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TAKING SHAPE INTERVIEW WITH CURVY CARTEL

Meet Curvy Cartel aka Mel as she joins Taking Shape to launch a new season of fabulous. Mel is here to share all her styling tips and tricks along with her favourite Taking Shape new season styles.

Who is @curvycartel?

Mel has been bringing the fun to fashion for almost 10 years @curvycartel on Instagram - (yes Insta has been around that long!) From virtual styling sessions with local and overseas clients, to bringing you outfits of the day. Mel brings multiple fashion personalities to life with her creative styling along with the help of her amazing range of wigs supplied by @newyouwigsco and yes they all have a name, Jody being her favourite! (You’ll meet her later.) 

Mel’s obsessed with accessories, she loves ankle boots and bags in a range of colours, prints and styles, her wardrobe is literally full of every colour of the rainbow. With a mutual love of colour and bold styles, we are so happy to have Mel help launch our new season of curve fashion, full of bright, bold colours and prints.

“It’s all about dopamine dressing which is fashion that makes you feel good and feel happy.”

Fashion is all about having Fun!

“Don’t be afraid to experiment with fashion. Don’t take it seriously, it’s meant to be fun. That’s what Taking Shape is all about, it’s having fun. When you walk into a Taking Shape store you know you’re going to find something no matter what your occasion is, whether it’s basics or adding to a capsule collection there really is something for every body, shape and style. And if you can’t find it, Taking Shape has amazing stylists in-store that can help you find exactly what you want.

You can’t judge a garment by seeing it on the hanger, you need to try it on and if you love it make it work for you. Don’t let fashion dictate what you can and can’t wear. Have a don’t give a heck attitude. Don’t let fashion wear you. You wear the fashion.”
“Fashion is about you and it's fun, that's why it's FASHUUUN.”

Top tip for adding colour to your wardrobe.

“My mantra is to just play with colour, you don’t have to dive in headfirst. Just add a pop of colour with a pair of earrings, a clutch, a pair of boots, you don’t have to go all in. Whatever you do, just start and see the change it brings to your wardrobe.”

“It’s a great mix and match capsule.”

Mel is wearing our Orange Crush Collection.

Orange is definitely the new black this season.

Velour Leopard 
Embroidered Cardigan

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As soon as I saw the Velour Leopard Embroidered Cardigan I  knew it just had to be worn over the top of the Natural Leopard Dress. Too much animal print is never enough. To keep it casual I would wear the cardi over my wardrobe staples the Best Friend Jegging and Luna Charlotte Tank. 

Orange 
Crush Coat

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The Orange Crush Coat is the coat of the season, this stunner looks amazing dressed up or down. For a daytime look I will be wearing it over the Bamboo Ponte Bootcut Pants and my favourite basic cami. For an elevated look I will layer it on top of the Ponte Lotte Monotone Pants and the Velour Check Top.

Natural Marigold
Shirt Dress

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The Natural Marigold Shirt Dress is such a beautiful print and it makes such a great base for layering. Wear over the top of the Bamboo Breezy 3/4 Leggings for a casual look or  layer with a knit or your favourite winter coat. If you are feeling adventurous, pattern clash with one of the gorgeous Check Knit Coats available now. 

Natural Leopard
Dress

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Natural Patchwork
Shirring Top

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Glamour Fur
Collar Cardigan

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“There are so many options - the outfit inspiration is endless.”

Mel is our Mystify Me Collection.

What's not to love about this colour palette?

Reversible
Natural Duster

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I love the Reversible Natural Duster, this gorgeous double sided versatile piece will take you from day to night in an instant. The green and purple combination is very on trend and a Duster never goes out of style.

Melton Knit
Check Coat

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The Melton Knit Check Coat is a standout in beautiful tones of purple and a timeless check pattern. Pair with your favourite denim or ponte to take you from boardroom to bar.

Paisley Natural
Tier Tunic

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I will be pairing the Paisley Natural Tier Tunic with my favourite pair of Taking Shape knee high boots and a felt hat. To elevate the look, I would wear it open over ponte pants and a cami. Simply add your favourite accessories and you’re ready to roll.


“What's not to love about this colour palette?”

What would you tell someone who has never been to Taking Shape?

“Where the heck have you been? Call me, we’ll go shopping together. I promise you will find something you love.

You’ll find your new favourite piece at Taking Shape and if you can’t, you’re not looking hard enough. Having been every size from 12 to 24 I feel I can relate to women of all shapes and sizes and if I can help inspire one person to step out of their comfort zone and feel their best self, that makes my heart sing.

I want women to embrace their bodies and feel fabulous about fashion. It’s what Taking Shape has been helping women do for over 38 years.”


Mel is wearing our Pretty Basics Collection.

Natural Angle
Hem Slip Dress

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Natural
Starlight Top

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Natural Come
Together Dress

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We’re thrilled to have Mel inspire body positivity through our shared passion for fashion. In a year that body image campaigner Taryn Brumfitt, director of the acclaimed film ‘Embrace’ has won Australian of the Year, it’s never been a better time to embrace your body and love it as it is.

PERSONAL STYLING EXPERIENCE

Book a free in-store styling experience.

STYLE CONFIDENCE

Styling your look has never been easier, with the help of our in-store styling teams.

PRIVATE FITTING ROOM

Relax with your own private fitting room, where you’ll have dedicated one on one service from a fashion stylist.

TAILORED TO YOU

We can help with looks that are perfect for your body shape with styling tips, tricks and advice.

FREE GIFT

Not only will you have an amazing shopping experience, but you’ll receive a free gift just for being you!