April 2014 – PPMeow!

Statement Jewellery May Help You Network

My apologies for the long absence….. seems my day job and life have been keeping me from blogging. But I’m back and ready to share some insights on some things I’ve observed whist being a more corporate fashionista the last week and a half.

I have found myself in numerous situations where there network opportunities to broaden my professional-social-circle have presented itself. However, developing rapport with strangers in professional, office-workplace settings has always been something I find tricky to do….

So, my go-to strategy once I’ve found someone I’d like to network with, is to begin by offering them a compliment.

Often time in those painful elevator rides where EVERY button is illuminated, and we’re all staring at each our feet, I’m usually the first to notice a fellow corporate fashionista standing next to me with fantastic shoes. I’ll look up at her and tell her so. And immediately we’ll be in chit-chatty conversation until we’ve arrived at our respective floor destinations.

Compliments are an easy ice-breaker. This means you want to use them to your best advantage and turn compliments into conversations. This totally works for men too. Plus, when another professional feels compelled to let you know they like something you are wearing…it’s as if you instantly have something in common. And possibly have them start thinking, “I wonder what more we might have in common?” 😉

Jewelry has been the most successful fashion conversation starter at networking events, or so I’ve found. Both women and men feel comfortable complimenting or commenting on a piece of jewelry. It’s considered in the safe zone. For men think: cufflinks, watches and tie pins (although rarely worn).

Multi-strand Pink & Coral Stones, Stella&Dot

Hello Yellow bib & earring set, Expressions – Hudson Bay Co.

Cherry pendent necklace & matching earings from Jubly-Umph Originals, Doll Factory by Damzels (pic links to post)

My favourite, and most impactful pieces that yield the most compliments and conversation-starters are necklaces. Likely, because they’re at eye level with other networkers. Of course, earrings, rings, bracelets and other jewellery could do the same thing too. If its a morning breakfast-networking event or cocktail-event, be sure to wear it on the hand that holds your drink beverage or food plate. So that your fellow networkers can the statement jewellery and make it a conversation starter. 🙂

Mint Stone Necklace from One Girl Who (pic links to post)

Black and Gold necklace, Aldo Accessories

Take a look at a few from my personal collection that has gotten the most ‘action’ in terms of conversation starting with networkers, in addition to my colleagues within my work team, managers included! I’ve provided captions under each picture and links to more details posts if I’ve worn this piece within a previous Outfit of the Day post.

I recommend wearing one eye-catching piece of jewelry to networking events. It doesn’t have to be over-the-top or uber expensive to be effective; it’s most important for it to be visually appealing and personally flattering.

What is your go-to or favourite statement piece of jewellery? What is it about this piece that makes is special to you?

#Bopo.jpg — THE Medina Bib, Stella & Dot (pic links to post)

White & Gold Bib, Aldo Accessories (pic links to post)

steampunkearcuffs — Giant Pearls, Your Big Sister’s Closet; Ear-cuffs, Steam On Queen (pic links to post)

Gussied Up & Tess Munster!

Gussied Up, a plus size clothing boutique owned by the lovely Victoria McGroarty, celebrated the store’s 3rd anniversary this weekend – with a Meet & Greet with Miss Tess Munster!

This delightful Bathurst boutique has classic pieces and Canadian designs in sizes X-3X. With versatile pieces like day-to-evening dresses, casual blazers, leggings and cute but practical undergarments.

This past visit I had my eye on the vintage-inspired bathing suits — any era with fashions that celebrates hips & tits wins my heart every time! The feminine details for belts and bling is what I go weak in the knees for (ended up buying a sweetie-pie one I’ve had my eye on since seeing it on Instagram).

With the weather oh-so gorgeous, I walked up from West Queen West (a significant distance) – so I decided to dress down cozy and comfy with my navy faux Toms (Airwalk from Payless), pink stripped maxi (from AdditionElle), cat-eye sunnies (from The Public Butter), pink moustache scarf (from Winners), faded denim-hoodie jacket (Jessica Simpson from HBC) and my MK grey cross body bag to make my Saturday afternoon stroll to meet Miss Tess Munster!

