COVID-19: Week 1

Spring has always been one of my favourite times of year. After months of hiding under puffy coats and bulky hats it’s time to get out into the city again and BE CUTE!

Unfortunately, this Spring has been postponed due to COVID-19 and the need to practice Social Distancing (and I do hope you all are doing your part). Instead of brunching on patios and sipping wine, er, soda in the park we are all stuck in our homes.

But, just because we are Social Isolating doesn’t mean that we can’t still be cute! If you’re like me, you still have to walk your furry friends a couple times a day and even if you don’t have dogs to take care of it is still recommended that you get out at least once a day to take a solo walk, jog or bike ride.

Staying active and getting fresh air is important for your mental health during this lock-down, and as long as you stay 6-feet apart from others you can do so safely and FASHIONABLY.

For my afternoon/evenings I like to take the time to get dressed up for what I call my Furryball-Fabulous strolls!

My (properly distanced) friend snapped this photo of me during one such adventure in Toronto last week.

This is an easy to put together look that mixes old and new from my closet and is functional for the activity it’s being worn for – waling these guys.

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Me and Frodo Doggins out on an afternoon Furball-Fabulous Stroll during the first week of lockdown in The6ix of COVID-19

In the early days of Spring it’s still a little dull outside, so I like to stick to a basic black and white look. It’s chic and timeless. I start to mix more colour into the look as the days get warmer – like nature itself!

Here, I’m wearing bomber jacket made of sweatshirt material from Forever 21. It’s a stable of day-to-day wear this time of year. Surprisingly warm and light it’s practical without being bland.

I accent it with a Kelly Green crossbody purse, a graphic popcorn Tee (both Forever 21) and music note socks from Soxxy Socks. 🙂

Animal print continues to be a 2020 on-trend vibe … and I happily oblige with my tiered leopard print skirt (from Shein, I think).

It’s muddy in the springtime in Canada so I need to wear boots, but they don’t have be ugly. Timbos are popular for a reason, you know!

I round the look off with a chartreuse headband from Addition Elle and a girl shouldn’t go anywhere without her Dior Sunnies!

This entire look is without nylons – it’s spring – RELEASE THE LEGS! 

We may be in a global pandemic, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t look great!

How are y’all remaining sane and managing your mental health while Social Isolating?

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Sheers that don’t suck!

 

Trying to find hosiery that fit properly are one of the most frustrating things a petite person can shop for. 

Often I end up having to pull them up to my armpits to ensure that they 

don’t sag at the bottom avoiding that Elephant-ankle look…..that’s just not the sexiest or most comfortable look! :/Now, add on the fact that your a larger bodied plus-sized petite person … ugh!!!  

So I was ecstatic to find that Sheertex not only had sizing with my height, they also designed cute patterned sheers with my body type/body size in mind.

My excitement grew even more when I found out that they also promised to be furry friend proof —they claim to be indestructible!

Sheertex – the world’s toughest pantyhose.

The fit was perfect and they were one of the most comfortable hosieries that I have ever worn. I wasn’t counting the hours down to when I could tear them off and get into my comfy clothes — my Sheertex *were* comfy clothes!

 

 

I wore my Sheertex for a full day at the office and walking the pups to test them out.

Visit me on Instagram to see how they fit on me with their thick waistband.

😉 😉 😉

The true test would come with the dogs.

I have two furry pals that can be very loving. That’s awesome, but they tend to be hard on my closest when they attempt their daily climb of Mount Mommy.

More than one pair of hosiery has met an untimely death at the claws of Max the Maniac  or Frodo the Frightful.

My pups are lovely, but they are destructive doggies when it comes to hosiery…sigh. 

 

 

Sheertex proved to be their foil!!!

I’m wearing the Polka-Dot Sheers and as you can see they held up to the riggers of both puppies perfectly.

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Max the Maniac climbing Mount Mommy
 

If you are a someone who occasionally gets climbed by animals or has a tendency to catch hosier on desks, nails, chairs, shoes, shrubbery, whatevs …nearly immediately upon putting on a new pair of pantyhose…. then say hello to Sheertex and hosiery that doesn’t suck!

