my aim is true

Fat Fashion Thursday is back for another dose of hot fashion and animal-friendly accessories. After many, many requests for fat bridalish inspiration, I decided to do a small series. Shower, bachelorette, and rehearsal dinner. Here’s the bachelorette party! Personally, I am wearing PJs to mine, because we’re having a middle school-style sleepover (this Saturday! can’t wait!) at Michelle’s house. But this is what I’d wear if we were going out. Love this sexy yet not fussy top, blingy gold jewelry and how many times do I have to tell y’all Apple Bottoms are my favorite jeans? I am LOVING this big oversized clutch in the dégradé, and not patent leather, so yay for that. Comes in five colors too, I’m seriously tempted to buy one. I rarely match bag to shoes but hey, why not this time? The heels are just enough to give you some height but wide enough to not kill your feet if you end up on a dance floor. This outfit turned out way different than my original concept which was really monochromatic and very city chic. Feedback is welcome, not sure what y’all would think of this!

• Sweet Pea by Stacy Frati Ruched Mesh Top
• Apple Bottoms Big Apple Pocket Jeans
• Juicy Couture ‘Status’ Pavé Heart Locket Necklace & Buckle Bracelet
• MAXX NEW YORK ‘Thompson - Dégradé’ Pleated Clutch (LOVE!!! Especially in blue.)
• Pink Studio Orange Margaret Peep Toe Heels

Fat Fashion Thursday is back for another dose of hot fashion and animal-friendly accessories. After many, many requests for fat bridalish inspiration, I decided to do a small series. Shower, bachelorette, and rehearsal dinner. Watch for those coming up! I will not be doing one on fat wedding dresses because I believe if you’re fat and getting married you should be getting your dress custom-made! A big post on that coming soon as well. Here’s my take on something fun to wear to your shower. I wore a strapless, tie-front, patterned print black and white jersey dress with a big mustard-colored scarf, bold jewelry and silver sandals. But here’s another option.

• Orla Tunic Dress at B & Lu
• Peacock Bangle from UO
• Carnelian Lucky Hoop Disk Earrings by Allyson Smith
• Cypress Hill Mod Bag by Matt & Nat
• Long Layered Chain Necklace by Old Navy
• Gizeh Metallic Bronze sandals by Birkenstock
• Vintage Round Frame Sunglasses in Havana by Ray-Ban

Fat Fashion Thursday is back for another dose of hot fashion and animal-friendly accessories. A while back my friend Joanna asked me to do a Fat Fashion Thursday on maternity looks for the big girls (and maybe things that would also work on a post-preggo body you aren’t used to yet). I’m a little late since Milo Bear has been crawling around for a few weeks now, but better late than never?

Searching for plus size maternity clothing turned up some very scary stuff. So for those of us that don’t want to look like we kidnapped and skinned an entire cheetah, lumberjack or Hawaiian tour guide, I’ve come up with a couple looks.

These are pretty versatile and should have enough belly room to get you through the third trimester as well as covering up any new bumps or lumps you aren’t so crazy about after you pop out the kid. I’ve also included a watch and a “diaper bag” for each look. The bags are versatile enough to carry them anywhere, kid or not and the watches – well it just occurs to me that moms are busy ladies who need watches. If you’re plus sized and have gotten knocked up, congratulations and get thee to a JC Penney, who had the most non-frightening plus size maternity everything.

Just because you’re pregnant and the vultures are eyeballing your office like crazy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be on point with your outfits at work. This will be way comfortable but still have you looking snazzy. Old Navy’s maternity line goes up to XXL, which fits hips up to 51 inches. I started fitting into their XXL clothes when I got down to a size 20, so that’s an option for some smaller plus chicas. These Maternity low-rise stretch twill pants ($33) are really versatile and look downright comfy. Top that with the Dinah Top ($41) which has an elastic empire waist, which works on most bodies before during and after pregnancy. On the feets? Lela Rose for Payless Cavalry Flats ($30 on sale $20) are super cute in a gold brocade fabric. Accessorize with these dazzling Chandelier Earrings ($13) and elegant yet cheeky Michael Kors Charm Bracelet Watch ($225). This Padded Laptop Tote ($69) comes in a ton of different fabrics and is handmade and SUPER high quality. I own one of these and I highly recommend it, whether you are toting books, a laptop or stuff for the kiddo.

