Casual Connections Part II

Moving on right into Part II of the Casual Connections posts.  Old Navy's skinnies sale is still going on until October 2.  Skinnies are starting out at just $19.  Rolling right into those casual events that promote a little style confusion.  I decided the include the coated jeans (which have somewhat of a leather look) and the tuxedo denim.

Jeans - Old Navy, Top - Target (similar) , Jacket - Vintage, Shoes - Target (similar), Belt - GS Bigcartel

Scenario 3:  Food Truck Date - A new kind of date, food trucks provide a fun and different way to get to know someone or have a date night.  Those darn food truck dates are so confusing though.  You will be outside and most likely standing up while eating.  I decided to work the coated jeans which are apart of the Old Navy's Rockstar collection.  They give that night time feel with that casual comfort.  I paired with a dark colored blazer just in case of the night time air got chilly and if it got a little to real with the food truck goodies.  Nothing is worse than spilling something on a white top.

Denim - OldNavy, Shirt - Landsend, Cardi - JIBRI (similar), Shoes - Nordstrom Rack

Scenario 4:  Casual Fridays - Before I was a full time blogger, I worked a regular 9-5 like everyone else. Apart of American office attire culture, casual Fridays have become that one day when people take advantage of being in more comfortable clothing.  Just like in most situations, somebody has to take casual Friday too far.  Folks seem to forget quickly that they are still going to work.  I have seen some of worst inappropriate casual Friday attire from shorts, to sweatpants, to just looking like you literally rolled out of bed and picked up the shirt that the dog was sleeping on.  Help them! Anyways, I thought the tuxedo jean was the perfect way to keep it cute and classy for work on those casual days.  With a tuxedo stripe down each leg, these are literally the perfect dress up jean.  

The giveaways are still rolling.  Enter to win another $100 Old Navy gift card.  Good Luck

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post was sponsored by Old Navy Canada.  All opinions are 100% my own.  

Plus Size Tights

I wish I could collaborate with someone on making some plus size tights.  It's one of the major areas that plus size is struggling in.  We have your basics, but those fabulous tights that you see above don't exist for us just yet.  I would also like to have hand in the sizing.  I don't know about you ladies, but it's nearly impossible to find tights that are wide enough in the thighs and long enough at the same time. I feel like if someone can fit me...they can fit anybody. LOL! Anyways, so if you haven't started already, you should be buying your tights now.  As soon as that first winter chill comes through, it sends everyone into a tights frenzy and sizing can be hard to find.  I'm fortunate enough to have tried quite a few pair though my own personal purchases or through the courtesy of hosiery companies.  Out of all these, I have had the best luck with Spanx, Avenue, We Love Colors and Lane Bryant.  

 Fishnets | Leopard | Polka Dot | Black Opaque

 Stripe | Black Opaque | Polka Dot | Burgandy

Opaque | Pink Opaque | Floral Swirl 

Tribal Print | White Print | Suspender Striped

Please note that is my experience with plus size tights.  I am 5'9 and an extreme pear shape with full hips, thighs.  

Casual Connections Part 1

So there are those events in life that fall into the casual realm of dressing, but you have no idea of what to wear.  You want to be cute, but not overdressed. You want to be put together, but comfortable.  Old Navy is having a Skinnies sale through October 2 (starting at $19) and I thought this would the perfect opportunity to incorporate their skinnies into those "I can't figure out what I should wear for this event" type situations.  There will be two parts, which will also include another $100 Old Navy Gift Card (yeah!) and some style inspirations for some common casual scenarios.   I hope these provide a little inspiration and get you into some really cute skinnies.  

Pants - Old Navy, Jacket - Lane Collection (soldout), Top - Macys, Boots - DSW, Scarf - H&M, Hat - Urban Outfitters

Scenario 1:  Outdoor Concert -- Fall is coming up, but there are still a few outdoor concerts to attend.  It's awesome to listen to music in an outdoor environment, but with the weather changing, so layers are a must.  I included my boots to combat any weather elements, anybody stepping on your foot (I hate that), for overall comfort, and they are just so darn cute.  This outfit allows you to get your "2-step" on, look hip in your snakeskin, and keep your feet in tact. 