Use my discount code and get $10 off your first pair:  MEOW10

 
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Continue reading "Sheers that don’t suck!"

Blazing Pink

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Isn’t everything better with a pop of pink?

YES!  I think so 🙂

Wearing summer appropriate outfits that fit with corporate-life and life-life can be a challenge.

But having solid staple pieces make things a bit easier.

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Take this outfit I threw together for one of the few days I’m forced into downtown Toronto  office life.

A simple stripped pencil skirt can be worn for work and play.  Bone kitten heels are always at the ready at the office.

The crochet top isn’t something I’ve worn to the office before. It’s really from my ‘summer beach time’ wardrobe.  But with a solid cami worn underneath, it becomes totally wearable for the office.

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A hot pink blazer just pulls the look together, giving the illusion that some effort was made when I came up with this look.

My uncombed hair, on the other hand, gives me away 😛

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How I Got The Look:

Pink Blazer, INC Hudson Bay Co.; Stripped pencil skirt, Marshalls; Crochet top, Forever21+; Bone kitten heels, NineWest

For more looks featuring this skirt click here and here.

What do you think of this look?  Tell me your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Spring Double Feature: Doing White Right

Toronto finally had amazing weather this past weekend.  Which makes what I’m about to announce even more timely!!! 😉

Petite Plus, Meow! is proudly bringing you another special Double Feature with fellow petite plus blogger, Cassie from Style Cassentials.

Together, we will be exploring and putting our own twists on several Spring trends…all this week!

Today we’re talking about Doing White Right.

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Photo Credit: Rebecca Northcott Photography

This enchanting Tatyana Boutique Flower Cart dress is adorable … and restocked for this season …just sayin’ 😉

I picked it up during their blow-out sale this past Fall….and have been waiting patiently for warmer months arrival to finally take this faboulousness out to be seen. unspecified-10 It’s made from a supple cotton blend in a clean white with pops of vivacious green trim at the arms, with red shoulder straps…

And just look that the cutest flower cart hem detail of the skirt. ❤ ❤ ❤

Petite Plus, Meow! wearing Tatyana Flower Cart dress
How I Got The Look: Dress from Tatyana; Sunnies and Purse are vintage finds; Heels from Aldo; Sneakers are Keds

What I really loved about this dress is the scalloped off-the-shoulder design!!! ❤

The adjustable straps and a fitted bodice that’s darted through the natural waist adds some visual interest too.

The dress came with a skinny yellow belt to help highlight an hourglass figure and helps break-up all the whiteness of this frock.  

Petite Plus Meow in Tatyana Flower Cart Dress

Sadly, if you’re a top-heavy/chesty/a member of the big-titty-committee this skinny belt might get a bit lost. 😛

Note To Self: must buy thicker yellow belt.

This voluminous gathered A-line swing skirt has hidden side pockets (#winning) and goes perfectly with heels OR casual Keds.

The perfect for Springtime and ready for Summertime too!

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Photo Credit: Rebecca Northcott Photography

Cassie is Doing White Right with this adorable collared shirt dress and white pumps!  Loving the black buttons down the front of the dress.

And that telephone clutch with fur pop-pop.  **swoon**

Head over to Style Cassentials for all the details on how Cassie has styled the trends.  Or visit her Facebook page here.

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Cassie from Style Cassentials, Doing White Right

Curious about our previous collaborations?

Click here for the Fall Series and here for the Holiday Series. 😉

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Photo Credit: Rebecca Northcott Photography

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Boobs & Bra-blems

Did you know that 90% of women are wearing the wrong bra size!? 😮

Did you know that many women (myself included) also take several different bra sizes, depending on the shape, cut, fabric and brand of the bra. :/

AND….did you know most women are not entirely symmetrical, meaning they may have uneven breasts! 😮

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Photo taken from the article: New York Women Draw Their Own Boobs

Your shape is unique, which makes it sometimes difficult to find bras that are made in standard sizes, work for you.  I am desperately in need of a bra-shopping-haul.

