E-Shatkiphobia

Ever since stumbling across E-Shakti's website a few months ago, I'm constantly tempted to order something. If you've never heard of E-Shakti, it's an online boutique that not only offers EVERY style  in sizes 0-26W (and there's hundreds), but allows you to give measurements and customize any garment you want. Love that dress but hate the neckline? Change it! Add sleeves for more coverage or change the length of a dress or skirt.

As a not only a plus but also a busty girl, I'm sure you can all see why E-Shakti is so tempting. There's nothing more annoying that finding and adorable piece of clothing only to have to put it back on the rack because of neckline that's too low for my girls or the chest is too tight. And sizing up hardly works, then you end up with a bust that fits and a waist that's drowning. Terrible!

I've been sorely tempted to order from E-Shakti, and their cute designs haven't helped me curb the urge at all. Take a look at a few of my favorites of the moment:

Buttoned shawl collar fleece knit dress - $54.95

I don't know why, but I love this yellow knit dress. The shape of the collar give it a retro, 80's feel in my opinion, the yellow is so happy, and it just looks COMFY! Add some tights, boots and a belt and this dress is my shit.

Wide banded waist sheath dress - $69.95

Here's a dress where I would take advantage of the customization options. I'd definitely add sleeves, either three-quarter or long ones, and I might even change the neckline to the "wide scoopneck" option. I figure with long sleeves it's ok to show a littttle cleave ;) But even on it's own, I love the black cummerbund, and the silhouette is so office chic.

Mother-of-pearl trim tunic - $52.95

Dresses are always my go-to section on any website, but I checked out E-Shakti's collection of top and tunics and once again I was not disappointed. I love everything about this tunic tank - the gathering on the neckline and small pleats on the bottom are adorable and the embellishment is extravagant enough without going overboard. Add the tie belt and the soft pretty color, and it's perfection.

Vintage style blouse - $44.95

This top is slowly melting my ice cold heart. I've always had a thing for Victorian/antique looking details and this top has just enough without making it look costume-y. The sleeve, the scallop detail, plus the cinched waist? Love. 

Graphic print wrap dress - $64.95

I love a graphic print, and this one doesn't disappoint. I especially like it because it looks like the V of the neckline looks high enough that I wouldn't even have to put a tank underneath for cleavage control (almost unheard of in my wardrobe). Paired with a bright belt or cardi, this would be super cute :)

Floral pin lace topped dress - $64.95

Last but not least, this gorgeous LBD with champagne lace top. I love, love, love this dress and seriously considered ordering it for a wedding I attended in early October. The lace top is is just so pretty, and the pleated cummerbund and pin detail just make it even more so. I love the skirt too, the gathers at the waist would be so flattering.

Now, all raving and lusting aside. I'm still hesitant to order. If I knew for sure the quality was top-notch and the clothes were what I imagined, I wouldn't think twice, especially when everything, including the LBD are under $100. But since I don't, I'd much rather spend it on something else I know will be worth the money (STILL lusting for that sequined cardi from Old Navy...next paycheck!)

Have you guys ever ordered from E-Shakti?? Were the clothes what you expected?

Love, fatties

I'm sure that by this point, most of you have read the highly offensive article by Maura Kelly on Marie Claire's site (if you haven't, here's the link), and are probably just as peeved as anyone else in the fatosphere. I planned to write a whole big post about it, but I'm pretty sure Jen Lancaster of Jennsylvania has said it all in her post "I've Got Your Counterpoint Right Here, Marie Claire." Check it out!

Whew, it's been a crazy weekend! My little sister turned 22 yesterday, so I went down to Delaware to visit her and celebrate the big 2-2. I like to pretend I'm still in college whenever possible :)

This was another outfit that did double duty for me. Above is how I wore it to work, and when I went out, I just took off the long sleeves and put on my rocker black slouch boots I just got from OneStopPlus.

This is my go-to, favorite green dress. I love the silhouette - high neck and drapey bottom, it does killer things for your curves. Paired with my favorite Flexees leggings to smooth everything out, this was the perfect outfit to go from work to play :)

On my feet are my Evans boots from last year, which you can see by the toes are absolutely worn to pieces. But I still love them! I also added a sparkly belt that I took off some dress or other, my black bracelet, black necklace, and big ring from New York & Company. Hope you guys like it!

