What Not to Wear: The Curious Case of the Romper & Me

Part of being fashionable is knowing what does and does not work for your body. If you are flat chested wearing a dress designed for the likes of Christina Hendricks is not going to flatter your figure. The reverse as well is unfortunately true. So, once again just because they make it in your size doesn't mean you should wear it!

In this particular case, it is the romper that should be avoided if you are on the shorter/heavier side. Before you start lobbing rotten fruit at me, take a moment to hear my argument. I love rompers and am estatic that they are in fashion again. Yet, I'm totally gutted by the fact that I know they will not look good on me unless I drop some weight.

- ASOS

Being petite and plus sized creates this certain type of sihoutte where (if you are like me) you look compacted. Boobs and booty jut out at both ends without the height to balance them out. Factor that in with thighs that are a bit rubenesque and the romper just looks over extended.


I know its hot ladies, and one of the reasons the romper is so popular is that it seems "cooler". There are other ways to accomplish this - by lets say pairing this ASOS CURVE Jersey Bandeau Printed Midi Dress (US Sizes 18 - 24; $47.14) with a pair of stretchy shorts and a black bra with thin straps. The same level of freedom as well as breeziness is accomplished. Also, you get to rock a similiar look but one that flatters your frame better!

It is harsh reality to have my dreams of romper romps dashed, but oh well. I can at least admire them from afar.

What to Wear: Couture for the Everyman

Ah the 4th of July sales in NYC. It is the one time of year that the stores are almost empty and yet you can still nab a good deal. Imagine my surprise as well as intense frustration then when I simply could not find anything to buy.

My first and last stop was Bloomingdales. I excitedly headed straight to the plus size section and nothing fit right! The merchandise assortment was all sorts of terrible - even more so than usual. The Amanda Uprichard pieces they had even manged to disappoint. So, I made my way to the "straight" section as I have been able to make it work for me from time to time. Unfortunately, all of the sale items were for the most part in XS - M thus making it a no go. Feeling overall defeated, I decided to give up shopping for the rest of the day.

I was just so worn out by the fact that I can never seem to find something that fits me in a store. Being plus sized makes it hard enough already, and then throwing being short into the mix just makes it damn near impossible. I was wallowing in the fact that mass fashion let me down, until it hit me - why not have something made just for me. Granted I knew there was no way I could afford couture, but you know what I can afford - ETSY!

So, I hopped on the computer and spent the rest of my July 4th browsing Etsy hardcore. Here is a roundup of the best designs I was able to find. All of these items can be tailored to your measurements for the most part (plus or straight), and more likely than not be altered to suit your needs.

yystudio

1. Sweet Shirt ($79.90) + (2.) Full Circle Skirt ($169.80): I absolutely love this take on Audrey Hepburn's wardrobe in Roman Holiday. It also has a perfect blend of whimsy and maturity which makes it wearable for a breadth of age ranges. The other plus is that this outfit will look amazing on anyone. Be you: short/tall and plus/straight!

3. Tulip Dress ($199.80): Surprise, another retro inspired piece. Yet, it still manages to be modern with the updates made to the silhouette. Even better, this shape is currently trending! Though this dress will still au courant even when the fad is over due to its superior design.

4. Winter Fashion Vest Dress ($179.80): Just to be clear, I believe what is on sale is just the white dress. It is meant to be worn layered, but as this designer is open to alterations I'm sure you can add some short sleeves to this dress. Either way, it is the collar that makes this dress for me. What can I say - I'm a sucker for a dainty collar?

5. Wool Trench Coat ($199.80): If you are in NYC right now, I know the last thing you want to see is a coat. Still, fall is around the corner and down a really loooooooooooooong hallway. Also, even though I think this coat is amazing - I know it may be not for everyone. Those who do like this sort of blend of modern and vintage styling will find it to die for!

jibrionline

6. Grace Flare Dress (Plus Only, $230.00): Personally, I can really can take or leave JIBRI. They are a company that makes plus sized clothing that sometimes does not justify its price point. I am still actually on the fence about this piece, but I just loved the design so much I had to include it. I know it is once again a retro inspired piece, but seriously if the sleeves did not sell you on it I do not know what will.

