Otis

Designer collaborations have been big in the retail industry over the last several years. They are a great way for designers to try different things that is more affordable. When it came to plus size, there was hardly anything for us to buy (outside of accessories). Besides Target who recently added plus size offerings in their designer collaborations, the only other brand out there was Lane Bryant. They launched several designer collaborations over the past year Isabel Toledo, Lela Rose, Sophie Theallet, and the upcoming Christian Siriano collection. I enjoyed those capsule collections, but the Otis collection which is a a part of their Fast Lane collection stands alone since it features the work of students. Lane Bryant collaborated with the Otis College of Art & Design in a mentorship program to develop a 12 piece collection. While there is definitely a shift in the minds of retailers that plus size can be profitable, what's needed is designers. If the designers do not understand how to design for a plus size body, the collection could be a major miss. The collection consisted of boucle, cutouts, and drapey pieces. My favorite in the collection was this sheath dress.  

This sheath is great. I love the way it hugs my curves without being restricting. The material feels great against my skin and the color is a fun punchy green. This dress is definitely a piece you can wear to work, brunch, and after work cocktails. I wanted to show how I like to dress it down with a denim jacket. Denim jackets are a must have in your closet. I love to pair them with dresses, or with printed pants to give my looks a more laid back feel. Since the dress shows off the gams, I decided to throw in another pop of color and wear some cobalt heels. Cobalt goes with practically everything, so definitely get a pair if you don't have them. I kept it simple with a white clutch and a pink lippie. Thank you Otis for a great dress!!! This is definitely going to be on repeat all season. 

Black & White

As much as I love color, black and white is always a go to color combo that I go back to time and time again. It's an easy way to play around with pattern mixing or to try new prints because it's a classic.

As soon as I saw the Edie Dress from Fashion To Figure, I just had to have it. It's a simple dress, but it makes an impact. Fashion To Figure has the cutest dresses this season. I love how it hugs my curves but I don't feel trapped in the dress. It has the right amount of stretch so that it is comfortable. I have worn bodycon's that ride up or are constricting that I felt trapped in my clothes. Regardless of what I'm wearing, being comfortable is always at the top of my list. I'm wearing a 2X and I was good the entire day. If you are looking for a cute dress that is less than $45, I suggest you get this one before it sells out.

Moto's will always be my fashion obsession,  and my favorite of the moment is this super cute one from Modamix. The Jaime jacket has become one of my top 3 moto's of all time. How often do you see a great faux leather plus size jacket in white? Not very often unfortunately. I love the stripes, fit, and just how it makes an impact. I wanted to throw in a splash of color, so I went with my Zuri tie up heels from Eloquii. I love how it adds a bit of a playful vibe to the outfit. Let me know what you think! Later!

Meet Jaye

A couple of week's ago I was geeked out about the fact that Eloquii named their new wide leg crop pant after me. To be such a big supporter of a brand and for them to name a pant after me is such an honor. 

The Jaye wide leg crop was modeled after their Kady pant (which is one of my favorite pants of all time). Cropped pants are big this season, and with these you can wear them well into Spring. Wide leg pants were always hard for me to wear because if the length was too long I would just be dragging fabric along (not a good look). Cropped wide legs, on the other hand work a lot better for my 5'5" frame. These hit me right at me sweet spot so visually I'm not making myself look shorter than what I am. The fit is exactly the same as the Kady which is great because there is no guesswork in figuring out your size. 

I have been trying out new silhouette's, and next up on my list was a boxy top. I have been looking for a new denim shirt, so when I spotted this on Eloquii's site, I definitely wanted to give it a try. A big concern with chambray is that if it does not stretch depending on the fit of the shirt, it may be too snug. This top has ample stretch and the wider sleeves gives you extra room in the arms; a major concern for me wearing tops is the arm width- I have some big guns, so I need tops that can handle them :).  

Besides the pants, another exciting addition to the website is their new lineup of shoes. As a serious shopaholic, shoes will always be an achilles heel for me (pun intended). I can't pass up a good shoe, and the Zuri is a definite must have. I love the color blocking and the ankle tie. These come in two other colors and I am telling you if you want them you better act fast, because the new releases are going quick. My statement necklace is called the Courtney. It is one of my favorites. I love jewelry that adds a bit of interest to my outfits without being over the top. I topped off the outfit with my new cropped moto from the Who What Wear line. I bought the 2X and it has a good amount of room in the arms. If you are a size 18-20, the 2X will definitely work. Now that you have have met Jaye, I think she would love to spend some time in your closet. Later lovers!!