You know you’re gonna be forced to attend a baby shower or two now that you’ve made all your friends come to yours. Dress to kill! How about these Bisou Bisou® Maternity Dark Denim Pants ($44), you’ve got the comfort of jeans but the lines of something more sophisticated. Top that with a duo Maternity Short Sleeve Tie-back Top ($40) which will be perfect whether you’re with child or not since it’s adjustable. Throw this a.n.a. maternity sateen jacket ($64) over that and it really polishes the look. Pear-shaped girls, keep this jacket around after the kid arrives, they are a super flattering shape on us. This is so clever, a Marc Jacobs Red Cherries Necklace Watch ($150) which takes care of two accessories in one. Repeat that patent red shine in these Jill Kitten Heels ($20) which are super comfortable (I own a pair) and are available in wide widths too. Carry this Large Messenger Undiaper Bag ($75) and you’ll be set for pretty much any situation. It’s also custom made to order and there are tons of fabrics to choose from!

Okay so just because you have “that glow” doesn’t mean people are going to fall all over themselves to run errands for you (unfortunately) so here’s an outfit for running about town. These jeans seem pretty cool: duo Maternity Fold-Over Panel Jeans ($48 on sale $35). It has a fold-over panel which allows you to decide your fit: over-the-belly, fold once for mid-rise comfort or fold twice for low-rise. Sweet! This non-maternity-but-with-plenty-o-room Necessary Objects banded-bottom top ($40) in a subtle metallic gold will nicely showcase the Vintage Typewriter Key Pendant ($14) on a long chain. I just got a pair of these Champion Revolution Sneakers ($28 on sale $17) and they are super comfortable and cute. I also think this MARC BY MARC JACOBS Big Resin Cuff Watch ($150) is so fun and such an eye-grabber. The real star of this outfit though is the somewhat stupidly-named Diaper Dude ($55) (supposedly named because your man won’t be embarrassed to carry it) but you don’t want some pastel, quilted thing either so sling this across your chest and get going.

Fat Fashion Thursday is back for another dose of hot fashion and animal-friendly accessories. Back by popular demand! Got inspired by some new stuff on the Nordstrom site and went from there. Hope you enjoy!

Who said bling can’t be chic? Super stylish with black and gray, and bold pops of color to set you apart. Top Svoboda Five Pocket Stretch Jeans ($128) with a Pleated Babydoll ($32) in a super-gorgeous kelly green and finish it off with the Svoboda ‘Natasha’ Knit Jacket ($158). Slide on some Groove Tender shoes ($32 on sale $15) and jazz up the whole look with metallics: Lily Earrings ($12) and a bejeweled Steve Madden Adora clutch ($58).

It’s been unseasonably warm here, which is making me yearn for knit dresses without tights. Spring is on the way (hurry up)! I just love the pattern and color in this Rachel Pally White Label Shirred Waist Tank Dress ($228). The shirred Empire waist is super flattering and gives you that structure up top while the skirt below is draped and easy to cover anything you feel iffy about. Throw a Freestyle Revolution Elvis Wash Denim Jean Jacket ($64 on sale $48) over it to keep away any chill and slide the super-comfortable Nine West Denham flats ($73) on your feet. I can totally see myself at the farmers market in this outfit, so why not carry a Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply big tote ($148), big enough for whatever goodies you come across. With all the bold color everywhere else, I think clear accessories are the order here. How about a Clear bead & link bracelet ($9) and a Clear chunky bead necklace ($12) to finish it all up.

Meeting the parents for the first time? Got a lunch meeting with that new executive? Just feeling extra-sassy? This outfit can’t help but be taken seriously. The star piece is this Robbie Bee Circles Charmeuse Shirtdress ($88) which is perfectly cinched at the waist with adorable sleeve detail. Grab this awesome Queen handbag ($135 on sale $81) by Matt & Nat and throw on a pair of bold Kailey Patent Pumps ($20) for some serious appeal. For accessories it’s all about simple, gorgeous luxury. Green jewelry like this David Yurman Olive Quartz Cushion cocktail ring ($2100) and these Ippolita Green-Gold Topaz drop earrings ($890) are sure to make everyone you come across green with envy.

Well, I’m bummed! Let me elaborate. My friend Nicole (who is also shooting our wedding) took some photos of me in my kitchen for a fashion assignment, sort of a retro meets edgy thing, and I was all set to give you a real life “I bought these clothes and here’s what I think” review. But now! The dress is no longer being sold on Igigi’s site! What a bummer! It was on there mere weeks ago!

So, I’ll still review the dress, but it’s really cruel of me to do so. Because it’s fabulous and also you can’t buy it anymore. What can I say? C’est la vie. (Also these photos are terrific, Nicole is an amazing photographer. You really need to see them big to do them justice, so click on them to view full size in flickr.)

