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"Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty." ~ Coco Chanel
Sometimes I look in the mirror and I have to remind myself that I am getting older.
I'm one year away from 50 and am still in disbelief. It's as if the years are flying by and I am trying to catch up. But I welcome the fine lines I am starting to see on my forehead and around my eyes. I know that comes from decades of smiling and lack of sleep from the kids in my life (which was worth it).
But I'm not feeling that loose skin under my chin and my droopy eyelids. I am human, you know. <laughs>
While this face of mine is aging, I am learning to get used to everything that comes with that, including taking better care of my skin. I haven't been the best at that, I will admit.
I remember telling a makeup artist while I was on set one day for a Glamour Magazine video that I basically just splash some water on my face, put some shea butter or vaseline on my face and just go. I don't wear makeup often either. And when I do, it's often just some mascara, a little cover up and a brow touch up to fill in this small bald spot I have from over tweezing my right eyebrow.
She was horrified and thus began my mission to better skin care and also learning more about makeup. There are times I like to glam it up and I wanted to learn how to "beat" my own face (like the millennials call it).
I have very dry skin and aside from the summer where I sweat so much that my skin stays moisturized (as seen above while in Puerto Rico this year), I tend to get a lot of flakiness, especially around my eyes, my chin and forehead.
I also have freckles and very pale skin so I stay out of the sun as much as I can and try to use products for sensitive skin. I drink tons of water and don't smoke. I don't normally have acne or break out, which is a blessing. But that may change with me being pre-menopausal. Another blog post for another day.
So many readers ask me what beauty products I use since I don't look my age and while I have yet to find the perfect moisturizer to combat the flakes, here's some of my favorite beauty products at the moment:
This was in my IPSY bag this month and so far, I love it. It moisturizes nicely, doesn't feel heavy and a little can go a long way. My skin doesn't stay moisturized by the end of the day, though. But I do think that has more to do with me washing my face better with a scrub. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
P.S. - Did you know that the co-founder and CEO of IT Cosmetics Jamie Kern Lima was a houseguest on the first season of Big Brother USA and the last female to finish (she made it to 4th place)? I'm an OG reality TV junkie so this is how I know these random things, lol.
This spray is one of my favorite things EVER. I'm actually obsessed with anything from Mario Badescu and ULTA always has his stuff on sale. When I am feeling AND looking tired, I just spray this over my face and it totally wakes up my skin. The glow up is so real after that. It's a great way to moisturize your skin at times when you need a little pick-me-up. And the bottle is small enough to toss in your purse and go.
My mom bought me a jar of this incredible stuff for my birthday and I am in love. I use this from head to toe and even use it on Baby, especially when she scratches herself or has a rash. I put it on her healing scars and it helps them go away quicker. My hands get so dry and this is like magic on them. I will admit it feels a tad heavy and greasy when I put it on my face so I mainly use this cream for my body and try to use something lighter on my face.
This was also an IPSY find when it was put in my bag recently. I have been looking for a primer because I went for years not using one under my makeup since I had no idea what primer was. But then a stern look and "You need to use primer, Girl!" from fellow blogger/resident beauty expert Sandra of La Pecosa Preciosa had me shook to the point where I had to find me some primer. This one is lightweight, dries quickly and makes my skin look great. You can wear it alone as a moisturizer too.
I've been using Philosophy products for years so this is an oldie but goodie. I use this to wash my face in the morning and love how it doesn't dry out my skin. Before this, I was a Noxzema girl so you already know this is a step-up for me!
Honorable mentions:
And if you're like me and still trying to figure makeup and beauty products out, I strongly suggest joining IPSY. You get a personalized monthly bag with 5 products for $10 a month. And I have discovered so many new brands and tried new stuff just from IPSY. You can find out more and join here.
I'm all about shopping on a budget and there are always beauty sales to be found.
So I want to hear from all of you... what are your favorite skin care products?
