Goal

Coming back from a long weekend is so hard, isn't it! I'm in vacation mode and I'm not ready to come back to work!! Especially with the beautiful summer weather we had all weekend, who could blame me for wanting to head to the beach instead of the office??

This wrap top is item numero uno from my latest ASOS order. If you're thinking of ordering this top, you should know that the wrap pieces are not attached to the shirt - so the pieces across my bust are not sewn down. This is good because you arrange then as high or low as you want, but if you're moving around a lot you'd have to keep fixing them. I was just at the office and supermarket so I didn't really have an issue with that. Same goes for the back, the wrap piece is not sewn down, but it's good in my opinion because you can pull the fabric higher up for more back coverage.  The top definitely emphasizes my bust, something I usually am not a fan of, but I still felt really comfortable and pretty wearing this top to work and running some errands. I think if I wear my hair down next time it won't be as emphasized. Speaking of hair, do you like my blogger bun? It's officially my I-didn't-have-time-to-wash-my-hair-this-morning style. I think it looks way more put together than a plain old ponytail!

Top: ASOS Curve
Jeggings: Old Navy
Sandals: Steve Madden
Bracelets: Mom's
Earrings, necklace and detachable pendant: Premier Designs
Ring: Vintage

The second piece I ordered from ASOS Curve was the cobalt blue Flippy Jersey Dress. It's very pretty, but I decided to return. On my figure, the high neckline combined with the shorter length was not flattering. One someone less busty, though, I think it'd be really cute!

Number three was the green Ruched Waist Shift Dress. This dress is absolutely beautiful, though it is a tiny bit snug as the fabric is chiffon and has no stretch. I decided I'm going to keep it though. Fitting into that dress for Panagias this summer is my weight loss goal. It's only a little tight so it's a very attainable goal! As of right now I'm down 3.2 lbs. Keep truckin'! 

Swimwear for the Curvy Girl

Memorial Day is almost upon us, and for many (myself included) it marks the beginning of the much loved, but also much dreaded summer season. I say much dreaded because summer=swimsuits, which can be the bane of any woman's existance - thin, thick, short, tall, curvy or straight.

Besides the challenge of finding a suit that's cute and not matronly in a plus size, it's also hard for a girl with big girls to find a suit with enough support and lift to be worn comfortably. It boggles my mind there there are so few stylish bra-sized swimsuits out there!

So, on that note, I've gathered up a bunch of options I've seen around the interwebs - one and two piece suits, bra sized and not. Enjoy!

 Bra-sized

Tankini

One-piece

I like to mix and match my tankini swimsuits, and I've found that Land's End has some really great options as far as bottoms go.

I've already put in an order for two one-piece swimsuits, the mocha ruched one and purple v-neck above it, both from Land's End. I'm also planning to buy a tankini, either the beige and black striped one from Fig Leaves, or the navy and white polka dots from Land's End.

Hope you all have a lovely and safe Memorial Day weekend :)

Sweet and Simple

I'm not usually one to leave the house without lots of accessories - belts, necklaces, bracelets, rings; but sometimes the simpler the better. This dress with the beaded neckline is an old favorite, and I often find I don't need much for it to look great. My simple vintage pendant, a few bracelets, and a pop of yellow on my feet was all I needed on this gorgeous day!

Dress: American Rag via Macy's
Sandals: Chinese Laundry via DSW
Necklace: Vintage
Bracelets: Aldo Accessories

On an unrelated note, ASOS has been baller status when it comes to shipping lately! I got my order in just five days! Pop in tomorrow to see how I style one of my new pieces :)

Sorry!

I've been a bad blogger, can't believe I haven't posted an outfit in at least a week!! Sorry about that! I had all intentions of taking some photos yesterday as it was the first sunny afternoon we've had in days, but...

I got a mani/pedi instead, and it was glorious! *sheepish grin* Sometimes a girl just needs to be pampered!!

Fingers: Essie Lapis of Luxury
Toes: Essie Mesmerize
Sandals: Target

It's a beautiful day here in NJ (thank goodness because I don't think I could handle more rain), so I will definitely be shooting and have something up for you all tomorrow :)

<3

Weekend Recap

dHope you all had a wonderful weekend! Mine was unusually action-packed, but it was one of the best I've had in a while!

It all started Thursday - I took the day off from work to see John, my big brother, graduate from medical school!! Who would have thought this guy -

Would grow up to become this guy?!

Congrats Johnny, we're so proud of you!

Fast forward to Saturday - back in March boyfriend got me one of the best birthday presents ever: tickets to see Adele perform at the Unite Palace Theatre in NYC!!

