Flower Power

There was a point in time when flower printed clothes in plus size were not pretty at all. I remember growing up and seeing them and just not wanting any part of it. I stuck to the basics. That's when my love of tee's and jeans began. Prints at times were just not right for my body, so I just stayed away from them. Then some years back, I started loving prints, but florals were still on my "Nah, I'm good" list.  The slowly but surely the florals were prettier, and amazing looking on my body. No longer did I feel like I was wearing some stodgy, matronly frocks. 

Once I accepted florals into my life, I must say that it is one of the easiest prints to work with. I can wear them with stripes, other florals, leopard, or just a plain white tee. My favorite is florals in unexpected silhouettes- like a floral moto (which I have and love it soooo much), crop tops, and flirty skirts. I first saw this halter top and skirt online, from Harper + Liv and I immediately wanted it. Bonus each item is on sale for less than $30! When getting dressed in the summer, especially for work easy pieces like these make getting dressed quick. All that is needed is a cute pair of sandals and my bag, and I'm out the door. For all my ladies out there, take a chance when you are shopping. Just take a whole bunch of items into the fitting room and give it a try. Trust me, you may find more things you like that you expect. 

Rock The Block

This past weekend, I attended Rock The Block hosted by Ashley Stewart. It was another hot day in NYC, so I wanted to wear something that would keep me cool. Sets have been my go to all summer, so I went with a printed pants version from Eloquii. The tie hem top and matching cropped pants in the Petite Blossoms print was a major hit. What I love about the tie hem top is that you can adjust it to show as much or as little belly as you like. The pants are great because they have a waist band which keeps the pants up high up on my waist (because I am all about high waisted items this year). A beautiful sunny day calls for a great pair of shades, and these rose gold glasses are a fun twist on aviators. To finish off my look, I went with my oh so comfortable Nine West platforms. 

This day long event had a lot to offer. During the morning session, while enjoying some treats, I checked out the panel "Being Your Own Boss in the Face of Adversity." The panel was moderated by Ashley Stewart CEO James Rhee and featured the lady bosses of Mixed Chicks, Ginger + Liz, and Vera Moore Cosmetics. This hour long panel, really put things in perspective for me especially when it came to entrepreneurship. Pursuing your passion especially while working full time requires a lot of sacrifice, but the rewards of doing it are worthwhile. Christina Mendez hosted a talk about the world of modeling (ladies were taking serious notes). There was a mini fashion show showcasing Ashley Stewart's Pre-Fall collection, followed by a intermission to enjoy some shopping. I bought some great nail polish from Ginger + Liz, and some products from Mixed Chicks. After some shopping and catching up time with my girls, I attended the "How To Make It In Plus" panel featuring Gwen Devoe, Madeline Jones, Alexandra Boos, and Marie Denee moderated by Denise Caldwell. Lots of great dialogue about how we are coming into our own in the industry, and how we have to keep pushing. The panel made some poignant points about self care, and for the future of plus size: indie designers collaborating with bigger brands. 

I had an amazing time. I got a chance to catch up with my blogger boo's (always fun). Made some new connections, as well as chatted it up with some beautiful ladies for my first street style post. Yes, Style Over Size is expanding and I am the latest addition to Team Curvy Fashionista! Definitely head to TCF to catch my in depth recap as well as some amazing fashion from the event. 

 

 

To The Max

I love when online brands host pop up shops. It gives you an opportunity to try on items, which is the most important factor when shopping. Atlanta based Jibri held a pop up shop in NYC during Full Figured Fashion Week, and I definitely made sure I was there. Last year I was not able to go, but I made it a priority this year. I have always wanted a skirt from them, so this was my chance to check them out. 

I tried on several skirts, but the maxi's spoke to me. My first choice was the high waisted animal print skirt. Come on, it's the perfect skirt. Long, flowy and versatile. I can wear it now, and well into fall. Then when I was going through the racks one more time, I found this one. Anyone that knows me, knows that I love a good neon printed piece, so she had to come home with me as well. I was measured (I can wear either a 1 or a 2, depending on how I feel that day), so going forward I can order my size knowing it will fit. The length of these work well for me, I can wear them with heels or flats.  I have been obsessed with off the shoulder tops and this one from Eloquii is soft like your favorite tee shirt (bonus, it's on sale). I'm definitely happy with my skirt, it has pockets, it snatches my waist, and it's colorful. Definite win- and if you have not checked out Jibri, make sure you do. Bonus- she is now doing Bridal, and the gowns are perfection. 

LWD

White pieces have been slowly taking over my wardrobe. At first, it was one piece, here. another there, and then BAM!! My closet has been taken over. Don't get me wrong, any break from my traditional NYC uniform of all black is welcome, it's just you never notice how serious it is until you do laundry, and you are only washing whites, followed by blues. This dress from Lane Bryant was one of those items that was a must have for me. I have been raving about their monthly capsule collections called Fast Lane, and this dress is from their Montauk Mood is just the cutest dress for the summer. 

When I first saw the cold shouldered dress on the site, I was thinking what would be the best place to shoot her. It would have been awesome to actually go to Montauk, and walk along the beach, but this grassy field brought out the whimsical charm of the dress. It is lined so no worries about material itself. and has stretch so you don't have to feel restricted. It's a fun update to the traditional shirtdress, because who doesn't like a good shirtdress. I went with a size 18/20 in the dress on the safe side because I wanted to make sure I had enough room in my arms. I will go gaga over a cute dress, but a cute dress with pockets- completely and hopelessly in love. Pockets on a dress make everything better. Function and fashion hand in hand makes this blogger quite happy. With a dress like this, all that is needed is a cute clutch, a statement necklace, and some sandals, and you are ready to smell the flowers. So I ask you lovers, are you spending your summer in all white?

Pop Art

The humidity is starting to kick it in high gear here in NYC. When it's hot, I like to keep my look simple, but still pulled together. Besides dresses, jumpsuits are my go to in warm weather especially when dressing for the office. My office dress code is business casual, so I get a chance to try different looks for work. This jumpsuit from Melissa McCarthy Seven7 instantly caught my eye. because of the print. On the hanger, it doesn't look like much because it's loose fitting. But, loose fitting is great for warm office days. I don't know about you, but when I'm hot, loose fitting clothes make me feel better. Draped fabrics are on that 'list' of things to stay away from because you end up looking 'bigger', but it's all about the fit. 

The jumpsuit comes in two colors: this pink print and solid black. Black is my boo, but with the draped material, wearing it in a lighter color with a subtle print makes this perfect for the summer. I love the subtle bright pink accents and the faux wrap top. Jumpsuits can be a chore to get in and out of, but this one is easy to maneuver in and out of. Now to talk about the fit - at first I went with a 2X, but that was too big. I wear a 16-18, and have big thighs and wide hips, so I thought sizing up would be the best choice- dead wrong. The 1X was a better fit. With an instant outfit maker, all that's needed is a cute pair of shoes. I have been all about a kitten heel, and these cute pink ones from Nine West are perfect for daily wear. They come in a lot of colors, so there a pair out there with your name on it. Grabbed my favorite Banana Republic purse, some cool sunnies, and I was ready to go to tackle the work day. Later lovers!!