Pants - Old Navy, Tee - Target, Sweater - Land's End, Shoes - Nordstrom Rack, Bag - Phillip Lim for Target (sold out)

Scenario 2:  Fall Festive with the kids -  Hanging out with the kids at the local Fall Festival is so much fun, but you'll also be chitchatting with other parents, teachers, and representing your kids.  I remember always being proud that my mom was beautiful and that she always looked nice when she came to school to do something for me.  It was a little annoying when I when I got to high school though, because the boys always had something to say. She was never inappropriate, but was obviously attractive and well you know how teenage boys are. I still have a friend from high school that asks about her.  It drives me nuts!!!! Anyways, I know it gets real quick when you are out with the kids participating in carnival games, holding book bags, and whatever else you might have.   You want to look nice, but want to be able to move with ease.  I must say that these are my favorite out the bunch. I love the print. They have a good bit of stretch and are as comfortable as leggings, but they are a trouser.   

This post was sponsored by Old Navy Canada.  All the opinions are my own.     

Old Sport

Last week I meet up with Lanae, Polished Plus blogger, for a meeting with her and parts of the Old Navy Plus team.  It was really nice to see a team that is really passionate about the plus size portion of their business.  That is such a rarity, especially when it's in addition to the regular sizes.  So kudos to them.  I decide to go a little more business-y for this meeting by just doing what I would consider to be traditional work wear look.  

So you may notice that I am turning up the knob on the giveaways.  It's Libra season and since I've been so blessed, I want to bless others during my birthday season (I'm Oct 17th). I kicked it off with the $150 Wal-mart gift card giveaway (you can enter the post right below this one).  But I also have a fun giveaway for this post.  See my fancy bracelet (it's really a necklace).  This was courtesy of Chloe & Isabel.  Want to win a piece of your choice. Enter on the rafflecopter below.  Also, make sure you check back so you don't miss out on any of the awesome giveawys...and please believe me some awesomeness is about to happen.  

Style Note:  I'm in love with this Nordstrom top. It's so on trend with the sportswear trend, but definitely still work appropriate.  The arms are chiffon on this top.  If you have larger arms you may want to up one size.  I got the 2x.  I really would have liked a bigger fit, but the 3Xs were sold out.  Please note that I did not cut my hair.  It's just a french braid where the excess hair is pinned up.  

Top:  Nordstrom, Skirt - Lane Bryant (similar) , Bracelet - Chloe & Isabel, Shoes - 6pm (similar)

Oh! If you have a moment, I am finalist in the #denimdebunked contest with AllYou Magazine.  Please take a moment to vote for me (no sign in needed) here.  The winner receives a feature on the AllYou website and a $500 gift card to Catherines (of course, I'll give that away) which can be used at Lane Bryant as well. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Lookbookforall

This post brought to you by Curvation.  All opinions are 100% mine.

 

This is my very first haul video.  This post features some fun picks from Walmart including some great bras from Curvation!  I know ya'll like to look good, but want those budgetnista finds to make it happen. Check out Curvation on Facebook too.

This video has some really fabulous pieces and nothing is over $35!!  I’m both shocked and elated about some of the things I received.  I always tell myself to keep an open mind to options from all places that carry plus, but who knew you could find such fashion fancy items at Walmart?!?
 Items include a motorcycle jacket, blazers, and Curvation bras galore! 

Please let me know if you like the video and if this is something you want to see more of.  There are a lot of items that I buy that I don’t make it into a blog post, so this is a way to get even more items reviewed. 

Now for the important part, Curvation is sponsoring a giveaway of a $150 gift card to Walmart.  Yes, I said $150.  Whoop Whoop! There are up to 6 ways to enter.  You can enter and see the instructions through the Rafflecopter widget below.  Contest is open to USA and US territories. 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Celebrity Style Capture: Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae, besides being just very talented,  walks a road less traveled in the entertainment industry.  She has controlled her image through very conservative, but stylish and polished clothing. She sells her music, her voice, her talent, but not her sexuality. Definitely apart of the girl power movement and considers herself somewhat of a feminist, she made me fall in love with her.  I've wanted capture her style for a while now.  I adore her in the Cover Girl commercials and applaud them for making her a one of their celebrity models.  They often showcase different non-traditional forms of beauty.  In a world, where young girls are subjected to overtly sexual images, she is definitely an alternative and more appropriate image for their young and impressionable minds.  As a woman in fashion, I often run into grown women who think the skin revealing, curve hugging form of sexy is the only goal/look to aspire to.  Like that is the only way to be attractive.  Janelle just stomps all over that.  She is beautiful, vibrant, and dare I say sexy in her own right.  Just for the record, I'm definitely not opposed to sexy and love artists like Beyonce who own their sexuality.  I, although they use different approaches, consider both Beyonce and Janelle Monae to be girl power promoters. Just some food for thought.    

