Celebrity Style Capture: Kelis

Kelis Photo Credit:  The Coveteur

So when I saw Kelis' spread via the FashionBombDaily, I knew this was something that I wanted to recreate.  I've been a fan of hers since high school.  She has been a huge influence and trend setter in the music world.  Ahhh hem! Anyone remember the "Bossy" video haircut?  The one that made a certain other female pop star, in my opinion, famous.  I'm not saying, but I'm just saying.  I think that hair cut, has done wonders for a lot of these songstresses' careers.  Yes, that may have been a little messy, but I like to make sure I give credit where credit is due.   Anyways, Kelis I've always recognized your uniqueness and fabulosity...and yes you were the first girl to scream on the track. 

I love being a fashion blogger, but there are times like these where I just can't believe I get to wear such wonderful things.  There's something about a tulle skirt that is magical and fun.  I was taking these photos and ran into a school of 5 year old ballerinas and they couldn't take their eyes off of my skirt.  It was the cutest thing.  I know my niece,  Kylea, is going to love this look.  Sometimes, regardless of age, it's a good thing to feel like a princess for a day.  

Style Notes:  I want to give out a huge thank you to etsy designer, Fanfaronada and Custom-Plus.  Fanfaronada has a shop full of tulle skirts in various lengths and dreamy colors.  I did request this one in a custom length and color.  For special request such as this, hit the "request custom order" button on her page.  Last but not least, Custom-Plus does the most awesome printed plus size tees.  I opted for this Miss Piggy tee, since she's my girl and all. Ha! Anyways, they fit well and and are made of a soft cotton. I got the xxl in this one.  

Skirt - c/o Fanfaronada, Tee - Custom-Plus, Shoes - Nordstrom Rack (similar), Lip - MAC Girl About Town

Photo Credit:  Lydia Hudgens

Lupita Blue

Keeping it real with y'all, this dress was one step away from looking like a hospital gown.  HA! I can admit the obvious.  I had to really play this dress up, so it didn't look like I was going in for surgery.   It's a great dress, it is comfortable, has a swing design, and is in Lupita Nyong'o's cinderella blue color that I have been dying (yes dying) to wear.  I just had to play it up with accessories and broke up the color with this jacket.  I did get compliments on the look, so that at least told me that nobody thought I was on my way to the maternity ward.  LOL.  Because this was so cute and comfy, I will probably put this in my resort wear pile, as I am anticipating my upcoming getaways.    Please note that this dress and look is not about flattery at all, it's about fashion and style as I see it.  

Style Note:  I bought this dress in a 22. It has a swing design and flares out from the bust, but I wanted to make sure that there enough room for my hips.  The arm room was good.  The jacket is also a nice fit.  I got this in a size 22. It's a knit and does have some give.   

Dress - Asos, Jacket - Asos, Clutch -Kate Spade, Necklace - French Connection (in-store), Shoes - Nordstrom Rack

Photo Credit:  Lydia Hudgens

Hello Old Friend

Do you see me over here enjoying this lovely California weather? I'm wearing sandals and all!! Today's look is totally California boho and I'm super comfortable in my maxi skirt.  I partnered with Alloy on this post.  I've known about and shopped Alloy for years.  I remember being young (like 24) and plus size and it was one of the very few sites that offered extended sizing to their plus size customers in trendier items. Back then there were only a handful of places that you could buy plus size clothing.  Being a new college graduate, at the time, their pricing was friendly to my budget. Matter of fact, both the top and bottom together total under $50.  Also, being on the larger side of plus in my pants sizes (even then), Alloy goes up to a size 25 (jr's sizes) in their bottoms.  Make sure to check the size chart so you can gage the sizing.  

Can I say that I'm in love with this leopard top. Obviously, I adore the print.  I feel like my wardrobe has been lacking leopard and my absolute favorite print to wear. I've been neglecting my old friend.  I have to do better.   I, also, love the collar.  The collar is perfect for slipping a really cute necklace underneath and can almost serve as a way to add a surprise accessory to your outfit.   

Style Note:  I got my shirt and skirt in Alloy's XXXL.  Since it's juniors plus size I usually just always get the largest size and, for the most part, it works.    The arm room is pretty good on the top as well.  Also not that the top is slightly sheer.  Also, I usually get asked about my shape wear and under this skirt I'm wearing capri shape wear.  It's one of my favorites because it goes back the knee.  You can find a similar one here. 

Top - Alloy, Skirt - Alloy, Lip - MAC Russian Red, Sunnies - Tom Ford, Belt - Lane Bryant (similar), Bag - Gifted by Mom 

  This post was sponsored by Alloy, all opinions are 100% my own.  

Beauty Haul: Meaningful Beauty, Flower Cosmetics & More

I did my first beauty haul video.  Check it out above.  Products reviewed include items from Flower Cosmetics, Meaningful Beauty, and Two Faced Cosmetics.  You can check out my entire youtube channel here.  

Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant: I'm Impressed

                                                                                                  Start the video at 44:51 minutes to see the show.

I will say that it takes a lot to impress me in plus size fashion, but I must say that Isabel Toledo Collection for Lane Bryant has got me impressed.  I visited the store a couple of days ago and the first round of releases weren't for me and I was sad, but then I saw the runway show.   The runway show included items from the current release, but it also has items from a launch that will happen this Summer.  Per the LB tweeter, they will release the items towards the end of May.  From the runway show, I am all about those summer items.  They were flow-y, romantic, and the items had length...like below the knee length.  Now that is really hard to come by in plus size fashion. Personally, I love the mustard and flower printed skirt.  There was also three dresses I liked, 2 black simple mid-calf length dresses and the floral strapless dress.  There were at least 5 items that I could see myself purchasing easily.  I'm really hoping that all the items make it from the runway exactly how they are.  NO CHANGES!! If this is the direction that Lane Bryant is headed well then I'm happily ready and waiting.  You can see the runway show above. 

Style Notes:  I know a lot of you cited sizing issues.  It did run small, but with being a more tailored look with most items not having stretch it caused you to size up more than you normally would. I am a lot more hopeful on the summer items because there were a lot of fit and flare items.  These are, generally, an easier fit than a lot of the straight dress style currently available. 

You can check the first round of releases from the Isabel Toledo Collection for Lane Bryant here.  

Designer to Watch: Lala Belle

I nearly gagged (in a good way) when I saw these dresses from Australian based plus size line, Lala Belle.  I've heard the complaints of plus size women wanting those looks from the runway.  Well honey, this is it if I've ever seen it.  Like my dad says, "Now run and tell that." The real question is are you bold enough to wear these designs?  These designs are definitely not for the fashion faint of heart. In these sheer dresses, you would not only need a fabulous bra and sexy shapewear, but you would also need a mountain of confidence mixed with the attitude of Naomi Campbell herself. Anyone up for the challenge? The leopard dress totally reminds me of Carrie's, from Sex and the City, famous barely there slip dress.  What do you think? You can check these dresses and many more at the Lala Belle website here.

Manic Monday

Six o'clock already, I was just in the middle of a dream, I was kissin' Valentino, By crystal blue Italian stream ~ Manic Monday 

If you hang out with me via Facebook you'd know that I'm the new writer for About.com plus size fashion section.  A recent article I wrote spoke on how to wear your ballerina skirt perfectly.  I wanted to continue the conversation over here as it pertains to including a tutu in your work wardrobe.  I know work wardrobes can get boring with black skirt, black pants, black this and black that. As I continue with my GwynnieBee clothing subscription (get one free month here), I borrowed this tulle skirt that I think is the absolute perfect working girl's ballerina skirt.  It has only two layers of tulle.  You can walk in the office with a little flare, but no one will look at you crazy.  To give this skirt an office appropriate look I paired it with work staples, blazers and a buttons up.  For most of you 9-5 working girls these should be garments that you already have in your closet. I also wanted to touch on using this wine color and transitioning it into spring.  Wine is usually considered a fall color, so I brightened it up with the tops and blazers that I chose to pair it with.  You just add in spring colors into the look to bring it into the warmer season.  

Style Notes:  This skirt is Kiyonna via GwynnieBee. I'm wearing a 2X in it.  I thought the waist was a little big, so you may want to take that into consideration when choosing a size. If you want to know more about how GwynnieBee works check my previous post here. If you want to know how I styled my hair I actually watched a youtube video. You can see it here.  Also, you may notice that some of the items I am wearing are sold out.  I do the one piece three ways to help people shop their own closets when they introduce a new piece.   I make sure the focus piece is currently available, but then I add in pieces from my own closet.  So some of the items shown are older and no longer available.  Finally, I'm wearing shoe clips on my black wedges.  It's such a cool concept for people like me who don't buy a lot of shoes. I don't buy a lot of shoes because I want to be comfortable and it's hard to find a lot of shoes that are both cute and comfy. I linked the info at the bottom. 

Skirt - GwynnieBee, Orange Blazer - OneStopPlus, White Blazer - Target (similar), Shoes, Lace Top - c/0 AshleyNellTipton, Black Belt - Asos (sold-out), Gray Belt - Ann Taylor (sold out), Green Top - c/o Foxcroft, Shoes Clips - c/o Shoelery, Black Wedges - 6pm,  Necklace - Vince Camuto via Nordstrom Rack (in-store), Navy Wedges - Thrifted (similar), Leopard Loafers - Michael Kors (similar)

PS. Manic Monday used to always cheer me up on a dreaded Monday morning. If you need it, I hope it cheers you up. The lyric below the first picture is my favorite because my husband's last name is Valentine.  :)

This post was sponsored by GwynnieBee, All opinions are 100% my own. 

