Back Splash

The great jewelry re-organization has begun! The mess that has been my dresser for, oh months, is slowly disappearing. I thought it best to break the task up into parts, and so far that has proven much more manageable. Tomorrow: rehang my cork boards (where I hang my long necklaces) and pair up earrings. I may well have this complete before we head to WI! Of course, other things on my list still need attention: wrap windows, hang lights, start regular gym trips (just joined a new one tonight!), and clean! Good thing a ladies' night at the new tequila bar in town is happening tomorrow too.

Wrap dress - Simple Be / Half-cami - Coobie (via Her Room) / Shoes - SM (via DSW)

This wrap dress is the one I debated wearing for my guest lecturer stint. Even now I'm glad I didn't go with it, as fabulous as a wrap dress can be. Just too much for a first impression. The day I did wear it (only a few days later, as it was), I got oodles of compliments from folks who aren't known for compliments, so that's saying something! A notice-me print, to be sure.

The shoes were a tricky part of the outfit, though. These recently acquired burgundy suede beauties are KILLER. Literally. They are poorly balanced, or something, because I couldn't spend more than 15 minutes on my feet in them. Not good in my line of work. I so loved the depth of color they offered the outfit, but I just didn't have anything as special to switch them with. A black platform was all I had - serviceable (in both form and function), but definitely less interesting. Ya'll have any recommendations for the next wearing?

Handbag - DKNY (via TJ Maxx)

I will take a moment to sing the praised of these half camisoles I found. I've long lamented the bunching that regular camisoles create under perfectly nice wrap dresses, ruining the shape and effect. A commenter recommended I try out those cami secret "as seen on TV" things, but I didn't care for the limited color options, the straight neckline or the lace trim. There's a time and place for a lace camisole, but it shouldn't be the only option. After much online searching, I came across this half camisole from Coobie. You can get them at probably many intimate apparel shops, but I found these at Her Room. I ended up ordering one in every color! Unfortunately, their "one size" doesn't seem to go much larger than a large, and even with a good amount of stretch, these are at their limits covering my DD bust. But they get the job done, and I definitely appreciated the color options and the scoop neckline, so I'd say that's a win! Give 'em a try, and share other options you've found in the comments!

Ring - gifted / Necklace - Lane Bryant / Earrings - Ruche

P.S. Essie's Head Mistress over Essie's Recessionista makes the perfect oxblood nail color!

Top It Off

I turned on the heat in the apartment today. I feel it is far too soon for such an action, but the below-freezing overnight temps convinced me otherwise. I'm just not ready for this yet! Give the lovely temperate briskness of autumn its due! The temps are supposed to return to more seasonal levels later this week, so until then I'll reminisce (read: catch up) with even warmer weather outfits, such as this one.

Mia Top - Sealed with a Kiss Designs / Jeans - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Nine West

The top is actually my first purchase from Sealed with a Kiss. I'd been browsing their site for some time, but never felt up to a purchase until settling on this cute little top. It's nice and long, has a flattering neckline and elasticized waistband, and presents lots of possibilities for layering options yet this fall. I'm also a fan of its elbow-length sleeves, of course. It's definitely not made to be tucked in, and its length is proportionally too long for any skirt of mine, but I could see topping it with a belt if desired. (And I'm sure I will desire.) Jeans - skinny or flare - are this top's best friend. The colors it comes in are wonderfully cheery - summery turquoise, yellow and coral - and a black option (which I also got) makes it a great basic.

Ring & necklace - Banana Republic / Earrings - The Limited

Though I'd worn my hair down here, this outfit is also one of my favorites to wear with my straw fedora (first/last seen here), snapped ala Instagram with one of my admittedly multiple wearings. Now that I think of it, I wanna wear the black one with the hat next!

Handbag - Coach (gifted)

White Light

See? I've worn this almost-returned top again already. Thank goodness for its wonderfully concealing butterfly sleeves - they're like fashion band-aids for the midsection and arms. And as we launch headlong into summer-weight dressing, I'm thankful for a little more coverage that doesn't make me sweat bullets.

