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.

Operation: Balcony Summer Ready

It’s August long weekend in Canada!!! What prefect timing to post about a little project I’ve been working on called Operation: Balcony Summer Ready!

I’ve lived in my condo in downtown Toronto coming on to 5 years now…and in all that time, I’ve never really used my balcony.

Sad but true. It’s main purpose all these years has been to house demoted furniture that I’m not ready to part with – staying true to my South Asian roots. 😛

0ed2d500-01d2-4235-b3e4-856c5676d60d — Oh yes, that is a LaZboy armchair out there within a weather resistant cover. Huge Transformation “before” vs. “after” riiiight!? 🙂

I spent hours on Pinterest looking at what design worthy people did to their wee outdoor spaces and had some faves pinned, in hopes to recreate something similar myself.

Now, my first attempt alone in trying to get this balcony pretty and useable was… um, pitiful!!! 😦

Enlisting the help of a tall, handy and clever friend made all the difference to this space. Thanks Five Seventeen!!! ❤

What did we do & use to transform this space?

4 panels of curtains that I already had in storage – winning! I bought a curtain rod from Ikea (cheap). The rod was hung via zap-straps (already had those in my toolbox), which means I’m not technically breaking any condo rules. 😉

Then a string of outdoor bulb lights I bought a while back from a cross-boarder shopping trip.

The only major purchase to get the space to this point was a large lavender plant (who’s still alive and well – FYI) from COSTCO $10.

Simply re-adjusting the location of some of my existing demoted furniture already out there, was key to getting the space to this level!

Screen Shot 2017-08-04 at 2.37.28 PM — Oh yah…I repurposed that Jug of Beer into a vase. Those faux flowers were $8 a stem (I think) from Ikea.

The best part of Operation: Balcony Summer Ready is that this new-found space has added about 30+ sq feet to my living space!!! That may not sound like much…but that’s kinda of a big deal for us downtown-dwellers living in shoebox-sized condos!!!

There’s been a lot of rain this summer, yet I’ve been totally dry and comfortable in my brick-enclosed cozy balcony space. ❤ Don’t believe me, check the video to see what I mean:

With a little imagination and perhaps a space heater… maybe I can make this outdoor space useable ALL-YEAR round!!! 😀

Oh! You may remember that last scene with an out-of-place LaZboy armchair that totally not giving off ‘balcony vibes’, right?

Solution: Flamingo fabric tablecloth. Boom!

Screen Shot 2017-08-04 at 2.38.52 PM — It pays to shop all-the-time. How else would I have come across this perfect flamingo tablecloth at Winners! ❤

Since I’ve been off work and home for a little bit this summer… most of my time has been spent out here on the balcony, enjoying my new-to-me outdoor space with my two favourite things for company … 😉

I’ve even used this space to dry laundry – saving me $$ and avoiding being a strain on the grid. #morewinning

Plus, it was THE perfect venue for being barefoot with takeout and wine while hosting friends for Canada Day 150! Yay!!!

Screen Shot 2017-08-04 at 3.32.06 PM — THIS was the view from my balcony!!!! Click photo for fireworks in full action 🙂

I’m just so thrilled with what this new-found space has allowed me to do these past months. ❤ ❤ ❤

But I think my most favourite activity is sitting out there solo, late-late night with string lights aglow, with a lil’ medical J ***inhales deeply, exhale slowly*** in my Zen Zone!

Those are my crossed legs…relaxing in the evening hours in The Zen Zone ❤

Now, it’s not exactly “Martha Stewart” sophisticated and beautiful… It’ll do for this now. I’m pretty happy with it. 🙂

I’ve managed to update the insides of my place too. It’s been a long time coming… but Operation: Apartment Refresh is has made some significant gains over the year. Stay tuned!

Then stay tuned every Monday and Wednesday for new content, plus throwback posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hope I can count on you to join me then. ❤

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What’s the 411?

Heyyyyyyy… it’s me! I know I’ve been hella quite with zero original content on my blog for a minute.

2017 began and I seemly fell off the face of the earth…according to this space.

Thanks for still remaining a PPMeow! follower, reader, fan, and friend….and for those kind emails sent asking about why such a long absence from writing for this blog. ❤ ❤ ❤

The first half of 2017 has been filled with adventure and struggle. And I’ve been trying to figure out how much of myself I’m comfortable sharing so publicly, on what started out as a fun-fashion-focused forum.

Image may contain: 2 people — The first half of 2017 has been filled with adventures and struggles…

I don’t really deem myself a “fashion guru” or someone who’s opinions on clothes, shoes and the like, really matters. I like what I like. And write about it. That’s all. 🙂 Because of this, it just left me feeling a bit like a fraud running a fashion and lifestyle blog with the recent events of my life taking up so much brain space.