missbrache

7. Chelsea Graduation Dress ($118.00) + (8.) Red Lolita Petticoat (Price Not Available): See I do know that colors other than black, grey, white, and beige exist! The blue material is amazing and pairing it with a red petticoat was a brilliant idea. The belt sadly is not included, but I'm sure you could easily find another one.

myblackdress

9. Mandy Dress ($139.00): You know what else I am a sucker for - tulle! The fact that it is on the outside of this dress makes me swoon. Also, I love the ballerina vibe this piece gives off and it is also a super simple as well as elegant in its design. Overall, this is a fun and youthful piece that is a must for my wardrobe at least.

shanaebytm

10. Mambo Dress (Straight, Plus; $85.00, $105.00): I may be in love with vintage inspirations, but that does not mean modern design does not spike my interest every now and again. I love the asymmetrical waist and raw hem of this piece. It gives an edge to the piece that is lacking in the category of "laid back" or "casual" fashion.

A word to the wise, do not fudge your measurements if you decide to purchase any of these pieces. It will result in the garment not fitting right, and that is the whole point of this whole endeavor is it not? Your best bet is to visit a seamstress to get a professional fitting, and you can find one in your local area in this national directory. If you prefer to do it yourself (not recommended), BurdaStyle has a great instructional post.

Know any other places to get items tailor made? Or some amazing Etsy designers? Leave it in the comments.

Love at First Sight: The One that Might Get Away

Has this ever happened to you before?

You are walking around a department store completely disinterested. Then all of a sudden out of the corner of your eye something grabs your attention. When you finally reach it you know that it is: THE ONE. That special piece you always needed to complete your wardrobe, but never knew it?

This happened to me just this weekend at Bloomingdales. I was wandering the store trying to recover a bit from the oppressive heat and humidity beating down on the city, and then I saw it. It was love at first sight.

I knew it was wrong and I was going to wind up burnt, but I just could not help myself. This dress was everything everything I had ever fantasized about and more. The blue was bold, the material a stiff yet supple poplin, and the design itself was just as quirky as I am. The only problem with this DVF dress? The largest size was a 14. Even though I knew to expect as much my mind was still reeling. There was no way I could squeeze into the dress.

Then it hit me - didn't Dianne Von Furstenberg sell dresses online in a size 16? Maybe. I could not remember for the life of me. So, I kept hope alive and sought out the Tonnes Dress I so desperately wanted on DVF's website. It only went up to a size 14 and for some reason was paired with a studded belt.

Now I have 2 choices. One is to let the dream of that dress die or torture the hell out of myself for the next two months to get to wear it. I say this all just having eaten pancakes for breakfast, so I guess you all know what the safe bet is readers.

Any of you have a "one that got away" story to share? Leave it in the comments.

Nerdgasm: colette x DC Comics

Nothing like writer's block to totally prevent any progress being made in the blog-o-sphere. I think watching Bridezilla has something to do with it. Seriously, that show is where all creative thought goes to die. I mean have you seen some of the weddings that are cranked out?

Luckily, I came across the colette x DC comics collection created to mark DC's 75th anniversary. It was damn near impossible for it not to break me out of my writing funk as it combined 2 of my most favorite things in the world: fashion + scifi. As you can imagine, I had a total nerdgasm!

My favorites were the ones that were inspired by the imagery, but didn't dwell on it or try to shoe horn their re-imagining onto it. They just let it happen and it turned out amazing.

1. Repetto x DC Comics - Ballerina Shoes (US Sizes 6 - 9; $251.14): Taking their inspiration from The Flash these flats are essential for any fashionista trying to make a mad dash across town. These gold lightening accented red flats will be sure to stand out amongst the sea of standard black flats out there. Also, seeing as they are from Repetto you are guaranteed an amazing comfortable fit!


2. Alexis Mabille x DC Comics - Joker Bow Tie ($167.43): The name just about spells out this item's inspiration. Though more menacing than jolly this bow tie is still nothing short of adorable. Or maybe my version of cute is just as warped as that of the Joker?


