Sunday, December 27, 2009

A New Years Resolution We Should ALL Make

So yesterday was a huge wake-up call.

I was at work cashier-ing, when a woman came through my line and asked, "how far along are you?" I said "what?" She then dug herself a deeper hole and asked, "well, are you pregnant?"
My reply, "No, not pregnant, just fat." and I smiled at her. I proceeded to laugh about it with the coworker who had heard the mess and never let it get to me while I was at work.

It wasn't until I got home and was talking to my boyfriend when I had a full-on breakdown. I told him what had happened and could not stop crying. Clearly, I needed to loose more weight than I thought. I love myself, and I'm happy not being a size 2, however, I know I could use some work, and yesterday was a huge wake-up call.

I have vowed to beginning my new year's resolution early and hitting the gym first thing tomorrow morning. I also need to do some grocery shopping and throw out all the chocolate in my cupboard. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. I have had my meltdown, and now its time to build myself back up. I will not let this keep me down!

After work yesterday I felt really down and decided to stop at 7/11 to pick up some magazines as a pick-me-up. I placed a copy of Nylon with Hilary Duff on the cover on the counter. The cashier looked at me and pointed at the magazine, "is that a picture of you?" he asked.

I know it was all in jest, and I just laughed and said I wish, but that one little compliment turned my whole evening around. You'd be surprised, that girl you told had cute shoes on the subway this morning may have been feeling down, and you picked her up. I think the perfect new year's resolution would be to pay at least 2 people a day a genuine compliment. I promise it won't just pick up their day, it will make yours also.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Tis The Season!

Ah! Tis the season for cashmere sweaters, peppermint bark, hot cocoa, Christmas lights and overcrowded shopping malls!
With that said there are 2 things on my agenda this evening. The first would be what to wear to all your social events this season, and the next is what to buy for everyone on your list! I know there's only a week left to shop, but don't lie- I know you're not finished yet!

First things 1st, what to wear? Here are my favorite picks for various functions:


^a fun flirty number covered enough for that office Christmas party $69.50 at lanebryant.com


^This is the perfect dress to wear on a date to see The Nutcracker or an opera. The sleeves are sexy, but will also keep you warm! $168 at igigi.com



^This one would be great if you're hosting a house party or are attending one. Wanna warm it up? Add tights and a cute sweater. $39 at AshleyStewart.com

So we've solved dilemna number 1, what to wear to the event. Now you've gotta bring along the perfect gift. Fear not! I have some brilliant ideas for all the people in your life :)


^I love this one for my Mom, its the perfect way to combine her love of a good cocktail with her love of a long bubble bath. Either way, she'll be nice and relaxed :)$30 at Sephora


^for Dad a gift that will be sure to keep him cooking throughout the season. However, Mom may think its just an eyesore in the backyard... Dad will still wanna give you a good fist pound though! $59.99 at the NFL shop


^This one's perfect for my brainy younger sister, she's a girl's girl through and through, but loves reading and these classic books from Penguin will look great in her room and she'll read them cover to cover! $13.60 a piece at Amazon.com


^This one's perfect for my older sister who just became a mother. It's affordable, and beautiful, and I'm sure it will mean a lot to her. $49.95 at RedEnvelope


^This craft bin would be perfect for my artsy fashion school friends at 28 bucks from Amazon


^They say the way into a man's heart is through his stomach, and my boyfriend is a pizza fanatic! He would love this- membership to a pizza of the month club where 3 delicious deep-dish Chicago style pizzas are delivered to his house each month for a year. $176.85 at Amazing Clubs

I know there's still a lot of people on your list, but hopefully this gives you some great ideas and you'll be invited back to every party this year!

But remember, don't get lost in the haze of shop shop shop! gifts gifts gifts! take a second to take a deep breath and remember that this is the only Christmas you will have this year, so make it a good one. Remember that the spirit of Christmas is not about one day sales, getting the perfect parking spot at the mall or squeezing into that too-tight party dress after eating too much turkey stuffing. No matter what holiday you celebrate, remember to give thanks and give back to the people in your life. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Blogland! :)

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! First I must apologize for my hiatus from blogspot, it has been a long week of graveyard shifts at work for me. And now I know why they call them graveyard shifts- once you're done, you feel like you belong in one.

