Strawberries and Self Care

Well…it’s been a while since I’ve been back with a blog update. I’ll be honest, I had major plans for the start of the year. I even had a weekly styling series plotted out that just ended up simply not happening.

Basically I hit a creative slump and I was finding it harder and harder to shake off the depressive episode I found myself in during the holidays which ended up lasting far longer than I would have liked.  To the point that I even missed out on sharing any V-day inspired looks this year! And if you’ve been with me since the beginning, you know that has been a “time-honored” tradition for this blog over the last 8 years.

So where does this cute strawberry print pajama/lounge matching set come in? So, here’s the thing –  I’m shopping again. For clothes that is and this major turn of events inspired me to not only create content on my social platforms again, but return to posting on the blog, which I have greatly missed.

I had actually been eyeing this set online for weeks now and only got around to seeing it in person about a week or two ago after I stumbled into an Old Navy in need of some much needed retail therapy after a very long day at work in office. Old Navy tends to be my first stop at the turn of the season to stock up on dresses that would get me through both spring and summer. This is the first time that I’ve ever given their sleepwear more than a passing glance and I’m so glad that I did.

Continue reading

2017 FFFWeek Day 1 & 2

It’s that time of year again – Full Figured Fashion Week! Considering how much fun last year was I simply had to make the effort and attend this year as well. So just like last year I’m sharing this experience with all of you as  I will be recapping the events of the week here on the blog as well as sharing my outfits for each day. Here’s to FFFWeek 2017!

Day 1 –  Rooftop Summer Fun

This year the festivities kicked off with a Curvy Music, Film and Art Festival.  With live music on the roof,  a screening of the PLUS! documentary by Sandra Chum and Kalisha Whitman and a showcase of curvy art, it was an afternoon well spent celebrating all things curvy and chic.

First thing I saw when I got up to the loft — The Curvy Zodiac! ( Art by Fashion Illustrator, Jonquel Norwood)

Continue reading

Super Casual Americana

Memorial day is right around the corner and while it marks a very solemn holiday, it is also the unofficial start to summer. This year I decided to welcome the season by embracing this purely American occasion of remembrance by dressing with pieces in our national colors. If anything it gave me an excuse to finally style this red plaid romper I received as a birthday present from my younger brother.  This piece is made of a lightweight cotton for a very cool and casual outfit, perfect for a memorial day family picnic at the beach or park.

Style Notes: I am wearing a straight size XL but this is also available in plus sizes which I have linked to below. 
20160512_174853 Continue reading

My Current (Affordable) Spring Favorites

While I continue to write the finishing touches for upcoming installments of  +Size Matters, I decided to share some of my favorite pieces from various plus size spring collections online. I got to say that I am really loving the coral and mint colors that are clearly this seasons favorites as well as the new takes on some old prints and textures like florals, denim, crochet and chambray. The best part about this list is that these same pieces can carry over into summer be it for a day out with the family or time in the office and it is budget-friendly as everything on this list is less than $40 (minus shipping.) Happy shopping!

Handbags & Totes

Continue reading

Getting Spring Ready at Old Navy

NYC has been warming up so I figured that it was time to check out some spring collections and my first stop was Old Navy. Now I’ll be honest, I have a love-hate relationship with Old Navy mostly due to the fact that they have yet to offer their plus size clothing in any of their store locations. Although it is yet to be seen if they will ever offer plus sizes in store,  I often make a point to try on their straight size offerings when I can as they are very budget friendly. I say this because I believe one shouldn’t avoid certain retailers just because they don’t cater to the needs of plus size consumers as there are possible styles for a full figure hanging on the straight size racks. Of course they tend to be limited in number, but they are worth taking a look at.  I didn’t purchase anything during this visit, yet I wanted to share some of my current favorites some of which are available in plus size. Check them out and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: Originally this post was meant to be my first “inside the fitting room” video but due to some technical difficulties I was not able to get this edited. For this reason I must apologize for the limited images. 

1.) Dresses

old navy spring dresses

Cutwork Cami Dress | Eyelet Tie-Waist Shirt Dress (not found online but available in store)

I’m not sure what is is about spring that brings out so many cami dresses at various retailers, but the navy blue detail on the hem of this cami dress makes up for the repetition of this style.  I should note that while this dress is lined the material has a bit of sheer. Even so, with some flats or sandals this is a great piece to wear for a spring picnic in the park and when paired with a cardigan it can be used at work. I have a very low tolerance for heat which makes me sweat buckets once the temperature goes higher than 65 degrees Fahrenheit so I have made a point in the last five years to find some comfortable and office appropriate summer work wear. I think that paired with some wedged sandals or nude heels the tie-waist dress will definitely fit the bill. I am wearing an XXL in both, but considering how roomy these dresses are (the cami dress actually has a smocked back) I suggest sizing down in both. Continue reading