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Bangin'

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Note to self:  Never wear clip on bangs when it's windy out. They will be blown all over the place.  Sometimes I have to leave the comfort of my home office to have a meeting where I still need to be office and business appropriate.  I had a business meeting where I grabbed this adorable polka dot Foxcroft button up shirt, threw on my spring jacket, and a pair of slacks.  Even when I have physical meetings, I still want my style to shine through, but in a way that is appropriate to the setting.  Crisp button-up blouses have always been a staple in my wardrobe, and always will.  Now on to the fun part, Foxcroft is sponsoring a $150 gift card giveaway.  You can enter via my Instagram (will be posted in the morning). 

Style Notes:  When interviewing, have a meeting or needing to look business appropriate, I always recommend going simple and dressing up your look a fun print and accessories.  This button up blouse goes great with these pants but could also be fabulous under a black sleeveless dress. Adding a button-shirt, such as this Foxcroft blouse, under sleeveless items can be a solution to those who aren't comfortable with bearing their arms.  In addition, I'll add what I like to call a smart bag, some with structure and clean lines.  

Top:  Foxcroft, Pants: Nordstrom Rack, Jacket: ASOS (last year), Bag - c/o Ora Delphine, Shoes  - ASOS, Bangs - Beauty.com

This post is a part of a series of posts sponsored by Foxcroft. 

Jumpsuits & Taxes

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#JumpsuitJudy is on the loose again and off to the tax office.  I was thinking to myself, this is an awfully dark look for spring, but then I thought this is totally appropriate seeing as I am mourning the loss to my bank account.  As a full-time blogger, I am responsible for my taxes.  So every year, I waited until the last minute to be pissed off.  This year is no different.  I drag my feet into H&R Block with my excel sheets, mounds of W-9s, and a fab outfit.  I feel like I have to dress well to offset how mad I'm about to get. My husband laughs at me every year...like every year.  He's like you prepare all year for this and even though you have, you still get mad every year like clockwork.  I sure do.  Living in California makes it even worse.  If you want to keep your money, don't live here.  Now if you want to keep your hair intact, live here.  HA! This is a bit of a rant, but I loathe tax season.  Anyways, just a little advice to you future full-time bloggers, keep great records and prepare for the inevitable and know that just because you prepared it will still not be any easier to write that check. Sigh! Rant off. FYI, I promise I'll be a much more pleasant person after April 15th. 

Style Notes:  This is a super cute jumpsuit sent to me by Carmakoma.  I like it, because it different and has a tapestry feel, but they figured out how to do it in a chic way.  I like the fabric of this jumpsuit.  It's heavy enough to wear I don't have to wear any shapewear, and you don't see any panty lines. I got this jumpsuit in the XL, which is there 24.  Their sizing is pretty true to size, but the fabric does have stretch.  I get people who are nervous about jumpsuits because of their tummy area.  If this is your concern, doing a print like this camouflages a lot.  I do have a tummy (it is not flat) and I'm not wearing any shapewear, but the print and even the design of the is jumpsuit with the black side panels is flattering to the shape. I say wear what you want, but if you are looking for flattering option this is a great one.  Also, there is 30% off through today. I had some people say that Carmakoma was out of their budget; you'll want to know that their clearance section is pretty awesome and is priced well. I've shopped it for years.  I was always taught growing up to not be afraid to check the clearance of any store, especially the pricier places.  You never know what you can find. 


Jumpsuit: Carmakoma, Bag: c/o Robert Matthews, Shoes: Lane Bryant, Sunnies: Gucci, Lip: Bite Palomino, Bracelets: Dawn's (similar)

Troop Beverly Hills Chic

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Oh my goodness, it took me a while to get this post together. It's been super crazy.  In 2011, I went to the first official Texas Style Council as an attendee.  I was a fresh Dallas transplant and a baby blogger.  So it was super cool that on the last Texas Style Council, I was asked to be a speaker/panelist on style.  That was such a full circle thing to happen right!?! So the conference was staying at Camp Texlake, a girl scout camp with horse, bunk beds, smores, and even a hedgehog named Hattie (#hattiethehedgehog).   There were had a room with 4 other girls, who all had such different journeys and blogs, but I will tell you more about them little later.  