And welcome to Thrifty Momma! She's a supermom, check out her blog!

Top: H&M
Dress: Macy's
Leggings: Flexees
Boots: Evans
Ring: New York & Co

Lusting for OTK?

Over-the-knee boots is one of the hottest trends for this Fall/Winter season, and probably one of the most difficult for us fatshionistas to find and pull off. Lucky for us, Curvy Everyday found an awesome pair of OTK boots and wants to share her wisdom! She scooped up these Wanted boots at DSW and did a great video to show us how they look on and the different ways you can wear them. Check out the video below, and check out, Curvy Everyday!























Love these boots? You can find them here, here, or here!

Rocker

Boots, boots, boots, boots! That's all that's been on my mind lately - I'm obsessed. So of course I was thrilled when I walked in on Wednesday and found my OneStopPlus order had been delivered!

Here are the Timberly Tall Studded Slouch Boots that I was so looking forward to getting. If you remember, I ordered these in lieu of the more expensive Evans version. Was the more wallet-friendly price worth it?

In my opinion, they were. I like these boots a lot. Though they're not real leather, they don't have that supercheap pleather look to them. They look lived in, like I just got off my motorcycle from riding all day and am ready to start kicking butts. Little details like the gold zip and tan soles definitely give it more edge than the all-black Evans version would have had.

If you're thinking of ordering, be aware that they do run a little big. I ordered my usual 9 1/2 but would definitely have sized down to the 9 if I had known. Even so, the fit is fine, I just rocked some thicker socks today. If you're planning on being on your feet all day in these, I'd recommend an insole of some sort as they don't have too much support inside.

Here's my OOTD with the boots. Cleary I still need to work on my rockstar/biker look LOL. This embellished shoulder top and chain accessories (the bracelet was another piece in my OneStopPlus order) was pretty much the best I could do in my morning rush, but I was determined to wear my new boots yesterday!

Bomber Jacket: Jou Jou via Macy's (last year, but they've got some other similar styles)
Top: JCPenny (No longer available)
Jeans (slash jeggings?): Faith 21 (review of these to come)
Boots: OneStopPlus
Necklace: Nordstrom Rack
Bracelet: OneStopPlus
Polish: American Apparel Hunter

Big welcome to my newest follower, who also just happens to be one of my besties - Erin TheGreenE! Check out her blog Frame of Reference - she's pretty fabulous. Also, she feeds my shopping addiction, so I keep her around...BOOOOOOOOTS!

What do you guys think my OneStopPlus purchase? Do you think you'd order from them?

Special delivery

Look what came yesterday, after just four days!

Here's a quick peek. I'll be doing a full review plus an OOTD after work today :)

Well played, Old Navy

I have to say, taking a look at Old Navy's plus line (exclusively online), I'm rather impressed by some of the stuff they've come out with lately. They are, of course, still chock full of the basics that you're used to seeing, but they've got some rather chic looking piece too!

This gorgeous cropped sequined cardigan is the first thing on my list right now, next to the grey coat I was gushing earlier. Zip front, three-quarter sleeved...for me, it really doesn't get any better. Women's Plus Sequined Zip Cardigan - $69.50

 

I love the print and the colors on this short-sleeved cotton top. The subtle pleating down the front just add to the sophistication of this top. It'd be perfect for work, but I could definitely see myself throwing on some skinnies, heels and a cute jacket (maybe even the sequined one above) to wear it for a night out. Women's Pleated Floral Print Top - $24.50 on sale

This fair isle sweater looks so cozy! I love layering short sleeved sweaters over a snug long sleeved shirt and this would be no exception - I already see myself pairing this with skinnies, flats, and a big necklace or earrings. Women's Plus Fair Isle Cocoon Cardigan - $44.50

If you couldn't tell already, I clearly have a hard-on for anything sequined and embellished, but I especially like the embellishment on this lightweight black sweater. I like the almost fish-scale effect the different size and color sequins give when they overlap each other, and I like that it's asymmetric so the sequins aren't too overwhelming. Womens Plus Paillette V-Neck Sweater - $49.50

I find it annoying, though, that you can only order this stuff online, and that they don't carry the plus line in their brick and mortar store. Has anyone seen an Old Navy with a plus section?

