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I have made no secret of my love/hate relationship with denim. I love denim because it is so versatile, effortless and comfortable. I hate denim because it is not easy finding that perfect pair that fits like a dream. So the journey of finding great denim is like looking for the Holy Grail. Ugh.
Sizing is so inconsistent across the board so it's all about knowing your measurements (including your inseam) and trying jeans on. Inseam is important. I'm 5'7" so naturally I thought I would need average length. But recently, I have found that many plus size jeans are super long for average. Someone who is 5'9" would better suited for these lengths. Which makes me wonder how long the tall lengths are!
Last week, I blogged about the jeans I scored at Catherines (you can check out that post here). I mentioned that I bought petite length, which made them ankle length for me so they look cropped, which is a popular length for spring and summer.
Last week's look was a day nautical look and this week, I wanted to do one of my usual remixes where I take one part of my outfit and use it to make an entirely new outfit. In this case, I took those same jeans to create a night look for me to wear on a night out on the town with friends.
I have an edginess to my style so when I saw this skull print tank at Lane Bryant, I had to have it. I paired the jeans and tank with a black waterfall-style blazer, studded flats and a simple black clutch. In terms of accessories, I kept it light with simple silver hoops and a few silver rings.
What I love about denim is that you can roll them up/cuff them to make them shorter. With the flats, it looks very stylish.
The key to wearing denim at night is all about your top and shoes, especially your top. It can really determine how chic or fun your look can be.
You can shop my look via the following links:
- Live to Love Skull Tank from Lane Bryant - Available in sizes 14/16 - 26/28 - click here
- Cascade Blazer from Catherines - Available in sizes 0X - 5X - click here
- Right Fit Jean (Curvy) from Catherines - Available in sizes 16-34 in average and petite - click here
- Studded flat from Lane Bryant - click here
Finding denim that fits has boosted my spirit! And it has made me want to try new styles such as white pants, which has been my nemesis for years. I'm on a roll and I don't want to stop! It's all about being fearless, right?
We all take pictures that we deem unflattering. As a blogger, sometimes you become extra critical because you don't want "unflattering" pictures of you out there. Especially if you're a blogger who doesn't have the luxury of affording a professional photographer to take your pics on a regular basis. ::raises hand::
When it comes to fashion blogging, images are everything. They are what gets you noticed. It's what inspires other women to try new styles or feel empowered. And some of these bloggers look like they can be on the pages of Vogue.
Sure, there are bloggers out there who are proud of their rolls, bellies (which they dub "VBO" = Visual Belly Outline) and flaws.. they show them proudly in their pictures, wearing body con dresses and swimwear. And I applaud these women. I give them virtual high fives and yell out "You Go Girl!" at my computer screen when I see them. Women like Virgie Tovar (who included my short story in her book Hot & Heavy: Fierce Fat Girls on Life, Love & Fashion) are truly amazing and empowering.
Some say it's brave to show yourself in that way. Not covering up your flaws, wearing uncomfortable shapewear or posing in ways to hide parts of yourself. I personally don't think it's about bravery because every person deserves to showcase who they are. I think it's more about confidence and your level of care when it comes to other people.
Recently, I have been blogging about plus size fashion retailer Catherines since I am their featured blogger for April. Tomorrow, I plan to talk to denim again as a Part-2 to last week's nautical day denim look (click here to check that out). But I decided to do an extra post this week because I wanted to share not only the positive but also the negative, when it comes to my experience with blogging about fashion.
I originally planned to do a black and white look and show how jeans can be worn to the office or an event. But when I saw the pictures taken, I said to myself, OH HELL NO. My belly is out there and I just felt like they were not my best images.
But after filing them away on my laptop at the start of this month, they stayed on my mind. I loved my outfit, thought my makeup looked flawless and I loved the backdrop in the images. And it bothered me that I was being so critical about them and myself. Part of body acceptance and loving yourself is not hiding. And that was what I was doing by filing away these images and not showing them. I was hiding.
My friend, who took the pics, kept saying how wonderful I looked and she is someone who is very honest.
