Another Remix (as I wait for Fall weather to truly arrive)

This outfit was thrown together in a hurry, but I think I pulled it off OK. I wore the shirt out for half the day, and then tucked in for the rest. I'm still amazed that I tuck ANYTHING in... it was seriously the biggest fear of mine for just about ever. Fall is taking its sweet time to really get here, and I'm going to take advantage of that fact for as long as I can.
As I posted on FB today, I'm not sure if I am concerned about the implications of global warming, or just happy that its already October, and I don't have to wear socks yet...
Now, this remix is a legit one. When I wore this skirt last, it was styled completely differently! It was February, it was cold out, and here I am wearing it in a much lighter way.
The shirt isn't really much of a remix, I wore it with a denim skirt... pretty much the same look...except, I wore it with flats, so yeah, totally different look, and IT COUNTS. ;)

Yeesh! I never realised how oxidized my earrings were! Oops!

On me: Top Old Navy; Skirt Ricki's; Shoes Unknown; Necklace Some random boutique in LA; Earrings No idea.

Long, slow ( very slow) descent into Fall

It's end of September, way end. We really should be bundling up in sweaters, and wearing boots. I think I've said this before, on this very blog! Not a few posts ago. But its still true. I don't think this shirt has made it onto the blog before, which is a new one, seeing as I have had it for quite a while. Its another MIL (mother-in-law) shirt. She's really quite good! 
I will warn you that voting for the Addition-Elle "I've Got Great Genes" Model Search commences on October 10, and I will be spamming (can I spam my own account?) with requests for votes. I'm not usually one for such blatant self-promotion, but I think (based on the rampant self-promoting habits of at least one other successful plus-size blogger) that its something that is required in order to acquire a place on the map. Makes sense.

It's all very logical, Captain.

At any rate, I'll apologise (for the spamming) and thank you (for your votes) in advance!

My hair is freshly foiled. I forget how nice it looks blonde,
when I get all skeevy and let my roots grow out so far...

On me: Shirt Request (via IDK where...); Cami Old Navy; Capris Old Navy (Flirt cut); Shoes Charlotte Russe; Necklace So Old, I don't have any idea; Lippy Maybelline Color Whisper in Pinup Peach (which I only mention because I just got this color, and even though Fall is for deep berry shades, I LOVE the Pinup Peach. Such a nice "your lips but better" color.

Remixing, part deux.

As its coming to the end of the season, and I have exhausted my Summer wardrobe, two things are happening: its getting slightly cooler, allowing for more layering pieces, and I am being forced (although not under duress-like) to remix the wardrobe, try wearing things in different combinations, and different ways. This dress, I originally wore as it turned to Spring, in this look. This "Fall" look isn't dramatically different, all I am doing is wearing black instead of white and neutral with it, but it does change the look, regardless. I guess the "remix" doesn't have to be dramatic to be effective. I really do want to try and wear things a little differently than I did the first time, or even differently than they were originally intended. I've been seeing a lot of button-up-the-back shirts (designed intentionally that way) but I've also seen cardigans worn backwards, as a pullover, with the buttons up the back. Clever, and just the right amount of daring if you ask me. But I like it. I might even do it...
And as I research for a picture to link you to, I see that this is hardly a new thing. I shouldn't be surprised, fashion is predictably cyclical. But, aside from seeing it mentioned last year, apparently, the kids used to do it a lot in the 50s. Cardigan backward, tweed skirt. Sounds nice. Here's a link to an interesting article about the trend's recent upswing. And here's the Tumblr post that originally piqued my interest.

On me: Dress Xhiliration by Target (old); Cardigan Old Navy; Necklace Le Chateau (old); Shoes Franco Sarto via some show discount place in LA... VERY old)

Wow! Penningtons!

As a Canadian woman who has been plus sized for my entire adult life, I have avoided Penningtons like the plague. I found their clothes to be shapeless and dowdy as all the fires of hell and damnation. Until the last few weeks. They have been revamping their clothes and accessories, trying to appeal to a more stylish demographic. As the store manager at my local Penningtons told me, "this isn't your grandmother's Penningtons." (As a side note, my Grandmother was all of 90 lbs and wore exclusively Suzy Creamcheese.)

