Bikini Season

Once I hit puberty I disliked swim season. Options back in the 90's for a plus size teen were far and few between. My choices were a swimdress (which I hated), or some floral boring one-piece which was suited for a middle aged woman that a teenager. Me wearing a bikini would have never been an option, but now that's all I want to wear. I was very self conscious about what I wore, because I did not want to draw attention to myself. Even though I started breaking the so-called rules when it came to fashion, swim was always disregarded because I could not have a cute swimsuit. 

Love my tote, click here!. 

That all changed when Gabi Fresh debut the fatkini. I loved how the higher waist smoothed out my tummy, and I had all the support I needed. I wore my first two piece swimsuit on a beach in Miami and you know what happened- nothing. No comments, no concerns, no staring, just me enjoying sun and sand. Then when Gabi announced her collection with Swimsuits for All, I stalked the website so that I could get my hands on a great looking swimsuit that was made for my body. Now on her third collection, Gabi Fresh for S4A continues to be a favorite of mines. 

This year the collection features swimsuits with all of the hottest trends of the season. There's an off the shoulder swimsuit, kitschy prints, cutouts and hardware. When perusing this year's collection, I fell in love with the Midnight Bikini. Normally, I stay away from black because we as plus size women are always given black, but this suit was super sexy and fun. 

I wear a 40H cup, so the fact that her bikini's went up to a H cup had me doing my happy dance. One of the reasons it's hard to find a good bikini is due to the fact that I need support for the twins. Most bikini tops can support up to a D/DD/DDD comfortably. So for me, it's either I have to sacrifice support, or just not buyt the suit. There is nothing worse than having a swim top so small to the point you are spilling out. Having options in cup size ensures a better fit because our bodies are not the same. Yes we may wear the same size, but our bodies are different. I want to enjoy myself, and not have to constantly move and re-configuring my top because of the size. Also, no one, absolutely no one wants four boob. For the top I went with the size 20 (I noticed that with S4A, going up a size works best for me) in the G/H cup. The back straps are fully adjustable which allows for a more precise fit. There is side boning, so it fits just like you are wearing a bra. 

The bikini bottoms have metal hardware that criss cross. The bottoms are highwaisted so they are great for those that have a tummy and want coverage. There is power mesh so it does hold you in. I went with a 20 in the bottoms as well. The band does not dig into my sides. I was definitely comfortable in this suit. 

Sunnies & Slides

If you are on the hunt for a new swimsuit, definitely check out Swimsuits For All (Current promotion 30% off swiim). They have so many options to satisfy your taste from sizes 8-24. Finding swim has always been a struggle, but since I found S4A, that is a thing of the past. My biggest problem now- having too many suits! Guess that means it's time to plan a vacay right???? 

An Afternoon In Harlem

Earlier this week, I wrote about Vinateria and their brunch menu (if you missed that post, click here). Now it's all about brunch fashion. Depending on my mood, I will either go casual or dress it up. The nice weather called for a dress, so I went ahead and pulled out the latest from my go to brand Eloquii. 

When I first saw the Block Print Fit & Flare dress, I just knew it would be the perfect brunch dress. Dressing up can be a chore, and even though I want to keep it cute, I do not want to feel constricted. Fit & flare dresses for me are a great go to. You can still look fabulous, but not have to worry about wearing tons of shapewear (I know when I am enjoying a meal, there is nothing worse than tight shapewear and a full belly). Fit & Flare dresses hide a lot of sins, so when it comes to keeping it easy- especially now that summer is coming, I will throw on a dress like this and I am out the door. What I love about this dress is the colorful 60's inspired print. It grabs your attention and all you need is a great shoe and bag, and you are ready to enjoy your day. 

For my accessories, I went with the Irenee block heel from Steve Madden. This is a great shoe to have ladies. It comes in a myriad of colors, and the heel is perfect to wear all day. I have two pairs of these shoes, and they easily can dress up a simple outfit without sacrificing comfort. My purse is an oldie but goodie from Aldo that is no longer available, but I suggest checking out their site because they have a lot of fun new purses for Spring. 

