SPRING IS FINALLY HERE…with weather that matches. Finally!!!!
Now I know florals for spring isn’t a new concept or new fashion trend this year or any other year. 🙂
So, I tried doing the floral trend by mixing it up:
I’ve been trying my hand at mixing patterns more. Taking this floral dress and pairing it with a striped black and white cropped blazer really amped up this look, right?! I’m really digging the contrast.
In an effort to keep this outfit ‘work-wear’, I wore dark stockings along with my black suede booties. This was the outfit I wore to the office for my first day back from my big Asian Adventure (I’m working on those posts friends…stay tuned).
Both these pieces were thrifted finds as last year’s BIGDeal Toronto Sale (and the first time I’m wearing this dress ever). I’m not the biggest fan of floral patterns — but I really liked these colours on this white background of this dress.
Plus, being a peplum skirt it creates hourglass-come-hither style hitting the curves in all the right places …. that always gets a BIG thumbs up from moi!
How I Got The Look: Floral peplum dress & Stripped cropped blazer from Forever21; Black suede booties from NineWest
Dunno what sort of plan y’all might have this long weekend, but this might be a good Easter weekend outfit inspiration, hmm? 😉
What do you think of this look and the pattern mixing? Would love to know your thoughts in the Comments section below.
For other looks with this striped blazer click here and here.
Hey Hey Hey! I’m back from nearly three weeks travelling South East Asia. It was a fantastic trip filled with good food, lots of dancing, new friends and shopping galore!
Y’all know I was anxious about doing such a BIG trip travel solo … PLUS, I was determined to fly without checking any luggage what-so-ever there.
Well, on the eve of my departure it turns out that my travel backpack ended up being larger than the allowable carry-on dimensions as per airport regulations.
Knowing that it isn’t easy finding larger clothes in the cities I’d be visiting … with all my many connections, the possibility of losing my luggage filled with PLUS SIZE clothing was terrifying.
And so last min, I transferred all my items into my trusty roller-bag and mini-backpack instead!
I was determined to get myself to the airport WITHOUT my winter coat.
So I dressed in the following layers for the 30+ hour journey to get to my first destination of my Adventure – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Pearson Travel Outfit: Black zip from Reitmans; Fox scarf from Suzy Sheer; Printed pants from Forever21+; Batman Tee from Ardene; Black sneaks from Payless
The long flights there (with layovers of waiting in-between) weren’t so terrible. It was all pretty low stress until I arrived in Frankfurt Airport – my longest layover and last leg of my journey there. So I decided to treat myself to German schnitzel and beer, and was approached by two Indian pilots (one more handsome than the other) who asked if they could join me. Seems mama still gots it even after 20+ hours of travel grime – must be those sexy compression socks, makes pilots crazy friendly 😉
Did you know that there’s now a new 15-hour flight direct from Toronto to New Delhi, India? True story.
Moi … 20+ hours of straight travel and those sexy compression socks Pilots can’t get enough of 😉
After I drank my beer and said farewell to my new pilot friends, I made my way to get my boarding pass and was given misdirections by TWO different Lufthansa desk clerks one telling me my gate was Z-something …. only to get there and be sent back where I began. Grrrrr And then was issued a Stand By ticket …dun dun dun.
Luckily the third desk clerk I spoke to managed to secure me a proper seat with my ORIGINAL booking. **phew**
After 20-hours of continuous travel…the last thing you want to see on your airline ticket is the dreaded words: STANDBY~ akkk!
FLYING HOME
The journey home was pretty smooth……just ridiculously long. (That’s what you get when you fly across the globe on points friends.)
I woke up at 4:45am to take a 10min cab ride to the KL Airport Express Train (35min ride) to catch my morning connection from KL to Bangkok. Once I arrived there, I had a little over an hour to make my way through Bangkok customs and find my gate for my next connection to Beijing.
Cutting it super tight, right? I finally arrived at my departure gate to see that FINAL CALL all-red flashing sign — maybe the most terrifying feeling when you know you have yet another connect to make. This was the first time I flew Thai Airways and I have to say their airplane food was delicious!
The last leg of my journey in Beijing (who’s airport was completely nuts – zero signs written in English + No one lines up for anything! Just a mass of people mashing their bodies and luggage into each other until they get to a clerk at a desk – nuts!!!!) An elderly gentleman – a professor in Hong Kong on his way to his father’s funeral in Hamilton, Ontario, struck up a conversation with me. Seems I look most approachable and friendly in the last hours of lengthy travel days. Sigh…
Confucius says: “Man going through airport turnstile sideways is going to Bangkok.”🎊
Kuala Lampur. Bangkok. Beijing. Toronto. 4 countries, 30+ hours of time-travelling travel. It was the LONGEST Friday ever!!!