The line up to meet Tess nearly wrapped the corner of Dupont! Lucky for me….Rebecca (of Rebecca Northcott Photography) and I had a “tag-team approach”… and who ever got there first would save a spot for the other, regardless of the dirty looks to come our way by fellow-in-line fans! 😉

Tess is a Plus-Size Model, Make Up Artist, Body Positive Activist and Blogger based in L.A., who turned her hobbies into a successful career. She is a petite woman with an amazing smile that truly does light up a room!

She recently founded the #effyourbeautystandards movement which has over 65,000 shares on Instagram alone, that changed her life. She receives letters and emails from different women every day thanking her for empowering them to love their bodies, and to not be ashamed of being short, pale/dark, or dare I say…Fat.

The features that Tess was bullied about in her youth, that she now embraces, that has led to her success. She really is an inspiration, encouraging other women to embrace and accept who they are, as they are.

Tess hopes that girls who are bullied, and women who lack confidence will begin to see their inner and outer beauty at whatever size.

For everyone that says we can’t show our tummies, wear a pencil/form-fitting skirt, wear a bikini, wear sleeveless tops… YOU can!

That’s the main message of the #effyourbeautystandards campaign — Tess wants YOU to join her in wearing “daring” fashions & stop hiding your body because society tells you to.

BE a total babe regardless of our size..big OR small we all deserve to feel beautiful.

Take a look at some of the beautiful shots Rebecca captured at the Meet & Greet with Miss Tess Munster at Gussied Up:

Tess was a delight to meet! A genuinely nice person — happy to give hugs, pose for pictures …even TAKING SELFIES with her adoring fans!

I’ve got a massive #girlcrush on this woman – even more now that I’ve met her!

10255049_10152291511960376_5493591035417597110_o — Tess with Rebecca, of Rebecca Northcott Photography

Tess is proof that determination, relentlessness, and positivity can look beautiful on anyone, and that there is a wonderful life past a size 20.

Gussied Up located at 1090 Bathurst St (at Dupot) in Toronto, Ontario. You should def make a visit to see what fabulous fashions finds need to be yours!

Here are a few shots taken by my iPhone camera too:

Me with Gussied Up owner, Victoria — Me with Victoria, Owner of Gussied Up!

Shots taken with my iPhone: Me + Victoria and Me + Tess Munster

How to Wear Sequins & Shine

Sequins was a big trend this winter….and it seems to be carrying into spring. But knowing HOW to wear sequins is a bit tricky. So I thought I’d dedicate this post to just that!

I personally own 5 sequins/shiny items:

Copper/silver chain purse (Aldo)

Black pumps (Guess)

Copper/Gold tank-top (INC, Hudson Bay Co.)

Gold sequins mini-dress (Sears)

Blue & black headband/fascinator (Ardene)

Here are a few general tips for incorporating sequins into your wardrobe:

Mixing sequins with simpler articles of clothing that do not have embellishments will almost always look good. You can dress up something old or something plain without fear of going overboard. For a super casual downtown vibe, I’ve donned my sequins tank layered with long cardi or flannel button-down, black jeans, and a beanie.
If you’re a little wary about wearing sequins on your clothes, you can still work this style out through your accessories! You might choose a pin, a headband, a purse, shoes, or a piece of jewelry – sequins are great for accent pieces. As you can see … I started that way with a purse, headband and shoes…easing myself into the sequins scene. 🙂
You don’t have to stick to standard black or even silver. Sequins come in every color of the rainbow, after all, different colored sequins can create a dazzling effect. There’s no reason not to experiment with different colors.
However, let me repeat: do not try every colour all at one! A multicolored sequined extravaganza might be great for a costume and is common with Bollywood looks….., buuuuuut keep it down to one or two. Otherwise you’re going to look a little like a disco ball threw up on you, and possibly blind someone.

So waddya think? Were my general tips above helpful?

Would YOU incorporate a bit of sequins into your wardrobe and outfits?

Rebecca Northcott, of Rebecca Northcott Photography took a few fab shots of me in this gold sequins dress – insisting that this glittery frock be brought out and worn more often. I wholeheartedly agree! I’ve only worn this ONCE for a company Holiday Party (more than a year ago). But by pairing it something more casual, like these tall knee-high/thigh-high black leather boots (from AdditionElle), gives the dress more wearability for a fun night out and about rather than just limited to a Holiday/New Years/one-time only events. What do you think?