The concert was absolutely incredible...Adele sounded even better live than she does on her records; how is that even possible!! She is such an amazing talent, I'd go see her sing every night if I could!

And as if my weekend wasn't good enough already, my friend Theodora invited me to see The Normal Heart on Broadway.

 

The Normal Heart is a play about AIDS in New York City in the early 80's, before anyone really knew what it was, and one man's efforts to help the gay community in the face of the the devastating epidemic. The actors gave such powerful and real performances, there wasn't a dry eye in the house by the end. Besides Joe Mantello, who gave a fantastic performance as the main role of Ned, I was especially impressed by Ellen Barkin She played Emma, a doctor who treated and watched hundreds of young gay men die from AIDS, and who passionately fought for funding for AIDS research to help her patients. A truly amazing show! And guess who was sitting about 5 seats down from us?? Gabourey Sidibe, looking fabulous!

How was your weekend??

Food Files

Yes, this is a fashion blog, but when I come across something awesome, I can't help but share!

I recently came across Skinny Taste, a fantastic cooking blog where Gina shares her 'light', Weight Watchers-friendly recipes (she even gives point values!). I consider myself handy in the kitchen and I also have a lot of love for Indian food, so I decided to give her Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk recipe a try. After a quick trip to my local Trader Joe's for a few ingredients, I was ready to go. Here's what you'll need, straight from Gina.

Chicken Curry with Coconut Milk
Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 1 thigh with sauce and potato • Old Points: 4 pts • Points+: 4 pts

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp roasted cumin
• 1-1/2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tsp curry powder
• 1/2 onion, minced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup light coconut milk
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 large potato, peeled and diced small
• 6 skinless chicken thighs
• kosher salt to taste

Add oil to a large pan, on medium heat. When oil is hot add onion and garlic and sauté.

Add cumin, masala and curry powder and mix well. Place chicken in the pan and season with salt. Mix together with all spices and brown on both side for a few minutes.

Add tomatoes, cilantro, water, coconut milk and adjust salt to taste. Mix all ingredients and cover pan, simmer on low until chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.

Add potatoes and more water if neccesary and simmer, covered an additional 5-10 minutes.

Ta da! I served my curry over Trader Joe's steamed Jasmine rice and it was absolutely delicious!

Note: My ingredients varied a little from the recipe - I used a mild curry, regular cumin instead of roasted, and tikki masala instead of garam masala because that's all I could find. If you're not one for spicy food this would be a great edit for you, as my curry was very, very mild. I'm keeping my eyes open for garam masala and a spicer curry for next time as I like a little heat! If you're following WW, just take a look at the points. 4 PointsPlus for a piece of chicken with sauce and potatoes! For dinner, that's nothing. I doubled my chicken serving and added 4 points for a cup of Jasmine rice, bring my dinner count to a healthy 12 PointsPlus. And it was delicious!

I have plans to make many more of Gina's recipes, I can't wait to share them with you!

What's your favorite dish to cook?

If I had a million Dollars...F21+ Edition

Although it's been raining all week here in northern NJ, summer is coming fast. If you live in NJ, you know that means major heat and unbearably muggy humidity is in our near future. Naturally, I'm on the hunt for cute summer dresses and tops that can take me from weekend to office wear while keeping me cool and comfortable.

Forever 21+ has been bringing out the big guns as far as bright, interesting prints and cute tops go. If I had a million dollars, these are some of the pieces I'd pick:

Clockwise from top right: Retro Woven Top, $19.80. Heart Print Dress, $22.80. Ditsy Fan Cardigan, $19.80. Burnout Leopard Top, $15.80. Belted Abstract Dress, $24.80. Colorful Ikat Top, $17.80. Polka Dot Bow Tunic, $19.80. Aztec Print Top, $19.80.

The great thing is that you don't need to be a millionaire to get your hands on these clothes. None of these items are over $23! I'm not even going to go into F21's accessories, that's an entire post in and of itself.

I can see myself in all of the items above. The Ikat and Leopard Burnout tees would be nice additions to my growing collection of relaxed slouchy tees from F21+. They're so comfortable and easy to wear, and great prints keep you looking put together.

Let's be real here - with these prices I'm fulling planning to take home some of these pieces come payday - the Aztec Print Top, Belted Abstract Dress, Ditsy Fan Cardigan, and even possibly the Retro Woven Top will be mine come Thursday :)

Do you own any of these pieces? 

If you do, send over your photos, we'd love to see your look!