Springing It With #XOQ

Finally!!! It's March 20th- which means it's officially Spring!! Granted, here in NYC we are still digging ourselves out from snow and ice, but hopefully that is the end of Old Man Winter, and I can shift my focus to bare legs and longer days. 

Taking pics in the city - hard work

To celebrate such an occasion, why not show off some Eloquii's great Spring pieces. If you have not checked out their last three collections, you are missing out. No seriously....they are dropping some serious fun fashion for us plus size gals. Their latest collection, A Place In the Sun (which was shot in a California desert) features prints (geometric, floral, and camo), pom poms, and frills. From the collection, I went with the Hip to Be Square dress. When I saw this dress on their Snapchat (sidebar do not follow Eloquii's Snapchat if you are already an addict...it's bad for your wallet) I knew I had to have it. The print is bold, it has pockets, and it's a fit & flare. You can not go wrong with this dress. 

I lucked out, I had a lipstick that matched perfectly...lol

Besides allergies, when I think of Spring I think of the classic trench coat. Great for layering, as well as protection from April Showers, a trench is something everyone should have in their wardrobe. You can throw it on and instantly look polished while running errands; belt it, and you give off that "Is she or isn't she" wearing something underneath vibe. Eloquii gave us not only the classic trench, but a denim option as well. Good outerwear can be hard to find, so when I find something classic that I know I will have for years to come, I get it. The trench fits me well (I'm wearing a 18/20), and it has some stretch so it's great for light layering without feeling constricted. The worst thing you can ever do is buy outerwear that is so restrictive you feel like a T Rex (arms that can barely move like a T Rex). Can't speak for others, but if it does not zip or fit me right, I won't wear it. Then it's just sitting in my closet, which was a waste of money. I'm not about wasting money, so above looking great the fit has to be right. 

I have been all about the block heel for a couple of years now. They provide more support than the traditional stiletto but you are not sacrificing style. This season, there are so many versions- embellished, patches, embroidery, ties, I do not think you can have just one in your closet. I found these shoes browsing Target's website one night. Who What Wear has now added shoes to their assortment, and these babies called my name. For less than $35, the Micheala block heel shoe can be yours. I felt the ankle tie in bows would be a nice touch with the dress. I felt oh so lady like!!! 

My bag has been something I have been eyeing for months. Ever since I saw this on a one of the fashion websites I follow about being the it bag of the season, I just knew I had to have her. When I first heard about it, it was sold out, so no it bag for me. Then one day, I was chatting with my blogger boo Georgette, and we were discussing cute handbags, and the Gaia Ark was brought up. Oh yes, she was back in stock, came in two sizes, and two finishes...say what now...yeah. Ahh, she can be mine now...ok, that is going to be my birthday present to myself, and bought she was. The bag is a statement maker. It's art. I'm always about having the biggest bag to hold everything in existence, but this one has changed my mind. Perhaps you don't have to have everything, just what you need. Pack light and enjoy. Isn't that what Spring is all about? 

I'm curious, what are some items that you are coveting now that it is Spring? Share in the comments!! Muah!

Girl Genius

March is Woman's month, and in celebration of such, I wanted to wear something to remind us all that we are amazing, awesome, and pure geniuses. This look right here has everything I love- moto jacket, cool graphic tee, and jeans. I haven't posted anything from Rachel Roy Curvy in a while, but when I saw the new collection in Macy's last week, I just had to have it all. 

Let's talk about this tank. I love RRR Curvy tee's because they are super soft and fit amazing. The Girl Genius tank is a great piece that you can wear all year long. It's lightweight material makes it easy to wear under other items without tons of bulk, and alone it's your classic statement making graphic tee.

I was in need of a new pair of distressed boyfriend jeans (my favorite pair bit the dust due to chub rub, RIP), and for the longest, I could not find a pair that was a lighter shade of blue. I have enough dark denim, but I needed a lighter color. The latest fit that I have been seeing around a lot of brands in denim is called the Girlfriend fit, which has a more tapered leg. My old boyfriend jeans were more of a straight leg, so I do love that these have more of a skinny leg. This is my first pair of jeans from Rachel Rachel Roy Curvy (I tried some capris which were cool), and I must say they fit great. I'm wearing a size 16, which is my normal size in jeans. I did like that I had the option to cuff the jeans (like I did today), but I don't necessarily have to. 

