Author: PetitePlusMeow

Social Media Enthusiast. Learning Designer. Curvy Fashionista. I'm a 30-something Canadian born Bengali (parents are from Kolkata, India...for those of you who need to know that type of thing). I've been chubby-curvy-plus-sized my entire life. Standing at a height of 5'2 and with a darker complexion, it has always been a challenge finding outfits or "looks" that really suit me. Living in the fashionable city of Toronto since birth, with a solid career has finally allowed me to embrace my love of pretty fashions in clothing, shoes and everything in between.

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.

Star Wars in Fashion

I am one of those rare people who only watched the Star Wars movies as an adult, but never as a kid. And I’m proud to say I’ve become an instant fan – owning both sets of trilogies on blu-ray 🙂

My favourite character is R2-D2. Is there anything this beeping trash can on wheels can’t do?

He’s a projector, a Swiss Army Knife and tolerator of 3PO, all rolled into one. I don’t even mind that he’s gotten too CG in the prequels, when R2 dropped oil slick on some battle droids and ignited them with his personal jet boosters – he’s a rockstar and can do no wrong. He helped the Rebels topple the Empire, was X-Wing wingman to Luke and to C-3P0’s Riggs, and then stuck around to help the new Republic grow and prosper. R2-D2 is nothing but cool and reliable.

Any droid that can survive getting spit out by some Dagobah sea whale thing is worthy of winning my heart!

In an effort to celebrate May 4th – Star Wars Day – I’m dedicating this post to the awesome fun geeky fashions out there that I’d totally rock for realz (if I could find them)… paying homage to this fab sci-fi cultural phenomenon that is STAR WARS.

Shoes

(Above images taken from Pintrest, however no links to actual products to purchase 😦 )

Love love love this infinity scarf — you could totally wear this anytime, all the time.

a7befc851eb44adbf2a44b5b3b9b45f9 — Scarf image found in Etsy

d3fd7e7a98cf4e47fd23ce0e5b107aed — R2D2 Skirt

c31c963ef08a77f098d2e3dc0b047eb6 — Opening Story Text Crawl Tee

In case you have no idea why this Tee is awesome, check out the clip below….

In a galaxy far, far away from geek culture there are some fabulous Star Wars fashion out there to be worn May 4th and beyond! Check out a few of my faves:

Outfits

1dedb83b030d0c5690f4aac76dbae773 — How amazing is this dress!!! (image from Pintrest, no link to purchase)

*Insert Vader breathing sound here* 🙂

The Yoda Look – Do or Do Not. There Is No Try.

ea9d7054a94ee9f333f858427588220e — This hooded jacket is beyond words! (image from Pintrest, sadly no link to purchase)

And last, but certainly not least….. are these fantastic Star Wars gowns by Rodarte !

Do you own any Star Wars fashions of your own? Where did you get ’em? Tell. Me. Everything…. use the comments below 🙂

And May the 4th Be With You!

THE SouthAsian Princess Leia, Swing Dancing Look:

White Peplum dress from AdditionElle; shoes from Winners; sock buns for hair….Tah Dah! 🙂

OOTD: Rainy Day Alternative

It’s a full week of rain in Toronto … and although I’ll happily take it over snow, I’m always looking for alternatives so I can avoid carrying around a giant umbrella to get from A to B in the city.

I have the best pair of galoshes!!! These pink paisley rubber boots basically screamed “Irene” when I scored them a million years ago from Wal-Mart.

But sometimes, a girl doesn’t want to be in humid rubber boots all day. Plus, these boots don’t exactly go with ever look and outfit. 😉

So here’s what I put together as a Rainy Day Alternative recently … in an effort to rid myself of an umbrella and galoshes.

The solution: A giant hat + booties!

Now naturally, this alternative is only good if the temperature is warmish (15+) and rain not too heavy so your footwear doesn’t get ruined. Since my jacket was 3/4 sleeved (and extremely light), pairing it with this fun scarf helped give me that extra bit of warmth. If you wanna see the many other ways to tie a scarf, I’ve got you covered in that link 🙂

Since the overall colour scheme was pretty simple and muted, I thought I’d add a pop of colour by wearing this HOT Pink gold studded belt to give my outfit some pizzazz!

I’ve been all over this circle scarf I picked up back in November from Aldo (I even mentioned it in my Interview upon being nominated for a 2014 LIEBSTER BLOG AWARD). It’s a light-weight simple beige toned bird patterned scarf, that I find myself adding to any and all outfits I whip up, especially on the weekends for running errands or impromptu meet-ups for brunch, drinks and the like.

Like the look? What are your solutions to looking cute in the rain?

How I Got The Look:

Bird circle scarf, Aldo Accessories (click here for related other posts)

Pink paisley galoshes, Wal-Mart (click here for related other posts)

3/4 sleeved brown jacket, AdditionElle

Black n’ white striped long-sleeved dress, Old Navy

Hot pink studded belt, Your Big Sister’s Closet

Large cream brimmed hat, Toronto Vintage Clothing Show(click here for related other posts)

Faux cowboy booties, Payless( click here for related other posts)

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?