Tagged: Plus Size
A Tale of Tulle and Hippos
I love style, that is no secret; but I admit, there are often trends that scare the absolute bejeezus out of me.
I can tell you as a fat girl, the idea of a crop top can be terrifying. They’re short, tummy bearing and tough to wear shapewear with. It’s a look I never thought I could pull off until I got brave and bought myself an amazing Monif C. dress with a mock crop top, as seen in my post I Am Woman, Hear Me “Rawr”. After wearing this dress, I got little braver and set out to find myself the perfect crop top; and when I found it at ZELIE FOR SHE, it just so happened that I also stumbled upon the trend that has most intimidated me to date – the tutu!!!
For a pear shaped, plus size girl like myself, the thought of wearing a voluminous, tulle skirt triggered feelings of apprehension, without a doubt; but I have seen so many ladies of all shapes and sizes rocking tutus, and totally working them regardless of which fruit they may resemble, so I couldn’t resist. It was just so splendid and whimsical, and all those fanciful words that just speak directly to my inner princess!!!
So here I am – me voici, wearing this amazing ZELIE FOR SHE light pink tutu, with their matching crop top!
As I was getting dressed, my three-year-old son asked me if I was a ballerina, so to avoid being mistaken for one of those ballet dancing hippos from Fantasia, I decided to give my look a little edge, and pair it with my favorite studded pleather jacket from Addition Elle, magenta flats, and some really cool stacked rings from Forever 21.
I always love mixing styles and wearing contrasting pieces and I think it’s a great way for any other voluptuous fashionistas, lovers of whimsy, or ballerina hippo enthusiasts rocking tutus for the first time, who are perhaps, a little hesitant like me, to take the hefty, graceful leap!
An Ode To The 80′s
The 80′s were… How do I put this politely? An interesting time for fashion. From shoulder pads to parachute pants, it was definitely a decade of extremes.
Although we like to think of todays fashion as much more balanced than it ever was in the past, (look back 20 years from now and see if you still agree – I dare you!) we still draw most of our inspiration from eras gone by, the indulgent 80′s included.
We see its influence in today’s oversized tops, harem pants, big, bold, statement jewelry, and most attention-grabbingly, (is that a word?) in my opinion, the resurgence of neon colors over the past few years.
It is impossible to ignore neon! It’s bright, vibrant, and in your face. It has exploded back into the fashion scene and can now be seen worn by everyone, from little kids in neon sneakers right through to mature, business women in gorgeous neon blouses.
Now, I haven’t yet found a neon blouse in my size that I cannot live without, but I did find this amazing, neon yellow bib necklace at Forever 21, that I knew I just had to make mine from the moment I first saw it.
I’ve paid subtle homage to the decade, without overdoing it, by wearing this great, statement necklace with some classic 80′s style, black stirrup pants, a fun, neon orange ring and some bright, bubblegum pink lipstick; and I’ve kept the look toned down and modern by pairing it all with a great black and white sweatshirt from Forever 21+ that I purchased a while back, and some cute, simple, inexpensive, black flats from Wal Mart.
Part of me secretly wants to see what I’d look like, if instead of the sweatshirt and flats, I went with a structured, shoulder pad bearing blazer and a pair of neon yellow, high heeled pumps – but, shhh! Don’t tell anyone!!!
Winter Is Coming, And Coming… And Coming
So… It is March 30th and we’ve gotten yet another dumping of snow here in Montreal. It’s been a Westeros kind of winter, and spring is never coming. Never.
I ordered this awesome T-shirt dress from Boohoo a couple of weeks ago and (stupid me) had thought that the weather would actually be starting to get a little more spring-like by the time it arrived so I wouldn’t have to try and make yet another great dress look awkwardly cute with winter boots; but alas, here I am, all dressed in white, looking out the window at a vast sea of the like.
It is incredibly soft and comfortable – it feels so smooth against my skin. It’s just a plain oversized, boxy T-shirt with side slits, but I love how it manages to be so chic in its simplicity and so feminine in its straight lines.