Photo credit: Rebecca Northcott

April Outerwear

If you’re a fellow Toronotonian….than you must be feeling the pain of the constant weather flux from +21 degrees one day to a chilly -4 the very next.

I personally refuse to wear a winter coat in April! However, a girl needs more than one piece of outerwear to make it through this fickle weather comfortably. So here’s how I’ve managed to come up with creative solutions based on the weather forecast.

Weather: High Teens (+18) (Monday, April 14 2014)

I managed to get to and from the office WITHOUT a proper coat. This little cobalt blue blazer (along with a ‘just incase’ silk scarf) was all I needed in terms of outerwear to the office yesterday! Plus, zero hosiery was required – so peep toed heels had to make an appearance too!

The Look: 3/4 Sleeved cobalt blue blazer, DressBarn; Purple leopard peep toed heels, NineWest; Berry bandage skirt, Forever21+; Lepoard peplum top, Reitmans; Bianca Tassel necklace, Stella & Dot; Gifted gold vintage earrings

Weather: Below Zero (-4) (Tuesday, April 15 2014)

I awoke to snow-covered rooftops, strong winds and heavy flurries this morning, as I walked my pup. So I was forced to pull out my wool Fall coat, pink pashmina and large brimmed hat (plus booties) to make it in into the office today. Seems my poor hat hasn’t been stored properly, but I think it still worked well regardless of the extra floppy one side 🙂

The Look: Black hat with leopard ribbon, Winners; Camel wool coat, Old Navy; Pink pashmina, Necessities; Purse, Guess; Black leather bow tie gloves, Danier

Weather: Single digits (+4) (Wednesday, April 16 2014)

Anticipating tomorrow’s weather, I think I’m gonna wear my shawl + hat combo to the office, making sure my under layers are warm enough to get me by (thinking a lightweight sweater and ankle length pants) … but who knows what my mood will lead me to outfit-wise when I wake friends 😉

The Look: Houndstooth shawl, Reitmans; Black belt, Lane Bryant; Hat from Vintage Clothing Show (forget which booth)

How have you been managing keeping your outerwear fashionable and functional while the weather decides if we’re finally going to let go of Winter and fully embrace Spring/Summer?

Use the Comments section – tell me!

Have you LIKE’d the Facebook Page yet? ….. if you haven’t…you really should! 🙂

#TVS: Mad Men Season Premier Party

Let me start by saying thank you Netflix for introducing me to the oh-so handsome Donald Draper, and his world of Mad Men. And a thank you to RogersOnDemand, for letting me get all caught-up with all of the 6th season’s episodes so that I’d be ready to attend alongside fellow TVS-ers and Mad Men fanatics at the Cadillac Lounge for a fab night of 1960s fun!

When it comes to vintage style, are you a Joan? A Peggy? A Betty? Or a Meghan?

My Outfit:

I decided to go with my PEGGY DRESS complete with white gloves and all — couldn’t find a pill hat this she’s wearing below sadly.

My entire outfit was picked up a few weeks at the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show (minus the white gloves, they were bought recently from 69Vintage and the shoes are oldies from beige closed-toed T-straped heels from Le Chateau)

Found this easy-peasy hair tutorial … that doesn’t look too “done”.

Unfortunately, I was recovering from my first migraine ever, and was struggling to make it out to this event at all — frankly getting dolled up with hair did, just wasn’t happening. So my apologies if I’m not my usual smiley self in photos friends 🙂

The Event:

I missed last year’s Mad Men shindig thrown by the Toronto Vintage Society (at the same locale)…and now that I’m apart of the admin team, I had been looking forward to this for a month! It was all-hands-on-deck with only 1-hour to set up our section complete with Mad Men inspired vintage cocktail menus, fancy up the prizes from Exile Vintage and Ethel’s, setting up a vintage backdrop photo booth complete with authentic vintage props, getting our signage up and our vintage commercials up and running. We really did transform the space – it all looked fantastic.

The party started at 8pm where we had a sassy 60s music dance party with DJ NICO (With It! and CIUT) plus GAMES like: “Name the Slogan” and “Pitch us your Best Ad” that kept us busy before the Cadi transformed their stage by dropping down a large screen for us all to watch the Season Premiere of Mad Men (7th and final season….*sniff sniff*) 😦

It was a fantastically fun night (as soon as I downed some extra strength Tylenol – thank you Monika!) Sunday night on West Queen West with Mad Men vintage loving folks was a HUGE success!

