Maxin & Relaxin

While trying to get through this whole moving process, I have really been in casual and comfy mode with the my attire.  Sunday Brunch yesterday included a gifted dress from Rachel Pally.  My husband loved this dress. I thinks he likes to see me be more relaxed like he is..LOL.  Anyways, I'm hoping to get back to regular me by next week.  I thought I'd share a few of my notations on the Bay area so far. 

Things I've learned about California so far:

• Gnats and mosquitoes vacation here. 
• I live around the corner from Samsung, but my Galaxy S3 won't get a signal to save my life
• Calories are listed on every single item in every restaurant - which just makes you want to ditch eating all together - It should be a punishable offense to list the calories at Cold Stone Creamery. 
• Steve Jobs (RIP) used to live here, I just know it
• People walk a lot here.
• I am at the mercy at nail shops, if they don't feel like doing something then they won't - No polish changes for me.
• People swim when it's cold outside -- for real. I see them at the pool and I'm wearing a jacket.
• Safeway is wayyyy too expensive.  Everything you pick up is $5.  I was fooled, it sounded cheap.  I may have to end my strike against Walmart.
• Gas is almost $5/gallon. BLASPHEMY! (No wonder everybody is walking)
• Everybody here is an engineer, which makes everyone smarter than me.  I don't know how I feel about this (as I shamefully shove my liberal arts masters in a deep dark corner of my closet.  No need to further embarrass myself).  

Style Note:  Sometimes looks like these can make people feel too dressed up.  Adding a denim jacket on top of maxis, long skirt, and dresses in general can help you feel more casual, but still put together.  I wore this to brunch, but then threw a denim jacket on and took wore it to the grocery store.  Sidenote:  Denim jackets are great items to thrift, if you are looking for a budget friendly option.  Don't be afraid to visit the men's section for one, as well.  

Outfit:  Dress - RachelPally, Jacket - similar, Sandals - Talbots

Rue107 for Plus Sizes

I saw a photo of a person a follow on Instagram in these swimsuits and thought is Rue107 offering plus sizes?  I've been involved in my own life, but then a reader sent me the link to the Stylish Curves blog on these pieces.  I thought, I've got to blog, I've been waiting for Rue107 to extend their sizes.  I know a lot of plus girls that could work their XL have been, because I've seen the photos over Tumblr.  Brava to Rue107. I've been looking at their pieces for over a year now and they are absolutely the perfect party girl pieces.  On top of everything, there are fatkinis galore...LOL.  Sizes go up to a 3X and prices are generally all under $100.  One of those fatkinis have my name all over it.  Happy Shopping!

 

Moving Woes

So I've arrived in California and have been having the most horrific time so far.  My husband and I contracted with Green Van Lines, to move our stuff.  They came and picked up last Wednesday, now it's Friday and we are finally getting our things.   We paid a pretty hefty penny to have our items packed and shipped, so please excuse me if I expect them to exceed or at least meet the expectations they set.  Well they missed their ETA, because of a mechanical issue with the truck.  How exactly this is my problem I don't know.  At the very least I expect the company to have working trucks, it's a moving company right?!?   So besides having slept on an air mattress for the last 5 days, why am I irritated?  Hmmm, my husband starts Monday and took an additional week off to help unpack and relax before he starts his job.  That's out the flipping window.  I've been wearing the same 2 outfits for 7 days now, did I mention the air mattress that not only hurts my back, but make me sweat, and to add insult to injury I've been without internet because the cable company won't connect the cable and internet without having anything to connect to.   Top it all off with have a terrible phone signal which may cause me to break up with Sprint after 10 years.   I tell you one thing, we will probably move again and I will not be using this  Green Van Lines again for our next move.   My irritation with moving process is this, you get quotes on moving your apartment and these companies literally hound you every waking moment of every day until you decide what company to go with.  Of course they will promise you the world and tell you how reliable and fantastic they are while they are getting your money from you.  Then when it comes to finishing the job, they hand you a bunch of excuses.  You know these people had the nerve to tell me there was nothing they could do.  Well I could have saved my chunk of change and packed my own crap.  Note: If this was a regular conversation I have some extremely harsh language!   (I hope I don't sound like some brat with first world problems, but I mad as hell.)