Style Note:  This was an easy look to recreate. I even tried to do some of Janelle's animated poses.  Anyways, black and white is always a classic look however you wear it. Note on the suspenders.  Avoid the super cheap ones (the ones less than $5).  They will break or tear up in some sort of way.  

Top:  JCPenney (similar), Suspenders - Asos, Tie - Topman, Pants - JIBRI, Shoes - 6pm, Lip - MAC Red

Phillip Lim for Target & Plus Sizes

So most of us are up and trying to get a few pieces from Phillip Lim for Target.   So you may be wondering beside the accessories, "What can I get?"  I'll be ordering the pieces that I think will work for plus sizes and I thought I'd share my own thoughts on potential plus size compatibility.  Per the rumors, the line is said to run big.  I took into account the fabric content as well.  I'll be up tonight ordering and then I will get up in the morning to score the items I couldn't score online.  (Consumerism is awful isn't it?!? LOL.)  Anyways, I am on the west coast time so the I'm not getting the links as fast as others, so if you are wondering about if an item will work for plus and you don't see your item listed just check back and comment what you are wondering about.  As soon as I see an item that will fit plus, I promise I will upload it as quickly as I can.  

 Sparkle Sweater |  Sparkle Tank

The sparkle sweater should work because it's a sweater.  It will have give, because it's a knit. The sparkle tank has some stretch.  I think it would work tucked inside a anything high waist. 

Boom Sweater Dress  |  Floral Tank

The Boom Sweater Dress, depending on where they attach the dress part should work.  My guess is that the skirt portion is attached below the hip.  I didn't see any stretch, but the fabric is nylon and from what I can see online it probably does have some give.  The floral tank does have some stretch.  Tucked inside a high waist skirt, I think it should work perfectly.  

Animal Knit Dress  |  Peplum Top

I'm in love with the the Animal Knit Dress.  It's a knit and it should work.  There's a possibility that it could be a little short.  If you are not comfortable with your legs being out, pair with leggings and I would do a lace up bootie.  The peplum top is ponte knit.  Ponte always has a decent amount of give to the fabric.  I think this can be worn tucked in or out. 

Animal Print Pullover  |  Taupe Mini Statchel  |  Pullover Sweater

The Animal Print pullover should work.  It's a knit.  I'm loving this animal print.  I just threw in the satchel in for those who want the link.  The bags links are rare right now.  I really want that huge travel bag.  Anyway, I hope this helps.  Please let me know if you have any questions about anything. 

Moto Jacket  |  Cardigan  |  Button Down

I looked at the women's moto jacket and I don't trust it.  It's probably lined and you are going to catch hell trying to get into it.  I would definitely go with the men's motorcycle jacket.  It's going to have more arm room.  The same goes for the button up.  The arm room should be increased and the overall sizing will be larger.  The cardi is a knit and will work.  I love men's cardigans.  

For your in-store searches, check this list for a Target near you that will be carrying the line. 

*** Update:  I went into the store and looked at the items.  Those pullover sweaters probably won't work.  The arms are made out of a sheer chiffon, so there is no stretch.  I hope this helps.  I didn't foresee the chiffon sleeves.  Oh! I ended up purchasing the leopard dress, the sparkle top, the sparkle sweater, the men's satchel, and the brown medium tote. 

#mypassionforthesea

This week I was invited to view their art gallery of Instagram photos & this season's fancy new Sperry shoes. Sperry's the Sea Project, #mypassionforthesea, invited individuals to share their photos inspired by their own passion for the sea and enter them for consideration in the Instagram-fueled photography contest, exhibit and limited edition book. I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of the limited edition book. There are really beautiful photos of the sea inside.  Proceeds from the book got to support the Ocean Conservancy.     

As an girl who grew up by the beach, I've always had a deep love for the boat shoe aesthetic. Do you see those blue wedges below?  Yep, those.  I want! I want!! I want!!! Comfortable ✓ No slip bottom ✓ Goes up to a size 12 ✓ and above all Fabulous ✓ Yeah, you can say I'm in love.  I'm thinking these would be perfect with any skinny leg pant.  You can get them here.  

Style Note:  I know I've been GwynnieBee (You can try it out free for 30 days) heavy, but honestly they ship so fast.  I had a lot of things to go to this week, so it was nice having something new on deck.   This is supposed to be a dress, but as you can see it's short.  I paired with a pair of ankle pants and wore it as a tunic.  My sister gifted me these pants from Nordstrom via Vince Camuto. They are like a ponte knit legging.  They are nice and thick and fit amazingly.  You really can't see my shoes that well, but these are my new favorites.  The heel is so cute...it's like a wedge, but a little more sleeker. It's crazy, but I didn't have a pair black pumps.  