Since my last post … here’s a listing of all the the major things that have happened in the life & times of moi:

Got restructured out of a great team and job after 7-years of being with the company. Yup. Just like that.
Became a beach-bum in L.A., California.
Started a new job with a new company, and re-adjusting to cubical life.
Dealing with undiagnosable chronic pains in the tops of both my feet and legs.
Transformed into a nun for an evening with a self-sewn outfit.
Battled (can continue to struggle with) something called “walking depression”.
Cleaned out my closet (finally!) and donated a bunch of things to charity.
Got a new iPhone 7s with a fabulous camera.
Started a series called “Shameless Bathroom Selfies” on my Instagram channel 😉
Travelled and explored a whole bunch of places in New Mexico.
Flirted with, dated and sexxx’d some boys. 😉
Made major gains with Operation: Apartment Refresh.
Got MRI results that showed a large disc herniation of my spine, and finally given proper meds to manage the pain.
Sold MANY of my beloved heels in exchange for wine was the wise thing to do.
Took a short-term leave of absence from work (doctor’s orders) to really focus on healing and dealing with my spine issues.
Embraced the importance of wellness, rest and self-care…which in my case means regular spending on Physiotherapy & RMT.
Made NEW friends and visited them in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.
Discovered a new product and the possibility of becoming an entrepreneur.
Did various yoga classes for 30-days in June.
Saw NKOTB – BoyzIIMen – Paula Abdul in concert!!!
Attended the Garden Gatsby Party and got caught on camera, in daytime 20s garb, lindyhopping poorly.
Got summoned for jury duty for the first time ever.
Became a fur-mom again to a senior dog named Max…and ever since I’ve been filling up my social media channels with pictures and videos of him. #sorrynotsorry
Had a neuro consult with some uncomfortable real talk.

Phew!!! 😮 That’s a lot of news in one recap blogpost.

So, in addition to the fashion forward fun, what I did and what I wore, shopping hauls, kitchen mis/adventures, product reviews, etc, that you’ve all come to know and love of Petite Plus, Meow! … I’m thinking of trying something new with this blog space and write about some of the above personal experiences … IF there is any interest/appetite out there of hearing it.

I would love to know what YOU want me to tackle first from this list??? Tell me in the comment section below or send me a personal message 🙂

Then stay tuned every Monday and Wednesday for new content, plus throwback posts on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hope I can count on you to join me then. ❤

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Winter Trends: Velvet

Here we are: the last Thursday of December …. the LAST THURSDAY OF 2016!!!

All month long PPMeow! teamed-up with StyleCassentials to bring you another collaboration featuring some of the Winter Trends for 2016 Holiday Season!!!

To wrap up our December long series we’re putting our own spin on wearing VELVET!

As luxurious as velvet it… I’ve stayed away from it so far, as I just haven’t found a piece that I liked myself in.

The velvet slip dress was the “IT” item this Fall. So I kept an eye out for one that might work for me and my bod. I ordered one from ASOS way back at the beginning of this month – but it has never bothered to arrive.

And then I found this one on the Forever21+ Instagram page:

Remember Carrie Bradshaw’s “the naked dress” from SATC? That’s basically how I felt when I first tried this dress on upon its arrival in my mail. 😮

This dress has a fantastic hemline, with a bit of ruching in the mid-section to help mask any tummy troubles from that 2nd helping of dinner or in my case a cheese fondu party.

I didn’t feel comfortable having the ta-tas all out-and-about in this brown/pink curve-hugging velvety frock for holiday house parties among married and coupled-off friends.

Sooooooo I wore a thin long-sleeved band tee underneath it + sheer hosiery + mid-calf length black boots … and BAM!

Holiday Ready rocking this Winter Trend! ❤

I’ve styled this velvet dress in 3 different ways throughout December …. which way do you like it best?

How I Got The Look: Velvet slip dress, Forever21+; Bomber stripped jacket, Old Navy; Boney M tee, super old from my radio days; Black mid-calf boots, Steps

Cassie is wearing this high neck, long-sleeved grey velvet frock….with a little cutout. Her gold accessories, purse and strappy shoes really add to her overall glamorous look!

Head over to Style Cassentials for all the details on Cassie’s winter trend of velvet in her outfit. Or her Instagram here. Or visit her Facebook page here.

There you have it!!! The entire month of December with a featured Winter Trend!!!

