NYC Fashion Week Survival Guide - Plus Size Edition

I've been away handling family matters, but I'm back and ready to roll.  I'm gearing up to go to fashion week in NYC next week.  Now I do question my decision to go because it is freezing on the east coast right now.  Ugh!!! Anways, this is a great guide for NYC Fashion Week, Full Figured Fashion Week or just going to NYC in general.  NYC is rough for us car driving folk.  Here are a list of things that I must bring while I'm tackling the rough streets of New York.  

1.  Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel - The walking in NYC is no joke and is bound to create a lot of friction in the thigh area.  This is one of my favorite things to use to keep dry and to reduce my chance of any type of rash.  If you don't have this, you can use deodorant as a back up.  I pair this with a long leg shorts shapewear to prevent any sort of issues.  For the most part, it works in keeping me dry and rash free. 

2.  Gel Soles - So if you are trying to get your fashion girl look on and you don't want to wear sneakers, gel soles are the next best thing.  Heels, boots, and even flats don't provide a lot of support for walking on concrete all day.  Add in gel soles to help with foot pain associated with extended walking.  Your feet will thank you.

3.  Over the shoulder bag - There is nothing like being hands free.  I promise you will not want to carry that bag in your hand for blocks.  Make sure you have a over the shoulder bag (one that pretty much can go with every outfit) or make sure your has an optional strap.

4. Yosi Samra - Hands down, my most the most comfortable walking shoe ever that is still stylish. I was gifted a pair at the LuckyFabb conference and these are by far my favorite traveling shoe.  Your feet will last for miles.  

5.  Blotting Tissues - Oh man, I hate those photos with the greasy face.  You are going to be out and about and your face will get greasy (gross).  Blotting tissues are great for keeping your make-up in tact and keeping that oily sheen off of your face. Why not use tissues, you might ask?  Tissues tend to leave paper fibers on your face.  Blotting tissues are much better.  

6. Portable Charger - Looking for a place to charge your phone is a pain in the butt.  Every Starbuck in New York is filled with people using all the outlets.  Ugh! Rather than wait in line or lose the charge on your phone, slip a portable charger in your purse.  Charge it up the night before and you won't have to worry about being in NYC without your phone or your GPS navigation.

Other things you should have...

Roll Up Flats -   To get you to your destination and back.  I usually slip on my fab shoes around the corner from the event and use the roll ups to get around. 

Aleve - (or any other medicine that alleviates pain) Your joints will thank you.  

Change of underwear - I know this isn't the cutest suggestion, but I insist on having a change of underwear with me.  You could be out for hours upon hours.  This is an easy way to freshen up.  

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is on it's way and I personally love to dress in traditional Valentine's Day colors, such as red and pink.  I also love hearts for this day too.  As you are looking for your V-Day looks, I decided to provide a little inspiration for this day.  I would also like to say that V-Day is just not for couples.  It's just cool to show some love to yourself, as well.  In my single girl days, I would buy myself really pretty lingerie for myself.  Even though no one else saw it, I felt really fancy.  

Style Note:  I have found that, for me, thigh highs are nearly impossible to wear even with a garter.  The ones that I have been semi successful have come from Hips & Curves.  Small legged girls shouldn't have any issues.  You can find my outfit posts from a previous Valentine's Day here. 

 Top | Skirt | Dress

 Top | Dress | Dress | Jacket

 Bodysuit | Skirt | Dress

 Dress 1 | Dress 2 | Dress 3 | Dress 4

SimplyBe - Bra, Corset, Panties | Hips & Curves - Corset 

Lane Bryant - Bra, Panty | Curvy Couture - Bra, Panty | Hips & Curves - Bra, Panty | Lane Bryant - Bra, Skirt, Thigh Highs

Plush

Not a my usual style, but I love it.  The 13 year old girl inside me who loved Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, Nirvana and anything else from Seattle is elated at this look.  Earlier this year, I saw Liesl Binx on the runway was this designer struck a cord with me.  It was so gritty and chic at the same time.  There is still a special place in my heart for grunge and this dress captured my heart.  With baseball inspired sleeves with leather trim this dress appeals to my inner rebel. 