Top - eloquii / Skinnies - Lane Bryant / Sandals - Payless

I'm trying out a new pair of skinnies, too. My only pair to date has been the Gap Always Skinny style, and they've served me well, but I've never enjoyed how low-rise they are. My midsection does not need that much attention! So I've been on the look out for a higher-rise pair, especially from plus size retailers that don't think a higher rise is such a horrible thing. Cue recent promotion at Lane Bryant and their Power Stretch Skinny Jean. They're a little shorter in length than the Gap pair, but I don't have any quibbles about that since I prefer them to sit at my ankles anyway. The rise is indeed comfortably higher (yay!!), and the "power stretch" claim is also true - they have a bit more give that better complements this girl's curves. They are a little flimsier than the Gap pair - somewhere between a jegging and regular denim - so I wonder how well they'll hold up, but for 50% off, I don't really mind.

Ah, but we really are into summer dressing, whether I like it or not. (Oh, hello there, 90 degrees!) I have a hard time getting dressed in the summer, as has been a topic before on this blog. In fact, it was probably one of the major factors contributing to how little I posted last summer! But I've gotten into a nice grove this year, and blogging - however basic at times - does help keep my body-image issues in check, especially while I fight this current battle of the bulge. Nevertheless, I've been thinking of cutting back my posts to three times a week rather than five, just so I can try to keep things fresh for both myself and you, my dear readers. And maybe finally get around to doing that oft-requested video tutorial about my updo, eh?  =)

Handbag - Banana Republic / Belt - Talbots / Ring - Ruche / Earrings - Lane Bryant

Under There

I've gotten a few emails and comments about what kind of shapewear I prefer, so I thought I'd dedicate this fine Friday post to the subject! It's all about the Spanx, my dears....

All images courtesy of Spanx.com

Shapewear, specifically the magic of Spanx, is a huge part of my daily wardrobe. There is rarely an outfit I don't wear a pair, and the style I choose is dependent upon the amount and, well, location, of support I need. Spanx are, simply, the best, most comfortable, most dependable shapewear out there. (And they haven't, nor do they need to, provide me with any kind of remuneration for such a statement.) I've been wearing them ever since they first came to the Lane Bryant store I worked in years ago, and I've practically become a Spanx missionary since then.

They fit very snug, so much so that the first wearing will likely take some work getting on, but it's always worth it and they won't move an inch until you take them off. And yet they're completely breathable and flexible! They claim to make you look a size smaller, but I prefer to keep it real and say they make you look better in the size you are.They do NOT make you feel like stuffed sausage. They smooth out all bumps and wobbles, highlighting only the best parts of all your curves. I completely swear by them.

In-Power™ Line Super Higher Power ($38) is probably the style I wear most often. It's perfect for all my pencil skirt needs, taking care of my hips, outer thighs, butt, belly, and waist. I will say that it may roll down if not placed over the rib cage properly, so I make sure to secure it under my bra - just be sure to put the Spanx on before your bra. Works like a charm. This updated, stronger version of the classic Spanx is made of a slicker material that prevents catching on skirts and such like tights do - and the original version did. They're kind of like amped up silky pantyhose in that respect.

The Higher Power® Brief ($36) is my second most-worn pair, best worn with pants and jeans. The longer thigh line of the regular Higher Power will show through any pants I wear, and that just won't do! So I turn to these to give me the control I need in the midsection wihout the telltale lines on the the thigh. However, the line of the brief will show through thinner fabrics, so I'll mainly wear them with denim and similarly thick materials. I need to secure this one under my bra to prevent the rollage as well.

When all else fails, or if I'm feeling particularly lazy, I turn to the Slimplicity® Open-Bust Camisole ($52, but I got mine - new, of course - on eBay for much cheaper). I find it doesn't offer as much shaping strength as the Higher Power styles, but it's a nice top-only option (the most convenient, if you know what I mean) and, as you can see, you can wear your own bra. I always like this feature because many shapewear tops go over the bra and, as a result, smoosh the girls into awkward oblivion. This one does sometimes roll up - the opposite direction of the Higher Power - but I work around that by tucking it into my underwear. A little tuck, and no roll! (And a very little joke. Sorry...) I'll wear this style with dress pants that are too thin for either of the Higher Power styles. When I really need more shaping with dress pants, I'll go all out with the In-Power™ Line Super High Footless Shaper ($28), which prevents any lines on the lower hip or thigh. But, to be honest, they're my least favorite because of how much they catch on the material of the pants and - I think as a result - they make my legs look thicker than they are.

