Lemonade

When you are a professional shopaholic, there are some items that when you see them you are immediately smitten. Then you become a woman obsessed. Your mission is to make that item your by any means necessary. The latest in my fashion hunt was this yellow dress from Eloquii dubbed "Lemonade". I knew when I saw it on Snapchat, it was going to be pure magic.

As soon as it was available for purchase she was in my cart and on her to way to her new home. There are some dresses that you see and you wonder if it's going to work, and then there are some; and you just know. There was never a doubt in my mind that this dress would not work. I wasn't the only one lusting for this dress, because it sold out in about a week (do not worry, they are ordering more, so make sure you sign up for out of stock notifications). 

This ruffle dress is just perfection. Now I am not the biggest fan of the color yellow, but this dress completely converted me. There is ample room in the arms, and the tie waist makes it easy to adjust. Bonus for this gal, the dress matched perfectly with my ankle tie fringe sandals!! Since I am being bold with color, I decided to go ahead and rock this with my Sofia clutch. This is one of my favorite bags. It just goes with everything. 

Do you have that must have item you need in your closet? Let me know in the comments. 

Gingham

There are things that always come to mind when you think of summer. For a city gal like myself, it's icee's, playing in the hydrant/sprinklers, and fairs. Summer was in full swing when the county fairs came to town. No matter what type of fair I went to, one thing was constant- gingham. Now some fifteen years later, gingham is all over the runways. That is the cool thing about fashion, something simple like gingham can be re-interpreted in different ways to what I like to call "Country Gal meets City Chic". 

The gingham print on this Eloquii midi immediately made me think of my summers going to the county fair. It's definitely an item that is versatile. It can be dressed up for work with some cute heels, and a button up, dress down with some white sneakers, like my Stan Smith's, or with a tee and sandals to brunch. I like to switch things up, so for today's post I wanted to wear my sneakers but with this flirty crop top. Wearing ruffles when you are busty can be tricky, but this top fits well, and does not add on extra bulk. 

IMG_0261.JPG

I love wearing sneakers with my midi skirts. It's a fun may to mix feminine with masculine. Bonus, sneakers are COMFORTABLE!! Do you wear sneakers with your skirts or dresses? Sound off in the comments. 

Flower Power

There was a point in time when flower printed clothes in plus size were not pretty at all. I remember growing up and seeing them and just not wanting any part of it. I stuck to the basics. That's when my love of tee's and jeans began. Prints at times were just not right for my body, so I just stayed away from them. Then some years back, I started loving prints, but florals were still on my "Nah, I'm good" list.  The slowly but surely the florals were prettier, and amazing looking on my body. No longer did I feel like I was wearing some stodgy, matronly frocks. 

Once I accepted florals into my life, I must say that it is one of the easiest prints to work with. I can wear them with stripes, other florals, leopard, or just a plain white tee. My favorite is florals in unexpected silhouettes- like a floral moto (which I have and love it soooo much), crop tops, and flirty skirts. I first saw this halter top and skirt online, from Harper + Liv and I immediately wanted it. Bonus each item is on sale for less than $30! When getting dressed in the summer, especially for work easy pieces like these make getting dressed quick. All that is needed is a cute pair of sandals and my bag, and I'm out the door. For all my ladies out there, take a chance when you are shopping. Just take a whole bunch of items into the fitting room and give it a try. Trust me, you may find more things you like that you expect. 

Rock The Block

This past weekend, I attended Rock The Block hosted by Ashley Stewart. It was another hot day in NYC, so I wanted to wear something that would keep me cool. Sets have been my go to all summer, so I went with a printed pants version from Eloquii. The tie hem top and matching cropped pants in the Petite Blossoms print was a major hit. What I love about the tie hem top is that you can adjust it to show as much or as little belly as you like. The pants are great because they have a waist band which keeps the pants up high up on my waist (because I am all about high waisted items this year). A beautiful sunny day calls for a great pair of shades, and these rose gold glasses are a fun twist on aviators. To finish off my look, I went with my oh so comfortable Nine West platforms. 

This day long event had a lot to offer. During the morning session, while enjoying some treats, I checked out the panel "Being Your Own Boss in the Face of Adversity." The panel was moderated by Ashley Stewart CEO James Rhee and featured the lady bosses of Mixed Chicks, Ginger + Liz, and Vera Moore Cosmetics. This hour long panel, really put things in perspective for me especially when it came to entrepreneurship. Pursuing your passion especially while working full time requires a lot of sacrifice, but the rewards of doing it are worthwhile. Christina Mendez hosted a talk about the world of modeling (ladies were taking serious notes). There was a mini fashion show showcasing Ashley Stewart's Pre-Fall collection, followed by a intermission to enjoy some shopping. I bought some great nail polish from Ginger + Liz, and some products from Mixed Chicks. After some shopping and catching up time with my girls, I attended the "How To Make It In Plus" panel featuring Gwen Devoe, Madeline Jones, Alexandra Boos, and Marie Denee moderated by Denise Caldwell. Lots of great dialogue about how we are coming into our own in the industry, and how we have to keep pushing. The panel made some poignant points about self care, and for the future of plus size: indie designers collaborating with bigger brands. 

I had an amazing time. I got a chance to catch up with my blogger boo's (always fun). Made some new connections, as well as chatted it up with some beautiful ladies for my first street style post. Yes, Style Over Size is expanding and I am the latest addition to Team Curvy Fashionista! Definitely head to TCF to catch my in depth recap as well as some amazing fashion from the event. 

 

 

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.