May 2014 – Petite Plus, Meow!

Choir! Choir! Choir!

I love to sing. I’m an off-key karaoke fiend, and often have broken into song on the streets whilst listening to my iPod. I’m not particularly good at it … except when I’m singing “Drunk In Love” in my shower – then I sound EXACTLY like Queen B 🙂

Singing makes me happy. And I’m determine to discover and DO more of those things – that make me happy. I’ve been told of social choirs outside of a ‘church type choir’ before, however many of the ones I’ve been looking at have strict rules and restrictions before one can become a member. Plus, most of these chapters are located in Whitby, Mississauga and Oakville. Not at all what this Downtown Toronto gal is looking for.

SIDE NOTE: Just recently found this BlogT.O. article: Karaoke Nights in Toronto – every night of the week?! I’m definitely gonna have to investigate this list and the different spots this summer FO SHO!!!

I often sing the praises (see what I did there…ya, I’m clever like that) of Toronto being the best city ever — and I’ve recently discovered yet another reason why this city is so great: Choir! Choir! Choir!

C! C! C! is a singing group based in Toronto. Since February of 2011, they have been throwing down and saving lives. www.choirchoirchoir.com

I’ve actually been a member of this Facebook group for a few months now. Always wanting to go to an event, but feeling shy and discouraged to go alone. Alas, my social circle’s avaliability has dwindled due to life, marriages and babies….. and of those who still remain, they are less than enthusiastic about singing loudly in public than I am 🙂

But when I received the invite to last week’s session – I was def gonna check it out not matter what!

Don’t You Want Me (Human League) and Tainted Love (Soft Cell) – Yup! Two classics. One glorious night!

Typically, C! C! C! meets at two different pubs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Toronto’s Little Italy (College/Shaw area) …

Daveed Goldman & Nobu Adilman are the musical leads/directors who kick off the evening with riffs and banter before corralling us all to stand tightly as close to the stage as possible, grouping those who sing “highs and mids” separate from “lows and base”.

With minimum practice, Daveed and Nobu were able to make us sound amazing in 3-hours of fun filled singing with beers! Don’t believe me – check out the SoundCloud clips … thrilled that MY voice will be among a few of these renditions now. Oooop Boop!

I really can’t describe how amazing it was to be surrounded by a bunch of strangers singing our hearts out in unison and harmony. The only way to capture that feeling is to show you friends. Check out this clip of C! C! C! singing Neil Diamond’s hit “Sweet Caroline”.… if you’re not smiling ear-to-ear by the end of it, then you are a robot.

Oh … here’s what I wore done collage-style (as I forgot to take pics of the actual outfit) – my #ootd was uber casual for pub singing with C! C! C!:

How I got the Look: Black tank maxi dress from H&M; Great back lace sweatshirt from Penningtons (click here and here for other posts featuring this one); Medina Bib from Stella & Dot; Purple patterned scarf and memory foam soled Sketcher — essential for all the STANDING required for 3+ hours of singing with C! C! C! 🙂

Can’t wait for the next sing-a-long event with this fantastic group of people! Just thinking about it makes my heart happy! Weeeeee!

Want more details about C! C! C!? – Read Here, New People 🙂

#MyVegasStyle

Now…I’ve never been to Vegas myself. I was close last summer when I was a California Girl for a week (see my Wanderlust page for a few pics of that trip). Sadly my trip was too short to include a jaunt to down to The Gambling Capital. Vegas is definitely on my travel-list…and I would certainly need to pack weeks in advance to make sure I was Vegas Ready when it came to Daytime and Nighttime looks.

I was approached by the Content Director of Vegas.com to participate in their current blog challenge: #MyVegasStyle.

Challenge accepted!!! 😉

Vegas Style: Daytime

I’m usually for fashion over function. Buuuuut for daytime looks in desert heat, my vote is for fashion with function! Light, easy fabrics that could easily take you to a nice lunch spot, like at Aria’s Lemongrass resturant, and would keep you comfortable if you wanted to explore the sights of Vegas on foot (which would mean swapping heels for fun flats and sandals). Take a look at these collages of daytime #myvegasstyle – including a ton of sun hats, my newest obsession! I included a personal #ootd from a previous post that I think would totally fit into this category of Vegas Daytime Style too!

Swimwear

Frankly, any of the swimwear from Monif C. would totally fall into #MyVegasStyle category! Love! Love! Love!

This Peru Fringe Swimsuit would definitely be in my carry-on to Vegas. A dream come true for chesty chicks like me, and the sexy fringe details help distract from any thigh insecurities. Sexy! Brilliant! Love!

