Blogging with Purpose

As I reflect on the last few weeks and take into account emails that I often get from aspiring bloggers, I can say that sometimes I am a little disappointed with integrity of some.   Let me explain.  For most of us who started this blogging journey around 5 years ago, we didn't know that it would create any revenue, popularity, or have the potential to become a full time blog.  I feel like, for the most part, we all started these blogs to have a voice, express our love for fashion, and to help people.  The thought that we could possibly change an entire industry and give plus size a voice was unprecedented and uncharted territory.  This was all done with any hope of ever receiving a dime, at least in my mind. 

(I shot this some time ago, but wasn't crazy about the look.  So many of you posted interest in the dress from Instagram I decided to post it.  You can find the dress here.  

Blogging, especially plus size blogging, has grown such a substantial amount that it affords many of us the opportunity to actually support ourselves and do something that we absolutely adore.   Questions that often plague my inbox are “How do I get free clothes?” if “I start a blog, Can I get x,y, & z, ?“  or “How can I make money?” (Please note that I have found that rarely is something ever free.)  I am often plagued with SPAM, Facebook tags by businesses, and email after email of people trying to take advantage of me, my readers, and the traffic that I have rightfully earned through nothing else but dedication.  So many blogging etiquette boundaries are crossed even from my own peers. I turn down a lot of opportunities just for the sheer fact that I don’t believe in the product and that I won’t pimp out my readers.

 

So how do you build a successful blog?  I have heard so many try to quantify this response.  You can do the SEOs, the social media tips, and for some you can even buy some of your influence.    Some of those has some validity, but for me, I blog from the heart.  My mission has always been to dispel the myth that plus size women can’t be stylish.  That’s it.  To me, a blogger’s purpose is so transparent and can easily be seen from the largest to the smallest of blogs.   I can always see when someone is being sincere or when someone is an opportunist.  A good example of this is the person trying to you to post a photo of you and them so they can take advantage of your social media traffic (side eye).  I love the opportunities that I get from blogging and I am always happy to see my colleagues shine as well.  

Do opportunities just fall out of the sky?  For me, they don’t.  I fight for a lot of the things I get.  There are a lot of days I want to press the delete button on my own blog from pure frustration and then there are days where I’m just amazed at what just happened.    My best advice is to be genuine, consistent, and have patience.  

Red Carpets, Insta-Celebrities, & the Colorful Congo

On Friday, I decided to muddle around the shopping event before I got ready for the Indie Show.  I was so comfortable in this dress gifted to me from Rachel Pally.  After the previous day of being dressed to the nines all day long, it was so nice to still have a put together look, but still be comfortable.  

The plus size designer of the year was Rue114.  I had seen this line a few months before and was already familiar with this season's look.  I must say that I don't think the photos translated as well as the looks did on the runway.  On the runway, I guess you can say "I got it." It was the like the Congo meets Betsey Johnson.  It was totally fabulous, colorful, and out of the box from what I have seen previously from this designer.  Rue114 definitely slayed the show and let you know why she was voted Designer of the Year.   

Event Note:  Lawwwwdd Ha'mercy (in my most countrified voice) From the Rez to the City spilled all the beans about FFFWeek.  I was thinking about talking about this on this post, but I feel like I'm always the bad guy.   Go and check out her very honest and true critiques of the event.  You can find it here.  This was my 3rd time attending and these issues seem to get worse every year.  (1st year I was apart of the fashion front, 2nd year I worked as a stylist, 3rd year I went as just a guest).  I always get asked the question, Do you think I should attend FFFWeek?  I always say that you should go at least once and then make the decision from there, because my experience might not be yours.  For someone like me who is a full time blogger, it's like a chance to get to talk to other bloggers (the majority of which are like sorority sisters), network with companies, and work.   So if nothing else it affords those opportunities.  A lot of the things I do take place outside of the event, itself. As far as the fashion goes...ehhh.  An then you have your Insta-celebrities. (Insta-Celebrity - One who has a great sense of importance and faux fame from the fact that they have a substantial following on Instagram) who throw more shade than a California Sequoia.  Again read Rez' blog for more info on those knuckleheads.  Brava Rez! 

Outfit 1:  Dress - Rachel Pally (soldout), Sandals - Vince Camuto, Necklace - Vintage/Outfit 2:  Top & Pants - JIBRI, Necklace - Nordstrom,  Earrings - Karla Deras,  Shoes - Gifted (similar), clutch - JCPenney

Homecoming

Today was the perfect last day in NYC.  Rez, Stylish Curves, and I walked through a street fair,  shopped, and sipped on Starbucks.  It was really leisurely and I wasn't committed to anything.  Tonight in NYC, Rez and I just decided to go to dinner and have drinks.  I have an insanely early flight in the morning.  I've been traveling for 8 days and I am definitely ready to go home and see my husband and Shug.   I will blog about the indie show when I get back.  It's a large post and I'm too tired to focus hard.  

