Pop Art

July 06, 2016 by Jami Jaye

The humidity is starting to kick it in high gear here in NYC. When it's hot, I like to keep my look simple, but still pulled together. Besides dresses, jumpsuits are my go to in warm weather especially when dressing for the office. My office dress code is business casual, so I get a chance to try different looks for work. This jumpsuit from Melissa McCarthy Seven7 instantly caught my eye. because of the print. On the hanger, it doesn't look like much because it's loose fitting. But, loose fitting is great for warm office days. I don't know about you, but when I'm hot, loose fitting clothes make me feel better. Draped fabrics are on that 'list' of things to stay away from because you end up looking 'bigger', but it's all about the fit.

The jumpsuit comes in two colors: this pink print and solid black. Black is my boo, but with the draped material, wearing it in a lighter color with a subtle print makes this perfect for the summer. I love the subtle bright pink accents and the faux wrap top. Jumpsuits can be a chore to get in and out of, but this one is easy to maneuver in and out of. Now to talk about the fit - at first I went with a 2X, but that was too big. I wear a 16-18, and have big thighs and wide hips, so I thought sizing up would be the best choice- dead wrong. The 1X was a better fit. With an instant outfit maker, all that's needed is a cute pair of shoes. I have been all about a kitten heel, and these cute pink ones from Nine West are perfect for daily wear. They come in a lot of colors, so there a pair out there with your name on it. Grabbed my favorite Banana Republic purse, some cool sunnies, and I was ready to go to tackle the work day. Later lovers!!

Independence Day

July 04, 2016 by Jami Jaye

Besides the bbq's, fireworks, and the day off, the 4th of July is about our independence. Where a lot of posts will feature their best in red, white, and blue, or stars and stripes, I decided to go in a different direction. The 'appropriate' way to dress has always had a list of rules for plus size women. On the list of things that are not appropriate for us - shorts. I always wore bermuda shorts, to cover as much as thigh as possible. I always thought they were too big, not desirable at all. To the contrary of how I felt, were men who didn't have an issue with them. So then why let the negative thoughts in my head stress out about how much fabric was covering my legs. At the end of the day, it's all about wearing what makes you feel happy and comfortable. I'm not forcing you to wear shorts, but I do want women to just shed these 'rules' and wear what you like.

For my independence day, I went with Harper + Liv's distressed shorts. The amount of stretch in these shorts are what sold me on them. The more stretch in my shorts, the better they are for me. When you are a part of Team Thick Thighs stretch makes shorts easier to move in. The inspiration for this post was this Rachel Rachel Roy Curvy top. We get soo bogged down with what not to do that we forget that we can do anything. I love this mesh bomber from A.N.A. , and it's only $20!!! Definitely check this item out. For accessories, I went with my Circus By Same Edelman Eye Can't crossbody. My favorite wedges from Nine West ended out my look.

How are you celebrating your freedom to do what you want? Giving a new trend a try, or maybe adding color? Sound off in the comments!! Happy 4th Lovers!!!!

Curlfest

July 01, 2016 by Jami Jaye

Going out and enjoying the summer is a big deal for me. Any opportunity to enjoy the sunshine I'm in. So when Sandra asked me to go with her to Curlfest, I was all in. Curlfest is a one day event held in Prospect Park, Brooklyn to celebrate all things hair. In honor of such, I decided to switch it up from my blowouts and do a bantu knot twist out. I haven't done one since college, so I was a bit worried about how it would turn out, but I must say it looks pretty damn good. It's pretty hot right now in NYC, so a twist out is perfect because I don't have to worry about frizz.

I wanted to wear something easy, and still keep it cute, so what better than the combination of my favorite things- jumpsuits & denim. This denim jumpsuit is perfection. It's cropped so it hits me above my ankles, and its has lots of stretch so I am able to move around. I bought this in a size 18, and it fit me perfectly. When it comes to jumpsuits, a size up tends to work out best. I really wanted to wear my Stan Smith's, but since they are all white, wearing them in a grassy field is not a good look, so I decided to just go with some sandals. I warned you guys that these flatforms were going to be in heavy rotation. These are simple, comfortable, and cute- a must have in the summer. Added bonus, they are on sale, so definitely check out them out from Mango before they sell out. When going to an event that is outside, I always go for a crossbody that is big enough to carry my essentials. My Kate Spade has been holding me down this summer, and the pink color looks great with denim.

Sandra and I visited almost all the booths, and got some extra swag in the process. I got some samples of Palmers Cocoa Butter Sunscreen- I tried right then and there, and I loved it. Awesome smell and sun protection. Got tons of samples from ORS- I have so many things that it's going to take some time to use them all. Ouidad was giving out travel bags with a shower comb (SCORE), and samples of their new line for kinky hair. We bought headwraps from the Wrap Life, and these super cute headbands from Nick Knacks (Black owned women businesses- YASSSS). Definitely check them out and support. Also, we checked out this designer located in the Bronx, so we are going to check out her showroom so we can get a printed skirt. Unfortunately she did not have any plus size items available on site, but all her skirts are customizable, so we are planning a trip to get one made.

