ETSY Success: DIY PR

Watch live streaming video from etsy at livestream.com

It feels like long ago, but remember when I spoke at ETSY Success as part of the Vivid Festival?  I promised I would post when my video had gone live on the ETSY site. And well.. I've arrived.

Now you can relish in how truly dorky I am. Truly. Dorky.

I can't watch myself because it is excruciatingly cringe-worthy. But I'll post it so you might be able to glean some PR tips if you need them...

Ok so this is me, with Jo Walker, the Editor of Frankie Magazine. Please keep in mind that just moments before going on stage, I was tempted to get in the lift and disappear for the afternoon.

You can thank ETSY for this video.

It's Friday Night. Do You Know Where Your Bloggers Are?

Have you had a good day or a bad day?

I have had a no good, very bad, awful, terrible, horrible day.

So let's fast forward onto better, brighter things.

I'm sending you off around the world in just a few simple clicks.

First stop - off to see my sister, Sarah, who just came back from a positively dreamy trip to Paris and London. She's just started capturing those first few days over on Calico + Ivy's blog - be inspired.

Next stop, you're keen to check out Germany while you're over in Europe, ja? Then check in on beautiful Bianca and her babes in a German summer. No wonder she's heading to Sydney soon.

Everyone knows that Tasmania is my idea of Utopia. Despite never having visited. No matter, I'm living vicariously through Michelle of Hugo and Elsa fame. Literally feast your eyes over here.

So you find yourself in Tassie - you must, absolutely must pop into The Hut Chronicles. Marian's garden is evolving, it's a joy to behold.

And one more stop on this whirl wind tour - have a cup of tea with Mrs Smith. This post resonates with me like there's no tomorrow. Thank you Mrs Smith for writing it so beautifully and so bang on.   You are an inspiration lady.

What's that dear reader? You want MORE? MORE??? Ok. Have this song. If you can listen to this and not be in a good mood and want to crazy dance with the kiddies, then I honestly do not know what's wrong with you.

Good night and good luck.

A winner has been chosen: Jonathan Aston 2012 Blogger 'Style Off' Competition!

The results are in! It is with great excitement that I announce the results of the Jonathan Aston blogger style off competition to create an outfit around a pair of their Union Jack tights. Thanks to all of you Undercover Lingerista followers, my outfit received the most Facebook 'likes' and I was crowned the winner!!

Firstly, I would like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that voted for me - your support means so much to me! As you know, I predominantly blog about lingerie and swimwear, but I am also a big fashion fan. This competition has inspired me to start posting more style blogs in future to give food for thought on how to dress curves. (Keep your eyes peeled..!)

Secondly, I mentioned in my previous post that if I won, I would give the hamper of Jonathan Aston goodies to someone who 'liked' my competition photo! As promised, a winner was selected completely at random from all of the people that 'liked' my photo using the site, 'Text Mechanic'  (which picks a line at random - the winner).

CONGRATULATIONS TO...LIZ DIVALL! 

Your prize will be winging its way to you shortly! 

Love,

Kitty xo

Affinitas Intimates A/W12 Press Day: Affinitas and Parfait

   If you haven't yet heard of Affinitas Intimates, you're in for a treat! Affinitas Intimates is an exciting (and relatively new) brand that boasts two ranges; one to suit a 'mainstream' market - 'Affinitas' (cup sizes 30-38 A-DD) and a 'fuller bust' market - 'Parfait' (cup sizes 30D-40G). 

   I originally came across the 'Affinitas' range and loved the flirty, feminine designs - from the pretty everyday bras to the glamorous babydolls, bustiers and chemises with embroidered lace, bows and ruffles. I was, of course, thrilled to find a fuller bust counterpart in the brand. It was such a great feeling to know that I could enjoy the stylish offerings of the Affinitas Intimates brand through the 'Parfait range.' 

