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!

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.

Invest in the Unexpected: Legwear

Pants, I swear to god, were created by the devil to torture those of us who suffer from both a shorter frame and wider girth. They never fit right as the waist either comes right up to your breasts, the crotch hangs too low and irritates the skin of the inner thigh, or they emphasize the paunch. On top of this, there is also the fact that no matter how hard you try when it rains or snows the bottoms become drenched.

That is why I currently only own two pairs of jeans out of necessity, and and only wear them when I absolutely have no choice. Why besides the obvious fit issues would I do this? Simply put, you can control the way the silhouette is constructed much better. Ditching pants as a sartorial choice, furthermore, allows you to recreate those lines that best suit your figure. Doing so also comes in handy for those times when by the grace of God when I am able to fit into straight sizes in dresses, and I need some additional coverage to make the item suitable for public.

Unfortunately, however, we all know that lackluster legwear options abound in plus sizes. There is hope though as Uniqlo and We Love Color sell boldly colored fashionable legwear for larger frames.

We Love Colors is amazing as you can get traditional tights, nylon/lyrca tights, and even fishnet stockings in any color your heart desires. They are also currently donating 5% of all sales to Haiti Earthquake Relief, which means indulging yourself might not be such a bad thing after all. These tights are warm and sturdy, which is key for me as I hate to wear pants and always manage to poke holes in my stockings. The nylon/lyrca tights are warmer and sturdier than the traditional tights, and I also I think the fit is a bit better than the tights as there is more give.

Speaking of winter, I know for some you are thinking I must be mad to be Team No Pants in winter. Especially, since I live in NYC and its not exactly known for its gentile winter weather. (Case in point: Yesterday's horrendous slush-o-pocalypse).

Uniqlo has literally saved my life in this regard by creating heat-tech leggings, which not only keep out the cold but somehow help you keep warm by utilizing your body heat in a feedback loop. I have no idea how they work, but they do the job just fine. They also come in an array of colors, but of course I had to be boring and buy a pair in black. (I so regret this now). What I found even more surprising than them actually working as advertised was that even though they are a Japanese brand I still was able to fit into a women's large. It was at this point that I dared to dream that there was a God, because only he could have created an item so perfect for me.