Musings of a Fatshionista // Fashuns for the Fat & Fancy!

Thursday November 12, 2009 at 10:52

150 / IN OUR SIZE: PHI FALL 2009

Lately I’ve gone on a bit of a faux fur shopping spree, adding three fur collars and another fur vest to my collection. However I found myself in a bit of a rut when it came to how to wear them. You can only wear a fur collar so many ways right? I started browsing nymag.com perusing through old collections for inspiration and Phi definitely popped out at me. Not only because it was all black but because I could immediately see myself recreating the looks for plus sizes. So I’ve taken 3 of my favorite looks from the collection and re-assembled them using only plus size clothing. I also threw a wildcard one in because I am determined to find a way to make a bodystocking look chic!

1. Mossimo Long Gloves 2. Merona Turtleneck 3. Black Belt 4. Faith21 Double Strap Jacket 5. H&M Black Fur Collar 6. Grey Skinny Trouser 7. Jeffrey Campbell Whip-2 Booties

1. Leather Jacket 2. 4-Chain Belt 3. Carmakoma Skirt 4. Black Tights 5. Quilted Gloves 6. Black Creepers

1. Black Leggings 2. Under-Bust Belt 3. H&M Black Fur Collar 4. Jeffrey Campbell Whip-2 Booties 5. 6. Cable Cardigan 7. Sweater Dress

1. Black Lace Bodystocking 2. Bike Short 3. Black Creepers 4. Leather Jacket 5. H&M Black Fur Collar 6. Quilted Black Gloves 7. 4-Chain Belt

When you’re in a rut fashion-wise, where do you look for inspiration? Bloggers? Magazines? Runway shows?

Monday October 05, 2009 at 16:53

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121/ MELODY EHSANI FALL 2009 COLLECTION

Back in April, I posted Melody Ehsani’s spring 2009 collection. She recently unveiled her new fall collection ‘Final Frontier’ and as usual there are pieces I’m definitely liking!

She says:

“This series for me was very much inspired by being my true self.

Interconnectedness, Intergalactic, Inter - related.

ONENESS

and the belief in looking back to Nature- the source - to reconnect with the Divine Design….remember who you are….and the belief that you can teleport to where you want to be as soon as you close your eyes to see…”

The good thing is that the rings go up to size 14! What do you guys think? Do you see anything that you like? I am leaning towards to the double-chain 3-finger ring as well as the triangle necklace plate.

She also posted a teaser image from her upcoming fall 09 shoe collection. All I can say is glittery strappy goodness!

(images from melodyehsani.com)

Friday September 25, 2009 at 13:29

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116 / JUST LAUNCHED: MONIF C FALL COLLECTION

A few weeks ago, I posted the fall 2009 collection of the Monif C Marilyn convertible dresses. Well today, the entire fall line launched and let me tell you, it’s quite fierce. This time, our model is none other than Fluvia Lacerda, who is one of my favorite models, plus or not. The styling of this shoot is giving me everything I need on this rainy Friday afternoon! The big hair, the cat eye makeup, the red lips, the perfectly tanned skin… perfection! Take a look at some of the photos below and tell me what you think!

I ALMOST love the sequin dress. If only it had more a bodycon fit, I’d be all over it. But the zipper trench, swoop dress and zebra dress are all mine! Are there any pieces that you like? Let me know in the comments!

ps. Be sure to check out Monif’s blog as well as her twitter for up-to-date information.

Tuesday September 22, 2009 at 12:38

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111 / EVANS AUTUMN CATALOG

This morning while routinely checking my email (one of favorite things to do!), I came across an e-blast from Evans advertising their new Autumn collection catalog. Remembering back in August, they had the “Evans Wishlist” campaign on Twitter, I was curious to see if any of the wishes had been incorporated into the new collection. I was pleasantly surprised to see that some things were. There’s studs, lots of sequins (yay!) and super cute dresses and jackets and coats. There’s also a selection of leggings and jeggings (jeans + leggings) as well as business wear for the professional set. You can view the entire catalog here.

I’ve selected a few of my favorite spreads from the catalog below. Let me know what you guys think! Is there anything you like?

While I would love more dresses and skirts, I definitely feel like they are going in the right direction. The fact that they are using social networking sites like Twitter to talk and interact directly with consumers to ask what they want and then actually producing it, is amazing! They have a leg up on a lot of other sites that are not doing the same.