3. Karl Lagerfeld x DC Comics - Gloves (Sizes 7-7.5; $591.97): Green Lantern does not exactly jump to the forefront of your mind on first glance, but these gloves are amazing. The more you look at it the more it becomes clear that these were inspired by GL iconography. Lagerfeld after all is known for his amazing ability to tap into iconography to create pieces that use the mythos as building blocks for his own amazing ends.
   


4. Lanvin x DC Comics - Tee Shirt (FR Sizes M - XL; $179.98): Combining the seriousness of Batman with the cuteness of a pug is just the type of insanity that always keeps calling me back to Lanvin. No one else could have managed to capture the seriousness of Batman and the absurdity of comics better!

The ones I was not too fond of either lacked the creative spark or just did not understand where to go with the iconography. Interestingly enough, these pieces were those inspired by characters with the most clear cut imagery associated with them - Superman and Wonder Woman.

1. Maison Michel x DC Comics - Headband ($275.06): This piece inspired by Wonder Woman's tiara just falls flat for me. You all know I am obsessed with headpieces so I was excited to hear there was one included in the collection. I am also a huge Wonder Woman fan, so this should have been a slam dunk. Maybe you just need to see it on?


2. Pierre Hardy x DC Comics - Bag ($1793.06): This was the only piece in the collection I absolutely hated. It just seems so unnecessary and poorly designed. It is supposed to show the duality of Clark and Superman personas, but overall it just looks like they slapped the logo on a bag they had in production. I mean it could have been a really interesting piece since you know Clark/Superman had to constantly change clothes!
   


3. Julien David x DC Comics - Scarf ($382.69): Inspired by Superman's logo this item was borderline for me. I just feel like they could have done more with it than make a scarf that looks like I could have bought it at 6 Flags Great Adventure.
   


4. Sonia Rykiel x DC Comics - Dress (US Sizes 6 - 8; $1076.31): This dress seriously is a disappointment. I really do not know where to begin, but it takes all of the awesome out WW and replaces it with twee. Sonia Rykiel is about the softer side of femininity and I get that - but this was just not a good match up. There is just no excuse when the end product looks like a bastardized version of Sailor Moon cosplay design.

This post has brought me to another point. I think there are tons more people out there like me that love sci fi and fashion. I mean love her or hate her Lady Gaga is practically the walking representation of it! So, every once and awhile a scifi post might pop up amongst all the great fashion dish. I hope you don't mind dear readers!

Walking Amongst Giants: American Woman at the MET

I finally made it to the American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity at the Metropolitan Museum. Seriously, I have tried 8 times to go and each and every time something has come up. This time I only made it with 45 minutes to spare, so unfortunately it was a bit of a rushed viewing of the exhibition.

A little background on the exhibition:


American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity "explores developing perceptions of the modern American woman from 1890 to 1940 and how they have affected the way American women are seen today". The exhibit is broken up into The Heiress, The Gibson Girl, The Bohemian, The Patriot and the Suffragist, The Flapper, and The Screen Siren.

As you can imagine, the fashions were nothing short of amazing. I could literally go on and on about them. The most interesting thing I found about the exhibit, however, is how truly timeless the pieces were in their construction.

Take this piece from 1910 by Madame Marie Gerber for instance. I highly doubt any hipster would bat an eye if I showed up in a bar in BK in this outfit. After all, it is eveningwear accompanied with leggings!


This sweater from 1895 also caught my eye as it would hardly look out of place in my wardrobe today. I mean there is no way you can deny its similarity to this piece by T Los Angeles.


Then of course there is this excruciatingly beautiful gown made by Madame Grès in 1937. It would hardly look out of place on a red carpet today - just look at this dress worn by Angelina Jolie in 2004.

The exhibit overall was a bit crowded and small, but the curating is amazing. If you are in NYC this summer I highly suggest you brave the crowds and take a trip over to go see it. Also, if you loved the exhibit like me but were hoping to a take a slightly more leisurely stroll through fashion history I highly suggest picking up High Style. It is the catalog created to accompany the exhibit and at $25.00 a copy it is one of the most cost effective art/design books I have ever purchased. I seriously cannot wait to sit down and leaf threw it some more!

Have you been there yet? If so leave your thoughts in the comments.

