As of last Monday (January 11), my blog is officially a year old. My first post was “2015- New Year, New Things To Try”  in which I wrote about the trends that I wanted to try during the year. As I continued to write posts and featuring  this list was always in the back of my mind, as I took it as a public declaration to myself to break out of my comfort zone and try new things. So I thought with it being a full year (and a week) later a good way to commemorate the blogiversary of Big City, Curvy Girl, Thin Wallet would be to take a look at that list and checking off my progress.

1.) The “Fat”-kini

My first major purchase last year was a bikini from the Gabifresh Swim suit collection from Swimsuits for all. I was so excited that I had taken the dive into untried waters (hooray for puns); unfortunately I underestimated the size of my pecho-nalidad/bust and purchased the D/DD Underwire top. It did not fit and I had no choice but to return it. Soon after I found out that Torrid had pink and black chevron pattern bikini so I made the trek to the Bronx and bought one. Best investment ever!

While I didn’t get to purchase the original bottoms that go with the bikini top I did get the black ruched high waist bottoms and the skater swim skirt so that I can alternate between the two. I got to finally wear it  during a family trip to Fort Totten and I had to be practically forced out of it later. It was just so comfortable to the point that I didn’t reach for my cover-up at all. This new found confidence left me wanting more, thus  I am hoping that by the time I finally have enough to splurge on myself again, I will call one of these two 2016 GabiFresh collection suits mine. It’s only fair that I at least own 3 swim suits to make up for those lost 10 years that didn’t bother to wear one, right?

2.) Crop tops

I’ll be honest, I have yet to actually wear one  outside of the house, but I am working up to it. Part of this has to do with the fact that I have yet to create an outfit that compliments the one crop top I own. I did manage to get two crop blazers that I have worn out to formal events so I at least can say that in a year I have made steps in the right direction.

3.) High waist pants/shorts

I managed to score some $10 high-waist shorts from the City Chic online outlet last spring. While I have only worn them a couple of times, I find that they constantly slide down my waist. I am not sure if this has to do with the stretch in the material or the size I ordered, but I am still on the look out for another pair that will actually stay up.

4.) Knee high boots

I have had the most fun styling the two pairs of knee high boots that I bought last year although they have been mostly worn with skirts and dresses; not pants, yet.  Avenue has become my go to for wide calf boots as I am able to try them on in store. The best part is that they usually have sales around this time of the year which makes buying comfortable, and fashionable knee high boots very affordable. My goal for this year is to try to find a pair of over -the-knee boots that somehow manage to accommodate both my wide calves and small budget.

5.) Rompers/Playsuits

This has joined the long list of pieces that I definitely need to try on in store before purchasing. In an effort to give this trend a try, I bought a couple online only to be vastly disappointed with the fit so I immediately sent them back. I am not discouraged though, with the upcoming release of spring and summer colections I know I will ultimately find a romper. Until then I will turn my attention to these Fashion to Figure jumpsuits, if only to see if they work on a petite plus body type.

6.) Sleeveless anything

This was one of my favorite fashion resolutions as it was a personal challenge that I took on in an effort to love every part of my body that I have been taught to hate. And I conquered that insecurity to the point that I am beyond excited for summer for the first time in 18 years. I would have to say that the only thing left to is find a good strapless bra that can actually provide support to give open shoulder tops and dresses a shot for once. Though I wonder even as I write this if such a thing even exists…

So what’s next for the blog? More consistent posts, more featured outfits and hopefully even some giveaways.  This blog started as a means for me to document my own body positive journey, as well as provide a place for active discussion about plus size fashion and media representation. I am so happy to see that it has grown beyond what I imagined, and I thank you all for reading and supporting the blog. I hope you continue to do so as 2015 was a good start, yet something tells me that 2016 is going to be even better.

What trend did you love the most last year? What are you looking forward to try this year?