Dress - Liesl Binx via Madison Plus, Tights - Spanx, Wedge Booties - ShoeDazzle (similar), Lip - Sugar Plum Fairy

Dress c/o of Liesl Binx.  

Cherry Picking

 

It is literally heaven in the Bay right now.  It has to be around 70 degrees.  The sun is shining and it feels like Spring.  I know this is too good to be true, so I will just sit and wait for old man winter to creep back in, but for now I'm going to enjoy every last bit of this sunshine.  I decided to pretend it was spring with adding a pop of neon in the mix to a nautical feel.  Every summer I am obsessed with nautical and this summer will probably be no different. 

Style Note:  So my sister sent me some lipstick from Wet & Wild.  I actually thought to myself, why is she sending me this cheap lipstick.  LOL.  I'm terrible like that, but I remember the lipstick being horrible.  She called me and went on and on about the colors.  I tried them and and they are really cute and really pigmented.  At less than $3 per lipstick they are a definite steal. I have on the Wet N Wild MegaLast Cherry Picking color.  It does actually last a long time and you can eat in it as well and not be lipstick-less when you finish.   I like the texture as well.  It's feel sort of like a crayon, but in a good way.  It gives a nice thick matte look.  Because they are so cheap I may just buy every color of the Mega Last. 

Polka Dot Top - Lane Bryant, Striped Top - Lane Bryant, Skirt - Vince Camuto, Belt - Michael Kors (similar), Shoes - Shoedazzle (similar), Necklace - J.Crew (similar), Lipstick - Wet N Wild Cherry Picking

Lena Dunham - The Thirst is Real

I am a person who loves to call a spade a spade when indeed it is an actual spade.  I'm a little confused about the Lena Dunham Vogue controversy.  Earlier this week I saw Lena on the cover and thought, nice cover and she looks like herself. In my mind, and correct me if I'm wrong, there is no controversy. There is some photoshop, but in my opinion, it's minimal. (Besides them cutting off her arm.  Vogue, I'm gonna need yall to do better.)  Yes, they touched her up.  It's Vogue, what do you expect, but I've seen photos touched up (in the plus size fashion community, I might add) much worse than this.  

When situations like this happen, go viral, or whatever I often wonder to myself are there times where we are too sensitive.  Anytime a "regular" girl is highlighted it seems that people are just waiting to find something wrong with it so they put it under a microscope, dissect, and milk it for all it's worth.  The same with the Mindy Kaling cover.  I thought Mindy was gorgeous, but apparently I was supposed to see some slight against her size and ethnicity that didn't occur to me.  For me, I always want to fight the good fight, but I only want to fight when they is an actual fight.  I do feel like some folks/websites are always ready to pick a fight when there is none.  This also makes me question the authenticity of their motives.  Could this be a ploy, to say, go viral.  As I like to say, the thirst is real.

As this not my usual type of post, I felt like voicing my opinion and having a conversation and I would love to hear your thoughts.  

Update: If you've been keeping up with this whole "controversy" and I used that term very loosely, Jezebel paid 10K for the untouched photos of Lena Dunham.  In response to this obvious waste of money and counter production of female empowerment, Brad Walsh & fellow blogger, Nicolette Mason, have decided raise 10K to give Step Up.  The mission of Step Up is to propel girls from under-resourced communities to fulfill their potential by empowering them to become confident, college-bound, career-focused and ready to join the next generation of professional womI am always here for such causes.   Want to help as well.  Make a donation today, big or small, here.

20 Under $30 - January Edition

Pushing forward into the new year, we are going to keep the 20 pieces under $30 going.  This month I wanted to pick some pieces that will help with your transition into Spring.  It will be here before you know it. Can you tell that I am ready for it to warm up. Also, some of these are under $30 with a coupon code.  Coupon codes are as follows:  Forever21: EXTRA50.  Also, note I did try on the black and white dress in the store.  It's really cute and has a nice fit.  Great casual dress for spring. 