So I had to ask myself, why am I being so critical of myself in these images? Why should I care how I am perceived? If I feel good, love what I am wearing and am happy, that's what matters. Thus, I decided I was going to share them and blog about them. AND not give two french fries what anyone else thinks.
I'm also wearing jeans! Yes, jeans! They look fancy, huh? You would never know. I love these jeans because they are pull-on with an elastic waist. Also, kind of like a jegging but with a heavier weight to the fabric.
I paired this outfit with some black studded flats, teardrop white earrings and a neon yellow bangle for a subtle pop of color. This is a look that can work for the office or for drinks after. It can also work as a day look on the weekend. I am all about versatility since I tend to remix my outfits and wear pieces more than once in different ways. If this top had stretch, I think I would give this outfit an A+.
Shop my look here:
Someone told me to be kind to myself, when I was dealing with the loss of my dad and brother. I think that rings true in fashion also. We have all these fashion rules we are supposed to abide by but I think the best rule should be that... Be kind to yourself and stop the criticism.
I'm not 100% over my critical nature but I am working on it. Sharing these images is a big step for me. We can be our own worst critic and worry too much about what others think. But at the end of the day, people are always going to have something to say and we have no control over that. So why not be happy, wear what you love and treat the world like it's your runway? That's going to be my daily mission from here on out.
When it comes to fashion blogging, images are everything. They are what gets you noticed. It's what inspires other women to try new styles or feel empowered. And some of these bloggers look like they can be on the pages of Vogue.
Sure, there are bloggers out there who are proud of their rolls, bellies (which they dub "VBO" = Visual Belly Outline) and flaws.. they show them proudly in their pictures, wearing body con dresses and swimwear. And I applaud these women. I give them virtual high fives and yell out "You Go Girl!" at my computer screen when I see them. Women like Virgie Tovar (who included my short story in her book Hot & Heavy: Fierce Fat Girls on Life, Love & Fashion) are truly amazing and empowering.
Some say it's brave to show yourself in that way. Not covering up your flaws, wearing uncomfortable shapewear or posing in ways to hide parts of yourself. I personally don't think it's about bravery because every person deserves to showcase who they are. I think it's more about confidence and your level of care when it comes to other people.
Recently, I have been blogging about plus size fashion retailer Catherines since I am their featured blogger for April. Tomorrow, I plan to talk to denim again as a Part-2 to last week's nautical day denim look (click here to check that out). But I decided to do an extra post this week because I wanted to share not only the positive but also the negative, when it comes to my experience with blogging about fashion.
I originally planned to do a black and white look and show how jeans can be worn to the office or an event. But when I saw the pictures taken, I said to myself, OH HELL NO. My belly is out there and I just felt like they were not my best images.
But after filing them away on my laptop at the start of this month, they stayed on my mind. I loved my outfit, thought my makeup looked flawless and I loved the backdrop in the images. And it bothered me that I was being so critical about them and myself. Part of body acceptance and loving yourself is not hiding. And that was what I was doing by filing away these images and not showing them. I was hiding.
My friend, who took the pics, kept saying how wonderful I looked and she is someone who is very honest.
So I had to ask myself, why am I being so critical of myself in these images? Why should I care how I am perceived? If I feel good, love what I am wearing and am happy, that's what matters. Thus, I decided I was going to share them and blog about them. AND not give two french fries what anyone else thinks.
The top is a print tunic with a high-low hem and v-neckline. Things I love about it: the print, the neckline and the side slits. Things I did not love about it: there's no stretch to the fabric and I am still iffy on hi-low hems, but that's me. The back of the top does have a nice slit, which I do like.
I have learned that I should be going for a shorter length because longer top lengths shorten my legs, which is not good. I tend to go for longer length to cover my front but now that I have conquered that issue, I am more comfortable with shorter tops.
I paired this outfit with some black studded flats, teardrop white earrings and a neon yellow bangle for a subtle pop of color. This is a look that can work for the office or for drinks after. It can also work as a day look on the weekend. I am all about versatility since I tend to remix my outfits and wear pieces more than once in different ways. If this top had stretch, I think I would give this outfit an A+.
