To The Max

I love when online brands host pop up shops. It gives you an opportunity to try on items, which is the most important factor when shopping. Atlanta based Jibri held a pop up shop in NYC during Full Figured Fashion Week, and I definitely made sure I was there. Last year I was not able to go, but I made it a priority this year. I have always wanted a skirt from them, so this was my chance to check them out. 

I tried on several skirts, but the maxi's spoke to me. My first choice was the high waisted animal print skirt. Come on, it's the perfect skirt. Long, flowy and versatile. I can wear it now, and well into fall. Then when I was going through the racks one more time, I found this one. Anyone that knows me, knows that I love a good neon printed piece, so she had to come home with me as well. I was measured (I can wear either a 1 or a 2, depending on how I feel that day), so going forward I can order my size knowing it will fit. The length of these work well for me, I can wear them with heels or flats.  I have been obsessed with off the shoulder tops and this one from Eloquii is soft like your favorite tee shirt (bonus, it's on sale). I'm definitely happy with my skirt, it has pockets, it snatches my waist, and it's colorful. Definite win- and if you have not checked out Jibri, make sure you do. Bonus- she is now doing Bridal, and the gowns are perfection. 

LWD

White pieces have been slowly taking over my wardrobe. At first, it was one piece, here. another there, and then BAM!! My closet has been taken over. Don't get me wrong, any break from my traditional NYC uniform of all black is welcome, it's just you never notice how serious it is until you do laundry, and you are only washing whites, followed by blues. This dress from Lane Bryant was one of those items that was a must have for me. I have been raving about their monthly capsule collections called Fast Lane, and this dress is from their Montauk Mood is just the cutest dress for the summer. 

When I first saw the cold shouldered dress on the site, I was thinking what would be the best place to shoot her. It would have been awesome to actually go to Montauk, and walk along the beach, but this grassy field brought out the whimsical charm of the dress. It is lined so no worries about material itself. and has stretch so you don't have to feel restricted. It's a fun update to the traditional shirtdress, because who doesn't like a good shirtdress. I went with a size 18/20 in the dress on the safe side because I wanted to make sure I had enough room in my arms. I will go gaga over a cute dress, but a cute dress with pockets- completely and hopelessly in love. Pockets on a dress make everything better. Function and fashion hand in hand makes this blogger quite happy. With a dress like this, all that is needed is a cute clutch, a statement necklace, and some sandals, and you are ready to smell the flowers. So I ask you lovers, are you spending your summer in all white?

Pop Art

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

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!!!!