Buuuuuuut with the CAD$ being in the toilet right now, cross-boarder shopping and online shopping has been put on pause until further notice. 😦

So I thought we could all use a good ol’ rant about boobs and our bra-blems!!!

Underwires stabbing you in the chest.

Straps constantly falling down.

Riding up back-band.

Oh and a personal favourite: The Quadboob…ugh! #TheWorst8c1dcb70-1761-0132-084e-0eae5eefacd9

Just writing these few frustrations is annoying enough.

But we – the boob having ones – have to deal with these frustrations on a daily basis, forever!!!

No wonder all of us women agree that ripping off your bra the moment you walk in the door at the end of a long day is THE MOST glorious feeling!12592515_10153563371154072_4260555242844716905_n

So, let’s look at some solutions to some of these common bra-blems…

BACK BAND RIDING UP

If the band of your bra rides up in the back (i.e. curves towards your neck, not straight across your back), that indicates that the  band size is too big.

Solution:  Go down a band size.

Remember that the cup and band are not independent; cup volume changes if you change only the band size. And every brand of bras is different … so its best to get properly bra fitted EVERY TIME you’re out shopping for a new bra.

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QUADBOOB + UNDERWIRE POKE

Quadboob occurs when breasts spill over the cups, either on the tops or out the sides (like into the armpit area), giving an impression of four breasts.  If this happens, generally that means the cup is too small and you need to go up a cup size.

Sometimes even if the cups are the right volume, too wide wires can cause a bra to cut into the breast tissue, making the bra look too small. Screen Shot 2016-04-03 at 12.12.43 PM

If the underwire frequently pops out the bra, the band is too large or the wire has been overly distressed by too small of a cup.  Typically, go up in cup size and down in band size.

To avoid underwire betrayal aka poke-outs and try to protect the longevity of your bras ….

you should never put them in a washing machine! 😮

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How many of you actually hand wash your dedicates… like your bras? :/

I have to admit, the best I do is clasp them and shove them into a mesh bag so that I can toss them in with whatever load of laundry is about to be done.

Not a good move if you’re trying to extend the life of your bras.

Did You Know That….

Bras should never be washed in hot water ….

And they should never be put in a tumble dryer….

AND every time they are washed...you should stretch the wet underwire casing just after washing to avoid shrinkage??Screen Shot 2016-01-26 at 12.33.12 PM

Me neither!

I had no idea I was taking such poor care of my bras.

It made me think… am I even putting on my bra the ‘right’ way?!? 😮

ThridLove published a Fit Issue  that has a few more tips for ya, if you’re interested.

What are some of YOUR bra-blems?

Share them with me and your solution (if you got any) in the Comments section below 🙂

 

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The Gap + Winners + H&M = OOTD

NOTHING worn in this post is from a “plus-sized store”!

I found such luck at the following shops: H&M, Winners and The Gap recently.  And here are my finds from these spots into one complete outfit post!

high-low tunic top Petite Plus, Meow!
Me trying hard to show you the back of this top. I just love how the hi-low hemline gives this tunic top a dramatic look from behind.

Let’s talk about this hi-low tunic I found at Winners!  For us petite (short) babes, the hi-low look isn’t always easy to pull off.  But luckily once I washed this top it shrunk-up just enough  that it was no longer touching the ground!

Originally, i found this top  a bit ‘blah’ as the length of the ‘low’ part of the shirt fell past my waist and made me look frumpy.

Soo I did a lil’ sewing-fix myself creating a bit of a rise at one side of the top in the front – voila!   Perfect-For-Moi! ❤

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And now… my bottom half 😉  I don’t wear pants often.  I’m more of a skirts and dresses kinda girl.

I do enjoy leggings, especially during winter as they help keep my cute summer dresses in closet rotation.  But I never really wear then as ‘pants’.

