Sweater Weather Picks 2016

This year fall in NYC has been a bit of a tease, going from crisp, cool temps to summer sometimes even within the course of the same day. While I have yet  to fully swap my spring/summer wardrobe to my fall/winter collection, I am looking forward to refreshing my closet with some new pieces. I did some online shopping recon and noticed that this fall we have a great selection of comfy knits from various retailer. So I’ve complied a list of these chic sweaters and sweater dresses to prep for the cooler temperatures ahead. For this list, I made sure to have some budget-friendly options as well as some splurges that are well worth the price given their quality. Check out my picks below and let me know in the comments if you have any favorites.

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Fall Transition Kimono Style

I’ll be honest, my personal style is eclectic.  I can go from hyper feminine to polish professional, to dark and edgy, to Sunday Best within a week. Notice that there is no mention of boho in that mix. I’m not sure what it is about that particular trend that I find not for me. My workaholic nature probably won’t embrace the concept of a light and relaxed style. Anyway, that changed once I saw this floral print kimono on the Wet Seal Instagram feed I wanted to see what I could do with this new addition to my closet. I’ve teamed up with fellow “budgetista”, Angelica from Affordable Curve for some transitional style inspo, make sure to check out her looks here.

Look # 1 : Breezy & Dressy

With this kimono’s dramatic bell sleeves and  floral blossom print on a brilliant blue background I immediately thought about sizing up to wear this as a dress only to realize I should have sized up two sizes because of my large bust.  When that original idea didn’t pan out I thought, why not wear it over a dress? I love the mix of silk, jersey and faux leather textures here. I swapped the fabric belt for my new faux leather obi belt I managed to score from Torrid last month for less than $2! (Note: Always check the clearance section between seasons.) The strap front pep toe heels are a step above the heeled sandals that I would usually wear to the office during the summer. For a more conservative professional look I could swap them for flats or closed front pumps.

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Full Figured Fashion Week Day 1 & 2*

Full Figured Fashion week started this past Sunday and I couldn’t be any more excited. This is my first year attending some events and while I didn’t get the chance to go to some of the signature ones, I will be recapping my experience on the blog up until this weekend a.k.a. The Curvy Con!

Day 1-  Redefining Healthy Panel

This afternoon event hosted by Darlene of Suits, Heels and Curves, was so inspiring and empowering that I can’t even put to words. The workshop with its panel, conversation circle, makeup tutorial and Vixen workout covered the importance of self love, mental health, claiming your sexy, cultivating your style, and putting your best face on; all stressing that size does not determine your worth, beauty or your health. #iamredefininghealthy from here on out.

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Darlene welcoming everyone to this empowering event.

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French Blue Stripe Shirt Dress

It took a while, but I am finally able to share with you the second spring dress I got from Fullbeauty as a result of winning third place in their Own Your Curves Star Style contest. This i my second Ellos brand dress and I am obsessed. The shirt dress design is adorable and chic with the pastel french blue stripes. The fabric is a light and airy cotton, perfect for a spring afternoon tea party in the park or even for graduation. The full skirt is so flowly that all you want to do is twirl, as you can tell I did that a lot during this shoot. Also it HAS POCKETS! All around this is a must have dress for spring.

This dress is also available in a cherry pink  stripe and you should check out how Amber from Style Plus Curves styled it on her blog here.

Style notes: Pay close attention to the sizing when ordering this dress. It took me three exchanges to get it right. The first time was my fault for having clicked on 1X (my usual dress size) not realizing that for Ellos a 1X is a 22/24. The 14/16 that I then exchanged it for was too small in the bust so I recommend that if you have a larger bust like me that you consider sizing up. 20160512_171624 (2) Continue reading

A Touch of Pink V-day Glam

As promised here are two more Valentine’s looks. Both looks feature this fuchsia pleated high-low taffeta skirt from Rainbow. Admittedly, Rainbow is a hit or miss as the quality is not consistent and leaves much to be desired, yet last week I was pleasantly surprised to find this well-made piece of formal wear for only $10!  The bold color alone makes a powerful statement, great for that special evening out, be it with your significant other or friends. It is just so elegant and chic that you can’t help but twirl around once you put it on. Take a look.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. 

Look #1: Girly Edge

Turtle necks and Valentine’s day date to some may seem to be a major contradiction, yet it is truly an effortless way to elevate casual style. This combination of the monochrome jersey fabric stripped turtle neck and fuchsia is a subtle move away from the “traditional” V-day fashion as the colors lean more towards the everyday.  I should note that the turtle neck is very lightweight so it really won’t be much help in keeping you warm though it does give a very stylish silhouette. I kept accessories to a minimum with a vintage gold-tone chain shoulder strap clutch and bow front skinny belt. I can totally see myself wearing this outfit to a dinner out with the girls on Galentine’s Day.

Style notes: Bold color and stripes in the same outfit? I must say breaking two plus size fashion rules at the same time is very gratifying.

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