Much like every other season in NYC, Spring is unpredictable going from warm to cold to rainy and back all in the course of an afternoon which makes layering all the more necessary. For this reason, if there is one must-have addition to your daily style that I truly believe is worthy of a splurge it is a statement layering piece as it is a great help in creating endless outfit possibilities. As someone with a very small budget, I am selective when it comes to these kinds of purchases, leaning more towards colorful pieces due to my primarily monochromatic wardrobe, however nothing beats a nice neutral with a twist like this Yona New York wrap shawl.
Tag: Queens
Tied with a Red Bow
In my family dressing up is primarily reserved for two major holidays, Easter and Christmas day. Its a tradition that is easily traceable in the family albums and continues to this day. (Though thankfully my brother and I do not dress the same anymore…at least not on purpose.) Recently I turned to these albums to get me into the Christmas mood, but I ended up getting some holiday fashion inspiration from my younger self instead. So for this second holiday look, I aged up one of my favorite childhood holiday outfits.
Christmas 1994
First I replaced the ruffled white blouse with this striped off the shoulder ribbed sweater. My favorite things about this sweater is the fact that not only can it be dressed up or down, but it is thick enough to keep you warm while yet also light enough that you won’t over heat while singing keyboard karaoke at your office party. What you can’t see too well in the above photo is the gold medallion on the toe of my Mary Janes, but I made sure to incorporate that into this look as well with a thin gold belt. I also traded up to my suede wedges that gave me the height and sophistication that I wanted. 
Full Figured Fashion Week – Day 3*
The Full Figured Fashion Week adventures continued with the Celebrate My Size Expo. This event a sneak peek at fall collections, and sample sales from brands like Ashley Stewart, Lane Bryant, Yona New York and Courtney Noelle. With samples sales, contests and photo ops/networking with other bloggers, this was the highlight of my FFFWeek experience thus far.
Latina plus size bloggers FTW! Got the chance to meet the wonderful Suzanne of SustyleTV. I have been following her since I started the blog last year. Definitely check her out on Instagram.
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.
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Seaside Spring Drama
Earlier this month I managed to convince my mother to drive me and a friend to New Jersey for the Ashley Stewart sample sale, (3 items for $10? I couldn’t pass that up!) and I am so glad I did, as not only were my “partners-in-crime” able to get a full bag of clothes and shoes, but my mother found me this great spring top amidst the massive maze that made up the sale. From the lace up front and crochet detailing to the ruffle cuff bell sleeves, it really brings the drama as it’s product name implies. 
My favorite thing about this new addition to my wardrobe is its versatility, due to the fact that it is made of gauze fabric so it can easily transition into summer even with the long sleeves. Considering the fact that it is meant to be an airy top, you may want to size down if you prefer a more fitted look, though I sized up for a laid-back and relaxed feel. I paired it with my cuffed boyfriend jeans, rolled up to capri length, and red print flats which I rediscovered recently during my annual spring closet sweep last week.
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Big City, Curvy Girl, Thin Wallet 