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

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Blushing Fabulously into Spring

So last month I took a chance and submitted an entry to the Full Beauty Own Your Curves Star Style contest. I have never won anything like this before so this was a big thing for me even if I only got third place. Major thanks to everyone who took the time to vote for me. It  truly means a lot. With the winnings I decided to get some spring dresses to feature on the blog, the first of which is this zip front A-line belted dress by Ellos.

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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

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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+Size Matters: Glee

I’ll be honest, I didn’t get into Glee until I heard that Darren Criss of YouTube/StarKid fame was cast to play a new character during Season 2. (As of today I still haven’t completed season one, mostly because I can’t stand the character of Terri, Will Schuster’s first wife.) An American musical dramedy, Glee aired on Fox from 2009 to 2015. The series initially focused on performing arts-loving Spanish teacher William Schuster reinventing the McKinley High School Glee Club, the New Directions, challenging outcast students to follow their dreams by taking part of the show choir competition circuit. While they work on their performances the members of the New Directions struggle with low self-esteem, relationships, race, sexuality, bulling, eating disorders and other social issues. Though working to present show had a lot of flaws (many of the serious issues and problems are resolved in a very ridiculous, unrealistic way) though that still doesn’t take away from much of the positive representation it brought on. Glee is rare in that it made a point to have racial, gender and size diversity with its protagonists, antagonists and supporting cast. They weren’t completely left in the side lines, and even better was the fact that the story lines of these characters rarely dealt with the fact that they were different. Note that I said RARELY, and I will get to that in a minute. As always we will start with the good by looking at four of the plus size characters of Glee. Continue reading