They released a new collection called MBLM (pronounced emblem) last week and it is a pleasant departure from the regular plus size fare. Dare I even call it edgy? Sexy even? I never thought that I could find hot plus sized clothes just off the highway by my house! 

Here are some of my favourite items from the MBLM collection!

 

Let's start with the MBLM collection, from left to right....going from "nice" to "omgwtfbbq!"

I like the studded snake belt. It reminds me not only of snake scales ( in full disclosure, I LOVE snakes as individuals! There little tongues! So cute!) without the ickyness of actually killing a snake and wearing it's flesh. The belt is scales meets Berlin Punk. 

These boots! The heel is manageable, the metal and zipper embellishments are fun and on trend and is that a red sole? Badasses! (I hope they don't get sued.) 

This moto jacket is so well done. Each detail is beautifully fashioned and it is so on trend, and not too expensive!

Oh this shirt. How is love you! I wore it with a nude bra, and the mesh covered the straps perfectly. If you have nails or have creatures with sharp nails, be aware, they might like to destroy this. However if you do not, jump on it! It is all of $40.00 and is so pretty/sexy/edgy. 

Rumour has it that the MBLM collection is selling quite well and the mesh top is all but sold out online. 

Check it out!

My Newest Fall Pieces

It has begun! Slowly, but slowly, I will begin adding new pieces to my wardrobe for the new season. I expect to have a much bigger haul once I get over to the nearest Torrid, Stateside, but for the moment, allow me to introduce my new black crew neck cardigan ( I can't believe I don't have a black cardigan! Or, didn't rather...) and chiffon snakeskin print blouse. I have big plans for these pieces. They'll be remixed a lot this season. Feel free to make any suggestions, of course!

Not too much to say about this, except the funny part of this, is that throughout the day, I decided these shoes were a bust. The toe is so long and pointy, that it actually catches on the low-pile industrial carpet throughout my office. I was all ready to Value Village these suckers... until... Tumblr and Beaucoo peeps are drooling over these bad boys! So, obvs, I need to reconsider getting rid of them. If they still piss me off the next time I wear them though... they might be subject to a giveaway or something!

On me: Blouse Old Navy; Cardigan Old Navy; Pants Target (old); Shoes Frederick's of Hollywood (very old).

The Remix edition

I've been pretty awful in the "remix" department. I have a shitton of clothes (relatively speaking) and I find that I always fall back on the combination that I originally put together. But, I am going to try and remedy that, and my first attempt is this skirt, that I previously wore here with a denim top and yellow statement necklace. I really loved that outfit, and I am feeling pretty good about this one too, so for an $8 skirt, this is working out to be a pretty stellar addition to my wardrobe.
The shirt I wore originally here, and unlike the skirt, which is styled pretty similarly in both these outfits, the shirt is worn totally differently. I couldn't help myself when it came to the earrings and bracelet though... those are the same in the first outfit. I guess I just associate certain things with each other, subconsciously. Going to try and do more and more remixing, as I can't be the only one who needs to work on getting more wear out of their wardrobe. I'd love to see your examples of remixing too! Tweet me some!

On me: Shirt Walmart; Skirt Chaus via Winners; Earrings/bracelet WetSeal; Shoes Suzy Shier; Belt Torrid.

Hell yeah, Maxi dress!

So, word is that maxi dresses were pretty big this S/S. And lucky me, I had this sitting in my closet from a few years ago. Its so comfortable, the fabric lays and feels really nice, and it breathes like nobody's business. And I think that jean jacket might be the best purchase I ever made. I used to worry that jean jackets made me look really boxy, but its just because the last one I had was too long (and too boxy)... at any rate, the Practical Tip from this post is just because the first something" that you try on (jean jacket/jumpsuit/fit and flare dress/pair of skinnies) doesn't ring your bell, don't give up on it... it might just be the wrong cut on that particular piece. I've gotten SO much wear out of this jacket... here's an example. Pretty similar outfit, but it even works with shorter dresses!  