** This is NOT a sponsored post. :-)**
"We make a good team, my Adidas and me
We get around together, rhyme forever
And we won't be mad when worn in bad weather" ~ My Adidas, Run DMC
Photographer: Daryl Johnson |
And I am known for my love for Adidas.
To me, the sneaker world is so different than the plus size world. I'm a size 9, which in the shoe world, is considered a "normal" size. Much different than my experience in the plus size fashion world as a size 26/28.
Photographer: Sandra Negron - La Pecosa Preciosa / Dress: Modcloth |
Sneakers are that happy thing in my life where I don't feel excluded or unwanted as a customer. I walk into a sneaker store and I feel like I belong. No one judges me on my size and I can just shop like everyone else.
But it's not just that.
While it's great to feel "normal" for a change, sneakers are also a part of my DNA. They've allowed me to express myself even more.
Want to know a secret? I used to just wear sneakers in my everyday world and never really included them in my fashion "work" world. I was made to feel like they didn't belong in that world because I used to spend a ton of time comparing myself to other people and trying to fit into their world.
Photographer: Jessica Milagros / Custom camo jeans: 2B Continued Denim Boutique |
But then four years ago, I suffered a foot injury where the podiatrist dropped some major gems on me, when it came to foot care. One of those gems was how important it is to wear the right shoes. Sure, heels and flats are cute and stylish but in my case, they were making my feet worse. My arches had collapsed and I developed plantar fasciitis.
I had to wear a boot to bed every night for 2 months and I also had to wear a custom insole in my shoes. Doctor said sneakers are key and I needed to find those that fit well too.
I then decided to break all the fashion rules and incorporate sneakers into my fashion world. And guess what???? Years later, sneakers have now become fashionable where everyone now seems to be wearing them to fashion events too!
Photographer: Hal Harrison / Custom rosette dress: 2B Continued Denim Boutique |
Me letting go of comparing myself to others and being true to myself and my style made me feel stronger, more fearless and free. That's what sneakers represent for me. I can be myself and my feet thank me for that.
I like to be creative and think outside the box when it comes to choosing which sneakers to wear in the fashion world. And Adidas is one of those brands that allows me to experiment with different looks.
Photographer: Madeline Jones / Outfit: Fashion to Figure |
So I feel I have come full circle in my life. It's powerful when you realize you can be truly you and wear what you want, once you decide to be fearless enough to be you.
We already know it's a radical thing to exist in a fat body and be happy in a world that thinks we shouldn't be.
But to wear what you want and be true to your style no matter what anyone else is doing or wearing? Man, that's a feeling that will make you feel incredible and happy no matter what your size.
Photographer: Madeline Jones / Top: Feminine Funk, Jeans: Lane Bryant |
With that said, high-quality sneakers (and shoes!) are not cheap and are truly an investment piece. That's why every year, I wait for Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the overall holiday shopping season to get my shop on for myself and the family.
Here's some of the sneakers I have my eye on this shopping season!
This will get me prepped for 2020 and I can't wait!!! Happy Shopping AND here's to being authentically you and wearing what you want. Life is short and I want to live to love another day, with my Adidas on.
FYI: This is not a sponsored post. I just love Adidas.
I believe life's too short for compromises and bad fitting jeans ~ Lykke Li
Since then, I have tried jeans from a myraid of brands and still haven't found a pair that I am truly in love with. I have come close and now I am starting to think that I may not find the perfect pair, unless I get them custom-made.
(Shout out to Conchita E. Jamison and her custom denim business 2B Continued Denim Boutique!)
My issues are:
- I have a smaller waist in proportion to my bust and hips, with a 17-inch difference between my waist and hips. So I almost always have to wear a belt to keep my jeans on and not have a gap in the back.
- My calves measure 23" at the top part but then thin out towards the ankle. A pair of jeans may go over my ankle and bottom part of my calves but then be super tight in the upper area.
- I have a long torso and short legs with my inseam being 28". So I am in between petites and regular lengths. For reference, I am 5'6".