So, the dress. I paid $106 for the dress. The sizing on their site runs true to size, from my experience. This dress (and shrug) are made of a gorgeous red/polka dot matte jersey. It feels so luxurious and is SO comfortable at the same time, best of all it never wrinkles. It’s also fully lined.

The shape of this dress is what drew me in. If you are pear shaped, I can’t recommend this type of structure highly enough. You want something fitted through the chest (and it never hurts to show off your very hot décolletage), with the garment being most closely fitted just under the bustline, then flowing out over your waist and hips. This emphasizes the narrowest part of you and creates an hourglass shape with the waist definition ending up just north of your natural waist.

This is a great trick for ALL body types but especially for us bigger girls, it’s structure structure STRUCTURE that we need! The same effect can be achieved with a blazer that’s nipped in at the waist or a button-down blouse with strategically placed darts. Beware of those loosey goosey babydoll type shirts. You need actual structure and fitted-ness around your ribcage. If the fabric starts flowing all over the place right under your boobs, it can make you appear pregnant.

Sorry I don’t have a photo of the dress without the shrug, but the straps are substantial enough that you can wear a good, supportive bra with it. The shrug is nice because it stays put, it’s plain and it covers you up in case of a chill or any arm weirdness you might not feel the greatest about.

I’d highly advise buying this dress if you can find it, especially my pear shaped sisters. If not, might I recommend some others from Igigi with a similar shape? (Also, I realize Igigi can be pricey but their quality is impeccable. I expect the dresses I’ve bought from there to last many years.)

• Wear the Siren Dress in Red ($160) to your office holiday party and you won’t soon be forgotten. I love the velvet waistband. Comes in other colors too.
• The Lace short Dress with Shrug ($175 on sale $140) has a gorgeous lace overlay and comes with a lacy shrug that I’m sure would be really versatile.
• I’ve written about the Sarafan with Ties in Magenta ($105 on sale $42!!) before, and I’ll point to it again. Great color payoff.
• Finally, this Exquisite Evening Gown in Blue/Magenta ($189) is sure to turn heads. Seems very Grecian to me. Nice wide, bra-friendly straps, too. I could totally see Queen Latifah rocking this on the red carpet.

So there’s my real life recommendation for some fabulous clothes. Sorry you can’t actually buy them! Oh, and for those of you who keep bugging me to post pictures of my tattoo, well, there’s most of it. (PS the shoes are Steve Madden)

*edited to add* Look! I’m a wardrobe_remixer of the week! So cool!

Fat Fashion Thursday is back for another dose of hot fashion and animal-friendly accessories. Sort of.

This post was inevitable, though perhaps less fashiony than the usual (not so frequent lately, sorry) Fat Fashion Thursday posts. I figured since I’m commuting by bike now I’d share what’s been working for me clothing-wise.

Donning lycra and a helmet and gallavanting around town might sound like just about the most uncool thing since stirrup pants and a side-ponytail, but trust me, if you’re riding 18 miles per day it’s a hell of a lot better than the fierce chafing you’d receive in street clothes. Two outfits today. One is my pretty much daily riding outfit. The top changes depending on the weather (it’s getting colder) but I actually own all this gear so I can give it an honest evaluation. The other is for the less than stellar days when stuff decides to fall from the sky. Shall we?

Oh, one more thing before the clothes: Support your local bike shops! Before you order something online, why not give them a call and see if they can order it for you? Locally, I highly recommend BikeBeat (ask for David), Conte’s or East Coast Bicycles.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Active, hot, curvy women the world over would do well buying a pair of Women’s Workout Capris by Moving Comfort ($42). I love these. They’re sleek, supportive and are the perfect thing for riding in the fall. If only they made these padded around the girly bits, they would be perfect. I usually throw on some sort of technical fabric t-shirt like the Moving Comfort Ventus Tee ($38 on sale $33) which keeps you cool (or warm) by wicking away sweat. It’s darn comfy too.

On the feet goes some variation of running socks plus these Shimano SH-MT31 shoes ($65). Why special bike riding shoes? The bottom is inflexible and really makes a difference on how your feet feel (comfort vs. pain after a few miles of hard pumping). Walking feels a little funny at first though. On the hands go some Trek WSD Club Gloves ($15) which are padded on the palms to make you impervious to all the vibration your poor hands will be subjected to. I hate riding without gloves unless it’s less than a mile. Mine are chartreuse green to match my Giro Indicator Helmet ($35). Yes, helmets are about the dorkiest-looking thing out and they make your head sweat, but I figure it’s a lot better to look dorky while riding than look brain-damaged or dead when you fall off. Please wear a helmet, kids.