Dress -GwynnieBee, Pants - Vince Camuto, Shoes - Pour La Victoire via 6pm, Clutch - Dzire Boutique (soldout)

I'm totally buggin!

I had some business in San Francisco today and for the first time I really had to drive through the city.  My goodness, how do people drive with the pedestrians and trains roaming around in herds.  It was a absolute nightmare.  I have to go back for an event and I think I'm going to park and ride the train.  Like it was so many bikers and people walking it was nerve racking.  Bicyclists were surrounding my car like some motorcycle gang.  I felt like Dionne from Clueless when she was on the freeway.   I was afraid to move because I didn't want to hit anyone.  No bueno! 

Outfit:  Top - GwynnieBee, Pants - JIBRI, Belt - Elloquii, Shoes - Gap (similar), Hat - LondonFog (similar), Lip - MAC RubyWoo

20 Pieces under $30

 Top |  Shoes |  Jacket |  Shorts |  Earrings | Clutch

So this is the beginning of my 20 plus size pieces under $30 segment.  A really good friend of mine inspired this new segment that I'm going to do once a month. She is what you would call frugal.  I always joke and say that she doesn't want to spend more than $30 on any clothing or accessory item.  I also always get a lot of readers that ask me how they can shop cheaply, but still accomplish the look that they want.  I see deals all the time, but that's probably because it's my job to be on the internet looking for fabulous finds.  Looking for great deals requires you to stalk the your favorite shops and it is work.  I decided to take a little bit of the work out of it for you with my top 20 pics for the month.  I hope you find something that you like.  Let me know what you think of this type of segment.  

Coupon Note:  Some of these items are under $30 with a coupon.  Find the coupon codes below from the retailers I used:  H&M - 0241 - 20% off, Dorothy Perkins - STYLE25 - 25% off, Old Navy - ONEEXTRA15 - 15%off, SimplyBE - 5682 - 30% & Free Shipping, Kohls - TOUCHDOWN - 20% off

Dress | Pants | Top | Necklace | Striped Top

Skirt | Belt | Top | Shoes | Dress

Skirt | Jacket | Sunglasses | Belt | Sweater 

Lashes

I've been asked by a couple of readers, where do I like to shop in the San Jose area?  As a new resident of the area, Santana Row & Valley Fair Mall have quickly become my favorite places to look and shop. I frequent Kate Spade and H&M while never forgetting to pick up a sweet treat at Cocola Bakery (they have yummy macaroons).  As I was out roaming around Santana Row, I had this on.  I've been obsessed with the scuba material items since I saw Fashionettework wear a scuba skirt last year at Fashion Week.   Unfortunately, I still haven't found this material in plus sizes.  This skirt is from ASOS' regular sizes. It does have a lot of stretch and does have a good amount of give.  I bought the size 14.  

Style Note:  How cute is this shirt?!? It's so much fun.  It's actually a peplum top.  I just decided to wear tucked in.  The peplum is nice and long too.   I must say that I am really having fun with GwynnieBee.  I'm on my 4th shipment and it's going good.  Shipments are fast thus keeping new things rotating in and out my closet all the time.  As a blogger, this has become such an awesome service.  In addition,  I'm in love with this shade from MAC. It's only sold at the MAC Pro Store and is hard to come by.  I've worn it before, but I did look for a shade that would be similar and that would be easily accessible.  From my research, Milani Violet Volt is a similar shade.  Milani is an inexpensive brand found in most of drug stores.  I also lined my lips with a darker shade of purple as well.  Because of the darkness around my lips, I always line to keep the color as true as possible.   

Top:  GwynnieBee,  Skirt - ASOS, Sunnies - Chanel, Lip - Violetta (MAC Pro Store), Belt - Eloquii

JIBRI Fall Collection

It never seems like fall has begun, at least in my eyes, until JIBRI puts out her collection. As soon as it comes out, I can see the leaves turn to orange, that crisp breeze in the air, and I can hear the pitter patter of children's feet rushing door to door in their costumes for candy. I see it, don't you?  This year JIBRI has brought the freshest and most vibrant colors out for the season.  And above all else, my most coveted favorite, winter white.  I love winter white during the colder months, but as a fan of it I do know how hard it is to come by that perfect piece in plus sizes. JIBRI just sliced through the hard times with not one, not two, but what looks like 5 pieces. Well put that in your pipe and smoke it!  My mouth also got wet, yes I said wet, with this jumpsuit in the (what I assume to be) tie dye army green. Oh yes sweet baby Jesus!  I'll take it.  What do you think? You can see the whole collection here.  