So when I heard that Lane Bryant launched a special feature called the Flexband Magic Waistband, on ALL their jeans, I had to find out more and try these jeans out.
The folks at Lane Bryant were kind enough to send me two pairs of jeans of my choice so here's what I chose and my fit experience:
The folks at Lane Bryant were kind enough to send me two pairs of jeans of my choice so here's what I chose and my fit experience:
These are not your normal jeggings! They have a three-button zip closure, which I love, because basic jeggings with an elastic waist never stay up on me and I can't wear a belt with them as they never have belt loops.
These jeggings have belt loops but guess what? I didn't need to wear a belt!!!! They actually stayed up and there was no gap in the back.
I wore them ALL day to see if they would stay up and also not stretch out and they passed the test! I was so shocked. The waistband also didn't roll down at all. It stayed up!
These jeggings also fit well in the calves and the length was perfect. Check! Check! They're so soft and comfy with great stretch and recovery.
I paired the jeggings with one of my fave tees from Feminine Funk and for a pop of color, I wore my red Adidas Continental 80 sneakers, which I got on sale for $28 recently (they were marked down to $40 and I had an promo code to get extra off). Unfortunately, these red ones are sold out.
What's great about the Continental 80 line from Adidas is that they have so many colors and prints to choose from. I'm always about a pop of color or fun print when it comes my look, including sneakers.
These jeggings get two thumbs for me and I am going to see if they come in other washes and colors. I. MUST. HAVE. THEM. ALL.
I went in with high hopes with these jeans because not only did LB promise no gaps but these jeans have a comfy built-in slimming mesh that is supposed to offer tummy and waist control, smooth your thighs and boost your booty.
I definitely felt the mesh panel doing its job and I loved how my lumpy thighs were smoothed out. But after wearing them all day, they started to fall. I could not go without a belt with these jeans.
They were big in the hips and waist. By the end of the day, I was constantly pulling them up and they didn't feel as supportive as they did earlier in the day.
I do think I need to size down on these. I got the 28 but think a 26 may fare better for me. I'm going to head in-store to try the 26 and report back.
The calves fit well and the length was great. With a belt, these jeans managed to stay up for a second day of wear a few days later. I love how they're stretchy and don't feel constrictive but still keep you supported. And the booty was looking good, I have to admit.
I just need to size down.
I paired the jeans with an old top from Lane Bryant that is one of my favorites, and my Basket Crush Emboss Heart Sneakers in Pale Pink-Hibiscus from Puma.
Pink is such a great neutral that really gives a nice pop of color to a look. These sneakers are currently on sale for $39.99 in sizes 5.5 to 11.
I do like these jeans but they are not keepers for me like the jeggings are.
Next up, I plan to try these jeans, the Signature Fit Skinny Jean in Dark Wash With Destruction... I've heard great things about them.
I'm loving that Lane Bryant has added the Flexband Magic Waistband to all their jeans + they offer so many sihouettes now and tons of high-rise jeans. I am a high-rise jeans girl, all day, every day. I like that I have options to try to see what works for me. So kudos to Lane Bryant!
Now if they can add a size 30/32 to their size range so even more women can try their jeans, I will rejoice to the heavens.
You can check out these jeans below
Tri-Sculpt High Rise Skinny Jean in Dark Iris Wash (wearing size 28 Regular)
**This blog post was sponsored by Lane Bryant but all opinions and statements are my own.
Age and size are only numbers. It's the attitude you bring to clothes that make the difference. ~ Donna Karan
As a size 26/28 woman over 40, finding clothes I love, that also fit well, can be frustrating.
I have a streetwear style aesthetic and often times, I am told I should dress my age.
Also, my struggle is different than those plus size women under a size 24. They have much more options than I have when it comes to shopping.
Many brands think plus sizes stop at a size 24 so often, I can't shop new size expansions and have to get crafty when it comes to putting together looks.
Since sizing is so inconsistent across the board, there are times I can fit into a 24 and 3X but those times are rare. I believe in taking chances so instead of just bypassing those brands that don't offer above a size 24, I instead look at their assortment and pick items based on fabric, measurements and customer reviews.