Last but not least I love my Sigg Water Bottle ($19). Besides being environmentally friendly and reusable, it doesn’t make your water taste like plastic and it’s sturdy as can be. I dropped mine this morning going about 23mph coming off the Granby St. bridge and just about ran over it. Just a few scratches. I know the plastic bottles I used to use would have cracked right open. Check these bottles out, they have tons of awesome designs, you’re sure to find one you’ll like.

If it’s raining out and your commute is more than a few minutes you pretty much have three choices. 1) Wear breathable, water-resistant clothes and get wet from the rain. 2) Wear waterproof clothes and get wet from your sweat. 3) Drive.

I choose number one. If it’s warm out, I don’t really bother with rain stuff. If it’s cold, then I’m putting on my Sugoi Zap Bike Jacket ($90). I love this jacket because it’s windproof and does a heck of a job resisting a lot of water. It also looks snappy and has a ton of reflective strips on it for maximum visibility. Comes in pretty colors too. Pair this with some Coolweather Tights ($90) which aren’t water resistant at all but have lots of other great qualities like keeping your girly bits happy with a nice padded area and keeping you really warm by wicking water & sweat away. You also wanna wear something under the jacket and while it’s been too warm to do a serious base layer yet, I think the Sugoi Midzero Zip base layer ($75) would be great when it gets below 40ish. You’re also gonna want a pair of SealSkinz Waterproof Gloves ($33) and SealSkinz WaterBlocker socks ($40) to keep you dry as possible. If you’re lucky like me, you have a shower at work and a shower after riding in the rain is just about the best feeling ever. If not, well, get under that hand-dryer and get to work, missy.

Fat Fashion Thursday is back for another dose of hot fashion and animal-friendly accessories. Only one look this week, but one is better than none! I’m going to see one of my favorite authors, David Sedaris (holy cow, why don’t you have a website, must get on this) on Sunday, and it’s being held at Chrysler Hall, home of fancy concerts and operas. I asked Cassie if that meant we had to get all gussied up opera-style, and while she said she doubted it very much, I started to wonder what my opera outfit would look like. Well here we go!

The foundation for this look is the JS Boutique Beaded Mesh Dress ($158). This color is such a statement, yet it’s muted enough to look great on a variety of skintones, plus you get to show off your terrific décolletage. A winner. On your feet are gray satin (two trends I back) Ashley Pumps ($36) with a stacked heel that won’t make these babies impossible to walk in. How about some handmade accessories with this look? I hit up Etsy for a Black and White Clutch ($45) with a gorgeous brocade fabric and an unforgettable pair of Lady Madonna earrings ($75). Top that off with a sassy Betsey Johnson Sequined Bangle ($35) and this smart little Jewel Cluster cocktail ring ($10) and you are so ready for a night on the town.

Fat Fashion Thursday is back for another dose of hot fashion and animal-friendly accessories. Here’s a few more looks for fall!

I’d love to wear something like this to class. Casual, fun and a great mix of color, texture and quirky details. Start off with the Lions are smarter than I am Tshirt ($15) from Threadless on top with a pair of Renee Straight Leg Jeans ($118) on your butt. This Double-Breasted Twill Coat from Alloy is 20% off and goes up to a 3x! Can’t go wrong with gray this fall. For your feet, try this Shiloh Cuff Low Boot ($35 on sale $25) from Payless, which is seriously comfortable and buttery soft. I’m so glad I got a pair (they are also available in wide widths! Throw in a mix of textures accessory-wise with a smart, shiny Patent Grommet Shopper in red ($48 on sale $30) and an adorable Love ring ($16). Polish off the look with some Twisted Balloon Hoops ($18) and you’re all set!

This look is a little punk rock, a little sophistication to me. I love this Lurex Mix Jumper (£28) for a great blank canvas that you can jazz up with some serious accessorizing. How about a Zebra Gem Ring ($24) and Layered Heart Necklace ($28) with some big ol’ 3.5″ gold hoops ($5). I just love tights. They’re the only thing that make me wear above-the-knee skirts, and I think they can jazz up an otherwise boring outfit. Here’s some solid color tights in royal blue ($9) from We Love Colors, who offers a ton of sassy plus-sized hosiery. I also like DKNY colored tights, which go up to a generous size large. Finish this look off with two trends I’m seeing all over the place, patent and quilting. Serious luxury in these Stella McCartney crackle patent wedges ($745) and totally awesome No. 252 Diamond Quilted Tote ($38) in patent berry.