Shop my look here:
- Print Tunic from Catherines - Not available online (I bought it in-store) - click here to shop all tunics at Catherines
- Pull-in Jeans from Catherines - Available in sizes 16-34 in average and petite - click here
- Studded flat from Lane Bryant - click here
Someone told me to be kind to myself, when I was dealing with the loss of my dad and brother. I think that rings true in fashion also. We have all these fashion rules we are supposed to abide by but I think the best rule should be that... Be kind to yourself and stop the criticism.
I'm not 100% over my critical nature but I am working on it. Sharing these images is a big step for me. We can be our own worst critic and worry too much about what others think. But at the end of the day, people are always going to have something to say and we have no control over that. So why not be happy, wear what you love and treat the world like it's your runway? That's going to be my daily mission from here on out.
I have had a love/hate relationship with denim for as long as I could remember. The best times of my life happened when I was wearing my favorite pair of jeans and feeling fearless. And some of the worst times of my life were when I was wearing ill-fitting denim and loathing my body. I would look in the mirror and think I look terrible. Either my legs looked short or some of my lumps were showing or the jeans just didn't flatter my body the way I desired.
Fashion has a lot to do with confidence. When you look good, you feel good. I have learned through trial and error as a plus size woman that it's all about fit. If you're not comfortable, it shows.
In the last few years, I have been trying to live a more healthy lifestyle, giving up things like soda, white bread and fast food. I didn't plan to lose weight but of course, the weight comes off. And you just never know where the weight is going to come off.
For me, my waist went from 60" to 50" and while my hips lost a few inches, they are still larger than my waist (I have an hourglass frame). So looking for pants in general became an issue because the back of the waistband is always big and I have to wear a belt no matter what. Sooo annoying!
Denim is my go-to pant and I was growing so frustrated with finding a pair that fit. Either the waist and hips were perfect but the calves too tight OR the hips are tight, waist and calves perfect. Let's not even talk length. Sometimes I think retailers assume we are all over 5'9". I usually buy average length but the length is still long and I'm 5'7"!
So when I found out that I was going to be the April featured blogger for Catherines, the first thing I knew I wanted to blog about was denim. I never tried Catherines denim before but I saw that they still carried Right Fit jeans, which I loved back in the day when Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug carried them. I could buy a pair off the rack without trying them on. I cried when they got discontinued. And when Fashion Bug went out of business. But that's another story for another blog post.
I went into that Catherines store with hope and yes! I found 2 pairs of jeans that fit well - dark blue and black. The key here was that I chose jeans with a back elastic waistband (button front) and I opted for a petite length so the jeans would have that cropped look that is on-trend for Spring. So I don't have to wear a belt because they don't gap out in the back AND the length is perfect (ankle length).
I paired the blue jeans with this awesome button-down shirt that has a lobster print! I saw it and instantly thought this is perfect for a nautical day look. I added some navy oxford flats from Gap Outlet and the perfect day look was born. Check out the amazing lobster print below...I love how I can wear the sleeves full length or fold them up (there's a convenient button and tab that will keep them up).
This shirt works in so many ways. You can wear it with navy pants, red shoes and bag. Or you can wear it with white pants and white flats or sandals. I just love it. Navy is great color to pair with lighter or brighter colors. I also opted to roll up my jeans a little as well.
I felt so good in this outfit that I was feeling fearless and having fun while taking pictures. I'm hoping from now on, my love/hate relationship with denim will be filled with more love now since I have found some great fitting jeans. I will be back at Catherines to stock up and I might even get a white pair. I haven't worn white pants in 20 years so that will be a doozy. But it's all about being fearless, right?
Shop my look here:
Check back here next week when I take these same jeans and turn them into a fabulous night look for an evening out with my girls.
P.S. - a few readers asked me what lipstick I am wearing. It's from the Isabel Toledo for MAC collection - shade is Opera. Sold out online but check your nearest MAC store.
