When Retail Therapy Goes Terribly Wrong

Yesterday was not one for the record books. If they ever do a lifetime movie version of my life I sincerely hope they leave that little episode out. I have never been so embarrassed/ashamed of myself in my life.


I had a major freak out in Isetan. Like to the point of almost breaking down in tears. A bit of context is probably necessary here. Isetan has this amazing plus size store, well it did anyway. I've been a couple of times so I was really pumped to be back in Japan and able to shop at the equivalent of Willa Wonk'a chocolate factory for plus sized fashion. (Isetan itself is a department store that has the style direction of Barneys, the penetration of Bloomingdales, and the white glove service of Bergdoff Goodman.) Unfortunately, the section I normally shop in had slim pickings and I could not shimmy into anything in other sections due to my bountiful bosom. I don't know if it was jet lag, all the family obligations (meeting people I don't know very is always taxing), or the language barrier. I just all of a sudden felt extremely overwhelmed and as a byproduct got extremely upset. So much so that I rushed out of the section and was extremely rude to the sales clerk. Ugh.

Even visiting the bag floor couldn't cheer me up. Well that is until I saw this amazing piece by Celine (which I would love to share but I can't track down a pic and forgot to snag one with my phone). Clocking in at over 170,000 Yen (more or less 2K in dollars), it was love at first sight and hearbreak as well as I was lacking the funds to procure it. I'm really not one for french brands in the handbag department as I feel they are always just a bit to "much" for me. I like my handbags utilitarian for the most part and I'm a stickler for leather quality (the Italians seem to be the only ones to really get it right in my opinion). Though every once in awhile I will fall in love with a French one. Last time it was a Chloe and it was the ONLY Chloe I have ever wanted in my life. Stupidly, I did not purchase it (would have required selling a kidney) and then they went in a completely different direction design wise.

I'm planing on visiting a vintage store later on in Shibuya. I'll let you all know what I find! Maybe I'll even track down that Chloe I've been chasing for years. I might also stop by Roppongi and see if I can track down that Celine bag for the sake of all you guys back home. I would go back to Isetan, but I'm not sure my obviously oh so fragile ego could take it!

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!

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!

Fashion Inspirations: Jem and the Holograms

Today is an outfit post to end them all. I was looking for inspiration pretty much everywhere to find something extra special, since I am having trouble finding time to post on a regular basis. Then while cruising polyvore it hit me: Jem!

I loved Jem so much when I was younger and I still even remember the theme song! I swear that show is probably responsible for the more way out there elements in my wardrobe today. Below is my modern take on a Jem outift - I hope you don't find it truly outrageous! ;)

Original

Modern Day

1. Ban.do - fancy flower power ($350.00): This headpiece is to die for and even though there are exact duplicate of the hairpiece featured - I just think this is a more modern and luxe way to pull off the look.

2. Garland - Diamond Star Stud Earrings ($1,920): Granted they are not red stars as Jem wears, but they are pretty close. Plus, at this price tag you need high rewear value to justify the purchase!

3. Gemma Redux - Mixed Chain Necklace ($398): Pearls for me are so 80s in a bad way, and so I kept the look modern with this mutli colored chain necklace. I think its a great update on the traditional long pearl wrap too!

4. ASOS - Mesh Waterfall Babydoll Dress (US Sizes: 4-16; $64.25): I looked high and low for a dress that even came close to the one featured in the shot above. I was about to give up - that is until I cam across this dress.

5. Christian Louboutin Fred Flats ($565): I decided to change it up from the featured flats to these, because you know what I'm sure Jem would approve!

6. We Love Colors Lilac Tights (Sizes XS-3X; $15.00): What more can I say? I tried to match the shade as closely as I could, and the good people at We Love Colors obliged as usual.

7. Proenza Schouler - Silk Mini Bag ($1,165): I saw this bag in Elle and I knew it was perfect for the Jem outfit homage. Its funky without being overpowering, and it definitely complements the look.

I might make this a regular feature based on characters/icons that have influenced my style in the future. Well, that is if I ever find more time to blog on a consistent basis!

Walking on Sunshine: Dressing Down for the Weekend

I know there has been a severe lack of outfit posts lately. I apologize, but the nice weather combined with an interview I had totally took me out of my fashionista headspace. In addition, my computer has been eating posts left and right. Case in point it took me 3 days to get this up!