That was until I found these great ankle zip point leggings from The Gap!!!

The fabric is made of: 4% Spandex, 38% Modal, 58% Cotton.  Which makes these leggings oh so comfortable, while looking perfectly fitted and rich.

I’m wearing an XL – I was thrilled that all of my ample booty fit into them. 😛

And it actually hit me just at the ankles and sat above my waist perfectly!

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How I Got The Look:   Ankle-zip leggings, The Gap ($25); Hi-low tunic top, Winners($30); Purse, The Shoe Co.($60).; Pumps, Nine West($50); Scarf, H&M($20)

As usual, now that you know What I Wore... let me tell you about What I Did while wearing this outfit…

Not only was it I able to wear this casual look to the office, but it let me do double-duty into a night of dancing too!

Photo credit: Kevin SueChueLam
Photo credit: Kevin SueChueLam

Y’all know I’m a Lindyhopping fool!  (Dunno? Click here, here, here)

But I’ve recently started to explore other types of partner dancing.  Have you heard of Fusion Dancing?

It is where dancers from a mix of different dance backgrounds come together – to create a fusion of partnered social dance!!!

Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.  This means…Zoukers, Bluesers, Swingers (you know what we mean), Improvers, Contemporaries, Salseros, Kizombies, Tangueros … this is a place for everyone to come together and play on a dance-floor.    Visit Dance Alchemy’s new FB page for more deets if you’re interested!

Here are  a few snaps of me….getting my Fusion on in my OOTD above 😉

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Photo credit: Kevin SueChueLam

What did you think of my outfit?

Would you ever try out partnered social dancing like Fusion?

Tell me your thoughts in the comment section below.

Until next time lovelies. xo

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The Peplum Skirt

Hello friends….my apologies for being away so long from the blog.

December has been a busy one – and I haven’t been very good about documenting my outfits of the day. :/

I did however, manage to capture this one – a quick and easy combo I put together of black and navy.

 

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I’ve been trying to curb my unnecessary shopping – as Xmas expenses are taking over my wallet this month.

These are new-to-me pieces….

The top, necklace and leopard Keds was bought ON SALE for cheapy cheapy.

And the peplum skirt was found on a via online plus-size swap Facebook group (#win)!
IMG_0470Peplum is defined by The Free Dictionary as “a short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, or dress.”

The peplum design has been around forever and was a big fashion statement in the 1940s.  And if you’ve been following the blog, you already know I’ve got a soft spot for vintage fashions of that era.

But this peplum look has it suddenly made its way back into mainstream fashion for a few years now.

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It’s essentially a fashion optical illusion –  all geared towards making your waist look slimmer – to achieve that coveted hour-glass shape.

I’ve got a few peplum pieces in my wardrobe already, in dresses and tops.  (Click here, here, herehere and here.)

But this was my first peplum skirt!

IMG_0475What I really liked about this piece was that the peplum has a bit of a slant in both the back and fronts.  Giving this overall simple look, a bit more visual interest.

Also, the faux leather top has a fabric back, making it much more breathable and comfortably wearable all-day.IMG_0472


How I Got The Look:

Navy faux leather top, JoeFresh; Black peplum skirt, AdditionElle; Leopard printed Keds; Necklace, Forever21
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What do you think of the peplum trend?  How have you made it work?

Tell me about it in the comments section below 🙂

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Summer Sales, Fall Tales

Oh you feel that crispness in the air … Fall is here friends!

And you know what that means:  Summer Sales!!!

This outfit cost $20!  Reitmans Summer Sales are the greatest!

Yep!  It’s your chance to nab some super cute summer stuff on the cheap.

Stay on the lookout for low-cost pieces in jewel tones that can pull a summer wardrobe into fall.

And the perfect opportunity to try and extend these new pieces you acquire into transitioning weather outfits!  So checkout my recent summer sale finds and how I’m gonna make them work into Fall….

It’s a TWO piece!!!  And the skirt has deep pockets!!!