Lavender Loves

I am in love with everything pastel this spring and lavender is no exception.  This color makes me feel just like an Easter egg and I like it.  LOL.  I just want to say that I have on lavender lipstick and fingernail polish as well.  I may have gone too far, but I was having so much fun in this color.  I trotted around in this look today while I was running errands.  I must say it's super comfortable.  

Style Notes:  So I got this from the Boohoo plus range.  They only go up to a UK 20 and so that's the size I got in the top and bottom.  This line would be considered jr. plus sizes which sizes slightly smaller than regular plus sizes.  This skirt did have some give so I was able to work with it.  I do wish, however, that the skirt was longer.  A midi, in my opinion, should be around 29 inches, this one was only 25.  These pieces also came in mint, cream, and black. 

Outfit:  Jacket - Boohoo, Skirt - Boohoo, Top - Target (similar), Flats - Steve Madden (similar)

I'm Afraid of Yellow

This is another dress I swapped on the Swapdom site.  I am loving the site.  I get to swap, wear, and pass on to the next girl.  This time is no different.  I'll be swapping this dress and two more items.  Please see items below.  I had some readers ask me what items I am looking to swap.  There's nothing in particular, I'm just always on the lookout for anything  cute and that attracts my eye.   I can say I do like interesting clutches,  midi skirts, and fun jewelry.  Also, there are a lot of readers and some of your favorite bloggers on the Swapdom site with lots of fabulous items to trade.  When you are checking out my items don't forget to check out all the other plus size items as well.  Happy Swapping!

For this week's post I channeled my inner Solange Knowles.  She is always so gorgeous in yellow.  I am usually deathly afraid of yellow, because I consider myself to have a yellow coloring.  I'm afraid my color will clash with it, but I'm kind of loving it.  Solange and I aren't that far off in skin tone, so I said if she can do it I can too.  

Style Note:  This dress was originally from Ashley Stewart.  The thing I live about their convertible dresses is that is has a strapless tube top on the top portion of the dress, so you don't have to worry about your wrapped portion shifting and possibly showing unwanted skin.  

Dress - Swapdom, Shoes - Torrid, Lip - Milani Black Cherry, Jacket - Target (soldout)

This post was sponsored by Swapdom,  all opinions are my own. 

Yellow Dress | Wedges | Snakeskin Printed Dress

Tut Tut, It Looks Like Rain

So it's been raining in the bay on and off for about a week now.  Although I know it is much needed rain, it can make it rather gloomy.  I am so used to seeing sunshine.  This is when I have to make my own sunshine.  I love wearing bright colors when it's gloomy outside.  It picks up my mood.  I'm a person who thrives on natural light.  

Style Notes:  This was my first official purchase from Anna Scholz.  I actually ordered from the UK website.  I love the skirt.  It fits great.  I did have to do a couple alterations.  I sew up the split and I took in the waist.  Please note that the shipping is rather pricey, but I will say that is fast.  I got the skirt in 5 days.  This was on sale so even with shipping it was still over 50% off.  I definitely plan on wearing this a few different ways. Also, the scarf I'm wearing is a swimsuit cover as well.  I won't be going on vacay for a little bit, but this was too pretty not to bring out before then.  

Top - Target, Skirt - Anna Scholz, Scarf - c/o MadisonPlus, Shoes - Michael Kors (similar), Lip - MAC Lady Danger, Bag - c/o W Concepts 

Celebrity Style Capture: Amber Riley

When it come to fashion on the red carpets executed in plus size former Glee Star and Dancing with the Stars winner,  Amber Riley, is always a favorite of mine.  I've enjoyed seeing her personal style grow as she has grown into a woman. When I saw this photo via Stylish Curves "Get the Look" segment, I knew I had to have it.  It's always awesome when celebs wear something that accessible to us regular folk.  I am a follower of hers on Instagram and I love how she hashtags #ballinonabudget.  She always does an awesome mix of high and low pieces.  High/low mixing is something that I truly believe in when building a wardrobe. Anyways, I'm loving Amber in this dress and I may be slightly jealous of how she is filling out the top. O_o

Style Note:  This dress is great if you are trying to create a curvier shape.  I think Amber also proves that it looks better on a bustier body type as well.   This dress sold out soon after Amber  wore it, but here are a few similar options here, here, and here.  

Make-Up Note:  I really want to start experimenting with make-up more.  I usually have my one look, switch up my lipsticks and that's all I got.  LOL!  My mom gave me a whole bunch of Revlon products from Walgreens (where she works).  I am just now staring to dive in, but I'm having fun so far.  I found out with this look that by just following the directions on the back of the eyeshadow container actually works.  Who knew?!?   

Outfit - Dress - SimplyBE (similar), Shoes - Calvin Klein (via Nordstrom Rack in store), Clutch - Nordstrom

MakeUp: Eyeshadow - Revlon Colorstay Enchanted, Lips - Revlon Colorburst Enchanting, Mascara - Younique 3D Fiber Lashes