I'm a Betty Draper

This past Sunday I went to the Mad Men premier at the Angelika Theater.  Angelika always does fun things like this and best of all they generally are FREE!  They also had tasty Mad Men themed cocktails.  I did dress with the theme and brought out this oldie, but goodie.  This shirt dress is from the Isaac Mizrahi for Target Collection.  I've had this dress longer than I've been with my husband.  I think it's about 6-7 years old.   I think I paid all of $20 for it.  I have said it once and I'll say it again, Isaac Mizrahi did the BEST collection for Target ever in the history!  I wish he would come back.  

Anyways, I am a huge fan of the show.  I actually watched five seasons on Netflix for you streamers. I can't wait to see what happens in the season. 

Outfit Logistics:  Dress - Isaac Mizrahi for Target $20, Necklace - Liz Claiborne - $12, Clutch - Jason Wu for Target $40, Shoes - Nordstrom Rack $35, Belt - Target $13

Where's Waldo?

This might be my dry sense of humor, but this is so funny to me.  I have learned to laugh a lot at my own jokes a lot over the years, just so I make sure that I don't take myself too seriously.  Getting dressed I thought, "I look like Where's Waldo, but I like it."   

I bought this top and it's actually supposed to be a dress, so it hugs the body.  Now that I am looking at the pictures, this top is so fitted that it's picking up the bulk of the belt around my waist. The belt is for functional purposes, to keep my pants for slipping down.  I guess I'm feeling like this didn't translate well in pictures.  I wore it, loved it, got compliments all day, but then I look at it in the picture and I'm like, "ugh! midsection mistake." I guess that's why Cher Horowitz says she does not trust mirrors.  

Outfit Logistics:  Top - Ruche $37, Jeggings - Ashley Stewart $30, Flats - Steve Madden via Nordstrom Rack, Scarf - $20 Nordstrom Rack, 

Celebrity Style Capture: Nikki Minaj

I saw Nikki Minaj in this particular outfit and said to myself, "Did she steal one of my high waist skirts?" LOL!  Knowing that I was getting an orange high waist skirt I went and snagged this cropped sweater top from Forever 21 for the cool 16 bucks.  Since the Dolce & Gabbana Spring release of it's bra tops I have been obsessed (literally) with crop & bra tops. With loving them also rushes in the fear of, "Can I really pull this off?" I think of all the strikes against me for such a look.  Strike 1:  I'm plus size ~ Never stopped me before.  Strike 2:  Im over 30 ~ has stopped me before Strike 3:  Can I even find one that fits? 

My issues with cropped tops not only encompass the strikes above, but also having me battling with my own "lady like" style.  How does one wear a shirt that is only half there and wear it in the most tasteful, stylish, and lady like fashion?  Then I come across this article in my latest installment of Elle Magazine.  Crop Rotation, by Amanda FitzSimons, divulges the author's fear, allure , and her triumph in sporting the look.  This was only further confirmation for me.    

For me trying to accomplish this look anything high waist goes.  I don't want to show a whole bunch of skin, just a little bit.  I want the look to be as flattering as possible and don't want to hang out ANYWHERE.  All of these things I want to happen and the laws of fashion, style, & flattery are against me.  In my mind, they are always against me, so why not prove them wrong...again.  

Outfit Logistics:  Top:  Forever 21 $15 (similar), Skirt - JIBRI $120, Sandals - Talbots $16, Bracelet - Vince Camuto via TJMaxx $30

Would you be wear such a piece?  

Nautical L♥ve

I love nautical looks almost as much as I love leopard.  The crispness of the colors blue, red, green, and sometimes yellow together just make me feel all warm inside.  If I had it my way I would live in these two looks.  Something about looking like a walking boat everyday prevents me from doing such a thing.  The weather in Dallas is perfect for an outfit like this. I actually wore this today to do some errands and I felt so "easy breezy."  

Just a note:  If you are thinking of purchasing this skirt, I'll let you in on the sizing.  My waist is now 39 inches  and it's a tight fit.  I ordered the XL.

Outfit Logistics: Top - H&M $24, Skirt - Shabby Apple $72, Shoes - $13 Ebay, Bag - Ted Baker $238, Watch - Michael Kors $250, Scarf - Ann Taylor  $20 (similar), Sunglasses - Chanel $230 via Neimans, Belt - Target $13 

Photo Credit: Aeneas Ford

I've come to realize that I hold on to a lot of things and they seem to sell out by the time I wear them. Here are some options available now.  I did them on a look for less scale ;).