#shapeofbeauty

This post brought to you by Curvation.  All opinions are 100% mine.

As one of the Curvation bloggers, I am totally excited to be working, reviewing some of their fabulous bras, and helping them on getting their message out.  The message is about dispelling the myth of what plus size women “should” wear.  It’s one that is very near and dear to my heart.  One of the huge purposes of this blog is to take all of those “rules,” toss them out of the window and really show that we can wear anything we want and look amazing at the same time.   I’ve felt that these rules were made to keep plus size women in a box to make others comfortable.  In the process, it dims our light and doesn’t allow us to shine quite as bright.  There is one good thing about these rules though, with one quick decision you can easily toss them aside, as I have.  I say you can have fun and wear anything as long as you wear it in a way that works for you.  You would be surprised how many of the things that you thought wouldn’t look good on you actually do.   I’m issuing you a personal challenge for those who feel like they haven’t been able to get out of that box.  Go to your favorite place to shop, pick out a few things that you wouldn’t normally wear, and try them on.  Pick up some horizontal stripes, loud colors, or something that you know is just going to grab everyone’s attention.  Regardless if you buy or not, it will really allow you to see that you too can ditch those rules.   I’d love for you to come back and tell me how it goes. 

Want to keep up with the #shapeofbeauty & Curvation movement?  Follow Curvation on Facebook.

Peach Top - Madison Plus (similar), Dress - ASOS (sold-out), Print top - Simplybe, Print bottoms - Simplybe, Skirt - Nordstrom (similar)

Oaktown 357

The only time I go out is when my friends and I meet up for our girls weekends. We all live in different states, so it only happens once a year.   So I get myself together for a weekend of bar hopping and dancing.  The funny thing is when I think about going out to a club type thing it just turns me off, but somehow I always end up have an awesome time. We ventured all the way over to Oakland's Somar Bar to get our "two step" on.  As I really don't know the area it was just plain luck that the club was jumping and the DJ's were pumping. Yelp didn't steer me wrong.  Needless to say, we had a good time.  I've been to Oakland a few times and I really like the area.  It has so much more character than where I live.  Every time I think of that city, I think of Oaktown 357.  I know I'm showing my age, but just in case you wanted a "two step" break feel free to listen below.  

Style Note:  I literally died when I saw this skirt pass by my pinterest board.  Wouldn't you know the thing was only available in straight size.  As a frequent shopper of both ASOS & ASOS Curve, I don't why they don't offer some of their regular styles in plus.   Pieces that would be easy plus size conversions, like this skirt below, I believe would sell out instantly. This skirt is a size US 14.  Although, ASOS does run big, I really had to shimmy into this one.  I loved it so much that I just couldn't let it pass by.  It's made out of that scuba material and had 19% stretch, so I gave it a go, but I can't lie and say I would have loved to have it in my actual size for an optimal fit.  Another issue with this skirt is that it sold out quickly, but one thing I learned about ASOS is that you can stalk the link to the item that you want when it's sold out.   They will post whatever sizes become available.  I assume they are from returned merchandise.  

Outfit:  Tank - Target, Skirt - ASOS, Necklace - H&M, Shoes - Target

Pier 39

The nice thing about living in the Bay area is that everyone wants to come visit. I've already had 4 house guests.  Nobody wanted to come to Dallas when I lived there.  #sideeye! This is my third time in only a few months doing the tourist sights of San Francisco for my out of town guests.  The crazy thing is that there is so much to do and see that I have done different things every time that I went.  This time we visited Pier 39, which had sea lions and good eats accompanied with a carnival like atmosphere.  Today's outfit was more about comfort and warmth.  I did, however, make the mistake of wearing sandals.  My toes were frozen as the sun started to go down, but we had a good time.  We tried to go see the Golden Gate bridge, but the fog was so thick it was barely visible.  

Style Note:  These Merlot colored beauties came from Catherines.  I am in love with the color.  Just a note, these jeans have very little stretch.  I would suggest ordering up one size from your regular size.  I thought they ran a small.  Catherines goes up to a size 34W. Continuing my usage of Gwynnie Bee, I chose this jacket. I've looked at it for months and never took the plunge on it.  Note that I replaced the sash (that came with it) with my own belt.  

Dont for get to enter the Old Navy $100 gift card giveaway below.  

Outfit:  Jacket:  GwynnieBee, Denim: Catherines,  Sandals: Zappos (soldout), Belt: Michael Kors (soldout)

Denim & All You magazine courtesy of :