Overall, I loved the experience.  It felt like a retreat where you just got to connect with other women that I would probably not have the option of connecting with.  Being one of the few women of color there, I also like seeing how although there may be cultural differences, we all go through very similar things as women, from love to fear, to balance of life/family and careers, and on how we feel about ourselves, our bodies, and our own worth.  In addition to one of the few women of color, I was one of the few plus size women, and I probably was the largest.  It was even more interesting that I had girls, straight size, Caucasian, model-esk looks/body that had followed me through my career and specifically through my boycott.  I was in shock and totally caught off guard.  Just being honest in my own thoughts about this one girl in particular, I am the complete opposite of her, but she still was able to connect with me and even cheer me on in my push for plus size options.  It made the attributes that I would immediately use to separate myself disappear.  I was a woman connecting with other women.  The plus size and the black part wasn't in the forefront for a change.  Texas Style Council taught me a lot about my own mindset and where's it going as a person who is championing the rise of women as a whole.  Every year I grow older, the more I evolve in my thinking about the world and rejecting some of the things that I was ingrained in me growing up in the south.  

I wanted to get into my bunk-mates, because I throughly enjoyed their company and getting to know about them.  Chelsea from Chelsea-Bird, has literally the coolest white/blonde hair that I've every seen.  She went out of her way to to include a hermit like myself and to make sure I was getting out of my room.  There was 250 women at this camp and it can be a little overwhelming for someone who likes her alone time.  The next is Tieka from Selective Potential, who totally shocked me at her Vulnerability panel.  I'm always amazed at people who can put so much out there emotionally via their blogs.  Her panel had me crying and I was not expecting it.  She was super sweet, but I admire her courage immensely to put it all out there and let the chips fall where they may.  She spoke on her divorce and releasing that information to her readers.  It was truly powerful.  I was not expecting to come away with the conclusion that there is power in vulnerability.  Last, but not least, my roll dog was Kasmira from What I Wore 2Day.  I think we connected on a hermit and age level, oh and the fact that she is probably the only non black girl I've every known to sleep with a satin pillowcase (and yes she brought it). (Note to self:  If I ever decide to have a kid and she is a girl, I will probably name her Kasmira. I love that name. Kasmira Valentine, yep that's perfect.  #namejacked).  Here and I were on the style panel together with Laurel Kinney. I loved Laurel and I loved her style most of all and she was super cool and laid back. Her style was like some of the best casual looks/effortless looks I had come across and of course she's a stylist, so it makes sense   

I know this is a hefty post, but it was 4 days so it deserves the length.  Finally, I just want to thank Indiana for inviting me as a speaker for #TXSC15.  She inspired me to do sort of a retreat like this one day, but not too soon.  Mama's plate is full. If you are wondering about the girl scout theme look, well it was Troop Beverly Hills, so I went all out...as I always do. 




A video posted by Chastity Garner-Valentine (@garnerstyle) on



A photo posted by Kasmira Kit (@kasmirakit) on



A photo posted by Chastity Garner-Valentine (@garnerstyle) on



A photo posted by Chastity Garner-Valentine (@garnerstyle) on





Secrets of a Bargain Hunter

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Hi all!  I've got an exciting announcement.  I'll be partnering with Ross through the end of the year to bring you some amazing and budget friendly fashion posts.  I'm excited for a few reasons. One is that I am a frequent Ross shopper from everything to home goods, to clothing, to things for Shug.  I'm also excited because I know so many of you love Ross and have expressed in my comments often.  Finally, this is a chance for us to do some bargain shopping together, come up with some great looks,  share some bargain hunting tips, and save some coinage.  You guys know I am adamant about hi/lo mixing.  Ross is awesome for finding those "lo" price pieces that are designer, not to mention, as far as off-priced department stores, Ross has the one of the most populated plus size sections with a lot of items to chose from.  I'll be bringing you some bargain hunting tips throughout my posts, so let's get into the first few. 

