Dealing with Chub Rub Part One: Shapewear/ Bike Shorts

I wanted to take a break from OOTD posts and Weekly Wishlists to talk about a curvy girl issue close to my heart. As much as I love spring and summer there is one little problem- chub rub. Chub rub is the irritation caused when your thighs rub together when you walk, and it doesn't just happen to plus size girls! I've had thick thighs for as long as I can remember. The first time I had issues with chub rub was the summer before my freshman year of college, when I was roughly a size 8. Sizes and pounds have come and gone, but irritated thighs remain.

I've found that the best way to totally prevent any irritation is to wear garments that cover the entire area. As a result, I almost always wear thigh slimming shapewear, tights, or bike shorts under my skirts and dresses. This presents its own set of challenges. Will the shorts or shapewear ride up or cause irritation? Will they be long enough? Will I get over heated? Can I afford several pairs?

In college I wore leggings or bike shorts under all my skirts and dresses. Bike shorts are surprisingly hard to find! They are the only thing I've ever been so desperate to find that I resulted to Walmart. Here are my favorites:

image via walmart.com

Danskin Now Bike Shorts- $12 for two at Walmart. 

After college I put on a little weight. I also became a city girl. With all that walking I wanted something more durable and more supportive. I tried a bunch of different brands and styles of shapewear over the course of a few years. I found most of them to be too tight, too restrictive, or just too hard to get up and down. I didn't want to feel like I was wearing a girdle, or 10 pairs of control-top pantyhose! Finally, while browsing the intimate apparel section of Marshall's, I found the perfect solution.

image via maidenform.com

Flexees Thigh Slimmer with lace- $22 from Maidenform

These little guys are amazing! They're lightweight, they aren't too binding, they stay where they're supposed to, and they're slimming. Plus the lace bottoms make them delicate and feminine. What more could a girl ask for? I got these thigh slimmers last spring at Marshall's for $12 each (I have two nude pairs and two black pairs). I think they'll last me a few more years because they still look brand new.

I still wear bike shorts on windy days and when I'm wearing shorter skirts, but my Flexees are my favorite. I won't wear a pencil skirt without them! What is your favorite shapewear garment?

Thanks for reading this text-heavy post. Next week I'll write a little about products to reduce chub rub.

Breezy Blue and Leopard

Are y'all tired of seeing me in dresses yet? I hope not, because the summer is just getting started! Tuesday I grabbed my favorite royal blue sundress and layered my thrifted leopard cardigan over it.

Most residences and many businesses in Boston do not have central air. It makes sense, since there are only a few days a year where temperatures climb above 85. My office has central air, and it's freezing! Hence, the necessity for a cardigan, even though it was 80 degrees outside!

Outfit:
Dress: ? TJ Maxx a few years ago
Cardigan: Old Navy thrifted
Bracelets: F21 and thrifted
Belt: H&M
Shoes: Payless

Weekend Recap: Two Sundresses

It was a very summery Memorial Day weekend in Boston. I didn't make it to any barbecues or to the beach, but I did spend a lot of time walking around Boston in the sunshine. It's weekends like this that remind me why I love this city, and why I love sundresses. They're so effortless and comfortable.

Saturday it was hot and humid. My beau and I took some measurements of our apartment, had brunch, walked around a bit, and then went to a house party in Cambridge. You may recognize this navy polka dot dress from this post. I have to say that I much prefer wearing it with sandals instead of tights and boots.

Outfit 1:
Dress: Target
Belt: H&M
Sandals: Payless (last year)
Necklace: gift
Sunnies: Forever21

Sunday my beau and I spent the day at the SoWa Market browsing vintage and local art, furniture and clothing and eating delicious food truck treats. I wore denim shorts, but didn't get any pictures.

This outfit is from Monday and was taken in the Boston Public Garden. I spent the day catching up and shopping with a friend who is in town for a summer internship. I also bought these awesome mint green canvass shoes for $13 at H&M and immediately put them on. They are super comfy and will be getting a ton of wear this summer.

Outfit 2:
Dress: H&M last summer
Belt: Target
Shoes: H&M (available in stores)
Sunnies: Forever21



Want to keep up with me on the weekends? Follow me on twitter!  What did you wear this weekend?

Another Polka Dot Dress

Happy Friday, y'all! Are you as happy as I am that it is a three day weekend? I will be taking some measurements of my future apartment, hanging out with my beau, doing a little thrifting, and spending as much time as possible outdoors

This is the third polka dot printed dress I've added to my closet in the past year. I can't imagine it will be the last. I am a little addicted. I was initially attracted to the solid colored mint green version, but unfortunately the only dress left in my size in that color had a giant makeup stain on it.