We hope they bring you some fashion inspiration to try yourself this month – maybe for NYE 😉

To see how we’ve put our own unique twists previously this month click on the below links:

Did you have a favourite? Tell us in the comments below!

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Winter Trends: Sparkle

Christmas is THIS WEEKEND….woohooo!!!! ❤ Hope you’ve been following our December long series!!!

What series? Well…

PPMeow! has teamed-up with StyleCassentials to bring you another collaboration featuring some of the Winter Trends for 2016 Holiday Season!!!

Today’s we’re gonna show you how to make SPARKLE apart of your Winter wardrobe for holiday happens friends! 😉

I found this tri-coloured layered sequins pencil skirt on the Forever21+ website way back in November and ordered it right away.

Originally I was going to pair this skirt with a satin, off-one-shoulder top, creating an extra dramatic look. As great as a dramatic looks can be, I really didn’t have anywhere go this year that required an over-the-top look like that.

I really wanted to make use of this sparkle winter trend more than just a “special occasion” piece.

So I decided to pair it with a variety of warm winter sweaters to create more wearable looks.

I went with a light-weight, black turtle neck…with little button details on the sleeves and black booties.

Couldn’t you totally see yourself wearing this to a house-party…possibly even wear it all day at the office with afterwork cocktails on the agenda. 😉

If you wanted to amp up the sexy – ditch the turtleneck look – and go with a sweater that has a lower neckline and pop of colour! I especially love this purple sweater with bow-tie-neck, which basically makes me look like a sparkly present. ❤

***How I Got The Look:*** Sequins pencil skirt & purple bow-tie sweater, *Forever21+;* Black turtleneck, *Mark’s Work Warehouse;* Black booties, *Payless*

Cassie went with this adorable shiny striped number with gingerbread doll purse and black booties! I love pink & purple hues in holiday wear! ❤

Head over to Style Cassentials for all the details on Cassie’s winter trend of sparkle in her outfit. Or her Instagram here. Or visit her Facebook page here.

Stay tuned as we got ONE MORE THURSDAY LEFT in December!!! See how we’ve put our own unique twists on popular Winter Trends this year.

We hope they are bring you some fashion inspiration to try yourself this month!

Did you have a favourite? Tell us in the comments below!

Last week’s post was about talked about incorporating GOLD into your Winter party wardrobe …. click here in case you missed it.

Click here if you missed the FUR trend

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Winter Trends: Gold

Here we go – Post #2 in our December long series!!!

PPMeow! has teamed-up with StyleCassentials to bring you another collaboration featuring some of the Winter Trends for 2016 Holiday Season!!!

Today’s we’re gonna show you how to make GOLD apart of your Winter wardrobe for holiday happens friends! 😉

You know when you see something online and you bond with it instantly. ❤

Buuuuut its out of stock or “coming soon”. And your heart breaks and continues to yearn for that coveted piece?

Yah…well that was exactly what happened when I met the Sequin Bonded Pique Dress by Eloquii. So, I put my name on their waiting list …. And then one fateful day, it arrived at my door. Wheeee!!

And everything was happiness, kittens and rainbows again!!! ❤

This sculpted skirt styled with a flash of gold sequins along the skirt just adds the WOW factor to this oh-so comfortable to wear, with its fit and flare nature.

If this dress is “Red Carpet refinement” – as it was seen worn by gold medalist Michelle Carter to the 68th Emmy Awards – then it certainly was gonna turn some heads at a Company Holiday Party!!

This pleated shiny gold skirt is just gorgeous. And that perfect present purse

Cassie is just screaming holiday ready in this outfit!!!

Head over to Style Cassentials for all the details on her take on this Winter Trend: Gold. Or her Instagram here. Or visit her Facebook page here.

Have you tried Eloquii’s petites?

BOTH Cassie and I are rocking pieces from their petite line … you gotta check them out friends!

Stay tuned every THURSDAY, all December long, to see how we’ve put our own unique twists on popular Winter Trends this year.

We hope they bring you some fashion inspiration to try yourself this month!

**How I Got The Look:** Dress, *Eloquii* (on sale now – here); Suede booties, *NineWest*; Gold-drop earrings; *Forever21*

Last week’s post was about incorporating FUR into your Winter party wardrobe …. click here in case you missed it.

Do you have a favourite yet? Tell us in the comments below!

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Winter Trends: Fur

We’re at it today!!! PPMeow! has teamed-up with StyleCassentials to bring you another collaboration featuring some of the Winter Trends for 2016 Holiday Season!!!

Today’s we’re gonna show you how to rock the Fur trend in your Winter wardrobe for a party or two. 😉

You may remember this dress – THE Valentina Dress, by Kiyonna. Click here to see what I mean.