Yes, I love my dress, but I'm sure if you can see the irritation on my face through these pictures.   JIBRI hooked me up with this fabulous dress for Miami.  I traveled with it for my nights in Vegas and anything I would have to that I may need a dress for upon arrival.  I'm actually looking into some job opportunities and thought this was could be a fab interview dress or a night time dress depending on the shoes.  

***Update:  My husbands TV was shattered from the inside.  The reason for the having GreenVanLines pack up our apartment was just to make sure his TVs were packed correctly.  He loves those TVs.  So irritated!!!

Outfit:  Dress - JIBRI, Shoes - JCPenney, Belt - Michael Kors

MonifC Global Chic

Can I just say that this peplum romper is insane!!!  This romper is perfect for the rectangle and upside down triangle body types. How I wish this would work for me?!?   Unfortunately, my hips are bigger than her largest size in the non-stretch items.  I'm loving that the plus size designers are releasing multiple collections throughout the season.  It keeps up lots of fabulous options.  Anyways, what do you think?  My favorite, of course, is the the peplum romper.  Which is yours? You can find the collection here.  

Designer to Watch: Reco Chapple

Oh my gosh, I feel like I've fallen off of the face of the earth for two weeks.  We've finally moved and are in Santa Clara, CA and living in the San Jose area right at the heart of Silicon Valley.  I'll talk about that a little bit more later, but I want to get into this "Designer to Watch" post.  

Reco Chapple is best known as being one of the finalists on Bravo's, The Fashion Show.  He's been a designer on the Atlanta scene for years and has worked with some of Atlanta's most notable celebrities including Stacy Dash, RHOA cast member Kandi Buress, and Toni Braxton.  He's newer to the plus size scene, because within the last year he's extended his sizes to go up to XXL.  Now I know yall think oh a XXL that's it, but his plus size design is strictly bodycon items. Who doesn't love a bodycon dress?!   Me, personally, I would order a XXL with no issues just because I know it's stretchy.  I'm loving the length on these dresses. These dresses run about $80, so they are pocket friendly.  You can find these dresses here. 

I'm digging the black and white leopard.  Which one is your favorite?

Summer Shapewear

I'm always getting questions on my shapewear and what I'm wearing underneath.  As summer is coming up and my travel plans start to heat up I'm definitely thinking about what will get me through.  I need something that in a way that is comfortable and has breathe-ability.  The warmer months generally encompass garments are are flowy, light, and airy.    I was recently sent a piece of shapewear from Full Beauty. When it came it and I tried it on, I was thinking this is a little too comfortable to give me the hold that I need, but as my trips came up I gave it a whirl.  I wear Spanx all the time, but that double layer thing they do doesn't allow much air to get through.  I often opt out of my shapewear while in the airport, but I actually wore this under my maxis while flying and I barely even felt it to be there.  I wore the piece above with every outfit on my last two trips and it worked out magnificently.   

This shapewear is perfect for loose fitting items, such as maxi dresses, baggy pants, flare skirts.  Some might ask, why would you wear shapewear under baggy items.  Well, the jumpsuit I recently wore was white, I needed something to drown out panty lines and the actual color of my undies.   I also wear them underneath the flare skirts and maxis for a couple of reasons.  One, I hate for my thighs to touch. It's uncomfortable and can cause skin irritation. Wearing a biker short-like shapewear and I dab a little Secret deodorant in the thigh area and it eliminates all that.   Another thing is I know that am amply stacked in the back.  I don't like the thought of me jiggly all over the place like soft cooked eggs at breakfast.  Just moving every which-a-way.  (This was ingrained in me from my mother).  So I wear light foundation to keep the jiggle in check.  

Note:  I want to note that this is not heavy duty foundation it does have some hold, but I think it works best under the less fitting items.  This is definitely what I would call an daytime foundation.  Great for when you going about your daily routine.  I need a new nighttime piece.  I'll let you know when I find one. 