If you were there – be sure to check out Toronto Vintage Society’s Facebook page to tag yourself in the photos we took.

In the meantime….have you Mad Men’d Yourself yet? You should! It’s a hoot!

Jumpsuits & Rompers

I’ve come along way with accepting my body as it is. I don’t follow a set of ‘large lady clothing rules”, per say. One should wear what they want, because they want to. Because THEY like it and feel good in it.

But, I’m still mindful of what cuts, fabrics and styles are the most flattering for my body’s shape and how comfortable I’ll be when actually wearing a particular piece.

Being petite, often cuts are “off” on me….meaning, if I find something that fits right in the hips, it’s wayyy too big in the arms and shoulders. So perhaps halters and strapless necklines are the way to go for summer dresses and tops, oh-so flirty, sexy-cute casual look of them …. buuuuuuut have you met my boobs? There’s no way I’m gonna be able to manage a strapless bra for more than a few hours before it becomes unbearably uncomfortable and my entire posture turns into a real life question mark. So finding clothes that make me feel good and actually look good on me that require little to zero alteration can be a tricky – trying to find clothes that are also on trend can be an exceptionally challenging.

You must have notice all the hype around Jumpsuits and Rompers in plus sized fashion these days. Wondering what your thoughts are on them?

Let’s take a look at a few rompers and jumpsuits from the plus-sized fashion retailer sites…to make a better assessment:

Strapless Polka Dot Jumpsuit (AsosCurve, $51)

Ruby Rocks Printed Romper (Simply Be, $54)

Wide-Legged Sleeveless Jumpsuits (eBay, $42 US)

Taupe Drawstring Jumpsuit (Venus, $39)

Floral Open-back Romper (Forever21+, $21) – this model is wearing the 1x size

Abstract Muse Jumpsuit (Forever21+, $27.50) – again, this model is wearing the 1x size – Thoughts?

MY Immediate Thoughts on both Rompers & Jumpsuits:

Cute! Cute! Cute!
Buuuuuut….all the images display women whom are barely plus sized. Perhaps most of the above images are 1x models.
Wonder what it would look like on a 2x and 3x model…would it look just as cute? Things that make you go hummm…
IF you’ve got a tummy and serious hips and a larger bust … is this trend not meant for you?
For the Romper…Deep, low v-back……. ummm, how do I keep the ‘girls’ up & happy when wearing this thing?
What about the dreaded ‘camel toe’ situation – it’s just bound to happen in a onezie …and that just ain’t cute in plus or straight sizes!
Once all my T&A fills up this one-piece….how short/long will this thing really be on me?
How does one pee whilst wearing this? … Seems like I’ll have to be completely naked on the pot in order to get business done, seeing as apparently one must be bra-less in order to wear these low-back numbers.

I’m usually a ‘fashion, before function’ kinda girl. Buuuuuut….when it comes to rompers & jumpsuits, they seems like wayyy more trouble than their worth.

As convenient as online shopping options are, when it comes to trendy pieces like rompers and jumpsuits, before I can commit or judge whether it’s a look that I like, look and feel good in…… ultimately, I need to try it on first before I can really say if this trend is for me! And if I do decide to get on this style bandwagon, I definitely don’t wanna be dropping a ton of cash on a piece like this. Again, that’ll all depend on whether I “like” vs. “love” this jumpsuit/romper look on moi!

I’m personally always looking for a flattering fit — regardless of what the trends may be. Not sure if this is one I’ll be following. But, as Marie Denee aka The Curvy Fashionista says: “Don’t Knock it Until You Rock it” – so we shall see if this trend is gonna be a PPMeow! fav this spring/summer! 🙂

Who’s already jumped on this bandwagon? Rompers? Jumpsuits? Where from?

Share friends…use the Comments section … tell us everything! 🙂

Swing Fever!

Thursday is the NEW Friday after all….sooooo when this invite popped up on #TVS calendar and then again on Facebook, it was clear that I needed to be in attendance.

