LOOK-ALIKES: Dolce & Gabbana Jewel and Pearl Embellished Clutch

Hello everyone! I thought since it is the first day of December (and the madness known as "Shopping for the Perfect Holdiay Outfit" has officially begun - or if you're me...began several weeks ago...) I thought I'd do a Look-Alikes post on a fun and glamorous accessory that is essential to any party wardrobe: the embellished clutch. 

Now, this first - and exorbitantly priced - bag is curtesy of Dolce & Gabbana, one of my personally favored designers. I've been following this design house religiously since they released their Spring/Summer magazine ads last year. D&G manages to somehow effortlessly capture the spirit and soul of Italy in their prints ads as well as in its runway shows. I love their over-embellished jewelry, and as I later came across, their clutches as well! See below:

Dolce & Gabbana Jewel and Pearl Embellished Clutch, Saks Fifth Avenue, $3,500

I tried finding a live link, but this bag proved somewhat difficult to find online. I'm guessing it's either sold out or one of those things that you can only buy in a brick and mortar store. Anyway, as it usually works with these types of posts, I found the less-expensive version first which reminded me of the more-expensive version. 

In this case, it was a clutch found on ASOS by the company River Island (I like their stuff a lot). It is not the cheapest lower-end version I've ever found, but if you compare it to the higher end...I'd say that's a pretty darn good alternative! See below for River Island's clutch:

River Island Gold Embellished Box Clutch, ASOS, $72.60

Even though it's not colorful like the actual D&B clutch, my memory of the D&G print campaign was immediately triggered - the luxe quality of the embellishments with the contrast of geometric and fluid lines. I happen to think this bag alone would take an okay outfit to an amazing one. Definitely a conversation-starter! (P.S - ASOS is having a BIG online sale through monday!)

Well, that's all for now. Hope your Thanksgiving break was amazing and have a great rest of the week!

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OOTD: As Casual as it Gets

DIY Boleyn Necklace (See the post here)
Pure Energy Junior's Plus-Size 3/4-Sleeve Pullover, Target, (SOLD OUT)
Skinny Jeans, F21+, $14.80
Womens Mossimo Supply Co. Lunea Oxford, Target, $14.99

This is just going to be a super short OOTD. Since moving I haven't had a photographer handy like I did when I was living with my parents so that's why there aren't as many OOTD posts as before. This is an old photo I had in the archives - back when I was blonde. (In case you haven't heard...I cut almost all my hair off since then.) Just an easy casual look, I assume, for going out to eat.

I hope you all are enjoying your holiday weekend! Until next time, ta!

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My Favorite Holiday Cookie: Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cookes

This cookie has been my most desired Holiday fare for as long as I can remember. My sister and I have begged my mom to make these cookies many times before in the past. Of course, we could have made them ourselves - they're a snap to prepare - but don't you find food cooked by your loved ones always tastes better?

I decided to make these bad boys a little earlier than usual this year. My dad has been recovering from his surgery, so when I was over at my parents' house I decided to get all Martha Stewart up in there and whip up a batch. The original recipe is one my mom cut off of the side of a Hershey's Kiss bag. It's ancient! But I found it nestled in the "cookies" file of my mom's equally ancient recipe box.

I made some slight modifications: First, we didn't have any actual Hershey Kisses, so I got extra Stewart-y and melted some chocolate chips, poured that into a ziplock bag, snipped the corner off, and made a makeshift frosting piper (or whatever they call those things! :P). Second, I have developed some kind of food allergy over the last year or so, and have a strong suspicion it is a corn allergy. Thus, I have been avoiding a lot of foods due to all the cornstarch and corn syrup in just about everything. So my mom kindly bought me some all natural peanut butter at Costco that worked perfectly. Actually, we didn't even realized until later that it was chunky peanut butter! But in the grand scheme of things...it made absolutely no difference at all! They were still delicious!!!

I've transcribed the recipe to share with all of you here. I know it's an easy recipe to find anywhere, but I'm going to do it here too! So enjoy everyone!