Ditching the giant travel backpack for a roller-bag was definitely the right decision! With all the swing dancing nights and visits to multiple airports to get to the various destinations we had planned, having a roller-bag totally saved my back!
Funny story… just as I arrived to the doorstep of my gf’s place in KL, I was praising how great my lil’ roller-bag has been these past 3-years it’s been with me…and just as those words utter on my lips – the handle broke! Leaving me to have to pull this mofo bag by the straps for the remainder of the trip. LOL!
Not to fear, I bought myself a lovely new roller-carryon for my return home (and checked my broken bag on my flight home…since I ended up buying a ton of things from all three cities – Kuala Lampur – Boracay – Hoi An).
Isn’t she a beauty? Looking forward to taking her on many more adventures in the near future 😉
I’m still working on my recap blogposts for each city I visited. So stay tuned for those in the upcoming weeks friends.
In the meantime, feel free to follow my INSTAGRAM and catchup with a few snaps I took while I was on my Asian Adventure… as they happened. xo
Asian Adventure includes:
Boracay, Philippines – White Sand Beach – click here for blogpost
Throughout history the first-lady has influenced fashion trends, however, none have had as much of an impact as Michelle Obama. Her clothing choices can result in stock prices for the clothing companies to rise as much as 2–3% for up to 3 weeks after she wears an outfit. Her fashion appeals to the people as she mixes more affordable brands like Gap and Target with high end pieces.
I personally really enjoy Michelle’s style choices. Try incorporating some of the first lady’s fashion into your own wardrobe. From exposed zippers to statement necklaces—Michelle Obama has championed many of today’s popular fashion trends making her a style icon.
What are your thoughts on the First-Lady’s style? Are you able to use any of the above tips and tricks in your own personal style? Let me know in the Comments section 🙂
Oh man – this past weekend was a fun one! I had the pleasure of celebrating a stagette Salsa style!!!
The Lula Lounge (Dundas W/Duffrin Sts) in Toronto has a number of party packages, which makes celebrating a special event easy-peasy.
A gaggle of us -some more tipsy than others- with flowers in hair and penis-staws in hand …. visit my Instagram for that one friends 😉 … arrived for dinner (any appetizer + any main + any dessert), a beginner salsa lesson and then got to dance the night away to three sets by the live salsa orchestra (with a DJ in between sets.) And before the night was done, we were served up a round of Blushing Bride shooters!!! T.R.O.U.B.L.E. 😀
My Entree: Red Snapper over Polenta, with zucchini-corn-bean salad ~~~~~ My Dessert: Poached Pear. Delish!
Much thought had to be given to outfit choice for the evening. The MOH (matron of honour) assured us that there was no ‘theme’ requirement in the dress-code for the party she had planned, which naturally translated to:
Saturday Night Titty CityAttirewas encouraged and welcomed!!! 😛
I couldn’t find a hot pink hair flower …so feathers had to do 🙂
‘The Girls’, who too often are forced into hiding in an effort of making others more comfortable in their presence, extra precautions always need to be taken to keep them at demure levels of exposure.
But not tonight.
Tonight, “Thelma & Louise” (aka…’The Girls’) were coming out!!! STAND BACK!
All Black Everything – jumpsuit style!!!
The pants are a bit on the long side on my 5’2 bod. So this outfit only really works with a significant heeled shoe.
I picked up these black booties recently – while in search for sandals for my upcoming Asian Adventure – from Payless on sale for $33 and they work perfectly.
Now, I bought this all-black jumpsuit online, from Reitmans, just after Christmas. Buuuuuuut due to the amount of boobage I’ve avoided wearing it much. This one-piece has a sexy deep-v, back tie-up belt and nice broad sleeveless-shoulders to hide a supportive bra – requirement for fast paced salsa dancing.
And….there are pockets!!! Perfect for lip gloss, iPhone, credit card & ID. BOOM!
End of the night outfit shot — bridesmaids came to my hair flower aid 🙂
How I Got The Look: Black jumpsuit fromReitmans;Black booties from Payless; Necklace from SexyPlus Clothing; Earrings from Aldo; Hot pink feathered headband, gifted.
Salsa dancing with the Bride-To-Be + general stagette shenanigans. Fab Fun Saturday Night!
Now I wasn’t always a fan of the plus-sized jumpsuit. For more jumpsuit action on the blog ….click here and here and here.