Bargain Hunting Tips
  • Know what day your Ross delivery truck delivers the new shipment of items.  Usually, I just ask a sales associate, but I know my nearest Ross delivers on Wednesday.  That's great to know especially if you are looking for furniture items.  By the weekend, things have been sifted through and I'd rather have first dibs. 
  • Check the clearance first.  I've found awesome under $10 plus size clothing finds just by checking there first. 
  • Buy off season.  For example, look for next winter's coat at the end of winter for the next year, get a great deal and have you coat ready to go when the weather changes. 
  • Ross is a great place for department store items at bargain prices, become familiar with your favorite department store designer labels, so you will can grab them up when you see them. 
Also, Ross is having a $200 gift card giveaway contest for voting on spring style shoes.  You can enter here at their Facebook page.  Stay tuned for more bargain hunting tips and some fun outfits.  Have your own Ross bargain hunting tips? Feel free to share them below.  


Thank you Ross for sponsoring this post. 

Dare Magazine Spring Cover

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Eek! So this happened today.  I am on the cover of Dare Magazine, complete with fantastic interview by Erin Dunlap.  She mad me sound cooler than I actually am.  I need her writing skills. HA! It's such huge honor and I just want to thank the Dare team for everything.  You can head over to Dare Magazine to read the full article. 

Nuetral

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Just a note, I am sure to be wearing a lot of white for this spring/summer.  I'm already obsessed with it and the season just started.  Anyways, some of you may saw in a previous post that Ideel is one of my favorites for online budget shopping.  I'm excited to have partnered with them on a plus size sales event where I have curated items from their stock. The items I have on are included in that sale, as well.  There will be new curated boards Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You can find the items I'm wearing and more here

Style Notes:  I was looking at this skirt for a while.  On the model, I liked the sheer quality.  Once on, I thought it was going to more sheer than it was.  I'm not sure if it was b/c the skirt was a similar color to my skin, but it wasn't as transparent as I thought it was going to be, so don't be afraid of the skirt. It's also nothing that nude shapewear can't take care of.  It also comes in black, so just swap your nude shapewear for black. I also would order one size up on the skirt. 


This post was sponsored by Ideel, all opinions are my own. 

Werkin' Out

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Plus Size Activewear
I've gotten so many requests about activewear and I wanted to oblige the requests.  I've got here three brands. I was sent items by Soybu, Lola Getts and purchased the pieces from Lane Bryant.  My normal physical activities include my spin bike (I purchased one for my home) or walking (normally with Shug).  I have actually worn all of these biking and walking, because I wanted to see how they faired in movement.  Some of you guys have seen me on my bike on Instagram and you know I'm doing a lot of movement...some voluntarily and some involuntarily. HA. Find the video here. Now, let's get into this review.

  • The styles remind me of Lulumon
  • They just extended into plus sizes
  • Style-wise this was my favorite although, I don't think it photographed well
  • Pants have a mid-rise (not low, but not high)
  • I would have loved to see a drawstring added
  • Stayed in place with walking, but had to pull up a couple times when biking.  
  • Priced around $40 - $50 per piece
  • True to size
  • I LOVE the thumb holes!!!! 
  • Just launched new activewear line, LiviActive
  • The pants had the best fit out of the 3. 
  • Pants stayed in place while walking and biking. 
  • Basic styles
  • I liked the thickness and compression of the pants
  • Pricing - $30 - $70, but remember LB always has some sort of coupon deal
  • True to size
Lola Getts (far right)
  • Really liked the babydoll & sweatshirt (not picture) top, great for keeping the butt covered  - Babydoll is a must.
  • Low rise pants on me - probably work for apple, rectangles, and inverted triangles
  • I had to keep pulling up the pants while walking and biking.  
  • Price range $40 - $60 per piece, but they do have items on sale starting at $20
  • The compression and thickness of the pants was great
  • True to size
As mentioned above, I spin and walk for exercise, but if you are looking for another way to get active check out PSPFit.  I'm particularily looking forward to the "Get Fit with Bad Knees" video, which is complimentary if you sign up here.   My knees suck after my ACL surgery.  Anywho, I hope this helps in your activewear search.  I hope to do a review on plus size sports bras next.  