Enough of that though...on to the post!


The weather has been so lovely to the point where even strolling around the UWS with my husband is fun. I mean I have to enjoy it now before the torrential rains of spring come and are promptly followed by the scorching heat of summer. So, can I trust in you to forgive me my dear readers for neglecting to post?

There is a silver lining to my transgression, however, as I have been thinking about what best suits these lazy walks I have become addicted to in the past couple of days. I mean as you can guess by reading the blog I am not exactly a tshirt and jeans kind of gal, as such dressing down for me requires the retention of a certain amount of joie de vivre.

So, without anymore ado here is the perfect outfit to stroll about NYC in the springtime.


1. Banana Republic - Silk Habotai Panel Cardigan in Board Walk (Sizes: XS - XL): $98.00

I love the duality in this piece. The silk offsets enough to give it a funky look, but the cotton keeps it casual. Plus, I will not lie I am an ardent lover of the gray. Maybe I have just spent too long in NYC? Either way black and grey will probably today and forevermore be staples in my wardrobe.

2. Sachin + Babi: Solera Bracelet: $200.00

I adore the thrown together look of this bracelet. I feel it absolutely complements the whole structured thrown together look I go for on the weekends. It is strong enough to make a statement, but subdued enough to look effortless.

3. Lauren By Ralph Lauren - Marian Sleeveless Pleated Cotton Dress in Rose Garden (Sizes: 4 - 16): $150.00

The soft lines are what make this a winner in my book. I know I can just throw this on and ad a bit of fabulousness in my life after a hard week. It just seems so easy to wear and when paired with the sweater from Banana Republic - its plain effortless chic!

4. Roberta Di Camerino - Calf Leather Faux Belt Bag: $1744.00

My first ever official fashion show was in Milan at Roberta Di Camerino. My professor at the time had an in and somehow managed to score decent seats for my whole class to attend. I was studying in Florence at the time, and it honestly blew my mind. Roberta Di Camerino is somewhat responsible for the tuxedo tshirt as she "invented" the whole style of printing accessories on material. The show was amazing and the free champagne did not hurt either! So, I guess you can say I have a soft spot for the brand. Though I think it is hard to deny how great the bag pairs with the outfit - no?

5. Jill Stuart - Crystal Necklace: $348.00

I know a sequined kerchief is not exactly what you would think would go with this particular look, and that is the same reason I love it. It seems a bit out of place, but the more you think about it the more it belongs. The price is steep I know, which has kept from considering purchasing it. Sad fact is, however, the more I dance around it - the more I feel like I NEED it.

6. Eugenia Kim - Chloe Sequin Beret: $198.00

True story I was offered an internship by Eugenia Kim once upon a time to head up their PR department. I turned it down as I got another offer that paid, but I always regretted it. I knew it was a surefire job after I graduated too, but I was so focused on getting paid I shot myself in the foot. Why did I regret it? Well for one, they make insanely gorgeous hats that fit those with large heads! The other was the fact that I am still unemployed one year later. You live and you learn I guess?

7. Converse by Missoni: Call the Missoni Boutique on Madison for pricing - (212) 517-9339

Ok I normally hate when magazines list things without prices. I want to know now where and when I can buy things, but I fell so hard for these Converse by Missoni I could not resist including them. I am normally a flats persona and as such would rather chop off my own foot rather than wear a sneaker. Converse shoes are my achilles heel depending on who you talk are still considered the low end of the totem pole in fashion, but I beg to differ. I guess everyone has a chink in their armor and these are it. Maybe, just maybe, the fact that they are co-designed by Missoni redeems them a bit?

Thoughts? Comments? Bueller?

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!

Brunch: The Most Important Meal Of the Day

The weather if you live in NYC has been amazing these past few days. I, personally, spent Friday afternoon on my patio with a blood orange mimosa in one hand and banana cupcake in the other. I guess unemployment has its benefits sometimes!

Mimosas, I have to note, are not just for celebrating they also go hand in hand with one my favorite meals: Brunch. I am in love with this meal as it is one of the few socially acceptable occasions to drink with breakfast. (One of the others being St. Patrick's Day Parade Days - case in point the bars in Hoboken opened on last Saturday at 9:00AM.)

I also love brunch because it is one of those magical times where chicness and comfortability go hand in hand. There was no better place to observe this then in the Meatpacking District at Markt. Sadly, however, it has since moved on and been replaced by an Apple Store. I have yet to find a place that I enjoyed as much, but my love of brunch is still going strong to this day.