While my brunch look was full on girly, Leigh-Ann went with the classic shirtdress with a fun twist. This season, menswear inspired items with fun embellishment and embroidery are huge this season. Leigh-Ann went with Embroidered Shirtdress from Eloquii. She loved the dress and the ease of wear. For her, she needs pieces that can be worn on the weekends as well as to the office. With this dress, she can swap the sandals with pumps and add a blazer. For details, definitely head to her blog Gasparillo Junction. 

Leigh-Ann and I had a blast at brunch. It was a great day for walking around and taking pictures. We also found another restaurant we want to try, so definitely stay tuned for the next installment of Food Meets Fashion. 

LB Fall Preview

I was invited to Lane Bryant's Fall 17 Preview, and I am always to excited to see what is in store for us. I enjoy going to previews, because I get to see new fashion, but you also get a feel of where the brand the going. Lane Bryant over the past several seasons continues to elevate with each passing collection. Between their line and collaborations, Lane Bryant has really worked on provided trend right clothing, while still having that classic aesthetic. Without future adieu, here is Fall lovers. 

Remember Allie? The pant I tried on earlier this season. She is back in new fall colors, and prints. She's paired with fun blazers (the plaid is my favorite), and oversized sweaters. I am definitely loving the silky bomber jackets. Also on my radar are the Calvin Klein inspired Cacique collection. I love the striped bra's, and boyshorts. 

Next up, my favorite topic- denim. For fall, it's still about great fit, but there is a bit of resurgence of the colored denim. The denim was very soft, and had a good amount of stretch. The denim was paired with great tops like ombre flowy tops, and cute denim tops with detailing. My favorite thing right now, is all the different ways the classic button up has been re-imaged. The fun sleeves are what I'm loving the most. Tee's in different washes and patches, were on full view. As a tee & denim girl, I'm all about having more options instead of just a skinny jean and white tee. Something small like patches, gives a simple tee added interest, and you don't have to (if you don't want to) dress them up. It's all about options. The more the merrier. 

This here is what I call Military Chic. I love camo jackets...let me say that again...I love camo jackets. It's an edgy neutral. There is nothing you can not wear a good camo jacket with. I would wear the camo jacket with the bra with lace overlay. It's soo fun and sexy. I am also crushing on the olive cape. Cape's have been something that I believe is not a one size fits all. Not all capes are made equal. You have to find the one that works for you and your look, and for me that one is it. I can't wait for it to come out so I can walk around the city looking so stylish with my cape and cute handbag. 

That is fall ladies. I know we are just starting to enjoy Spring (it's definitely been a rainy April here in NYC), but I figured sharing what's to come doesn't hurt...especially when you go ahead and start putting those coins aside sooner rather than later. Enjoy lovers!!!

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Chambray All Day

If you don't know I am a denim addict. A good pair of jeans puts me in the right mood. To me denim can be sexy, fun, casual, or serious. Over the past several years the amount of denim options has skyrocketed. No longer are we limited to just bootcut or skinny jeans, there's ton's with embellishments, fun detailing, and ruffles. What I am loving this season is all the Chambray options available in plus. When the temps rise, having the right denim is important. Having lighter washes and weights of denim allow for you to still wear denim, but not having to be uncomfortably hot. 

Rocking an all denim look is something that I always wanted to try, but I wanted it to look cool and not just denim overload. I figured wearing all lighter denim would be a great way to wear as much as I like without looking over the top. When I saw this awesome jacket from Eloquii, it was bought asap. A good denim jacket is always something you should have in rotation, but I love the flare sleeve detail. Sleeve details have been HUGE this season, so the fact that I as a plus size woman can partake in the trend and look amazing is an incentive to buy. Eloquii has been cranking out hit after hit, and this jacket is a great way to try out the trend. It's made from good stretch denim, so I was able to get this jacket in a size 18 and still have room for layering. If you are looking for a new jacket, the flare tie sleeve jacket is great for Spring. 

