With Spring just around the seasonal corner I would like to introduce some vibrant colors in my wardrobe, not that I don't wear any now. But I won't be going running out of the house in my short skirts and sandals just yet because it can still be chilly; which is why I have selected three jackets as well.

1. Meet the Double B Rib Coat from Missphit. This was my first time looking at this online store and if you haven't seen it CHECK IT OUT! I would wear anything on that site. Everything is super chic. This coat is priced reasonably at $70 and goes from 1x to 3x. I would wear the hell out of this coat! I absolutely love the color! I can see myself in this with a pair of darkwash skinny jeans and a cute flat. The color will complement any jeans and is a really good length. Notice all the detail on the sleeve. I love the knit on the ends and the caps at the top. This will be perfect for those cool evenings in the spring and can definitely come out again in the fall and winter because it is described as warmer than wool (with a hood even). Gotta love a piece that I can wear any day spring or not.

2. This little number is quite accurately called the Color Pop Cotten Top from eShakti. Just look at all that color! Ah GOT TO HAVE IT! This top is priced at $35 dollars and can be custom made just for you if you have trouble with the offered sizes. But with the fifteen dollar gift certificate they give to you for joining the site it will only cost you a fraction of that price! I really cannot wait to buy this. In the description it calls this a dress and it says the length goes all the way down to mid thigh. Top dress...I won't mind it. I have a few items like this that I use interchangeably. It really mixes things up when you have a wardrobe that can act in more than one way such as this top. I hate gitting into fashion ruts where I usually wear on garment specifically with another. Having a top/dress enables me to mix it up every time! I envision this with black tights as a dress or with jeans as a top. I love that the pattern of this is so wild! But if I am feeling less like wild child one day it could be easily toned down with a short cardigan. There are a million possibilities with this garment!

3. Say hello to Felted batwing sleeve jacket also from eShakti. I cannot get enough of the beautiful mandarin collar; which happens to be a picture perfect frame for a fly necklace. Boy do I love a batwing sleeve too. The seeming is perfect on this jacket it would give a beautiful silhouette to anyone. This jacket is just the total package for me. The shape and the charcoal color are to die for! I think this is so versitile too, I can see it dressed up and dressed down. Ooh lah lah so chic!

4. You must have seen the Tribal Linen Skirt from F21's Faith 21 collection. I cannot figure out why this is still available. The last time I wanted to buy a skirt off of F21 it was gone in one day. The print on this skirt is lively and very spring appropriate! I like that the print is layered with lines and that it is A-line. I would pair this skirt with a solid on top obviously. I think the blue coat from above what be very nice with this and something simple underneath it. Definitely gonna try my best not to pass this one up.

5. Finally there is the Diva Leather Jacket from PlusSizeFix. Although this site seems to specialize in plus size clubwear (which is not typically what I go for) I am able to scour the sight and find some pretty cute things. This jacket tips in at $70 as well. I currently don't have any "letha" in my wardrobe (real or fake) so this would be a first for me. This jacket as a great shape to it- in fact it seems like it was made with a fat girl in mind. Perfect for creating the oh so desirable hour glass shape. The snaps and extra zippers make it more visually interesting and sets it apart from a run of the mill jacket. I would so rock this jacket with a Ramones tee and some killer boots. Any outfit that can be paired with a rock tee is fine by me.

So check these items out and rock them in your way! But, don't grab the last ones before I get a chance too!

McQueen's last scream: Final Collection

After a short wait in respect for McQueen's friends and family the last collection was unveiled. I have been a fan of McQueen's work since I began getting into fashion and like many people I was very saddened by the news of his death. His fashions were truly unprecedented pieces of art and he will be forever missed in the fashion world. His last collection was no different. I love every piece from bald head to stiletto. But we cannot dwell in these things for to long we must enjoy the beauties he left us; so please take a moment to enjoy his beautiful garments. You can find them here.

Certainly an unintended hiatus...

I had no intentions of quitting on you but you see, a series of unfortunate happenings befell me. Among them, in case you are on the edge of your sheets, I moved to a rather remote location where there was no internet and my computer took a one way flight to the ground where the screen cracked. After what I must admit was a bad several months I am jumping back on the blog. Hopefully this time with more determination to keep it up. What have I been up to fashionably? Shopping (constantly), thrifting, altering garments, learning the skills for myself, and last and my topic for this day reading.