Reese's Peanut Butter Cookies with Hershey's Kisses

1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup creamy (or crunchy!) peanut butter
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 egg
2 tablespoons of milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Granulated sugar
1 bag (9 oz.) Hershey's Milk Chocolate Kisses, unwrapped

Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In large mixer bowl, beat shortening and peanut butter until well blended. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until light and fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to beaten mixture. Shape dough into 1" balls (I used a rounded tablespoon so all my cookies came out uniform in size). Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 to 12 minutes (I would err on the lower side of that amount) or until lightly browned. Immediately (Seriously. Right away) place unwrapped chocolate piece on top of cookie, pressing down so cookie cracks around edges (but not too hard!). Remove from baking sheet. Cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen cookies.

I know the recipe SAYS to cool completely, but I can tell you right now that there is nothing - NOTHING!!! - more tasty than a peanut butter cookie with still-melty chocolate! And with that, I think I will leave you. Enjoy your holidays!

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LOOK-ALIKES: Dotted Pullover from Coldwater Creek

Ahoj! (That's "hello" in Czech...just trying to keep it spicy.) Today is a cool Look-Alikes post because I get to take an item from a store people typically associate with a straight-sized, more...ahem, "mature" demographic, and feature a similarly-looking item that not only is cute and modern, but PLUS SIZE! Woo-hoo! Let's get started, shall we?

This week's Look-Alikes post is curtesy of Coldwater Creek. And before you cringe and click the "back" button (you know who you are), I would just like to throw in that I have found some really modern and chic items there. I believe it is a gem that is rarely tapped by the (plus-size) fashion-conscious. But you can get some really great embellished and knit pieces there for a really excellent deal if you shop during the right sale. Okay, moving on. This was another "accidental" find that made me do a double take. Below you'll find the Coldwater Creek version:

Dotted Pullover, Coldwater Creek, $69.95 (for the plus-size version)

I wouldn't say this is "old lady" at all! I think it is adorable and ridiculously feminine! The price is a little out of my comfort zone for as casual a item as an embellished sweatshirt. I just love the little dots though! It reminds me of Swiss Dot fabric which I've always loved.

A little while later when doing my routine browse of Target's clothes section, I stumbled across the below image:

Merona® Women's Plus-Size Long-Sleeve Pullover Top, Target, $24.99

Once again, it is a rather startling resemblance. Though I suppose the Merona top from Target could be seen by some as more "youthful" because of the raglan sleeves and visible seaming at the hem, wrists, and neck. If you go to the Target website, Target features a picture of this top on a plus-size model that looks relaxed in a kind of effortless way and yet like it still has the potential to be VERY comfortable.

Whichever one you choose I think they are both wonderful additions to any woman's closet for similar, and different, reasons. I personally like the Coldwater Creek version a little better...but it's hard to say no to such a price reduction for Target's version that is so strikingly similar.

That's all for now folks! Here's hoping for a wonderful rest of the week! :D

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My Fall/Winter Wardrobe VIP's

1. Warehouse Iris Print Scarf - ASOS (SOLD OUT - similar here)
2. JCP Ankle-Length Pants - Plus, JC Penney
3. Fab Skinny Jeans (Short) in "Denim" - Forever21+
4. ASOS CURVE 80 Denier Black Tights, ASOS
5. Leopard Jersey Skater Dress, Dorothy Perkins (SOLD OUT - similar here and here and a sexier version here)
6. Merona Plus-Size Long-Sleeve Pullover Sweater, Target
7. H&M+ Lace Top, H&M
8. 212 Collection Solid Jacket - Women's Plus, Kohl's (Edgier version I LOVE here)
9. Clean Riding Boot, Lane Bryant
10. Mossimo Supply Co. Voneta Studded Tuxedo Flat, Target
11. Sleek Asymmetrical Faux Leather Skirt, Forever21+
12. Patent Tote Bag By Isabel & Ruben Toledo, Lane Bryant
13. ASOS Maternity Skater Dress With Slash Neck, ASOS (SOLD OUT - similar here and here)
14. Avanti Asymmetrical Zip-Front Jacket, JC Penney
15. Simple Silver Medium Hoop Earrings, Lane Bryant (SOLD OUT - similar here)
16. Cheap Monday Watch Bracelet, ASOS

Hello all! I thought I'd do a quick(ish) post about the MVP's of my Fall/Winter wardrobe. (YAY!)

