Travel Gear

When I travel, I like to be comfortable. Now comfort at the end of the day is purely relative. One could say heels and a dress is what's most comfortable for them, but for me it's all about athleisure based gear. I wear things like tee's, hoodie's, and looser pants when I am traveling. 

Since the weather is getting better (finally), I can wear lighter based layers for travel. One of my go to items is a lightweight sweater. Now everyone knows that I love graphic tee's, but now I am finding cute graphic sweaters like this one from Loft. The L'Amour graphic sweater was a part of Loft's first plus collection and was definitely a hit. So much of a hit that is sold out quickly. Since the plus size option sold out soo quickly, I ordered the XXL from the straight size line, and it fit well. So if you are around a size 20 or less you could wear their straight size options. There is a new navy sweater just in time for the summer that says "Summer Vibes", I think I may get this one too. 

Another item that is always with me when I am traveling is a jacket. There are times where the plane or terminal can be cold, so I like to have either a denim jacket or moto with me. Also there has been plenty of times that the weather is ok when I land, but a random rain shower pops up, or just a windy day requires a jacket. Like my momma says, If you stay ready you don't have to get ready...lol

Eloquii Track Pants

I remember when track pants were only worn by athletes. Now they are just a part of everyday life. I have several pairs in my closet, and these wide leg ones from Eloquii are my new favorite. My love of wide leg pants continues and these fit me like a glove. I sized up to a 18 since there was no stretch. These are great for anyone on the shorter side since they do not drag on the floor. That usually one of my issues with wide leg pants, the length is usually way too long that it require heels. 

To finish up my whole comfy vibe, the last piece is a good pair of sneakers. I've always been a sneaker girl, but the last couple of years I have really ditched my heels and just went back to cool looking sneaks. My new favs are from the oh so awesome Rihanna. Her Fenty by Puma collections are always soo cool. This season the theme was motocross, and the fashion show was amazing. The Fenty Avid is amazing. No seriously, this sneaker is not only cool looking but it super stretchy and its comfortable. I wore these all day when I had to shoot and run errands and I was good. If you are in need of a good Spring sneaker, check these out. 

So what do you wear when you travel? Are you all about comfort, but still put together, or do you go all out? Let me know below!!!

Stripes Away

One of the chicest color combo’s in my opinion is black and white. Yes the combo made famous by penguins will always be a staple in my closet. There’s so many ways these days to incorporate them. You can colorblock, rock it in gingham (which is HUGE this season) print, or wear the classic stripe. 

Growing up, there was soo many rules that plus size women were given on what not to wear. Stripes was definitely on the list. Oh you would look wider they said, it draws attention. Any and all excuses for us not to wear them. Let’s not get into the fact that many brands would not give you a print, and if they did it was usually a floral (not knocking the floral print in any way, but that’s all we had). Years ago things changed. Women stopped listening and started to wear what they wanted. I definitely stopped listening to rules and just got to a point that it was about what makes me happy instead of making folks comfortable by wearing clothing that would hide my body. 

These days I have gravitated to fun updates of classics. One in particular is the classic button up. If this top looks familiar, then you are right- I wore this in a post when Dia &Co launched their collaboration with Girl With Curves. It was such a cute top that I definitely wanted to wear it again in a post dedicated to all stripes. If you like a fun take on classics, then top is a great add to your wardrobe. If you love this top, then definitely ask your Dia Stylist to add it in your next box. 

I was feeling adventurous and decided to go full on stripe with these wide legged pants from Who What Wear. I must say that this brand continues to drop collections with pieces that I add to my cart immediately. With the prices being pretty affordable, I don’t have to break the bank to look good. Now when it comes to a wide leg pant, I'm always mindful on how it fits in the thigh and hips. You want them to hug your curves, not suffocate them. I love how these have a split which gives you a chance to show off your footwear a la the white bootie, or a cool sandal once the weather picks up. 

Striped top & jacket check, but you can't stop there, I went all out with my oldie but goldie striped moto from Modamix. I went ahead and linked a bunch of great options so that you can go full on stripe or not- your choice. 

Rainbow Brite

This 80's baby was all about Rainbow Brite as a child. She lived her life in complete technicolor. Now as a New Yorker, my life is all consumed by a palette of black, but lately my quest for color has me living for sunny days and bright palettes. 

With me trying not to fall into my safety net of black, I have been shopping my own closet to find new ways to wear items that I have had in my closet. One of my favorite items is the Crazy Stripe Sweater from the Gap. This sweater has been a mainstay of my wardrobe for at least 4 years and it continues to go strong. I make sure I use a sweater stone to remove any piles and I put my sweaters away each season using space saver bags. Each holiday season they release a new Crazy Stripe, and this past season's version is on sale. 

There is something about a sweater and skirt combo that is just effortlessly chic. With NYC not getting the memo it is April and it's Spring, the weather is still chilly so a sweater with a skirt is a great way to combat the chill that is still in the air. Also, the sweater/midi or maxi skirt combo is a great way to transition into the next season. Also the great thing about this combo is that you can dress it up with pumps, or go casual with a great pair of white sneakers. My go to white sneaker these days is the classic Stan Smith. 

I found this bold hue skirt on Fullbeauty's website from their offering of Violeta items. I love that it is a pull on skirt which makes life easy. Sometimes I just do not want to fuss with a skirt with zippers. There are definitely some sizes available on their site, so don't wait cause it is on sale for $32. I have also linked some other boldly hued skirts is this red one is not your cup of tea.