Moto's are an obsession of mine. Owning your classic black is a staple, but I love that there are so many color and now print options in plus. The print is very 60's flower child print. I also love that it is a darker floral. With the official start of Spring only being a week away (yay), most florals tend to be on the pastel side, but I love how this season a lot of the prints use bold, darker color. The jacket has ponte stretch, so it definitely has the room to layer if need be. The stretch panels are great if you have bigger arms because you don't have to size up to accommodate your arms. I am wearing a size 2X which will fit anyone that wears 18-20 in jackets. 

Even though March is Women's Month, the achievements of women all over the world are evident everyday. Besides those whose actions have the changed the world for the better, the everyday woman is a hero as well. My mom ensured that I had all the tools needed to not survive in this world, but thrive. She raised me to be an amazing person, and without her guidance, honesty (brutal honesty), and tricks on how to rock a bold lip like no other, I would not be the woman I am today. So for all my Girl Geniuses out there, do not let anyone tell you are not worthy. Muah!!!

Mascara, Coffee, and Metallics

There are things that this lady needs to function. One is coffee. If you follow me on Snapchat (styleoversize) you see me heading to my favorite spot for my Venti Soy White Mocha. The next, a little lippie and mascara. I am not a makeup artist, but I feel like I have mastered a good natural day look and mascara is soo needed. Therefore when I saw this tee on sale at Old Navy, I grabbed it and checked out. For those that are new to the blog, "Hi, my name is Jaye and I am graphic tee addict." 

I found this great tee while I was walking around Old Navy. I haven't been frequenting stores as much as I used to these days (the ease of online shopping), but while I was out on a much needed break from work I went in and checked out what was new. I found a couple of other goodies in Old Navy but I made sure I bought this tee. There is no such thing as having too many tee's in my opinion. This tee was only $14 and I am wearing an XL. Their shirts are roomy enough to accommodate the twins while still looking semi fitted. Graphic tee's tell a little bit of my personality- funny and cute...lol. Definitely check them out cause they have a lot of options.

Okay, so can we talk about this metallic bomber??? Bombers have been my weakness, and when I saw this on Simply Be's website I had to have it. The amount of bombers I own might be a little high, but how many sites/stores have a metallic bomber...in plus....and it looks great against this skin??? Yeah, so she had to come home to me. I am wearing a 20 because I wanted room for layering so I can get so many uses from this jacket. I will say this before and I will say it again, if you have a great jacket in your wardrobe, you are set. I will be wearing this jacket A LOT!! The brassy color pairs with almost everything, and it's just so cute. 

So what does one wear with a metallic bomber, and a graphic tee...to be honest- anything. I wanted to girly up the look so I went with the Eloquii's metallic pleated skirt that came out this past season. This skirt may have dropped in the Winter, but it is definitely an item you can wear all year round. For a rather mild day, you can go sans tights and wear some cute flats and a button up. In chillier weather a nice cashmere turtleneck sweater with some heeled booties, and in the summer time with a cute off the shoulder top and wedges. There are so many ways you can wear this, the skirt is definitely something you should add to your closet. 

Statement sunnies like these upped the cool factor of my entire look. You don't have to spend tons of money on a pair of cool looking sunglasses. These are only $20 from Eloquii!!! Currently they are sold out, but there is a waitlist so that means they are definitely restocking them. The detailing of these makes them look way more expensive than their price tag. 

My footwear of choice was my Adidas Superstar. I love wearing girly items like a pleated skirt with sneakers. Dressier items like the skirt feel a little bit more casual when you wear them with sneakers, or a cool pair of oxfords.

The old rules of not wearing something casual with a dressy item has been voided. Nowadays, it's all about mixing high/low, nighttime in the daytime, and boy meets girl. Wear what you like, and you will never go wrong. Now for me, it's time to get that coffee...enjoy lovers!!!

Crazy Sexy Cool

Sexy these days for me is not always about wearing the highest of heels and the tightest dress. It's about wearing things that make you feel good which gives you that extra pep in your step. I will always be a tomboy at heart, but what I notice about my style is that I can mix feminine with masculine and make it look effortless. It's something about the juxtaposition of the two that speaks to me. 