Representin' for the Gods (AKA: I'm completely obsessed with Tom Hiddleston)

Marvel Thor: The Dark World Loki Girls T-Shirt, Hot Topic (currently on sale!)

I went to see Thor: The Dark World tonight (opening night!). And...IT. WAS. AMAZING. In my opinion much better than the first. And my favorite Norse god (two guesses who...) got a much bigger part in the movie than I expected. But you didn't see me complaining! :D

I didn't even have this top when my sister and I got to the theater three hours early (I jest not). We took a tour threw Hot Topic and I literally gasped when I saw this shirt (is that weird, haha?). It only goes up to XL and while I would have preferred an XXL the fabric actually stretches really well. So we hopped into the ladies bathroom and I changed ASAP. I figured it was only appropriate. :P

Anyway, I won't give away anything about the move. I'll just say that if you are a super Avengers nerd like myself, YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!

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LOOK-ALIKES: Lane Bryant Brocade Jacquard Blazer

Wow, this is the first Look-Alikes post I've done in a really long time! And to be honest, I actually really miss doing these posts in particular the most. They're easy and I love being able to find clothes/shoes/what have you's that look exactly the same....but for much less! :D This week's post is brought to you from Lane Bryant. I actually love Lane Bryant. In a mere 4 months (or so) I have noticed a COMPLETE AND TOTAL overhaul of their brand. I'm talkin' a 180 switch in their targeted demographic. In my opinion, Lane Bryant is obviously positioning themselves to be in direct competition with Torrid, which is really the only major name in younger curvy women's' fashion. I'm serious: take a walk-through next time you have the opportunity - you'll be pleasantly surprised, I promise. 

Enough of that! On to the meat and potatoes of this post: the look-alike of course! I'm seeing a lot of luxurious textiles for these coming holidays so I thought I'd showcase a plus-size option: the Brocade Jacquard Blazer. See the high-end below:

Stretch Jacquard Jacket, Lane Bryant, $99.95

It is a GORGEOUS blazer. The flat satin lapel is perfection. The price, unfortunately, isn't as perfect. That is a lot to spend on a decidedly formal jacket (i.e - how often will you really wear this after the holidays?). However, before I skip to the less expensive alternative, I'll mention that it looks like Lane Bryant is having a pretty big sale during the month of November. $25 off of $75, $50 off $150, and $75 off $225. So, saying you buy just the jacket, the actual cost of this blazer would be $74.95...which is still kind of spendy. But I say if it floats your boat! :P

Below is the look-alike curtesy of Torrid:

Brocade Blazer, Torrid, $64.50

Look familiar, much??? (I love question marks...?) The brocade jacquard fabric is extremely similar, as are the flat pockets (I don't know if they're functional. the only differences are that the Torrid version doesn't have the flat satin lapel and it has a TWO button closure instead of one hook and eye fastener. As far as price goes, the Torrid version is still on the more expensive side. 

For me, if I could combine the satin lapel of the Lane Bryant blazer with the double-button closure (I feel that's more flattering - and comfortable! - if you're bustier) it would be like the holy grail of Holiday jackets. Unfortunately, I'm not in the market for another black jacket/blazer, but I figured I'd give you fabulous readers the option. :D (You're welcome.) Have a lovely Sunday, and thanks for dropping by!

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Halloween Fun

The lighting on this photo happened by accident. But I really liked how it turned out!

Hey, y'all! (I'm saying this with an incredibly countrified accent, by the way. Don't ask me why.) I just wanted to do a quicky post about my Halloween costume this year! I love Halloween, and it's not because of the candy (though that's nice) or the being scared out of your wits (don't really care for that. It's the fact that for one day a year children AND grown-a$$ people can dress up in as crazy outfits as they can imagine and no one thinks twice about it! Because, let's get real for a moment, okay? We've all seen one of THOSE people - you know - those FULL GROWN people who walk around every day dressed as fairies, or as though they just stepped out of the Matrix. They. Look. Completely. Crazy. But if every day were Halloween, it wouldn't be a problem!