I’ve left the silhouette of this flowy frock uninterrupted and decided against a belt, as I had originally imagined wearing it; and instead chose to accessorize with this gorgeous art deco style, short necklace, cuff bracelet and hand chain with jade detail. Also, I’ve spared you all from having to see me in my salt stained, slightly deformed looking, unintentionally tri-colored Ugg boots; and in lieu, I’ve paired the look with my favorite flats, from Forever 21.
Since I’m still rocking the straight hair look, (in a very scientific experiment to see how long I can actually go without washing my hair before my husband asks for a divorce / an attempt to preserve the straightened hair that I know I cannot reproduce without professional assistance) I’ve topped off my ensemble with one of my new Babooshka Boutique turbans, in this fantastic nude shade, which just so happens to look amazingly cool and effortless with my temporarily straight locks, despite the constant effort required to keep it from sliding up the back of my unfortunately, flat head.
Ironically enough, I almost feel like my look could find itself a place somewhere among the hustle and bustle in the city of Qarth, which I suppose is better than how I feel right now – a murderous White Walker trudging through a land of endless ice and snow. It may be a never ending winter, but I suppose it could be worse. I could be a Dothraki woman. (Although, I wouldn’t mind getting manhandled by Khal Drogo just a little, if he were still around… Yum!)
This Just In
First of all, look at me!!! Look at me!!! No, seriously… LOOK AT ME!!! My hair is straightened!!! Ahhh!!! (I did not do this CAN not do this myself, so this is BIG!) Secondly – it finally arrived!!! I’d been waiting so impatiently for my package from Babooshka Boutique, and this week it finally arrived!!! I’m a little excited, in case you couldn’t tell.
A little while ago I ordered one of Babooshka Boutique’s fabulous design your own faux leather vent-tees and a couple of their great turbans, and I couldn’t be more pleased! As a plus sized girl, it is always fun when a “regular size” manufacturer’s product can accommodate my full figured frame; and this gorgeous, oversized vented tee (in an XL, their largest size – I usually wear a 2x 0r 18/20 on top) does exactly that, and flawlessly! There are quite a few items that look very generously cut as well, so if you know your body and are interested, don’t be scared to take a look!
I went with the charcoal grey jersey (so soft, like, OMG) and matte white sleeves, and I have to say, I’m really digging the combination! I love the modern silhouette of this top and its versatility. You could wear it with a cute pair of shorts, leggings, (which is what I went with) or even over a basic bodycon dress or skirt, if you’re feeling playful! I’ve paired my outfit with a great pair of grey, faux alligator pumps from Payless, silver earrings and a fun spiked bracelet from Addition Elle, for a clean, chic look that is smart and sophisticated, yet comfortable beyond belief.
Stay tuned over the next couple of days to see how I’ve been playing around with the turbans! So much fun!!!
Denim, Lemons & Monday Morning Funk
Blah… Another Monday. I suppose I should be happy I’m alive, that my family is healthy and comfortable, and that and that I was able to send my husband off to work, and my kids off to school with full bellies and full lunchboxes - which, don’t get me wrong – I am; but that doesn’t change the fact that the weekend was too short, the hubby was in a bad mood through most of it, and that mommy may have had a few glasses of wine last night and would prefer to stay in bed rather than make anyone a stupid tuna fish sandwich!!! Sorry. I needed to vent.
But alas, here I am, dressed and coiffed, with slight tuna breath, (I wasn’t about to waste the leftovers) and an even stinkier attitude. The silver lining to this dark Monday cloud – I look cute, though! Ha.
I figured, since it’s a little too early to be making magaritas out of my Monday morning lemons, (is it really, though?) I may as well turn my bitterness around with a great outfit! I often don’t put much effort into my appearance when I’m feeling like this, but since I have no choice but to be out and about, I’m making the best of it by sporting a couple of new acquisitions.