Outfit:  Dress - Modcloth, Watch - Target, Sandals - Zappos, Necklace - Nordstrom

Vivian Ward

I'm going to try and keep up with the blogging as I am in NYC.  I am using phone photos, so please bear with me.  Today I had a pretty full day attending bloggers events for Torrid, Evans/Dorothy Perkins, getting a private showing at Rachel Pally, and attending the Bloomingdale's Fashion Show.   Today's dress comes from plus size designer, JIBRI.  When I saw it I totally thought of the dress Julia Roberts wore as Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman.  I channeled that in the styling complete with white gloves.  It is utterly amazing.  I blogged a while  back and decided to get this to wear to FFFWeek.   I can't say enough about this dress.  Also, Dorothy Perkins had some really amazing pieces that l'll definitely be looking out for.  

The first and only event I attended thus far that was officially apart of FFFWeek was the Bloomingdale's Fashion Show.  I must say that I was a bit disappointed with it.   I so looked forward to it, because Bloomingdales has such an awesome plus size section online.    Unfortunately, the event started over an hour late, I was unable to find seating, standing room was overcrowded and I really could't see anything (or get any photos for that matter), and from what I saw I was underwhelmed.   The limited seating I can attribute to being a complimentary event.   The clothing that was shown, I thought, was not exciting and wasn't styled in appealing way to make you want to buy the product.  Honestly, of all the fabulous things I have seen on their site, they picked some of the most boring pieces.  It seemed so typical plus size.  In my head, I thought we were pass that phase,  I guess not.   Tomorrow in is the indie show.  I am definitely looking forward to an awesome fashion show and new designers.   It was also so much fun to connect with plus size bloggers.  It's always like a family reunion. 

Style Note:  In the photos below, I am seen with fabulous Kate Spade bags and a Ralph Lauren Jacket from Lord & Taylor.  If you are in NYC, the Lord & Taylor in NYC is really nice.  I often see plus size sections neglected, but not there.  

Clutch - Kate Spade, Jacket - Lord & Taylor, OffWeGo Clutch - Kate Spade, Dress - JIBRI, Gloves - similar found here

Designer to Watch: Charming by Jessica Dee

This post's designer to know is so appropriate.  I am currently at FFFWeek and exactly one year ago I got to meet the sugarplum fairy, Jessica Dee, from Too Many Sequins.  Visualize an adorable Aussie in mint colored tutu.  If you don't remember any other outfit at that event, you would remember hers.  Anyways, I'm traveling with From the Rez to the City and she introduces me to her clothing line.  (She has an amazing skirt from her!) Let me just say, I just died!!! It's amazing.  I often get asked what is the criteria to get featured.  I can't quantify it, other than saying, I have to feel excitement and see potential.  Jessica just passed both of these with flying colors.  She is just launching this line.   You can find her pieces at her bigcartel site (it's currently on vacation).   Those sequin harem pants have my name written all over it.  Brava Jessica and I can't wait to see what you come up with.  Check out some more looks at her Facebook page, Charming by Jessica Dee.  

Harem Pants - Gasp! Also, check her shop here. 

This is the Remix

I've been a little light on the outfit posts, because I'm gearing up for FFFWeek.  I figured this would be a good time to do a multi-look post using one skirt.  I'm always remixing outfits by mixing in old pieces with new ones. As a stylist, I think one of the biggest things I see is the reluctance to mix pieces.  A lot of people buy an outfit, meaning they matched a top and bottom in the store, and will forever wear just those two pieces together like they are married for life. Well, in this case, divorce is good thing. Remixing is also budget friendly, because instead of buying a whole new look, you may just have to buy a top, bottom, or just a jazzy pair of shoes.  

Style note: Pink Clutch found here.   Gold mini suit case gifted from my nephew and was apart of a Estee Lauder makeup gift set given to me years ago. Hi-Lo top is from Asos, I purchased it last year.  Also, the skirt and necklace are new, everything else I already had.  

 Find the pieces (or similar) below, just click on the item you are looking for. Similar skirt found here, similar top here. 

Plus Size Fabric Guide

Pieces above:  Twill Pants, Viscose Skirt, Jersey Skirt, Ponte Knit Jacket, Chiffon Swim Cover

Most shopping for plus size is done online and I wanted to give a quick fabric guide on commonly used fabrics in plus size clothing.  One of my personal tips for successful online shopping is to know your fabrics.  Knowledge of fabrics will allow you to gauge the fit of a garment, allow you to pick the best size, and give you a good idea on what you will be getting in the mail.  Remember to always read the fabric content of garment before purchasing.  Sometimes we get so excited about the garment that we forget to inform ourselves on what we are actually buying.  I've done it myself.  Another important note is that generally the more expensive the garment the nicer and often heavier/thicker quality of the fabric.  I love a great deal like anyone else, but always check that tag for the original price.  A garment that was originally priced at $110 as opposed to $30 is generally going to have better fabric.  No matter what you get it on sale for, you always want to get the one with the highest original price.  Be sure to bookmark this guide for future reference.  I plan to do a series on mastering online shopping.  