It is one of my favourites to wear, but I wear it so rarely due to its boobalicious-curve-hugging nature…

I mean: HAPPY HOLIDAYS, indeed! Right? 😉

Buuuuuuuuuut, it’s not a dress that I can just bring out to family functions and holiday parties among the many married couples

Sooo by adding a fur collar not only tames the amount of cleavage on display, but it adds a wintery touch to your outfit.

I found this gorgeous fox fur collar at a vintage shop in Montreal earlier this year. It has come in handy many times so far to amp up a look, keep the girls at bay or even just take a plain outfit to the next level. Visit my Instagram to see what I mean.

Cassie styled an all-black-everything look, with leather and pleats pulling everything together with this great fur jacket!

Head over to Style Cassentials for all the details on Cassie’s winter trend of fur in her outfit. Or her Instagram here. Or visit her Facebook page here.

Stay tuned every THURSDAY, all December long, to see how we’ve put our own unique twists on popular Winter Trends this year.

We hope they bring you some fashion inspiration to try yourself this month!

Did you have a favourite? Tell us in the comments below!

**How I Got The Look:** Fur collar, vintage shop in Montreal; Dress, Kiyonna; Booties, Payless

This purple Valentina Dress is kinda perfect for making that special someone swoon. It comes black, white, mauve, navy and burgundy (which I have also)🙂

Whether you need a special dress for a cocktail function, be a fabulous guest at a wedding or just want that va-va-voom dress for a special night, Kiyonna will have a dress for you.

Want to save 20% off on Kiyonna order – click here friends!!!! 🙂

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Last Week, Today

I’m really enjoying writing these “looks-in-review” weekly blogposts for you friends 🙂

Hope you’re enjoying reading them…

Here’s what I got up to last week:

Back in the Habit Again

Sooooo this happened. Sister Irene appeared last weekend for the annual Swing Out To Victory dinner/dance event in Hamilton.

Click here to see 2014 and 2015‘s event.

Here I am in all of my holy glory. Don’t worry – it was sacramental wine I was drinking 😉

Don’t look too closely, as I sewed this costume myself… still can’t believe it!

I was apart of a fantastic costume theme – where 11 of us dressed as the cast of The Sound of Music. Complete with the Baroness, The Captain, Maria, all 7 Von Trapp children and of course the Rev. Mother …moi! 🙂

This wasn’t the first time I showed off my ‘nun-sense side’. Check out the below from my days of Halloween costuming in elementary school.

Happy to report we WON 1 place for the Best Dressed contest this year!!! Huge deal, considering this was my first attempt at sewing anything.

Special thanks to my mom for her sewing machine + help & guidance with laughs. 🙂

Stylish & Warm

Last week the temps dipped into the negatives which forced me to get all bundled up in winter outer wear.

I found this lovely shop on WQW called Pockets & Pearls with this gorgeous wool hat. The broad brim and tricolour of merlot-camel-navy …

The navy jacket is from Eloquii’s new petite line. The first time a coat has fit me properly in the shoulders and in the length of the arms. If you haven’t checked them out before – you should!!!!

**How I Got The Look:** Navy Coat with Gold Buttons, *Eloquii Petites*; Hat, *Pockets & Pearls;* Shoes, *NineWest;* Gloves w/fur trim, *Danier Leather*; Pants, Old Navy; Scarf and purse are vintage finds

Toddler-Granny

I’ve always have a hard time explaining what my “personal style” truly is. Until I read this article: ‘Toddler Grandma Style,’ The Fashion Approach That Will Set You Free

I’m always a sucker for a cute print on a dress. Found this foxy frock at Forever 21+…

Simply paired it with a vintage gold-button cashmere cardi and booties. And voila!

A Casual Friday Office Appropriate outfit was born 🙂

There you have it – what I wore, last week.

Hope I’ve created a few inspirations for you to try this week. xo

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Last Week, Today

My office wear series continues with more shameless bathroom selfies and corporate business casual looks that I made happen last week.

I’m hoping they’ll bring you some inspiration for your stylish selves this week 🙂

Sweater Weather….Ooh LaLa

I’ve yet to turn over my closet from summer to winter. And I’m doing everything I can to avoid wearing pantyhose until absolutely necessary. Enter knee-high knit socks.

**How I Got The Look**…..Sweater: *Old Navy* (click here for other looks); Bird skirt: *Old Navy* (click here); Knee-high socks: *Ardene;* Shoes: Nine West (click here)

What I’m loving about this look is how easy it is, but looks like I spent time coordinating colours and graphic prints. Pssst….I didn’t!