Plus Size Activewear

Plus Size Activewear

Plus Size Activewear

(why these Instagram embeds won't center, I don't know. Ugh!)

Celebrity Style Capture: Solange Knowles

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I may be a little obsessed with Solange. I decided to capture her again with this all white look.  I loved how simple and chic it is.  I think I wore these pants twice already on this blog within the last month. I'm obsessed with them. It is extremely hard to find white pants in plus size with a great cut, a heavy enough fabric, and that just look great.  I see that they aren't available online anymore, but you may find them in store.  They are the Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant white pants.  I love this top from Mynt. I think my favorite thing is that it's sheer in the front and solid in the back, so you get the party in the front and the business in the back. HA! 

Style Notes: I got these pants in a 26, and the top is in a size 22.  The pants do have stretch.  These are definitely worth the investment if you are looking for a fab pair of white pants for the spring and summer. 


Pants - Lane Bryant (sold out), Top - c/o MYNT, Shoes - Belks (similar), Clutch - Ideel, Sunnies - Eloquii (soldout)


Wrappin'

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It's been forever since I've worn a wrap dress, but every since I saw Kiah, from Rez to the City, in hers two years ago, I've wanted one.  This gorgeous wrap from Mynt1792 is everything.  I haven't had it long, but I've already worn it twice.  One here in the Bay on a chilly day and I just wore it while I was in NYC this past week.  I knew that it would travel well. I didn't have to do any ironing, just pull out and go! The fabric is super soft and is so comfortable, but chic at the same time. I would live in this dress if I could. I think this dress would make an awesome event dress -- something for a bridal shower, wedding, baby shower, etc. 

Style Notes:  For those interested in body type info, wrap dresses work for anyone's body.  I think they have to be the oldest trick in the book, courtesy of Diane von Furstenberg, for working with anyone's body type.  The wrap dress is the perfect length for me.  I am 5'9, and you can barely see my toes peeking through.  I have wide hips, so if you hips are more narrow then I think you could still achieve this length if you are 5'10 or 5'11.  This dress can easily be hemmed if you are shorter. Also, this is an item you will want to have dry cleaned. Dry cleaning will keep it vibrant. I've washed items like this before, and they never look the same after washing. This garment is an investment piece and something that I want to wear for years to come, so I'll have to treat it as such. 


Dress - Mynt1792, Bag - L.A. Boutique (old), sandals & bracelet - Lane Bryant (old)

This post was sponsored by Mynt1792, all opinions are my own. 

#WatchMeOnGlam

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I got to do another super fun video with Tess and Cora with Glam TV.  This time it was more of daytime looks.  We are all able to give tips, have fun, and just dish. I must usually don't like to be on video, but this turned out pretty cool.  I hope you like. 

I think I was kicking knowledge. LOLOL! 