Those three key factors truly make the difference when shopping for clothing.
So when the folks at Fashion to Figure invited me to try their new subscription service for three months, at first, I was hesitant, because they don't carry my size. But then, I reminded myself of my three key shopping factors and dived in!
The FTF subscription service mirrors Gwynnie Bee's model so it was easy for me to start creating my closet as I have used the GB service before. The service offers a 3-garment plan for $54.95 with free shipping both ways. You can get as many boxes as you can within that month. And you can purchase items you have at home at a discount.
It's required that you add at least 8 items to your closet to have your first box prepared and shipped. So I got busy, adding items.
My first box arrived quickly with a maxi dress, a graphic tee and a skirt. And all three items fit! I'm wearing a size 3 in all styles.
For reference, I'm 5'6", my measurements are 57-51-68 and I wear a 44/46F in bras.
This maxi dress is so lightweight and stretchy. When I saw that the fabric contained 5% spandex, I immediately added it to my closet because I knew it would have some give. I love the tie dye print and how well it matched with my hair. The off the shoulder ruffle neckline is so feminine and fun.
Since I am a sneakerhead and wear sneakers with everything, I paired the dress with my favorite pair of Adidas that have a blue floral design on the sides, along with a cute little black purse from Fashion to Figure.
FYI, accessories are not included in the subscription service.
This dress also paired well with my green clutch (an oldie but goodie from FTF) so I love that I can also add a pop of color to this look as well.
In terms of fit, I was able to move around easily in this dress. I was also able to sit comfortably as well. It did fit close to the body but I didn't mind that. I actually loved how it hugged my body and skimmed it well, not squeezing the life out of me. The fabric is very soft and stretchy. Perfect for this humid NYC summer weather. The side slit hit me at the knee and the length hit me at the ankles.
All in all, I love this dress and would wear it again.
Look #2: 'Catch Flights Not Feelings' Lazer Cut Tee in Black + the Jennie High-Low Taffeta Skirt in Coral
And I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised that the tee and skirt fit comfortably. The skirt is a high/low silhouette and to be honest, the front part is a bit short for me but I am all about getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things. So I was showing off them legs in these streets...
About this fanny pack... When I checked the measurements for the size 3, it said 50". I took a chance, even though my waist is 51", because I noticed that the belt was half faux leather and half chain. I figured if I needed extra chain links to make it fit, a little trip to Michaels would help with that. #plussizefashionhacks
Well, I didn't need those extra chain links, folks! It actually fit a little big!!!!
About the fit... the tee fit well and the fabric was soft and stretchy. I had no issues with the short sleeves (for reference, my upper arms measure 21" around). The length is a bit short for my taste (it hit me at upper hip) but that was not a deal breaker as I tucked in the tee.
The skirt flared out so there was ample room for my legs to move around freely. The waist fit well and has a tie belt. I opted to tuck in the ties so I could wear the fanny pack.
Once I was done with all three items, I placed them in the pre-paid bag that was in my box and took the bag to my local post office to send back to FTF. I selected Return on the items in my closet on the site to notify them of the return and FTF will now begin to put together my next box. Easy peasy!
All in all, I am really happy I took a chance and tried FTF's subscription service. I am sure I will have some misses but if I don't try, I won't know what WILL fit. And I can just send back what doesn't fit.
Stay tuned as I share more of my looks during the next three months and show how I made my closet work for me, even though FTF doesn't carry my size.
And maybe... just maybe... one day, they will expand to a size 4, maybe a 5? I know I am dreaming out loud but who knows?
You can check out Fashion to Figure's subscription service here. Get $10 off your first month if you sign up thru that link!
Here's the links to the FTF accessories I wore with my two looks:
Black Round Handbag with Handle
Zebra & Chain Fanny Pack
Hot Pink Double Circle Earrings
**This blog post was sponsored by Fashion to Figure but all opinions and statements are my own.
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