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Showing posts with label Fashion to Figure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fashion to Figure. Show all posts
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.
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.
"I have always believed that fashion was not only to make women more beautiful, but also to reassure them, give them confidence." ~ Yves Saint Laurent
Jumpsuits have been pivotal in my journey to feeling confident and loving myself.
It may sound weird that a piece of clothing could have such an impact on my life but this one piece of clothing represents all the fear I have felt in my life.
The center of my anxiety is control. Having control means staying comfortable and never venturing out into the unknown. And that is what jumpsuits were for me.
Yes, were. They are no longer holding me prisoner. And it feels so good.
I'm still working on my anxiety but I am in such a different place today and have made many major accomplishments in my life where I am in a better space.
I don't like to talk about my anxiety too much publicly because there is such a negative stigma attached to mental health in general. But to know me, is to know all of me, even the bad stuff.
And this is what my blog is all about. I may sound like the Dalai Lama sometimes but know that it's a daily struggle for me. I work on me every day. Some days are great and some are not. But on those bad days, I do things I love and know will uplift my spirit. Like wearing a jumpsuit and a red lip.
I think this is why I like shiny, sparkly things and bold colors and prints. It's a way for me to forget the bad stuff and have fun with things I love. And it's not just fashion that heals my spirit.
Sometimes it's watching my favorite TV show, dancing around the living room with my nieces, going to Starbucks to get a grande Mocha Frappachino with extra whipped cream or just having a dinner date with my mom.
I think this is why I love to travel and see wide open spaces and different parts of the world. Most people dream of being on a beach somewhere hot whereas I dream of going on an Alaskan cruise or seeing the Moais on Easter Island (bucket list trip!) or castle hopping in Ireland.
Jumpsuits are one of my happy places, just like traveling, iced coffee, my nieces and etc.
That wasn't always so. I used to loath my body on some serious levels, especially my lumpy thighs so I used to tend to shy away from pants in general. Jumpsuits don't provide any kind of coverage and everything is just out there to see, so it used to scare the hell out of me.
Meanwhile, I did have confidence but I was conflicted because I wasn't fully there with loving myself completely and knowing that flaws are flaws. Everyone has them but they are what makes us unique. No one is perfect.
Jumpsuits now remind me that it's okay to step out of my comfort zone and take a chance. I don't always need to control everything. Being comfortable can be boring. And I have learned that while the unknown can be frightening, it can also be exciting. You just have to take a chance.
So whenever I am presented with an opportunity to take a chance, I think of how it felt when I made the choice to try on a jumpsuit and discovered that it did look good on me. That feeling of fear that turned into hope that led to happiness.
Not all choices have a happy ending but you'll never know until you take a chance. And that's how we live fully and grow.
Shop My Look below:
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." ~ Shirley Chisholm
I hear plus size women all the time griping how they wish they could shop at straight size stores or how hard it is for them to shop in plus stores and sometimes, even though I love my fellow plus sisters, I look at them like this:
Listen, I feel your pain but if you're under a size 24, in my eyes, you have an abundance of fashion accessible to you. Try being outsized in not only the straight size world but the plus size one too! Then you will understand why I am giving y'all the Anna Wintour resting bitch face with an undercover side eye under my sunglasses.
If you're a size 18 and under, you can even shop at straight size stores! And I am not mad at you. You go, Girl and shop! But please recognize that my fashion struggle is very different than yours.
For example... recently, GabiFresh launched her latest swimwear collection with SwimsuitsForall. And I loved the whole collection. However, I can't wear any of it because it stops at a size 24. And I love me some GabiFresh - so I hope she will expand on her sizes very soon.
I try to shop more by fit than size because sizing is so inconsistent across the board. I have fit into clothing from brands like ASOS and City Chic but it hasn't been often. It truly depends on fabric and cut.
For a long time, I felt like I wasn't worthy of fashion or that I needed to lose weight in order to fit into a smaller size. It's terrible and now looking back, I wonder how young girls, like my nieces who are considered plus size, feel when shopping.
Having fashion available in a wide range of sizes is not promoting obesity. Fashion builds confidence and will help someone with their self-esteem when dressing in what they love, which in turn will inspire them to be the healthiest they can be, at any size. This in turn will change how we view health and body size.
I believe that fashion is for everyone. And style isn't limited by size.
There are so many great plus size brands that I personally would love to shop but they do not offer my size. The only way to change the minds of others is to educate them and let our voices be heard.
