Celebrity Style Capture: Rihanna

I've been wanting to do a Rihanna style capture post for so long, but she is so hard to replicate.  Her body type is hard for me to relate to and the bold items that she wears are something that is hard to pull off, especially when you add in plus sizes.  (I tend to try to stick to celebrities with a similar body type to my own.)   A lot of the items that she wears are rarely offered in plus size fashion without some sort of alteration.  She takes casual to the level of chicness that I have yet to see many celebrities accomplish.  I see Miley Cyrus trying and succeeding sometimes, but seldom to the level of Rihanna.  The funny thing is even through all of her amazing outfits, it's her rockstar attitude that always sends her looks launching into orbit.   This further reiterates my belief that attitude and confidence can be the most important thing you wear.  To be honest, I felt pretty bad ass in this look.  I was ready to slam a paparazzi camera on to the ground, but there was no paparazzi, just my husband and I didn't want to slam my own camera.  HA! For those wanting to accomplish this look, but may not be comfortable with the mid drift showing you can add a simple black tank.  I definitely will wear this to the airport with the tank.  I'm always cold in airports.  

Style Note:  For the first time, I am actually ordering ASOS pants.  I am totally confused with the sizing.  They run really big and I tried a 24, sent those back and sized down to a 22. I could have still sized down one more size.  I wish the ankles of these pants were tighter and the waist was big and I added my own tie string.  I still haven't mastered their pants sizing yet.  I've really been doing a lot of trial and error to determine my sizing.  I also altered the sweatshirt myself with just a pair of scissors. 

Outfit:  Top - Old Navy, Pants - ASOS, Shoes - Macys (similar), Lip - MAC Ruby Woo

Body Positive BeauCoo

I continually strive to give my readers the best information possible, so that they can make informed decisions when buying. As a plus size fashion blogger, I primarily show clothing on my own body type.  I often wish that I could show great pieces that I love on multiple body types, not just my own.  My readers have a diverse set of body shapes and would gain awesome insight from tools that show how the same articles of clothing fit on different lady lumps.  This is where BeauCoo (Pronounced: bo koo) comes in.  BeauCoo is a fashion centered, body positive community where you can not only post photos, but get information on the fit and quality of clothing. With this app you can also see garments on different body types, allowing you to make well informed decisions before you make a purchase.  Think of it as a fashion based, girl power Instagram.  Who runs the world? As most of us know, all the great plus size shopping is done online, so the BeauCoo app helps you along your way.  You can search and view items based on your own measurements.  Follow, like, and bookmark pieces and users that you love.  A lot of your favorite bloggers are already members.  Most recently, Militant Baker posted about a polka dot dress on the BeauCoo app from Modcloth.  I’ve been eyeing this dress and wondering about the length.  As Modcloth has been revamping their plus section, there are still inconsistencies in the sizing.  Some items are run big, some run small, and I’m always wondering about the length.  Militant Baker talked about the length being too long for her, but that would make the length perfect for me.  This app made it possible to take the guess work out and now I can add yet another dress to my wardrobe.  My husband will be thrilled about that, right? HA!

The BeauCoo app is definitely the blogger or wannabe blogger’s new bestie.  This app allows bloggers to post photos and to have a database of information about the clothing we buy. It gives its members that information conveniently at your fingertips when and wherever you shop.  It’s like a shopping buddy.  For the wannabe blogger, this app is a great start to see if fashion blogging is something you want to try.   It becomes a mini diary of the clothing you wear, how they look, what others think, and how you felt about the item(s) without the commitment of a full blog.  

Now, the main reason for my support of this app, BeauCoo is a body positive community full of women of all shapes and sizes.   It’s all inclusive, meaning that all sizes welcome.  I am often featured on main stream websites and social media sites and I know there can be a lot of negativity on the internet. I also know that no one is kinder, honest, and uplifting as positive women. I’m always for uplifting, encouraging, and getting a girl to “werk it,” both fabulously and confidently. BeauCoo provides that perfect positive media outlet while celebrating women. Another great aspect of the BeauCoo app is the commenting.  I always say that you should count your compliments per day.  At the end of the day you should feel pretty darn special.   Imagine the greatness that the BeauCoo app could do for not only women, but for teenagers.  I’m kind of jealous that I didn’t have an outlet like this when I was a teen.  Sigh!

