Why We Need Cult of California

     This afternoon, I received some disappointing news. The label, Cult of California, has had their financial backers, back out. This came as a shock to the head designer and owner, Jen Wilder and frankly, to all of her fans, myself included. In the wake of the tragedy in Bangladesh, we need labels like Cult more than ever.

     You see, as much as getting a pair of leggings for $9.99 is fun, it hurts fashion. You vote with your dollar.  Each dollar sends a vote to the powers that be letting them know that you not only condone but support business models that use cheap fabric and cheaper labour. Everyone in the chain loses, apart from the corporation. The designer is uninspired, the labourer is exploited and you end up with a product that might last a few washings, but probably not. 

     Wouldn't you rather invest say, $42.00, the price of a pair of leggings at Cult of California, and have them last over 2 years? This way, you are supporting a business model that gives a designer that creates a product *just* for plus size bodies a chance, employs workers in the first world, (the USA in Cult's case) and gives you a product that will last and last. 

     I have personally had enough of fast fashion. It truly kills. 500 people were killed in the factory collapse in Bangladesh . All of them working for well under $50.00 monthly. We need to make clothes all about loving our bodies and celebrating our shapes. Garments made in death trap factories are celebrating nothing but corporate greed and frankly even our own greed. 

     I am not going to support brands that have their garments made in sweat shops any longer. If that means less clothes, so be it. Less will be more.

     I will keep you abreast on the Cult of California situation. I know there has been talk of a kickstarter. I also know that I will be taking a peek at the site and snapping up a few pieces that I have had my eye on. You are worth good fashion. We all are. Shop Cult of California! 

Pencils Sharpened!

       Every woman needs a black pencil skirt in her wardrobe, she just does. They add effortless chic and polish to any outfit! Imagine how cute it would look with a chambray skirt and a statement necklace for brunch on weekends and then fast forward to Monday with a crisp white blouse and a string of pearls. I own three of the four of these skirt. I have yet to snap up the kiyonna skirt, but it is on "the list".

     What I love about the Igigi Monroe Skirt is that it tapers in at the bottom, creating a very sexy hourglass shape whilst not highlighting my full middle. It is lined and is very comfortable. And frankly, it is a great price. I ordered mine from Lucy and saved on the duty and shipping, seeing that Lucy is Canadian. However, with Igigi, remember to go down a solid size if not two. They are very generously cut. As a full 22W, I fit and thrive in an 18. 

     The Cult of California Harlow Midi Skirt is very comfortable, in that it is made from athletic stretch fabric. This also makes it quite curve hugging. Moreover, it comes with built in shorts, making this a perfect skirt for us folks with chub rub. (Chub Rub= thighs that rub together causing a nasty rash) I would wear this on a weekend, or in a relaxed office environment, as it is a very casual fabric. The elastic waist eliminates any sort of muffin top one may have. They fit true to size, so as a 22W, I fit a 3X. Ole!

     I chose to include the Kiyonna skirt because frankly, the plus size garment industry is obsessed with ruching. They would ruche a hanky. However, in their defense, ruching skims over all sorts of lumps and bumps. If you are hesitant to embrace a pencil, as you feel your figure would not be flattered by it, try this skirt. It is very flattering and has an elasticated waist. With Kiyonna, as a 22W, I fit a 3X

     Lastly, here is the Talbots pencil. I find that it has more of an A-line shape than that of a pencil, but it can easily be altered. This is the perfect skirt for you if you work in a formal office environment! I have had mine for seasons and the lining and wool makes it an excellent staple. Also, the wool drapes over curves, which again is a great feature for those who want to balance out an ample middle. It has a partially elasticated waist, which makes it a key piece to wear after rich holiday meals! Talbots fits true to size, so no shenanigans with sizing, here!

Here is the list!

Igigi Monroe Skirt: $69.99

Cult of California Midi Harlow Skirt: $57.00

Kiyonna Riley Skirt: $78.00

Talbots Seasonless Wool Skirt: $109.00

Enjoy!

   

Sheer Madness!

     

     Like so many women, I like to show off my legs and my arms. I don't have the legs of a Victoria's Secret model, but you know what? Neither do they. They are photoshopped up the ying yang. So, I shrug my shoulders and get on with feeling the sun on my bare skin. My thoughts are that on one's deathbed, one isn't going to wish that they covered themselves up more and felt guilty and ashamed about their body. They are going to wish that they felt the kiss of the elements on their flesh. For those of you that need some coaxing, I present to you a perfect primer....sheer! It gives you the coverage you feel comfortable in, yet it shows some skin. It is also ultra sleek and makes limbs look long and sultry. 

I present to you the cream of my finds....the best pieces that have risen to the top and would love to go for a spin with you!

1) This Vince Camuto dress ($128.83 CDN at Bloomingdale's) is just the ticket for a gal who has been itching to show some leg. The inside skirt is just above the knee and the sheer panel takes the line from knee to ankle. It looks glamourous and elevated and has a columnar effect on the wearer. One can pair it with heels, like the image provided or with sandals if one wants to dress it down. 

2) Cult of California is by far and away one of my favorite labels. The designer, Jen Wilder, is a dedicated soul that sees bringing quality, on-trend plus size fashions to all as a labour of love. Cult of California is not only designed but made in the United States. This dress is a perfect fun and flirty Spring to Summertime dress. This dress will do wonders to balance out a fuller bottom half as the top half has volume via the batwing sleeves. It also nips in at the waist, making it figure flattering for pretty well every body type. This comes in at the amazing price of $75.00. You simply cannot find prices like that on dresses that are made in the States!

3) Manon Baptiste does it again. This is a beautiful dress for the woman that likes to show the tiniest hint of skin, but looking polished whilst doing so. The sleeves are made of 100% silk, which is a wonderful touch of luxury on this simple but chic dress. This dress is available on Navabi for $127.90 CDN. 

4) The final dress is a master class in plus size body confidence. It calls for a strapless or a clear strap bra, in addition to being well above the knee and a body con fit. This dress would be so fun to wear for a night on the town, but probably not for general office wear. Files would be dropping all over the place and creepy people with leering eyes would be asking you to pick up pencils for them. The ruching details throughout the dress smooth out all sorts of dimples and bumps that might pop out. This is dress is $72.09 at Macy's. 

     Well, there you have it, folks. Dresses running from reasonably conservative to downright h-o-t! Wear them with a smile and with confidence!