Friday August 28, 2009 at 15:43

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088 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: ONE SHOULDER

I remember first indulging in this trend in high school. That was back when sports jerseys were made into dresses. Yes, I had a one-shouldered sports jersey dress. My fashions back then were sooo bad! Now that it has come back to the forefront of fashion, I actually really like the assymetric look on tops and dresses. There’s a sophistication about it that is quite interesting as evidenced by the clothes below.

Chic Star One-Shoulder Chiffon Goddess Dress | Chic Star One-Shpulder Slim Dress

Chic Star One shoulder Mini Dress | Chic Star One Shoulder Boho Maxi Dress

Monif C Marilyn Convertible Dress | Chic Star Black One Shoulder Goddess Dress

ASOS One Shoulder Pleated Bubble Hem Top | ASOS One Sleeve Mesh Insert Dress

ASOS Circuit Board One Shoulder Dress | Jessica London One Shoulder Assymetric Dress

JIBRI Crinkled Knit One Shoulder Dress | JIBRI One Shoulder Evening Dress

The only thing I ask is that, if you join in on this trend, please be sure to be wearing the correct bra. No visible bra straps!

Thursday August 27, 2009 at 17:01

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087 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: NEON, NEON, NEON!

Continuing with 80s throwback, here we have the re-emergence of everything neon. This is one of the only trends that I’ve noticed (maybe other than acidwash) that causes such a reaction. People either hate it or love it, no inbetween. I’m going to be honest, I am not the biggest fans of it (contrary to the neon coloring of the blog design ha!). Not because of any major reason, I just tend to always lean towards black, as evidenced by my outfit a few posts ago. Although after seeing Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors A/W09 shows, I just may change my mind.

Neon clothing and accessories have popped up in many stores and although people may perceive them to be too loud or too young, anyone can join in on this trend. Whether its something bold like a jacket or leggings or something more subdued like a clutch or bracelet, there’s something for everyone. Below are some items that you can use to turn up the volume on your wardrobe this fall.

Pinks/Magentas/Purples

Dorothy Perkins Pink Tiered Coat | Dorothy Perkins Pink Fold Neck Lantern Dress

Alloy Balletneck Tunic | Dorothy Perkins Bodycon Dress

Faith21 Bold Floral Woven Dress | Dorothy Perkins Black Colour Block Dress

Tripp Pink Streak Zipper Twill Pant | Tripp Neon Purple Overdye Skinny Pant

Lip Service White Neon Splatter Pant | Tripp Neon Pink Overdye Pant

Alloy Hooded Babydoll Coat | Torrid Neon Pink Leggings

Alloy Cocoon Cardigan | Torrid Neon Violet Leggings

Dorothy Perkins Purple Tiered Coat | Dorothy Perkins Quilted Stud Purse | Torrid Gem Ring | Torrid Chunky Link Necklace

Evans Cherise Belted Showerproof Mac | Torrid Pink Dreamcatcher Earrings | Torrid Oval Fuschia Gem Cocktail Ring | Torrid Silver & Neon Pink Round Stone Ring | Dorothy Perkins Pink Flouro Crossbody Bag

Turquoises

Dorothy Perkins Jade Bodycon Dress | | Topshop Precious High Shoe | Torrid Turquoise Spray Paint Bangle | Dorothy Perkins Jade Snakesin Quilted Bag

Alloy Short Hooded Peacoat | Alloy Teal Off-The-Shoulder Dress

Yellows/Limes

Dorothy Perkins Ochre Tiered Coat | Dorothy Perkins Lime Long-Sleeve Cardigan

Tripp Neon Green Twill Pant | Dorothy Perkins Yellow Flouro Crossbody Bag | Dorothy Perkins Supersoft Lim Scarf | Topshop Larissa Velcro Strap Sandal | Dorothy Perkins Lime Hinge Belt

Wednesday August 26, 2009 at 14:00

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086 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: 80’S GRAPHIC LEGGINGS

Whether or not one is actually old enough to remember the 80s and all of its cheesy, yet amazing elements (‘85 baby checking in!) doesn’t matter. From the music to the fashion scene, everything is coming back slowly but surely. Fashion designers are bringing back all those horrific things (shoulder pads, neon, acidwash etc) modernizing them and making them must-have items this season.

This installment profiles my love of obnoxious 80s-inspired leggings. I am a bonafied lover of leggings because they can go from day to night with a quick change of accesories. I’m all about versatility in my wardrobe. Below are a selection of leggings that you can add to your wardrobe to add a bit of 80s nostalgia to your life.

Also keep in mind, leggings are made of very stretchy material. Don’t be afraid to try them on because a size large may just fit!

