Set Me Up

Temperature's rising, and with that I go for easy pieces that can take me from day to night. When it's 80+ degrees in NYC and the humidity is high, being cool is necessity. I have really been looking for pieces that look good and keep me cool, because what's the point of wearing a great outfit that makes you miserable because you are hot. 

I have been gravitating towards a lot of matching sets- whether its suits, matching tops & skirt, or like in this case, a kimono-short set. Now I have been waiting for the perfect time to wear this set from Eloquii. Ok, full disclosure I have been waiting for the weather to cooperate so I can wear this set. The past month has been nothing but rain or chilly days which called for a hoodie. 

Eloquii Kimono

For the kimono style robe, I went with my normal size of a 18/20. I wasn't worried about the arms being too tight since kimono's usually have a little more room in the sleeves. Since it was hot, I decided not to wear a top underneath and just rocked a cute bra. The kimono provides enough coverage so you don't feel exposed. The shorts, I decided to go with a 18. Even though I wear a 16 in bottoms, I tend to size up in shorts because I don't want them too tight, especially when no stretch is involved. These are the perfect length if you are average height. For my tall gals these will definitely show off more thigh (cause the more the merrier). 

My shoes, yes, let's get into the shoes, cause these are some bangers. I was on the hunt for a cute pink shoe, and these Steve Madden's popped up in my search. Clear details are back again, but what I love is that this heel is a lucite pink. I know at times with lucite people automatically think stripper shoes, but with it being pink it completely takes it from naughty to nice. Now this shoe is on sale, so hurry up and get it before it's gone. 

For those that know me, they know I carry my whole entire life in a tote bag. These days, I am trying to streamline, and just carry what I need. That's when you need a great shoulder bag. I have been eyeing this Fossil bag for a while now, so when I finally saw it for a good price, I hurried up and purchased it. It's a great shoulder bag with tons of room for all my stuff. If you are not a fan of pink it does come in black and brown. 

I have been loving me some statement earrings, so when my booski SkaKera saw these at Charming Charlie she got me a pair. Unfortunately the Charming Charlie store in NYC closed and their website is under construction, so getting your hands on a pair is quite tough these days. Definitely head to their website to see which stores are in your area, because these were only $8 and its a great earring to have in your collection. 

Who else is loving sets this season? Please share your favorites by using the hashtag #styleoversize on Instagram and Facebook, in the comments, or you can always email me! Muah lovers!!

Radiant Orchid

Purple has been definitely reflective in a lot of the Spring looks this season all due to the color of the year being Ultraviolet. When it comes to the purple family, I tend to stay away from the classic shade, but I am loving lavender, lilac, and my new favorite radiant orchid. 

The pink and fuchsia undertones makes this a shade that flatters all skin tones. It's definitely a color that can be paired with tons of other colors and will look amazing. Also, orchid colored makeup looks great against my skintone. I am wearing Yoshi from Colourpop and for $7 its a great liquid lipstick. 

To pay homage to this cool shade, I went with this great dress courtesy of Lane Bryant. This dress was from one of their Lane Style collections which is a curated group of on trend items. The Off the Shoulder dress was from one of their earlier collections dedicated to dresses, but with the weather in NYC not being the warmest, I waited until now to wear the dress. The material is made of a stretch cotton. Its great for warm days since its lightweight. I am wearing a size 18, and it has a stretchy waist which helps cinch you in. 

When Target announced that they were adding new brands to their assortment, I was curious, but not expecting much. Boy did they prove me wrong. Not only are the clothes amazing, but the shoe selection has stepped up as well. I have wide feet, so the options for cute and affordable wide shoes can be hard. I was already loving the A New Day collection from Target, but then they added wide width shoes, and now I am hooked. I am still rocking my block heels, and these orchid wide width pair called the Michaela from Target are a must have. First you can't go wrong with the price- they are $25, and they carry whole & half sizes in medium and wide widths, and with the heel being only 2.5 inches, I can wear these all day with ease. 

With all the monochromatic goodness going on, I wanted to add another pop of color by wearing my neon pineapple belt. This is a goodie from Eloquii last year. I soo wished they brought it back this season with different fruits because it was such a fun belt. For my accessories, I went with my tassel earrings from Sugarfix by Baublebar. 

Are you rocking more purple? Loving it, or still feel like it's not for you? Share below!

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!!