Weekly Wishlist: A Little Sparkle

In college I had a lot of sparkly clothes in my wardrobe. When I graduated and stopped going to dance parties I got rid of a lot of my "going out" clothes. Gone are my sequined party dresses and glittery belts. As a result, I struggle when it comes to putting together outfits for events that require "cocktail" attire. I want to invest in some sparkly basics that can be remixed for formal events, or just for days when I feel like wearing a little something sparkly.

image via DSW.com

Plenty by Tracy Reese Naia Wedge Bootie- $129.95 at DSW

It's boot weather in Boston about 60% of the year, so these sparkly little booties would definitely come in handy. I can see them with a cocktail dress and some funky patterned tights for an event, or with opaque tights, a black pencil skirt and a sweater for the office. 

image via forever21.com

Cropped Sequined Jacket- $29.80 at Forever21

This color is listed as bronze on the website, but I think it looks more like a rose gold color. I'm a little obsessed with rose gold jewelry right now, so I love this little cropped jacket. I'd use it to dress up jeans and a tee.

image via Nordstrom.com

Adrianna Papell Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress- $140 at Norstrom

This dress isn't technically sparkly, but it's lacy and it's one of my favorite colors. It's sleeveless so it could be layered in cold weather or worn alone in warmer weather. There's also a 3/4 sleeve version if you don't like showing your arms.  I would style this dress with a sparkly blazer and pumps for an event, or with a cardigan and flats for the office. 

image via oldnavy.com

Braided Sparkle Belt- $8 at Old Navy

I love a braided belt, and this one is covered in pewter sequins! At $8 I'm strongly resisting the urge to order it for myself right now.

image via forever21.com

Sequined Scallop Skirt- $24.80 at Forever 21

Quality at Forever 21 is always a gamble, but how beautiful and delicate is this skirt? The sequined arches give it an art deco vibe, which I love. I think it would look great with a simple black sweater.

Which is your favorite?


PS: I did some blog design changes yesterday with my limited tech abilities. What do you think?

 

Purging

As I've mentioned on here a few times, my guy and I are moving in together. He's going to be living with me at my current apartment starting Friday (eek so soon!) and then we're moving into our first apartment together on September 1st. In preparation for the move, and the shared closet space that comes along with it, I've been slowly organizing and purging my wardrobe. Part of this process has been wearing items that I'm on the fence about or have trouble styling. 

This tshirt is one of those items. I love the coral print and modest neckline, but I have a hard time styling it in a way that doesn't look old/ matronly. A high waisted denim pencil skirt may not have been the best idea if I was trying not to look matronly, but it was Friday and I love this skirt! I think this shirt is going to be staying a little longer. I can see it working well with a cardigan and skinny jeans or slacks for fall. 

Outfit:

T Shirt: Target last year (solid colors still available)

Denim Pencil Skirt: Forever 21+ last summer

Belt: H&M

Shoes: Payless

Earrings: So Good

Bracelets: assorted 

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.

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? 

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?