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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OOTD: The Digital Print Blues

Cardigan, JC Penney, (Old!) (Similar here and here)
Floral Sheath Dress, Forever21+, $24.80
Tinley Road Antique Leaf Pendant Necklace, Piperlime, (SOLD OUT)
Spiked Cap Toe Ballet Flat, Charlotte Russe, (SOLD OUT) (Similar here)

I think I'm going to go back to the hands on the hips pose because I look ridiculous in this photo! I read somewhere that to take a flattering picture you shouldn't do the "teacup" pose. Well I beg to differ! (Are you tired of hearing me complain of my poses yet? :P) 

Let's move in from that sad topic, shall we? I want to talk about this dress from Forever21+ for a second (or two)! First of all, when I orginally saw the dress, I was a little apprehensive. It was very body-hugging. I went up a size when I ordered it but I was still skeptical about the fit. As it turns out...I had nothing to worry about! With a good bra and the gift-from-heaven waist nipper by Flexees, this dress fits like a glove. And besides that high praise, it makes my butt look fabulous. I talking about a booty you could set a tray on (in the good way). 

The sleeves are little cap sleeves, which I didn't think looked so bad. I just really don't like putting my upper arms on display so I threw the sweater over it. I'll admit: the sweater kind of ruins the edgy effect of the dress...but it is what it is! Maybe a leather jacket when it gets colder would be better.

Okay well that's all I have for now. Thanks for reading and check ya' soon!

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1 Skirt - 3 Ways: Xhileration Junior's Challis Skirt From Target

So, as mentioned a couple posts ago (see here), I am in love with this challis skirt by Xhileration by Target. Besides the print being amazingly fabulous, this skirt is a perfect example of how curvy girls shouldn't restrict themselves to shopping solely in the "curvy girl" sections. The skirt is straight-sized AND a junior's, yet my - dare I say...voluptuous -  hips and thighs fit perfectly into the 19 size. I also mentioned in the previous post that I was planning to do a post (...I feel like I'm saying the word "post" a lot...) in which I styled said skirt in 3 ways. Well, here it is! 

The outfits were assembled via the Mac app, "Dress Assistant," which I've had for over 3 years and I'm OBSESSED I tell you! The organization abilities are great; I can see everything (and I mean everything!) in my wardrobe from tops to scarves to bags to earrings and lay them all out in outfits. If you are a planner like me, you will love this app as much as I do. I also believe there is a corresponding smartphone app. 

But enough about that! Let's get down to the nitty gritty shall we?

OUTFIT #1

Geo Wire Earrings, F21, (SOLD OUT) (similar here and here)
Lightwash Chambray Blouse, Target, (SOLD OUT) (Similar here, here, and here)
Jennifer Hudson Collection Vest with Sheer Inset Detail, QVC, (SALE!) $32.96
Xhilaration® Juniors Challis Skirt, Target, $19.99
Zigzag Raffia Clutch, F21, (SOLD OUT) (Similar here)
Merona Emma Genuine Leather Scrunch Flat, Target, $39.99

LOOK-ALIKES: Jennifer Zeuner "Love" Stud Earrings

Hello, my little darlings! I realize my previously regular posts (Look-Alikes, & DIY Fridays) have been annoyingly sporadic recently and I do apologize about that. I honestly don't know how bloggers are able to balance a full life and continue to blog regularly, unless they are a full-time blogger! I feel like I'm still trying to find a balance between my semi-full life and my blog (which I really enjoy doing). Anyway, I've said my peace. :D

Since I spend so much of my free time online, I browse MANY different websites and products and I have to say it is surprisingly easy to find look-alikes. I guess most people either don't have the time or share the same enthusiasm I have for combing through literally thousands of clothing items just to find that one perfect piece. One recent example of this has been made into this week's Look-Alikes post. I did it a little backwards this time, though. I saw a low end item and KNEW there had to be a high end somewhere - and that's where the search began. 

Below you will see the high-end version I was able to find (without much difficulty, I might add):

Jennifer Zeuner "Love" Stud Earrings, Bergdorf Goodman, $132.00

I'm personally not really a fan of teeny, delicate jewelry because I feel like since I'm plus-size and round everywhere - I don't know - I feel like small things get lost on me. But delicate jewelry has always been popular and I also happened to notice that jewelry involving the words "Love" have been particularly sought-after lately. I'm not partial to "Love" or heart jewelry but I figure if I were to ever do it, it would have to be something simple.

These Jennifer Zeuner "Love" stud earrings would probably fit the bill, if it weren't for the outrageous price of $132.00! I mean, I get that they're probably made out of pure gold or something (they are made in the USA which is actually a nice change) but I've never been able to understanding laying down that kind of coin for TEENY little things people might not even notice (then again, I have been called gaudy...). Luckily, before I even found the high-end version of these earrings, I had already scouted out TWO low-end alternatives. See below:

I Love It Studs, Forever21, $2.80

DIY FRIDAY: Simple Long-Strand Pearl Necklace

This is just another simple and quick DIY project (YAY! My favorite!) that can be completed in less than a couple hours. I've been on the hunt for a nice long pearl strand, but my budget was...ahem...modest. Needless to say, there was nothing out there. So then I turned to glass pearls, which to my (novice) eye look the same as real pearls as far as color and luster go.I was inspired by the first Sex and the City movie in which the ever-amazing Carrie Bradshaw sports a beautiful long strand of pearls in several outfits throughout the film. Depending on the outfit she wore them with, they could be classic, contemporary, and (as seen in the photo to the left) downright edgy. I'd never seen pearls worn this way! I was hooked and knew I HAD to have a strand just like it. Unfortunately, even long strands made of glass pearls were incredibly pricey. Finally, I said to myself, "why not just make it?" It's straight forward, just simple beading, it will be easy. This was mostly true, haha! 

I'll take you step by step in my first comprehensive DIY project so you can look fabulous and classy too!

OOTD: Berry Hued

Earrings, World Market, (OLD) (Similar here, similar [ring] here)
Merona Ultimate Long Sleeve Scoop Tee, Target, (SOLD OUT) (similar here and here)
Xhilaration® Juniors Challis Skirt, Target, $19.99
Twisted Bow Canvas Flat, Charlotte Russe, SOLD OUT (similar here, here, and here)
Merona Tassel Crossbody Handbag, Target, (SALE) $17.48

Okay peeps, so I know this isn't the post I promised on Sunday, but hey - at least it's something, right??? I had a post all written up and accidentally deleted it. Since I'm totally P.O'd now, this is all you're getting until I calm down enough to re-write...the...entire...thing. My blood pressure is so high, I'm going to leave it at that. Later!

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