+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

A Merry Christmas and a Cozy New Year

Of the gifts I received this Christmas my favorite has to be this cable knit poncho. The cherry blossom pink collaborated well with the plum of my medallion jeans that I got this fall at the Big Fat Flea.  While it is a bit big on my petite frame, that is all part of the over-sized style. It is comfy, warm and loose, perfect for a casual day or night out during the holidays.  This has been the welcome addition to my winter wardrobe this year as NYC has been mildly chilly lately making a heavy coat unnecessary. The brown Windsor boots from Avenue completed this laid back look by adding the right amount of edge to an overall soft feminine chic outfit.  Who says comfort can’t be in style? Continue reading

+Size Matters : Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls by Jess Baker

This is a very short video because the book is fantastic as it is so I don’t feel that I have to go on and on about this work, though I could. I am glad that I took the time to read this when I did and I hope that this video motivates you to buy a copy of the book and to share it with someone. It is definitely a “Must-Read” even if you are not plus size. So if you are thin, I know that the book says “Fat girls” but believe me, you too will appreciate this book. I bought bunch of copies for my friends as gifts for this Christmas just to make sure that Jess Baker’s message spreads as far as it can because it really needs to. (I guess you could say that my shopping started super late this year but it was really easy.) Continue reading

Holiday Lace & Tulle

Growing up I idolized ballerinas and figure skaters for what they were able to do and their bravery to do it with everyone watching. Now that I think about it, this is probably why I gravitate so much to skater skirts and dresses as a way to emulate confidence. Never-mind the fact  that I have never learned how to ice skate or pirouette, I’m wearing a tutu ergo I am a ballerina! In all seriousness, the tulle skirt is really something that I have been silently coveting for a while now and I am so happy that I was finally able to purchase one without breaking the bank. That’s right, this tulle skirt is only $20!
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Those of you who follow me on Instagram know that back in November I was having difficulty choosing between the black or blush pleated A-line skirt from Forever 21+  and it was this lace trim sweater that helped me finally make a decision.  A 2010 Christmas present from my mother, this was a piece I couldn’t figure out how to wear. Pencil skirts and trousers didn’t seem to give the cinched bell lace sleeves justice because it had this muted feminine elegance that called for something more dramatic to be paired with it, so you can imagine how happy I was to finally find something that just worked so well. I must say that even with the inexpensive the price tag, the quality of this tulle skirt is so good, it won’t fall apart after just wearing it once or look unfinished and the material does not give the air of “cheap.” It truly is a must have piece for your wardrobe as it is so versatile,  and when styled right can easily transition from casual to party ready. 

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Style Notes: Unfortunately this sweater is no longer available, but I did manage to find some interesting and affordable tops that would definitely compliment this skirt in a similar way for any upcoming holiday social events you may have this month.

~Get the look~

Worthington Lace Bell Sleeve Sweater (XL)  | JcPenny (sold out, similar here, here, and here)
Tulle Full Midi Skirt (2X) | Charlotte Russe 
Suede Wedges | ALDO (sold out, similar here and here)

My Two Cents: Plus Size Fashion MUST “Flatter the Figure”?

About two weeks ago  a designer,  Alysse Dalessandro released her first holiday collection for her fashion brand, Ready to Stare. Until this particular day I had not heard much about this designer but I wish I had under different circumstances. Why? Well, it all started with a dress, specifically this dress:

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Red Convertible Cupcake Dress and Maxi Skirt | Ready to Stare (Available in S-5X)

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