So today is basically a big massive eating holiday, a plus sized girls worst nightmare (kind of) and I'm here to tell you, just relax and bust out the sweat pants. If eating with a large group of family or friends, especially those relatives you only see once or twice a year, it can be a little daunting to feel overweight, and then go stuff your gut. However, this is a day to give thanks, and don't feel so guilty for going overboard.

Make sure to try a little of everything on the table, and wear some comfy and cute sweats (especially if the party is at your place!).

Here are some cute options:



^this set is so adorable and runs for about $35 total. Also, if pink really isn't your color blue and black is also available, and don't be afraid to mix and match!

Indulge today and eat healthy tomorrow, one of my favorite dinner-table toasts is "eat drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may diet!"
And remember to love yourself no matter what- be thankful for your friends, family and the skin you're in, because you are fabulous!

Monday, November 16, 2009

A Brief Lesson in Customer Service

Well pay day was Friday, so naturally, what's a girl to do when the money comes rolling in? Shop!
I tried to keep my purchases to a minimum, but I snagged a cream cardigan and tapestry-esque scarf from Forever 21. I also grabbed a reversible blue scarf with paisely print and these jeans from old navy >>


^normally, I would steer clear from a light wash denim, because they tend to make curvy girls look bigger, however, they fit much better than the darker washes I tried on, and they actually made my butt look bigger (and I have a flat ass, so that was a plus for me!)

One thing that should be noted in today's post- customer service. Two similar stores with competing markets, yet the customer service was VASTLY different in each store.

In forever 21 I was greeted by no one, my friend was forced to leave to use the elevator outside because she brought her son in a stroller (what about someone in a wheelchair??), and when we arrived upstairs, no one was available and both the dressing rooms and registers were closed! There was no way we were going back downstairs, so we found a salesgirl to ring us up.

We asked to see her manager, and we brought attention to the fact that the place is highly inaccessable to anyone with special needs and that it should be looked into, or at least keep both floors open for purchases. The manager actually gave me an attitude and got defensive!

Now I understand that there's only so much you can do, but the least you can do is apologize and take our thoughts into consideration. I asked for the managers name and the number to corporate.

I love Forever 21, but lets face it, I'd rather spend loads of cash at Old Navy where I was greeted by 3 different sales girls, and helped immediately and quickly.

I read in a magazine that if a customer has a wonderful shopping experience, she tells an average of 3 friends. If she has a terrible one- she tells an average of 11. I've had numerous readers visit this blog, so consider this above average. If you visit Forever 21 at the Del Amo Fashion center, don't expect manager Maribel to help you. Unless its to see you to the door.

What kind of nightmarish shopping experiences have you had?? This is your chance to dish and let the world know who to avoid!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Facing the Gym

So I finally got off my lazy bum and headed into the gym today. I know it's difficult for anyone to get up and go to the gym, but sometimes I feel that as a plus-sized girl it's especially difficult. There are TONS of deliciously hot people at the gym, and it's easy to get down on yourself if you're not a size 4.

Then again, there is a reason these people are ridiculously cut- they practically live at the gym. I think a balance in life is certainly the most important thing one can achieve. Definitely go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week, but go ahead and enjoy a slice of pie after dinner too. As long as it isn't every night, don't kill yourself trying to get skinny. Because let's not kid anyone any more- HEALTHY is the ideal look, not skinny.

With that said, what shall we wear to gym? Here are some of my best finds :) Enjoy!


^Here is a champion sports bra ($33 on champion.com, about $15 at Target), I cannot work out without one of these. However, my boobs err on the larger side, so I also wear a regular bra underneath to keep my girls in place. If that idea doesn't appeal to you, grab a sports bra with underwire.