So how do you join? You just need your iPhone or Android phone to do it.  It’s free and can be found in your app marketplace under BeauCoo.  Then start snapping away in dressing rooms or anywhere that you can catch your reflection.  You can also join via the web.  If you join, find me so we can follow each other.  I’m under Garnerstyle or here.  My phones updates are insane and sometimes I miss them.  If you follow me, be sure to tweet me (@garnerstyle) and let me know and hashtag it #BoPo (body positivity).  Now it’s time to get to “werk” (in my best RuPaul stance).

This post was sponsored by BeauCoo, the thoughts, opinions, & support are my own.  

Big Beauty X Jean Marc Philippe

I am immensely in love with Le Blog de Big Beauty & Jean Marc Philippe collaboration collection.  Looks 1 and 2, please.  It's so fancy, but yet so sleek, polished, and minimal.  For someone who loves polished and clean looks this is right up my alley.  I know that sometimes we feel that in fashion you have to have so many bells and whistles on a garment for it to speak, but sometimes less is more.  The most classic and clean pieces can speak the loudest. The white jacket/vest is EVERYTHING!!  It will be mine!!  Refined taste is bleeding through the seams.  Brava & Bravo!  You can find the entire collection here.  They do ship to the U.S. What do you think of the collection?  Hot or just okay?

Leather in the Summertime

With most of you battling Hades worthy temperatures it seems nearly impossible that I can actually wear a leather jacket in the middle of the summer.  Well in San Francisco, it can get pretty chilly, it's always breezy, and it is not uncommon to see a little leather in the summertime.  So I promise I was not about to pass out from heat exhaustion.  I love the Bay area for this.  It makes fashion so much more enjoyable, because you can wear layers all year long. 

I ventured into the city to visit Polished Plus blogger, Lanae.  She showed me around the very swanky Gap corporate office that has insane views of the city, the bay, and the Oakland Bay bridge. I also got to see an art museum (I couldn't take photos) inside of the headquarters.  Lanae was such a wonderful hostess and it was nice to get out of the suburbs. Since I've been in the Bay area I get asked all the time to go to lunches.  Everyone is so nice here and really wonderful about getting me out of the house.  

Style Note:  Marie Claire was one of the first, if not the first, American fashion magazine to feature a monthly plus size section.  I get my magazine every month and immediately flip to Nicolette Mason's section.  Nicolette Mason kicks ass with her plus size selection, so appropriately I died when I saw this dress featured.  Until I saw it on the Asos Curve site, I didn't know that the dress was maxi length.  I totally thought it was a midi length. It was so adorably fancy that I couldn't pass it up and shortening the dress would be just a quick trip to the alteration shop.  I tried it out in maxi length, but because I am so full in the hips and combine that with the tulle like fabric it looked a little prom-y on me.  I know it will look fab in the full length on someone else, but just not on me.  For those wondering about the sizing, true to Asos Curve's over-sized nature, I purchased this dress in a size 16. I had a little zipper trouble.  It was sticking at the waist seam.  I eventually just zipped up the dress and pulled it over my head.  The size 16 still had enough room for me to do that with ease.  I know that sometimes girls with a bigger booty are worried about their skirts being high in the back.  Make sure your alteration person hems from the floor up.  You dress will technically be longer in the back, but will look even all the way around when you put it on.  If you wear it as a maxi it was the perfect floor length on me and I'm 5'9. Shorties will have to have it hemmed.  

**Update - I see this dress has sold out.  Last night there were a couple sizes available.  My assumption is that they are posting the returns.  I would check back often if you are really interested.   Maybe they will restock. 

Outfit:  Dress - ASOS, Jacket - Lane Bryant (soldout, similar here), Shoes - Torrid, Watch - Michael Kors, Lip - MAC Girl About Town

Ebony & Ivory

I've kind of been obsessed with black and white all summer.  I'm sure you guys have noticed. It's always a chic combination and you never have to worry about messing it up and adding in any pop of color will always work.  I feel like I haven't worn any bodycon items in a while. Shamefully, I'm a little lazy.  Bodycon dresses requires so much work and posture.  LOL! With bodycons I always feel so nipped and tucked that I can't really be comfortable.  I think that is why I avoid them.  I flare skirt always gives me that relaxation and freedom I need.   Please forgive me for being a lazy fashion girl.  :(

Style Note: I love trying new brands.  I blogged about UK based designer, OneOne3, a few months ago. This was my first purchase and I like!  The fabric is nice, they are pretty true to size, and I love the geometric design. Designs like this give this illusion of curvier frame. This is awesome for those who may want to achieve a curvier silhouette, but that may not be their body type.  I will say that the shipping takes a little long.  This dress took almost 3 weeks to get to me, so if you are ordering for an event then keep that in mind.  

