Dress Dreams...

Dress-Asos Curve, Sunnies-Prada, Clutch-My Grandmothers, Shoes-DVF(Old)

Since fall 2013 when Valentino showed their Peter Pan collared dresses on the runway I have worked to recreate this look in plus-size with little success. One night during an insomniac run through the Asos sale section, I took a chance on this dress thinking it would fulfill one of my fashion fantasies and did it ever!

I fell in love with the vibrant shade of red, and lightweight scuba material of this dress, making it a new closet favorite. Since I shop for multipurpose pieces, this dress can easily transition from season to season adding by adding a layering piece. Did I mention it was only 25 dollars?!?!?!

As a full-figured women who is in love with all things fashion, it is refreshing to see the plus-size market be ripe with amazing on trend fashion options. For years I spent time wanting different items to appear on the marketplace to satisfy my fashion desires only to be disappointed with fashion being a few seasons behind trend. It’s nice to finally start catching up with the rest of the fashion world.

How do you feel about finding items that make your fashion dreams come true?!?!? Do you think plus-size apparel is on trend these days?

Extended Style...

Jacket-Ann Taylor (sold out)(Similar), T-Shirt-Forever 21, Skirt-Forever21(sold out) (Similar), Shoes-Aldo, Sunnies-Target

A few days ago I went into Ann Taylor to look at their latest selection to get a few ideas for spring. I was thrilled at all of their leopard offerings and striped pieces. I was especially thrilled when I went to the clearance section and found this baby blue faux leather jacket in an XXL. It was if I had hit the jackpot!

I was quickly reminded that Ann Taylor has an extended size run offerings online (as a lot of retailers do).  A few of my go to places that have extended sizes are Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft and the Gap. Do I wish they sold them in stores? Yes I do. I would love to walk in and store and find my size, but we all know that isn’t the case.  Knowing that I can order an item in my size does however make me happy, especially if I want a particular item from that store.

Sidebar: I love this graphic-t and the beaded detail of the design. I do wish I had gone down a size, it is very roomy. The skirt was from the straight size of Forever 21. Yes I had to slide it over my head, but I absolutely love it.

What do you think? Do you every shop the extended sizes of your favorite straight size store?

She's Got Legs...

Dress-Simply Be (Similar), Shoes-(Old)(Similar), Necklace-BaubleBar, Sunglasses-Similar

As a teenager there weren’t many plus-size women for me to look up to or aspire to be. I poured over pages of fashion magazines, television, movies and barely saw one soul who looked like me. There were only a few plus-size women in the limelight and recognition came in the form of a magazine celebrating their weight loss. I mean everyone I knew was on a diet, shouldn’t I have been too. So I formed a rather unfortunate sense of self-loathing. I couldn’t find one thing to love about my body at the time. I fondly refer to that period of time as the wasted years.

When I went to college it was revolutionary for me. I formed an entirely different relationship with my body and learned how to accept me for me. One day when I was wearing shorts my friend told me that I had amazing legs, I shrugged it off and said thanks. I never thought about it at all. But I did start a slow process of admiring my legs. I spent time looking at them and realizing how much I liked the way my legs looked. Though it took time, I recognized that I was completely in love with my legs and that’s okay. It’s okay to love yourself, it’s okay to want to show off your favorite part of yourself to the world. It’s okay when people ask you what part of your body is your favorite for you to have an answer.

Slowly but surely I gravitated towards wearing things that highlighted my legs and put them on display. I love this dress from Simply Be (I unfortunately think it sold out already). I love the swingy feel of the dress, the bright colors and I really love how it shows off my legs! My mother always said if you’ve got it flaunt it. So I do.

What part of yourself do you love to show off in clothes? 

J

Winter Spots

Coat-(Old)(Similar here and here), Jeans-NYDJ, Boots-Forever21(old), Bag-Rebecca Minkoff

I would be lying if I didn’t say I was over winter. Especially since my city awaits an ice storm as we speak. I am over winter clothes, heavy boots, socks (that I never wear), coats, gloves well you get my drift. Alas it’s not over so I have to work a little harder to find a few bright spots in these dreary days of winter.

My favorite form of spots is leopard print. So whenever I’m ready to throw in the towel on winter I pull on my favorite leopard coat and head out the door. I still manage to get warm and fuzzy feelings when I wear this coat. I am quickly reminded of my yearly excitement when winter comes around and I can wear my coats.  This gently reminder gives me the push I need to make it through the winter season and to enjoy every bit of it not matter what may come.

So my lovely readers what’s getting you through the winter season? Any special article of clothing?

Thank you for reading and for your constant support!

J