T-Shirt & Jeans Do Exist for Plus Size Girls

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Circa 2009, I was going to to movies with two of my besties. (Just a little back story, but my friends before blogging have all been thin.  I was always the fat girl of the group.) My best girlfriend is 6'1 modelesque looks, legs for days, and athletic build and my best guy friend is 6'2, works out a lot, with an athletic build.  Now you are starting to draw a picture.  We are going to the movies, so we are getting ready, and I come out of my bedroom in a thrifted sundress and sandals.  My girlfriend is in a t-shirt and jeans, and guy friend is in cargo shorts and a tee.  Now both of them are clowning me for "dressing up." Now my friend with her runway model stature looks amazing in a t-shirt and jeans the same goes for my guy friend.  In 2009, jeans and t-shirt did not exist for me, and it is hard to make people understand with certain body types, that as to where they can throw on that classic combination and still look good.  To this day, this story is still recanted to me by male BFF of how I threw on a "ball gown" to go to the movies.  You see how rumors get started. LOL.  This was still a time in plus sizes where there still weren't a lot of options, and a simple thing like finding a t-shirt that fit you correctly was still very hard to do. 

Now here it is 2015, and I get to enjoy the casual luxury of wearing the beloved t-shirt and jeans, and it was all because the $10 v-neck tee that was brought back by AVA & VIV.  I first discovered the $10 tee when I was in Dallas after just complaining that I could never wear the t-shirt and jeans combo without looking like I was about to clean the house. The $10 tee from Target has been a staple in my closet ever since.  I use them to travel, workout in, and also to pair with things like jeans and flare skirts.  When I visited the Target headquarters, this was one of my first questions. "Are you bringing back the $10 tee?" LOL. I wasn't playing.  It has a perfect fit and not too much give or stretch. Too much stretch in a t-shirt can make it roll up, and too much give can cause the t-shirt to lose shape easily.   It used to have a  mini pocket but was removed. I'd like to see some crew necks added as well.  

A lot of you have noticed that I've started wearing pants more. It's because the plus size options are getting better, and I feel like I can look great both casually and dressed up. Three years ago, I didn't feel like that, which is probably one of the reasons for this blog.  I always felt like that since I'm big, I have to have a certain upkeep and appearance.  In the last year, I've allowed myself to relax a little more and to be okay with being comfortable. Although this is not one of my elaborate looks, I feel really pretty in this simple look. 

Style Notes:  Shoes are from Lane Bryant, but you may not recognize them.  I cut off the angled strap.  The jeans are by Carmakoma.  They are super comfortable with a lot of stretch.  I am wearing the XL or the size 24. The t-shirt is a size 2X. 


Tee - Target, Shoes - Lane Bryant, Jeans - c/o Carmakoma, Bag - TJMaxx (in-store)

This post was sponsored by Target, all opinions are my own. 

Budgetnista Spring Updates

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When spring rolls around I am doing two things.  The first is to see what I have in my closet from the previous seasons that will work in the spring.  The second is to seek out easy and inexpensive updates to my wardrobe that will be easy to transition my current wardrobe into spring.  I picked up some cute items from Ross Dress for Less for ways to make old items feel new.  Each top, necklace, and the fun cream/beige backpack are from Ross.  The navy/white chevron top came with the neon necklace and the coral top came with the necklace worn with it. Getting two items for the price of one is definitely a bargain.  The tops with necklaces were under $16 a piece and you can use the necklaces with other outfits. That is always fun.  My total for 3 tops with necklaces and a bag was under $70.  I was able to pair with items already in my closet and make 3 looks.  All tops were found in their plus size section.  Here are some bargain hunting tips as well:

Bargain Hunting Tips

  • Classic prints = Expensive look:  No matter how much I pay for something, I always want it to look expensive.  I stick to classic prints like this gingham top and the chevron. Other prints you can look for are stripes, plaid, and polka dots.  
  • Nude = Expensive look: I chose the backpack, because the white/nude combo looked chic and expensive.  Neutral tones to look for are beige, blush, and taupe. 
  • Choose cheap tops to upgrade your flare skirts with.  Pair them perfectly and they could look like a dress instead of two pieces, which will get  more wear out of your skirts. 





Thank you Ross for sponsoring this post.