Had so much fun, and that goodie bag-HUGE!!!

Curvy Con 2016

June 29, 2016 by Jami Jaye

Ok lovers, I'm back again for Day 2 of the Curvy Con. Day 2 consisted of panels, shopping, and mingling, so I wanted to make sure I wore something fun, comfortable, and above all else- statement making. If you go in my closet these days, Eloquii makes up the majority of my looks. Every month, there is something there that I must have. Like this set I'm wearing. I have been all about showing off my shoulders, and this printed off the shoulder crop top and matching skirt was perfect for the day. The top gives me enough coverage, and the skirt has pockets- the epitome of a perfect outfit When at events, you can never rely on finding a seat, so I wanted to wear something that felt good despite prolonged standing. I decided to go with the Nine West wedges I wore the night prior, because I had them on all night, and it was smooth sailing. Granted the shoes are four inches, but the platform is almost three inches, so it's like you are wearing flats. With the flirtiness of the skirt, platforms just tied the whole outfit together. All I needed was a bold lip and some accessories, and I was all set.

The event exceeded all of my expectations. With two floors this year, you were able to attend panels upstairs, while shop and socialize on the main floor. There was a section to customize your tee shirt courtesy of JC Penney. I attended a good deal of panels, but my favorite was Dear Retailer. It was moderated by Maddy Jones, Editor of Plus Model Magazine, and featured Lisa Arbetter (Editor-In-Chief of People Stylewatch), Jodi Arnold (VP of Design & Creative for Eloquii), Nathan Laffin (JC Penney VP Brand Trend Design Womens), Christine Hunsicker (Gwynnie Bee CEO & Founder), and Kierra Sheard (Eleven60 Creator).

If you head to my Facebook page, there is a video of the panel, so you can get an idea of the questions asked. A lot of times we as consumers think that when it comes to Plus Size we are not being heard, but this was a great chance to ask questions and pick the brains of those in the industry. Besides being enlightened by the speakers, I did get a chance also to snag some goodies from Rachel Rachel Roy Curvy, Hey Gorgeous, and of course Eloquii (because I'm an addict). There will be posts on all my newbies, so definitely be on the lookout for that. More importantly I was able to chat and get to see all the new products of online only brands such as Asos, Simply Be, and Curvy Couture Intimates.

No event is complete without some pics of amazing ladies, so here you go

Foreign Curves, Hayet Rida, Pop Up Plus, Amitabon Boutique, Out Of The Corner, Curves on a Budget, Essie Golden, and The Fat Girl of Fashion.

I had a blast this year, and I can not wait for next year when the event moves to NYFW!!! For my readers out there, if you are in NYC, or will be able to come, definitely come out. I am stoked to see what it's store. Tickets are available now, so definitely get yours before they go fast. Platinum sells out first, so I will not be surprised if those are the first to go for 2017. There you have it lovers, Curvy Con 2016!!

Having some fun at the Eloquii photo booth!!!

Time to Party!!!

June 27, 2016 by Jami Jaye

Last Friday was Day 1 of Curvy Con. If you have not heard about it, blogger besties GarnerStyle and Plus Size Princess came up with a convention that is about all things plus. This was year two, and it was extended out to two days. Day 1 was all about wellness and fitness, followed by some shopping and ended with a party at the Gwynnie Bee office in Long Island City. I love a good party, so I was super excited to attend. I have never been to their office, so this was a great chance to check them out.

For such a great occasion I went with this great one shoulderish scuba dress from Eloquii. The colorblocking drew me first to it, but I love the cut-out shoulder detail. With a dress like this, all you need is a great shoe, and you are good to go. When going to events, I don't expect a lot of seating to be readily available, so I wanted to wear a shoe that looked great, but was super comfortable. I saw these great platform sandals while browsing Macy's online. My feet are a little on the wide side, and when it comes to sandals, I am always mindful of my pinky toe. I hate wearing shoes that squeeze my toe. No matter how good the shoe looks, once your pinky toe is in pain you are taking them off. These are wide enough that I just stand, dance, and walk the Gwynnie Bee catwalk, like I did in this photo. I wish these came in a bright color like a nice neon pink or a slushy blue for the summer, but you can never go wrong with classic black. I Definite must have. I wore these for over 6 hours straight and I was completely fine. The party was a hit! We were even surprised with a fashion show featuring their new collection designed by Rachel Antonoff. Her prints were super cute and perfect for summer. I'm eyeing the dresses. Below are some pics that I took of the gals. Day 1 of Curvy Con was a hit, and stay tuned for my Day 2 post.