Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a Happy New Year and a fabulous break.

I wanted to take the chance to let you all know of some changes happening here.
Last year was a busy one, with the birth of my second daughter.
Juggling two children is definitely an adjustment, when trying to run a business! 

Just after Ruby was born, I made a difficult decision to take a break from selling my seasonal ranges into stores. I really want more time to spend with my daughters, while they are so young.

The good news is my label will continue, but stocked exclusively through my e boutique. 
This includes the La Belle Ami range aswell.
*My corporate suiting will still be exclusively sold by Zebrano.


I am quite excited about this new challenge, as it means more styles, limited numbers and also more from the La Belle Ami range.
Regular arrivals of styles, but as quantities are very limited, you need to get in quickly to avoid disappointment.

Enjoy Summer.

Nicki. x

Big is Beautiful? Plus-size models spark health debate at Sydney Fashion Festival | Mail Online

Big is Beautiful? Plus-size models spark health debate at Sydney Fashion Festival | Mail Online

Why are the media so anti plus size?

While I understand their "healthy" debate, I don't think any of the models I saw here, were unhealthy looking.

When I started to look at photographing my ranges, in the early years, I went on a search to find myself a fabulous plus size model. Size 18.

I contacted agencies and was sent portfolios of lovely size 12 models in bikini's. They deem this plus size?

When I finally found myself a great model, I was criticized for her being too big. I felt terribly disappointed that people thought 18 was too big. I wanted to represent my label and my most popular size with my customers.

I now use my gorgeous sister in law, but again feel sad that she is considered plus size. She is a 14. Since when are 12's and 14's considered plus size?

I wish we could do away with the term plus size, but I have never managed to find another term for the size range, that everyone understands.

I have two very young daughters and would like to see them grow up, in a world where there is no prejudice against what people look like. There will be no diets in our house or excessive exercise. There will be good healthy food and normal activity to stay healthy. I will not let the media judge them and I will always tell them how beautiful they are every day.

Treasures Magazine Article

Just posting a recent article written on my daughter, Stella and I for the Treasures magazine.
Along with two other designers, we look at how we dress our children and some tips on being unique and different.
I love to clash up prints with the littlies, as they can get away with absolutely anything and look gorgeous.
Number two is due shortly, so I am going to be a busy girl!

Polka Dot Monroe Coat

Love that our Monroe coat made the cover of The Australian Womens Weekly NZ Edition.

If you are loving this coat, pop into your nearest TCD store. They also have a festive floral version available and this is also online at our e-boutique.

Great for Christmas day and parties...!

Annual Clearance Sale

Time again for our annual Clearance Sale.

Last years was so popular, we were overwhelmed.

All details above, so hope to see you there. Some good bargains to be had.

Unfortunately, we won't be having this online, but will see how the sale goes and possibly do an online version after. Have fun shopping!

Vogue Curvy - Vogue.it

http://www.vogue.it/en/vogue-curvy 

I love Vogue Italy!

I love their forward thinking in accepting that women come in all shapes and sizes. It would be nice that we could all be included in together, rather than separated, but its a start.
Look forward to seeing more of this out there and hopefully the end of " only slim is beautiful". It would be nice to see magazines embrace all women, regardless of their shapes and sizes.

While I am not sure this model could be classed as Plus size, I do love the dress! (Bluegirl)

Gok Wan

Just had to post this pic of the gorgeous Rachel Goodchild with Gok Wan at the Specsavers event.

I was lucky enough to go along to this and hear about the trends for eyewear in Summer 2011.

If only I was in the media, I could have met him personally myself!

FYI, Rachel is wearing the New Yorker coat from my Winter 2010 range, the Ava slip and the ever popular Kitty slip underneath. Fabulous !