Vegas Style: Nighttime

Titty City – I would definitely play up the cleavage in Sin City! I think for a nice dinner followed by a show and gambling I could finally rock my Valentina Illusion Dress from Kiyonna. I think this number should bring someone a bit of luck, gambling if not otherwise…don’t you think? 😉

Leopard – I’m wearing this faux wrap Joseph Ribkoff dress a few weeks ago for a girlfriend’s birthday celebration. All three of us look like we were Vegas Nighttime Ready already, don’t you think? Meow indeed!!! 😉 Maybe we could wear these outfits to club Haze in the Aria Hotel.

Sequins – Where better to wear a glittery number if not in the “Entertainment Capital of the World”! I would def pack and rock my sequins tank and dress, depending on the time of year, I’d swap the tall boots for sexy pumps for nighttime fun in Vegas. Check out my previous post, How to Wear Sequins for other ideas to incorporate into a Vegas style look 🙂

Little Black Dress (LBD) – You can’t really go wrong with this approach for Vegas Nightlife.

I’m thinking Audrey classy, not clubby-trashy….

There you have it friends – #MyVegasStyle done from a petite (short), curvy, large chested perspective! 🙂

You likee? Have you LIKE’d the Petite Plus, Meow! Facebook Page yet?

If you haven’t….you really should!!!

Tribal Kimono

Toronto got its first glimpse of summer weather this weekend friends! Happy to say I got to enjoy a patio or two …hope you did too.

Saturday I put together a real casual run-about-town-doing-nothing daytime look by giving a simple tank maxi dress a trendy tribal feel.

H&M – a store I typically never venture into…but signs for a One-Day-Sale lured me in. Y’all know I’m weak when it comes to sales. 😉 Discovered a selection of basics for fab prices…. I was happy to find that these maxi dresses in straight sizes (size L) fit me! And was only $10!!! Bonus – the length was perfect for a petite gal like me. Typically with maxi dresses I’ll have to wear sky-high platform sandals to avoid hemming the dress…..buuuuuut this maxi stopped well above my ankles, which meant I could do flats easily! With all of these benefits…I HAD to pickup this mauve one AND its twin, in black.

I picked up this sheer kimono from Marshall’s a few weeks ago with a gift card I nearly forgot I had.

Not only is this tribal print on trend, but the light sheer fabric is perfect for a comfortable coverup/outerwear layer to help you ‘closet swap’ whist we enjoy this in-between weather from Spring to Summer. Most of the kimonos in straight sizes fit me nicely – the one I’m wearing here is a size L.

I’m really loving the tribal patterns that seem to be going strong into the Summer, and even happier to have incorporated this trendy piece into my wardrobe with a gift card that was totally forgotten about in my wallet. Did you know that you can sell gift cards for cash at the price you choose? Raise Marketplace accepts gift cards and merchandise credit from any brand or restaurant, and you get paid when the gift card sells. Good to know, huh… 😉

Alternative to pairing this tribal kimono with this maxi, I think it would look lovely with a crop top and loose-fitting drawstring pants – for a more summertime easy-breazy look.

Waddya think? Would you rock a kimono or tribal prints this Spring/Summer season?

How I got the Look:

Sheer tribal kimono from Marshalls; Mauve maxi tank dress from H&M; black flat peep-toe with cutouts from Payless; Jade & gold drop earrings from Stella & Dot; Cat-eye sunnies from Public Butter Vintage

Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy!

I’m a huge line-dancing fan! Unfortunately there aren’t many places within Toronto that have line-dancing regularly or at all…which meant I’d have to wrangle like-minded folk and travel out to Oshawa or Georgetown (total opposite ends of the city via GO Train. And upon finally getting there, cowboy hat, boots and all, I’m typically I’m the ONLY brown face on the dance floor.

Sigh…But that has all changed friends as Toronto has opened two new watering holes specifically for country-line-dancin’-lovin’-cowpokes like moi!

Rock ‘N’ Horse Saloon (formerly London Tap House, right in the heart of the Entertainment Dist) and Boots ‘N’ Bourbon (on Queen St. East) … both I’m told have fab food, drink specials, often live music for line-dancing and best of all a mechanical bull!

Here’s the outfit I’ve lined up to wear…to Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy…Giddy Up!

