Plus-Size Look of the Week #1

You all know by now that I'm a plus-size girl. I love fashion, but sometimes dressing a full-figured body isn't easy. To rock the styles you like, sometimes you have to be brave and do things like baring your arms, chicken wings or no chicken wings. Case in point, my pic below...lol

*photo courtesy of Dominika Martyniuk

You also have to learn to take chances. That's what I like about my first Plus-Size Look of the Week. This outfit from Lane Bryant combines a lot of funky details—the cardigan paired with the satin, printed dress, then belted and worn with a soft scarf. And I love the little booties. I even like the hat, though I'm not sure I'd wear it myself.

Now, I have a hard time wearing satiny materials. They tend to show a lot of lumps and bumps. I'd recommend wearing a slip or a scary-stomach-sucking-in apparatus to smooth you out (I heart Spanx!). Also, try mixing your prints. Try wearing a scarf that has a lot of the same colors as your dress, but a very subtle print so it's not too crazy of a mix. And, listen up you larger ladies. The trick with boots is, you need a heel. If you're going to wear boots with dresses or skirts, you gotta go with some height. A flat boot, while I love them with pants, just looks too stumpy with dresses. I've tried to rock this look, but I failed miserably.

Personally, I'll try this layered look with dresses I already own, particularly summery dresses that will need a cardigan in the next few months.

For all you skinny ladies out there, take advice from my Plus-Size Look of the Week too. We all need help to look slimmer and more fashionable at times!

A special shout-out to my co-worker JoAnn, who requested more plus-size postings. I hope you enjoyed this first one!

Is She Punk or Pretty?

Another Gossip Girl, Taylor Momsen. You're so cute as Jenny. I love the scarf, and the hair, jewelry, and dress below are totally gourmet.

Other times...you're just a hot mess:

What do you think? A young girl just trying to find herself? Or a true identity crisis?

My Style Icon: Leighton Meester, aka Blair Waldorf

I know she's supposed to be in high school, but the way she puts together outfits is so amazingly cool. And by "she" I mean Leighton herself, or the stylist for Blair. LOL They're kind of one and the same because the both have a sophisticated style that pushes boundaries...exactly the kind of style I'd like to have myself. 

Check her out:

I don't know what I like more here, the satin slim pants, the voluminous sleeves on her sweater, or that amazing chair she's sitting on!

Ruffles. I love ruffles. And that coat? I just love how her outerwear and accessories (Hello? The gloves? The headband?) aren't forgotten items. They aren't just convenient pieces she throws on. She puts thought into them.

Blair mixes prints a lot. I love it. A lot.

Plaid is so hot this fall. I love the pops of color in this outfit—the purple turtleneck, the green headband. To make this a little more sophisticated, I'd wear heels and a button down top under this jumper. Ready for work.

Repeat after me: This fall I will wear cardigans and something navy blue. Cardigans and something navy blue.

Cute little dresses, simple little shorts, and comfy flat sandals. The summertime uniform of any Manhattan girl...or Birmingham girl, for that matter.

Ah, the cape. Keep an eye out for a soon-to-come posting on outerwear. For now, simply covet this little brown cape as I do. Loving it!

How sexy is this dress? The bustier effect of the neckline, the gathered belt across her waist. Tres chic. And the color combo is unexpected too.

This little black-and-white number is so sophisticated, I can't even stand it! The sweetheart neckline is so perfect for her. The print is graphic and the white is so flattering. Can you say green with envy?

Fashion Flubs

I get that the 80s are back. Leggings, bangles, vests. I can get behind those trends. 

But the three trends below are just...heinous.

So, yeah. I just don't get cropped tops. They cut you off in a weird place and just look, well, sloppy.

Boots with sundresses? Too Alicia Silverstone in Aerosmith videos for me. I don't know if this is 80s or 90s, I just know I don't like it. Tall boots or sleek booties with regular dresses (with tights, preferrably)? That's fine. But these dresses should be worn with sandals, wedges, or heels.

There are a lot of new things going on with denim this year. I love the idea of black jeans. I might (MIGHT) even be able to get behind a tear or two if balanced well with the rest of the outfit so it's not too grungy. But tie-dye? No. Thank you.

PS—thank you to people.com for these pics. Have you guys checked out their style pages? Tres awesome.