On me: Dress walmart; Jean jacket Forever21+; Shoes Old Navy (all a few seasons old)

Dress of Roses

So, this new Forever21 opened up in my local mall. It was many months in the making, and I was waiting with baited breath. I wanted to see if it would have a plus-section, and a mens section. Seriously, the plus-sized sections of ALL the Forever 21s that I have been in have, to be frank, sucked. They were SERIOUSLY lacking in selection, and pretty much hidden away.
But what did I see to my GREAT surprise! The plus section at my local mall (Limeridge, in Hamilton, ON) is HUGE! I think that almost everything that I had seen online was in the store. From crazy leggings, to dresses, to jackets, the whole 9. It was so nice to see. So I took a ton of stuff into the changing room to try on. I posted the whole gnarly experience (I say gnarly, because my hair was not looking fab, no makeup, etc) on the tumblr site that I post on. Added reviews, in terms of fit and sizing. Go check it out over there. Of all the stuff I tried, the only thing that said "BUY ME" was this dress, and mostly because it ended up being $10 after the discount. I've been itching to try a "Kaleah Bee" look too, and this fit the bill. Her specialité is a fit & flare dress under a cardigan. She has that shit down to a fine art, and this is my attempt.

On me: Dress Forever21+. Cardigan Costco, Belt Aldo, Shoes Alfred Sung via Value Village, Necklace Claires,

Late Summer Floral...

So. Its happened. Summer... dying. Dead, actually.  Really cold this morning.
Wore this ensemble last week, during the death throes. Glad I finally wore it before it was too late. I've had the skirt for FOREVER. It took me a long time to figure out what to wear with it, and this isn't even the most imaginative combination! Might wear it with a chambray shirt into fall.  I love love love the colors in the floral, mostly yellow and pink. And I love that there is black and grey in there too! Pencil skirts... who knew how awesome they could be?

Fall is COMING!

One of those dresses that I bought last December at an incredible sale that the Bay was having on dresses. It was about dang time that I wore the thing, right? I used to be that person that wore the newly purchased item the day after I bought it, but lately I've found that I've had some pieces that have languished in my closet for too long! I think I passed on wearing this one for a while because it was such a dark brown, and I thought it better suited for Fall. Also might have had something to do with the fact that it was a bit tighter over my belleh than I originally remembered... at any rate, I finally wore it!
I love pencil skirt/dresses, etc. I never was able to find one that I liked, so I never used to wear them, but I guess I tried one on, didn't like it, and thought that was going to be the way with all pencil skirts. But I was wrong! I've since found TONS that I like on me.
It was kind of that way with hummous... I thought I hated it, but it just turned out that I hated bad, grocery store hummous. Then I went to a Lebanese restaurant, and discovered that hummous was actually fantastic. Just like well-fitted pencil skirts...

We Can Have It Too!

Hello my lovelies! 

     

Before we continue to the post that I am writing, I have to alert your attention to a crazy amazing deal. Lucy is having an additional 40% off all of their sale. Moreover, you can snap up Cherry Velvet's Sabrina Dress for all of $53.40. That is a crazy deal. They have 1X's and 2X's left. If you cannot recall what the dress looks like...here it is! Modelled by me!

Back at the ranch...

     I have been finding all sorts of beautiful pieces all throughout the interwebs and items that are just as lovely that fit the rest of us. Here is a very small sampling. I will feature much more in the weeks to come!

     I fell in love with above slouchy pants from Joie. I mean polka dots on black pants? I can have my cake and eat it, too. And spill it on my lap and not have a visible stain. I was daydreaming on the Addition-Elle site, as I often do, and dang it all if there wasn't a doppleganger! I was thrilled, and they are just $59.99. 