This was my original inspiration...

I was a little bummed this year. I had this amazing costume and I was so excited to wear it, but I found myself in the same predicament as I do every year: All dressed up and no where to go! I'm know there were some raucous Halloween parties near my apartment building (I heard them...very late at night), but I'm so NOT a party person. So I did what I wanted to: I wore my costume around my apartment while I made dinner and watched a couple movies! :D

I had some issues finding a costume when I first started looking. First of all, plus-size costumes are crazy expensive peeps! I was amazed (and not in a good way). I wasn't going to lay down $100+ dollars for a cheap polyester dress that barely covered my hoo-hah (...you know what I'm talking about.) that I'd only wear one day of the year and probably not the next year at that! Secondly, speaking of hoo-hah...what's with all the slutty costumes? I mean seriously! I was scrolling down page after page of slutty nurse, slutty teacher, slutty air force pilot, slutty disney princess. Can't women get better options? Or is this really what women, even plus-size women, like to wear? I mean, I'm not getting down on the luscious ladies who get "dressed up" for their man, but I've definitely seen women wearing these just-shy-of-illegal get ups. WHAD UP WIT DAT?

Okay...I'm done ranting. Now on to MY costume. I had an idea in my head and so the first place I looked was my go to find-everything-you-need-in-one-place place, Amazon! God, I love Amazon. I found the perfect military hat there first. They also have khaki and army green for the different branches of the military I assume. Then I figured I should push the military imagery a little further with some medals or something, which I also found on Amazon here. They are plastic, but I was surprised to see how much they actually looked like metal! While still browsing Amazon, I figured I should get some vintage-y inspired/looking heels. I came across these:

Pleaser Women's Vanity-442 Mary Jane Pump, Amazon

They were perfect. Not comfortable to walk in at all (haha) but a surprisingly sexy shoe to add to the pin-up vibe I was going for. Not to mention - from what I could tell - well made for the price. Read the customer reviews though! Apparently the Pleaser shoe brand has notoriously inconsistent sizing. I ordered half a size up and that worked well for me. They fit perfectly.

Lastly, I had to find a dress. I looked for a long time for this final, and essential, piece of my costume. It was almost like it was meant to be: about a week before Halloween, a new dress popped up on Target's website. It. Was. Perfect! It was navy, had a little retro-inspired white collar, and the best part? I knew I could wear it again once Halloween was over. Take that, over-priced costume retailers!!! And I knew it was ordained to be when I saw that the navy of the dress matched the navy of the hat PERFECTLY! That might sound a little OCD, but I'm telling you it would've thrown off the aesthetics of the whole thing if I had had two shades of navy that were close but still obviously different. Check out the dress:

Merona® Women's Ponte Dress, Target

Isn't it darling?! At this point, I thought my costume was complete. But as I was looking at myself I realized something was a little off. The hat just was NOT working with my short hair (did I mention I hacked all my hair off? Well, a professional did so it looks nice. :D). I added one last thing and I think that's what took this costume to a whole new, and may I just say epic, level. I had bought a couple wigs a few weeks back and had yet to wear either of them. One was made of burgundy fibers and was styled into a side ponytail with a braid and side-swept bangs.

It was amazing. Once I put on the wig and everything else, including the iconic red lips and black cat eye, it just WORKED. I almost wish I could walk around like that every day. But I can't (and if you're wondering why, please refer back to the first paragraph of this post). 

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Say "Hello" To My Little Friend

Readers, meet Raphael the Betta fish. Raphael...readers. You can call him Ralph for short. :D

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An Explanation

So I feel like I owe anyone who reads this blog an apology. I know I haven't been on the ball as far as posts go and I feel like it's the responsibility of the web master to let people know in advance if an absence is anticipated - and I haven't done that. I keep thinking that I'll get around to posting, but my life has been pretty hectic lately and it just hasn't happened (obviously).