F21 Abstract Slated Leggings | F21 Groovy Tulip Leggings

F21 Abstract Letter Leggings | F21 Paint Splatter Leggings

F21 GeoShapes Leggings | F21 Ikat Granite Knit Leggings

F21 Cut Out Leggings | ASOS Slash Leggings

ASOS Domino Leggings | ASOS Knotted Slash Leggings

Beth Ditto for Evans Swirl Print Leggings | ASOS Denim Look Leggings

Evans Purple Foil Leggings | Evans Silver Foil Leggings

Old Navy Polka Dot Lace Trim Leggings | Torrid Purple & Neon Green Leopard Print Leggings

These leggings below literally made me gasp out loud. Bondage leggings? Why yes, yes please! In both colors, thanks!

ASOS Bondage Leggings

Friday August 21, 2009 at 14:06

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079 / ELENA MIRO FALL 2009

While we’re on the subject of plus size clothing on the runway, let’s talk about Elena Miro’s fall 2009 collection. Elena Miro is the only label to show at Milan Fashion Week that caters to the plus sized consumer.

“The Elena Miro Woman is trendy, dynamic and well-informed and has no intention of missing out on what fashion in offering in standard sizes.”

That perfectly describes myself and everyone that reads this blog. We are all Elena Miro Women. Its exciting that a label is out that has the same outlook about fashion as we do! While everything they produce isn’t my cup Of tea, its incredibly fashionable. The fall collection was a prime example of this. Using luxurious fabrics like chiffon, lace and satin, the collection was quite feminine and had a elegant sophistication about it. I could definitely see myself wearing it in the future when I’m out of my ‘all-black, studded and torn’ phase.

As well as a runway collection, this season Elena Miro is offering a Sport collection. Full of impeccably made basics like turtlenecks, riding pants, knits and accessories perfect for layering when the weather gets cold.

While browsing their site, I also noticed a catalog section which features looks not seen on the runway nor in the Sport collection. I’m not sure what collection these belong to but I’m loving the color story, especially those turquoise gloves!

Unfortunately they do not have a store in the US, so the chance to see the clothes in person are slim to none. However, the label is based in Italy so all my Italian readers are in luck! Also, if you find yourself in the UK, Harrod’s carries the line as well.

What do you guys think of Elena Miro?

(text and images from Elena Miro; Other images from Adversus.com)

Friday August 14, 2009 at 15:33

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074 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: KNEE/THIGH HIGH BOOTS

One of the collections that stuck out in my mind from the a/w 09 fashion season was Rodarte. As always, the Mulleavy sisters blew me away with their intricate knit work and mix of feminine and masculine pieces. In addition, the boots. Oh man, the boots! In collaboration with Nicholas Kirkwood, Rodarte sent down thigh-high goodness wrapped up with straps and buckles of all kinds. Thigh-high boots were spotted everywhere from designers like Gareth Pugh, Emilio Pucci, Giuseppe Zanotti, Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton.

Wanting to get in on this trend as a plus-sized lady can be pretty difficult. A lot of the super cute boots don’t have wide enough shafts to accommodate larger calves. Those that do, unfortunately aren’t always the cutest styles. However, all is not lost because I’ve done a bit of digging and uncovered a few styles that work for those of us with thicker legs. Not all are of the thigh-high height, some are of the knee-high and mid-calf variety as well.

Silhouettes Braided Trim Boots | Torrid Caramel Megan Western Boot

Chinese Laundry Turbo Leather Wedge Boot (As modeled on Gabi)

Torrid Brown Faux Suede Ashley Boot | Silhoette Pleated Boot

Torrid Black Aunika Boot | Vanity Ultra-Wide Boots

Evans Black Leather High Leg Boots | Vanity Thigh High Boots With Laces

The Vanity Thigh Highs w/ laces are at the absolute top of my list this fall. They remind me of the Gareth Pugh ones minus the platform. What do you guys think? Will you give in to this trend?

Thursday August 13, 2009 at 16:07

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071 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: BOYFRIEND-INSPIRED

Effortless chic perfectly describes the boyfriend-inspired trend, which is perfect for a girl like me, who often oversleeps and runs late for work everyday. I am the queen of throwing a cardigan on over anything and calling it a day. As someone who rarely wears jeans of any kind, I took the plunge a few months ago and purchased a pair of boyfriend jeans from Torrid. I admit, they did sit in my closet for 2-3 months before I actually wore them for the first time. Now they have become a staple in my summer wardrobe and will carry me into the colder months. Perfect with flats or platform heels, they are quite versatile.