I'll not deny it, I will always wear sheers in the colder months. Thanks to Duchess Catherine, they're less of a fashion crime than they used to be, but I don't see any reason why they should be in the first place. They can offer modest color in the dead of winter and, bottom line, can make your legs look and feel great. For such occasions, I wear the In-Power™ Line Super High Shaping Sheers ($28). I know, that's some pricey pantyhouse, but it's both amazing shapewear (no muffin-tops here!) AND sheers. If that's not a big DUH, I don't know what is.

You might note that I'm really only wearing the Higher Power styles, but there really is nothing better to combat the dreaded muffin top. The basic styles, such as the Power Panties, just don't do that. I don't want to make the rolling problem seem like a deal-breaker, either, because it's really rather minor (and I can't say the same for the Power Panties), and my work-arounds haven't failed me yet. I mostly attribute it to how snugly they fit, which in the end is why they work so well. In all aspects, these products are superior to anything I've ever worn. From bombshell formal wear to skinnies and a blazer, I won't wear anything else when I need some firming up.

Okay, Sara Blakely, I'm ready for my lifetime supply now...*

Helpful hint: Spanx never seem to go on sale and are almost always excluded from coupons and promos at major retailers. You can maybe find a coupon or two for the official website, but your best bet for a deal is Real Women Dollars from Lane Bryant, which is the one coupon that is good on everything, including these babies. For $50 I can get all three of the Higher Power styles in one go!


*But seriously, this write-up is purely out of my own love for and allegiance to these things - and to answer your burning questions! If Ms. Blakely is reading this, though, I shan't refuse.... ; )

The Heart of It

Peplums are all the rage this spring, I hear. Trend or no, I wanted to get my hands on some. Dorothy Perkins, a site I stalk daily, has the corner on the peplum market, it seems, so I didn't have to look very far. Just once little search for "peplum" yields an ample number of crazy cute options - dresses and tops, prints and solids. What to choose! This darling pink heart-print top was one of the first items to hop in my cart. A graphic print dress and nude-colored dress were next to follow. I'm quite close to pulling the trigger on this contrast print one, too.

Peplum top - Dorothy Perkins / Pencil skirt - Dorothy Perkins

I can't get over how perfectly this top fits, though. If I wasn't confident in DP sizing before (I'm a solid 14, a full size down from my usual US size), I surely am now! I mean, even the sleeves are perfect. I was afraid they'd be really tight and therefore unsightly, but they sit neatly on top of my broad shoulders. Sure, the top is a little snug across my bust, but that was almost unavoidable; still, even that isn't very noticeable. And it's darling, darling, darling. I've done it up rather casually here with a denim pencil skirt (DP again!), though skinnies would be a great option too.

Handbag - Urban Outfitters / Sandals - Payless

I already have a few minor changes in mind for the next time I wear it: these cute strappy turquoise wedges I just picked up and other turquoise accessories. Naturally, I look forward to dressing it up as well!

Ring - Ruche / Earrings - LOFT

New Territory

I bring you my first Eloquii purchase!

I kind of ignored their initial launch last fall. Though I loved their concept, I didn't care for anything they offered at the time, thinking it a rather boring and meager plus-sized selection of items from its older sister, The Limited. But after continued buzz over the past few months, I decided to give them another look. I was very pleased to see a much larger selection of items this time around, especially fabulous dresses and - wait for it - pencil skirts!

Cardigan - LOFT / Lace top - LOFT / Pencil skirt - Eloquii / Heels - Nine West

I am always, endlessly, often fruitlessly searching for well-made, great-fitting, just-below-knee-length pencil skirts. Basic colors are my bare minimum, but fun, bright ones - especially the perfect red - have become a personal holy grail. Now, I know Talbots technically fits that entire bill and then some, but I cannot justify shelling out $100+ per skirt, especially when I tend to buy in multiples when I find things that really work. So when I happened upon the selection of pencil skirts at Eloquii, I was thrilled! Teal! Purple! Basic browns, blacks and blues! And $60 with 40% off (at the time)!! Free shipping both ways (no risk to find the perfect fit)! YES TO ALL! Well, at least to teal and brown. For now, anyway.