Sunday nights at Boots n’ Bourbon Toronto’s Country Music Line Dancing hosts beginner lessons at 7pm. Jeff is the patient and handsome instructor who took us through a variety of dances to make us look good on the dance floor …which works out perfectly for us to bust out our newly learnt moves once the live band gets on stage for the rest of the evening! Plus, half priced appetizers and drink specials don’t hurt either 🙂

There were a bunch of names for the dances learnt that night — super fun and easy to do, with a bit o practice. Here are few clips of the ones I remembered the names of – in case you’re looking to get a your country line dancing on in your living rooms:

Dance #1: Cowboy Charleston

Dance #2: Lil’ Yeller’ Blanket (that’s cowboy for “little yellow blanket”)

Dance #3: Country As A Boy Can Be

Dance #4: Copperhead Road

The live entertainment this night was RORY GARDINER — *hubba hubba*

Ladies, my distant iPhone pics don’t do him justice…check out his site…Meow indeed!!! 😉

Overall….what a fantastic way to spend a Sunday night in the city during long weekend!

Yee Haw!!!

Now that you’ve got a few steps under your belt with this post — would you OR have you ever try Country Music Line Dancing yourself?

What did you wear?

How I got The Look:

Flowy short-sleeved dress from Damzels, Doll Factory by Damzels (Roncessvales & Dundas W Sts.)

Short brown cowboy-ish booties from Payless

Photo credit: Rebecca Northcott, Rebecca Northcott Photography

Tea Party at Your Big Sister’s Closet

Hoooray for Long Weekend!!! Victoria Day Long weekend is here and what better way to celebrate than with a lovely afternoon tea party at one of my favourite Plus Sized Boutiques in the city – Your Big Sister’s Closet!

The invitation was specific: Wear your filliest frock and fabulous hat!

Say no more….I was on it! 😉

I’ve been dying to wear this grey faux lace dress with a built-in crinoline at the hem – hanging in my closet for nearly 4-months. Yup…bought it a while ago and never had a reason or outting to officially wear it out. Click here for other looks with this dress.

Plus, last weekend I visited the Weston Flea Market and picked up this ridiculously large and fantastic fascinator. Clearly the stars aligned and this ensemble was born to hit the streets of the Junction for an afternoon of tea, scones and plus size fashions!

Take a look at all the fun had and terrific hats & outfits worn:

Check out this mini fashionista who was very interested in us…

10256508_10152352037385376_1548689671421881198_o — Photo Credit: Rebecca Northcott Photography

Me with the talented Annika, owner & designer of Candi Apple Couture

Me getting photobombed in slow motion by the Northcotts…. 🙂

Check out these amazing hats and fascinators on display from David Dunkley Fine Millinery …. A master in his own right, David has studied with the former royal milliner to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. In keeping with this royal millinery lineage, Dunkley’s creations have been sported by members of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s royal entourage and at functions attended by Her Majesty. Ooooo la la, huh? Totally appropriate for a Victoria Day afternoon tea 🙂

10355709_10152352037080376_4810215721512067901_o — Photo Credit: Rebecca Northcott Photography

10372033_10154129628700364_2087184616270040014_n — Photo Credit: Peter Chiem

How I Got The Look:

Grey faux lace dress from Forever21+, Lindy Hop inspired pink & brown flats from Winners; Pink & white feathered facinator from Weston Flea Market (forget the name of the booth); Pink & gold purse from Your Big Sister’s Closet

Our Hosts: Karen Ward & Peter Chiem, owners of Your Big Sister’s Closet

6 Chic Ways to Wear an Oversized Top (Guest Post)

We love flattering outfits, don’t we? Perhaps one of the most flattering styles in 2014 is the oversized top fashion. Oversized tops can look like dresses, they can be flowy blouses, or they can be chunky sweaters. You can wear them with only a few basics, or you can dress them up with accessories. Whether you’re looking to dress up or look chic and comfy, there are a number of ways to rock the oversized top. Take a look at how.

Way 1: Shorts

One of the best things about an oversized top is the idea that it’s a blousy, breezy thing that moves easily around you. When this is true, you can’t wear a maxi skirt or baggy pants, because without the structure, you’ll look like one giant blob. If you have the legs for it, wear short shorts or a short skirt with an overflowing shirt like this one from Kaleidescope Sunday.

Way 2: Skirt with Belt

Another option to show off your great legs with an oversized top is mini skirt. Be careful of how much volume is in the skirt because, again, you don’t want to look like a giant blob, but a skirt like this one from Delia’s.com has a flirty amount of skirt without being too full. The trick, however, to making this combination work is by matching it with a belt. If your oversized top and your skirt are blacks or neutrals, be sure to coordinate your top with a bright colored belt.