We all have the power of the wallet. Support those companies that support us while telling the others what we want. There's strength in numbers and with social media at our fingertips, we can easily talk to companies and let them know how we feel.
With that said, here's my top 5 brands that I would definitely shop, if they expanded their size range:
When the Essie X Kelly collection came out over the holidays, I would have bought every single item in that collection. But of course, it only went up to a size 3X and 24. FTF is so affordable and they have physical stores in my area. So I'd be shopping in there and online often.
I will admit I've scored some pieces from them that fit but believe me, after trying on everything in store (yes everything!), I walked away with like 8 pieces. And that in itself was exhausting.
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| I still wear this FTF skater dress to this day (it's from 2015) |
I love their new active line and even tried a pair of their jeans which was available in a size 26 but they didn't fit. ::fashion tears::
The company itself is filled with amazing people including the CEO Michael Kaplan. I would support them in an instant if they expanded their size range. Hell, I'd be the President of their fan club.
I feel like many women sleep on debshops because a lot of their stuff is revealing but let me tell you, they have some nice, affordable styles. They relaunched bigger and better last year. However, their sizing is 1XL to 3XL so um no, not fitting me.
And they have reached out to me to work with them and are so nice. I wish! I would work with them in a heartbeat and get my big sexy chic on.
#3: Boohoo
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| This jumpsuit from Boohoo has my name written all over it. ::sigh:: |
#4: Elvi
I recently discovered this brand and was so disappointed that they stop at a size 24. I just noticed they added a size 26 on some styles, which is great, but if I don't fit into it, I can't size up. They have such great styles too! And they're affordable!
#5: Rachel Roy
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| Rachel Roy, help a size 26/28 sister out, please! I want this dress! |
Other brands I'd like to mention....
Lane Bryant - I won't front. If it wasn't for Lane Bryant, I wouldn't even own any designer pieces (That Christian Siriano line still has me swooning). But I silently pray daily that they expand to a size 30/32 because in all honesty, 7 times out of 10, their size 28 bottoms don't fit me. So I usually only buy tops and dresses from them. And sometimes, fit is an issue for me there.
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| Thank you Christian Siriano for this amazing jacket |
Melissa McCarthy Seven7 - Same here. She offers 4X and up to a 28 on some styles but not all. And of course, they are styles I want badly.
SLINK Jeans - I want to try them so bad but they only go up to a size 24 and I'm usually a 28 in jeans because of my hips. Ugh, they look so good on everyone I see wearing them.
Special shout out to brands like Avenue, Old Navy and Torrid who have been offering above a size 24 for years. And a special thank you to Eloquii, Charlotte Russe and Ashley Stewart for expanding their size ranges. I'm still working on finding my fit at CR and Ashley Stewart but Eloquii has really made me fall in love with them.
I also want to thank eShakti for offering not only sizes 0 to 36W but also in custom measurements for an extra $7.50. They have been a lifesaver for me for a few years.
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| My absolute fave custom eShakti dress |
And in a future blog post, I will talk about how we can let our voices be heard! Let's make 2017 the year where we demand inclusion and acceptance because we are all worthy of having accessible fashion.
"I'll never be the size that has single digits and my thighs will always touch when I walk but I'm okay with that." ~ Sugar Jamison, Dangerous Curves Ahead
But this year, I'm in the spirit. I miss my dad and brother but I know they would want me to celebrate and be thankful this holiday season. I am feeling great... my confidence is consistent... And I am really getting into fashion more for myself than just admiring it from a-far.
So one day, my blogger sisters Dana of Who's That Girl Dana?, Darlene of Suits, Heels & Curves and I were talking about holiday fashion and what to wear this season. And then we thought why not do a kick-ass fashion collaboration series together? We're three different sizes, shapes and heights AND we're all Latinas living in the big city.
Holiday time in NYC is a magical time. Lights everywhere, trees and just festive stuff all over the place. So why not take advantage and use the "Bright Lights, Big City" as our backdrop for our first blog post of this three-part holiday fashion series featuring three of our favorite plus size fashion brands.
In this first installment, we are focusing on Holiday Party looks, all from Fashion to Figure. Whether you're going to a glam party where you are channeling your inner bombshell or going to a holiday office party to even going out with friends for drinks, FTF really has a look for every occasion.
I chose to feature a look I would wear to meet with friends during Happy Hour. I'm very low-maintenance and like effortless but chic and pretty looks. I always want to feel pretty - that is a must in my world.
The dress is kind of short for my liking during the winter so I opted to pair the dress with the Stanton Black Ponte Leggings and some tall boots. I finished my look off with FTF's Sleekster Patent Satchel, which I am in love with. FTF has the best handbags and they are so affordable.