I had been drooling over this quilted denim bomber from ASOS Curve for a while, and when it finally went on sale, I snatched it up. I’ve paired it with a gorgeous nude, sequin tank by Love & Legend, that I’ve had for a while, a new black skirt from Forever 21+, taupe, t-strap flats, also from Forever 21, and a snazzy pair of rose gold statement earrings to complete the look.
I really enjoy mixing styles, and the dressy, sequin tank top, and skirt put together with the super casual denim bomber and flats just balance each other out so perfectly. And, balance is really the key to fashion; but it doesn’t end there. Life in general, requires a certain balance in order to run smoothly and not drive us crazy; and on days like this, finding that balance – that silver lining, is the only way to get out of the funk we are in (whether it’s justified or not) and realize that the sun is shining, and that the day is going to be okay.
Now, all I need is to make it out the door without my three-year-old wiping snot (or poop) on my skirt and I’ll be able to keep my nasty attitude in check…
The Right To Bare Arms
I have struggled with accepting my body my entire life. I’ve learned to accept my tummy, made peace with my love handles, and I’ve even grown to adore my big, round hips; but the one aspect of myself that I still have difficulty trying to come to terms with, are my arms.
I don’t remember the last time I wore something sleeveless without a cardigan, jacket, bolero or shawl. I think I was already self-conscious about my upper arms by the end of elementary school. In fact, I still can’t shake the feeling that they are in some way hideous, an embarrassment… Disgusting. I hate to feel this way though, because I deserve to show my arms just like anyone else – without shame, or the fear that someone might laugh or be offended. So, I am making it my mission to get over my lingering insecurity and allow myself the right to bear my bare arms for the whole world to see.
So, here they are in all their chubby, bat-winged glory!!! And, to show them off in style, I’ve chosen this beautiful, turquoise colored, scuba knit dress from Forever 21+. The fabric is dense, yet lightweight and luxurious feeling, and the color is simply divine. I’ve paired it with a gorgeous chain fringe necklace from Addition Elle, whimsical knuckle ring from Forever 21 and simple, white patent, cork wedges by Marc Fisher, for an chic, sophisticated look.
I cannot yet, in all honesty, claim that I feel 100% at ease with my bare arms, but this is definitely a starting point. And, who knows? Maybe one day I’ll learn to love my arm wattle as much as I love my hips!
Wearable Art, Clearly
Do you ever see a piece of clothing online, or in a store and just feel connected to it, as if your desire for it is stronger than anything else you are feeling at that very moment?
Well, that is precisely what happened when I first laid eyes on this clear vinyl moto jacket, designed by fellow plus sized fashion blogger, Nadia Aboulhosn, for MYNT 1792′s Blogger Collection, as well as these amazing textured Love & Legend joggers from Addition Elle. Once I saw them for the first time, I knew my life just wouldn’t be complete without making them mine. Yes… The desire was that intense.
Now, I can’t say that this awesome, 90′s inspired jacket is the most comfortable item in my closet, but what it lacks in comfort, it makes up for with style. I love the details – the black belt, epaulettes, and the little coin pocket – it is the perfect example of wearable art; and it just works so perfectly with the gorgeous boucle fabric and black trim of the joggers, which incidentally, are so comfortable that they compensate beautifully for any comfort deficit that wearing a plastic jacket may entail.
I decided to go very simple with how I put this outfit together to really showcase this show-stopping jacket and these fab joggers. I’ve paired them with a very basic, Addition Elle, white 2-way tank, a great pair of black patent, pointy toed pumps from Payless, and some gunmetal and clear bracelets, for a clean, striking look with a definite edge.
I love how far the plus size clothing market has come and I truly hope to see more and more fearless pieces like these in the future!
Denim on Denim
Well, life has been a bit busy over this past week. It’s funny, because as I type the very words, I’m trying hard to figure out exactly what I’ve been so busy with, and I’m at a loss. It was nothing out of the ordinary, I suppose… Just life. But regardless, until now, haven’t found the time to actually sit down and write – but I’m back! And it’s time to talk about a couple of great new additions to my closet! Yay!