I must admit I am a sucker for Bravo T.V. One of there newest shows is "Kell on Earth" about fashion PR extraordinaire Kelly Cutrone. Like many others I had seen (and loved) Ms. Cutrone previously on MTV's the "The Hills" as the boss of the girls as well as an episode of "True Life: I'm going to fashion week" . Although on this show you rarely see the lady smile, I still loved her kick ass- get stuff done attitude. On her new show we get to see a new side of Kelly while still seeing the spunk that makes her so lovable to those "fashion bitches". On the show she briefly mentioned writing her book. I jumped at the chance to read her book and rushed to Barnes and Noble to purchase it. Little did I know at that time it happened to be a self help book. It's called "If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You".
This was my first time ever reading a self help book so imagine my attitude at the beginning of this book. This book blew my view of self help books out of the water. I was amazed on how Cutrone spoke to me. In fact it almost seems as if she wrote this book solely for me. I wouldn't want to ruin the book for someone who is preparing to read it but I simply must say a few things. I love the fact that this book is part power girl how to guide and part spiritual health guide. I love that she used a personal experience to explain everything she suggested to others. I loved the fashion references (especially since I knew a lot of them) and her tips on how to present yourself in the workplace regardless if you are working for her or not. Every once in a while I will have some kind of spiritual slap in the face. Cutrone did that for me, she reminds reminds readers that it's all in the journey. In other words...your goal isn't getting to a certain point in life or in career it is the journey of you getting there that is so valuable.
On top of the wonderful lessons and tips Kelly lets readers in on, she has wonderful humor on every page. Even if you don't think that you need a self help book (I sure didn't!) still give this book a chance simply for her witty comments and insight into the fashion biz. This book is a must read for anyone who thinks they may be interested in working in fashion because I have never encountered anything else that talks about the fashion industry with such brutal honesty. Give it a try, it's a quick read!

Here's a surprise...I'm not actually to hard to please.

I think it is safe to say that one of the most readily available plus size resources is Old Navy and interestingly enough one of my personal favorites. In the past several years Old Navy has turned from a market brander (stamping there name on every t-shirt and sending the customers out the door as walking billboards) to a fashion forward trend follower. Since joining the ranks of the "broke college student" group, ON has become a large part of my wardrobe.

I will be the first to admit that I am a "shopaholic", "compulsive shopper"or even an "emotional shopper", but with ON super reasonable prices none of those things are bad! When I go shopping I tend to grab everything that I think I might like and worry cost and necessity later. While trying the garments on my mind starts racing with everything I own that would look good with the garment in question; before I even take it off I have several outfits in mind. After finishing my two or three trips to the dressing room, I start to think about editing. Actually I should say I occasionally think about editing because typically the garments are bagged and charged before I consider the finances.

Old Navy is doing something that some many other stores ought to be doing. That of course is extending their clothes into bigger sizes. Most of there in store garments go up to size XXL and bottoms in every size to 20! Even better, if that doesn't happen to work for you they offer additional shopping opportunities online, with their actual "plus size" line. I love being able to walk into a store and walk out with new clothes because more often then not nice plus size clothing can only be bought online-meaning there is a terrible waiting period from the time I purchase the clothes and the time I get to put them on. A lot of people may claim to only shop at Old Navy for the basics, I notice that those people are also the people with a whole mall full of options. But, I may agree with them to a certain extent. Old Navy is not the place to go for super interesting, dare I say chic pieces ,but then again where is for "us girls". But it is the beginning of a very classy and fashion forward look.

As a matter of fact recently I went on a mini-excursion and bought garments that I look forward to showing you later! More to come!

Shoes......need I say more?

Ok, I will...Lately the apples of my eye have not been garments at all, they have been shoes. Shoes are a paragon of fairness in the fashion world, because they come in sizes that aren't body type specific. Anyone can strap on a pair of heels and rock a chic shoe. So I am a firm believer that a extensive shoe collection is a must for any plus size girl. That being said, I have found a new pair of shoes that I need in my life. They are brought to us by Modcloth, they may not be spot on for plus size (yet!) but boy do they turn out a mean shoe!
Just allow me to describe them. Think gladiators meet spats. I know it may not be a pretty thought initially but man are these shoes amazing!

Aren't they just simply perfection? The color combination of this beautiful khaki and the dark, small buttons is so chic. Notice at the top of the shoe there is a small collar that sticks out above the highest strap- this will create an interesting silhouette on the foot. Typically, I shy away from boots because I hate the bulky zippers on the sides but, this is not a problem for these shoes with a lovely hidden zipper on the heel. Last, the actual heel itself. A tapered heel, because stilettos just simply don't go with everything, beautiful! Here is how I would use these shoes in my everyday look.

