I usually try and avoid wearing too much black … especially in the summer. But there are a number of fun black-summertime-prints that I just couldn’t resist!
This hi-lo maxi dress (Target) has been with me for a few summers now – don’t look too closely, as you’ll see the black bits fading due to wash and wears. It’s one of my easy-peasy-favourite pieces.
Being petite (short) the train of this dress does sometimes cause me trouble. I’ve been known to trip up the stairs in this dress and also had a horrible experience with an escalator that nearly ended this dress’ life! Luckily, I managed to rescue and repair it and keep it among my summertime wardrobe still 🙂
Since the dress has a giant pattern with solid black boarders, I added a pops of colour with my coral purse (Aldo) and bright green stoned earrings (Stella & Dot), plus my stroppy gold & white sandals (Le Chateau) plus my vintage cat-eye sunnies to keep the looks casual for weekend wear of errands and city roaming.
Are you a fan of wearing black in the summertime? How do you incorporate it into your summer looks? Use the comment section below and let me know how YOU’D style this dress?
Have you LIKE’d the Facebook Page yet? You should!!!! 😉
Now…I’ve never been to Vegas myself. I was close last summer when I was a California Girl for a week (see my Wanderlust page for a few pics of that trip). Sadly my trip was too short to include a jaunt to down to The Gambling Capital. Vegas is definitely on my travel-list…and I would certainly need to pack weeks in advance to make sure I was Vegas Ready when it came to Daytime and Nighttime looks.
I was approached by the Content Director of Vegas.com to participate in their current blog challenge: #MyVegasStyle.
Challenge accepted!!! 😉
Vegas Style: Daytime
I’m usually for fashion over function. Buuuuut for daytime looks in desert heat, my vote is for fashion with function! Light, easy fabrics that could easily take you to a nice lunch spot, like at Aria’sLemongrass resturant, and would keep you comfortable if you wanted to explore the sights of Vegas on foot (which would mean swapping heels for fun flats and sandals). Take a look at these collages of daytime #myvegasstyle – including a ton of sun hats, my newest obsession! I included a personal #ootd from a previous post that I think would totally fit into this category of Vegas Daytime Style too!
Swimwear
Frankly, any of the swimwear from Monif C. would totally fall into #MyVegasStyle category! Love! Love! Love!
This Peru Fringe Swimsuit would definitely be in my carry-on to Vegas. A dream come true for chesty chicks like me, and the sexy fringe details help distract from any thigh insecurities. Sexy! Brilliant! Love!
Vegas Style: Nighttime
Titty City – I would definitely play up the cleavage in Sin City! I think for a nice dinner followed by a show and gambling I could finally rock my Valentina Illusion Dress from Kiyonna. I think this number should bring someone a bit of luck, gambling if not otherwise…don’t you think? 😉
Leopard – I’m wearing this faux wrap Joseph Ribkoff dress a few weeks ago for a girlfriend’s birthday celebration. All three of us look like we were Vegas Nighttime Ready already, don’t you think? Meow indeed!!! 😉 Maybe we could wear these outfits to club Haze in the Aria Hotel.
Sequins – Where better to wear a glittery number if not in the “Entertainment Capital of the World”! I would def pack and rock my sequins tank and dress, depending on the time of year, I’d swap the tall boots for sexy pumps for nighttime fun in Vegas. Check out my previous post, How to Wear Sequins for other ideas to incorporate into a Vegas style look 🙂
Little Black Dress (LBD) – You can’t really go wrong with this approach for Vegas Nightlife.
I’m thinking Audrey classy, not clubby-trashy….
There you have it friends – #MyVegasStyle done from a petite (short), curvy, large chested perspective! 🙂
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…
Photo Credit: Rebecca Northcott PhotographyMe with the talented Annika, owner & designer of Candi Apple CoutureMe 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 🙂
Photo Credit: Rebecca Northcott PhotographyPhoto Credit: Peter Chiem
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?
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 ofMuppets 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..
This little Piggy went down the runway: A sketch of Miss Piggy’s red carpet creation http://www.dailymail.co.uk
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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!
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?
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)
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).
Gold Coral Bib, Aldo AccessoriesMulti-strand Pink & Coral Stones, Stella&DotHello 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?