Giveaway at Finally Accepting All of Me

The lovely Michaniya over at Finally Accepting All of Me is doing a great giveaway from Fashion to Figure! You (or me, hehe) could be the lucky winner of one of these four pieces!

 

Click here to check it out!

I want!!

       
I want I want I want!!

This gorgeous wool blend coat from Old Navy is the perfect casual winter coat. I have a beautiful charcoal grey wool mid thigh coat ready to go for winter, which is great because you can throw it on with jeans or with a dressier outfit and still look appropriate.

This coat though, I dunno what it is, but I need it. Maybe its the standing collar or the subtle gathers on the hem and sleeve, it's casual yet feminine and I MUST HAVE IT.

Downside? It's $99.50. WHO told OLD NAVY they're allowed to sell something as expensive at $99.50?? I'm hoping they'll still have my size when it goes on sale, or that I get a gift card for Christmas :)

...or, let's be serious...I might cave. NOT YET. But I might, at some point.

Sugar and Spice

We've got perfect fall weather going on right now in New Jersey. It's cool and crisp in the morning, which is perfect for the lightweight oversized-plaid coat I picked up a few weeks ago for only $30 from Filene's Basement!






It paired perfect with my work outfit today. I like the detail on the neckline of this shirt, it makes it a little more special than just your basic tee. The dark pink is pretty with this grey wool skirt, and an embellished black cardi and black heeled mary-janes topped off this girly sweet look.

I thought this color scheme was perfect to wear this chunky necklace I made a few years ago! I was already wearing this vintage onyx pendants and decided to leave it on too. My favorite part of this outfit though is my metal and leather weave belt. I loved it so much when I saw it that I picked it up in white leather as well! It's simple but fun and brings a little edge to any outfit.

Coat: Filene's Basement
Cardigan: Old Navy
Top: New York & Co.
Skirt: Old Navy via Re/Dress NYC
Belt: Nordstrom Rack
Shoes: Target
Polish: American Apparel Peacock

Order placed :)

Placed my order this morning for the Lane Bryant Ponte Houndstooth Dress I've been lusting after:

I threw in these adorable socks to make my order over $75 in order to use that $25 off of $75 coupon.

After my store credit, all I paid was $20 bucks :)

I should be getting my ASOS Curve order today or within the next few days so yay!

Welcome to Alinūlis Pupavičius and L Anne!


And thank you everyone for your wonderful comments and emails. They really made me feel better after this weekend :) Happy shopping everyone!

RIP

 

Cleo

1993-2010

Thank you for 17 years of joy. You were not only my pet,

you were my sister and best friend. I'll miss you.

My next purchase

I've already got my next purchase scheduled in my head. I've got a $40 store credit to Lane Bryant, and on October 19th I can use it with a $25 off of $75 coupon - I'll end up paying around $10 bucks for this beauty:

 

In the words of my friend Erin, "It's just screaming to be worn with black tights and booties!" Good thing I've got those ASOS booties on the way! With my favorite black blazer or a bright cardi, this is going to be the perfect addition to my work wardrobe, but it's also stylish and chic enough to be dressed up for a night out :)

One thing that really grinds my gears about Lane Bryant is their sizing - the way they have a 14/16 and an 18/20 rather than all four sizes or even 14/16, 16/18, 18/20. It's lazy on their part and SO frustrating when a piece that I want is either to too small in the 14/16 and too big in the 18/20...where's the in between?!  My favorite part is that if you look at their size chart, they don't have measurements for those combined sizes, only for each individual number! Damn you and your head games, Lane Bryant! I'm going to take my measurements sometime this weekend and try to figure which is best.

Le sigh.

Anyone else have issues with they way Lane Bryant sizes their garments, or is it just me??

Outfit Multitasking!