We are seeing a whole lot of denim on denim this spring, and it can be very chic depending on how you work it. Even the hubby is now the proud owner of a denim shirt! But I’m not feeling bold enough to rock it, head to toe, just yet, so, this great, sheer, cream color blouse with denim trim, paired with these fantastic acid wash jeans, (both from Penningtons) which I’ve folded under for a faux cropped appearance, create the perfect compromise! I’ve accessorized with my new Obi leather belt from Igigi, color blocked flats from Payless and a cute cuff bracelet from Forever 21 for a chic, laid-back look that’s perfect for casual Friday!
Peace, Love and Color Blocking
I love 60′s inspired looks. Whether it be the early, short boxy jackets and pillbox hats, or the hippie style of bell bottoms and headbands seen towards the end of the decade – I love them all! But my absolute favorite looks were the products of the mid 60′s. Think mini skirts, geometric prints and color blocking. Think bold eyeliner and super light lips. It’s all so deliciously playful. So, it goes without saying that when I first laid eyes on this half & half, color blocked dress from Great Glam, a 60′s inspired look came immediately to mind.
There is something different, and so special about this dress, though. Instead of simple color blocking, the white side is textured with a tone on tone white pattern. I just love this revamped take on classic color blocking so much, that I decided instead of going straight up Twiggy, I would have my own crack at updating this mid 60′s look, too.
So, as an ode to the decade gone by, I mixed things up a bit, and combined the color blocking and the statement making makeup style of the mid 60′s with the elegance of the early years, as you can tell by my beehive inspired bun, and my modern take on Jackie Kennedy’s iconic, multi-strand pearl necklaces. Then, as a subtle nod to the tail end of the decade, a silver peace sign bracelet to tie everything all together.
Oddly enough, despite basically embodying the entire span of 60′s fashion at once, this look is still fresh; and I had such a blast thinking it up, and finding a way to stitch it all together seamlessly!
Harem Pants
I don’t know about you, and I know everyone is shaped differently; but depending on what I wear, I have, what I like to call “bumtum”. Bumtum, you ask?
Definition of Bumtum: noun \ˈbəmˈtəm\
When your tummy takes on the appearance of a bum when wearing clothes (usually pants) with a seam up the front, thus giving the impression that you not only have butt in the back, but one in the front, too.
So, now that that’s cleared up, lets talk about harem pants. They are everywhere, and have been trending for a while now. But I’ve been hesitating, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll understand, they can be a bit tricky, because not only are they high-waisted, they also have saggy fronts which can only accentuate your bumtum! That being said, don’t give up hope!!! With a little help from shapewear (which I briefly discussed my love/hate relationship with, in my recent post, “Fat Girl Problems“) and the right top or belt, it is possible to make them work!
When I saw these leopard print harem pants from Forever21+ I knew they would be a challenge, but I just wanted to try so badly!!! I quickly realized that they would be more difficult to wear than I had thought… My Spanx alone just weren’t cutting it. I had to break out the big guns and wear my faux leather peplum belt from Addition Elle, which I had nabbed about a year ago, but never really found the right way to wear. I had tried a couple of looks with it, but they just always looked off, somehow. Anyway, I figured it was worth a shot, so I went for it, and I think it was exactly what these pants needed! Since they have a very bold cut and pattern, and the belt is also quite a statement on it’s own, I went with a very simple black top, and black & gold flats to draw some of the attention away from my mostly disguised bumtum. I can’t say that I was able to hide it completely, but I definitely felt confident with the end result; and, who am I trying to fool, anyhow? It’s not like having a flatter tummy would trick anyone into thinking I’m skinny! Haha!
So my advice to you is, if you are a fellow bumtum sufferer, and are looking to try and get in on the harem pant trend: Always wear shapewear underneath, and try to find a great peplum belt, like this one, or a cute peplum top, which you can belt or wear on its own. The reality is, with just about every look, even if you think it won’t flatter your body, it never hurts to try, because you may actually be surprised with what you can do to make it work for you!