The dress has tons of stretch so I was able to fit into a 3, even though I am a size 26/28. I fit into a 3 in the leggings as well. This look is comfortable while making me feel beautiful and look chic. I love the zipper detail at the neckline that allows me to decide how much cleavage I want to show.
So that's my take on a holiday look perfect for those holiday girly drinks with your friends and the entire look is under $125. Plus, if you take advantage of FTF’s current promotion of 30% off (code 30FOR30) you can save an additional 30% off, making this entire look well under $100. Ballin' on a budget, ladies!
Be sure to check out Dana's glam bombshell holiday party look and Darlene's fun office party look over at their blogs:
Who's That Girl Dana? - www.whosthatgirl524.wordpress.com
Suits, Heels & Curves - www.suitsheelsandcurves.com
Stay tuned for next week's look focused on a casual but cozy holiday look from another one of our favorite retailers (shhhh, it's a surprise!).
You can also see what we are up to this holiday season by finding us on social media via the hashtag: #CurvasenNYC
What are your some of your favorite holiday party looks?
**While this was a sponsored post, all opinions and comments stated are my own.
"Autumn... the year's last, loveliest smile." ~ William Cullen Bryant
Fall is my favorite season. The brisk wind, the leaves changing colors, the cool weather and its prelude to winter. it's that season that you know you must enjoy before it goes all in the crapper and winter arrives. Ugh.
I live in New York where we get 4 seasons and I live near the beach so winters are brutal. You get off the train and literally feel like the wind has slapped the crap out of you. You walk up a block and it takes you 20 minutes because you're fighting with the wind and trying to breathe. Sure, snow is pretty but trust me, that cuteness wears off very quickly.
So I try to enjoy Fall to the fullest. I'm not hot and sweaty. I can rock jackets, sweaters and boots. My hair looks great because there's no humidity. Fan-freaking-tastic!!!!
I also love leopard print and you see it the most in the Fall, or that's how it seems to me. So when I spied this top from Avenue, I had to have it. And it was right on time for Fall.
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| Photobombed by a duck, lol |
It's part of their new Hatchi knit collection, which has tops, dresses, skirts and cardis that come in this fabulous knit fabric. It has stretch and feels lightweight BUT still keeps you warm when it's brisk out. This top has a sharkbite hem and I love the length and how it falls.
I paired the top with a black ponte knit moto jacket from Lane Bryant, jeans from Catherines, booties from Lane Bryant and this fabulous patent leather bag from Fashion to Figure.
This is a casual chic look that I usually wear when I am out and about running errands or hanging out with friends at lunch. The top is comfy and being comfortable but cute is always key for me.
My jeans are slightly baggy - I need to size down and get another pair. But I loved this image so much that I decided to use it anyway, even though it's not perfect. Because at the end of the day, none of us are perfect.
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| I had an audience while taking pics, lol |
This top is a definite must-have if you're looking for a knit top in leopard print that you can wear with jeans or even some faux leather leggings and a blazer. It can be dressed up or down and styled in many ways. I can't wait to pair this with my leather jacket and faux leather skirt with some tall boots. Or some medium washed jeans, booties and a brown jacket.
Avenue has some great pieces this Fall and that excites me so much. As someone who has been a customer of theirs for decades, they have been a lifesaver when I was a size 32/34 and still continue to feed my fashion wants at a size 26. With so many retailers stopping at a size 24 or 3X, it's those retailers like Avenue that have shown that they have not forgotten those women above a size 24. So thank you Avenue!
As the weather gets colder, I am starting to wear more hoodies. Check back on the blog for my write-up on a hoodie from Avenue's new Yummy Fleece collection. And I also just noticed this hoodie from their Hatchi knit collection that will be mine ASAP. This has my name written all over it - I mean, it says DREAM on the front! Yessss!
You can shop my look with the below links:
Cheetah Sharkbite Hatchi Top from Avenue - click here
Ponte Moto Jacket in Black from Lane Bryant - click here
Right Fit Jeans in Medium Stone from Catherines - click here
Side Detail Moto Boot from Lane Bryant - click here
My bag from Fashion to Figure is unfortunately sold out online but can be found in-store. Here's their handbag section (click here) - I love FTF handbags! Affordable and stylish!
What do you think of my look? Will you be checking out Avenue? Please leave me a comment below and let me know.
Please note: The top was gifted to me by Avenue. But all opinions in this post are my own.
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