Sartorial Watermark: Signature Style

-my signature

Everyone has a signature piece. Something that they always wear all the time, a certain color they claim for their own, or even a certain style they purchase repeatedly. Over time it is something they become known for and it starts to become a bit odd if they don't wear it. I mean, remember the time Posh didn't wear flats?

- bauer-griffin

What's mine? Black leggings. I seriously wear them pretty much every day and refuse to wear them in any other color. My husband once made a joke that if I was given a chance to design a legging collection a la Lohan I'd make them "in every shade of black imaginable".

- fabcrush

Though, sometimes I do regret wearing them on days like today when they soak up the sun and crank the heat index up about another 10 degrees for me. I usually just grin and bear it. Now it looks like I no longer have to all thanks to Uniqlo's dry technology! It "combines breathable fibres with cross-woven nylon, removing sweat at the humidity level and keeping the wearer dry and comfortable underneath their clothes, whilst ensuring a smooth and silky feeling next to the skin". They offer wearers "superior drying action with anti-odour and anti-bacterial properties and ensuring dry confidence throughout the day".

- UNIQLO

I loved their heat tech leggings, so more than likely I will picking them up either today/tomorrow. I absolutely need a pair for the BBQ I am hosting this weekend. After all, nothing is more unfashionable than being a sweaty host!

Do you have a signature piece? Leave it in the comments!

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!

Inside Out: Lingerie Inspired Fashions for Spring

"For lingerie inspired looks what matters is that you convey an idea of the unseen and allow the dream" - Stefano Gabbana (Marie Claire - March 2010)

Elegance and illusion are key to making this work this spring, and this is especially so in the case those with a bit of "junk in the trunk".

In order to pull it off, it is essential therefore to find the right balance to avoid becoming a burlesque caricature. Showing too much is sometimes difficult to estimate for a plus sized fashionista, as what it considered a little proportionally for us may be overboard in the opinion of the general public. Remember this is a look about sleek and subtle nods to their boudoir complements - so discretion in this regard is vital!

Caftan Inspired Looks

Caftans are not only one of the most enjoyable words to say in the English language, they are also an integral part of the lingerie category. Originally making their way into boudoirs from the Middle East they now have become a staple in lingerie. Their lose fit and intricate detailing make them a sure fire hit this spring.

Dorothy Perkins - Rise Asia dress: $54.00 (US Size 12 - 14) www.dorothyperkins.com

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

Warehouse - Embroidered Batwing Silk Top $77.00 (US size 12 - 14) www.asos.com

Corset Inspired Looks

Corsets were essential as foundation garments for centuries - well until the bra was finally able to claim its rightful place in the market. Now this season, once again, they are cropping up as outerwear. This is a look that requires some discretion as it can look too costumey if done wrong, and that is why you want to work towards creating moreso the illusion of a corset than actually wearing one.

ASOS - Contrast Panelled Jersey Corset $43.00 (US size 12 - 16) www.asos.com

ASOS - Halterneck Body Con Top $43.00 (US size 12 - 16) www.asos.com

Cami Inspired Details

Camisole detailing is also making its presence known in fashion. Lacey elements about this season and add a touch of femininity and sensuality to almost every category of clothing. In short, it is one of the easiest ways to include some lingerie inspired looks into your wardrobe this season.

Karen Millen - Cutwork Vest: $77.95 (US 12 - 14) www.asos.com

ASOS - Crochet Trim Top: $43.00 (US Sizes 12 - 18) www.asos.com

ASOS - Lace Mono Two in One Dress: $74.00 (Us Sizes 12 - 16) www.asos.com

Sensual Hosiery

stylehive had this great pair of garter leggings by LnA listed as one of the ways to wear lingerie as daywear. Sadly, I was unable to find a comparable substitute in a plus size size range. There are, however, extremely sexy back seam and Cuban Heel thigh highs available in plus sizes in an array of colors/styles. (Cuban Heel hosiery are those items that have a back seam as well as a higher than usual reinforcement on the heel.)

Fredrick's of Hollywood - Color Band Backseam Thigh High Plus: $14 (1X-2X) www.fredricks.com

Hips and Curves - Cuban Heel Contrast Top Stocking: $7.95 (Queen) www.hipsandcurves.com

Hips and Curves - Color Band & Backseam Stockings: $13.95 (1X - 6X) www.hipsandcurves.com

Hips and Curves - Cuban Heel Sheer Lycra Thigh Highs: $7.95 (Queen) www.hipsandcurves.com

If you are like me and thigh highs never stay up for you, I highly suggest investing in a garter belt. It takes the whole anxiety of whether or not your thighs are falling down out of the equation. Just make sure they are not too tight/short or else it will be an extremely uncomfortable fit.

Shoes: Flirty and Feminine or Tough Girl Chic

Elle suggests pairing lingerie-inspired separates with "shoes and bags embellished with flirty, feminine touches". Stylecaster, however, thinks that pairing these looks with "flat boots for a bit of contrast" helps "balance out the look". Either is a great choice, but for me I think that flirty and feminine complements the look best.

Manolo Blahnik - Raia: $995.00 www.barneys.com

Christian Louboutin - Ernesta Bow: $875.00 www.barneys.com

Miu Miu - Bow Pump: $560.00 www.barneys.com

Vera Wang Lavender Label - "Lynette" Satin Ballet Flats: $225.00 www.bloomingdales.com

Valentino - Bow-detail Satin Sandals: $825 www.net-a-porter.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.

What Not To Wear: Leggings as Standalone Pants

Just because you can fit into something it does not necessarily mean that you should wear it. Discretion is key to being truly fashionable as it gives one the ability to ascertain whether or not a look works for their body type. After all, is not one of the main aims of modern fashion to create an ensemble that flatters the figure?

Why do I bring this up? Today as I was going about my day, I saw two of my chotto brethren wearing leggings as standalone pants. I know I have a whole post about how leggings are godsends, but that was was in regards to when worn as intended: foundation garments! For all of you unfamiliar with foundation garments: they are normally items meant to be worn underneath another item of clothing.

In the case of leggings, especially for larger fashionistas this means that it should be worn underneath a long sweater/shirt or a dress/skirt and not serve as a replacement for pants. Why? It more often than not emphasizes the not so sexy elements of the plus size frame when worn as standalone pants. I personally am part of the majority of people that cannot pull of this look, and that is why I always wear leggings as a foundation garment only.

If your intent is to emphasize the curves of your lower half you would be better served wearing something more akin to a pencil skirt in lieu of leggings as pants. It accentuates plus size curves in all the right places, and also provides the coverage needed to hide any negatives. I mean look at how great Stéphanie of Le Blog de Big Beauty looks to the left. It should be obvious that this is look is a win-win!

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.