If you ever caught me out on a Sunday my outfit would look a lot like something like this:

1. ASOS - Contrast Trim Ponti Blazer (US Sizes: 4 - 16): $85.47

I adore this jacket for two reasons: the red piping and the military inspired motif.

2. Banana Republic - Weekend Chino (Sizes: 2 - 16): $59.50

I normally hate pants with a passion, but brunch is one of those times that I never mind throwing a pair on. Maybe it is just the simple fact that after a night out I can't be bothered to wriggle into leggings or tights? I'm not sure. Plus, these ones actually look like they are midget friendly and as such I would not have to worry about the crotch being too long.

3. Fendi - 'Peekaboo' Satchel: $2,990

Oh this is definitely on my list for things to buy when I win the lottery. I like to chose clean simple lines whenever I invest in high end designer handbags, and this fits my requirements to a T. Why do I do this? A truly fashionable piece is timeless and I will not buy something in that price range if I cannot wear it at 75.

4. Thomas Pink - White Megan Women's Shirt Double Cuff (Sizes: 4 - 20): $250.00

I love button ups for brunch, because they can go from modest to sexy with a flick of a button. This one in particular is especially stylish and versatile due to the double cuff on this one and black piping.

5. Melissa by Vivienne Westwood - Rubber Ballet Flat: $130.00

Flats are essential for brunch for me at least, because afterwards I normally have to traverse the city to take care of last minute errands. I have a couple of friends who think flats are boring, but these rubber ballet flats from Melissa by Vivienne Westwood are anything but! The peephole in the front toe is on trend, the rubber material makes it durable, and the black button in the shape of wax seal makes them unique. A definite stunner in my book.

6. Gianfranco Ferre - Luigi: $325.00

Sunglasses are essential to brunch for three reasons: block out the sun while sitting outside, they allow you to covertly people watch, and if you are like me disguise your hangover. These are a bit different then your normal oversized sunnies, but I really love the way they bring this outfit together.

7. Jennifer Behr - Double Delicate Chain Link Headwrap in Gold: $68.00

I am a huge fan of Jennifer Behr's headbands. I have yet to come across a company that makes hairbands at their level but with the same balance of sophistication. I especially love this one because it can easily be paired with a messy bun and look pulled together.

8. VintageSparkles - Antique Sterling Victorian scroll Pocketwatch necklace: $225.00

I, personally, would wear this pocket-watch as a necklace. I already have one that I wear all the time but unfortunately there is no timepiece inside the casing. That never keeps people from constantly complimenting it and I am sure they would do the same as well for this amazing piece.

Well that is how I see dressing for brunch, what about you?

The Not So Mellow Yellow Ensemble

Have you ever been obsessed with something but unsure how to wear it?

Recently, I have been wrestling over the decision whether or not to buy this Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Purse Bow handbag. I was concerned, because yellow is so bright and I had no idea what to pair with it.

So, I kept surfing around trying to find some items to wear with it and I stumbled upon these Alexander McQueen heels on FarFetch. It was like lightening struck and I knew at that moment those shoes and the Sonia bag must be mine. I normally shy away from such bright colors, but I swear it was destiny. I just knew in my bones they belonged together.

Still, the question lingered how in the hell do I wear this without looking like I just time warped out of the early 90s? Then it hit me: dummy you already blogged about this in Grey Skies Got You Down: Find the Pink Lining!. I knew that I needed a dark dress and the Dorothy Perkins Rise Embellished Dress would be the perfect complement, but in order to tone it down for daywear a boyfriend jacket was definitely in order.

Then there was the issue of accessorizing. The Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Bow Purse had silver hardware and I am not really much of a silver person. I was stumped until I happened upon a bracelet from Deviated by Justin Giunta. It had both gold and silver finishes in it as well as stones similar in coloring to the dress! Huzzah - problem solved.

Well, almost as there was the necklace quandary I found myself in. The dress itself is pretty ornate and definitely did not need a statement necklace. I love necklaces though and so I was determined to find something to complement the outfit. So, I searched and searched and then I found it at Emily Elizabeth Jewelry.

Here is the ensemble in all it's photoshopped glory. Please, be kind - remember I went to Parsons for business not design. So, my photoshop skills are a bit lacking!