To see more of these shoes and tons of other amazing pairs check out Modcloth!

Another good idea. Psych!

Is the term plus size really already out of date. Or are retailers trying to down play stigmas by renaming the fashion for large girls? I am quite comfortable with the term plus size; so comfortable in fact I can not even find something sarcastic to comment on it. So why the new phrases. Whatever is going on, I certainly just don't care for it. Lately I have been seeing several other terms for what has been previously tagged as "plus size". I have seen "extended sizes"(Alloy), "additional sizes" (Modcloth), and worst of all "Special Sizes" (Delia's, JCPenny, and several more). Really? Special sizes? That just makes me one of two things... that lovely characture of the developmentally disabled that has come to be known as "special ed" or two that age old cliche used to make fat girls feel more confident "your special too!" The last thing I am looking from my retail experience is to be harassed by the signs that would say special sizes. Who thought that was a good idea? The same phrase is also applied to maternity, because apparently that phrase has too many stigmas attached to it as well. This is one of those moments that I am outraged that people sitting in offices (in my head this equals men in suits) are making these decisions for us! Why was I not consulted?
On a bit of different note, I am now coming to understand why plus size clothing has not been marketed more widely from trendier young brands like Urban Outfitters. According to the UK's Telegraph there are several reasons behind this:

• Companies know that producing new plus size lines are commercially expensive to design and manufacture yet go to a significantly smaller amount of consumers.
  

• Concerns about "normal" customers not wanting to be associated with "fat" customers. Not wearing their clothes or shopping in the same store.

I was quite surprised to read this. I am sure there are some people who are so overly weight conscious that seeing a plus size girl shopping in the same store as them may hurt their self esteem. But, is there really enough of those types of people to stop your business from taking on a larger (in two senses) customer base? The sad truth is it must be the case. For what other reason could there be for shops like American Eagle, Wet Seal, Forever 21 to sell their extended sized-plus size clothing exclusively online? Shops are keeping the fat girls in the house, shopping from the internet and not in there stores shopping like everyone else. Again, I am happy that these resources are available it just makes my blood boil to see such flagrant disrespect in every mall in America. I have what I consider to be a good idea. I think someone should start a company that partners with stores like Urban Outfitters and H&M and sell their designs in plus sizes. Then everyone wins! Plus size girls get the fabulous fashions available to the masses and Little Ms. Diet can still feel comfortable in the stores. It may sound like I get a little heated about these things...because I do. Only the first of what I am sure to be several rants of this nature. Thank you for reading!

Nice try, but no sombrero.

I never get that expression right so I just decided to embrace my mistakes and keep it. It seems lately that my expectations of new clothing lines may be to high. Case in point...Modcloth. For months I have been drooling over page after page of Modcloth's vintage inspired clothing feeling quite jealous (yes I admit it) of the girl who could wear any of there garments. I love the distinct looks the site offers and the snappy little names to go with it. So imagine my excitement when I read that Modcloth would be offering some garments in "Additional Sizes". Now, correct me if I am wrong but the word additional means more than what is already available so I assumed that meant some of the Modcloth garments would be available in the usual sizes as well as "additional sizes" that I could wear. But that was not in the books for Modcloth. Currently there are 9 items available in plus sizes and not one of them looks like something I would expect from Modcloth.


This is the Mademoiselle Tunic. Classic black sleeveless top with a hint of white detail. No problems so far. I like the band underneath the bust because it nips in at a good place for larger girls because in many cases it is the smallest point on the torso. The bow is nice although I wish it was a fuller shape. The tiers are also very nice and create a very appropriate volume on the lower half. But wait, there is more...






The problems are in the back. I notice a major problem here! It seems they have forgotten to finish the back of this top! For some reason the back is sheer! I, like many fat girls, have some serious reservations about exposing my back. The chiffon on the bottom is also a bit problematic for me as well. If you noticed on the front you can see the top of the models jeans. Why would anyone design a garment that exposes two of the biggest problem areas for plus size girls?




The other garments are not things I expected from Modcloth- a t-shirt really? Don't get me wrong, I am still excited that Modcloth as taken on this new feat. I hope that they continue to add more garments in plus sizes but in the same styles as the usual garments. Please Modcloth, give us MORE!