What to Wear: Say Yes to the Dress

The weight of social occasions is especially heavy when you are plus sized. On the one hand, there is the whole anxiety of knowing more than likely you are going to be the heaviest one in the room. Then on the other hand, there is all the stress involved with picking out what to wear when you have limited options. All this negativity can get pretty overwhelming - that is if you let it.

I had a wedding to attend this Friday and as we all know there is nothing like that bit of extra pressure of seeing people that last saw you when you were 8 to send you off the deep end! How did I stave off the jitters associated with such an occasions? Planning. I sat down and planned every element of my outfit from hair, nails, dress, shoes, bag, and undergarments. Over the years, I have amassed some pretty lovely pieces so that I could avoid the whole dilemma of what am I going to wear.

Granted, not many people are like me and find it necessary to have several party frocks in their closets. Purchasing one is a great way to ensure that you always have a great go to outfit that makes you feel amazing. Nothing makes a woman more beautiful than confidence after all!

Why I bring this whole point up is that I have been reticent to do outfit posts of myself. There is nothing like looking at yourself from a wrong angle, but sharing it with the world is a whole other can of worms. The fact is I chose to do it now to show how the power of planning can really diminish any qualms when it comes to body confidence.

1. Dress: I bought this orange dress years ago and it has never let me down. Fit wise its fantastic as it lets me shine in all right places, and color wise it never results in me meeting a color doppelganger.
2. Shoes: These are a pair of Ferragamo kitten heels that I bought ages ago for $99. Honestly, one of the best investments I ever made fashion wise as they will never go out of style and are extremely comfortable.
3. Bag: My little LV always steals the show. I had a larger one in rainbow, which I gave away years ago as it never meshed with my style. It was just a bit too ostentatious and overexposed for my tastes. I have no idea why I ever bothered to purchase it in the first place, but when I saw this item on net-a-porter I knew it had to be mine. Just enough flash to be noticed, but functional enough for everyday use.
4. Makeup: I had to purchase some Shu Uemura products to replenish my makeup stock, so I got my makeup done at their kiosk in Bloomigdales. It was honestly the best decision I ever made, because it was one less thing I had to worry about and I got something out of the deal. I never pay just to get my makeup done ever, because honestly it seems like a waste of money. Just find out what the price of the qualifying purchase necessary, check what you need in your makeup bag, and make an appointment. Honestly, it is the best deal ever. Oh and why yes I am wearing the lipstick from my previous post!
5. Nails: I like to be daring with nails as mine are really short. The blue contrasts nicely with the dress and keeps the whole outfit from being overly formal. It is an OPI shade, but the name escapes me as I got it done at salon.
6. Jewelry: I try to keep everything above the neck classic. These pearl studs are from Tiffany - a gift from my husband many moons ago. The heart shaped ruby necklace from Versani was in fact another gift from my husband. Oh and the blue topaz ring from Little Kings? Also, a gift from my husband. Jeez, I think I really need to go out and buy some pieces for myself. Otherwise, if he dies horrifically in a car crash or we have a nasty divorce - I'm going to have a box full of bad memories.
7. Hair: I got my hair done for the occasion at Blow, because I had absolutely no time to try and tame the beast. Plus, your hair sets the tone for your outfit and overall confidence level. If it looks like hell - you feel like hell. Thanks to the extreme hack job performed on my hair recently, it was a challenge but the stylist was able to make it look amazing.The only thing I regret is forgetting my undergarments at home. The tell tale bump in my tummy is ever-present in the pictures and I could have positioned myself better, but you know what I will remember years from now in lieu of that? What a great time I had and how gorgeous I felt!

Adventures in Editorial: Boho Magazine

Have you ever heard of Boho Magazine? I didn't until the other day when I was engaged in the oh so glamorous activity of press book assembly at my job. In a nutshell, it is Vogue for the eco-minded. Now, I know images of super crunchy styles are dancing around in your head but stifle the groan and give it a chance. I am glad I did, because besides it's commitment to the environment it also has a groundbreaking way of speaking to readers.

Enough preaching though, because I want to talk about the article that inspired this post: french forecast. It had a list of the current trends percolating in Paris right now, and I looked at it as a challenge for a post for the blog. After all chic eco clothing is in short supply after all - especially in larger sizes!