Swing Fever! is an authentic 1940’s themed dance party that will transport you back in time to a defining decade in history. This epic evening of entertainment featured a stellar live band, dance performances, classic cocktails, delicious war-time grub and more. It is a non-profit event, where all of the proceeds raised from Swing Fever! went directly to the Royal Canadian Legion and the Humber Business School.

The Great Hall apparently is where many of the scenes from the earlier season’s of Bomb Girls was filmed. It really is a beautiful venue!

Now, I’m still a total novice/beginner and don’t really know HOW to swing dance (only been to TWO officially lessons so far). Lucky for me there were complimentary lessons from the Toronto Swing Dance Society. Plus, a ton of strong Leads on the floor who patiently taught you steps and made you look good on the dance floor (special thanks to David and Joy for twirling and dipping me!) 🙂

The Pickup Swing Ensemble, featuring Toronto’s most talented musicians, performed classic tunes of Glenn Miller, Count Basie and more!

There was a specific Dress Code for the evening: Vintage! 1940’s glam, tea dresses, stockings, victory curls, allied uniforms and utility clothing.

I had my heart set on wearing my recently purchased hi-waisted polka-dot pin-up skirt (that I was yet to remove tags from) and since I finally got a pedicure to show-off my pink toes, my navy & white peep toed heels. This was sort of pushing the specific time period a bit, so I was determined to study YouTube and get my hair into proper Victory Rolls if it killed me!

These were taken AFTER I got home from the event… I was dead tired and sore from all the dancing. Notice, my faux bangs stayed intact! What a fab night!

For 1940s Hair & Makeup …. I checked out this YouTube vid to help me create a more authentic look for the night.

Then I realized, I should probably look for some makeup tutorials for BROWN SKINNED faces 🙂

Buuuuut since this was a Thursday night… it meant that I was rushing after work to get to LHRevolution Swing Lesson, then walked home to shower and change for this party. I ended up having limited time to really apply the teachings in these vids. (I sadly, also forgot to put a flower in my hair for the evening and pearls around my neck too…sigh) 😦

I did however, use Pin-Up Look #4 from this Beginner’s Quick & Easy Vintage vid instead!

The hair results below – Faux Vintage Bangs:

Overall, it was a fantastic night of dancing and fun! My feet, legs and hips are all so sore this morning, but I’m still smiling – totally worth it! 🙂

Here’s a few shots with some TVS-ers and fun-new people I met last night:

How I Got The Look:

High-waisted polka-dot pin-up skirt from Your Big Sister’s Closet

Navy & white peep-toed heels, from Naturalizer

Giant pearl earrings, vintage (gifted to me); Extra long pearl necklace from Toronto Vintage Clothing Show (forget which booth)

Yellow cotton tee from Reitmans

THE Valentina Illusion Dress

Very rarely is there a dress that will look absolutely amazing on any woman’s figure regardless of their proportions.

Well, Kiyonna’s Valentina Illusion Dress …. no matter your shape, the contrasting side lace panels will give you a knockout hourglass silhouette.

The silky stretch fabric on the front of the dress elegantly flatters your curves while the ruching in the mid-section masks any tummy troubles.

The beautiful lace continues on the shoulders, sheer sleeves, and covers the entire back of the dress, giving the appearance of a completely different dress from behind.

This seductive black & burgundy dress is finished off with a complimenting crossover sweetheart neckline for added appeal. Without a doubt, this dress is the sexiest outfit I own!

I bought this dress a few years ago – shopping therapy after a particularly rough day (discovered it at SexyPlus Clothing).

Sadly, I haven’t had many opportunities to really wear this spectacular piece out….as this is the ultimate ‘titty-city’ dress. Too much for a wedding or a first date and wayyyyy too much for office, walking the pup or grocery shopping. Sooooooo……where do I wear it?

Where would YOU wear this dress? Got any ideas for me?

I need an excuse to bring this dazzling dress out & about ASAP!

Use the Comments section and tell me!

Photo credit: Rebecca Northcott, Rebecca Northcott Photography

BIG NEWS: Want to save 20% off your Kiyonna order – click here friends…..just for PPMeow Followers 🙂

#OOTD: Pink Blush Lace

I must control my shopping! I must control my shopping!

This has become my yoga mantra these days. But everywhere you look there are lovely spring fashions and sometimes it causes me to lose my mind. Especially when the prices are under $29!!!

