Old Navy Canada $100 Gift Card Giveaway

In celebration of the Canada Old Navy Plus Size launch, we'll be sponsoring a giveaway for a $100 gift card for Old Navy.  What an awesome way to get your Fall wardrobe started, right?!?!  To enter go to Old Navy website and let me know through commenting below what piece you would like to add to kickstart your fall wardrobe.  There are also 4 other ways to enter.  Please enter through the Rafflecopter widget below.  Open to U.S.A. & Canadian Residents only.   Winner drawn 9/3/13. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway & post sponsored by Old Navy Canada.

Denim Date Night

Date nights are usually made for dressing up, but I decided to switch it up.  For some reason or another my husband loves when I go casual.  I think he just wants what he usually doesn't get.  Just like a man...LOL. Anyways, I've been on the quest for denim for a couple reasons.  One, you guys always ask me about it and I just don't have a lot of experience buying denim. I want to step up my game, so I can have some insight. Two, I am really working on my casual game.  This post includes an entire look from Old Navy.  They invited me to partner with them on a post.  I thought it was the perfect time to revisit their denim.  I used to buy their jeans a few years back when I was a bit smaller and loved the fit then.  My main love of the fit is the fit of the waist.  I hate that "gap in the back" that come from having wider hips and a smaller waist.  It can cause you to be tugging on your clothes and pulling up your jeans the entire night.  These jeans fit snugly around my waist and probably the best waist fit that I've worn thus far.  

I often get the question from women size 24+, where they can find clothes.  A lot of brands just go up to a 24 and there is a large group of women that are sized out.  Old Navy goes up to a size 30.  Ladies make sure you note it and file it away in your shopping directory.  Oh and to our Canadian neighbors to the north, Old Navy Plus Sizes are now available to you too, but you must visit the Canada specific site to place your order.  

Style Note:  Don't expect a tremendous amount of stretch in these jeans.  You need to get your true size.   Use the size chart and go from there.  Denim shirts are a must have in any girl's wardrobe.  I'm loving this one, there is no stretch and I wanted it to fit my hips, I bought a 3X.  I know you guys are like, "Boots in August."  Well around here people wear boots all year long.  I thought it was close enough to September for me to get in on the fun and a great time to provide some Fall inspiration.  It's already time to be on lookout for your next pair of boots, all the good sizes sell out quick when Fall really gets underway.  

Outfit:  Top, Denim, & Sweater - Old Navy, Boots - Lane Bryant,  Lip - MAC Violetta (only available at the pro store)

Post sponsored by Old Navy.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.   

My Shapewear

The number one question that I get asked is, "what shapewear do you use?"  I took a lot for me to do these quick shots, but I really wanted you to see what I'm using and that I definitely don't have some magical flat stomach.  I thought about doing a full shoot, but I really don't do the sexy lingerie thing well.  I'm very awkward when it comes to that.   This is close enough to putting all my business in the streets.  Anyways, recently, I did a clean out of my shapewear and bought all new pieces.  It's important to do this ever so often.  Shapewear can stop doing it's job from continual wash and wear.  I chose to buy everything from the SimplyBe Gokwan collection, just because I thought it was both adorable and effective.  I'll do a quick review of each piece that I'm using.  

SimplyBe Gokwan Pull on Pant (Top Left)  - This is my favorite and one that I wear all the time.  It prevents my thighs from rubbing and smooths cellulite. This one also has boning in the waist, which is awesome for smoothing.  Also,  the legs on this shaper are made to prevent that bubble effect on the thigh.  This one is great under body con dresses and flare skirts.    

SimplyBe Gokwan Slip (Top Right) - I never thought that I could wear the shapewear slips, but this one proved me wrong.  It stays in place and works like a charm.  This is excellent if you are worried about what your shapewear looks like when you are with your boo thang.  It's sexy, but still works as good as all the others.  If you are worried about your thighs rubbing, wear this one with hosiery.  

SimplyBe Gokwan Slicker Knicker - When I first started wearing shapewear this was the first type that I wore.  I stopped wearing them because they would ride up causing the most unbearable wedgie (TMI).  The Gokwan design prevents this from happening.  This is almost built like a boyshort, which helps to prevent the riding up effect.  These are awesome to wear during the summer if you are worried about keeping cool.