   What differentiates 'Parfait' from some of the other fuller bust brands out there at the moment, is the desire to provide support as well as really fashion-forward and glamorous designs. The current collection has a wide range of styles to cover many different tastes; practical microfibre and cotton basics (e.g. Jeanie, Kelly, Casey), bras that make the cross-over between 'everyday' and 'special' occasion (e.g. Isabella, Anna) and boudoir beauties made from stretch satin (e.g. Charlotte, Fiona). The 'Parfait' range also includes bustiers, camisoles and babydolls. The brand clearly pay special attention to detail through their use of luxurious materials and pretty embellishments, so it was no wonder that 'Parfait' found a fan in me! (Product reviews coming soon!)

   To fuel my excitement about this new brand, I was delighted to receive an invitation to attend the Affinitas Intimates Autumn/Winter 2012 Press event, which took place at the Covent Garden Hotel, London.

   The Affinitas collections were showcased in the warmly lit 'Red room' and the plush red sofas and vintage-esque wallpaper gave the venue a sumptuous feel. After a bite of breakfast (fresh fruit slices and mini eggs benedict - yum!), I explored the 'Affinitas' and 'Parfait' ranges to see what they had in store for us for Autumn/Winter 2012...

AFFINITAS

   For those of you who fit into the 'Affinitas' size range, there are some gorgeous designs for A/W12. The collection is based around the concept of southern belles versus boudoir belles, country life meets the glamorous lights of the city..

   This charming gingham 'Taylor' bra set is updated in black and indigo colourways for A/W12. Gingham has made its way back into the style stakes again, so this is the perfect way to channel the rustic trend in style. The 'Taylor' also comes as a cute little chemise with a cream broderie anglaise style trim and black bow motif.

   The 'Victoria' is a contemporary interpretation of the popular animal trend. The vivid purple and white zebra print, delicate lace and pretty bows make this a very flirty and quirky set. The 'Victoria' also comes in a darker alternative of black/purple, which is equally seductive.

   For A/W12, Affinitas also have some very 'boudoir glam' offerings:

   The 'Sydney' takes on city chic, giving a feminine twist to the tuxedo. This bra set features soft satin panels in black and rich maroon with pretty detailing; a white lace trim and 'coquettish dual buttons'. This contour push up bra is the ideal cleavage enhancer and the high waist garter belt really adds to the glamour of this set.

   The 'Jennifer' provides the very best in boudoir elegance. The black mesh and lace overlay set against the sumptuous emerald green makes this a really sexy set. Aside from a cleavage flattering lingerie set, the 'Jennifer' is also available as a seductive bustier!

   As you may well know, I absolutely adore longline bras, so I did get a pang of envy when I saw these beauties! Aptly named, 'Marilyn', these vintage style longline bras and high waisted (thong back) knickers are incredibly sophisticated and beautiful. (Also comes as a chemise - below)

   Last but not least, I couldn't resist fawning over the cute Affinitas bridal lingerie set and basque - definitely one to check out if you're a bride to be and lucky enough to fit the sizing..

PARFAIT BY AFFINITAS 

   And now, to the eagerly anticipated fuller bust range: 'Parfait' by Affinitas! The Parfait Autumn/Winter12 range is every bit the decadent counterpart to the Affinitas range. The collection is like looking inside a pin-up girl's wardrobe! The range is replete with stunning satin balconettes, underwired lace babydolls, retro high-waisted knickers and more..

   I loved the gorgeous 'Angelina' set - the black polka dot mesh overlay on a metallic base gives it a very seductive, burlesque feel. The 'key hole' cut-out and bow at the centre of the bra cups is really original too. For added boudoir appeal, the underwired 'Angelina' babydoll looks like a great curve-flatterer!

   The 'Angelina' also comes in this interesting berry pink colour with mink brown lace overlay. This colour combination is proving to be a bit like marmite - you either love it or hate it. I personally keep swaying back and forth - the colour combination looks slightly odd unworn, but it looks great worn in this press picture...what do you think?

