Talk 30 to Me (A Milestone Birthday Re-do)

Last year I turned 29 plus 1 by which I mean that birthday didn’t count since I spent it in quarantine. With the rollout of the vaccine and the number of cases going down each day, I figured it was safe enough to have a mini-staycation in the city with some friends for my birthday weekend. I reached out to my friends to see if this was something they would be up for, wrote up an itinerary with activities, booked a hotel room, and shopped my closet for outfits for the weekend. (And for the first time I actually didn’t over pack for a 3 day trip! I guess with age comes all kinds of wisdom even some for packing, hahaha.)

I had a blast with this “milestone birthday celebration re-do” that I simply had to share the experience with you. Giving myself this “get away” was an amazing way to recharge from being glued to the computer for work and such that I’ve found myself to be less anxious as a result, even today.  I’m hoping that  it inspires you to take some time off from working and disconnect for a staycation, be it solo or with friends/family.

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Spring Fantasy Cottagecore

Of all the trends that came out of quarantine life, there is one that I grew to appreciate : Cottagecore. While this is more of an aesthetic than an actual trend, it really took off over the last year and the appeal is totally understandable given how we’ve spent the last year.

The premise conjures up nostalgic images of tranquil moments of whimsical escape,  complete with frolicking in flower fields, and picnics with tea served on vintage porcelain. As one would expect, even within this aesthetic niches like cottagegoth, and witchcore (to name a few) have sprung up as well. Bringing a more dark and edgy vibe, these lean more towards historical,  romantic and sometimes fantastical elements via color palettes as well as folksy mysticism.  That being said, there are those who have argued that cottagecore is basically a glamorous extension to boho and I totally can see that given the similar color palettes and even prints. Bandanas and bandana prints,  for example, have made a comeback in fashion due to the rise of this trend, some even in very stylish ways as is the case with this dress.I first stumbled across this bandana dress while scrolling through Instagram, I was in awe. It’s a simple idea that is so brilliantly executed that I can’t help but wonder why we haven’t seen these before. Or maybe they’ve been around and I just haven’t noticed. Who knows, the point is that after I spotted it, learned more about the brand and the designer I knew that I must have my own in my two favorite colors.

Being a little extra with a  faux suede fringe handbag, sunglasses and platform creepers.

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A Caged Heart (feat. Black Thorn LA)

I’ve mentioned this before but I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s Day. No, it’s not because I’m one of those “bitter single people,” I just find Christmas to be more romantic. (Maybe Hallmark is partially to blame for this, but who knows.) Although I must admit that being a chocoholic I do look forward to all the V-day chocolate so that’s something at least.

So as you can imagine rather than celebrate this “holiday” in the traditional sense, I tend to use it as an excuse to dress up in theme-inspired outfits, as well as a moment to treat myself. This year I’m combined the two and decided to  get myself something from a brand I’ve been wanting to try since they launched back in 2018 – Black Thorn LA.

Black Thorn LA is an alternative/spooky loungewear and sleepwear brand that carries both straight and plus size options, up to size 3X. It is also very affordable, as most of their products are $50 and under, however, this isn’t even the best part. No the best part is that both the straight and plus size pieces are priced the same! I just had to point that out because this is simply unheard of especially when it comes to plus size alternative fashion.  (And just in case you’re still looking for some alternative Valentine’s day “nightwear” definitely check out their plus size lingerie collection. They have some great pieces available including body suits, robes, bralettes and more.)

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Winter Vamp Coat Style

It’s no secret that I have a thing for coats, jackets and blazers. I have quite the collection that manages to expand every other season or so, my favorites being more military and Victorian inspired in design, often times with a cinch waist.

Over the holidays one of my dearest friends, Tan gifted me this coat and I love it so much had to share it with you. Sure, winter is soon to be over, even so this is actually the best time of year to shop for a coat if you’re on a budget and in the market for a new one.

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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