Way 3: Printed Leggings

If you’re a cuddler, the type who likes to make sweaters and scarves work for as long as possible, this is the way that you’re going to like the best. Match your oversized sweater with some printed leggings. For an ideal look, make sure that the oversized sweater is a neutral color, in direct contrast to the brightness that the leggings are. If it warms up so much that you can’t justify wearing a sweater, use the same concept with a blousier, chiffon oversized top: match with leggings for a comfy look.

Way 4: The Hat

When you match an oversized top with skinny jeans and a wide-brimmed hat, you can look very stylish. All you need to do is add a hat like these from Asos.com and your look is polished and finished.

Way 5: The Bag

Whenever you have a bag in the crook of your elbow, you look like a girl who has all the answers. Get all the answers by matching a bag like this one from Cosmopolitan with your oversized top and belt.

Way 6: The Glasses

Nothing says a comfy day out like an oversized sweatshirt, jean shorts, and flip flops. The best part about this lounging outfit: it’s chic. What makes it chic is the oversized top that Ashley Olsen selected, her bright purple bag, and these Gucci sunglasses. Ashley Olsen proves that you don’t have to be dressed up to be chic.

Post written by Kristen Kauffman for AllBrandsGlasses.com

The honest truth about dating in your 30s…as a fat girl

I’m not one to write about dating advice nor do I want to start recapping all my adventures in dating via this forum. But when I stumbled upon this article & vid clip (from ThoughtCatalog.com) earlier this week, I shared it on my Petite Plus, Meow’s Facebook Page — it got a ton of views!

So I thought I would share it as a post on this space as well. Dating is tough. Dating after divorce is tougher. Dating in your 30s as a fat girl may be the worst.

Watch and/or read this clip…captured IT completely: The honest truth about dating in your 30s as a fat girl.

In case you have one of those gross job things and can’t watch the video right now, here are some of the best “you go, fat girl” lines:

“You know what the meanest thing is you can say to a fat girl? ‘You’re not fat.’”

“It really, really sucks (being fat). You have no idea. And the worst part is…I’m not supposed tell anyone how much it sucks because it’s too much for people.”

“(Men) can…say you can’t get a date, you’re overweight, and it’s adorable, but if I say it, they call the suicide hotline. I mean, can I just say it? I’m fat. It sucks to be a fat girl. Can people just let me say it?”

“On behalf of all the fat girls, I’m making you representative of all the guys: Why do you hate us so much? What is it about the basics of human happiness, you know, feeling attractive, feeling loved, having guys chase after us, that’s just not in the cards for us? Nope, not for us. How is that fair? And why am I supposed to just…accept it?”

Louie: Stumbling over words “Look, you’re a really…very beautiful…”
Sarah: “Come on. If I was a ‘really, very beautiful…’, you would’ve said yes when I asked you out. I mean, come on, Louie, be honest here.”

“I flirt with guys all the time. And I mean, the great looking ones? They flirt right back, no problem. Because they know their status will never be questioned. But guys like you never flirt with me because you get scared that maybe you should be with a girl like me. And why not?!”

Sarah: “Have you ever dated a girl that was heavier than you?”
Louie: “Yes, yes I have.”
Sarah: “No, no, no. I didn’t say, ‘Have you ever fucked a fat girl?’ I’m sure you have, every guy has. I mean, when I met you, if I had said, ‘Hey, you wanna go to the back room and screw on a can of peaches?’, you would’ve gone for it. No. I’m saying have you ever dated a fat girl? Have you ever kissed a fat girl? Have you ever wooed a fat girl? Have you ever held hands with a fat girl? Have you ever walked down the street, in the light of day, holding hands with a big girl like me? Go ahead, hold my hand. What do you think is going to happen? Do you think your dick is going to fall off if you hold hands with a fat girl?”

“I can get laid. Any woman who is willing can get laid. I don’t want that. I don’t even need a boyfriend or husband. All I want is to hold hands with a nice guy and walk and talk.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pretty real right? If you haven’t seen the show Louie he writes from an autobiographical character who isn’t afraid to be real about his shittiness as a man, a parent, a human overall. He cuts to the core of what’s wrong with the world, but also presents us with scenarios where awareness of the world is mixed with awareness of self mixed with intelligent humour …Only in a show like that would you have a scene like this.

So what are your thoughts on this?

Are larger ladies simply S-O-L when it comes to dating? And fellas, DO YOU think your dick is going to fall off if you hold hands with a fat girl?

Share using the comments section below.

Weekend OOTD: Flirty Hi-Lo Dress

It finally happened — I got to enjoy a weekend in Toronto without wearing a jacket!!!

Yup! I’ve been working like a dog lately…..but this weekend I was determined to enjoy at least one of the amazingly sunny days out & about the city! This past Saturday I barred my arms, legs and toes! HAZZA! Even busted out my summer fedora!