Confidence 101

I feel like this sort of post has been on my mind for months now.  On my Instagram, I am a lot more interactive with women and readers of this blog.  (Sidenote:  Instagram is the new Twitter. Shotgun! LOL)  I keep seeing the confidence (or lack of) commentators.  I did this video to shed some light on confidence, from my perspective, in hopes of helping out others find there inner fabulousness.  

Sidenote:  The Rachel Pally dress winner is listed in the rafflecopter widget in the original post or you can click here.  Congrats!  Please excuse my boobiliciousness in the video, the girls apparently wanted their own camera time.  

Pressed!

 (My actual hand above. find them here.)

Recently, in an interview, I heard Beyonce say that she wears press on nails.   A light bulb when off in my head for real!  It makes total sense.  Think about all the super funky things you would like to have on your nails maybe just for a fun event, but you'll need to remove for work appropriateness or maybe they aren't realistic for everyday life.  Press on nails are that perfect solution.  I feel like I was just let in on a secret, because I said to myself, "how are people on Pinterest getting such fancy designs and stiletto lengths?" I was so envious.  I also heard that MAC had a press-on collection, but I think it may have sold out.  I couldn't find them online.  Etsy, in general, has a lot of sellers that do nail designs. Just enter "press on nails" in the search bar.  I just previewed a few that I liked.      

Nail Note:  You can glue (for longer wear) these on or use double sided tape.  I used lacefront wig tape, because I'm only keeping them on for the day or for a specific event.  The lacefront tape is super sticky and will hold, but you cannot get it wet.  That renders the tape useless and your nails will fall off.  Be super careful when washing your hands or use hand sanitizing wet wipes.  Take you time to file and shape them.  It makes all the difference in the world.  I filed underneath to thin out the area that is going close to my cuticle, so that I can get a more blended, realistic look.  Take a look at this Instagram photo.  This was my first time with the press ons.  They look a bit clunky and the shape doesn't look natural.  The nails above were my second try.  I took more time with them to get them as perfect as I could.  

 Find these here.

Find these here.  

 Find these here.

Find these nails here.

JIBRI: Pretty Woman

Just released, JIBRI brings in summer with the most ladylike and feminine of pieces.  My favorite is the one above. I see myself at brunch with white gloves on eating salmon mousse on Capeachio crackers.  Now I have sidetracked myself and I'm hungry.  Am I a the only one who imagines themselves in an outfit at a particular event? Anyways.  the dresses are absolutely gorgeous.  You can see more of these pieces here.  

Just Peachy!

I've been pretty casual these days.  I'm still getting acclimated to a new area, trying to find my place, and really just re-adjust.  I've been doing more outdoorsy activities than anything else, which doesn't cause for much for more than black leggings, a t-shirt, and a pair of sneakers.   I've been getting a lot of questions and inquiries about my weight loss regiment.  Since moving to California, I've really gotten into different activities, such as hiking, U-Jam (a form of hip hop aerobics) bike riding, and even weight lifting.  I can say California lifestyle is just different.  People are outside and active all the time.  Me and hubby have had sort of a "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em attitude."  It also helps that are such a wide array of activities to enjoy.  I swear I've been doing the elliptical for 15 years at this point.  It is so much more fun to have a different sort of activity everyday instead of the same old thing day after day.  

Style Note:  Denim is such a pain in the butt to find.  These are the same Torrid Stiletto jeans that I got last year.  Thus far, they've been the best fit for me, but I have to say they don't last very long.  Out of the 3 pair I have only one pair has upheld.  On one pair the button snapped off immediately and on the other pair the seam came undone and there's a huge hole in them.  The jeans retail for about $50.  At that price, I don't mind buying a pair every 6 - 8 months.  I reviewed these last year around this time, but it took me wearing them repeatedly to learn of the quality.  I contribute the quality to being jeans, but not really jeans at the same time.  They really can't take the frequent wear that regular jeans can take.  They are soft with a lot of stretch.  

Makeup Note:  I recently discovered Milani lipstick and picked up the color Rose Hip.  I was told that it's the equivalent to MAC's Candy Yum Yum (which is always sold out and only a fraction of the price at less than $5).  I am in love with it.  I had no idea that lipstick that is so inexpensive could be so pigmented.  I'll definitely be trying the other colors. 

Outfit:  Top - TJMaxx, Denim - Torrid, Shoes - Target (similar), Clutch - JCPenney, Glasses - Gifted, Lipstick - Milani Rose Hip