    I also like to check on J Crew, to gawk at the stunning necklaces and brilliant tops. I was really taken with the striped top with the necklace attached. Since J Crew only goes to the equivalent of a 14/16, and me coming in at a 22/24, I was out of luck. However! Lands End had a similar shirt and I can easily pair it with a statement necklace and get the same effect. The J Crew shirt is $78.00 and the Lands End shirt comes in at a $34.00. However, the necklace is a little more costly at $71.50. It is also J Crew. 

Stay tuned for more fine finds!

Buildling an outfit

Sometimes, you build an outfit around a new shirt, or article of clothing. A lot of the time, for me, I build my outfits around a pair of shoes. I was gifted these mary-jane heels, and since I don't have anything like them, I wanted to wear them asap. They aren't anything phenomenal, but they were new to me, so I had to get them out there. Really wanted to be able to see the shoe, so I wore it with these black cropped pants from Target. The fabric is phenomenal. Stretchy, but it still has a lot of body to it. Really nice. I need to go back and get more. This top was a gift from my mother-in-law, who I think I have mentioned before. I really love it when she gets me clothes because a) new clothes, duh, and b) while she picks things that I always like, they are never something that I would choose for myself. Its quite nice!

On me: Pants Target; Top Reitmans (old); Shoes gifted; Jewelry unknown.

Casual

I'm never really that keen on the outfits that I deem casual. Most of the time, I guess I feel (probably erroneously) that if it didn't require some effort to put together, its not really worth an OOTD post. This actually came together quite easily, and I really liked the outcome, even though its definitely filed under "casual."

God is in the details

they say. I really believe that, especially when it comes to what makes an outfit more than just a combination of clothes. Just a plain old pair of shorts, and an older long-sleeved top, but, the addition of the t-strap sandals and the twee little hair bow, its now... an ensemble. Ta-frickin'-da!

On me: Shorts Old Navy (this season); Top Old Navy (approx 3+ years old); Sandals Ardene (2+years old)

Skirting the Comfort Zone

Or should I say jumpsuiting the comfort zone? I have a love/hate relationship with this... what IS this called? Jumpsuit? Romper? I don't know. All I know is, I tried it on COMPLETELY on a whim this one time when I was in Forever21+ about a year or so ago, and to my surprise... I liked how it looked on me. And I was drawn to it because it was a jumpsuit. A frickin' JUMPSUIT. I didn't have anything like that... no one I knew (skinnybitch or ample-bodied) had anything like that.
Now, I don't pretend to be a nonconformist, or that I am way out there fashion forward, but this, this I felt was something I needed to have for some reason.
And so I bought it, I have worn it, a few times. And then one time I hate it, and then one time I love it.
I was actually told my the receptionist where I work as I passed "Well THAT's an interesting outfit for work!" I wasn't fazed by her comment, but it did impress upon me that this little number might be a smidge out of the ordinary. I mean, head to toe blood-red jersey?
But, since I do vacillate, and love it at times, I think I'll keep it. I think jumpsuits are still relevant. Who knows, maybe I'll even buy another one...

'Merican Day

Dang. I love technology, but here's an instance when it failed me. Failed to load, didn't realise it, and then I forgot about it! But anyway...

I had been on the hunt for a circle/skate/flared skirt for a while. I guess they don't make them for ample-bodied chicks, because, I suppose (as one employee at a certain plus-sized retailer who shall remain nameless told me once "no one wants to make their hips look any bigger..." Tsk tsk tsk). I've told you before (and I'll say it again) that I abide by the fitted over loose / loose over fitted rule. And  since I am now braving the new world of tucking in shirts, I wanted a bigger skirt to balance out the tucked in t-shirt that I wanted to do. Now, I have this perfect black t-shirt from Old Navy that I've been planning FOREVER to do that with, but I couldn't find the skirt. And, sadly, I still haven't... BUT I did find this skirt, and so, with it, I was able to kill two of my fashion birds with one stone: fitted top with skater skirt, and mixing patterns. It's a little bit country, and no rock and roll, but, that's cool. It was a fluke that I ended up wearing this on Independence day (that is the other name for July 4, right?) but it worked, so I let it.