   Take a walk on the wild side in the 'Leslie', which offers both a plunge and balconette bra. The 'Leslie' is based on this season's popular 'Charlotte' bra (review to come!) The on-trend animal print, black piping, pin-up style red bows and stretch mesh look set to make the 'Leslie' another big hit for A/W!

   Say hello to all-over lace with 'Madeline'! The vivid blue scalloped lace trim and dainty bows give this padded plunge and high waisted knicker set a vintage edge - simple but effortlessly elegant!

   The unpadded 'Madeline' in grey lace with baby pink lace trim and bows - this would make for a lovely, girly everyday set.

   The 'Stella' comes in a chocolate/mink shade, featuring a decadent satin and lace combo. The central lace-up corset detail and crystal droplets make for beautiful finishing touches!

   The 'Stella' is also available as an underwired and unpadded babydoll - I love the teal gem tone!

   Channel your inner glamourpuss with the 'Alexis' in this stunning gem tone pink/purple. Luxurious satin, floral lace and a beautiful bow and teardrop crystal bead hanging charm add to this set's feminine elegance. A beautiful set both in the moulded bra form and unpadded babydoll.

   This season's 'Donna' bra is updated in mink (and black) for A/W..this unpadded set is a great 'not-so-basic' set, with its pretty bow detailing.

   The popular 'Fiona' bra comes back in vibrant scarlet red, which is spot on for A/W (being the festive season and all!) The black contrast lace trim and bow motif make this a very glamorous set indeed! This would look amazing paired with red lippie and black stockings too..

The 'Fiona' is also available in this gorgeous champagne satin and coffee lace colourway, which I slighty prefer to the red - it is a little bit more unusual, understatedly chic and incredibly sophisticated!

***

   I had a great time at the Affinitas Intimates press day and want to say a big thank you to the delightful Lynsey for taking me through the collections. I am really excited by the A/W12 'Parfait' range and can't wait to try some of these beautiful sets when they launch! Definitely a brand to watch..

To find out more about your nearest Affinitas and Parfait stockist or online retailer, visit their website here.

Love,

Kitty xo

New fuller bust brand spotlight: Alegro Lingerie (C-J cup)

   As a lingerie blogger and the owner of a 28FF bust, I am always on the look out for brands that cater to the larger bust. Sure, we have all heard of the major team players in the ‘larger cup’ market, but what about the new and emerging brands..the diamonds in the rough waiting to be snapped up by media attention and heralded as the ‘brand to watch’?

  I am excited to say that there is indeed a new brand on the block for the fuller busted amongst us. This brand boasts a core collection that starts at a 30 back and goes up to a 46 back and offers cup sizes from a C to a J cup!

Excited? Of course you are!

 The brand in question is Alegro Lingerie, which was founded in 2008 and began by targeting a North American market. Luckily for those of us living in Europe, Alegro is now spreading its wings to share the lingerie love with more of us!

   Alegro prides itself on providing “superior foundation support for [the] curvy and difficult to fit woman”, whilst equally combining this with affordable prices and a “sense of elegance and seduction” in design. With the emphasis firmly placed on fit, comfort, support and contemporary yet timeless designs, Alegro definitely captured my attention!

  I was over the moon when I was offered the chance to try one of Alegro’s bras; the ‘Dreamweaver’ in black. The ‘Dreamweaver’ forms part of Alegro’s ‘continuity collection’ and aside from the black colourway, it will also come in seasonal fashion colours (e.g. for A/W12, a teal and ‘ocean’ turquoise blue is available).

(Dreamweaver bra (£44) and short (£14))

   Although I generally wear a 28FF-G, I will always give a 30 back a try, as every brand’s sizing is slightly different. I went for a 30FF in the Alegro 'Dreamweaver' to be on the safe side..

   As you can see from the picture, the ‘Dreamweaver’ is an underwired, unpadded and softly lined bra with a 3-piece cup construction. The design is very simple, yet timeless and feminine, with its delicate floral-swirl embroidered pattern and slightly scalloped mesh cup panels. To add to the bra’s elegant feel, the straps also feature intricate embroidery and a rose motif, whilst at the centre of the cups is a pretty little ribbon bow and rose.