I love the shape of this dress, it reminds me of something Zooey Deschanel would wear and it makes me want to spin! My only complaint is that the pale pink patent leather looking belt that came with the dress is so big that I had to poke an extra hole in it.

Outfit:
Dress and Belt: H&M
Earrings: Yard Sale!
Bracelets: thrifted
Flats: Payless.


What are your plans for the long weekend?

Weekly Wishlist: Rompin Around

About two weeks ago I tried on a romper at Forever 21 as a joke. Much to my shock and dismay I actually liked it. I probably would have purchased it if it had not been strapless (I was worried about my girls falling out). I like the idea of a romper in theory. One piece, comfortable and effortless... like a sundress but without the need for precautions against the dreaded chub-rub.

Still I was  hesitant/ filled with self doubt. The last time I wore a romper was when scrunchies were still cool. Can I really pull one off? Then I saw this romper on GabiFresh (seriously how cute is she!?!) and I decided I have to add at least one romper to my wardrobe.

image via forever21.com

Abstract Print Romper- $24.80 from Forever 21+

 Y'all know how I feel about polka dots. This romper is my favorite choice. I will probably order it on payday. I like that it has sleeves and is super colorful. Available in sizes XL-2X.

image via torrid.com

Leopard Romper- $120.50 from Torrid

Leopard, sweatheart neckline, awesome. Love this romper, HATE the price. The only clothing items I'll pay more than $100 for are winter coats and leather boots Please let me know if you've seen a more reasonably priced alternative. Available in sizes 12-24.

image via target.com

Ruffled Romper in Navy Floral- $18 from Target

This Target romper is available in a few different prints and colors. I like the floral print, and the ruffle is fun.

Available in sizes XS-XL.

image via uniquevintage.com

Red Gingham Playsuit- $124 from Unique Vintage

This romper has an adorable vintage feel. I'd love to have it to wear to a 4th of July party, but it's also a little over priced. Available in sizes XS-XL.

What are your thoughts on rompers? 

All Busines

This week is a busy week for me at work. Interviews, meetings and trainings every day mean dressing up a little more than I normally do. When I have to go a little less casual with my business casual I have a hard time getting dressed day to day. This outfit is nothing special, but pretty representative of my day to day officewear.

When I can't decide what to wear and a dress really isn't an option I reach for my trusty black pencil skirt. I've been enjoying the fact that the weather is finally at a point where I don't feel like I need a cardigan every day. Unfortunately the AC was turned up really high at my office, so I ended up wearing a blazer all day.

Outfit:
Skirt: Target last year
Blouse: TJMaxx last year (also seen here)
Belt: H&M
Shoes: Payless

Wicked Stylish

I rarely get comments on what I wear from coworkers and when I do it is typically a simple "cute dress" or "nice shoes" in passing. Last Thursday one of the facilities guys popped into my office and asked "are you into fashion?". I, of course, responded with "yea, why?". He proceeded to complement me on being well put together and to tell me my outfit was "wicked stylish".

I love this dress. The combination of the color-blocking and the rouching make the dress super slimming and flattering. It's long enough for work and has a modest neckline, yet I feel kinda sexy in it. Especially with these leopard print wedges.

Outfit:
Dress: Lodon Times via TJMaxx
Wedges: Payless
Bracelet: Thrifted

Weekend recap: Newport, RI

On Saturday my beau, Mike, and I celebrated the end of his first year of law school with a little day-trip. First we went to Ikea to get some ideas for our apartment. We got some new bedding and some kitchen items and we made a list of furniture pieces we might like to get when we're finally in our first place together in September. 

After the quick Ikea walk through (Mike is not a shopper) we headed down to Newport, RI for some sunshine, sand and seafood! 

Mike and I on Easton's Beach

The view from our table at dinner

Best lobster roll ever!

First we got some sunshine and dipped our feet in the water at Easton's beach, and we took a walk on the Cliff Walk. We wrapped up our day trip with dinner at the Marina Cafe and Pub. It is a cute little seafood restaurant a little off the beaten path. Dinner was delicious, but the best part was our amazing view of the harbor. 

How was your weekend?

Made Up

I didn't get a chance to write an outfit post last night because I was too enthralled with the season finale of Grey's Anatomy and with a special on TLC called "Obese and Expecting". I know, I know. I like bad TV. You can judge me if you want to. Anyways, I thought I'd do something a little different today and post about my other love- make up.