I think this is my favorite outfit that I've put together so far this week. This is the dusty blue dress from Faith21 I mentioned in an earlier post - It's going to be doing double duty today as a work outfit and also as a date/going out outfit for later tonight! I love an outfit that can multitask!

I paired it with flats in the pic above to dress it down a tiny bit. I took a cue from Michaniya of Finally Accepting All of Me and topped if off with this bright cardigan. The cardi adds a pop of color and fun with it's funky abstract design. I kept the jewelry pretty simple with a black necklace and the black bangle I've been wearing nonstop. These grey tights are another pair I got from HUE - the size 4 (plus) is a really nice fit and they're so soft and comfortable!

For my date tonight, I don't think I'll change too much besides putting on my favorite grey Target boots to dress up the outfit a bit. I might change up the jewelry or even play around with belting it, but for the most part, I think I'm good to go! Wish me luck!

Cardigan: TJ Maxx
Dress: Faith 21 (No longer available)
Tights: HUE
Flats: Preview via Nordstrom Rack
Boots: Target
Necklace: New York & Co. (No longer available)
Polish: American Apparel Berry

Office Remix

Just because I work in an office doesn't mean that I'm going to conform to the ol' "skirt, slacks, button down" uniform you see on most people in cubes. Working at a newspaper, I do have a lot of lee way as our dress code is pretty casual, so sometimes I like to mix up my work staples to give them a little funk.

This slouchy sweater from ASOS Curve is one of my favorite purchases of the season so far. It's only midway through October and I've already worn it a million times, and in many different ways - it's so versatile! You can keep it casual with jeans, a cute tee and flats, or it's super easy to dress up too - One of my favorite ways to wear it is belted over a dress. Here I paired it with a tunic-length button down, leggings and boots. This is a perfect outfit for work for me, especially because the sweater keeps me warm in our ARCTIC air conditioning. I don't have all that many button downs because my chest makes it really difficult to find ones that fit properly. This one is great because it has seaming at the bustline that give it a much more feminine shape. I still had to pin the placket between the second and third button so it wouldn't gape, but I don't think its too obvious.

Closeup of my jewelry and of course my mani :)

Sweater: ASOS Curve (No longer available)
Tunic: New York & Co. (No longer available) similar idea
Leggings: INC via Macy's
Boots: Target
Earrings: H&M
Studs: A gift from my aunt for my Sweet 16 - they've been in my ears since that night.
Ring: A gift from my godmother
Bracelet: A friend's
Polish: Nars Zulu

Big welcome to Kimberlee of The Natural Fashionista! Check her out, she's rockin' some fierce outfits :)

Seeing Double?

sAnd not because I'm drunk...not yet anyway...

As a girl with chunky calves (somewhere between 17-17.5 inches) I am always on the hunt for a cute boots that fit.

I ordered the boots above from Evans last fall, and they proved to be one of my best purchases of the season. Made of beautiful real leather, these babies were on my feet almost everyday and even made the journey with me for a week in Prague!  After such a great experience, I was all set to order another pair from Evans this season.

At  £49.50, or about $78 plus shipping, these are a little bit pricey for a boot that's not leather, but we plus size girls know that that's often the price we have to pay for good fit. I was all set to order when I happened to take a peek at OneStopPlus.com - Lo and behold!

 

They're not EXACT, but close enough to make me look twice! You'll see small differences like gold zips and tan soles and stitching instead of black, but honestly, I like it better that way...those subtle details give the OneStopPlus boot a little more edge than the Evans.

 And, the best part is, these are less expensive! Only $49.90 (plus $8.99 shipping, for a total of $58.89)


If you're a first time shopper at OneStopPlus, it gets even better! First time shoppers get $20 off of $60, $30 off of $80, or $40 off of $100! I added two bracelets to my order, and it actually came out cheaper, with shipping, than it would have if i ordered just the boots - $55.13!

I've now got TWO orders to look forward to next week...my ASOS Curve order, and OneStopPlus! Yay for online shopping!


Have you guys ordered anything from OneStopPlus? What did you think of the quality and style?

And welcome to Curvy Everyday, and Jessica of Surely Sonsy! Both blogs are great, so check 'em out!