Tagged: Plus Size
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!
About A Boot
I SO love the idea of an unexpected color boot as we transition from winter to spring. When it comes to footwear, especially boots, I find most people tend to play it a little safe in the color department (myself included, most of the time). We stick to the basics – black, brown, and tan. But why not put a little spring in your step?
Try something different and rock a funky purple, a bright turquoise or even a sassy animal print! For this look, like I’ve paired a great pair of jeggings with these fantastic teal suede, western style boots from Call It Spring, and chose a top that totally clashes with them to really draw attention to their rich, teal color. I’ve selected a delicate, seafoam green, braided belt that plays on the color of the boots just enough to pull everything together for a cool, laid back look that makes my transition into spring look effortless!
Fat Girl Problems
Yes. You heard me. Fat girl problems.
Now, while I have largely overcome my bad habit of criticizing my flaws and constantly putting myself down, that doesn’t mean I can’t indulge in a little self-deprecation in the name of a laugh from time to time; and while it can be hard to find humor in inner thigh chaffing, us fat girls have plenty to laugh about!
Now, I mentioned thigh chaffing. But in case you don’t know what I mean by it, I’m not talking a little redness and discomfort between your thighs because you’ve just run a half-marathon in short shorts… No. I’m talking ridiculously chaffed inner thighs, to the point of blistering all because you decided not to wear your Spanx under your skirt to the grocery store because you didn’t feel like taking the extra 20 minutes to wrestle yourself into them before leaving. And the love/hate relationship I have with Spanx is quite the conundrum. I love how they make me look, they protect me from the nasty chaffing, and, I don’t have to worry about my tummy flopping about should I *gasp* actually have to run for any reason.
Reasons I Might Run:
-Trying to escape burning building
-Trying to run from axe murderer
-Trying to beat someone to the last jar of Nutella
*(Notice I said “trying” because I’m not very fast)
But I hate the fight to get in them. I’m pretty sure trying to put on a pair of Spanx feels a lot like being born, only, instead of slipping through and breathing a sigh of relief, you just stop half way and stay like that for the next 8 hours. The actual process of putting them on is basically my cardio for the week. I start to sweat, my heart rate increases and when I’m done I like to reward my hard work with a shake. While they make me look sexy, there is nothing sexy about getting into them. My husband once innocently came into the room as I was fighting my way into a pair and I’m pretty sure I turned into a combination of Quasimodo and the girl in The Exorcist as I hissed and growled at him to look away. He hasn’t made that mistake again.
As tough of a struggle it is to get into my Spanx, nothing really compares to the feeling of getting out of them, though. What a liberating sensation! It feels like everything just falls back into place (because literally, that’s what’s happening), you get to scratch all those itchy red marks the seams left on you, and then take hot bath after a long day in restrictive shapewear. It’s positively glorious.
But bath time comes along with its own set of issues:
Fat Girl Bath Problems:
- Cold shoulders vs. cold legs
– Bathwater becoming cold behind you because your butt is so wide it creates a dam
– The tidal wave when you try to stand up to get out when bath time is done
*(I say “try” here, because there are times when getting up out of the bath looks more like a wet walrus trying to makes it’s way over a wall)
But once you’ve toweled off, put baby powder between your rolls, dried the bathroom floor of any spillage that may have resulted from the fat girl tsunami, and all is said and done… The reality is, whether we’re fat or skinny, we all have our problems; and I’d rather laugh about mine than cry. I won’t complain that my head just about hits the car roof when I drive because my butt adds an extra 8 inches to my height when I’m in a seated position, or that sometimes my belly honks at people when I’m trying to get out of the car; I won’t complain that my hairdresser told me that me that compared to my body, my head looks like a cantaloupe, and I won’t even complain that when I dance with my husband, and we turn around, he completely disappears behind me, like *poof*, and he’s gone! Nope… Because I like who I am!
I’m a fat girl. I have fat girl problems, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. I know how to laugh at myself, I know how giggle at life’s little jests and I will fight you for the last cupcake.
Liebster Award
Well! Thank you to the beautiful and very fashionable Anna Blomqvist’s Closet for nominating me for this Liebster Award! It has taken me a minute to get around to working on this post, but here it is!!!