As y’all know I’m not a big wearer of make up….especially daytime during the weekend. I also hate doing my hair. Sooooo wearing a cute little summer fedora (or any woven hat) is my solution to looking like I know what I’m doing…outfit-wise 😉

I’m not a big wearer of jeans …but I think a woven hat like this one, would also good pair of worn-in jeans and a simple white blouse – perfect weekend look.

But since I work from home, leaving the house is an EVENT to be celebrated…. so instead I decided to wear this light and airy dress:

I picked up this great flowy Aztec patterned dress from Forever21 during the fall…and never officially worn it out. I had to get it altered (shortened) so that the hi-lo would really be notable and above my knees. Pairing this dress with a simple sandal kept this look daytime casual… for last-minute plans of Saturday Flea Market shopping and lunching with a girlfriend.

What did you wear this weekend to take advantage of the sunshine friends?

How I Got The Look:

White & Gold sandals from Le Chateau

Hi-lo Aztec print dress from Forever21+

Wicker fedora from H&M

Gold & brown Michael Kors bracelet watch

Frugalistas Unite: Kiyonna Sale!

A few posts ago …. I introduced PPMeow readers to a fantastic clothing line called Kiyonna. This company strives to design something a size 6 would die to wear, but they remain focused on expert fit and style for the plus-size woman.

I personally go weak in the knees for all their feminine, black lace options when it comes to dresses and separates.

My coveted pieces is this 3/4 length lace wrap top ….

AND the ultra-sexy Valentina Illusion Dress…

WELL friends…..this fab line is having crazy sales right now …. plus PPMeow is hooking you up with an additional 20% off!!!

Just use this link (also found on PPMeow’s homepage sidebar menu) — and you’ll be directed to the Kiyonna site and get this discount on top of the sale prices you see listed there!!!! Weeeeee!

Check out some of my faves that are on sale right now….that could and SHOULD be yours, you Fruglaista you!!! 🙂

My Top 5 Kiyonna items ON SALE …. I’ve baked in the link to the images below for your shopping pleasure:

#5 ShaylaLace Skirt – comes in purple, white and my fav teal

#4 Caleigh Convertible Skirt and Dress – comes in black w/cream stripes OR navy with teal stripes — Ahdorbbbbz!!

#3 Serena Cold Shoulder Dress

#2 Kylie Lace Ruched Top — come in teal w/black lace OR blue w/black lace (love love love!)

#1 Paris Pencil Skirt – comes floral with navy background OR black background

Happy shopping – remember use this PPMeow link to access the Kiyonna site for an additional 20% off your purchases –

ON REGULAR PRICE AND SALE PRICE STUFF!!!

Have you LIKE’d the Facebook page yet? What are you waiting for ??? 🙂

The Fashions of Miss Piggy

Ok – so I’m a HUGE fan of Jim Henson and The Muppets!

Watching The Muppet Show is the one thing my mom, dad and lil’ bro did together regularly as a family growing up … and I think that’s why there’s so much nostalgia and happiness in my heart when there’s NEW Muppet Movies out for the next generations to see and fall in love with. Its no secret that Miss Piggy is by far the #1 Plus Sized Diva that ever was! Her style continues to wow and amaze me in these newer flicks.

Check out a lil’ timeline of my favourite looks by this flawless Couture’d Cochon (that’s French for pig) 😉

Red Carpet Premier of Muppets Most Wanted …. Royal Blue Check Silk Taffata Cassock Dress from Vivienne Westwood — What a fantastic colour with the plunging neckline….ooo bebe. Even her accessories are to die for..

article-2579730-1C3AC21400000578-787_634x649 — This little Piggy went down the runway: A sketch of Miss Piggy’s red carpet creation http://www.dailymail.co.uk

More of my favourite Miss Piggy Outfits from this new movie….all of her outerwear is Da Bomb! Complete with hats and perfect hair. She’s my hero!

2014 Oscars wearing Vivianne Westwood Couture ….*swoon*

In last year’s The Muppets movie ….

some big fashion names are attached to the film, too (in which she plays a Vogue Paris editrix)–Zac Posen and Louboutin made her costumes.

She looks pretty damn good for a lady who’s been in showbiz for 40 years. Someone needs to start recreating all Miss Piggy outfits into people size stat! And send me each and everyone of them in my size please!! 🙂

Who’s your favourite Muppets character? Would you wear/recreate any of the above Miss Piggy fashions into YOUR life?

Still need more of this Pretty Perfect Pig?

Check out Miss Piggy’s Style Evolution from the 1970s to Now via this link.

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