First of all, I moved into my first apartment this past weekend and that was stressful and crazy. This is the first time I haven't slept in my childhood bedroom for more than a day, ever, and it's caused me some anxiety. Apparently I don't adjust to big changes as well as I thought. I know I'll get over it eventually but for now I've been a little blue. 

Secondly, and more importantly, my dad was recently diagnosed with cancer and, as you can imagine, it has turned my world upside down. His surgeon thinks he can be cured, but it is still scary as hell. This is a big reason I haven't blogged as much as I would like. Between his surprise diagnosis/treatment, work, and my upcoming move-out, I just haven't felt up for blogging. I know this too will change, but I honestly can't give a timeline at this point. I don't plan on taking an extended break...maybe a week. 

I hope you stick it out and wait for my return - because I WILL return. I just need time.

Thanks for your patience,

Lauren

OOTD: Birthday Suit

Earrings, Forever21, OLD (similar here and here)
ASOS CURVE Top with Sequin Hologram Panel, ASOS Curve
Ankle-Length Pants - Plus, JCP
Candie's® Dress Sandals - Juniors, Kohl's (similar here)

I'm going to make this post short and sweet. Today I had a birthday and it was pretty great. I got the day off from work and just lazed about at home for a while. In my family we have the tradition of whoever's birthday it is, they get to pick a restaurant for their birthday meal. Before we left I switched out of my PJ's and threw on this sequin top from ASOS Curve. I've had my eye on it for quite some time but the price was always a little too rich for my blood. Finally it went on sale and I snatched it up knowing I would be wearing it for my birthday. Beware with ASOS Curve sizes! From my experience they run about a size large. 

So I picked the AMAZING place, Turtles, (I believe I've mentioned it before on this blog...) so I could get their supernaturally AMAZING macaroni. Scroll down and weep my friends:

Yuuuuuumm......Now THAT is a thing of beauty. Then we all took ourselves home for Cinnabons! I have Cinnabons instead of cake. You know you're jealous. :P I should have taken a picture of those...but I was too eager to eat one. Finally, it was present time. My parents have been buying tons of stuff for my apartment so I understood that was their birthday gift to me. My sister was kind enough to knit me a couple things! She's a really awesome knitter - completely self (and youtube) taught! I thought I'd share one last picture of the present that stole the night:

It's a fox scarf! It's so cute! It looks even cuter when worn. I can't wait for the weather to turn so I can wear this guy out! I'm anticipating some comments from admirers. Well, that's it folks. Hope your night was as fabulous as mine! :D

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LOOK-ALIKES: Valentino Rockstud Ballerina Flats

Hello, my little lovelies. My posts...ugh, I don't even want to talk about my drawn-out post schedule. I'll do a little post later explaining my issues. For now let's just focus on the fashion, shall we?

This week's Look-Alikes post was primarily inspired by the overwhelming popularity of my last Valentino Rockstud Look-Alikes post (see here). It is, without contest, the most visited post of this website. But since the less expensive alternative I offered (the studded heels from Torrid) are sold as (as far as I know) I thought this time I might cater to the less heel-wearing-inclined types (like myself) and offer another solution: Valentino's Rockstud Ballerina Flats!

Valentino Rockstud Flats, Nordstrom, $695.00

I really like the idea of a flat version. I've seen pictures of other fashion bloggers wearing the heel version, and let me tell you...it doesn't NOT look comfortable. I know that since I'm short, I should be ALL ABOUT the high heel, blah blah blah. For more info on my issues with heels, refer here. Anyway, I like these flats. I actually have a pair that look just like them in leopard that I got at Charlotte Russe. Unfortunately, they proved to be a little less than comfortable, so they'll be going on my Tradesy site sometime soon. (EDIT! Check them out here!)

