Last year, I had the good fortune to have met Miss Tierra Sedgemore, the delightful woman behind the brand Size Sexy – click here to for that story ๐
Early this May, Tierra hosted a fantastic evening of entertainment and curvy fashion entitled: Get Your Sexy On at The Uptown Lofts in Toronto.
CAUGHT ON CAMERA!!! I just arrived at the venue (donning my uber short haircut out-out for the first time). Here I’m getting the inside scoop on how the event was gonna unfold. Chatting with the dynamic duo – Tierra & her hubsThese events are always a great opportunity to catchup with the lovelies of the plus-sized communities in the city. As well as seeing all the gorgeous fashion-forward creations of independent designers up close and personally.
Take a look at who I bumped into that night:
Me among the glamazons like the gorgeous Sarah Taylor, Miss Plus Canada 2014/2015 & Plus Size ModelIt’s me … sandwiched in-between the blush laced & turbaned Karen Ward, owner of Your Big Sister’s Closet AND the maxi-bolero wearing Stefanie Augusteijn, owner SexyPlus Clothing. Aren’t they just dazzling! โคMe with the sweetie behind the camera, Rebecca Northcott (a la iPhone selfie)Miss Carmen of CNLDesigns — click here to revisit what this sewing genius created for ME last year ๐ (taken with my iPhone)Me with THE hostest-with-the-mostest, Miss Tierra …. Seems I didn’t a gift bag upon arrival, hence my kissy/poutty-face on the left. LOL!Good thing I made that poutty-face, or I’d have missed out on these lovely bracelets ๐ “Thank-For-Coming” gifts created by Maryanne of MyBeadedDesigns, click here for more on her.OK! Back to the event!!!
Along side a team of professionals, friends and supporters, Tierraโs show presented a designer (MiniMaxiMidi), a boutique (SexyPlus) and her new line of SizeSexy Clothing.
MiniMaxiMidi
MidiMaxiMini will be officially launching in 2015. They are an apparel company with a direct focus on Midi, Maxi and Mini Skirts. Check them out on Facebook here.
SexyPlus Clothing
All styles shown below are available at http://www.sexyplusclothing.com, in store at 5100 Maingate Drive, Unit 14 in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Proud owner, Stef and her hubs, capturing moments of the runway magic (taken with my iPhone)
SizeSexy Clothing
To purchase SIZE SEXY Clothing, visit the new website www.sizesexy.ca. Follow SIZE SEXY on Facebook here, on Twitter here and on Instagram here.
Support the movement by wearing the message and #getyoursexyon ๐
THE DREAM TEAM behind the GetYourSexyOn Fashion Show that evening! From L to R: Stefanie, SexyPlus Clothing; Tierra, creator of SizeSexy, Ophilia, fashion show coordinator and SizeSexy brand ambassador; and Carmen, of CNLDesigns.
IF you’re following me on Instagram … then you can and have already been able to view some video clips of the runway!! Follow me there friends! ๐
“If you want to go fast, go alone. if you want to go far, go together.” โ by Robin Jones GunnThank you so much Tierra, for the invitation to a fantastic upscale Sunday evening in the city.
Looking forward to seeing this brand continue making its mark in plus-size fashion. Loved all I saw that night. Bravo! โค
What I Wore: Stripped layered dress from Forever21+; Cobalt wedges from Payless; Bianca tassel necklace from Stella & Dot; Gold bracelet watch from Michael Kors
Oh man – this past weekend wasย a fun one! ย I had the pleasure of celebrating a stagetteย 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 ๐ … 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.) ย And before the night was done, we were served up a round of Blushing Bride shooters!!! ย T.R.O.U.B.L.E. ๐
My Entree: Red Snapper over Polenta, with zucchini-corn-bean salad ย ย ~~~~~ ย My Dessert: Poached Pear. Delish!
Much thought had to be given to outfit choice for the evening. ย 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 Cityย Attirewas encouraged and welcomed!!! ๐
I couldn’t find a hot pink hair flower …so feathers had to do ๐
‘The Girls’, who too often are forced into hiding in an effort of making others moreย 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!!! ย STAND BACK!
All Black Everything – jumpsuit style!!!
The pants are a bit on the long side on my 5’2 bod. ย So thisย 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 – ย from Payless on sale for $33 and they work perfectly.