Casual + Chic

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Plus size chambray shirt outfit
When I'm putting together a casual looking, my goals are comfort, cute, and it doesn't always include pants.  Denim will always give off a casual feel, so I took this Foxcroft denim shirt and shopped my closet for a leopard skirt (super old from JIBRI).  Denim shirts are a closet basic that I recommend for anyone's closet.  They pair great with just about anything or any color, but they also give you an option for dressing down an outfit, but in a super chic way.  I channeled my inner RiRi by unbuttoning the shirt low and adding in a chain necklace. 

Style Notes: My favorite thing about this shirt was that it was cut a little different from you traditional chambray denim shirt.  It was a short sleeve, and the sleeves are in a wing style, which gives a slouch/oversized lay on the body.  That design creates a look that looks effortless.  I ordered a 22 in the shirt, because I wanted a looser fit.  The skirt is JIBRI it is one of the first pieces I purchased probably six plus years ago, but you can easily sub in your leopard pencil skirt from your own closet.  Finally, get 20% off of your Foxcroft purchase by using the code FXGARNER (excludes jeans). 
Plus size chambray shirt outfit

Plus size chambray shirt outfit
Top: Foxcroft, Skirt - JIBRI (super old, but similar), Shoes: Lane Bryant (old), Lip:  NYX Razzle, Necklace: Ross, Belt: Micheal Kors

Thank you Foxcroft for sponsoring this post. 

Amber Riley at theCURVYcon!!!

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Some of you heard via my social media that Amber Riley is going to be theCURVYcon's keynote speaker, but I wanted to do an official post to announce it.  We surveyed you guys and asked who you wanted to see at theCURVYcon and Amber Riley was at the top of the list.  We are so excited to have her, and I've never met her before, so from a personal place, I am just so excited.  I'm going to try to keep it together, so I don't "fangirl" out. LOL. 


TheCURVYcon will be a one day conference where you can shop your favorite online brands in person and actually try clothes on, you can sit in on panels from your favorite plus size bloggers, YouTubers and Celebrities as we have real conversations on confidence, dating, fitness, fashion and everything in between!
Amber Riley will be a part of that as she joins our powerhouse group of speakers including GRAMMY® nominated gospel artist Kierra Sheard, and many top plus size bloggers and YouTubers, including Gabi Gregg, Nadia Aboulhosn, Crissle West, Amanda Allison, Chante Burkett, Essie Golden, CeCe Olisa, Chastity Garner Valentine (that’s me!) and many more…
So many of you already have plane tickets, hotels booked and now we’re just counting the days until we’re all together!
If you don’t have your tickets yet, order them here.

Just Beachy

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I got a much need vacation in Miami this past week. I was able to relax, get some sun, and sit by the ocean.  The first full day I was there I pair two AVA & VIV items together for a beach friendly look.  I took the chevron printed beach top and paired it with black high waist bottoms that I already owned and wore the printed palazzo pants as a coverup.  If you've noticed, I've been letting my hair go in it's natural curly state.  Miami is super humid, and there is no point in having a blow out on the beach.

Style Notes:  This AVA & VIV bikini top runs small in the bust.  I'm a C/D cup and had I been a half a cup bigger I would have been pouring out of this top.  The fit is the small busted plus size girl.  I am wearing the top in a size 18.  The palazzo pants ran big. I'm wearing the 4X in the pants.  My bottoms are from Lane Bryant that I purchased a few years ago and have been a favorite bikini bottom of mine.  They come up nice and high. 

Hair Notes:  A lot of you asked me about my hair during Miami.  I've been wearing the blowouts for a while, but my hair isn't straight.  I'm naturally curly.  I wash, put in moisturizer, blow dry my hair to a  damp state, let air dry, and then add in moisturizer.  It gives my curls a fluffier look.  If I just let air dry my curls will be more compact. 

Swim Top | Swim Bottoms - Lane Bryant | Pants | Bag (Sold Out) | Lip

This post was sponsored by Target.