Wearing my favorite jeans at the Grand Canyon and feeling kick ass - sadly, they don't fit me anymore :-( |
In the last few years, I have been trying to live a more healthy lifestyle, giving up things like soda, white bread and fast food. I didn't plan to lose weight but of course, the weight comes off. And you just never know where the weight is going to come off.
For me, my waist went from 60" to 50" and while my hips lost a few inches, they are still larger than my waist (I have an hourglass frame). So looking for pants in general became an issue because the back of the waistband is always big and I have to wear a belt no matter what. Sooo annoying!
Denim is my go-to pant and I was growing so frustrated with finding a pair that fit. Either the waist and hips were perfect but the calves too tight OR the hips are tight, waist and calves perfect. Let's not even talk length. Sometimes I think retailers assume we are all over 5'9". I usually buy average length but the length is still long and I'm 5'7"!
So when I found out that I was going to be the April featured blogger for Catherines, the first thing I knew I wanted to blog about was denim. I never tried Catherines denim before but I saw that they still carried Right Fit jeans, which I loved back in the day when Lane Bryant and Fashion Bug carried them. I could buy a pair off the rack without trying them on. I cried when they got discontinued. And when Fashion Bug went out of business. But that's another story for another blog post.
I went into that Catherines store with hope and yes! I found 2 pairs of jeans that fit well - dark blue and black. The key here was that I chose jeans with a back elastic waistband (button front) and I opted for a petite length so the jeans would have that cropped look that is on-trend for Spring. So I don't have to wear a belt because they don't gap out in the back AND the length is perfect (ankle length).
I paired the blue jeans with this awesome button-down shirt that has a lobster print! I saw it and instantly thought this is perfect for a nautical day look. I added some navy oxford flats from Gap Outlet and the perfect day look was born. Check out the amazing lobster print below...I love how I can wear the sleeves full length or fold them up (there's a convenient button and tab that will keep them up).
This shirt works in so many ways. You can wear it with navy pants, red shoes and bag. Or you can wear it with white pants and white flats or sandals. I just love it. Navy is great color to pair with lighter or brighter colors. I also opted to roll up my jeans a little as well.
Shop my look here:
- Lobster Print Buttonfront Shirt from Catherines - Available in sizes 0X-5X - click here
- Right Fit Jean (Curvy) from Catherines - Available in sizes 16-34 in average and petite - click here
- Shoes from Gap Outlet - not available online (only in-store)
Check back here next week when I take these same jeans and turn them into a fabulous night look for an evening out with my girls.
P.S. - a few readers asked me what lipstick I am wearing. It's from the Isabel Toledo for MAC collection - shade is Opera. Sold out online but check your nearest MAC store.
“Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick.” ~ Gwyneth Paltrow
I have my body issues just like the next woman. I love myself, don't get me wrong. But there are parts of me that I have a love/hate relationship with. One of those parts are my upper arms, which I call my "wings". I never bare my arms in public because I don't feel comfortable with showing my wings to the world.
But while shopping with a friend, I had a moment, which now has me on another road in my life's journey... to acceptance. I was in the dressing room, talking about how this was showing and that was showing. And my friend simply said:
"Hey, that's your body. You have to own it all. Those parts you don't like aren't going to disappear in a split second."
And after thinking about that, I realized that I was the one making those body parts an issue. Not anyone else. I'm not there 100% but I am getting there one day at a time. It's all about having a love affair with yourself.
Part of that love affair is dressing up your body and feeling good in what you're wearing. Staying true to your style because your style is who you are. We shouldn't dress to cover body parts we don't like or for any other reason than loving what you're wearing because when you look good, you feel good.
So when that friend was taking pics of me in my new maxi dress that I found at Catherines, I decided to bare my arms in order to show the full detail of the dress. I felt so pretty that I thought, what the hell! I did wear a cropped jacket for some pics but thought it would look even better if I showed the dress without the jacket.
This dress is amazing in so many ways. It's my favorite piece at the moment. I love stripes and the chevron stripe is so flattering. I also have a nice waist so the colorblock detail at the waist really shows that off, which I LOVE. The fabric is lightweight and stretchy. The dress flows nicely and feels so comfortable. Lastly, the length is perfect. I'm 5'7" so sometimes a maxi dress is too long or too short.
