My Top 5 (+1) Fall 2013 Trends

Fall is pretty much upon us, more or less, well, sort of. In the mornings...
Anywhere, here are my top 5 trending elements of the Fall 2013 season that I am going to try and incorporate into my wardrobe!

1. Menswear fabrics: Houndstooth, plaids; those patterns are going to be prominent this season. I've already seen red highland plaid leggings out and about, and while I probably won't be brave enough to try those, there are more subtle plaid leggings like the ones from Reitmans, I have already picked up the houndstooth dress from Target.

2. Winter White: It's long past Labour Day, but we don't have to hiss at white like a vampire shrinking at the sun. Provided you wear your whites in a way that doesn't scream Summer (like, say, a pair of capris), you should be good. I have a cable knit off-the-shoulder sweater from Torrid that I can't wait to wear this winter, and I have a crisp white blazer from Addition-Elle that will be making an appearance also. Or, heavens to betsy, this to-die-for moto jacket from City Chic...

3. Peplum: Yes! Still alive and kicking. One of my pieces that I bought last year from Forever 21+ is back in stock this year! Glad to be able to be getting better cost-per-wear out of those peplum pieces that I thought might have been a one-season wonder.

4. Leather: A lot of the leather I've seen has been as an accent to a piece. I've seen a lot of leather arms on fabric jackets, like the Ricki's one, below. Or, how about the pleather accents on the leggings from Ricki's? Or, knit arms and leather bodice? Or, go full leather. The options are endless. The leather waist dress is... just...

5. Military: This is a harder one for me, because I feel like military lends itself more often to casual option, but this jacquard jacket from Ricki's might find itself in my closet.

And, as a runner up, because I always plan a top 5, and then have just one more to add,

6. The Color Grey: Will grey be the new black for Fall 2013? Too soon to tell for sure, but it seems like Emerald isn't quite ready to give up its Color of 2013 crown yet, either.

Top 5 Fall 2013 Trends by awholelottafbs featuring a camo jacket

Fancy-B*tch

I started following The Classy Cubicle, and one of the firsts posts I saw of hers was of a black sleeveless sheath dress. Which reminded me that I needed to get my a black sheath dress. I used to have a great one from Addition-Elle from many years ago, but I got rid of it when I lost a bunch of weight, so there is a hole in my wardrobe. Or, there was... Walked into Target the other day, and what did my wondrous eye behold? Perhaps the PERFECT LBD. First, its a nice material. I'm going to guess ponte-like, if not actually ponte [UPDATE: it is ponte]. So it sits nicely on. It has enough body to give structure, but not to much that its uncomfortable. Second, it has that wicked-awesome double pleat thing going on at the neckline that I really enjoy. It's the first piece I have with that. Third, speaking of the body of the dress, it make my hips look a little bigger. I know, what? I want something to look BIGGER? Well, yes, in my case, I would prefer if my straight narrow hips were a little bit rounder, because, as you can see in the photo, when hips go outtie, waist looks like it goes innie. Feelin' me?
This dress was also the perfect opportunity to wear my new Aldo heels. Also, super classic. I love that they are so matte, so that when I am wearing skirts/dresses with tights this winter, the shoes will just melt into the leg, creating an illusion of length and leanness that I am so covetous of. Wasn't sure how warm it was going to be, so topped it with a crisp white cardigan from Costco (seriously, I love their clothing section. Even though things often do go up to my size, when they do, they do so for a seriously reasonable price). And then, I had to make sure I was wearing my newest Essie polish, which is actually from a 2007 collection I think.... but, OK, bear with me here... That color, the dusty rose, I associate with a certain type of older ladies. I also associate wealth, class, and Chanel with a certain type of older ladies. Think, Lucille Bluth, but without the excessive drinking, emotional distance, and questionable mothering skills. So I just thought it was a perfect match for this ensemble. Light enough to be feminine, but dusty enough to be "Autumn". There you go, the method to my madness.
On me: Dress Target; Cardigan Kersh via Costco; Shoes Aldo; Necklace/Ring Unknown

Refined by awholelottafbs featuring pearl stud earrings

Oh, so classy!

I'm very excited to finally be posting about clothes that are actually STILL in stores! I've been blogging for almost a year now (a year in December) and yet, I feel like I never wear (and post) clothes as I buy them! But this Fall, that seems to be changing. Here, for your viewing pleasure is a dress from Ricki's.

And I LOVE it! I feel like my wardrobe is getting classed up this fall, and this is definitely a part of that trend. I love how the dress has a classic feel, but it has some new trends incorporated... in the form of pockets. Its so flattering on too, because it has some pleating and fullness at the front, that miraculously doesn't puff out my tummy (any more than it naturally does). I hope you can make it out in the second picture set, below.

Keeping in the "classic" theme, I paired it with my (then) only pair of professional pumps. I've since acquired another pair, that you can see on the Polyvore set, below. I also love that the neckline of this dress never gets dangerous. A lot of wrap and faux wrap dresses can sometimes really gape or be cut way too low, but this has an almost gathered neck, so there is lots of fabric for modesty. Which, in the office, I am aiming for...

On me: Dress Ricki's; Shoes Franco Sarto via some discount shoe warehouse, about 5 years ago; Bracelet/Ring Unknown

Fancy B*tch ;) by Curvouture featuring a city bag

Dress

41 CAD - rickis.com

ALDO pumps

72 CAD - aldoshoes.com

Zara city bag

185 CAD - zara.com

Blue Nile earrings

200 CAD - bluenile.com

Bracelet

18 CAD - target.com

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.