Now, I bought this all-black jumpsuit online, from Reitmans, just after Christmas. ย Buuuuuuut due to the amount of boobage I’ve avoided wearing it much. ย 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. ย BOOM!
End of the night outfit shot — bridesmaids came to my hair flower aid ๐
How I Got The Look: ย Black jumpsuit fromReitmans;ย Black booties from Payless; ย 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. ย For more jumpsuit action on the blog ….click here and hereย and here.
I’m sick of winter! ย I’m sick of wearing boots! ย 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 ๐
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 ๐
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. ย 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. ย Don’t you agree?
How I Got The Look:
Leopard pencil skirt, SexyPlus Clothing (click hereย and here to see in other looks); Collared shirt, Lane Bryant; Black lace cardi, Reitmans; Jewellery set, Necessities; Black laced cardiย ,ย Reitmans;ย Booties,ย 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. ย But try sticking to one focal point accessory. For example, if youโre 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. ย Are you following me yet? you should ๐
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.
It has been bitterly cold in Toronto. ย So keeping warm and cozy has been more important than ever. ย Which means a perfect excuse to adorn oneself in faux furs!!!
Regular hosiery options just wasn’t warm enough under this light Fall dress. ย So I’m wearing thick leggings with tall boots instead. ย Cover up as much of that skin as you can ladies. Instead of going bare-legged, consider wearing tights or thermal leggings ย beneath your skirt or dress. Not only does it look more climate-appropriate in formal situations, yourย legs will remain softerย since they won’t be as exposed to the elements. Just like scarves, leggings and tights come in many different varieties, so it is nearly impossibleย notย find a pair that will work with your outfit and mesh with your personality ๐
How I Got The Look: ย LBD fromย SexyPlus Clothing; Grey fur scarf from Indigo; Black boots from Payless; Black leggings and earrings from Old Navy.
Do you have aย favourite Little Black Dress? ย Whereโs it from and how to you style it? Tell me your tips and tricks by leaving a comment below.
WANNA see the other LBDโs Iโve talked about so far โ click hereย and here.
We began the week with a special ย Holidayย Doubleย Featureย collaboration withย Cassie ofย Style Cassentialsย yesterday. ย If you missed our first post, no worries – click here ย ๐
Todayย we’reย we focusing on getting Office Party ready for both before & after 5pm!
Before 5pm…
To get through the workday, I chose a black collared shirt with a gold faux belt attachment (Reitmans) to go with my gold & black brocadeย pencil skirt (Lane Bryant). ย Keeping the shoes a simple beige pump (Payless) with sheer black hose (Dollarama).
For the party portion of the day, I’dย lose the blazer and put on one piece of awesome jewelry: like this amazing black n’ goldย statement necklace (SexyPlus Clothing)! ย Click here and here to see it in other looks. ย
Jewelry has been the most successful fashion conversation starter at networking events, or so Iโve found. Both women and men feel comfortable complimenting or commenting on a piece of jewelry. Itโs considered in the safe zone — ย Statement Jewellery May Help You Network.
Are you more of anย earrings girl? Go For It! ย ย You can wear aย big braceletย or put that vintage embellished hair clip in your do. ย Just stick to one eye catching piece of jewelry….try not to over do it.
Now, toย elevate my look After 5pm…
I got rid of the collared shirt, and went with the mock-neck peplum top with a sheer peek-a-boo neckline (Forever21+)
I didn’t want to add anything more to the neckline of this top, so I opted for bling’d out earrings instead (Your Big Sister’s Closet)…
I also swapped shoes for these edgy gold spiked pumpsย (Torrid, click here and here) with a purse to match (Danier Leather, click here) and put my hair up.
Cassie green leopard dress is amazing….! ย With blazer or without it’s perfect for office party mode, don’t you think? Head over toย Style Cassentialsย for all the details on how Cassie has styled the trends. ย Or visit her Facebook pageย here.
Cassie of Style Cassentials
ย What do you think about these look? ย What have you worn to your work’s holiday party? ย Tell me in the comments sectionโฆ
What began as a simple blogger-hosted โShop-Their-Closetsโ sale in the summer of 2013, has evolved into an annual celebration of body positive and environmentally sustainable fashion.