On me: Tee/Skirt/Shoes Old Navy 

"It's not about the size of your ass, it is about what you do with it that matters"

   

 "Want a bikini body? Then put a bikini on your body!" This statement has been floating around facebook for the past few months, since the start of the summer season. You may have even seen it on our facebook page. As warm and inclusive as that sounds, how does one make the leap from agreeing to this line to stepping on the sand wearing a two piece? With the help of Tara Caffelle, that's how.

     We met for lunch late last week and and hit it off immediately. It is hard not to, with a bubbly and warm personality and a taste for life. But it is not just charm that Caffelle brings to the table, it is plenty of education and years of coaching experience. She is Vancouver's Big Life Coach. Caffelle specializes in working with women that have body issues that are holding them back from leading a rich and rewarding life. 

     She likes to say that "it is not the size of your ass, but what you do with it that matters".  She thrives on leading women that believe "I am too fat for ________" and that let their size "take them out of the game" to a "yummy place that makes [one] swell with gratitude." She wants women to embrace the fact that there "people that love you the way you are in the size you are." 

    Tara wasn't always in love with every inch of herself. A reformed size tag cutter, Tara went through years of dieting starting off in her early tweens. She came to recognize herself at her size as no less valuable than others and her body is just her body and to be present in it. 

     She wants to share what she has learned with other women in two September workshops- with one in New Westminster and the other being in Victoria. (details below) She will focus on teaching women how to get off the "self hatred roller-coaster," how to tap into what is amazing about your body and how "losing 30 pounds in 30 days is not the way to become powerful, " in addition to a host of other game changing lessons. At the end of the day she wants her participants to truly believe that "a size 24 deserves to show up at an event looking amazing and  being told so."  

Tara Caffelle can be found at biglifecoaching.ca and to sign up for the workshop, please go here. 

Early Bird registration is 97$ until August 15, then the price jumps to $147.00

   

Never ending love affair with lace...

... I think I has one...
After the complete lack of effort that went into almost all of last weeks ensemble (hence, why you didn't see them here, but can take a look on Tumblr, if you are so inclined) I was really committed to starting this week with a bang. And I think I succeeded here. Picked up this lace top over my vacation for $9 at Walmart. Didn't even try it on, just made sure that when I held it against me that the side seams, when held to my midpoint on each side, didn't pull too much. I don't want to say that ALWAYS works, but most times, yes. I knew this lace shirt would be a great layering piece, and I love the off-white aged vintage color. Even though my initial thought was "this would look great under a blazer" I wanted to wear it sooner than the weather would be condicive to that combination, so I just threw it on over a nude cami and black pencil skirt. It really needed the belt, so with the addition of that, I threw on classic pumps, and was out the door. I considered (and probably could have worn) a pearl necklace, but the pearl earrings I chose were pretty dramatic, and I didn't want to do too much up in the ear/neck area. So, I opted for stacked pearl bracelets, and off we go.
The fitted pencil skirt and thin belt really give me an hourglassy look, which I really dig.

On me: Cami Forever21+; Top Walmart; Skirt Target; Belt Reitmans; Shoes Franco Sarto via DSW; Earrings/bracelet unknown

Traveling Capsule Collection

Hello my beauties!

     I am back from a lovely journey that took me from Vancouver, to Kelowna to London to Helsinki to Tallinn. Thanks to an amazing sale, most of what I wore was from Addition-Elle and Eileen Fisher. The Marilyn top went with everything, and seeing that I am a messy eater, hid my shame. The Eileen Fisher skirt was perfect for the plane and queuing at security stops. It looked fab with flats and if I had brought heels, it would have worked with them, too. I loved these jeans. They were ridiculously comfortable and rolled up they looked on trend. The yellow top, though I loved it and it was of good quality, did not fare so well. I spilled crab bisque, clams, mussels, gravy and berries on it. I really do need to wear a lobster bib when out and about. Luckily, it is on for 10$ this week and I will go and buy a new one! I am a toddler in the skin of an adult.