I love make up. I have never considered putting my make up on a chore. In fact, it's my favorite 5-10 minutes of my morning. I consider it my me time. Here are the products I'm using most right now:

Concealer: Boiing by Benefit cosmetics- $19 at Sephora

First, I cover my blemishes and dark circles with boiing concealer. I also use it on my eyelids as an eyeshadow base/ to lighten up my eyes. This concealer changed my life, and I'm not being over dramatic by saying that! I have really dark under eye circles and I looked for something to cover them for years. Finally I found boiing, and I've never looked back since. It's well worth the $19, especially since it lasts me about tusix months. Boiing is available anywhere Benefit is sold. I usually buy mine at Macy's because it's more convenient than Sephora. 

Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Airbrushing Loose Powder SPF 30- $13.99 at Ulta

Next I use a loose powder foundation. I've tried a lot in my day, but my current favorite is Physician's Formula Airbrushing powder. I love that it has SPF 30 and evens my skin tone without covering up my freckles. However, I don't use the brush it came with because it was scratchy on my face.  One of these usually lasts me about 6 months and I buy it at CVS.

Elf Color stick in Persimmon $1 at Target

One thing I don't like to spend a ton of money on is blush/ bronzer. This creamy stick does the job and doubles as a shimmer lip color.

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Pallet- $50 at Sephora

My college roommate/ bff introduced me to Urban Decay eyeshadow. I'm obsessed. They're so expensive, but the quality is amazing. They actually stay on my face all day! Lately I've been keeping it neutral and using the Naked1 pallet my mom got me for Christmas. Sin, half baked, smog and hustle are my favorite colors for day to day wear. 

 Stila Major Lash Mascara $8.50 at Ulta

I've been using this Stila mascara for a few years. I panicked when Sephora stopped carrying it because I thought it had been discontinued. Luckily it is still available at Ulta and Macy's. It's just as cheap as the drug store brands, but has a little more staying power. I also like the smaller brush. Plus, I'm a contact lense wearer and it never irritates my contacts!

Add some chapstick, and that's it. I try to keep it simple. I can usually do my makeup in 5 minutes, closer to 10 if I'm doing more elaborate eye shadow, or if I have a lot of stubborn blemishes. Here's a little cellphone before and after for you:

Before

After

Pretty subtle eh? What's your makeup routine like? Any products you can't live without?

Swap 'til You Drop

Wednesday was a really busy day for me, so I wanted an effortless outfit. When I want effortless I always reach for a dress. This is the version of my outfit I wore to the Fiesta Swap event hosted by the Swapaholics. For work I opted for flats and a cardi (like I did here). 

I had a lot of fun at the swap. I am still a little timid/ shy around big groups of bloggers, but I'm getting a little better at introducing myself and starting conversations. Maybe after a few more events I'll be an old pro?

I came away from the swap with 4 new pieces. Unfortunately, I won't be able to wear one of the items (it's a romper that I mistook for a blouse), but I will definitely be wearing the lacy beige dress and hot pink beaded  angora cardigan I scored from Sara very soon!

Outfit:
Dress: Old Navy
Jacket: JCrew via Goodwill
Shoes: Payless last year
Belt: H&M
Necklace: gift

Have you had any luck at clothes swaps?

Ignoring the Numbers

I've been searching for an animal print pencil skirt for a long time. I was delighted when I saw this zebra print one on the rack at TJMaxx for just $15!

Around the time that I started this blog, I also set out on a mission to improve my health. I started eating better, and joined a gym. For me it isn't about loosing weight, but that has been one of the many positive side effects of getting healthy. I try really hard not to get caught up in the numbers, so I don't know exactly how much I've lost, but I am starting to notice a difference in the way clothes fit and the way I feel.

Despite my efforts to ignore the numbers, I'm reminded of them every time I go shopping. I almost passed this skirt up because of the number on the tag. It looked like it might fit, but I thought "no, that size will never fit me!" Regardless of what size you are, never pass up an item because of the number on the tag. If it looks like it might fit, try it on! Do not let the numbers define you.

Outfit:
Skirt: TJ Maxx
Tank: H&M Conscious Collection
Cardigan: Old Navy
Sandals: Payless
Necklace: very, very old

Weekly Wishlist: Colorful Swimwear

My beau, Mike, and I are brainstorming ideas for a beach vacation. I spent most of my childhood living in South Texas, so I spent my weekends, and sometimes my weekdays at the beach from April- October. Even when I lived in Maryland there were river/ bay beaches right at my fingertips and trips to Seabrooke Island, SC with family in the summer. I long for the sand between my toes, the breeze off the water, the fresh seafood.