Until then, I found another near-identical alternative option. See below:

Catwalk Collection Ballerina E Fit, Simplybe, (SALE!) $34.00

Pretty nice, huh? This shoe also comes in red (similar to the red Valentino Rockstud flat). I actually like how the toe isn't as pointed as the Valentino one. I'll take an almond toe to a true pointy toe any day. Another thing that most people wouldn't probably think about (which I think because I didn't) is the pointy-ness of the studs. I cross my ankles when I sit and I have a pair of shoes that have sharp spikes that dig into the back of my ankle. I'm not sure of course, but from the picture it looks like the pyramid studs on the Valentino flats are pretty pointy, whereas on the Simplybe version the studs look more rounded. But I reiterate: I am not 100% sure either way which might be more pointy.

Well, I think this is where I will leave you. Have a great sunday and happy shopping!

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OOTD: Checker and Leather

Geo Wire Earrings, F21, (SOLD OUT) (Similar here and here)
Women's Geo-Print Cardis, Old Navy
Pleated Faux Leather Skirt, Forever21+, (SOLD OUT) (Similar here and here)
Merona Emma Genuine Leather Scrunch Flat, Target

This is just going to be a very short and sweet OOTD post. I threw this on speedy quick to go out to dinner with the parents. We go to this small restaurant in Coburg called Chief's (if you ever find yourself in Coburg, Oregon I STRONGLY suggest you visit here at least once...maybe more!). I got the monthly burger special, "Hot Bahama Mama," and it is literally one of the tastiest things I've ever eaten. On top of the patty is avocado, pepper jack cheese, pickles, onions, and (best of all) a cajun cream cheese sauce. Yum...my mouth is watering right now. I wish I had taken a picture for the blog (and myself)!

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LOOK-ALIKES: The Lost Lanes Gold Antler Ring

Bonjour tout le monde! (I took 4 years of French in high school and two in college...can you tell? :P) Just trying to keep things spicy folks. Today is a Look-Alikes segment that I'm very excited about. One: because I was able to convince myself I wasn't crazy (read on for more details); Two: it's about an interesting and unique item; And three (and most importantly) it has to do with deer. And if you know me at all, you know that I am obsessed with all things deer (and lobsters...but that's a different story). I think they are simultaneously one of the cutest and most majestic creatures out there. The fact that people hunt them makes me so sad. 

First, a quick back story for you guys. I was browsing ASOS's website (as usual) and came across this interesting item. I probably would have snatched it up right then and there if it were a bracelet or earrings. Let's just say my fingers are too...curvy for most rings. Anyway, I went back a few days later to write this post and the ring was GONE. I searched high and low and there wasn't a trace of it anywhere on ASOS's site! So, I branched out to google and ran a search. Low and behold, I wasn't crazy! I found the exact same ring on another website! And here it is:

Gold Antler Ring, The Lost Lanes, $155.18

It's cute, isn't it? It looks even cuter on the nice slim finger shown on the website. If I had just come across this, and not the low-end version barely a week later, I would have laid money on the table betting that this was a one of a kind piece. Lucky for me, and you, our old friend Forever21 came to the rescue of our meagre budgets with their version:

Down-to-Earth Midi Ring, Forever21, $3.80

(Ugh! I just went to add the link for this and found out it's already off the website? Is it possible for something to go out of stock so fast???)

While normally I would delete this post immediately after finding the low-end item out of stock, I'm going to proceed and post it anyway. I feel reasonably comfortable saying that you could walk into your local F21 store and probably find this ring still in stock. If you absolutely have your heart set on this item, most women don't know if you call your local store or the customer service number on the website, they will help you track down a store that still carries what you're looking for. Sometimes they can even get the store to ship it either to your house or to your local store. 

There you have it! Another week, another Look Alike. I'm out peeps.

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OOTD: The "French" Shirt

Striped Buttoned Top, F21+
Mossimo® Women's A - Line Skirt, Target
Mossimo Supply Co. Voneta Studded Tuxedo Flat, Target

So this was a really quick outfit I threw on to go to dinner with my parents and sister. This skirt from Target is nice. I wouldn't say it was a favorite of mine, but it is made out of a nice ponte fabric and I love the forest green color. I also like the little pleats it has on the upper hip-area (you can't see unless tops are tucked in), but the skirt is a wee bit tight around the tummy area, so I'd definitely have to wear some Spanx or something.