In exactly TWO Fridays, I’ll be at the airport on my way to the tropics to explore and live as beach bum for nearly a month with only the items I bring on my back – literally.
With all my many flights and connections, I’ve decided NOT to check any luggage. Which means, I’ve gotta come up with 22-days worth of outfits NEEDS to fit into my 1 piece of carry-on below … yikes! 😮
My immediate thought: Where Do The SHOES Go!??!?!
When I did my big trip to India, I bought myself a sturdy Women’s North Face backpack with Opti Fit™ System provides an intuitive, adjustable, easy-to-use-tool to measure torso length to ensure a correct fit. This was a big deal since I’m all of 5’2 – these adjustments were critical. The shoulder harness easily slides up or down according to user’s back length, and cam locks pack in place. This pack is also tough enough to withstand the forces of nature and airport security.
It was pretty expensive (I picked it up on sale when I bought it back in 2012), but within the world of backpacks and suitcases it’s certainly worth the investment if you’re planning on traveling long-term.
Thank you for your comments and suggestions on thePetite Plus, Meow’sFB page … it has helped me come up with a checklist to pack the essentials.
I went out and bought myself a new Travel Purse aka Day-Trip Bag … its material is apparently slash-proof and has a cut-proof shoulder strap too. I’ve been warned about aggressive pickpockets where I’m headed, so it’s kinda nice knowing my bag won’t be such as easy victim. Especially since this will be the bag I keep my most prized possessions like money, credit cards, passport and snacks from airport to airport.
Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body Bucket Bag in black
The weather is expected to be tropical super-summer-heat for the month of March (30+ degrees). Plus, the main religions present in the three countries I’ll be exploring are: Islam, with significant Buddhist, Hindu and Christian minorities. These are the two factors I’ve gotta keep in mind when coming up with outfit choices for the trip.
If you’ve been following my Instagram, you know that ROUND 1 of determining what to pack was an epic fail!!! 😦
ROUND 2 was much better.
Tah-Dah!!! This is what I’ve managed to streamline my choices. Here’s what I’ll be bring in my backpack …
Thin long pants. I plan on wearing these on my flight days.
Sun hat. Packed one that bounces back into shape, regardless of being packed in my carry-on.
Large, thin scarf. This is great for a chilly night out and useful for covering up shoulders, head and cleavage as needed. Plus it dresses up an ordinary outfit – cute scarves make it look like I’m at least trying.
Belt. Figured it would give me more options when mix and matching, giving an outfit a different/new look.
Comfort tank tops (x4). For daytime activities and easy beachwear.
Sarong. This not only can be a cover up at the beach…. but it can act as a fast trying towel, a sheet to picnic on, blanket for an over air-conditioned bus ride.
Swimsuits (x2-3). I just got my GabiFresh Swimsuitsforall – my first two-piece ever! These will be making their debut Fo Sho!!
Sun dresses (x5). These are basically what I wear everyday. Plus one extra one that currently fits me perfectly that I’m hoping to get copied by a tailor in Vietnam.
Lounge shorts. I’m not a bit shorts wearer, but figured in 30+ degree weather I may want something quick n’ easy to pull for those lazy mornings.
Nice tank tops (x3) for dinners out or party evenings.
Sleep clothes.
Small cross-body purse. Great for heading out to dinner when I don’t need to carry much – this one has a wristlet strap too. The cross-body strap is nice because I never have to take it off, even when sitting. And I can adjust the strap to fit across my waist (like a fanny pack) at swing dancing events. This helps deter would-be purse snatchers.
Sun glasses (x2). I’m known for losing a pair of sunnies on every vacation I take, so I always bring along two … lesson learned
Flip flops. Bring one pair that can get wet for the beach. Plus, need something to walk around in the hotel room (and possibly in the shower).
Slip-on shoes. I plan on swing dancing while I’m there, and my usual dance shoes needed replacement and more support. So I bought myself some cute black Champions memory foam that can be sporty or dressed up. These will likely be what I wear on planes too (with a pair of socks).
Walking sandals. Something light, breathable, and easy to slip on is fantastic in hot, beachy climates…, or if I have a big day sight-seeing. I plan on wearing these the most all trip, so these are also memory foam supported.
Black pencil skirt. This basic piece will help transform any of the top options into evening/party wear.
Tee-shirts (x2). For travel days so my backpack doesn’t rub on my bare shoulders.
+ tons of panties & bras that go with most of my outfits above. There you have it….22 days of outfits in 1 backpack…HAZZA!!! 😀
Happy to report that I’ve done a practice run at packing my pack — using the ‘burrito method’, where you layer clothes flat onto of each other and then roll them all up together and end up with one giant burrito of travel clothes…which then easily fit into a long backpack (like mine), maximizing the space.