French Forecast: The Trend List

1. belted organic knits

Original

Inspired

1. Gaiam - Open Vest (Sizes SM - XL; $35.00): Mad of bamboo and organic cotton this piece of knitwear would go great over pretty much anything. Also, it would look adorable belted!

2. Dianne Von Furstenberg - Kezza Leather Belt (Sizes SM - XL; $140.00): Unfortunately, I could not find a green or a vintage belt to complement the outfit. I did, however, come across this amazing DVF belt the complements it wonderfully. How to address the eco-conundrum associated with the purchase? Purchase credits at Carbon Fund to offset the impact of your purchase!

2. borrowed from the boys

Original

Inspired

3. LA Vintage - Polly Plaid Vintage (Size One of a Kind; $42.00): This vintage nerd chic blazer is great way to build the borrowed look. It is vintage which means no impact on the environment and you have to love its kitsch appeal

4. Silhouettes - Simply Me Organic Cotton Knit Shirt (Sizes: XL - 3X; $39.00): The length of this button up enhances the borrowed look by playing on size differentials. Being made of organic cotton also does not hurt, but do note it is a blended piece.

3. classic french

Original

Inspired

5. Emma Watson for People Tree Organic - Stripe Dress (US Sizes 4 - 12; $59.18): Not being a big fan of the classic french horizontal stripe this one was more than bit challenging. I did, however, track down this dress designed by Emma Watson of Harry Potter fame. Pair it with a pair of white leggings and I think it could "technically" be considered a modern take on classic french.

4. cosmetics color

Original

Inspired

6. American Apparel - T-Shirt Dress (US Sizes XS-XL; $30.00): American Apparel and feminine beauty do not normally go hand in hand, but in this case it works. This shirt dress made of organic jersey is the same color as the peaches/pinks (according to Boho) currently trending in Paris, and to boot is just plain adorable.

7. Athlea - Gemini Sweater (Sizes XXS - XL; $59.99): Of course, the shirt needs something over it being American Apparel. (We all know how thin those shirts are after all, and I'm not one to advertise my bra shade.) This sweater would be a great complement. It's creamy color is not only another color trending in Paris, but also a great way to offset the brightness of the AA piece.

5. no sweat

Original

Inspired

8. Adidas by Stella McCartney - Track Top (Sizes 2 - 12; $210): Biking is big with the french, but they apparently are not satisfied with traditional training gear. The search was on for me to find fashionable athletic gear and I found it in Stella McCartney's capsule collection for Adidas. Made of organic grey cotton and more poncho then hoodie, this is what I would wear if I ever could manage to get my bike down the stairs of my hovel of an apartment building.

Any suggestions on how to improve the looks? Like it or Hate? Let me have it in the comments.

Fashion Cinema: Chloe

There are many reasons I haven't blogged lately, but I highly doubt you are interested in any of it. Suffice it to say, it was not exactly the best time in my life the past couple of weeks. In short, my best piece of luck was getting a hair cut that was best described by a friend as "someone had a seizure while cutting your hair and then didn't finish".

I did, however, get the chance to catch the film Chloe. Oh and was it awesome. It's like a haute version of a Lifetime movie. Though, since I call Liam Neeson my imaginary father I had to watch it regardless. Ok, maybe I should explain myself a bit before his reps send someone to my door with a restraining order. I did not grow up with a father, and when I saw him in Taken I decided that well if I were to have a father that would be the one I would want. So, ever since then he's been my imaginary dad. No, not bizarre at all.

Back to the main point, Chloe's costuming was AMAZING. Every scene with the titular character Chloe, played by Amanda Seyfried, was like turning a page in an impeccably styled and shot magazine. The movie may have its faults, but seriously this movie deserves at least a nomination for best costuming.


This jacket is amazing. I love the usage of the intense colors and dynamic print. I searched and searched for something comparable for sale, but the closest thing I could find was this jacket from Jones New York ($158.99, Sizes M-XL).


I also fell in love with this jacket as well. You can't see it that well, but it had this amazing floppy collar, which really feminizes the traditional trench.