^A lot of women (mainly the skinny ones!) show up to the gym in some ass-hugging booty/bike shorts that fit like a glove. Congrats for them. For the rest of the world, these shorts will do! These wont hang down around your knees like men's basketball shorts will, and they're loose and comfy so you won't feel like anyone can see your panties. Plus, these shorts have a hidden boyshort underneath, so you'll feel extra covered.

Then just throw on any old T-shirt and get sweaty! It's not really about looking fabulous in the gym, its about feeling fabulous once you've conquered that treadmill.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

There are no Ugly Women, Only Lazy Ones.

So upon perusing the internet for some fashionable options I found that torrid.com is slashing prices on their clearance items. They offer a 50% discount on top of already discounted prices. Everything below is right around 20 dollars!


^love this floral pencil skirt! Rough it up a little with ankle botties, tights and a motorcycle jacket for a date or party, or just add sweet pumps, a cardigan and pearls for a family brunch.


^ok, so these shoes are not exactly winter material- but they're only about 20 bucks and would look beautiful on a warm day with a maxi dress or jeans and a peasant blouse.


^these skinny pleather pants are fun for a night at the club with the girls! Definetly not an investment piece, these are purely for fun, but at only 15 dollars it's worth it!

Now on to some not-so-fierce fashion moments...
As far as fashion do's and dont's go, its never a don't to be yourself and have your own distinct body type. That includes being plus-sized, embrace it, love it, and dress it well! However, there are some things that us plus-sized girls especially need to pay attention to...


^a problem plaguing many thicker women is denial. For some reason we either wish we were smaller than we actually are, or we squeeze into tight clothes to tell ourselves that we are not an XL- "see! I can fit into a small!"
We need to stop this. If you wear clothes that fit your body correctly, you look smaller! I guarentee if I put this girl in well fitted, slightly higher rise, dark wash jean and a longer top with a blazer she would look 15 pounds lighter!
And don't even get me started on the "boys are trouble" t-shirt.


^ simple solution: burn that skirt!! The weird fading on her rear only highlight what I'm sure she doesn't want highlighted. The skirt is too long, it should hit her right around the knee. Something must also be done about the VPL- some spanks, or other smoothing undergarments would do the trick. With some wardrobe tweaking she could easily look lighter and more fashionable.


^less is more! The tutu is too short and voluminous, and there is just too much look! It's like a vampire from the 80's. And can someone tell me what the eyemask on her head is all about? Raven was much cuter as a Cosby kid...

Being volumptous and fabulous is never a don't- just make sure to dress the body you have, not the one you wish you had. Learn to love yourself first and foremost the way you are!

Quick Update

So due to my working schedule, Halloween did not end up happening the way I had planned. I ended up coming home, making dinner with my boyfriend and watching a scary movie- What Lies Beneath.

But I have good news! They say in life there are no second chances, but that is not true! I have been invited to a Halloween do-over party because a lot of people found themselves in the same predicament as myself, a lame Halloween. Thus I have an opportunity to dress up and get lots of fun Halloween photos!

I haven't got much time to write now, but I promise I'll update soon!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Trick or Treat?

Ok, so Halloween is only a short 3 days away and thus every girl (plus sized or not!) faces quite a dilemna... what to wear???

So theres the sexy/slutty option, wear a leotard, short skirt, massive amounts of cleavage and some form of animal ears and enjoy the hoots and hollers all evening. I must admit, it is tempting to bust out those fishnets and sky-high heels and let the cat calls roll in. Here are my favorite sexy Halloween costumes (for the plus sized lady of course!)

^this woman is dead sexy in this cat costume, which she pulls off incredibly. Not every full-figured woman could handle this look though.


^these are really cute and flattering for most girls also (Torrid.com for around $65.00)

If you're NOT a fan of the sexy costume (they can be rather expensive...) there's always the funny costume!

One year I went as the lost and found and wore mis-matched socks, shoes, gym clothes, jewlery, hair clips, etc and put a lost and found sign on my chest. It was free, easy and a huge hit.

This year I think I'm gonna grab a black wig, pencil in big lips, a starbucks cup and a bag with 8 baby dolls and go as the octomom! I'll post a pic once I get the whole look together :)

What are you planning on being for Halloween? send ideas/pics/whatever!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes...