Vintage Dots

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Plus size polka dot dress, plus size Vintage

I finally got to pull out this vintage find.  Some of you saw me ask the question, "Collar up or down?" on Facebook.  Finding this dress makes me wish I had more time for vintage/thrift shopping.  This dress is adorable, and I ended up wearing to a meeting I had earlier that day. This dress also came with sleeves. I, every so gently, cut them off. LOL. I would normally have my tailor make it sleeveless for me, but the shoulder covering made it so the raw edges wouldn't be visible. I'm never afraid to bring out the scissors on my clothing when I can improve the garment for me. 

Style Notes: When I'm shopping vintage, I always have a lot of luck with shirt dresses.  Now, I usually do have to ditch the sleeves, because they are too tight.  Vintage shopping can be a bit of a pain because not a lot of plus size clothes existed 50+ years ago, especially options that you would want to wear.  My vintage pieces are limited, but the ones I do have, I do love. It's definitely worth the look.  I did purchase this dress from an online vintage shop. 
Plus size polka dot dress, plus size Vintage

Plus size polka dot dress, plus size Vintage

Plus size polka dot dress, plus size Vintage
Dress - Etsy. Shoes - Lane Bryant, Bag - Ross, Sunnies - Thrifted (similar), Necklace - My Bigcartel (sold out), Belt: Micheal Kors

Mother's Day Giveaway!

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May is a mom centered month for me.  It's not only Mother's Day, but my Mom's birthday is on May 1st and my parent's anniversary is on May 12th.  I lived in the Bay for about two years now, and my mom had yet to come visit.  Foxcroft was able to make a couple special things happen.  The first is that she got to come do a very special post with me, I got to style my mom in the super comfy and fab Foxcroft shirts, and I got to see my Mom in action with her photography. She's had a photography hobby for a while now, but I've never had a chance to see her in action since I haven't lived in Georgia for a while now.  The result is these beautiful nature photos of spots in the Berkeley Botanical Gardens.  If you've never had a chance to visit, you should put it on your list.  There are some beautiful spots, and I plan to visit again when my shoes are more practical. 

I was so happy to have my Mom help me with this post. She's taught me so much over the years, but I attribute my strength and independence from her.  She instilled in me from a very early age constantly that you don't want to depend on another person for anything, to get an education, and that she wasn't taking care of no babies if I got pregnant. I'm still scared to get pregnant at the ripe old age of 34. Good job Mom!  LOL.

Style Notes: My shirts are in a size 22W and my mom's are in a size 16W.  I order mine a size bigger for hip accommodation.  A lot of the shirts don't have stretch, but the tailoring of the shirts is so dead on that you don't really need stretch in the shirts. 

Giveaway Info:  Foxcroft is also doing a great giveaway where 3 of you will win a shirt for yourself and your mom. You can enter on the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of the post.  If you'd like to order and get it in by Mother's Day, you can use the code: FREESHIP.  Once your shopping cart is complete enter the code FREESHIP in the promotion code box. Next, after proceeding to checkout, make sure to select Second Day Air which will now include no additional cost.  Good Luck! 



Mom's Photography


Mom's Photography




Mom's Photograpy

Mom's Shirt | My Shirt | Mom's Jeans | My Pants (similar) | Mom's Shoes - Target (in-store) | My Shoes



The Art of Dressing Well: Looking Past Models & Styling

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I've been blessed with the ability to look past models that who don't resemble my size or body type and bland styling, which has allowed to find fabulous items and pick out some of the best items that plus fashion has to offer.  Through countless comments, I have seen people totally discount whole clothing lines just because the presentation of the pieces weren't to their liking and in the same breath say they can't find plus size clothing.  Personally speaking, the days of not having ample plus size fashion options are fleeting fast.   I have been able to dictate exactly how I want to look through plus size fashion, and I have a whole blog to prove it.  So the question remains, why can't you find the items you want and what can you do to change that?  

How to look past bland styling?