Outfit:  Dress - OneOneThree, Belt - Elloqui, Shoes - Christian Siriano for Payless (soldout)

Carmakoma & Asos Curve Collaboration

Carmakoma is one of those brands that I have a disconnect with.  I love the collections year after year and even have bought a few pieces, but I can never quite make that connection. Based out of Denmark, they bring rock star glory every single season, but still I rarely make the leap.  I know my issue, it's the shipping.  As an online shopper, I hate paying shipping. It's the worst, but what I hate even more is expensive shipping.  Carmakoma's shipping to the U.S. hovers around $30, last time I checked.  Well, I'm hoping that Carmakoma and I can finally have that relationship that I always wanted.  They are actually partnering with ASOS. After August 1, you can buy some of your favorite pieces from Asos. What does that mean for shipping fee trolls like myself?  Complimentary shipping & returns all day long!!!!!  I can get with it.  Anyone else a shipping troll like me?

Check out some of the pieces from their Autumn/Winter 2013.  I need both the cream sweater and the long coat.   I can't wait to August 1. 

Celebrity Style Capture: Mrs. Carter

I think Blue Ivy decided who got Beyonce tickets by singing "eenie meenie minie moe," pointing at the computer, and wherever her little finger landed that's who got those tickets. Blue didn't pick me. Sigh! Some of you have been so great to tape the portions of the concert and post them on Instagram.  I'm jealous that you got to go, but happy that you guys shared your videos.  

I'm love this jumpsuit gifted to me by Rachel Pally.  I could literally live my life in it.  I've probably thrown it on every other day this week.  Don't judge me! It's so comfortable and can easily be dressed up or down.  You can find it here.  I wore this past weekend to the movies, but I could totally throw on a pair of heels and maybe a blazer go for a night out.  I adore jumpsuits, but they can be the devil when it comes to the ladies room.  I went to see, Let Me Explain, this weekend. (I give it a B-.)  I have learned, when it comes to wearing jumpsuits to accept:

• that I am going to have to get naked in the restroom - I hope nobody looks through that crack in the stall.  
• to not wait until the last minute, because that could end up in disaster.
• to keep the drinking to a minimal.
• ...and finally, to always go before you get dressed, if even you don't think you have to.  

Style Note:  I do have on a capri foundation while I'm wearing this jumpsuit.  The material is a super soft jersey. I live in the Bay area now, so temperature (for the most part) is just right.  The jumpsuit is fairly thin, so it wasn't hot wearing my foundation.  You could totally do it without, but I worn it without one to make a quick run.  The material combined with the pattern is pretty concealing in the leg area.  As said before, I don't like that jiggly feeling, so I would rather pair mine with a foundation.  

Shop the look below (Click the photos below):

Burning Bras while Picking Afros

Ironically, the last thing that I accepted on my body was my hair, not being fat. I know it may sound crazy, but I remember battling my hair for so many years and being envious of the girls with relaxers.  They got to wake up in the morning with no frizz and bone straight hair.  I did try the relaxer thing, but soon I had a sink full of hair from breakage within only a couple of months of having it.  I even made my younger brother iron my hair (He would never admit to it today).  I used to think of straight hair of not only being more polished,  but I thought it had the power to allow me to blend in to society.  It's what was on the commercials and what everyone seemed to be aspiring to have. In the mind of a teenager who was being raised in a small town in the south, biracial (which because of my location was an anomaly in itself), & stuck out like a sore thumb blending was this sanctuary of normality that I was always trying to find me way to.  Straight hair , for me, didn't exist until the Chi came out. I got it there a few times before, but with Georgia humidity it never lasted long. Fast forward to my socialite days in Atlanta, I would straighten for a night out (because that's what the boys wanted) and then I would come home hair as big as Diana Ross.  My friends would find me at the end of the night by looking for the tall girl with the big hair. Now that I'm writing this, my hair envy was based on what others thought was beautiful and not what I thought.   