**Hey yall, I'm in a moving process, so please forgive any slow posting.  :)

Plus Size Runway

I'm covering a lot in this post, so just bear with me.  I saw this jumpsuit from the Alexandre Vauthier Collection months ago and immediately thought of JIBRI.  I knew I had to have this look.  This has been a signature jumpsuit of this designer for years now.  I hear a lot of women complain that no one is doing fashion forward items for plus sizes.  Well here is the perfect example of a plus size designer giving you killer runway fashion in your size at a reasonable price and before anyone else did it. Believe me the Alexandre Vauthier carries a hefty price tag of 1K plus.   I hear complaints of higher end plus size designer's pieces being overpriced, but I personally feel lucky to be a plus size girl.  Try walking into Prada and buying a dress for under $800.  I know I wouldn't be able to afford those prices.  I've bought some of the most beautiful clothing that I know I should have costed way more than I paid.  Example, the Kitty from JIBRI and a hand embroidered pencil skirt from Rue 114 would have easily gone for over 1K in any major department store. I wore this the the Curls, Curves, & Cocktails event and heard the panelists talk about supporting those that support you.  I hear so many get complaintS about prices, but no one complains about Louis Vuitton's prices.  They accept it and either covet the item and say they can't afford it or save up to buy one.  No says that the item is not worth it, but when it comes to plus size clothing the same courtesy isn't given.  Note that we need designers with creative abilities to drive the industry forward. What would happen a JIBRI or a MonifC went out of business?  At this point those are our Gucci, Prada, and Louis.  Just food for thought.  

So I'm in San Jose/San Francisco area looking for housing.  In case you missed this point, I will be moving to the area in less than 2 weeks.  (Just know I'm livin' la vida loca right now and not in a good way.)  I figured out when I got to the airport that I forgot my camera.  So you already know these pics are gonna be gorilla style.  Through the grueling process of looking for place to live, because who knew it was a competition to find a place to live, I got to attend the Curls, Curves, and Cocktails event thrown by The Curvy Fashionista and Natural Selection.  The event was panel discussion of the industry's experts on hair, makeup, and plus fashion.  Panelists included Yuliya Racquel from Igigi, Chenese Lewis, and owner of LAMIK makeup line (...and youngest African American woman to have her line carried in a major department store, I might add).  It was a nice break from the home searching process.   I got to have dinner with the panelists, most of whom I've met before and let me just say meeting so many fun people that will be living in the same area takes some of the edge out of moving across the country.  

Running out to California was a last minute decision.  I just got back from Miami and was over traveling, packing, and the whole bit.  Rachel Pally gifted me some fabulous maxi dresses that have been my savior this trip.  Easy to pack, the fabric doesn't wrinkle, comfortable, and above all else, stylish.  I'm about life!  These dresses are resort wear at it's best.  I wish I would have had these in Miami.  

Photo Credit - Tastytopia

Outfit:  Jumpsuit - JIBRI, Muliticolor Maxi - Rachel Pally, Black/White Maxi - Rachel Pally, Shoes: Payless, Necklace - Marc Jacobs

World Famos Khatu

I know a lot of you saw this outfit on Instagram and Facebook as I purchased this specifically for my Miami vacay.  I actually pre-shot this with Los Angeles based fashion photographer, Famos of World Famos.  I was even the first female "model" he has ever shot with.  I'm totally in love with work and had so much fun shooting with him.  You know I love a twinsey, so I added in a couple more ways that you could break up the combo.  

I know yall have been wanting to know the answer to the big question.  Where did this come from?  Well a few months ago I on Instagram, one of my favorite sraight size fashion bloggers to follow, Ivonne Stacey, posted a photo of this outfit on her Instagram.  It turns out that this was blogger, I am Khatu's, amazing work.  I'm telling you, you never know if you can get something unless you ask.  I was a little nervous about asking her to duplicate this look in my size, because I wasn't straight size and I knew my measurements may be a little difficult to work with.  Khatu and I are totally on opposite ends of the size spectrum in size, height, body weight, and body type.  I have also had experience where the designer won't make something over a certain size and has declined my sale.  This wasn't the case.  She was super sweet and easy to work with and the turnaround time was really quick.  She requested about 8 different measurements from me.   She sent over a picture diagram of what measurements to take. It couldn't have fit more perfect.  I was so excited to wear and had to wait almost two whole months until I took my vacation and the weather was warm enough.  Yes I have had this for almost two months!  My number one rule is never wait to the last minute to plan your looks for an upcoming event.   