  • A classic piece is a classic piece - Meaning that no matter how terrible the styling is, the piece is still is a closet staple that can be used to make great looks.  For instance, take a black skirt, I have seen black skirts ruined online by lackluster styling and a bad fit, BUT at the end of the day, it's a black skirt. Looking past the model, and onto the skirt you would just need to gage length (the description usually gives you that) and fit. 
  • Don't judge every piece by the majority of the pieces you don't like - I can dislike 49 pieces in a line, but like the 50th piece.  I will purchase the 50th piece because I'm not going to hold the one piece accountable for the 49 pieces I don't like.  If I can shop and like 1 - 3 pieces, then it's a successful, in my eyes.  I don't want all of my wardrobe to come from one place AND because I only like to buy things that I love, I usually don't like to buy more than 2 pieces from one spot at one particular time. For me, putting together great plus size looks is about taking a piece from various places and putting a look together.  I'm not expecting to shop for everything all in one place.  
  • Plus size clothing doesn't have hanger appeal.  I have seen some of the most beautiful plus size clothing on a hanger and it looks just awful, but then you try it on and it comes to life.  When shopping online or in-store give things a chance to be tried on.  (FYI, DIA & Co is a service that will allow you to try before you buy).
  • Classic prints make for a great item.  A great classic print is an excellent starting point to finding an item you love.  Seek out stripes, tartan, plaid, houndstooth, and polka dots. 
How to look past models?

(This is not a dig at the models, but as many of you have said, it can be hard to look at a model who is on the small end of plus and dictate what the garment will look like you).

  • Know what type of silhouettes look good on you already. I know fit/flare & pencil skirts at a midi length look great on me. I automatically know when I see those that will be something that I will gravitate to.  Because I know this is a great item for me, I'm not looking at the mannequin, model, air mannequin, or bad styling.  I just need it to be a print or color that I like. 
  • Seek out a blogger with a similar body type. I appreciate all the support you guys give me, but I want you to check out other bloggers if they are going to help you with your dressing needs (but make sure you still come back over here LOL). I've had people say to me that they want me to show things on apple body types. Since this is a personal style in terms of body type. Here are some below: 
  • Just don't look - I haven't looked at a model since 1967. HA! Just kidding, but when I'm shopping online, I'm looking at the clothes.  I'm not comparing my body type to hers...I'm just thinking about how the item will look on me. 




Maxi-mum

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Some days you just throw on a maxi dress, relax and live your life.  That's what I did today.  My dress was catching wind and giving me a nice little breeze.  This dress hit me right at the ankles, even though the wind blowing makes it look shorter.  I am 5'9 and got a size 20. You can find it here. I keep this look very clean, natural, and simple.  Comfort at it's best.

Floppy, Casual, Cool

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Plus Size Spring Outfit
A lot of you have asked why I tuck my shirts in. For me, I like to create clean lines, and I like the way it looks.  Tucking is optional, especially on a look like this. You can wear the top in or out, but it looks chic both ways.  I think it's always important as you are looking to blogs for style inspiration that you interpret the look that works best for you, your body, and your comfort zone. I've had so many readers "dupe" my looks. I love it, but what I love most is how people work things for what works for them.   For myself, when I am checking out magazines or doing my celebrity style capture, I use the celebs as inspiration, but I interpret the look in a way that I think looks best on me.  

Style Notes: The lipstick color I'm wearing is Pink Nouveau by MAC.  I ordered a size 18 in the top. ASOS does tend to run big, but something like this I would want to fit blouse, so I didn't size down.  The shoes are from Lane Bryant.  I'm wearing an 11. Their shoes are wide and the zip around the ankle is pretty generous.  I was able to zip all the way up on my left foot and most the way on my right (the right side of my body has always been a little bigger).  The bag is from TJMaxx and it was purchased in the store. 
Plus Size Spring Outfit

Plus Size Spring Outfit

Plus Size Spring Outfit

Plus Size Spring Outfit

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