Some might ask, why do you wear shapewear?  For me, I just like a smooth appearance and I like for my clothing to lay well.  I do have a large hip to waist ratio (There is a 23 inch difference), which allows me to a well defined waist, but it's not a smooth transition from the waist to the hip.  Shapewear helps me to smooth out that transition and create more of a curve instead of the cliff that I would have.  I would also like to say that you should have realistic expectations for your foundation.  I have chosen foundation that is comfortable enough for me to wear everyday, but is strong enough to give me that smooth appearance that I'm looking for.  It will be smooth, but I know that shapewear is not going to make me look smaller or even give me a different body shape.  

Style Note:  I bought a size 24 in each piece.  I thought these ran big and I would probably size down one.  I would like to throw out a few recommendations for the apple, rectangle, and upside triangle shapes.  Anything with boning in the waist is going to help you shape and define your waist.  The high waist panty or a over all body shaper are both excellent choices.  Let me know if you have any other questions.  I'm always happy to help.  

Anna Scholz Fall Collection

Army green has totally entered my soul for the upcoming and Anna Scholz is serving it to me on a silver platter.  This line, which usually is very feminine and soft, has integrated masculinity and edginess into her usual aesthetic with a dash of street cred.  (I love when there's a time that I use the phrase "street cred." It makes me feel so official.)  The print of the wrap dress above is ah-mazing and I can't honestly remember the last time I got excited over a wrap dress.   I'm also loving the Crepe Pintuck Peplum.  There are so many fancy pieces, including a leopard bomber jacket, yes I said leopard.  You can check out the rest of the pieces here.  

Gwynnie Bee

Recently, I've started started using Gwynnie Bee.  For those who haven't heard of the site. Gwynnie Bee is like Netflix for plus size clothing.   I'm on the 3 piece plan ($79/month), which allows me to get 3 pieces per shipment with unlimited swaps.  You can literally wear and switch out clothing all month long.  I took two weeks to really try out the program and get a feel for how it works, so I could deliver a full report on my experience.  

Budgetnista

I'm always asked, how can I be fashionable on a dime.  I honestly can't think of a better way than joining Gwynnie Bee.  You can swap clothing out month long and literally have something new to wear every time you step out.  Who doesn't love to have new clothing on. Their most popular program is 3 pieces for $79/month with unlimited swaps.  Moving to the very expensive Bay area, Gwynnie Bee has definitely allowed me to stretch my clothing budget.  

One Hit Wonders

I'm the worst when it comes to wearing items one time and never looking back.  I think it's the curse of loving fashion.  I wear something then I'm ready to move on the the next thing. Gwynnie Bee allows you to keep your closet clear of one-hit wonders, saving you both money and closet space.  

Borrowed Clothing

At first, I didn't know if Gwynnie Bee was for me.  The wearing borrowed clothing thing made me apprehensive.  What got me over this hurdle is a few of factors.  One, I wear foundations, so most of my clothing barely even touches my bare skin and I shop thrift.  Thrift is probably the worst of "pre-worn" clothing in terms of smell and cleanliness, but as long as you wash or get it dry cleaned then it's fine.  Lastly, I really went and read about their cleaning process. They go through a thorough inspection of items and retire items that no longer meet their high standards.  I've gotten a total of two boxes in so far and the clothing is in like new condition and smells good (Yes, I smelled the clothing).

Shipping

Gwynnie Bee claims that with could get up to 12 new pieces per month to wear.  I agree.  I got some pieces shipped them back and in 2 days I had new pieces in my mailbox.  You can tell the site that you have shipped back, so that they can prepare your new shipment which allows a quicker turnaround of your new items.  They also provide pre-paid shipping bags, which allows you to easily mail back your items.  

Knowing Your Brands

Most plus size shopping happens online, Gwynnie Bee allows you to try items with no risk. You can get an idea of the sizing and try new brands.

Free 30 Day Trial

I think the best part thing is that Gwynnie Bee gives you a free 30 day trial  You can try it out and see if the program is for you.   I can tell you my experience, but this gives you a chance to have your own.  You can get you free 30 day trial here.    

Style Note:  My sister is visiting from San Diego.  She's a MAC makeup artist and brought me so many goodies, including a limited pink lipstick called Silly.  It's so pretty.  I'm also really digging the double cuff trend.  As one who has always had larger wrists, finding bracelets that fit is always a task.  Cuffs are always the perfect solution, because you can bend them to accommodate your wrist size.  Lulu Avenue generously provide these amazing cuffs.  I think they are my new favorite accessory.  Wondering about my foundation?  I'm doing a special dedicated post this week.   Stay tuned. 