Hey, how you doing? G is for Glamour and Griggs.

Lane Bryant's collaborations over the years has brought us some great fashion. So of course the latest between Glamour Magazine and Lane Bryant is no different. We are getting magazine-runway-streetstyle pieces in plus size and your girl is happy. The latest in their collaboration is all about athleisure. Thought to be a passing phase, athleisure has been going strong and shows no signs of slowing down. It went from just wearing your gym clothes as clothes to becoming a lifestyle. Sneakers that we wore growing up are back with a vengeance and we all can benefit from a break from our heels and still look good.

Yes, you rang??? 

This collection features pieces that you can mix and match to play off the fun vibe. My favorite piece from the collection is the Lena wide leg pant. As a big girl, we are told to stay away from white, and stripes. These are definitely not on the so called 'approved flattering' clothes for plus size women and I love it!!. I have always loved the thought of wearing a wider leg pant with a good pair of sneakers to give them more of a laid back vibe, but up until now I could not find the right wide leg pant. The wide leg on these allows me at 5'5" to wear them with sneakers or shoes depending on my mood. There is something about this stripe that just makes these pants super cool. They are lined, so I suggest sizing up to find your right fit (especially for my fellow #teamthickthighs). I am wearing a size 18 which still keeps them on the fitted side but in no way tight. 

 

I also picked up the G hoodie. I know that the G stands for Glamour but my last name starts with G so in my mind this jacket was made for me. Before my love of bombers, hoodies were my go to. They are great for layering. I wear mines under denim jackets, under vests, so many things. Back in the day hoodies massively oversized so wearing them with dresses and skirts were a no no. 

Now hoodies are long, short, cropped, fitted completely oversized, and just all around a piece that you can wear with everything. I definitely see myself wearing this hoodie to work with a button up, jeans, some cute flats with the sleeves rolled up. 

Becky and I enjoying this wonderful afternoon.

This season there has been a lot of great options in tops. You have cut-outs, off the shoulder, one shoulder, flare sleeves, lace, you name it, there is top like it. With the laid back vibe of the pants, I figured a cute cutout top can give me a little edge. Cut outs placed on the shoulders are a great option for those who want to show a little skin, but are not ready for an off the shoulder look, but to be honest, cutouts were a gateway to the off the shoulder tops for me. Another thing that I love about this top is the choker. Chokers have hit the big time, but I love the fact that this is an all in one item. You don't have to worry about additional accessories because you are all set when you wear this top. It's loose shape at the bottom is tummy friendly and with this length you can wear it with a nice pair of leggings, or tuck it into a full skirt. 

Stripes in my pants calls for stripes in my kicks, so my shoe of choice is the oh so classic Adidas Superstar. I love these sneakers. There is something about a fresh pair of sneakers on a gorgeous day in NYC. It just changes how you walk, how you feel. Lane Bryant is having a 40% off sale, so definitely check it out and get your Spring wardrobe ready. Spring is almost here (30 days and counting!!!), and I can't wait to share all the goodies that I have been waiting to break out. So lovers, what is your one item you are the most excited to wear this Spring???

Overalls

One thing I loved to wear when I was growing up was overalls. I had so much Osh Kosh B'Gosh, you would think I had stock in the company. Even though I do not have as many overalls as I did back then, they still hold a special place in my heart. Here it is some 20 years later and we have both now are all grown up. The latest in overalls come in a variety of silhouettes to suit your needs. I have seen boyfriend, cropped, and now wide leg overalls. Wide leg overalls? Yes please. These here from Melissa McCarthy 7 are the most comfortable overalls ever. The 1% stretch makes them easy to move around in and the wide leg gives the illusion of longer legs (which is always appreciated). Since I wear a 16-18 in bottoms, I went with a 1X. Beside them being comfy, they have the deepest pockets for pants. Usually pockets are very shallow in jumpsuits & overalls, but these definitely can hold some stuff. (GO POCKETS!!!!)

I went with my oldie but goodie coat from Eloquii and turtleneck. My coat is no longer available, but I did find something similar from Target. For accessories, I went with my Dooney & Bourke drawstring bag, and Nine West block heels. So tell me lovers, do you have an item that you loved when you were a child that is now back in spotlight? Share in the comments!