   The ‘Dreamweaver’ design actually reminded me quite a lot of Curvy Kate’s unpadded bras, such as the ‘Emily’, ‘Princess’ and ‘Portia’, so imagine my surprise when I was informed that Alegro’s head of design, Karen Ellis, is also the creative brain behind these popular Curvy Kate styles!

   Fit-wise, I felt that I should have gone with my ‘sister size’ of 30F, meaning that the bra felt quite ‘true to size’ in the cups. When ordering an Alegro bra, it is probably helpful to keep in mind your size in Curvy Kate’s unpadded styles. I wear a 28 back in all Curvy Kate bras, so it wasn’t all too surprising that the ‘Dreamweaver’ felt too loose in the back on me. (Fingers crossed that Alegro have 28 backs in the pipeline for the future!)

   I liked the thick band of the ‘Dreamweaver’ and the 3 hook and eye fastenings at the back - ideal for providing comfort, security and support to busty girls. The band also feels beautifully soft to the touch yet firm feeling, thanks to its polyamide and elastane content.

   I wasn’t 100% sold on the shape that the ‘Dreamweaver’ gave me, as I felt that the cups were quite wide and I got a bit of a pointy shape. I am ‘closer set’ and get on better with moulded styles as a rule, but I feel that if you already get on well with Curvy Kate’s unpadded styles (e.g. ‘Portia’, ‘Emily’, ‘Princess’), you will love this bra.

   The actual design of the bra when worn is really classic and pretty. Despite its fuller cup design, the delicate sheer mesh panels on the cups make this bra understatedly sexy, whilst the intricate embroidery gives an elegant and feminine finish. I also love the fact that close attention has been made to detail - from the tiny rose motifs to the embroidered straps. This bra is definitely one that serves as an everyday beauty and impresses on a special occasion!

   I am very excited about Alegro's contribution to the UK larger bust market and am really looking forward to seeing more from them in future. The 2012 collection has some really fashionable pieces for the larger bust.. 

Here are two of my favourites:

Floral Waltz in purple/beeswax: I love the unique combination of its nude/brown backing colour and stunning rich purple lace overlay..check out the cute bow detailing too!

I'm a sucker for a gorgeous and comfortable moulded bra, so I can't wait to try the Innocent Lily padded bra! 

Alegro lingerie will be available to purchase on Amazon in June and from several independent shops and online retailers (e.g. Bosom Buddy).

To find out more about Alegro, visit their website for their current collection and keep up to date with their news (and exclusive previews) via Facebook!

Love,

Kitty xo

Of Death and Blogging

The big news here is that my computer has died. It's died party people. Well for now at least.

So there's your reason why I've been blogging sporadically.

I have to divert Matt's attention - point and say: 'look, look over there' - and while he's distracted trying to determine what I am pointing at, I grab his computer, hack into his mainframe, fire off a few tweets, read my emails, and then quickly give him back his computer.

It's a sad and sorry state of affairs.

What's a gal to do but go to bed early and re-read The Great Gatsby, and get some beauty sleep?

You can find me on Instagram though (@pottymouthmama). Until I figure out a solution to my dead computer problemo.

image via here. Someone really, really loved their computer.

Let's Discuss Plagiarism: Or How My Content Wound Up On Your Website

these images are called - wow - how did my content fall onto your website?!


So I blogged about the Logies.


I did. I always blog about awards nights. Because I love it. 


And today, for some reason I was googling the Logies - because clearly I didn't get enough - and lo and behold, I found extracts of my content sitting on a large news publication website. Behind a paywall.


Let's just get this straight. My content. Used as more than just inspiration, and right there - with 'staff reporter' attached to it. 


Apparently I am now a staff reporter - or a contributor at least, because they did at least change things around a little. I said tissues, they said Kleenex. 


