10 Years of Blogging and Still Figuring Things Out

I never been one for dates, other than birthdays. This is part of the reason why I’m so attached to both my Google calendar and pocket planner to keep everything together. Not that I would be completely lost without them, just that it does help. Knowing this, you might think that I had forgotten that this blog turned 10 years old back in January, and yet that is simply not the case.  I simply didn’t get to mark the occasion due to becoming  a recluse as I deal with (f)unemployement.  It is also why I did my best to not acknowledge my milestone birthday this year, and believe me, I had plans.

Ten years in and I’m still waiting on that influencer money. (I’m kidding, of course.)

Anyway, now nine months into the year,  I wish I could say that things have improved, though sadly it has yet to. This is all far from what I had planned last year when I decided to make the biggest taboo move and quit a job without a back up. You’re probably reading this and saying, “In this economy?!” Yea, I know. And it’s the second time I’ve done it, which is funny because the last time five years ago I said it would be the first and last time. My best friend, an HR specialist and consultant, has told me on more than one occasion that this happens when you leave a toxic job; oftentimes you end up at another one, which can be worse than the one you left…if you’re not careful. Make of that what you will.

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Academia Autumn Romance

Be it Dark or Light, the Academia Aesthetic is one with features that stem from others such as goth, prep and even J-style including Lolita from Japan. It is one that I’ve found fascinating for years to the point that I’ve created whole Pinterest boards dedicated to it. And every year around this time those boards just get revisited more often than usual. Part of this is due to the fact that here is just something about autumn that screams academia style to me.  Just like this printed skirt from A.Gato Designs that I purchased over the summer.

The main reason that I look forward to shopping the A.Gato Designs booth whenever I’m at BlerDCon is because the items are designed to fit a wide range of body types and sizes (XS-6XL). Over the last few years I was always too late to get something in my own size but luckily that wasn’t the case this year as I made a point to make this booth my first stop once the show floor opened on the first day of BlerDCon. The print and the color combination was the inspiration I needed for what I consider my first official Light Academia/Lolita outfit.

As you can expect, this skirt has become my favorite piece for the fall an this overall look may end up being what I wear this year for Thanksgiving, which may make me overdressed for the occasion. But I mean with an outfit like this you get a chance to lose yourself in a fantasy through style, and sometimes you need that when you gather with family in one place.

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Hopeless Romantic/HeartKiller (Part 2)

So we made it to the final installment of this Valentine’s Day mini-series – the Galentine’s Day Fun Edition! Just like last time I styled two looks with different aesthetics that fit the holiday theme, one sweet and one not so much.

To quote the beloved Parks and Rec character, Leslie Knope, Galentine’s Day (February 13th) is all about “ladies celebrating ladies.” Though its popularity has grown in part by the power of the internet, I truly appreciate having a day set aside for me to shower love on my friends and other women who mean the world to me, like my mother.

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Big Sweater Energy

Last year I spotted an oversized black and white stripe cardigan on my Instagram feed and fell in love with it. It was just too perfect for those crisp, cool fall days leading into the chill of winter. Unfortunately by the time I learned about this cardigan’s existence it was sold on the Hot Topic website. That is until this summer when it reappeared in two different color palettes along with a plaid knit option; I immediately added one to my cart.

Was it weird to order this in the middle of July? Definitely. But I regret nothing because this is sooo cozy.

I actually debated as to whether or not I should size down because I knew it was oversized,  yet I found myself selecting my size (HT Plus Size 1) instead to ensure that the fit would be oversized on me not thinking about how huge it would end up being. They seriously weren’t kidding when they said “oversized,” but my brother convinced me to keep it because of all the “fall sweater weather cozy” vibes which is all I really want.

The best thing about this kind of piece is that it can be styled to be casual, sporty, dressy and even professional. The oversize fit it, the stripe design and the classic cardigan silhouette offers many different options when it comes to styling this piece and I’ve had a lot of fun coming up with a few. Here are three outfits that I styled with this one cardigan for some fall (into winter) style inspiration. Let me know in the comments which one is your favorite.

Disclaimer: While this specific cardigan seems to no longer be in stock I have included some similar options for you below to consider just in case you’re looking to trying this trend for yourself.

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One Sleeve Sweater Layering

When I sent the link of this sweater to my best friend she didn’t hold back about how much she hated the design. A one shoulder sweater? How does one wear this thing without being cold? Both quite valid questions considering how cold NYC weather can get, often without much warning.

The funny thing is that my first thought was that this was the perfect piece for some fun layering style. As cozy as chunky knit sweaters are, I find that layering help keep fall styles a bit more chic and interesting. After all why not add to your warmth and look good at the same time? And while, plus size sweaters with random cut-outs will forever be the bane of my existence (seriously, why are these still a thing?), pieces like this one from ELOQUII present a styling challenge that I will happily accept so here is how I did. Continue reading