 Outfit:  Dress - GwynnieBee, Cuffs - Lulu Avenue, Shoes - Nordstrom Rack, Lipstick - MAC Silly

Membership to Gwynnie Bee courtesy of GwynnieBee. Cuffs courtesy of Lulu Avenue.  As always, opinions are my own.  

Turn Down For What?

Some of you saw this via Instagram, but can you believe I bought all that stuff at Target (after only going in there for 3 things) and didn't come out with one thing for dinner.  When my husband came home, I threw my hands in air and said we are going out to eat.  I'm not going back to the store and you can't make me...LOL.  Anyways,  if you not proportionate, like myself, sometimes tops can be a beast, especially if you want to wear them tucked out.  I had a "make it work" moment that I thought was worth sharing.  It can be a struggle with structured shirts and getting them to fit both the top and bottom half.  In tops like these, I usually get the the average size between the top and bottom.  I would have worn a 1X in the bust and a 3X if I wanted it to fit the hips, so I chose a 2X.  With choosing the 2X there was the look of a struggle on that last button that was across the hips and right over the bottom tummy.  I decide to make it work by belting and blousing the top.  Worked like a charm.  I'm sure that last button thanked me.  He didn't want to hold on for dear life while we were at dinner.  

Style Note:  I am actively working on being better at casual.    I'm including more denim and working on how I can still make work with my own personal style.  I'm a more of a dressed up person, so I still want to add that element to my look.  Adding in a scarf is just the thing to give that feel of fancy.  Scarves so easily can take a plain everyday look to the next level. Add in your pops of color or funky prints through wearing scarves and watch the knob on your look "turn up."  

Oh and if you didn't see yesterday, enter the Read in Style giveaway. ICU Eyewear is giving away 1000 spiffy spectacles to the first 1000 entrants.  A lot of my readers have already won them.  I plan to use mine as frames and switch in my prescription lenses.  You can enter here.  Check out rest of the details in the previous post.  

Outfit: Top - Calvin Klein (similar), Scarf - H&M, Denim - Torrid, Shoes - Christian Siriano for Payless (similar), Lipstick - MAC Angel

Denim courtesy of Torrid.  

Read in Style Giveaway

So since I've moved, I have not been able to find one single solitary pair of my prescription glasses.  Y'all don't want to know the price tag those carry, it makes me ill just thinking about it.  Enough about my vision woes.  ICU eyewear is giving away 1000 of these fancy readers to the first 1000 entrants.  The Read in Style giveaway just launched, so you better get over there quick to get your free pair.  I wanted to make sure yall got first dibs (I interrupted my errand running for my sister's visit just to get this post up...all because I heart my readers).   I know you can't see and you need a pair for that late night reading.  So why not see if you can get a free pair.  They will let you know instantly.  I love adding in stylish frames to my look for not only vision purposes, but as an accessory. Oh and comment to me if you win pair. You can enter here.  

Post & giveaway sponsored by ICUEyewear.

Lady V London

This print reminds me of Carrie's dress in the 1st Sex and the City movie, where all the girls were at the auction for Samantha's ring. The rich reds and floral print gave me that feel. Anyways, I wore this dress to a Natural Hair Expo in Oakland this weekend. I literally received compliments on it left and right. I always note compliments on my clothing (and you should too) given on a piece that I'm wearing.  It's always helps to validate when I'm doing something right.  You can use that as a building tool for your own personal style.  If people continue to say that you look good in a particular outfit. silhouette, and/or color then you probably do.  Build off of that and include elements of that look in your everyday wear. Fit & flare dresses, like Lady V London's, often look good on most body types and I often include and recommend them often when women want to create that hourglass shape.  

Lady V London offers this adorable frock and other vintage inspired designs for plus, as well as, regular sizes. I've actually been familiar with the brand for a long time.  I stocked boutiques with their dresses and styled my clients (one who won Miss Texas Plus America, I might add) in Lady Vintage.  So when they reached out to me to collaborate on post, I was elated. It's always great when brands that you already know and adore, reach out to you.  The lady like silhouettes and feminine prints grab my attention every time.  The fabric feels as wonderful as it looks.  Be sure to check them out here.  