I felt more than a bit miffed. I felt upset. Mad. Ferocious. Wild as a wild cat. Grumpier than the Gruffalo. And just plain pissed off. 


A friend told me I should take it as a compliment. I did. For two seconds. And then I just thought what kind of a lazy creep - who gets paid (I don't), steals stuff. They must be terribly uncreative. 


Who does that? 


I think you'd be surprised - it seems to be happening more and more. I've read about bloggers whole posts being cut and pasted and claimed as someone else's quite often. 


My story about MY miscarriage was clearly the inspiration for a large website - and replicated in a weekly print publication. Though someone at least put a byline on that. Not my byline, but heck, it's an improve.. no it's not. 


But the internet is becoming increasingly a small world. You took my words and you didn't think I'd notice? Well I did. And I'm watching. 

Kidspot Ford Territory Top 50: Feel the difference

I've been wracking my brain for a couple of weeks, punishing myself, what the Hector am I going to write about for this post? My golden ticket for a chance to win a trip to NYC to attend BlogHer and a Ford Territory for a year. 


Here it is, I offer it up like a grown-up and female version of Oliver Twist, except my bowl's full of words - and I want you to have more. So not like Twist at all - but it was a good literary reference, yes?


Gather around. This is what I've come up with with a little help from my friends. 


My journey into blogging began back in '89. When I went to Talent Camp at Lake Keepit for creative writing. And then I went again the next year and Jim Pattinson had a crush on me, and I physically felt repulsed. I was 10, he was probably 11, and he got a little too close for my liking. I have not forgotten you Jim Pattinson - or you're unwanted feelings for me. 


Blogging was not yet invented - not to my knowledge anyway. But I tapped away on my Mum's electric typewriter in my spare time, short stories, poems, moving on to my grandfather's memoirs when I was 12.


But let us fast forward through my awkward years (and let's forget that I am actually still in the thick of my totes awkes years), we'll travel through time together and pop out of the time continuum right here. 


To 2007.


My true blogging journey began when I started reading Dooce daily. I love Heather Armstrong. Her truth. Her honesty. Her wittiness. It made me want to get back into writing again. This was a time when I was just about to pop out baby number two. I felt like I was in parenting exile. Two years earlier I'd quit my job, moved to the other side of the city away from my friends - and into the home of my in-laws. AWESOME! This was a time when my MIL walked in to our dark kitchen to find me crying in the pantry. When my FIL told me I needed to talk to Matt after we'd had a massive barney. When parenting and self-esteem was at an all time low. And so was privacy. 


I began banging out posts like it wasn't anyone's business. 


And that's the beauty of blogging. It becomes everyone's business. And from here, like the fountain of youth - or in my case, a community of awesome, like-minded women (and the occasional male reader, hi Dad!) sprung PottyMouthMama. 


A blogger was born. (And so was Tiny - but that's another story.)


If we take PottyMouthMama under the magnifying glass (and preferably not in full sunlight people, I've got fair skin) it comes down to this: 


"If you prick us, do we not bleed"*


It's true. We all do. The truth is, I am just like any other mother blogger. You, me, we.


And that's the beauty of us. 


I'm happy not to hide behind any facade. I don't need to amp up my life to seem like it's more glamorous, more exciting, more awesome than yours. Because it isn't. Trust me.


PottyMouthMama's point of difference is that life is ker-azy. Life is messy. Life can be sad, glad, mad, and rad - and all in one day. 


I can talk about that with great verve. It's my very own story to tell. You love reading about Tiny's mischief. My bin diving escapades. About my struggle with work-home-life balance. I love curating stuff and things I love, or sharing stories about my banal life. Because it's my blog and I can blog if I want to. 


So if you feel so compelled, please vote for me! I'd love to visit the Big Apple, so I can stop hanging out with these little apples and looking like William Tell and Snow White's love child. 

* Totally stolen from Shakespeare. Someone that could have written a really prolific ye olde playe stylie blogge.