What I don't long for is swimsuit shopping.

Although I am definitely on the road to body acceptance, I'll be the first to admit that I'm not quite there yet. I don't mind showing my stomach, arms, chest, but I prefer to hide my upper thighs. I feel most comfortable in a skirted bikini or one piece. The problem is that skirted suits tend to fall into two categories. 1. Matronly, shapeless, or simply too much coverage or 2. not enough skirt to provide the coverage that I need.  The other obstacle I face is that I'm bigger on the bottom than I am on the top.

I can usually get around these issues by purchasing separates. I have two plain black swim skirts that I pair with cuter tops from more trendy swim wear collections. This has suited me fine for the last few summers (pun intended), but I really want to add some color into my swimwear repertoire. Here are a few colorful suits I've got my eye on.

Image via Alwaysforme.com

Salinas Print Twist Front Bandeau One Piece- $89 from Always For Me

I love the bright blues in this suit. The website shows the back of the suit and it appears to provide a good deal of booty coverage. Also the straps are removable! I recently discovered Always for Me. They are a plus size retailer specializing in swimwear, activewear and lingerie. I love so many of the suits on their site, but I think this one is my favorite. it would be a great one-piece option. Solid color option here. Available in sizes 16W-24W.

Mossimo Plus size Swim Skirt in Boysenberry- $22.99 at Target

Colorblock halter bandeu top

Paisley Halter top

Striped Bandeau tankini top

I have this swimskirt from Target in black from a few summers ago, and it is one of my favorites. I am really pleased to see it online in some bright colors! This boysenberry color is my favorite because I found the greatest variety of tops to go with it, but I also love the turquoise! The swim skirt is available in the plus sizes 1X-3X. The tops all come in sizes XS-XL and are $19.99 each. When buying separates, I like buying multiple tops so I can choose how much coverage I want.

image via jcrew.com

image via jcrew,com

Seersucker Skirted Bottom $64 and Halter top $48 in Bright Citrus, both from JCrew

I've never tried on a JCrew Suit before, so I don't even know if their largest size bottom would fit me. I am a sucker for seersucker and yellow. This suit is just too cute not to include! Top and Bottoms available in sizes XS-XL.

image via mindbodylingerie.com

Strapless Polka Dot Swimdress $59.95 from Mind Body Lingerie

 I had to throw in one last suit, because y'all know I can't pass up a polka dot. This suit is adorable, but I don't think it'd be good for any actual swimming as it doesn't have straps. I've never heard of Mind Body Lingerie, and the site appears a little risque, but they have cute retro inspired suits in a variety of sizes. This suit is available in XS to XXL.

What is your favorite style of swimsuit? Know of any good plus size swimsuit retailers?

Sweet Summery Saturday

The past few days have been truly beautiful. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that summer, or at least the warmer part of spring, has finally arrived. On Saturday I decided to do a little experimentation with my tripod in the outdoor area behind my apartment building. My little point and click doesn't do very well with sunlight.

I did some shopping this weekend. I hadn't planned on spending any of my birthday money on clothes or accessories, but I was bad and bought a few things. I still have enough birthday cash left for an inexpensive bike and a few apartment things, so I don't feel too guilty about it. 

Outfit:

Tank Top- Forever 21

Skirt- H&M last year

Cardigan- Target (very old)

Sandals- Forever 21

This skirt has gone into my "donate/ sell" pile several times, but I always change my mind and give it anther shot. I think I am in love with it again. We'll see if I change my mind next time I wear it. 

Thank Goodwill It's Friday!

TGIF everyone! Between all the rain we had this week and my four day weekend last week, this week has felt like the longest week ever. I wanted to take a moment to do a quick post about my first ever blogger event. Last Thursday I attended a behind the scenes event at Goodwill Boston's headquarters. The event was hosted by  Melissa and Amy of the Swapaholics. I'll admit I was a little intimidated at first, but I felt instantly welcomed by all the women that attended!

Goodwill generously provided us each with a 50% off coupon and some time to shop in the massive Huntington Ave store. I was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the store and ended up saving my coupon for a trip to my local store in Jamaica Plain. I'm glad I did because I found an awesome JCrew Denim Jacket for only $5 with my coupon.

After shopping we got to hear more about Goodwill's services, mission, and then tour their awesome distribution center.

Did you know that about 86 cents of every dollar spent at one of their stores goes directly to their amazing programs and that they are able to sell or recycle almost everything that is donated? For more information about Goodwill Mass check out their website, follow them on twitter @Goodwillboston or check out their Facebook page. 