I’ll likely bring along a simple solid cardigan too for the flights … I haven’t figured out my “Pearson Airport” outfit yet, but I’m determined to wear items out of the above in layers, reducing the bulk of my backpack a bit more. And, am aiming to leave my winter coat at home.
So glad I tackled this well in advance of my trip, as I was really anxious. I hear it isn’t easy finding larger clothes in the cities I’ll be visiting. With all my many connections, the possibility of losing my luggage filled with PLUS SIZE clothing was terrifying. Even more motivation to only travel with carry-on!
I’m very proud of myself for being able to streamline my choices as much as I have. And I’m determined to continue treating the world as my runway … even if it means wearing pieces that are wrinkled repeats that have been slightly re-accessoried to give me a new look from my travel backpack.
South East Asia … here I come! Akkk! 😀
To find out where exactly I’m going click here. To find out what to know before you go, click here.
The most familiar symbol of the “Roaring Twenties” is probably the flapper: a young woman with bobbed hair and short skirts, excessive makeup and jewellery, who drank, smoked and said “unladylike” things … and more sexually “free” than previous generations.
Some of the lovelies behind the Toronto Vintage Society
The fashions of the ’20s are one of my faves…but sadly extremely difficult to find in my size, and even harder to make look good on my body shape. The drop-waist isn’t something that I can pull off.
But I love me some fringe & feathers!!! So when I found this getup on sale at an online costume shop – it had to be mine! ❤
And there was finally a reason to wear it as Toronto Vintage Society hosted a Selfie Photo Booth at Palais Royale’s Winterlicous night of dinner and dancing!
I have to admit, this might be the most glamorous venue in Toronto!!! The Palais Royale Ballroom has been around for 92-years. This space is oh-so magical.
Winterlicious diners enjoying before the dancing begun.
Since I’m not the best with makeup application – I googled what a flapper in the 1920s would do and then tried to replicate it with what I had on hand. Here’s what I found and my results…
Volia! Me trying my hand at Gatsby makeup: base from PURMinerals, eyeshadows and blush from E.L.F., lipstick from MakeupForever, mascara fromYounique 3D Fiber Lashes (please ignore the hair curlers)
The best part of flapper wear…is all the accessories!!!
T-strap shoes from Naturalizer; feather headband came with the dress; earrings from Necessities; pearls and bracelets picked up at Toronto Vintage Clothing Show
And…with all the pieces together – TAH-DAH!!!
I was pleasantly surprised how well my hair worked out. There was a sh*t-ton of hairspray to keep these waves in. And I’m happy to report that the doo lasted pretty much the whole night…including post-event libations in the wee hours of the AM…which is pretty impressive with my thin hair, blustery winter weather and Lindy Hopping all night. 🙂
Now that I had the hair, makeup and outfit all done…..it was time to dance my feet off to the music of Alex Pangman!
Swing dancing to Alex Pangman + an excuse to get dressed up in 1920s garb – what better way to end the work week!
The Toronto Vintage Society had a fabulous Selfie Photo Booth set up, complete with fabulous authentic props!!!
Here’s a selection of moments captured “TVS-Selfie-Photo-Booth” style:
Dapper swing dancers romancing me for the camera – Giddy Up! 😉
All the fabulous vintage props at the TVS Photo Booth….This fab pic of the Toronto Vintage Society gang – at our fab Selfie Photo Booth — tons more on Instagram #palaisroyaleballroom
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.
This purple Valentina Dress is kinda perfect for making that special someone swoon on Valentines Day. It comes black, white, mauve, navy and burgundy (which I have also) 🙂
Photo Credit: Rebecca Northcott Photography
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.
It’s a fantastic dress!
Kyionna has so many lovely black lace dress options that make every body type look and feel sensational!
Rebecca and I are both wearing dresses from Kiyonna — This line seems to have a ton of lace offerings to the plus population…and their sizing is nearly perfect for those in the petite category when it comes to arm & shoulder lengths too!
For other posts I’ve done on Kiyonna, click here, here and here.
Kiyonna dresses that will make ’em swoon for Valentines Day
Want to save 20% off on Kiyonna order – click here friends!!!! 🙂
Do you own any pieces from Kiyonna? Which ones caught your eye? Tell me about them in the comment section below.
How I Got The Look: Dress from Kiyonna; Shoes from Torrid (click here & here to see them in other looks)
Photo credit: Rebecca Northcott Photography
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I’m sick of winter! I’m sick of wearing boots! I’m sick of wearing my winter coat!
