvy girl, I normally like my jackets more structured. Ummm, excuse me while I zip up my* ‘Borderline mesh bomber’ jacket. Yes that’s right, I’m in love with this one and I know it will be an all year round staple. I think it’s because it’s textured and not patterned that it works, bombers have a relaxed shape and can sometimes add bulk especially printed ones which is why I’ve steered clear of them. This one has a ribbed neckline and cuffs, zip front, pockets and the mesh has oomph…it’s not flimsy and nasty it’s got structure and oozes quality.

This jacket will be quite at home over a tee with jeans or dressed up with pants and a blouse. I’ve already teamed it with my denim shorts and  a maxi skirt and I can’t wait to play with it some more.

 

Hands up if you have a LBD?…sorry not me, actually I have never had one! I know ‘who am I?!’ I’ve always felt they were too corporate looking or too fussy…tizzy even (showing my age with tizzy!). Being curvy is tough when you’re trying to find a dress for parties but this year I’m all set for my misters work party…thanks Harlow… I now own a LBD and no tears this year. This *dress has a flattering curved hemline, small side splits for comfort when seated, pockets for gloss and a phone and just the right amount of lace. A bit of stretch is the bonus that ensures comfort.

The perfect amount of the prettiest lace in the sleeve gives this dress a sophisticated yet girly touch. I felt totally put together in this dress…a heel, statement necklace and I was done, oh and a fab clutch. This dress is super flattering, when we took these pics it was pretty windy but the dress still skimmed my lumps n bumps!

I’ve always wanted a leather jacket but they never felt quite right on my frame…enter the *’Riders in the sky’ snake jacket. This jacket isn’t leather but it is freakin awesome! Give me stretch and a little ponte in a jacket and I’m in heaven, add epaulettes and a funky collar with a zip and I’m doing my happy dance…with jazz hands!

This classic cut jacket is loaded with features, wear it open or zip it up to really show off the great collar and emphasise your waist, This baby is one you will have for years. As with all jackets if you don’t intend to do it up then try going down a size to give you a nipped in silhouette. If you live in a colder climate you might want to stay your normal size and wear it open in summer and layer it up in winter. The snake skin effect is stunning, a great texture for adding interest to an outfit.

 

There’s my take on a few pieces, as with all your clothes style them to fit your personality (or the one you want to create), mix them in with your existing wardrobe to create endless extra outfits. Harlow pieces are designed, cut and made in Australia and is a business run by a talented and hardworking lady and her husband. Yes Harlow is a small business with big ideas.

Did you know that all pieces are limited? Yup, so you know that you’re not going to see your special piece on someone else several times in one night. If you are unsure of sizing check the size guide, email Kerry or give her a quick call, all the contact details are on their website. Harlow offer free shipping on orders over $150 and also offer refunds and exchange (conditions apply). While you are visiting their website do yourselves a favour and sign up to their newsletter so you never miss out on new releases, specials and promotions.

Til next time,

Jen x

 

*Garments were gifted to Styling Curvy for editorial consideration.

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