THE Medina Bib, Stella & Dot (pic links to post)White & Gold Bib, Aldo Accessories (pic links to post)Giant Pearls, Your Big Sister’s Closet; Ear-cuffs, Steam On Queen (pic links to post)
I was fortunate to have met Stefanie Augusteijn a few years ago B.B.B. (Before Becoming a Blogger). When I moved to midtown Toronto, her boutique SexyPlusClothing was walking distance for me when it was located just south of Rosedale subway station on Yonge St.
She’s recently relocated this fab shop. This past weekend a friend of mine and I took a Saturday morning road trip out to Mississauga to be a part of Stefanie’s Grand Reopening & 5-Year Store Anniversary Party!
There were promises of Fresh New Spring Arrivals + Buy One Get One 50% offers along with Fashion and Beauty Prizes…and best of all Gourmet Cake and Refreshments!
Don’t let the outside fool you – the store is beautiful! And Stefanie designed it all herself!!! The fresh, bright off-white of the entire space and hardwood floors with pops of that SexyPlus signature pinks all over the place, along with the familiar alphabet artwork of Lime Green Squid just make you feel all smiley. 🙂
Lime Green Squid’s artworkCloser Look of Lime Green Squid’s artwork. A few of these framed pieces were given away to a few lucky customers of SexyPlus Clothing.
“Dress for the weather you want, not the weather you have!”
Decided on wearing this green & black maxi dress w/skinny black belt ($17 Forever21+) with a cropped cardi ($10 Old Navy) combo with my grey moto leather jacket (Winners) and Rocker-girl boots (Aldo) … regardless of the snow flurries that followed us from Toronto to Mississauga that morning. My hair was uncooperative this morning as you can see. Sigh…
Here’s a few snaps of all the shopping fun that was had at this beautifully renovated boutique for plus sized babes:
Me with Stefanie, owner of SexyPlus Clothing
Special shoutouts to go the lovely shop-girls, Dream Taylor and Sabrina who were uber attentive and helpful, providing honest opinions and encouragement once you’re ready to emerge from the change rooms. I tried on several pieces, including this lovely ‘Hello Yellow’ dress, this Black n’ White stripped number and this Tiki inspired beach-ready dress:
I even became the SexyPlus “Guinea pig” for trying on the new Convertible Maxi dress, as Stefanie transformed this lovely navy chevron patterned fabulousness whilst on my body for all to see the many different looks this one piece was capable of. Please ignore the giant bra straps that are taking away from the loveliness of this dress – clearly I was not prepared to be apart of this impromptu fashion show 🙂
Check out the pics below to see what this Marie Convertible dress in navy chevron can do:
It was a delightful afternoon….but as you can see from my face in the above pic, I was clearly torn as to which pieces I wanted to take home with me. I limited myself to only ONE new purchase of all the items above – I’ve got myself on a strict budget as my closet is bursting at the seams these days with all my recent mini-hauls.
Finally, I decided to buy the Captain’s Bodycon dress – it’s made in Canada!
Waddya think? Did I make the right decision? (Oh…ignore the moustache socks also…lol!)
SexyPlus Clothing’s new location: 5100 Maingate Drive, Unit 14 Mississauga, ON —- with lots of FREE parking friends. If you get a chance, you should def make the trip out to see what pretty fashions need to be yours!
From SexyPlus Clothing: The Captain’s Bodycon dress – it’s made in Canada!
It’s been a while since I’ve done an Outfit of the Day post….with all the recent excitement of being a Bridesmaid, The Oscars and modeling for Dragons’ Den Auditions. So I’m excited to be sharing an #ootd with you all again 🙂
I picked up this fab lightweight cream crewneck sweater from Old Navy Boxing Day! These red anchors are the cutiest. I really love the nautical theme … Black, Navy, Red & White in combination with stripes and anchors are just the greatest things ever.
I’ve worn this sweater a ton over the last few months …but I never remembered to take pics for the blog. Monday this sweater made another appearance to the office and I finally snapped a few for this post, combining them with random selfies I’ve taken whist wearing it elsewhere. 🙂 This great red blazer is part of a skirt suit from Sears a few years ago…also scored during Boxing Day sales. The pants are those Diva Old Navy ones you may remember them from my previous post – and I stand by my statement: Best.Pants. Ever!