Winners and Reitmans seem to be my go-to stops for summer sale hunting, especially if I’m in the downtown office.

Purse, old (recently rediscovered it in my closet); Necklace from MyBeadedDesign; Guess Platform sandals, Winners ($29); Matchy top ($10) and skirt ($10) from Reitmans

For cooler Autumn days — simply add tights, trade in open toes for closed toed shoes and a sweater layer in a warm colour, like orange below 😉

Ya’ll know I’m a shopaholic.  It would be really easy to blow your fashion budget on buying new clothes for the fall, especially with so many tempting window displays out there right now.  (I fell victim to it recently after a simple dental cleaning appointment – if you’re following me on Instagram, then you know what I mean). :/

But your Fall Tales doesn’t have to buying a completely new wardrobe. By adding richer textures, darker colours and a little added warmth your summer clothes …and  you’ll be able to wear ’em well into right into winter!!!

So, what do you think of my Summer Sale, Fall Tale here?  You like?

What are some of your tips for transitioning your wardrobe for cooler weather?

Tell me in the comments section below 🙂

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Make ’em Swoon

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) 🙂

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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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SONSEE Woman – Product Review

The easiest way to make your Summer pieces more Fall/Winter appropriate isn’t to ditch them altogether, but to come up with new ways to wear them.

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I picked up this dress from BIGDeal Toronto‘s pop-up sale.

I picked up this sheer, pleated, sleeveless dress from BIGDeal Toronto’s pop-up sale a few months ago,  and was determined to transition it for Fall/Winter wear.  (Click here for other ideas to transition summer into winter outfits.)

Transitioning this into a Fall/Winter outfit required hosiery and a sweater.  I love the way adding tights to dresses and skirts easily give them a whole new look.

Personally, I think tights give my outfit a chic, sophisticated, lady-like look.  Lucky for me Sonsee Woman sent me two packs of tights to review, which do just that! 🙂

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Sonsee sizes come in Gorgeous (14-16), Flawless (18-20), Stunning (22-24) and Radiant (26-28).

Unlike shape-wear – Sonsee is both comfortable & smoothing with broad ranges in sizing, products and seasonal colours. I was sent “Shadow” – a solid grey colour shown in these pictures, and “Black” which I’m yet to wear (click here to see how I’d wear them).

SONSEE WOMAN HOSIERY

I have to say, I’ve become ever dependent on buying cheap hose from the Dollarstore.  Being petite (aka short) their ‘queen size’ seems to do the job, but these are only really good for one-time wear.

These Sonsee tights were such a nice change in terms of fabric quality, with a fabulous “sheer:thickness ratio”.  Meaning I didn’t have to fear ripping them as I rolled them up my leg.  They’ve got an anti-roll waistband which allows you to wear them high or low on the waist with comfort.  And there’s extra reinforcement at the thighs for greater durability – and “Lighting & Thunder” – my loving nickname for MY thighs –  really appreciate that! 😉

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Since I wear a size 18 in clothes, I ordered my Sonsee tights in size Flawless (18-20).  Being petite, this size was a bit too big on me.  Next time I’d order a size smaller to avoid extra length and scrunching at my ankles, as you can see in the close up shots in the pics above.

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To up the sophisticated vibe of this outfit, I added my navy statement necklace & earring set from LOFT and covered up my arms with a simple v-neck grey cardi from Old Navy.

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You really do get what you pay for.  These Sonsee hose transitions this Summer dress  perfectly into sophisticated chic Winter wear, don’t you think?

What do you look for in your tights and hosiery products?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts friends 🙂

FYI — Sonsee Woman offers FREE worldwide shipping – when you buy two or more pairs; enter coupon code: SONSEELOVE at checkout, just sayin’!

IMG_5489How I Got The Look:  Shadow grey tights, Sonsee Woman; Grey & black maryjane shoes, Nine West; Tri-coloured pelted sheer-dress, BIGDeal Toronto pop-up sale; Grey cardi, Old Navy; Statement necklace and earrings set from LOFT.

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