#PSPFit MeetUp Recap

So I wanted to do a recap of the #PSPFit event recap mainly because I wanted to give a review on the activewear.  I go to a gym where all the girls wear Lulumon's super cute activewear and I am usually getting my workout on in a t-shirt and leggings.  I often thought how nice it would be to have cute activewear that is both cute and fits.  I often have come across work out clothes that aren't made to fit properly, so that when I move I'm having to adjust and pull and it's just an irritating distraction.  I got to try and wear Lane Bryant's new activewear line and beside being adorable it fits really nicely.  I'm going to go through each piece and give my thoughts. 

LB Capri - I sized down to a 22/24 in these mainly because I want the waist to fit snuggly. I often have issues with the waist being too big and I have to continue to pull the pants up.  These were great.  I wore them all day with no issues.  

LB Tank - A razor back tank that is nice and long, I love this tank.  I actually got two of the same. 

LB Sports Bra - Yall this sports bra was not playing.  I know a lot of women are on the hunt for that sports bra that is going to keep you secure and in place while you are working out.  This sports bra has underwire and padding and fit more like a bra than a sports bra.  I do advise that you go in an try it on.  They said you should order one size up and I will agree with that.  It runs small.  For me, I will probably go with the regular sports bra.  My boobs don't really move.  

Pink Top - Since it's cold and I do somewhat of a boot camp sort of work out, I really like to layer.  This is a great layering piece, especially now that it's cold.  Order one size larger if you want the off the shoulder look.  I ordered a 22/24.  

Other Notes:  The activewear has Trudry technology to help to keep you dry during workouts.  There are few things that I wish I would have seen.  I wish I would have seen more full length workout leggings with fun details.  I'm not a fan of the wide leg workout pants.  They make my ankles hot.  LOL.  Draw strings in the pants would have been great for extra security.  I would also love to see compression technology in the leggings.  In a effort to make sure that you guys can take advantage of the sale, activewear is Buy 1 Get 1 free and the bras are Buy 2 Get 2 free right now as well.  Happy Shopping!

Theory&Practice & Fancy Dime

LB Activewear Designer - Marley

Lanae from Polished Plus

Winter Nautical

Sorry yall I was a little bit of hiatus.  That flu took me out, but I'm back and feeling much better.  I just want to give out a quick thank you for everyone who joined me for yesterday's #PSPFit meet-up.  It was a great turnout and I'm happy to have been able to meet so many new people.  We had so much fun and a lot of you took home some great prizes and an awesome gift bag (that I was unable to get :( LOL). 

Style Notes:  This was the second thing that I got from my Demestiks purchase.  This skirt is a pretty simple fit, but I did request a few more inches in the skirt length.  The flare skirt's waist band is elastic so go by your waist measurement, but know that if you are off the elastic band should be able to accommodate you.  My flats are Kate Spade and little on the narrow side.  I will be using my (but I haven't yet) my shoe stretcher spray to widen the instep a little bit.  

Turtleneck - Landsend, Skirt - Demestiks, Shoes - Kate Spade, Belt - Ann Taylor (old), Lip - Lady Danger

#PSPFit Meet-Up with Garnerstyle

I am so so excited to announce that I am doing a #PSPFit event with in conjunction with the Big Girl Blog and Lane Bryant.  This is the first meet-up event that I'm doing in the Bay area (so pumped) and it's with #PSPFit! (Want to learn more about the program, I did a blog here).

The meetup will take place on Saturday, Jan. 11th at the Fremont Hub Store #4510 (39045 Fremont Hub, Fremont, CA 94538) from 2 - 4.  There will be gift bags to the first 25 entrants and swanky prizes.  RSVP to the event here. 

Not in the Bay, but still want to attend?  Check out these other locations being hosted by some of your favorite bloggers:

We’ve got swag bags for the first 25 attendees at each meet-up and major in-store prizes!