1. Short-Sleeve Shirred Fashion Top - Green 2 $20.00
2. Maxi Skirt $60 via Eloquii
3. Scarf $16 via Modcloth
4. Shoes - Christian Michaels $45
5. Sunglasses - $20 
6. Watch - Asos $62
7. Bag - via Etsy $25

White Hot!

Nothing says spring more than white.   I hear a lot of women steer clear of white for the fear of looking larger. I find that to be a bogus reason to avoid a color.  My philosophy is that I will look my size no matter what color I wear.  Anyways, would you believe I  have had these pant for 4 years. I bought them, but couldn't fit them.  I dropped a few pounds and wah lah! 

Outfit Logistics:  Top - Shop Ruche $33, Pants - Talbots $95, Clutch - Jason Wu $40 (similar), Shoes - Steve Madden - $40 (similar), Necklace - girfted, Scarf - Banana Republic $25 (similar), Watch - Michael Kors $250, Bangs - Jessica Simpson $30

Photo Credit: Aeneas Ford

I came across this Shop Ruche, which I thought you would be interested in.  It's an all inclusive boutique that carries plus size.  Whoever the buyer is does a great job with the selections and tres' economical price points.  

Random thought:  Anytime I see someone in something white and chic I think of this line from Pretty in Pink.

Blaine: can you tell me what you think of this?

Andy: Lawerance Welk

Quote: Oh it's hot... white hot!! 

I love this line even though I'm still not exactly sure what she meant by white hot -- I just assumed if something was white and it was hot..it was white hot...LOL.

Tangerine Dreams

It is really all or none with me.  I think I have one top that is orange, but now that it's being seen everyone I have made several tangerine purchases.  Darn those subliminal messages.  Anyways, this post actually is giving me a chance to review a piece from Eloquii.  This is the first piece that I have purchased.  I love this dress in particular. It's easy to wear and make for a great spring/summer frock.  It's good quality, pretty much what you would expect from any major retailer.  The fit of this dress is on the large size.  The lining and be a bit snug, but I always cut out the lining of garments.  They just end up being constricting and unflattering.  I ordered a size 20. I could have easily ordered one size down.  I always order big for fit purposes, because I can always go to the tailor.    

Photo Credit:  Aeneas Ford

Outfit Logistics:  Dress:  Eloquii $98, Shoes - Target via Ebay $12, Bag - Ted Baker $238, Glasses - Ted Lapidus Vintage, Bracelet - H&M $8

The only thing I that I didn't like about the dress was that the back was supposed to have a bow on the back at the nape of the neck, but there are just buttons.  

Spring Forward

A few weeks ago I got shoot some of my spring looks.  I've been ordering so many pieces for the season.  I like to get everything early, so I can start to formulate what I want to look like for the season.  I am not sure if that makes sense, but in my head it does.   

Outfit Logistics:  Top - H&M $24, Skirt - Asos $40, Necklace - Liz Claiborne, Watch - Michael Kors  $250, Belt - Target $13, Shoes (I have no idea)

Anyways, I do want to touch on the fit of Asos, since it seems like I've been getting a lot of fit questions about the Curve Brand.  Lately a lot of the items that I have been ordering have been running big.  I've been tailoring down the waist on everything, but that is normal for me.   The last two items I ordered, including this skirt, I probably could have ordered a size down.  But the awesome thing is Asos has free returns and free shipping, so you don't lose any of your shipping monies.  I hope this helps with some of your fit questions.  

So why did no one tell me that time changed.  Yall are supposed to be my friends.  I walked around all day confused.  I will need yall to do better!!! I didn't figure out time change until about 3pm today. :(

 Photo Credit:  Aeneas Ford 

New Jersey Full Figured Fashion Week

Some of you have seen my tweets involving New Jersey Full Figured Fashion Week.  First and foremost this event has definitely brought their A game, with a list of celebs a mile long, 

Grammy winning artists, and of course fabulous fashion, this event guarantees promises a good time! All of this brought to you in a exciting little town called Atlantic City.  Guest performances will include the fabulous Melanie Fiona and Eric Benet.  Celebrity Guests include my favorite "keep it real girl" Tami Roman of the  Basketball Wives, MTV reality show star Chelsea Settles, America's Top Model Toccara, and Lamman Rucker from "Why Did I get Married.  Literally this list of guest celebs goes on and on.  The event takes place March 30th - April 1st.  There is so much fun to be had.  You can purchase tickets, view the event schedule, and get any info you need at www.njfffweek.com.  See you there. 

