Holiday Lace & Tulle

Growing up I idolized ballerinas and figure skaters for what they were able to do and their bravery to do it with everyone watching. Now that I think about it, this is probably why I gravitate so much to skater skirts and dresses as a way to emulate confidence. Never-mind the fact  that I have never learned how to ice skate or pirouette, I’m wearing a tutu ergo I am a ballerina! In all seriousness, the tulle skirt is really something that I have been silently coveting for a while now and I am so happy that I was finally able to purchase one without breaking the bank. That’s right, this tulle skirt is only $20!
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Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that back in November I was having difficulty choosing between the black or blush pleated A-line skirt from Forever 21+  and it was this lace trim sweater that helped me finally make a decision.  A 2010 Christmas present from my mother, this was a piece I couldn’t figure out how to wear. Pencil skirts and trousers didn’t seem to give the cinched bell lace sleeves justice because it had this muted feminine elegance that called for something more dramatic to be paired with it, so you can imagine how happy I was to finally find something that just worked so well. I must say that even with the inexpensive the price tag, the quality of this tulle skirt is so good, it won’t fall apart after just wearing it once or look unfinished and the material does not give the air of “cheap.” It truly is a must have piece for your wardrobe as it is so versatile,  and when styled right can easily transition from casual to party ready. 

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Style Notes: Unfortunately this sweater is no longer available, but I did manage to find some interesting and affordable tops that would definitely compliment this skirt in a similar way for any upcoming holiday social events you may have this month.

~Get the look~

Worthington Lace Bell Sleeve Sweater (XL)  | JcPenny (sold out, similar here, here, and here)
Tulle Full Midi Skirt (2X) | Charlotte Russe 
Suede Wedges | ALDO (sold out, similar here and here)

My Two Cents: Plus Size Fashion MUST “Flatter the Figure”?

About two weeks ago  a designer,  Alysse Dalessandro released her first holiday collection for her fashion brand, Ready to Stare. Until this particular day I had not heard much about this designer but I wish I had under different circumstances. Why? Well, it all started with a dress, specifically this dress:

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Red Convertible Cupcake Dress and Maxi Skirt | Ready to Stare (Available in S-5X)

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2015 Affordable Winter Coat List – Colorful Style Edition

Two years ago I was on the subway platform at 34th street- Madison Square Garden waiting for the E train home. As I waited a young woman,who seemed to be about a year or two older than I was, . She had this gorgeous magneta double breasted wool coat that I immediately coveted. (Forgive me Jesus, lol!) It was just the kind of piece I wanted to own, especially  I had become tired of the shapeless black, charcoal and heather grey coats that are typically offered to plus size women. Her coat was just too nice for me to just stand by admiring it in silence, so I took a deep breath as I walked up to tell her that I loved her coat  and ask where she got it. She did a very quick yet obvious head to toe scan of me with her eyes, and said, “It doesn’t fit you, ” then proceeded to walk down the platform away from me. I suppose she thought my fat was contagious, nevertheless, not to be undone by the experience I made a point to seek out the coat for myself. It has been a full two years and I still haven’t found it online or in store, but I keep a look out it while enjoying the colorful coat cuts and styles that have slowly begun to emerge in plus size fashion with the aim to be seen, and not hidden. Continue reading

My First (Plus Size) Cosplay Experience

I attended my first Comic Con back in 2011 with a friend. While my friend burst into the Con scene in full Star Wars Imperial Officer regalia, I, on the other hand went with a Sailor Moon t-shirt I purchased the week before, worn under a black quarter-sleeved, knee length hoodie. (This was back in the day when I was still uncomfortable being in heavily populated social situations and always wanted to be covered.) Prior to this I had known about cosplay*, having seen examples on Tumblr but it was a whole other thing seeing it in person. I was in awe at the things people had managed to recreate and I was jealous of my friend for not only did he have the means to own such a detailed cosplay, but the ability to wear it as well. Continue reading

Commanding Attention

While it took me a while to actually enjoy fashion, I will admit that I always had a thing for historical costume, particularly those of the 18th century and the regency. Its no secret that I love history.  It’s been my favorite subject since the first grade when I first learned about Elizabeth I and today I am a proud historian who does research via study of symbols/iconography and material culture. Part of that love has also lead to me incorporating a couple of history inspired pieces into my wardrobe with things like velvet ribbons, cameo brooches, lace gloves, parasols and my most prized possession – a military zip jacket. To date this is one of those pieces in my wardrobe that rarely makes an appearance save for special occasions like the start of fall.  With its gold-crested button front, mandarin collar and  curved seams, it turned out to be one of the best accompaniments for my new retro dress. Continue reading