Handbag - Furla Carmen Shopper Grande Handbag (via BBOS)

And it's a great skirt. The fit is generous, the length is ideal, and the color is saturated. It's lined and it even has a wide waistband that makes tucking in shirts perfection. I went with my usual size on bottom, 16, and while it fits a little bigger than a 16 at Lane Bryant or Talbots, I find that my post-holiday body prefers it that way. The only blip is a little extra room at the top hip, but it's not too noticeable and it fits well everywhere else. As you can see from the pictures, the skirt lays beautifully, and it is wonderfully comfortable.

What I'm most exited about is how this skirt has opened up all kinds of new outfit opportunities, breathing new life into one-hit-wonder tops. Ah, the combinations are endless!! I've always been a basic-colored-bottom kind of girl (if you haven't noticed), so this is really new territory for me. And I love it!

Ring, earrings and necklace - Banana Republic

Easy Breezy

There are few things easier to wear than a printed wrap dress, methinks.

I picked up this LucieLu dress at Boutique Larrieux, a wonderful plus-sized boutique I found - next to an Anthroplogie, of all things - in Milwaukee's Third Ward. I've come to know and love a number of LucieLu pieces already, so I was tickled pink to be able to see and try on - in person, for once - these and many other plus-sized brands I've only been able to peruse online. I was the only person in the shop at the time, so I got all the attention of the eager and helpful sales associate. Though they had lots of holiday attire (noted!), I wasn't in the market, so I focused my attenion on seperates and casual dresses. This dress, the Sativa, fit all those bills so nicely that I happily walked out of the store with it - and at 20% off!

Sativa dress - LucieLu (via Boutique Larrieux) / Brown lace camisole - Banana Republic

As most wrap dresses on me do, this one showed a little too much cleavage, but it was nothing a nice little lace camisole couldn't fix. The SA tipped me off to a strange sizing issue with LucieLu dresses, too. Online the sizes are marked as the usual 1x (14/16), 2x (18/20), and so on, but they apparently fit more like a 12/14, 16/18, etc.. In short, they run SMALL! The shop even marks the dresses with the revised sizes, which I did appreciate. Oh-so-happy to actually be able to try the stuff on, I sized up to the 2x. Case in point of fit being more important that an arbitrary size!

Handbag - Furla (via Filene's Basement)

I also loved the colors of it much more in person than I did when I first saw it online, where the colors look drab and lifeless. In reality the colors are a subdued but pretty combination of browns, tans, and powder blues. (Another win for in-store shopping!) There's a tie-die feel about it, certainly, but it looks more like an abstract print of florals to me. The best part, though - besides the perfect below-the-knee length and elbow sleeves - is that the material is a cozy cotton jersey. It's practically a pajama dress, people!

Necklace & earrings - LOFT / Ring -  Lane Bryant / Shoes - Payless

So comfortable, so easy - and caught in all the right ways by the day's relentless wind. Even if my my hair wasn't...

Whimsy and Woe

This is [one of] the outfit[s] I wore today. I think I changed about 3 times and still ending up hating it. Okay, maybe "hate" is a strong word, but I just wasn't feeling the owl-tastic whimsy today. I probably didn't execute said whimsy as best I could have, but - meh.

Brown trapeze jacket - Lane Bryant / Owl tee - Old Navy / Gold cami - LOFT / Denim - Lane Bryant /
Necklace - Banana Republic / Purple heels - Nine West

What I'm really here to post about are my eShakti woes. After hearing so many fabulous things about them from all sorts of people, I thought I'd give them a try. I contacted them to see if they would be willing to send me an item gratis to review, and they graciously agreed. However, said item is still on its way to me since I needed to exchange for a different size. What I will say is that garment, albeit too small, is so far pretty nice. Once I get a size that fits, I think it'll be a great addition to my wardrobe, and I hope to share a favorable review when I do. But I'll have to save that review until then, eh?