Moto jackets are my achilles heel. I live for a good moto. Moto jackets are just the easiest way to add some cool girl vibes to any look. Don't be surprised this Spring when you see me in a new color one everyday...lol. This red stunner is also from Fullbeauty from Ulla Popken. This suede version is sold out, but they do have a faux leather one available. I also linked some other cute red moto's that I feel you need in your life. 

Only thing left is to add your favorite red lippie, some accessories and you are ready to live your best Rainbow Brite life. Were you a fan or her vibe growing up? Do you live for color or do you stick to neutrals? Please share in the comments! Muah!!

Easter

You can never go wrong with a great dress for Easter. I can give you several reasons for such. First, the ease. Dresses are an instant outfit maker, and when you are trying to get dressed quickly so that you can beat the church rush for your favorite seat, a good dress has your back. Another reason why dresses are great, there is a type for everyone. Depending on what you want to highlight or conceal- there is a dress out there. My all time favorite dress types is the fit & flare followed by bodycon. I know two ends on the spectrum, but I will explain why. The fit & flare is what I call my ladylike dress. It can cinch your waist to create a hourglass (regardless if you are or not), and you don’t feel constricted on your lower half (esp for those that have wide hips or a bit of a tummy). On the other end a good bodycon brings the sexy. It hugs in all places and believe it or not this can be slimming. 

When it comes to my fit & flares I look for materials that are no fuss. Now I don’t have an issue with ironing, but if I can throw on an outfit and walk out the door I’m happy. Fabrics such as ponte and scuba are great because they barely wrinkle. Everyone wants to look bomb in their Easter’s finest and wrinkles just take away from the whole look.  

I received this cutie from my latest Dia & Co box. It’s the quintessential Easter dress. It’s colorful, has florals and the best feature of all - pockets. Dresses loose cool points with me if they don’t have pockets. The love of pockets is real in these streets. To play with some print mixing, I added a striped belt. Also I wanted to snatch my waist a bit, and adding a belt is the easiest way to create a smaller waist. Dia & Co is a great resource when you are looking for something new to add to your wardrobe. These days sometime you are either too busy to shop, or just overwhelmed with what is on sites. Having a Dia stylist curate items based on your style/call outs really makes shopping a breeze. It comes to your doorstep, try it on, and keep what you like, return the rest. Quick & painless. 

When I am wearing cutesy dresses, I always like to toughen up the look with a moto. My collection of moto’s continues to grow and this metallic one from Who What Wear has been in heavy rotation. I believe everyone should have at least 2 moto’s in their collection. The classic black and a fun color. I have motos in all colors of the rainbow, but jackets are my thing so I will always check out what is out there. hat can I say, I just want to live my life in technicolor. This metallic version is sold out in plus, but there is a pink version available as well as a floral one. Target has been cranking out some hits, and with their wallet friendly prices it’s more than enough reason to add everything to your cart.

 

 

 

At first I was going to wear a necklace with this look, but changed my mind when I decided to add a belt. Since the belt was sitting up higher than my natural waist, I felt adding a necklace would make me look shorter than what I already am. My go to accessory for the last several months has been a fun colorful earring. I found these online at Baublebar during the holiday season for less than $15. These are sold out but I found two other similar styles - the Coretta and the Canary. Both come in this bold pink hue and they are on sale.

 

 

 

 

 

If you are loving this dress make sure to ask your Dia stylist for it. Not signed up for Dia, then you are in luck cause you can sign up by clicking the link below!

Do you have your Easter outfit ready? Let me know what you are wearing in the comments below!!

 

Holy Curves

I could not let Women's month go by without shouting out dope women that are doing some things. Over the last several months, I have made it my mission to incorporate more black owned, and women owned businesses on my blog. There are so many people doing dope things that it is enough room at the table for all of us. One brand that I want to share with my lovers is Kay Dupree. I first met her online on twitter and became hella cool tweeting every Thursday about Scandal. From there we met IRL and just hit it off. She is fellow Bronx gal, smart, funny, and has a cool line for plus size gals. 

For example, this sweatshirt. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love graphic tee's. On any good day you will catch me in a tee, blazer and jeans. So when I checked out Kay's website, and saw this cutie of a sweatshirt I had to get it. I'm always buying tee's, if you can see my drawer you would shake your head, so I decided to get a sweatshirt. With Spring slowly creeping into these NYC streets, I feel this a great layer to wear as we transition into warmer weather. It's soft, warm, and of course it let's these people know, these curves out here are not to be played with. They should be praised. I am wearing a 1X (I wear 18/20 in tops) and its still roomy, so you can definitely stick your size. 

I have been experimenting more these days with mixing different prints or different color combo's. One print I have been incorporating more these days is camo. These pants are oldies from goodies from Lane Bryant, but they do have a newer version out now. I love how the ease of joggers and these are great for gals on the go. 

So for all the sneakerheads out there, they know that today is Air Max Day. It's a celebration of all things Air Max, and I am sharing my favorite, the Air Max 95. I have own these in soo many colors since they dropped 23 years ago, With all the different colors I have own over the years I will always come back to the original colorways- especially the neons. I am wearing a 6.5 in kids since I wear 8-8.5 in womens. That is the great thing when you wear shoes smaller than a woman's 9, you can wear kids sneaker and save you some money. 

I love the mix of color and print with this look. Adding the metallic bomber added just the right finishing touches to this look. The bomber I'm wearing is sold out, but there are some great options from Simply Be, and the upcoming Hunter for Target collection that definitely fit into the athleisure aesthetic. Lovers, let me know what you think???