You've probably seen these shoes more often then you might like! :P But I love them so much! They are chic and interesting without being overwhelming. Not to mention they go with literally 95% of my closet. They're relatively comfortable too, but I have flat feet so I don't need a lot of arch support. 

Thanks for stopping by everyone! Have a great day!

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Pre-Fall Picks for the Plus-Size Girls

I'm sorry everyone for the weird gap I've had recently in blog posts. I've definitely dropped the ball this week! To make it up to you I'm going to upload another post write after this, and I have Sunday's Look-Alikes post all ready to go. Thanks for your patience!

I titled this post "Pre-Fall Picks" because to me it isn't yet fall. Or, at least we haven't had much fall weather here in Eugene yet. However, all the stores have almost all their fall stuff out already - hence, the "Pre-fall." :D

I LOVE fall. Like, seriously, if I could find a place where it was early fall weather (mid-sixties to early seventies), and the trees were always just changing color year-round, I would move there. IMMEDIATELY. Early fall in Oregon is really spectacular. We have so much foliage in the valley (where I live) that it looks like...it's hard to describe. It's just beautiful. Now, I say early fall because mid-fall and right through to the end of spring it rains almost 100% of the time. The rain is nice...until you have to walk a mile to the bus stop in it (I'm currently on the hunt for some wide-calf rain boots)...and it doesn't stop for days on end. I get SAD (as in "seasonal affective disorder" - for those of you who live in sunnier environments) something awful so overcast weather is hard for me to deal with.

Anyway, let's get down to the meat and potatoes of this post: my personal pre-fall favorites for the curvier ladies. I'm so happy with where plus-size fashion is going - there are so many great options! - that it was hard to select just a few. But I was able to whittle it down to nine (...I know that's a weird number. But what can I say? I love an odd number. :P):

1. Leopard Jersey Skater Dress, Dorothy Perkins
2. Spiked Moto Jacket, Forever21+
3. H&M+ Sweater, H&M
4. Dennis Basso Striped Tipped Faux Fur Vest with Knit Side Panels, QVC
5. Virgo Astrology Sign Tank Top, Torrid
6. New Look Inspire Drape Front Leather Look Jacket, ASOS Curve
7. Black Ponte Zip Wrap Skirt, Dorothy Perkins (Larger sizes sold out. Similar here)
8. H&M+ Jersey Dress, H&M
9. Beaded Faux Tusk Necklace, Forever21

LOOK-ALIKES: Missoni Stripes

Curtesy of Google Images

Even if you hate the look, just about every fashion-saavy woman knows the signature chevron left by the fashion house, Missoni. Does anyone else remember a couple years ago when Target did a collaboration with Missoni and it was crazy? I didn't purchase anything from that collection, but I heard many stories about how insane people were in the store and how stuff sold out online in a matter of minutes. You may look at the chevron print and find the chaotic colors and busy lines offensive to the eyes, yet Missoni remains one of fashion's most recognized (and sought after) designers. Though it is not necessarily my look, I have to admit there is something worldly and exotic about the chevron.

So in honor of that sentiment, I am doing a special Look-Alikes post in which I feature a couple plus-size-friendly looks that hint at the Missoni flair without breaking the bank. Let's get this show on the road! First, two authentic Missoni garments for reference:

Missoni Zig Zag Knit Skirt, Lyst.com, $1490.00

M Missoni Zig Zag Knit Miniskirt, Luisaviaroma.com, $175.00 (Sold Out)

As you can see, the Missoni name doesn't exactly come cheap. But never fear, fellow frugal females! (Trying my hand at alliteration.) I have scouted the web and found a similar look in plus sizes! Keep scanning below...