Style Note:  Lady V London is a UK based company with UK sizing.  I got a size UK 22, which is about a U.S. size 18/20.  Definitely use the measurements the site provides to help determine what size you where.  UK sizes generally are 1 - 2 sizes smaller than the U.S. The fabric of this dress didn't have any stretch, so be mindful of that when ordering. Again, I loved the fabric! It was flowy, but heavy at the same time.  This also comes with a waist sash, but you know me.   I love to add my own belts.  

Outfit:  Dress - Lady V London, Belt - Asos (similar), Shoes - Zappos, Bag - The Underground Chic, Lip - MAC Candy Yum Yum, Bangs - Beauty.com

This post was sponsored by Lady V London The thoughts and opinions are my own.  Handbag was courtesy of The Underground Chic.  

8 Fabulous Wide Width Shoes for Fall

Shoes - From Top Left:  SimplyBe, Torrid, DSW, From Middle Left: Evans, Lane Bryant, From Bottom Left:  DSW, Nordstrom, Evans

Fashionable and wide are two terms that just don't seem to exist when looking for shoes.  It is so difficult to find wide cute shoes.  It took me days just to be able to put this post together. Being blessed with both a wide instep and big feet, I'm always on the look out for that rare combination.  It's kind of like spotting that chicken on Orange is the New Black.  (Yes, that is my new show!) Anyways, I often frequent Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack for their wide widths and size 11s, but it's important to know that other places that carry wide shoes exist. Your plus size clothing retailers will often carry them if they have a shoe section.  If they don't carry wide widths, their shoes will generally have a wider fit.  Don't be discouraged by the nurse shoes, keep looking, because you can usually find one or two pair of shoes that are totally fancy. It's all about being patient and consistently looking at these sites for new arrivals.  This brings me to my next point, buy your shoes sparingly.  I don't have a slew of shoes anymore. With a knee surgery behind me, shoe pain being the most ungodly pain on the face of the earth, and just being older, I can't take uncomfortable shoes.  I'd rather wear three girdles that are three sizes too small than to endure the pain caused by a pair of vengeful pumps. With that being said, I'm always willing to wait for that perfect pair of shoes that I can both walk in, have some comfort for 3 to 4 hours, and above everything...is fabulous.  I'd rather pay for one pair of shoes that are gorgeous and a great fit than 10 pair that I can barely walk in.  

Military Inspiration

In my head and on my nails, Fall has already begun.  It's super windy with a chill in the air. My hair is blowing all over the place, but I'm rolling with it.  I'm hoping to add some military inspiration to my Fall wardrobe this season.  I love the whole military look, but it's hard to find pieces that I am in love with.  I'm totally digging this jacket though.  I feel so official.  All I need is some combat boots.  

Style Notes:  This jacket ran big.  I got a size 16.  I originally picked up a 20 and it just looked shapeless.  I totally love the shoes.  I have wide feet, these were okay in the width area. There are not the widest, but the the heel height was worth the lack of width.  Sometimes you can't have everything.  

Outfit:  Jacket - Macys, Top - Macys, Jeans - Torrid, Gold Bracelet - H&M, Shoes - Sole Society, Lip Color - MAC Ruby Woo

Turban Tying

Here's a quick video on how to tie your turban all fancy like!

Big Hair Tutorial

I have what you call curly fine hair.  It looks thick, but my hair strands are really thin which can make it difficult for me to achieve the natural big hair look.  A lot of you have been asking me about my most recent hair routine, which allows me to achieve big hair.   Through the help of a new haircut and the style advice from T. Oliver Hair Studio, I've got this new routine down pat and I thought I would share.  Follow these very easy step to achieving steps.  Let me know if you have any questions. 

Hair notes:  You generally hear of people using a paddle brush to dry.  I use a wide touch comb.  The teeth are so wide that it allows me to keep some of my curl pattern in the first dry.  Paddle brushes, for me, do too good of a job of straightening.  Also, when trying to achieve your big hair look, the less the product the better.  Use a little something for moisturizer, but nothing too heavy.   As a person who loves cream moisturizers, a heavy cream can weigh hair down and interfere with creating volume.  Finally, don't be afraid to respray and flip certain areas to get the desired volume/curl.  Different textures of hair can exist on the same head of hair and some areas may be more difficult than others.  

Products Used:  Moisturizer:  Curls Lavish Curls, Revlon Blow Dryer/Diffuser, Shampoo: Bangstyle Volumizing Shampoo, Conditioner: Bangstyle Volumizing Conditioner, 

Shampoo/Conditioner courtesy of Bangstyle.