Note:  This is a full custom job.  From the length of the breast cups to the length of the skirt.  You will have to provide 8 - 10  different measurements.  You may want to have a friend help you.  These pieces have NO stretch or give.  The measurement you put down is what you will get.  If you plan on wearing a bra (I am not), then take your bust related measurements with the bra on.  You can also decide on whether to have the back closed  (see instagram picture below).  My back was closed.  I actually used this top as a swimwear top while in Miami.  It was warm, but that water was freezing.  I had to plans to put more than my toes in.  

Update* This is an older post and the black and white look is gone, but find a similar look here. 

Outfit:  Twinsey - Khatu Etsy, Pants - Macys, Skirt - Nordstrom, Blazer - Macys Similar, Shoe 1 - Payless, Shoe 2 - Guess (similar), Shoe 3 - Jeffery Campbell (similar), Bun - Asos, Earrings - Roman Luxe

Keep up with what new looks from I am Khatu via Instagram

The Beacon

I definitely wanted to review that hotel that I stayed at.  From my personal experience, Miami South Beach hotels are either really good or really bad.  I've stayed in bad before and I just thank God I didn't end up with some kind of rash.  The Beacon, on the other hand, was very good.  It was an adorable hotel, it had an attentive staff.   I mean they knew your name and they really paid attention to who was "supposed to be" in the hotel and who wasn't.  I would like to note that the rooms are very New York Style in that they are very small and the bathroom, although very nice and pretty, will give you claustrophobia.  I also stayed one night at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Miami, which was regular size and conducive with all other Hyatt Recency's I've stayed at.  My assumption is that they built the rooms small and compact, so they could fit as many tourists in as possible.  Anyways, The Beacon is on Ocean Dr and very much in the middle of everything.  It was clean, had nice soft and cushy beds, and the decor was beautiful.  We spent $400/night to stay, but it was a popular weekend and we booked at the last minute.  My guess if you book in advance, you probably could get between $200 - $300/night.  I can't really think of any negatives, but probably because I wasn't every at the hotel that long.  I also had some packages delivered to the hotel before I even got there and they held them for me with no issues. Overall, I give this hotel two thumbs up and I would definitely stay again.  

Note:  The JIBRI outfit is two pieces.  It's a little hard to tell.  She offers a mini length and a long length in all of the high waist flare skirts. I just like mine long.  

Outfit:  Bra Top - JIBRI, Skirt - JIBRI, Belt - Arden B, Shoes - Aldo (similar)

 Due to my "non knowing" how to use a camera friends, I had to re-shoot this. The Instagram photo is the original look.

Club Tropicana

Alright y'all, please bear with me.  I plan to post outfits and the details everyday from my Miami trip.  I did and wore so much it's kind of a whirlwind.  Let me just say how much I like visiting Miami, the water, people, and weather was beautiful.  Even though there was a cool wind I still was able to get much needed beach time.  The funny thing is every time I've been to Miami, I never seen downtown.  So night 1, we stayed at the lovely Hyatt Regency downtown and did much shopping and then switched over to the Beacon on Ocean Dr.  In tomorrow's post, I'll get more into the details of the hotels. 

Every year, I buy three swimsuits.  These year's will include two fatkinis and 1 full piece. I love vacationing during the summer and I like to have choices when I'm out.  My new swimsuits that I bought hadn't came in yet, so I actually shopped my own closet and created a new look.  I've had this top since 2011.  I bought it from an etsy seller (who doesn't exist anymore, but I found one with that you can order a similar top from).  I didn't wear it back then because, I ordered some bottoms with the suit and sewing work on the bottom portion of the suit was terrible, so I never wore it.  The top was just fine though, as you can see.  

Note:  A top like this has no support.  Even me, I still want some lift and roundness in my bust.  Fortunately, they sell strapless bras just for your swimsuit.  You can find those bras at OneStopPlus.  I do have a strapless bra with my suit.  The cups even dry fast right along with your swimsuit.  

Outfit:  Top - Etsy (similar and you can choose your own print), Bottom - Land's End (similar), Skirt - Curvy Valentine

A lot of the outfits I wore, were already posted on Instagram.  Check them out there, but I definitely will be posting on each look everyday this week.

My favorite vacation song. :)