Three things had to happen for me to accept my hair.  The first was moving to Dallas. It's nearly impossible to even hope to have straight hair there.  It's so hot that all you want to wear is a ponytail or a bun and if you are going to do that what's the point in putting heat on your hair when you don't have to.  The second was that I really got into plus size blogging and breaking rules, what others wanted or thought was null and void.  Finally, the start of the natural hair movement.  African American girls were tossing their relaxers out the door and embracing their natural hair texture.  I remember walking past this girl in the movies.  Her hair was the most gorgeous texture I had ever seen.  It looked like cotton candy.   My jaw hit the floor.  I so get it now.   These girls were owning their tresses. Self acceptance in any arena is a great thing whether it's hair, weight, etc.  Not to take away from anyone with straight hair.  There is beauty in all textures. There is something so empowering about tossing society's beauty standards out the window. So this is a special shout to the natural hair girls.  I've been natural most of my life, but because of yall I accepted and am now embracing it.  

Style Note:  First off, I absolutely adore this look.  This definitely brought me out of my "Mexicoma." I've been getting bored with myself and really want to start wearing pants more.   They are such a hard fit for me, but I really want to get out of my own box.  I put my own twist on this look from SimplyBe.   When ordering this I didn't like the neckline of the top.  It's a v-neck and was kind of weird.  It was not deep enough, in my opinion.  I was worried about it and when I ordered my intuition on the neckline was right.  I hated it on me.  I was ready to send it back, but I thought maybe I could wear it backwards. I love a boatneck.  The zipper is invisible and unless you were all up in my personal space you wouldn't know.   Then I thought what about a hint of sexy by going unzipped and bra-less. Yes no bra! (I kind of was in a burning bra mood while reading all the updates with Texas and their shenanigans.) It's the unexpected sexy.  I've never really do "in your face" sexy all that well just because that's not me, but "sneak up on you" sexy is me all day.    Below you see the look zipped up, because I know that everybody can't whip out the girls all willy nilly and if you choose to wear it backward you can choose your own zipper height. The pants of this outfit only have elastic in the waist.  I was thinking that the actual pants were going to have some give because of the fabric content, but that content is referring to the elastic in the waist band.  In my opinion, these pants are cut wide in the stomach hip area and slimmer in the legs.  They fit just right in the thighs, but were too big in the waist and hip.  Because of the elastic in the waist, I did a quick alteration.  You know how little kids have that elastic you can pull in the waist band, so their pants wont fall down.  That's what I did.  On the inside of the pants, I pulled out a portion of the elastic, so that I could tighten the pants in the front and the back.  I could couple this with a shorter shirt and you wouldn't be able tell I did anything to them.   This is a tailored look. The fabric really has no give, so be sure to use the size chart to order.  I'm also shapewear-less in this garment. The peplum provides me tummy coverage and the fabric is thick enough and the fabric is so busy that you can't hope to see any cellulite issues.   It's like the perfect summer outfit and with the coupon (its on the website) it cost me like $60.   

Outfit:  Top - SimplyBe, Bottom - SimplyBe, Belt - Asos (similar), Shoes - Loft (similar), Watch - Michael Kors, Lip - MAC

Plus Size Runway: Eva Varro (Versace, Versace, Versace)

Eva Varro/Versace

In the words of Beauty and the Beast's semi funny clock, Cogworth, "If it's not Baroque, don't fix it." Crickets.  I get a kick out of that joke every time.   Anyways, everywhere I go I gotta here this song, Versace, Versace, Versace.  Then on top of that I'm seeing the print EVERYWHERE. The Eva Varro Collection gives us Versace flashy good fun in plus size fashion and the push I need to actually try this print. Before now, I've been just plain scared. I've gone back and forth in my head a million times.  Can I pull this off?  As said before, I've seen the print everywhere, but this is the best one I've seen thus far in plus sizes.  I'm kind of excited to try it. Would you rock this? Collection and other pieces can be found here.    

Style Note:  I love the runways and often want to implement things that I am seeing on them.  A lot of the complaints of plus size fashion is that the looks, but with a little internet research and creativity you can really capture a lot of the looks and for a more budget friendly price.