OUTFIT BREAKDOWN

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel - Bow Purse (Yellow): $169.74 www.asos.com

Alexander McQueen - Patent court shoe (Yellow): $577.00 www.farfetch.com

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry - Gypsy Plume Lariat-Infinity Necklace: $60.00 www.emilyelizabethjewelry.com

Deviated by Justin Giunta - Crossed Ladder Bracelet: $238.00 www.shopbop.com

Dorothy Perkins - Rise Embellished Dress (US size 12 - 14): $46.00 www.dorothyperkins.com

ASOS - Longline Ponti Blazer (US size 18-22): $92.58 www.asos.com

Love some of these items but sticker shock has got you down? Try www.like.com and www.styleshopper.com. More often than not you can find something similar at a reduced price. All you have to do is enter the designer and product name and it should come up within the search, and from there it should only be a few seconds to find similar items.

Grey Skies Got You Down: Find the Pink Lining!

The weather if you live on the East Coast like me has been absolutely awful these past two days. Snow, ice, and overcast grey cloudy skies. The only way I have been able to cope is to fantasize about a place where the sun actually shines and that roads are spotted with green scenic views instead of gutters full of black sludge. Alas, this is the price one pays to live in New York City.

You would think at this point I would be sick of grey, but for this week's outfit I actually was inspired by New York's overcast cloudy skies. All those different shades swirling together just kept reminding me how wonderful the color grey could be in an ensemble. So, I went to work to create something befitting of all that inspiration.

I also chose grey as the main inspiration for this outfit because it is a fantastic color to use when you want to feature other bolder colors. Bright colors are also key once again this season as 80s nostalgia still runs deep, so this is a great way to sneak some into your wardrobe.

So, I guess you can say with this outfit I found the PINK LINING rather than silver. Ahh puns I wish I could use you more in everyday life.

Accessories

Earrings: Sabrina Dehoff - Gold Four Feathers Extra Long Single Drop Earring $354 www.asos.com

Handbag: Rebecca Minkoff - Zip MAB $635 www.rebeccaminkoff.com

OUTFIT
Dress: Dorothy Perkins - Grey Vintage Crochet Dress (US Sizes: 12-20) $55 www.dorothyperkins.com

Cardigan: Brunello Cucinelli - Cropped Cardigan (Size: 12) $760 www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Stockings: We Love Colors (1X-4X) - Black - $9.00 - $15.00 We Love Colors

Shoes
Bettye Muller - Pink $195 www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Love some of these items but sticker shock has got you down? Try www.like.com and www.styleshopper.com. More often than not you can find something similar at a reduced price. All you have to do is enter the designer and product name and it should come up within the search, and from there it should only be a few seconds to find similar items.

A Sartorial Valentine

Valentine's Day is coming up and as usual I'm fretting about what to wear. So, as I am mulling this over it hits me: why not make a blog post about it? Well not about what I am going to wear about per se, but some recommendations for my loyal readers. (All the clothing of course being available in sizes starting from size 14.) I am hoping to make this a regular weekly posting and in the future maybe expand it to answer reader questions. Well if I ever get any readers other than my oh so wonderful offline friends. HI GUYS!

Back to the post at hand. So, in honor of Valentine's Day here's an outfit I feel would go great for a casual VDAY date. I made it myself in photoshop, so please don't get disturbed by the Frankensteined image you see to the right.



Accessories

Ring: Fred Flare - Antique Keyhole Ring $10 www.fredflare.com


Bag: Genevieve Jones - Shagreen Clutch $875 www.vivre.com


Sunglasses: Fred Flare - Sweetheart Sunnies $11 www.fredflare.com


Shoes
Shoes: Christian Louboutin - Glitter Pump $595.00 www.neimanmarcus.com


Outfit
Jacket: Juicy Couture (Size 14) - Short-Sleeve Leather Jacket $998 www.juicycouture.com


Dress: Love Ady Sequin Shift Dress (Traditional Plus) - $39.20 www.bloomingdales.com


Stockings: We Love Colors (1X-4X) - Scarlet Red - $9.00 - $15.00 We Love Colors


Love some of these items but sticker shock has got you down? Try www.like.com and www.styleshopper.com. More often than not you can find something similar at a reduced price. All you have to do is enter the designer and product name and it should come up within the search, and from there it should only be a few seconds to find similar items.