This trend is all about comfort and nothing is more comfortable than an oversized men’s shirt. Last fall, I was buying up men’s plaid shirts left and right to wear over my short black dresses and skirts. This fall, I’m wearing them with graphic leggings, platform heels, and tons of accessories (inspired by Kate Lanphear).

Here are a few pieces that you can add to your wardrobe this fall to acheive this look.

Torrid Purple Cardigan | Torrid Sweater Vest Tunic

Evans Boyfriend Cardigan | Alloy Boyfriend Cardigan

Old Navy Womens’ Plus Weekend Jeans | Evans Roll Up Boyfriend Jeans

Dorothy Perkins Sequin Boyfriend Blazer | Evans Grey Stripe Boyfriend Shirt

Calvin Klein Gibson Boyfriend Jean | Dorothy Perkins Cobalt/Blue Dogtooth Blazer

Dorothy Perkins Red Pointed Brogue shoes | Dorothy Perkins Black & White Checkered Men’s Shirt

Pour La Victoire Charlie Oxfords | Candela NYC Spectator Oxford

Torrid Rolled Cuff Boyfriend Jean | Torrid Boyfriend Blazer

What do you guys think of this trend? Will you give in and purchase a few things?

Next up… Boots!

Wednesday August 12, 2009 at 15:41

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068 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: MESH/LACE/SLASHED

One of the biggest trends this fall is mesh-anything. Whether its mesh, lace, or slashed up cotton, clearly lots of skin will be shown in the coming months. I am an avid fan of this because while we love fall because it allows us to add layer upon layer, sometimes its fun to show a bit of skin in those colder months. And who doesn’t love that?

Below are some of my favorite pieces featuring this trend. I am totally in love with the idea of a lace dress. I’ve added that to my Evans’ wishlist so hopefully, maybe it will appear on their site soon!

ASOS Long Sleeve Ladder Dress | ASOS Slash Back Dress

Dorothy Perkins Ladder Jumper | ASOS Slash Dress

Evans Animal Mesh Dress | Torrid Black & Neon Yellow Slashed Tee

Dorothy Perkins Cutabout Leggins (Have them. LOVE them.) | Dorothy Perkins Lace Leggings

ASOS Lace Dress | eDressMe 3/4 Sleeve Scalloped Boudoir Lace Dress

Faith21 Lace Leggings | Torrid Black Lace Bow-Back Dress

MissPhit Lace Diva | Nordstroms JS Boutique Beaded Mesh Jersey

I have my eye on that Nordstroms dress. If you shorten it a few inches and pair it with a leather bomber jacket, it could be amazing. Are you guys feeling this mesh trend?

Next up: the Boyfriend trend!

Tuesday August 11, 2009 at 13:32

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066 / CARMAKOMA FALL 2009 COLLECTION

A couple weeks ago, I mentioned that Carmakoma was having a massive sale to make way for their new Fall 2009 collection. Well ladies, the time has come! Much like their earlier collections, the color palette is made up mostly black, but there are also pops of colors like purple, gray, pink and metallic gray. The aesthetic is very much a mix of masculine and feminine and just the fall 2009 Boyfriend trend (to be profiled later in the week), there’s many pieces that can worn slouchy to give off that effortless vibe. Also, there is a coat with a high collar that I am dying for!

I’ve selected a few pieces from the lookbook to showcase below. What do you think of this collection?

Check out the rest of the lookbook at here! Also there are lots of other goodies on the site like behind-the-scenes videos and more!

Monday August 10, 2009 at 14:36

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064 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: STRONG SHOULDERS

The second installment of the fall 2009 trend alerts comes in the form of strong shoulders. Recently seen on everyone from Victoria Beckham to Rihanna to Kim Kardashian, this structured trend is taking over the fashion world. A new and evolved version of the 80s shoulderpads, strong shoulders gives a powerful feel to even the most basic shirts. Below are a few pieces you can add to give your fall wardrobe a totally new feeling.

People may feel that because many of the pieces go up to a UK20/22 that they cannot wear it if they are larger than those sizes. I beg to differ, I have lots of UK20/22 items in my closet and I am a US 22/24. Many, if not all, of these items are made up of jersey and we all know that jersey stretches. Do not be fooled by the size that is on the tag, try things on because they just may fit.