Be sure to tweet about your favorite thrifted or vintage finds every Friday with hashtag #thankgoodwillitsfriday.

Live in the Boston area? Here's an awesome 20% off coupon to use at any store in Eastern/ Central Mass.

My Outfit:
Shirt: H&M Conscious Collection
Blazer: Forever 21- last year
Scarf: Target
Bag: Jason Wu for Target
Jeans: Forever 21+

*** All pictures from the Swapaholics' post about the event.

A Dress for All Seasons

It's no secret that I love dresses. This dress is one of my new favorites. A few weeks ago I wore it with layers on a chilly day. Monday it was sunny and in the high 60s, so I couldn't wait to let the dress stand on its own.

I just want to talk for a minute about these shoes. I found them on clearance at DSW last spring for about $30. They are one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I have ever owned. Wearing them is like walking on tiny clouds. I would buy more Spring Step brand slingbacks all the time if they weren't so expensive at full price.

Outfit:

Dress: H&M

Shoes: Spring Step from DSW (Similar here)

Birthday/ Derby/ Cinco de Mayo

Saturday night I met up with my guy for a delicious sushi dinner. Then we met up with some friends at Kingston Station for some delicious cocktails and truffle fries to celebrate my 25th and his 26th (his birthday is May 3rd). I asked people to wear their spring finery, since it was Derby day after all.

I had a wonderful birthday. I got a lot of cash, which I plan on spending on a bike and some apartment items. My guy got me a  really awesome book of Degas's nude drawings from an exhibit we saw at the MFA a few months ago.

I purchased this dress at H&M back in March, but it hasn't made an appearance on the blog yet. I love the print and the style, at $30 I couldn't pass it up. I know it's going to be a godsend on those really humid, hot summer days. It's long enough for work and has a fairly modest, sleeveless neckline.
Outfit:
Dress/belt: H&M
Denim Jacket: JCrew (thirfted at Goodwill for $5!)
Shoes: Payless
Hat: Target
Necklace (worn as bracelet): thrifted

Nautical Adventures

Sorry for the lack of posts! My staycation didn't go quite as I'd planned, but I still had a great birthday and a nice, long relaxing weekend. I had this post ready to go yesterday, but it turns out I had put the wrong date for this month's Everybody, Everywear in my calendar.

Friday I slept in a bit and then headed to my local Goodwill store. Since I'm usually working weekday mornings, I wanted to relish the rare opportunity to catch the new merchandise when the store opened. I chose to wear something nautical for EBEW, since I wouldn't be able to the rest of the weekend, or Monday.

In my opinion, nothing says nautical quite like navy and white stripes. I paired my trusty striped cardigan with my red polka dot sundress. I was really excited to pull this sun dress out of storage, so I wore it even though it was a little cloudy and chilly outside. I was also really excited to tie my recently thrifted sailboat scarf to my bag. 

Outfit:

Dress: H&M

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters clearance (men's)

Shoes: Aldo (thrifted)

Scarf: thrifted

bag: H&M 

                                                          

Kitty Cats and Twitter

Hips and Hangers is now on twitter! I would love it if you would follow me! For no good reason I resisted twitter for a really long time. But after attending my first every blogger event last night (more about that later) I decided it is time I start tweeting. 

Please allow me to introduce you to my four-legged roommate, Myles. He frequently photo bombs me, but it's usually in a way that I can crop him out (above). Either that or I get so distracted by how cute he is that I make awful faces at the camera or don't look at it at all (below). 

Currently Myles belongs to my roomate and friend Janeen, but she is moving into an apartment that doesn't allow kitty cats, so I might get to Myles's new human! 

Outfit:

Dress: H&M

Cardigan: Old Navy

Necklace: Eloquii

Shoes: Payless

Isn't he the cutest?

Pinspiration

When I bought my first pair of blue pants I went a little crazy pinning pictures of people wearing blue pants on Pinterest. After all that, I never referred back to any of them That is until Sarah from Simply Sarah posted a Pin Off/ link up Challenge. Here's the pin I settled on for my inspiration:

Photo on Pinterest via curvygirlchic.com

Here's my take on it:

This blouse is one of the newest additions to my closet. it has a very Audrey Hepburn-esque vibe and I just love it. I had planned to wear black opened toe shoes and my white cardigan, but it was a chilly day, so I went for a warmer cardigan and flats, so it actually doesn't look anything like the picture. Oh well. 

                                            Outfit:

Blouse: thrifted

Cardigan: Old Navy

Pants: Target

Flats: Target

Necklace: thrifted