The closest thing I was able to find to this jacket was this hooded trench from Ellen Tracy (Sizes 0-18). It is currently out of stock at Nordstrom's the only place I have been able to find it, and I think you can see why.


Then there is the scene with this dress:


This picture does not even do the dress justice. It justified the ticket price alone! It is a Zac Posen, which accounts for the constructed sexuality of the piece. Unfortunately, I could not find a comparable piece that shared both the spirit and the likeness of the dress.

This Jeweled Satin Cocktail Dress by David Meister ($520, Sizes: 14-24) at least captures the soft sexuality of the dress quite well, even though its not a carbon copy.


This Lace Top Satin Dress by Tadashi Shoji ($415.00, Sizes: 18-24), however, is closer to the original design of the Zac Posen dress in question.


Then of course there is one of the titular pieces from the film. Chloe's hair comb! I could not for the life of me find a still of a close up of it, but you can just make it out in this scene.


Rooting around Etsty, I was able to find a comb that I felt closely resembled the piece. If you like it, you better act fast or else I may be forced to snag it for my self!


This comb is made of sterling silver and made of russet horn and priced at $60.00. You can find it on Etsy via lsadoree's page.

Honestly, these are only a few of the amazing pieces to be found in Chloe. The weather seems pretty awful today and it would be a perfect way to brighten it up. Well, for the fashion elements anyway. The story isn't exactly uplifting.

Putting on the Ritz

When the weather is nice I love to take a walk in the Meatpacking District. The long wide sidewalks are so inviting and normally if I wander long enough I find a new interesting shop or restaurant. I know it is mostly known for its clubs, but I swear to you there is more than meets the eye down there.

Yesterday, I found myself over there due to a meeting I had about a potential job and thought that I could use a bit of a stroll to shake off the post interview jitters. As I was wandering around about, I noticed this woman rocking an insanely gorgeous cocktail dress. I was a bit put off as it was 11:00AM, but I completely in awe of it as well.

It takes a lot of confidence to wear evening wear during the day I thought to myself, but then I remembered an article I read about how evening wear is now being considered to be a daytime staple. I mean it makes sense as the recession has consumers watching their wallets and workers putting in overtime to hold on to their jobs.

Some trends look out of place no matter what though, and I think that has some people leery about it. You should keep in mind, however, that evening wear during the day is totally doable if you balance it right. All you need to pull it off, in my opinion, are the right accessories and a bit of confidence.

This is a perfect example of how to do it:

1. Golden Goose Deluxe Brand - Chain Handle Leather Bag: $1500.00

This super sleek bag has been on my radar for quite some as it screams utility. It also does not hurt that it does not sacrifice fashion for function either. It's subtle sophistication is also key to making this evening wear heavy ensemble feasible for the light of day.

2. Givenchy - Lace and Patent Leather Flats: $464.00

These shoes are on my list of things to buy. They are craveworthy as they are dripping with femininity and at the same they are extremely casual. These shoes pair well with the outfit as they are strong enough not to be dominated by the other pieces, but are casual enough to keep it daywear appropriate.

3. Victoria's Secret - Metallic Sweaterdress (Sizes: 0-18): $58.00

This glittery and formfitting dress would be considered evening wear by most, but the detailing makes it doable for daywear. The straps are also removable which I love, because who does not love a 2 for 1 deal? Depending on how high the hemline falls on you individually, I would suggest leggings if necessary. I am unsure if it is necessary due to the proportions of the model.

1. figleaves - Womenswear Sequin Blazer (Sizes: 8-18): $59.40

I have seen many a sequined blazer this season, but this is the one that gets my vote. It just screams attitude and confidence to me and that is what I think is key to wearing sequins during the day. The loose fit also makes it casual, which is essential for wearing it as daywear.

5. Tom Binns - Rabbit Clock Pendant Necklace: $66.00

I love to get a bit out there with my accessories during the day. So, I think this pocketwatch necklace is the perfect counterpart to bring this outfit into the daywear catergory. If you prefer to play it more safe though I highly suggest the Tough Chic Drop Necklace also from Tom Binns.

Anyone of you have any suggestions on how to incorporate evening wear into daywear leave it in the comments!