What I'd like to present today are two items I purchased after I had received the first garment; I got the idea of size, fit, and possible customizations, was at least somewhat encouraged, and so I thought I'd purchase some others. I mean, they seem to have so many highly coveted pieces, and more than a handful quickly made my wishlist, so I wanted to get on that as soon as possible, yaknowwhadaimean? So here is what I purchased:

Crafty Drape Dress

This dress caught my attention the minute it appeared. I loved the colors, the color blocking, the lines, and I thought the asymmetrical hem was a really neat feature that could be flattering and fun. I had it customized to a cap sleeve since I'd probably find a way to cover the arms up anyway. I was pretty darn excited about this dress and couldn't wait to get it.

When it finally arrived during my lunch break yesterday, I hastily opened the package and checked everything out. I wasn't planning to try everything right then and there, but I couldn't wait any longer! Well, the dress is, in a word, a mess. Yes, the colors are great; yes, the lines and blocking are REALLY flattering - the way they move and flow around the body keeps the eye moving and emphasizes a fantastic curve. The dress definitely requires the black belt to help break up the colors (though I thought it could have been bigger/longer), and it does so perfectly without taking away from the overall effect of the lines.

But that black section. Uff-da. I thought it would lay flat and form this nice little side drape. Nope, it is puckered at the hem and protrudes grotesquely from my hip. I couldn't think of a worse feature for this increasingly pear-shaped body of mine, and frankly I don't know how it would work on anyone with hips at all. (But someone please prove me wrong!) The side view is even worse, if possible - the lines point downward calling all sorts of attention to the stomach/butt area. Yikes. The hem itself is also unfinished, and the material is a flimsy, cheap cotton blend - it looks very sloppy and even disjointed from the rest of the otherwise clean lines of the look. It just think this unique feature was not designed and executed as well as it could have been. And that alone negates any other desirable features of the dress.

Bob's reaction to the dress pretty accurately captures my feelings about it as well. When he first saw me in it (he always goes to the boobs first), he ooohed; as his eyes traveled downward, his face started to contort. Exactly.

Blech. I think I blame myself for not knowing my body shape better to talk myself out if it beforehand. Had I found it at a brick and mortar store, it would have certainly been one of the pieces I eagerly took to the fitting room, but I would have immediately vetoed it as soon as I got it on. But therein lies the problem with online shopping. This dress is, needless to say, going back.

Bows & Whistles Skirt

This skirt is just too darn cute and I had to have it. I love the precious little red bows and couldn't wait to wear it with a crisp white shirt, tights and ballet flats. Coming from a girl who almost exclusively wears pencil skirts and heels, I should have seen the red flag right then and there.

I requested a customization to extend the length past the knee and to add pockets. (Yes! Pocketsssss!) It wasn't an option listed on the website, but I included it as a note with the order, so I was thrilled to see that they accommodated my request! The wide, contoured waistband is a nice touch, the material is thick and fully lined - even a little luxe - and the hand embroidery really is darling. However, it became clear to me that full skirts like this are, in my opinion, not meant to be any longer than above-knee. Any longer than that and you just create a marmish, frumpy frock. And so it was.

As you can see, too, the side seams of the skirt are poorly sewn, creating this weird exaggeration of an a-line shape, which is not what I wanted either. It looks like the corners are pinched in, or something. Just bad construction, I think. I briefly thought that maybe I could salvage it by taking in those seams and reworking it into a straight/pencil skirt. (And by "I" I mean a tailor.) See? Better for my shape already.

However, I’m just going return it. Forcing a cutesy pattern like this into a pencil skirt makes it seem even more frumptacular to me, and it doesn't seem at all my style.

I think I’m going to choose for the gift certification option with the return, which gets me 20% more back. This will cover the return shipping fee (a flat $6.50) and will encourage me to give them one more try with something that better suits my shape and style. Like I said, my first garment, full review forthcoming, has quite a bit of promise!

I have learned my lesson.