Here’s a quick summary of the award: (taken from Anna)
- This award is given to bloggers usually with followings of less than 500 or 1,000 readers
- There’s a number of bloggers you’re supposed to nominate, I’ve seen this range from 5 – 11. I’m going to do 5
- In accepting this award you must answer the questions the blogger that nominated you wrote and then write 10 more of your own for your nominees to answer
- Link back to the person that nominated you so they can see your answers
- Have fun with it! Be proud of this award! It’s meant to not only grow your followers, but connect the blogging community
Here are the 10 questions I’ve been asked to answer:
1. What is your favorite piece of clothing?
Well, I would have to say that I don’t think I could go through life without black leggings. They always make me feel sexy and I can wear them just about everywhere, depending of how I dress them. My black leggings are definitely my favorite staple. But, if we’re talking favorite piece overall, right now, it’s my turquoise blue, leopard print dress, from Monif C. as featured in one of my recent posts. I can’t get enough of this dress! It’s perfect!
2. An accessory you can’t live without?
Definitely, if I had to chose, it would be my gold bangles. I am always wearing some sort of bracelet, but my gold bangles are my babies!!!
3. How many pairs of shoes do you own?
About 25 pairs, that I actually wear. Maybe a handful more that I just keep for sentimental reasons.
(Revision – I’ve now, actually counted them while attempting to organize my closet and the total number is 43. So, I was a little off. Oops!)
4. Favorite clothing shop?
Do I really have to choose!? Haha. Well, I love, love, LOVE Monif C. as far as online shopping goes. And when I’m in the mood to go to an actual physical store (although they do sell online as well), my favorite, go-to place is Addition Elle.
5. Favorite lingerie line?
I would call it more of a lingerie shop rather than an actual collection by one designer. I adore Hips & Curves! I can always find something there to spice things up a little, if you know what I mean! Haha.
6. Where do you live?
I live in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It’s such a beautiful city with such rich history and multiculturalism, and I’m so lucky to call it home!
7. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m currently working towards developing a clothing line of my own, and I’m hoping that in five years, that should be up and running and with luck, thriving!!! I still plan to be blogging as well!
8. Do you follow the Olympics?
I do! I’m a Canadian girl, so needless to say, I follow Olympic hockey the most, but I love seeing all of the talented athletes from all over the world come together to celebrate excellence in their sport!
9. What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I have quite a few, but since my blog focusses on plus size style, I will give you my biggest style pet peeve. Cap sleeves!!! Now, don’t get me wrong, they look gorgeous on some ladies, but on me, they make my already, not-so-dainty upper arms look even bigger and I’ve just never been able to feel comfortable in them.
10. Favorite country you’ve visited?
If any of you read my post from a little while ago, titled “Haiti Cherie” you know that my favorite place to visit is Haiti. My husband was born and raised there and it is where the majority of his family still resides. It is such a beautiful country, with an even more beautiful people and from the first time I visited, it felt like home.
Here are the lovely ladies I nominate:
I’d also like to give honorable mention to EverydayQuirkyGirl, who was nominated alongside me, and who’s blog I also enjoy very much!
If you choose to accept this award, here are your questions:
- Have you discovered anything about yourself, or overcome any personal obstacles through blogging?
- How would you describe your style?
- Heels or flats?
- What is your favorite comfort food?
- What is your favorite style era?
- If you could describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
- What article of makeup could you not live without?
- What do your sexiest pair of panties look like? (Ooh la la!)
- Do you think plus sized women are properly represented by the media?
- When you look back on your style over the years, is there a look you’ve worn that you’re embarrassed to admit to now?
So… Congratulations to all the beautiful ladies I’ve nominated! I truly hope you all accept because you are all amazing! I love your blogs and I’d love to hear your answers, so don’t forget to link Flight of the Fat Girl back in your post so I can see what you’ve all come up with! I’m looking forward to your responses!!! Also, thank you, once more to Anna Blomqvist for nominationg me. I feel truly honored!
Flower Power
It’s March!!! And while there’s still a thick layer of snow covering the ground, I am starting to see the light at the end of the long winter tunnel. The days are getting longer, the sun is feeling warmer and just the idea that soon enough we’ll be seeing the spring flowers start to peek up out through the cold ground has me feeling renewed.
So, to celebrate those flowers that will soon making their annual appearance, I’m wearing these fun, floral leggings from Forever21+. They are joyful, bright and just so happen to be extremely comfortable, which is always a bonus!
I’ve paired them with a royal blue, 2-way tank top from Addition Elle, my favorite tone on tone, black leopard print, 3/4 length sleeve jacket from Penningtons, multi-strand, beaded jewelry and my cute, white patent leather Aldo flats for a casual, whimsical look that infuses even more warmth into an already fading winter.