OOTD: I've Had the Time of My Life

Chained Bar Earrings, Forever21, $3.80
Contrast Damask Cardigan, Forever21+, (SOLD OUT)
Pleated A-Line Dress, Lane Bryant, (SALE) $59.99
Mossimo Supply Co. Voneta Studded Tuxedo Flat, Target, $19.99

Wore this out today to get a VERY EARLY breakfast with the parents. I'm not a morning person by any means, but if someone tells me there's a chance I'll get Eggs Benedict...I'm there - no questions asked. Eggs Benedict is literally one of the most delicious, perfectly tasty meals ever created. Period. At this point I could eat it for every meal every day. I'm going to stop talking about it now because I'm starting to salivate.

I know! Let's talk about this dress for a second! I am in love. The color. The pleats. The full, flippy skirt. I named this post after the song immortalized by Dirty Dancing. The swishy skirt reminded me so much of the white dress Baby wears in the final scene I couldn't resist! Which also made me think this would be a great dress to wear out dancing with a beau. 

I threw the cardigan on because it was cold this morning, and I like to mix patterns into outfits that would otherwise just be two solid colors (i.e - boring!). I also love the earrings. I've had an affinity for "threader" earrings since high school. I remember one boy was so disgusted by the fact that I have to pull the chain through my piercing hole. It is an odd feeling, but not painful. I got them in silver since I think I don't have enough stuff in silver. I tend to gravitate towards the gaudy/ghetto fabulous gold, haha.

Anyway, I think that's it! Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the rest of you day, and BUY THIS DRESS!!! (I'm serious, it will be one of the best investments you make for your wardrobe.)

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Fun at the Lane County Fair

Hey guys! This is going to be a photo-heavy post, so if that's not your thing - beware! I thought I'd mix things up a bit from my usual OOTD post and share some pics from the Lane County Fair that I went to a couple weeks ago with my dad and sister. It really is like an old school fair that you see in 50's era movies! There's clowns (shudder) a petting zoo, exotic animals (tigers, and lynxes, and ocelots - OH MY!), an art display (that's kind of unique to Eugene), tons of carnival rides, and of course a giant ferris wheel! My dad wasn't keen on the ferris wheel so I had to coerce my sister into riding it with me. :D

Our view from the top of the ferris wheel!

ASOS PREMIUM Waterfall Headband, ASOS, (SOLD OUT) (Similar here)
Sweater, F21+ (really old!)
Mossimo Sleeveless Maxi Dress w/Asymmetrical Hem, Target, $24.99

LOOK-ALIKES: Gucci 18K Yellow Gold Horsebit Bracelet

Hi, everybody! I would just like to start this post by saying that the DIY Friday segments will be...not going away necessarily, but I just haven't been feeling all that crafty lately. My sister has agreed to guest post whenever she does a project. As for me, I still have that long list of stuff. I'm sure I'll get back to it eventually. While I like the DIY posts, this wasn't meant to be a DIY blog when I created it. So friday posts will either be - er - nonexistent, or I will fill it with some other interesting segment. Thanks for your attention. Moving on.

Wow, these Look-Alikes posts come around so fast it seems! I think I'll keep this one short and simple. It's been a pretty laid-back day. :D This was another completely accidental find. I was reading an article on Refinery29.com about wardrobe classics and saw this bracelet:

Gucci 18K Yellow Gold Horsebit Bracelet, Bloomingdales, $7,600 (EEK!!!)

When I first saw the picture, I though, "oh, I didn't think anything trendy from ASOS would make it on the list." You might understand my confusion when you see the picture below:

Gogo Philip Linked Stirrup Bracelet, ASOS, (SALE) $23.63

It had been a while since I'd seen the Gogo Philip bracelet and I'll admit it isn't the closest matching Look-Alikes I've ever done, but you have to admit the intention and the inspiration behind the bracelets is uncanny. Message to take away: yes, they aren't an exact copy - but for over $7,500 less than the Gucci bracelet, Gogo Philip's version would make a lovely gift for any American Classic fashionista. 

HOWEVER! If you are looking for a slightly more similar look to the Gucci, Gogo Philip has another bracelet on ASOS that would fit the bill (plus it's less than the sale price on the above bracelet). You can find it here. If you like the look of the stirrup but want a more edgy look, Gogo Philip has a mismatched earring set here.

Thanks for stopping by - see you around!

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