Pony Up

Any of you have anything from Kiyonna? This Rylan Ruched Top is my first purchase from the plus sized boutique (I now also have the same top in green), and I gotta say, I'm in love. I can't think of anything better for my décolletage than the openness of a square neck and ruching across my bust. It minimizes the broadness of my shoulders and floats over all that junk in my trunk (and belly). Though the purple I received is much different than the rich plum color shown online, the color is still very saturated and just plain pretty. My primary complaint is that it's too long for my otherwise short torso; I wish it hit at my hip rather than below it, so I might consider having it shortened. Some of the online reviews have also complained that it's hard to find an appropriate bra for this top because of its deep wide cut, but my Lane Bryant Push-up Demi Bra worked perfectly.

Rylan Ruched Top - Kiyonna / Black pencil skirt - Bespoke (Simply Be)

This particular styling had been inspired by none other than the product tips (I LOVE that they even have them): "Keep it ladylike luxe by complementing Rylan with a classic black pencil skirt." I must admit that the option seemed a little plain to me at first, and I wasn't too sure of the proportions since the top is so long on me, but I gave it a whirl. The black pencil skirt is actually from the Bespoke line at Simply Be. Between its great length (26 inches!!), comfortably fitted silhouette, wide (muffin-top-proof) waistband and exposed back zipper, it really is the "perfect black pencil skirt" they claim it to be.

Handbag - Furla (renting via BBOS)

But okay, okay, enough of the reviews (which I probably should try to do more of); we all know the real prize of this outfit are these Nine West giraffe print pony hair platform heels of mine. They come out to play ever so rarely, so I thought these were just the right accessory to spruce up any suspected plainness of the outfit. I just love how shoes can do that! I kept the necklace to a single sparsely beaded chain that complements the colors of the top, went with gold all around, and simply had to continue sporting my gorgeous ostrich Furla that I'm renting. I tell ya, pairing a brown handbag with a black skirt is something I never thought I'd do, but something about it just works.

Ring - Banana Republic / Earrings - LOFT / Necklace - The Limited / Shoes - Nine West

Or maybe I just want to get the most out of my month.

Ode to Ponte

Striped henley - Anthropologie / Ponte pencil skirt in Spanish Moss - Lane Bryant /
Pink skinny belt - Talbots / Gold sandals - Moda Spana (via Endless.com) / Necklace - Banana Republic

Ponte knit has to be the best invention ever. A ponte knit pencil skirt? Yes, please! And one in every color imaginable, please! When Lane Bryant got these in, I gobbled them up immediately. The fact that they come in this great olive color (officially named Spanish Moss) is even better. Black? Check. Grey? Check. These skirts are unbelievably comfortable (thanks to the ponte), and the length of them is even better. Hitting just below my knee, they fulfill my every wish for pencil skirts. They fit true to size (I'm a solid 16 on bottom these days), and the wide waist band pretty much obliterates any concern of the dreaded muffin top, too. I seriously cannot get enough of these skirts! Can be dressed up with a great top just as perfectly as it can be dressed down with a fun screen tee and a cardigan.

This belt is one of five that I scored from a clearance rack at Talbots. This is a 1X so it's extremely generous in length, but I love being able to tuck the ends under like everyone is doing these days. The peachy-pink color offers just the right bit of added color to the outfit, too.

Score!

Draw the Line Cowlneck - Anthropologie (Tracy Reese) / Brown wide-leg pants - New York & Co.

Finds like these are why I love Anthropologie so much, and especially their sale items. This airy kimono sweater, by Tracy Reese, was one of those I eyed in one of their catalogue pics, but for $200+, it was only something I admired from afar. But then it magically appeared in a first cut (I believe?) for under $70??? This was happening.

Reversible Seamless Tank in Pearl - Anthropologie

This amazing cut-out on the back, not to mention its very wide waist band and potential for off-the shoulder styling, are just a few of the reasons why I love this sweater to so much. (And, hey look, a picture of the back of my updo!) It's a very thin weave, so I'll be able to wear it for a few seasons. Certainly, its color palate reads late summer or fall, but I think a lighter-colored bottom will definitely help change it up. But really, I rarely care about such things - I wore this in late spring!

Handbag - Tano "Minilisa" in Blue Marine / Camel peep-toes - Banana Republic

Earrings & ring - Banana Republic