Extra Credit Part Deux
So, this past December, I had already decided upon my new year’s resolution – to stop being afraid of wearing color. I kicked the year off, a little in advance, by wearing a fabulous dress from Monif C. which I featured in a blog post - Color Me Fearless. Soon after, I realized that my photos didn’t show this dress off as well as it deserved, so I wrote another post - Extra Credit, and I showed off just how sublime the print of this dress truly is and promised to take better pictures in the dress- pictures worthy of its greatness.
So here you go, once more… As promised – the most mesmerizing print I’ve ever seen, let alone worn, the most beautiful dress and the most flawless combination of class and vibrant color. I just had to makes sure this dress got the credit it deserved, and not to mention, give credit to the amazing and talented Monif Clarke, of Monif C. for her fantastic designs!!!
I Am Woman, Hear Me “Rawr”
Yay! The big day has come!!! What day, you ask? Why, the day I finally get to wear the incredibly sexy “Tricia” dress from Monif C. of course!!!
I’ve been obsessing over this dress since it was first posted in January for pre-sale, and I haven’t stopped coveting it since. At first I had reservations. I loved it, but wasn’t sure how I felt about the idea of a crop top. I know they’re all the rage right now, and I think they look super sexy, but I couldn’t cease thinking – how is a dress with a crop top going to look on the tummy of a mum of four who’s covered in stretch marks?
So, I went back and forth on the idea for a little while and then finally decided – so what if I have stretch marks!? I’ve been working so hard to accept my body and love the skin I’m in; am really going to let the insecurities I have about my stretch marks stop me when I’ve already come so far!? They are the product of carrying each of my four children in my womb – four little humans who depended on me, and still do, to live. They remind me of the sacrifices that I’ve made for my family and of how, no matter what happens, I gave life to four beautiful beings who are, and always will be a part of me and who I love with a love that is stronger than any other force imaginable. To be ashamed of my stretch marks is to be ashamed of my four greatest accomplishments and nothing about that makes sense.
In a way, this dress and my desire for it, somehow managed to push me to face a fear, to let go of my inhibitions and accept just one more aspect about my body that I had been insecure about. I don’t know if it was the fierce turquoise and tan animal print or the bodycon style that Monif C. dresses do so well, but it made me realize that this tiger momma has earned her stripes and I’m not gonna hide them anymore!!!
Rawr!!!
Ahoy Matey!
Nautical themed clothing has been around for ages, and we all know the stereotype of the miserable, long faced kid, who’s been forced into a sailor suit (even though he is much too old for it) by his overbearing mum (often wearing a matching outfit) for a family portrait… Right?
Well… This look, while having a nautical vibe, is far from being the sailor suit in an awkward family photo. The striking navy and red color block “Marcie” dress from Monif C. is sporty yet sophisticated. I’ve paired it with lovely, white patent leather flats from Aldo, and gold jewelry to really anchor this look’s nautical feel without going overboard. Having at least one fantastic nautical look in your wardrobe is a great way to ensure that your transition into spring will be smooth sailing!
I’d love to see some of your spring looks! Please email me your photos at flightofthefatgirl@gmail.com or hashtag me in your pics on instagram (@flightofthefatgirl) and I will choose somebody to feature on my Facebook page next week!
Don’t Be a Square
It’s been an interesting couple of days as I’ve been trying to expand Flight of the Fat Girl’s social media presence; and I have to say a huge thank you to all of those who have liked my Facebook page, and have taken the time to follow me on Instagram for a more behind the scenes look! I’d also like to thank the handful of folks who have followed me on Twitter, which I am pretty new to, so bear with me, and keep the eLove coming!
Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s get down to business! In light of my recent expansion into the realms of social media, I’ve decided this adorable dress from Great Glam (or tunic style top if you’re feeling modest) was the perfect way to honor the occasion!
There is something about this dress that reminds me of a retro computer game. The squares mimic the pixelated images I remember so fondly and who could forget the high contrast look of bright color on black!?!? That being said, it’s definitely a modern look with its faux silhouette design and bodycon cut; and let me tell you, it fits like a glove.
I’ve kept the accessories simple, since the fabric of this dress alone, makes such a bold statement already, and I’ve gone with an understated black leather wedge from Aldo, a cool silver cuff bracelet from Armani Exchange that really picks up on the square theme, and matte, red nail polish.
After these past few days, I’m definitely feeling like less of a square and much more tech savvy; and in this great dress, I’m looking the part too! Now, if only I could just figure out Twitter… Ha.