Check my Instagram for more pics and to find out how I got this outfit inspiration in the first place 😉

Camel Cutie

This sandy camel colour sweater is an XL from JoeFresh. Totally fell in love with the adorable and detailed neckline.

I struggled a little to find a way to wear this sweater that WASN’T a basic black bottom.

And then I remembered this batik printed skirts I picked up from The Central Market in KL, Malaysia ….

**How I Got the Look:** Sweater, JoeFresh; Skirt, travels to Malaysia click here; Flats from Payless, click here

Casual Friday Pawfection

Do you remember this doggie sweatshirt I picked up recently?

I totally didn’t need it. It was a total impulse buy. But I managed to take it to the office on my first “casual Friday” #ootd in a long, long time.

**How I Got the Look:** Sweater & Jeans, *F21+*, Scarf, *H&M;* Boots, *Payless*, Earrings, MyBeadedDesigns

It just so happened that I had the paw-fect earring set to match too! Click here to read more about these PAWs and how to get yourself a pair.There you have it friends. A few of my real life “outfit of the day” from last week.

Did you like ’em? Got a favourite? Let me know in the comments section below … always love hearing from you! xo

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Last week, Today

Hey, hey, hey….it’s Monday! And you know what that means – NEW BLOGPOST!

I’ve been battling my iPhone4s photo taking space… yes, it’s an old eff’ing phone…but it doesn’t have a cracked screen and I can’t bring myself to buy a new one just yet 😛

But I’m committed to recapping my outfits of the week (when I remember to take a snap) into a weekly blogpost for you in a fun series called: Last Week, Today.

Gatsby Glam

I got to be a California Girl last week – check out all the fun things I did on Instagram!!!

And that’s when I got to go shopping at Unique Vintage in LA….who carry lovely reproduction pieces with sizes going all the way up to 4x!

Gatsby Glam is something I struggle with – so when I found this lovely on the sale rack, I had to try it on and hope for the best. It was a bit too small for me, but still lovely none the less. Pardon my lack of slip.

Drappy Jumpsuit

**How I Got The Look:** Shoes, *Payless;* Blazer, *INC Hudson Bay Co*.; Belt, *Reitmans;* Jumpsuit, Venice Beach shop (forget the name :/)

Whist in LA last week, I found this drappy black jumpsuit from a shop on Venice Beach. I really wasn’t sure it would work for me, but it was such a different shape than anything I’ve styled before, that I decided to bring it home with me 🙂

I made it “office appropriate” by pairing it with a hot pink blazer, wide belt and lace-up flats. You likee?

Bicycle Swirls

My last look from last week is this great Tatyana bicycle print dress with the greatest capped sleeves ever!

I wore it with the same wide belt I wore earlier that week with the drappy jumpsuit to tame the fun print for corporate life. 🙂

There you have it friends – what I wore last week – hope it provided some fashion inspiration for you to try yourself.

Follow me on Instagram for all my life+style moments as they happen 😉

Let me know which you liked best by leaving a comment below.

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Rocky Horror Picture Show Style

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a comedy and musical, telling the story about sweethearts Janet and Brad, who stumble upon Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s bizarre abode.

This was a flick that my parents never allowed me to see. Maybe that’s why I love it so much!!! ❤

Sexual explicitness! Fresh & different songs! Susan Sarandon! Tim Curry! The outrageous hair + makeup +outfits!

Audience participation!!

For all these reasons, R.H.P.S. has always been a favourite of mine.

I’ve yet to go to a screening of this flick in full costume — so, when I heard this 1975 cult classic was recently remade by FOX and aired on TV last week. A screening party was in order.

Naturally I was ready to cringe, hiss and boo at the screen … but one thing was clear: it HAD to be watched, and in full dress-up too!

What I Wore

It was agreed that dress-up needed, but to exclude nips and be longer than one’s vajayjay 😛

I found this $10 tee from Black Market Vintage the day before … and worked my outfit magic by shopping my closet to make this look work:

fullsizerender-11 — $10 tee found at Black Market Vintage, WQW

Sorry for the indoor shots – but it was raining and I didn’t wanna get on my balcony.

Pretty tame for R.H.P.S…. I know…but still dope I think. Plus, I’m wearing fish net stockings. You can’t really tell from these photos, but I promise they’re there! 🙂

How I Got The Look:

Tuxedo jacket, HBC Jessica Simpson (click here for other looks); Graphic R.H.P.S. tank, Black Market Vintage; Wine skirt, Reitmans; Mini top hat fascinator, BIGDeal consignment sale (click here for that); Fish nets stockings (old); Mary Jane shoes, Payless