These jeans were a pair of crops from Eloquii that I bought a year ago. They still look and feel great. Since the pants sit up higher on the waist, I thought it would be great to wear a crop top to add a bit of a playful vibe. I originally was going to wear a chambray top, but the boxiness of the top with the jacket just made me look bulky, and I for one do not want that. The pants are no longer available, but here is an option available now.

What I love about this look is that I was able to tie in all chambray accessories and didn't have to break the bank to do so. My sunnies are the denim Ray-Ban Wayfarers that I have had for about a year now. The classic Wayfarer will never go out of style, add some denim, and you have a piece that will be classic for years to come. Anytime I wear these bad boys, I receive compliments. 

Finding this bag happen out of pure coincidence. I was on the Sam Edelman website checking out shoes, and something said hmm, I wonder if there are any bags that I may like. Even though I am all about carrying my entire life in one big bag, going smaller is great on the shoulders. Less stuff, less stress. I was looking at their bags from their Circus collection, and I spotted the Marion chambray shoulder bag. On the Sam Edelman site it was on sale for $83 but I did a google search and lo and behold found it on a promotional sale for less than $30!!! Mind you, this bag is originally $118, so I am definitely patting myself on the back for finding it cheaper. It has two compartments which held my wallet, keys, phone, and sunnies. Can't ask for anything more in a super cute handbag!

Last but not least, are my shoes. I was on Macy's website looking for some new sandals since it was their great shoe sale. Anytime I can get three pairs of shoes for 40% off plus free shipping, I am gong to check out what they have to offer. The Shasta frayed denim sandal is from the It Girl herself Zendaya line Day by Zendaya. These three inch block heels are easy to walk in and have a good amount of cushion so I was comfortable. The ankle strap fit just right and the shoes did not rub at all. This was my first purchase from her collection, and this will not be the last. 

So lovers, did I pull off my Chambray All Day look? Let me know what you think in the comments! Muah!

 

Flower Power

Florals & Spring- the pair will never break up, but this season I am seeing more darker florals that I am feeling. Once the temps rise one & done dressing is in full effect. All of my dresses and jumpsuits are in full rotation, and I could not be happier. The latest add to my collection is this super cute wide leg jumpsuit from Simply Be. 

What caught my eye was the bright shades of reddish orange, reds, rust and hints of olive. The jumpsuit does not stretch so I went with a size 18. When shopping for jumpsuits I always make sure the fit on the bottom is right. the 18 gave me some room, but it's not sloppy. This is definitely one of those jumpsuits that require a strapless bra so make sure you have a good one handy. Also, the zipper in the back is easy to reach, so no team is needed to get out of it. With this jumpsuit it can be easily dressed up or down, so it's great for those that are all about double duty dressing. I can throw this on with a pair of sneakers to run errands, a cute thong sandal while on vacation (something I need to plan asap), or with a blazer & heels for work. 

When it comes to belts, I either go to my tried and true black belt, or I just don't wear one. That changed when I saw this pineapple one. I loved the bright color, and I have become somewhat obsessed with pineapples this season. Even though I am not a big belt girl, this one will be on rotation. It's fun and cute, and if you are going to try something new, why not do it up and go bright. I have been on a shoe binge, and these Vince Camuto caged shoes were a part of the haul. The bright orange red color is vibrant, the cage detail gives the shoe an added interest and the heel is the perfect height for walking around NYC. Lately I have been all about cute flats and sneakers, but the Prisintha is slowly working her magic and changing my mind. The shoe comes in so many great colors for Spring, so there is a pair out there for you. 

I'm looking forward to this week of great weather, events, and time with friends while of course looking good. I am ecstatic to wear all my new looks, so definitely stay tuned.