I also added a simple necklace, black purse and teardrop earrings.
For a pop of color (which I am always a fan of), I paired this dress with my pink patent leather flats from Lane Bryant.
I also love the versatility of this dress because I can also dress it down with a denim jacket and some sandals for a day look. This dress is so far the best item I have purchased this year yet. I will probably wear this dress over and over again.
You can shop my look here:
- Chevron Stripe Maxi from Catherines
- Cropped Jacket not available online (I found it in-store) - but you can shop shrugs and cardis here
- Patent Flat in Vivid Pink from Lane Bryant
- Geo-Deco Pendant Necklace from Catherines
- Bag and earrings were borrowed from a friend
You can check out all maxi dresses at Catherines here if this one is not your style.
As spring comes into full swing, I'm starting to think baring arms was not so bad. My wings are beautiful because I AM BEAUTIFUL. I'm really inspired to keep conquering these little things that hold me back from living life to my fullest potential. And everytime I think of this dress, this song pops in my head (hence the title of this post). Fashion has had a hand in building my confidence and helping me realize that beauty is not about a size tag. It's about just being you. So thanks for "saving" my life.
Wellness is the compete integration of body, mind, and spirit - the realization that everything we do, think, feel, and believe has an effect on our state of well-being. ~ Greg Anderson
After this long winter (which is still lingering), I am itching to get back to working out regularly. I will admit that I slacked off this winter with working out daily and I can feel it. I miss that adrenaline rush, extra bursts of energy and being less winded, which all happens when I work out.
My current exercise regimen consists of walking, squats (using a chair), light arm weights and the old-fashion aerobic stepper. Sure, I'm a big girl but no matter what your size, you can be active. Honestly, it's as easy as simply moving. Do what works for you. As long as you're moving. Sometimes I walk around the supermarket a few times with the pedometer app on my phone on and before I know it, I've walked 2 miles and shopped for groceries.
But in order for me to truly work out and be about it 100%, I need decent activewear. And it has been tough finding great activewear in my size. I'm a size 26 in bottoms and 26/28 in tops. Sometimes I fit into a 3X in tops but it really depends on the cut and fabric. With activewear, I want it to move well with me, be comfortable and be cute! I don't want to be caught dead outside wearing some unflattering sweats and a huge t-shirt. So not my style.
There are some awesome plus size activewear lines out there now but most of them stop at a size 3X and some of the 3Xs are a small junior fit.
This is why when I saw the activewear at Catherines, I almost broke into a snoopy dance in the middle of the store. Great fabrics, fun colors and a nice assortment of tops, jackets and bottoms. All up to a size 5X! I always support a retailer who shows love for my plus size sisters above a size 3X. So kudos to Catherines!
And finding the perfect activewear outfit at Catherines was fitting since I was in one of my favorite cities... Philadelphia! I always visit the Rocky statue and run up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It's something about Rocky that gets me pumped up. And that was needed after this dreary, cold winter.
I chose a top and pants combo at Catherines that screamed comfort, functionality and fun to me. I love the top because it's soft, stretchy and the print is so stylish. I'm a prints girl so I am not surprised that I gravitated towards this top. I love the neon detail in both pieces, which added a nice pop of color. The pants are so comfortable and the fabric was stretchy but offered some support, which I loved as well. I sized down in both pieces to a 3X so you definitely have to try on pieces to see what size works for you.
Here's some pics from my Philly activewear adventure:
Style Tip: If it's a little chilly out, you can add a scarf, which also can double as a pop of color. And a cute baseball cap can also make your active look stylish but keep your head warm. I opted for a neon yellow scarf and basic black cap.
What I also love about this activewear look is that I can wear it to run errands and just hang out, too. Win, win! Which is what I did after the museum...
You can shop my look at the following links:
Smart Stride Top from Catherines - Not available online (I found it in-store). You can buy the matching jacket here.
And you can check out all the activewear at Catherines here.
Now let's get moving! :-)
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