My newest weakness is Forever21+. I try so hard to limit my purchases from this spot, as the price point is TOO perfect that EVERY SINGLE plus size diva in Toronto is gonna be rocking the same outfit. Buuuuut, I’m only human….and there’s no harm in trying things on…right? Right!

I tried on three items recently: this purple halter dress ($29), pink blush lacey dress ($29) and this green maxi dress ($17).

Did I leave empty handed? NOPE! Another mini-haul for moi!!! Only two of the three dresses above…and this cutie-pie cherry-rope bag ($12)!!!!

I love pink!!! I would wear pink head to toe everyday if I could. So this pink blush lace dress needed to be worn ASAP!! Just wore it to the office this Monday, with a grey cardi to keep it more professional and warm enough for spring weather 🙂

How I got The Look: Dress from Forever21+; Grey cardi from Old Navy; Mint-toed nude pumps from Hudson Bay Co.; Necklace from One Girl Who (St. Clair W/Bathurst Sts.)

SexyPlus Clothing Grand Reopening!

I was fortunate to have met Stefanie Augusteijn a few years ago B.B.B. (Before Becoming a Blogger). When I moved to midtown Toronto, her boutique SexyPlusClothing was walking distance for me when it was located just south of Rosedale subway station on Yonge St.

I’ve picked up a few coveted pieces from her shop in the past, including my beloved high-waisted leopard pencil skirt, my black lace wrap top and the highly complimented Cherry Bomb dress.

She’s recently relocated this fab shop. This past weekend a friend of mine and I took a Saturday morning road trip out to Mississauga to be a part of Stefanie’s Grand Reopening & 5-Year Store Anniversary Party!

There were promises of Fresh New Spring Arrivals + Buy One Get One 50% offers along with Fashion and Beauty Prizes…and best of all Gourmet Cake and Refreshments!

Don’t let the outside fool you – the store is beautiful! And Stefanie designed it all herself!!! The fresh, bright off-white of the entire space and hardwood floors with pops of that SexyPlus signature pinks all over the place, along with the familiar alphabet artwork of Lime Green Squid just make you feel all smiley. 🙂

Lime Green Squid's plus size art — Lime Green Squid’s artwork

Closer Look of Lime Green Squid’s artwork. A few of these framed pieces were given away to a few lucky customers of SexyPlus Clothing.

“Dress for the weather you want, not the weather you have!”

Decided on wearing this green & black maxi dress w/skinny black belt ($17 Forever21+) with a cropped cardi ($10 Old Navy) combo with my grey moto leather jacket (Winners) and Rocker-girl boots (Aldo) … regardless of the snow flurries that followed us from Toronto to Mississauga that morning. My hair was uncooperative this morning as you can see. Sigh…

Here’s a few snaps of all the shopping fun that was had at this beautifully renovated boutique for plus sized babes:

Me with Stefanie, owner of SexyPlus Clothing

Special shoutouts to go the lovely shop-girls, Dream Taylor and Sabrina who were uber attentive and helpful, providing honest opinions and encouragement once you’re ready to emerge from the change rooms. I tried on several pieces, including this lovely ‘Hello Yellow’ dress, this Black n’ White stripped number and this Tiki inspired beach-ready dress:

I even became the SexyPlus “Guinea pig” for trying on the new Convertible Maxi dress, as Stefanie transformed this lovely navy chevron patterned fabulousness whilst on my body for all to see the many different looks this one piece was capable of. Please ignore the giant bra straps that are taking away from the loveliness of this dress – clearly I was not prepared to be apart of this impromptu fashion show 🙂

Check out the pics below to see what this Marie Convertible dress in navy chevron can do:

It was a delightful afternoon….but as you can see from my face in the above pic, I was clearly torn as to which pieces I wanted to take home with me. I limited myself to only ONE new purchase of all the items above – I’ve got myself on a strict budget as my closet is bursting at the seams these days with all my recent mini-hauls.

Finally, I decided to buy the Captain’s Bodycon dress – it’s made in Canada!

Waddya think? Did I make the right decision? (Oh…ignore the moustache socks also…lol!)

SexyPlus Clothing’s new location: 5100 Maingate Drive, Unit 14 Mississauga, ON —- with lots of FREE parking friends. If you get a chance, you should def make the trip out to see what pretty fashions need to be yours!