Pina coladas and a new blog post? Sounds like a fabulous Sunday evening!

So I picked up this month's copy of INSTYLE magazine the other day and was excited to see it was the "Best of the Web" edition. However, I was a little bummed out when I saw their only plus size web site listed as www.leeleesvalise.com, its not a bad site, but I found much cuter at www.torrid.com for about half the price. They did however, have a really fun site for plus sized lingerie- www.hipsandcurves.com, definetly go check it out! For now though, I will leave you with some current favorites!


^These are so gorgeous!! $64.00 from www.torrid.com


^love this girl's style- the hair, earrings and top are so chic :)


^ok, so I know that these shoes are waaayyy out of my price range, but a girl can dream! Emanuel Ungaro $930


^ok so I'm kind of lusting after this pair of Charlotte Olympia shoes as well! Too bad they're a cool $825...

well I'm going to keep sipping my pina colada and pretending I'm on a yacht in St. Tropez wearing those fabulous shoes... Because one day, I will be.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Lovely Larger Ladies

So I've been searching for full-figured inspiration in the fashion/entertainment industry and I'm telling you- its slim pickins (no pun intended) however, here's my list of ladies who may not all be as full figured as myself, but within the fashion industry are all considered "plus-size." I think they're all gorgeous beautiful women who we can all take a lesson or two from. Enjoy!


^Adele (singer)


^Amber Riley (actress, Glee)


^America Ferrera (Ugly Betty, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants)


^Christina Hendricks (Mad Men, actress)


^Crystal Renn (plus size model)


^Jennifer Hudson (singer)


^Jennifer Lopez (singer)


^Jessica Simpson (singer)


^Jordin Sparks (winner of American Idol, singer)


^Khloe Kardashian (reality TV personality)



^Kim Kardashian (reality TV personality)


^Lisa Lampanelli (comedian)


^Marilyn Monroe (Playboy model, actress)


^Meryl Streep (actress)


^Nikki Blonsky (actress, Hairspray)


^Oprah Winfrey (talk show personality)


^Queen Latifah (Covergirl model, actress)


^Roma Maffia (actress, Nip/Tuck)


^Scarlett Johansson (He's Just Not That Into You, actress)


^Toccara Jones (model)



^Whitney Thompson (model)


^Wynonna Judd (singer)

All of the women here are providing examples of real figures in a skinny-obsessed industry and are doing a damn good job of it. If there's anybody I missed, please let me know- I'd be happy to add more lovely ladies to this list!

Oh Thank Heaven!

So I took some pics of some of the accessories I bought this week at H&M and here they are:


^this is that fabulous cuff that I bought for around 5 bucks



^and here's a pic of that chunky necklace paired with a top and sweater from old navy :) the necklace was $17.95

Now I must fill every plus size fashionista in on a major fashion-world break through. Her name is Ashley Falcon, she's 20 years old and she's an intern for Marie Clare. Oh, and she's a size 18!
So the other night I was at the local 7/11 picking up some diet coke and magazines when I grabbed the November issue of Marie Clare. Hilary Swank didnt really entice me to buy- while I think she's beautiful and a remarkable actress, she kind of bores me as far as fashion goes. However, once I got home and opened the pages of this periodical, I was immediately giddy with excitement. Not only does the wonderful Tim Gunn now have his own column, so does Ashley Falcon! It's called "Big Girl in a Skinny World" and it is fabulous!
Everything Falcon would say I found myself nodding in agreement. When she stated that she went through jeans all the time because a hole was usually formed right in the area where her thighs meet I found myself going, "me too girl!" and when I learned that she decided not to attend an industry party because she was not dressed appropriately and could not hit up the local banana republic because they did not have her size I felt an enormous amount of sympathy.
I urge you to pick up a copy if you havent already, Falcon is breaking barriers and basically has my dream job! Look out for her in the coming months as well!

^a picture of the Fabulous Falcon in this month's issue of Marie Clare. Isn't she gorgeous??

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