JIBRI SPRING 2012

Oh WOW! It is such a gloomy day here in Dallas and this was what I needed for a "pick me up".  JIBRI Spring 2012 Collection is such a burst of fresh air.  Everything looks so young and vibrant.  I love it!!!

I know Ill be ordering the tangerine skirt, the striped shirt, and maybe one of those tropical dresses.  I can't wait to see what else she has coming out.  Pieces are already up on the JIBRI Etsy Page. What are you favorite pieces?

Side question:  Am I wrong for wanting to wear these pieces while wearing a fruit hat while in the islands?  I can so see it! 

Designer to Watch: Melissa Lawson

I came across this line today through by Melissa Lawson.  Melissa's line looks very Judy Jetson.  I'm loving the space age inspiration.     This is definitely a different take on plus size fashion.  

You can find this designer's pieces on her etsy shop.  I, personally, would love to see how this designer develops in the future.  What do you think of her line?

Channeling my Inner Michelle Obama

I couldn't let my fresh salon hair go to waste, so I decide the hubby and I should go to a weekday dinner.  Since March 1st has passed it's already spring in my head and all bright colors are free game.  After getting dressed I felt very Michelle.  So what should one do but throw on the presidential pearls.  

The first lady loves her tailored pencil skirts, as do I.  With this skirt, I had the slit closed and the waist taken in for the perfect fit.  As I take a break from trendy, it's always nice to go back to the "lady like" look.  

Outfit Logistics:  Top - Kiyonna $64, Skirt - Asos $53, Bag - Ted Baker $235 (gifted from hubby for V-Day),  Pearls - $60, Shoes - IDK (I forgot) $30

Look at that wind action she is getting through her tresses too...LOL.

CONFESSIONS: Bra Power

I have to confess something to you guys.  I have not been following my own rules.  I am a big supporter of having on a great foundation, but I neglected one of the most important foundations that we all must wear on a daily basis...the bra.  I buy bras all the time, but to me because of me being small busted, it was an after thought.  I would do my usual bra shopping every six months at the local Lane Bryant and go on about my life.  The crazy thing is that I would send my clients to Intimacy.  A large portion of my clients are bustier than I and so lack of support is more obvious than it is on a woman with a smaller bust.  I have recommended Intimacy to clients, because I have seen what it has done for family and friends.  I have heard people rave about their products.  Yesterday, I was with a client and I was, once again, recommending Intimacy.  I then said to myself, "I recommend this all the time, but I haven't actually went through the process."  Well I did it and I must say, in the words of my sister, "IT WAS LIFE CHANGING."  I literally went with the first two bras I tried on.  

I feel the new bra lifted and gave a more desirable shape.

I couldn't put my finger on why my breasts weren't sitting up as high as they should be.  My bras were all relatively new. I had been wearing the size that I always wear.  I took care of my bras through delicate wash/hand washing.   Well it was a me wearing the wrong size.  My usual bra size was a 40C.  Intimacy bras are done in European sizes, but I ended up in a 36F.  I'm not sure how that is even possible, but that's the size.

 Pros/Cons of Intimacy

Cons 

• I spent $200 on 2 bras.  This is a far cry from the $40 bras I usually buy.  
• Although the bra assistants are very nice, it does not prepare you for the groping scene in the dressing room.  Your bra expert will help you get into the bra, will move you breasts into position, and can possibly see one of your nipples.  This all without wine, music, or a movie.  I don't consider myself super modest, but even I wasn't prepared for this.
• If you are not used to taking care of your bras then you better get up to speed quickly. The bras require a special soap, a lingerie bag, and either delicate cycle or hand washing.  A cute little cleaning kit, includes soap & lingerie bag, is offered for $10 at Intimacy.  Personally, ruining $200 worth of bras in the washer is not an option for me.  
• I heard it can get really busy in the store and you may have to wait for a bra expert. They do however have a link on their website where you can make an appointment.  

Pros

• Awesome liftoff of the girls!
• With your breasts in the right place, it can make you look like you've lost up to 20llbs. 
• With the right bra size, you can actually shift the underarm fat in the breast cup.  Told to me by my bra expert, she said it can take 1 - 2 years to accomplish this. 
• Plus sizes are welcome!
• Some of the prettiest bras available in all sizes.  I hate the ugly bras.  

I know this post was really wordy, but I wanted to let you know about my great find.  I've had so many bra companies try to get me to promote their products, but I just happened into Intimacy and they are the ones I fell in love with.