Showing Up and Showing Out On An Everyday Basis

Style is something each of us already has, all we need to do is find it. ~ Diane von Furstenberg

Since becoming a part of the plus size fashion world, I have been asked the same question repeatedly and it has been one of the hardest questions to answer:

"What is your style?"

Don't get me wrong, I know what I like to wear and it shows off my personality. BUT... it is hard to describe your style in a short sentence. After many years, I finally realized my style is more casual chic with an edgy touch. And I came to that answer by looking at my everyday style.

Since I was a little kid, my mom always had this saying that became our family's mantra:

"We show up and we show out."

And show up and show out, we did! Mom always made sure my brother and I looked put together, polished and stood out. I think I got my love for fashion from her. She prided herself on how great her kids looked because to her that reflected on how she was as a mother. She made sure she was the best in everything... we always had a meal on the table, we always were clean, we were hard working, polite, kind and respectful. And we always looked on point when it came to our outfits.

My brother and I - 1977

It is because of that, I always say I have many fashion personalities. Because my mom would dress us in all kinds of pieces and styles. And it made me feel like I could be anything and anyone I wanted to be. The sky's the limit in fashion and in life.

I love dresses, skirts, graphic tees, prints, jeans, lace, leather, sneakers... I have days where I live in a graphic tee and jeans and then there are those days I want to dress up and feel pretty. It depends on my mood. But throughout all those moods, one thing remains constant. I am always looking to be chic, pulled together, comfortable and had a little edge to my look. I tend to be on the move a lot, especially doing everyday things like going to the supermarket, spending time with my nieces, etc. So I like things simple but polished.

On a normal day, I would rock a look like this:

I'm not a trends kind of girl but I love the military trend and it's back for Fall. This entire outfit is from Lane Bryant with my sneakers from Charlotte Russe (which I scored for $10!).

I love layers and vests are great layering pieces. Add that moto element and there's my edgy touch. Tanks are another great layering piece that I buy a lot of. They work all year round, which I love because I like versatile pieces that are simple. You can shop my look here:

Belted Moto Vest // Lane Bryant // Sizes 14-28 // Click here

Skull Print Tank // Lane Bryant // SOLD OUT // Similar here (From Kohl's)

Flight Pant // Lane Bryant // 14/16 - 26/28 // Click here

Gold Sneakers // Charlotte Russe // SOLD OUT // Similar here (Dr. Jay's)

Now, on days where I want to feel extra pretty, I'd wear something like this:

I love the mix of prints in this dress and this is what I consider a statement dress. What makes it so perfect is that it is comfortable and effortless. 

Dress // eShakti // SOLD OUT // Similar here

Patent leather flats // Lane Bryant // Click here

Earrings // Lane Bryant // Click here

When Eloquii extended their size range, I had to have this dress. I love leopard print and color. And it's that scuba material so it's comfy without sacrficing style.

Printed Fit and Flare Dress // Eloquii // Sizes 14-28 // Click here

LYDC Grey Quilted Bag // Evans // Click here

Black Patent Flats // Lane Bryant // Click here

Sterling Silver Bracelet // Thistle & Bee Too // Click here

Earrings // My own

When I get dressed, I think of what my mom would say. I don't ask for her opinion anymore, to be honest. Because as she got older, she grew more self-conscious of her own body and that somehow lends itself to her opinions. So there are times she won't agree with what I wear because of her own body issues. However, we still go by our mantra wherever we go. While we may not agree on our fashion choices, we do strive to show up and show out no matter what.

So I guess my everyday style is about doing just that. You only live once, right? Might as well make a statement and show the world who you are with style.

What is your everyday style? What do you love to wear?

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Please check out what my fellow Ahead of the Curve Bloggers have to say about everyday style this month by clicking HERE.

We are a plus size blogging collective that comes together once a month to post on a fashion theme. Stay in the know with Ahead of the Curve by liking us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram as Ahead_of_the_Curve_Bloggers.