     One thing I found about shopping for plus sized clothes abroad, is that we have it damned good, here. In about 20 minutes, I can be in an Addition-Elle and snapping up on trend garments. In 40 minutes, I can be at Forever Yours, I can be fitted for bras in beautiful colours and comfortable panties. I can be in  Lucy fawning over the beautiful dresses and I can drive to Railtown and shop Cherry Velvet Plus. There are plenty of options. There is variety, quality and colour. 

      In Finland, there is Stockmann. It is a department store that has a few lines of the dumpiest clothes you could find. Everything was tent like and made for a woman of "a certain age." (mid 50's-60's) There is nothing wrong with being over 50. However, there is something gravely wrong if that is the only customer your garments attract. I saw H&M + and was disappointed. The Helsinki store had two very small racks with army green pants that were of dismal quality and the blouses were very basic. 

Lindex, a discount/fast fashion store has a plus line that sold over sized t-shirts as dresses for 29 Euros. The fabric was thin and not cut to flatter a full figure. 

     There are some exceptions, such as Carmakoma and Asos and all of the great shops in the UK, but in Finland, you don't have much choice. 

     Apart from Marimekko! 

Marimekko is a fashion and textile empire that hails from Finland and covers sizes 00-22/24W. I bought a cute linen white with black polka dot dress. So amazing. The dress was made in Finland and I was thrilled. 

(I apologize for the quality of the image! I will post a better picture in the coming days)

Marimekko is high quality and f-u-n. They are pieces that you treasure and that wear well. My dress was 129.00 Euros. And 3 days after buying it, it went on sale. Doh!

Here are the links to the pieces that I wore:

1) Off the Shoulder Marilyn Top - Addition-Elle - $17.49

2) Eileen Fisher Fold Down Maxi Skirt - Saks Fifth Avenue - $172.59

3) Love and Legend Boyfriend Jeans - Addition-Elle- $89.99

4) Yellow Embroidered Top - Addition-Elle- $9.99

*The prices listed for Addition-Elle are less the 50% discount promo they have now. 

The Marimekko dress is not online, however the corresponding top is here.

I look forward to chatting with you all in the coming days!

Mental High Fives All Day

Typically, in the moments before I fall asleep at night, I consider my wardrobe in context of the upcoming weather, and I decide what I will wear the next day.
Nine times out of ten, I go with something completely different.
Today was sorta one of those days.
I saw, on Tumblr, a wicked outfit of a fitted denim shirt under a long white maxi skirt with a thick brown belt. Loved it. Borrowed a white skirt from a friend hoping to recreate the look, and that was what I pretty much had planned. Sadly, the white skirt was too snug, and you could see the tails of the denim shirt through the fabric. Double-plus ungood.
So, I pulled this skirt out of the closet on a whim. Got it from Winners for $8 months ago. I was looking for a black and white striped skirt, but for $8, this was close enough.
My original plan for this skirt was with a denim jacket over it, but that didn't work, so long story long... this outfit was born.
If I hadn't been in such a rush this morning, I probably wouldn't have worn this outfit at all. I didn't really dig it. But, I had to jet, so I threw on shoes, and necklace and a belt, and voila... *cue singing of angels*
I was giving myself mental high fives all day on this outfit.

I really like this ensemble after all. Its quite gathered at the waist, so it gives my "narrow" hips a little oophm, and presto, instant hourglass! Yeah, I'll take it.
Can't really see the necklace much under the shirt, but I just can't do the "necklace over shirt,  under collar" thing. Something about it just feels wrong to me. Don't ask me why...

On Me: Houndstooth skirt Chaus via Winners; Denim shirt Forever 21+; Belt Rickis; Shoes Chinese Laundry via Value Village; Necklace Ebay

Denim and B&W by awholelottafbs featuring a long denim shirt

Merona long denim shirt
26 CAD - target.com

Michael kor
95 CAD - macys.com

Zara ankle tie shoes
53 CAD - zara.com

Yellow statement necklace
7.39 CAD - etsy.com

ASOS slimming belt
11 CAD - asos.com