All 10 of us will be at the following Lane Bryant Store from 2-4pm on January 11th - Click Here to RSVP for all locations

***WEST COAST***
San Francisco: Fremont Hub Store #4510 Hosted by, Chastity of Garner Style
San Diego, CA: Hosted by, Mission Valley Store #6042 Alessandra of Alessandra G.
Portland, OR: Keizer Station Village Store #4519 Hosted by, Gracey of Fashion For Giants

***SOUTH WEST/MID WEST***
Dallas Fort Worth, TX: Arlington Highlands Store #4640 Hosted by, From the Rez to the City
Chicago, IL: Orland SQ Store #6119 Hosted by, Arielle Smith

***EAST COAST***
Long Island, NY: Roosevelt Feild Store #6223 Hosted by, CeCe of The Big Girl Blog: Tales of a Plus Size Princess in New York City

Philadelphia, PA: King of Prussia Store #6819 Hosted by, Colleen PlusModel Stovall of ShortCurvyFierce.com

Washington, DC Fair Lakes Store #6951 hosted by, Bella Styles
West Palm Beach, FL: Legacy Plaza Store #6708 hosted by, Kirstin of Kirstin Marie
Boston, MA: Wayside Commons Store #4558 Hosted by, Johara of Luvin’ My Curves

Still don't see your city.   Email Cece: fitness@thebiggirlblog.com if you’d like to organize one!

Also, don’t forget to register for the #PSPfit 21 Day January Jump Start!

#TCFturns5

So I was totally supposed to be in Georgia right now, but due to a mis-read flight time and the storms in Chicago I had to forgo the trip. It was a bummer, but there was definitely a silver lining. Once I got over not being able to go home, I swiftly called up Desiree from Fancy Dime to see if was down to ride to L.A. for an overnight trip to attend Sonsee presents The Curvy Fashionista turns 5 blog anniversary party. She was! It's always awesome to have someone to roll with. I got to attend The Curvy Fashionista's 5th anniversary blog party and boy was it a party.  With fabulous sponsors Sonsee hosiery, two bumping DJs, and fabulous guests all in the very swanky Club Nokia in downtown L.A., it definitely was a party to remember.  Only Marie could pull off such a seamless event.  

Fabulous guests included, Goo Goo Atkins (sister & stylist to the gospel recording artists Mary Mary), Chenese Lewis, Jay Miranda, the Addition Elle team, the Sonsee Team, Theary Sims, Marcy Guevara, Ashley Nell Tipton and so so many others.  Believe or not, there were people at this party, that although we have been in the same arena for years, we had not met.  Particularly, I got to meet Jay Miranda, who is not only adorable in every way imaginable (I promise she really is) she's is so super nice and inviting.  I've admired her style for so many years. 

It's always heart warming to see so many people come together and support such an awesome person and esteemed person in the plus size community.  If I haven't said it before, congratulations Marie!! Your years of continued excellence and accomplishments are to be admired and celebrated.  I was so happy that you invited me to apart of this event for you and thank you for all your help this year! 

Style Note:  So many of you asked about this dress, so I wanted to post and talk about it briefly.  It's from SimplyBe.  It's bodycon and really stretchy and long.  It's more of a midi length.  I got my dress in a size 24.  I think it's pretty true to size but has a lot of stretch in the case that you can't find your size.  You can find the dress here.  It looks like a lot of the sizes are gone.  This dress was courtesy of SimplyBe and I actually had it a few months before I wore it.    I also accidentally purchased this dress as well. Don't ask me how I did it. So, I have two. If anyone is interested in it, you can email me at chastity@garnerstyle.com.  It's a size 24 too.  It's brand new and still tagged.  Update: The dress is no longer available. 

Sidenote:  So I want to apologize for the photos.  These were all done via camera phones and Instagram.  I am not one to bring big bulky cameras to events.  I'm only posting a few photos here, but if you want to see all the photos just put in the hastag #TCFturns5 in Instagram and you will get to view all the photos. 

Dress - SimplyBe, Shoes - Torrid, Bun - Asos, Belt - Lane Bryant

8 Mid Heels

Crimson | Bow Strappy | Black & White

Clear Heel Loafer | Pointy Toe

Metallic Sandals | Glitter Pump | Spike Pump

I once heard someone say, "what's the point of kitten heels?" I thought to myself, the point is so I don't have kill myself in painful high heels that still look cute.  I know they are not for everyone, but they sure are great alternative for those who want a little bit of a heel.  Anyways, with that being said, here are a few fab lower heels choices for the fashion girl on heel restriction.