Here are two distinct nautical themed looks – both totally do-able for “9-5 office” and super perfect for post-office-day fun too!
Mixing Patterns
A huge trend right now, but for me doing it right is difficult. I think I made it work here with the red anchor sweater + black n’ white polka dot pant. The look was a bit more on the casual side, so adding the red blazer helped me feel more confident to bring this outfit to the office all day. Sigh…If the weather in Toronto will ever become spring like, I can finally stop pairing up all outfits with my winter boots – blah…sooo sick of winter!
Stripes + Solids
Keeping with my nautical themed post, I’ve often worn this red blazer with a simple black pencil skirt, rather than the red skirt from the suit set…in an effort not to be “too loud” at the office (remember folks…financial-institution-corporate-types don’t appreciate “loud” amongst them in cubical/open-office living…or so I’ve noticed). In an effort to still keep the look interesting, like moi … introducing a sharp pattern or print like this striped strapless peplum really helps me create some noise, without being too “loud” for the office 😉
So, which nautical inspired look do you like best?
Because I’ve been missing wearing shoes with my OOTDs, I’ve included a few fab shots taken by the artsy eye of Rebecca Northcott – a few in black peep-toed heels and others in red wedged heels 🙂
How I got The Looks:
Red blazer by Jessica skirt-suit set from Sears
Diva pants + Anchor crewneck sweater from Old Navy
Black n’ White stripped peplum top from AdditionElle
Large tear drop earrings in both Gold and Silver are from Payless
Peep-toe black platform pumps from Diesel, Winners AND Red Georgen pointed wedge heels from Aldo
A few weeks ago I wrote about the Epic Sale that Doll Factory by Damzels was having this week. Yesterday this sale finally hit the 50% off mark on ALL items store-wide! I hit the Roncy location to find that all the clothes were cleverly sorted by size (huge win) and I was surprised to see that the plus size selection was sprawled across multiple racks, rather than a single sad corner hidden in the back of a store
The store’s staff were fab, as always. At one point I had several shopgirls dotting on me running my collection of ‘try-ons’ into the fitting room. I’m usually a solid size 18. Depending on the style and cut of the dress, how much stretch/room there is in the hips and boobs are the ultimately what determine’s the size I’ll fit into. The trick with shopping in a boutique shop like this one is that you MUST try on EVERYTHING, as the size you typically are won’t necessarily be the size you’ll fit into flatteringly.
After trying on nearly half of their plus size racks, turns out I’m able to fit into their size 12s, 14s and XLs too.
My mini-haul at 50% offincluded the following:
I’ll be sure to provide ya’ll details on each dress once I’ve made them into outfits in upcoming blog posts friends…stay tuned. 🙂
That evening I had tickets for the Art Gallery of Ontario, AGO’s First Thursday’s event and decided to wear something from my above haul!
There were upwards of 500 tickets sold for this event! And everyone was dressed very well and oh-so trendy. My gf and I noticed how many fashion toques were among the crowd — you get to hide your greasy-static-ridden-hair, whilst keeping toasty warm — think we both need to jump on this bandwagon soonest!
As we people-watched and got drinks at the bar, I immediately spotted MY black n’ white high-waisted flared skirt glide past me several times that night. Sigh…it’s a gorgeous skirt. I ain’t mad at her for buying and wearing it. But this is the problem with finding fashionable-plus-petite-pieces in shops like Forever21 – since they’re super cheap it makes it super easy for EVERYONE to buy it too!
That’s why when boutique shops like Doll Factory by Damzels have sales, it’s an excellent time to scoop up fab deals on outfits that ONLY YOU will have. 🙂
Tons of fun at the AGO last night. Check out our foodie-sculptures, the live band complete with electric xylophone and duelling DJs. Thursdays’ are clearly the New Friday!
How I got The Look:
Zebra patterned long-sleeved sweater dress from Aryeh, Doll Factory by Damzels (Roncessvales & Dundas W Sts.)
Cherry pendent necklace & matching earings from Jubly-Umph Originals, Doll Factory by Damzels (Roncessvales & Dundas W Sts.)
She’s recently relocated this fab shop. This past weekend a friend of mine and I took a Saturday morning road trip out to Mississauga to be a part of Stefanie’s Grand Reopening & 5-Year Store Anniversary Party!
PPMeow! 