Robyn Lawley Swim

Who she is and where she came from is not the important question here.  All that matters is when this plus size swimwear scrolled across my Pinterest feed a little while ago, my jaw literally dropped.  Yes! Yes! & Yes! I rarely do two posts in one day, but I couldn't help myself.  I've been waiting for prints like this.  The fancy ones that look like they could almost be regular clothing.  From my brief research Robyn Lawley, she's an Austrailian plus size model who decided to do her own plus size swimwear line .  That two piece (or fakini as we like to call them) above has my name written all over it! So where can you buy?  Fellow blogger, Madison Plus, is offering it on her Madison Plus Select online boutique.  There are plenty more suits that I did not post and are equally as fabulous. What's your favorite? Shop the looks here.  

Know Your Brands

Pieces in post:  Asos/Rachel Pally/JCPenney/eShakti/Talbots/H&M/SimplyBe/VinceCamuto

If you've been here with me the past month or so, I've been doing more posts helpful tips on  building your wardrobe and becoming a successful online shopper.  Today's post is not any different.  When shopping online, you need to know what you are dealing with in terms of fabric, length, and fit. Knowing the brand will help you make a successful purchase with no returns and your expectations either met or exceeded.  I have a listed a few brands above that I am familiar with and have shopped enough to know what to expect from that brand.  This is a something that you are going to want to pin or bookmark for future reference.  

Note:  These are based on my personal experiences with these brands.  I can't speak for anyone else and their experiences.  This is meant to give you, the shopper, generalities of the brand in question. 

Would you like to see a brand reviewed that you've been curious about?  Comment the brand below and if I'm familiar with the brand I will try to include in the next "Know Your Brands" post.  There are tons of brands out there and I plan on reviewing as many as I can.  Check out the other posts if you haven't as well, Shopping Straight Size & Plus Size Fabric Guide.  Finally, need a measuring tape to accurately measure yourself for online shopping?  I did Garnerstyle measuring tapes just for you.  Get them here.  

Shopping Straight (Part II)

My previous post was on how to shop straight size.  I had a reader ask me to post an outfit in regular sizes, so she could see the fit on a plus size woman. (Please note that depending on size/weight/height variations a garment may fit me differently then it fit you.) I often incorporate straight sizes in my posts, but I never just outright say this is plus or this is straight.   Everything on this post is from the regular size section.   I wore this to breakfast with my visiting sister-in-law.  I love these shoes and loved them with this outfit this morning while looking in the mirror.  After seeing the photos, I feel like I could have made a better shoe choice.  Cher said not to trust those mirrors.  Anyways, I adore these shoes and they are incredibly comfortable to walk in.  I hope they make more colors.  Some of you may recognize them as being very similar to the Valentino shoe that has been circulating Pinterest forever.  I wanted those for so long, but as most of you know designer shoes rarely fit wide feet.  Unfortunately for me , Fred Flintstone and I from the ankle down could be twins.  

Style Note:  This Asos skirt is so adorable and even cuter in person.  Those polka dots are transparent.  The lining of the skirt is a little short, because it is meant for a person size 14.  I like the shortness, because it brought out the transparency of the polka dots.   The size chart says the waist of this skirt should fit up to a 35 inch waist.  My waist hovers between a 38 and 42.  That's depending on how much of a good girl I am.  HA!  The waist had a little bit of give.   Oh and total for this outfit (skirt, shoes, and belt) is $71.  I felt like I needed to shout out that inexpensive find.     

Outfit:  Skirt - Asos, Top - Asos, Shoes - Torrid, Belt - Target

*Update:  No sooner do I post about this skirt, it soon sells out in the size 14.  Here are some other options that I think will work.  

Shopping Straight Size

Items Above:  Pencil Skirt, Maternity Dress, Jacket, Dress, Midi Flare Skirt

Ever wonder how some of plus size girls still shop the straight size section?  I promise that I don't have some magical measurements. I do, however, have an unwillingness to let an opportunity to find something fabulous pass me by, no matter what department it's in.  These rules, by no means, are guaranteed, but more of just guidelines.  By know means do I mean buy all your clothes in the straight size section, but you can find some things that will work that you can sprinkle across your wardrobe.  When shopping, I like to scan all sections, just to make sure I didn't miss anything.   I hope this takes a little of the mystery straight size shopping while plus size.