ASOS Jersey Shoulder Pad Dress | ASOS Swirly Print Shoulder Detail Bodycon Dress

ASOS Drop Armhole Shoulder Pad Tee | ASOS Shoulder Fin Top

ASOS Drape Sleeve Scoop Top | ASOS Shoulder Pad Top

Topshop Cosmic Shoulder Dress | Dorothy Perkins Silver Power Sleeve Dress

Dorothy Perkins Cobalt Power Tube Dress | Dorothy Perkins Blue Embellished Dress

Next trend up, Mesh/See-through…

Friday August 07, 2009 at 12:03

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062 / FALL 2009 TREND ALERT: STUDS GALORE!

Everyone knows that my favorite season is Fall, when the weather is comfortably cool and the fashions are layered. So in preparation for Fall’s arrival, I’m planning to highlight 10 or so of the hottest trends this Fall and showcase their plus-size equivalent. Most know that I’m not too much of a trendy dresser. My aesthetic rarely changes throughout the year, I just tend to to refresh my wardrobe each season with certain pieces and a few new shoes/accessories. However, it seems like the biggest trends of the season go hand-in-hand with my personal style/aesthetic so I am super excited.

In this installment, the focus is on everything studded/chained! I love anything studded because it instantly adds an edge to any outfit and when paired with something more whimsical and feminine, the contrast is quite interesting. This fall, studs were seemingly put on any and everything from shoes and belts to necklaces, rings, blazers, skirts and jeans. See how you can easily incorporate this trend into your wardrobe with the below items, broken down into sections.

- Shoes

Topshop once again is at the front of pack with the release of their fall line of shoes, full of rock-infused platform heels and boots with buckles, cutouts and studs galore.

Free People also has a couple cute pairs featuring studs.

Aldo Melkonian Boots | Topshop Studded Flats

Frye Chelsea Studded Oxford | Steve Madden Marvel Studded Peeptoe Shoe Boot

For those of us that are more budget-conscious, there are two alternatives. One is the Fall 2009 Payless collaborations. Abaete has some really cute chained ankle boots that I’m excited to see in person.

Christian Siriano (of Project Runway fame) also has a collaboration with Payless this fall. From what I hear, the shoes below are not the ones that will be in stores. The ones in store will have a much lower heel and some of the studs and chains will not be there. Either way, both these collections are right on-trend and the best part is that all the shoes are under $50!

The second option is to DIY it. Adding studs to a pair of shoes or a jacket that you already own is a very inexpensive way get the same look. The best place to get them is Studs and Spikes. Earlier this year, I ordered from them to re-create the studded Balmain blazer, part of which you can see below. It was an easy process that only required the studs, an x-acto knife and a sleeveless vest/blazer I picked up in Torrid’s clearance for $14. Cheap and chic!

- Jewelry

New Look Studded Bangle | Topshop Flat Studded Bangle | Beth Ditto for Evans Studded Bag | Topshop Studded Lattice Bag

ASOS Studded Fingerless Gloves | Urban Outfitters Leather Studded Bracelet

There you have it, folks! Various ways to incorporate this trend into your fall wardrobe.

Next trend: Strong shoulders! Stay tuned…

Friday July 10, 2009 at 18:32

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051 / ALLOY FALL 2009 COLLECTION

I’ve been meaning to post about the fall collection of Alloy for a while. I routinely flipped through the catalog one day but found myself making a mental list of things I wanted to buy. That was never really the case with Alloy because, in my opinion, most of the cute clothing stops at XL. So while going through catalog, I saw some things that by no means were mind-blowing but I felt like would be amazing additions in my fall wardrobe.

I’ve posted before about my annoyance that Alloy seems to make small clothes in bigger sizes without taking into account the difference in body proportions from straight size to plus size. Another thing about Alloy is that their target audience are teens and young adults which means the clothing is cut narrower than regular women’s clothing. For me, as a pear-shape, their ultra-low rise jeans do nothing for me. I usually stick to skirts, dresses and tops. However, everyone is shaped different and what may not work for me may be magic for you. They currently go up to a juniors’ size 25 so if you’re so inclined to make a purchase, be sure to check their size chart beforehand.

I’ve noticed that lately I’m more and more attracted to pieces that have a structured and/or military feeling. It may just be my subconscious homage to Michael Jackson, who knows? Here are a few of my favorites from the fall collection.

ps. I’m posting a few past outfits of mine that feature some Alloy pieces so that will give you a better sense of fit on an actual fat body. FYI, I’m 5’11, 18/20 on top, 22/24 on bottom and LOVE short skirts!

(yellow high waist bow skirt)

(yellow high waist bow skirt, white ruffle top)

(black high waist bow skirt)