Go ‘head Apple Bottoms, this dress is straight up sassy! ($88 on sale $66) I love houndstooth and I’m seeing it everywhere for fall. This oversized print is perfect, and in a wrap dress too! This outfit would bring some serious glamour to work. After trying about 20 different combinations, I decided I love a matching bag and shoes for this look. How about a red patent Croc Minaudiere clutch ($69) and Nine West Faythe shoes ($79 on sale $70). Accessorize with two great pieces from Juicy Couture’s “Dirty Glam” collection (love them, love that name!): “Dirty Glam” Bracelet ($128) and Earrings ($68) and this Dominique Cohen Chain Necklace with Bow Pendant ($35) to finish things off.

Fat Fashion Thursday is back for another dose of hot fashion and animal-friendly accessories!

I can’t help myself. I just love this look and it picks up a few of the fall trends too. Start off with this Naomi Olive Embroidered Tunic Top (£40.00) in 100% modal with adorable bib detailing. Pair it with a classic – Svoboda Simone Straight Leg Jeans ($118) to show off your figure in the best way possible. On your feet, these Corbusier Grey Sandals (£70.00) paired with a smart Black Soiree Drawstring bag ($198) by Crystalyn Kae, whose glaze-coated fabric technique produces something that looks amazingly like leather, and it’s big enough to hold whatever you’re toting around these days. For jewelry, I simply love the new Dominique Cohen for Target collection. Try this 3-Strand Pearl Tie Necklace ($60) and Multi-Ring Faux Pearl Drop Earrings ($18) to complete the look.

This look is a little quirky with a lot of personality. I’d love to go to school in something like this. The Around The World Dress ($44) in a gorgeous and flattering aqua shade is the base for the look, paired up with a Michael Kors Swing Cardigan in grey ($99) to ward off fall winds. This Green Charleston Large Hobo ($135) is big enough to throw your school books in and these Madden Girl G-Zarah Brown Vegan Boots ($70) will have your feet happy on the way to class. Let’s go bold for jewelry with a Multi-Strand Long Pendant Necklace ($18) and Liberal Arts Blue Hinged Bangle Bracelet ($15) to finish it off.

Party invite! Yay! You will be simply stunning in this Adrianna Papell Tulle Overlay Halter Dress ($158) of lustrous charmeuse overlaid with black tulle. The dress is the center of attention in this look, so simple jewelry like the Dominique Cohen Knotted Pearl Bracelet ($20) and Pearl Duster Earrings ($20) will be perfect. Carry this precious fabric clutch with bow detail ($39) and pop some Frenda Bronze Court Shoes (£40.00) on your feet for a simply unforgettable look.

Fat Fashion Thursday is back for another dose of hot fashion and animal-friendly accessories. This week – coats! I had a special request from the hot_fatshion livejournal community to scout some warm and gorgeous wool-free coats, so here we go!

One trend this fall that I’m really liking is shine for day. I love all things patent and this Michael Kors Patent Trench Coat ($209) is a gorgeous update to the classic belted trench. This will spice up even the most basic black slacks without any effort at all. The fluted sleeves and large buttons on this Bernardo Metallic Empire Coat ($148) are surprising details on an extremely flattering silhouette.

Another fall trend that our pear-shaped big girls can rock really well – the swing coat. Here are two colorful choices to spice up your fall wardrobe. First, this
Brown Plaid 3-button Jacket ($58) from Torrid is easy on the wallet as well as packed full of cute detailing between the large buttons, ruching and lively pattern. And for a real pop of vibrant color, how about this Michael Kors Cotton Twill Swing Jacket ($159) in an orange that’s the perfect complement with the tans, browns and olive fall neutrals. I could see this on top of corduroy or velvet pants for a nice texture contrast as well.

And finally, some neutrals that will carry you through fall all the way to the coldest winter months. Start out with this Torrid Khaki Belted Trench Coat ($68) that will flatter the figure and has a cute lining as well! (I also bought a really great A-line trench coat from Old Navy that I caught on sale for $35 – I’m looking for a belt to spice it up!) To keep completely toasty, this Jones New York Woman Faux-Shearling Coat ($234) won’t let you down. The look and feel of suede and shearling is simply luxurious and I love that it has a hood as well! Happy coat shopping, you know you better get on it before they’re all gone!