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.

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My Two Cents: On Sustainability and (Plus Size) Fashion

Sustainability has become THE topic of conversation over the last 5 or so years when it comes to fashion and for good reason considering global warming is only getting worse with every passing day. However, I can’t help but notice how it has also become a weapon of shame used against those of us who are unable to shop the same way our well-off and/or straight size peers can.

Speaking from experience, when your income is low you typically have no choice but to shop places that will allow you to stretch what you little you can spend. Often what happens with this is that thoughts around quality and even quantity goes out the window. For the most part its a “you take what you can get” kind of mentality that takes over so the last thing on your mind are fashion trends and/or social issues. And this gets harder when it comes to shopping plus. Which is not to say that no sustainable plus size fashion brands exist, they do. However the reality is that many of us can’t afford to put down $100-400 for a dress or basic top even if it is for a good cause as “saving the planet.” However, if you are in a position to support those brands, please do, just don’t come for those of us who can’t. Continue reading

A Bloomchic Spring

Spring has officially arrived and with it so does spring fashion. This time of year I’m always on the look out to add new pieces to my wardrobe as I don’t really own many things that I can wear in warmer weather. (What can I say?  I love fall, sweaters and wearing layers.)  And this is why I was so excited to get a chance to try some of the new spring options from Bloomchic.

I was sent three pieces in total and they really got me embracing the change in season. Check out how I styled them and let me know which outfit is your favorite.

Disclaimer : The pieces styled in this post were gifted for review and feature. This post also includes affiliate links, any sales made through such links will reward me a small commission.

Cami dress

Due in part to my current job search, I have business casual styling stuck in my brain which is also the reason why I paired this dress with a basic white button down shirt in spite of it being a slinky bodycon. Overall it is a monochromatic look that worked well with this emerald green faux leather cross body bag as a pop of color. I find the overall palette of this look to be a refreshing take on spring colors though being bolder than the pastels which usually reigns supreme this time of year.

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About Moths and Roses (Let’s Talk About Age and Style)

I’m 29, turning 30 in May. Honestly, I’ve only just gotten used to being “so young with so much responsibility” and the idea that I am getting to the age in which most people have themselves more established is horrifying considering the fact that I’m still so far away from where I expected to be at this point. Added to that, I can’t help but notice that my style doesn’t exactly read as “responsible adult” or “age appropriate” at all times.  I mean, what is a 30 year old even supposed to look like?

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Sacred Heart Moto

One of the most popular kinds of tops in plus size fashion has got to be dolman sleeve top. I’m not exactly sure when or how that trend got started,  but it is so common that I stay away from it as it tends to be a boxy cut and usually made of a chiffon fabric.

That is until this one caught my eye while I was scrolling through the Torrid site. Admittedly the print is one that  you have to try on to really see the appeal and that is just what I had to do for me to fall in love with it. You may be wondering, what is it about this sacred heart print that got me interested to begin with. Well, for those of you that may be new to my blog, I’m actually an Art and Design historian who specializes in 17th and 18th century Baroque Art. Moreover, the sacred heart is a traditional Catholic symbol created in sometime during the Middle Ages/Gothic period but was prominently used during the Baroque period to encourage devotion and mediation upon the graces of Christ among the illiterate members of  their congregations.

Typically this symbol is depicted in art as a heart with flames pouring from the top, like a symbol of intense burning love.  It is a Baroque theological referent that was part of the blending the form of light and performance that defines the artistic style of that time used in order to inspire people to accept the Catholic faith, and by extension, Western culture during their conquests.  As you can tell I literally can go on about this for hours, hahaha. I mean I even have a PowerPoint presentation in my external hard-drive on the use of such symbols and the role they played in the Spanish conquest of Latin America. Continue reading