I’m sick of winter! And it’s making me moody!
I’ve found that wearing colors … even just a pop of color … often helps boost your mood 🙂
This is why I went with a aqua-teal blue collared shirt to pair with my leopard pencil skirt for spending a day in the office last week.
Yikes! Dunno what happened with my iPhone camera …ignore the white lines on the shirt, camera malfunction 🙂
Layer your shirts, blouses, tops, etc! An outfit can go from blah to amazing by just adding a simple cardigan, jacket, or even a plaid shirt! (Maybe not with leopard. Or then again..hummmmm)
I especially love this open 3/4 sleeved black cardi I picked up from Reitmans a few years ago …cuz there’s a bit of lace along the shoulders and down the front that just adds an extra oomph to anything worn underneath it. Don’t you agree?
How I Got The Look:
Leopard pencil skirt, SexyPlus Clothing (click here and here to see in other looks); Collared shirt, Lane Bryant; Black lace cardi, Reitmans; Jewellery set, Necessities; Black laced cardi , Reitmans; Booties, Nine West Outlet
Never underestimate the power of good accessories. Many a plain outfit has been saved by the addition of a scarf, belt, or piece of jewelry. But try sticking to one focal point accessory. For example, if you’re wearing a big statement necklace, like me in this outfit, keep your earrings small or skip them altogether.
I picked up these baubles last week – you may have already seen them on my Instagram. Are you following me yet? you should 😉
What tricks have you been using to keep warm, cozy and cute during the winter months that help you make the most of your current closet offerings? Tell me about them in the Comments Section below.
Now, that we’re in the depths of January – a pop of hot pink colour is a sure-fire way to lift my mood and spring in my step.
Wore this dress to the office the other day. I simply threw on a warm, extra furry, black and white cowl-neck sweater (a gift I got for Xmas) over top of the dress … belted it … and voila! Winterized and office ready! Boom!
Belts can make everything better. Either a skinny belt over a top, sweater or a sash on a wool coat; having something there to define where your waist is makes you look shapelier. I really am pleased with how it transformed this furry sweater overtop of this dress.
I often pick out my outfits the night before – especially for those days I’m headed into the office. I cannot tell you how many times I used to not bother, then be in a rush in the morning and just put on the first thing I could find in a hurry. With a bit of pre-planning you’ll pick something practical, stylish and feel great, rather than rushing and feeling like a hot mess all day!
Plus it gives you time to pick out your accessories — which I had a habit of running out without when I would pick it out in the morning! I feel naked without earrings and hate looking for the time only to stare at my bare wrist. **grumble grumble**
A little planning the night before is totally worth the effort friends. 😉
How I Got The Look: Acid pink swing dress, AdditionElle; Black n’ white furry sweater, LauraPetites; Sliver buckle belt, Reitmans; Booties, Nine West Outlet
What tricks have you been using to keep warm, cozy and cute during the winter months that help you make the most of your current closet offerings? Tell me about them in the Comments Section below.
Continuing with January’s Little Black Dress series on the blog today.
If you missed any of the previous LBD’s….click here, here and here.
Today’s LBD is a brand new one I picked up during the holidays when there were crazy sales and deals to be had.
Photo credit: Val Soo
LBD #3: Sheer Panel Swing Dress from CLEO
Photo credit: Val Soo
This dress fit me like a glove right off the rack!!!
It’s the perfect length, no hemming required. The arm holes required no pinning and the neckline didn’t reveal too much cleavage.
Plus, the broad straps easily allow for a regular bra to be worn – #winning 🙂
Photo credit: Val Soo
Sheer panels seemed to be pretty fashionable this holiday season. I like how it adds textural interest in a minimalist way to this all-black dress, bringing lightness and breathability to heavy fabrics in the winter.
I really want to come up with ways to take this frock outside of being just a cocktail dress. If you’ve got some ideas for how to do it – share them with me friends! 😉
Photo credit: Val Soo
How I Got The Look: LBD and jewellery set from Cleo (click here); Wine glossy pumps from BCBG; Sheer hosiery from Dollarama
Do you have a favourite Little Black Dress? Where’s it from and how to you style it? Tell me your tips and tricks by leaving a comment below.
WANNA see the other LBD’s I’ve talked about so far – click #1, #2 and #3.
Well, on the eve of my departure it turns out that my
I have to admit, this might be the most glamorous venue in Toronto!!! The Palais Royale Ballroom has been around for 92-years. This space is oh-so magical.
PPMeow! 