Big Deal Torontois an annual gathering of plus size women in the city ย – for one day only! ย Where the general public can shop from the closets of their favourite fashion bloggers who are vending their indie merch & selling their rarely/barely worn clothes and accessories.
I attended last year BBB (before I became a blogger) and found a few gems that I still wear today and continue to get complimented on. ย This was the first year where I year I opened up MY CLOSET for sale ๐
After doing a massive purge of my closet, I had three bins of lovely plus size pieces to sell ๐
Each blogger was equipped with a fabulous sign for their rack created by the owners of Your Big Sister’s closet, sponsors of the event. ย Isn’t my board great? ๐
I even printed up a few LIMITED EDITION tees for sale …. ย in 100% pre-shurnk cotton these v-neck MEOW teesare pretty great! ย Click here to see how me and other readers have created looks wearing their own MEOW tee ๐
There are a few limited edition MEOW! teesstill available for sale – $20! ย They are a very generous fit – I’m wearing a Large for fit comparison if you’re considering getting yourself one. ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย (FYI: S soldout; ย M two in each colour remain; L & XL only white tees remain)
I was responsible for managing “Team Change Room” ย ๐ ย And at the end of the day I realized I didn’t take too many pictures myself to blog with later. ย Lucky for me ladies like Jessica and Sheena were on-top of it… capturing some fun via Instagram below.
I was very good about limiting my shopping at this event – working the Change Room was the perfect spot for me, as I got to SEE all of the best pieces being tried on. ย And got to try on those items that didn’t make the cut by shoppers before they were returned to the floor ๐
My BIG Deal shopping haul included:
Sheerย collared dress – $25 – I just loved the pelted tricolour skirt! Some alterations needed to happened to the arm-holes as it was ย bit too big, but otherwise I really, really like it.
This fabulous cropped stripped open blazer – click here for blogpost on this outfit.
And this top-hat fascinator for $5!
After the event, I pulled out all of the ‘office wear’ appropriate pieces and was able to donated 6 bags of useable clothing to Dress for Success, whichย included 9 full two-pc suits, plus tons of separates including blouses, dress pants and skirts, ranging in sizes 14-20.
If you’ve got similar items that are cluttering up your closet…please consider donating to this worthy charity โค๏ธ.
I believe they do donation tax receipts as well … I’ve inquired, but yet to hear back.
Thank you Annika, of Candi Apple Couture,ย for creating the awareness and for organizing donation pickups! ๐
Are you a fan of these types of Pop-Up Sales? ย Did you attend this one? What did you score? ย Post your finds on my Facebook Fan Page…would love to see how you styled something new-to-you found at this sale!
I LOVE PINK! ย I’d wear it head-to-toe everyday if I could! ๐
So when I found this delightful acid pink dress among the rather drab colour pallets of 2014’s Fall Fashions at AdditionElleย last month at the Stockyards Grand Openingย – I was over the moon with excitement! At the time of taking these photos, the weather did not require hosiery. ย So I matched up this dress with my NineWest purple leopard peep-toed pumps.
But for Fall/Winter, ย I totally plan on paring this look with booties and darkย tights. I was recently sent some hosiery fromย Sonseeย – these would be perfect for taking this look into the winter months. ย Unlike shape-wear โ Sonsee is both comfortable & smoothing with broad ranges in sizing, products and seasonal colours. ย Stay tuned for that product review on the blog soon friends ๐
Since this dress is relatively plain, I thought I’d step up the dazzle-factor with giant jewellery!
This gorgeous statement necklace byย Victorious Me,ย I picked up at SexyPlus Clothing’s Blogger Fall Preview …. I managed to find a perfectly matching set of earrings cheaply from Ardene. I unveiled this frock at the Damzel’s 20th Anniversary Galaย – adding some vintage effort to my hair and created a mini-bumper-bang (click here for the vid that helped me create it). ย Along with my Torrid gold studded black suede sling-backs and myย fantastic black petit point 1960s purse (fromย The Vintage Domain).ย ย ย
You can really notice my sun-tanned face when you compare the pics from the event to the ones taken by LawrenceKerrPhotographyย …. stay tuned for a vacation recap post coming soon friends ๐
Follow me on Instragram to see more pictures from the event I attended ๐
Remember when I was torn on wetherย I should buy this wool + leather jacket from Retmains a little while back (please ignore the floral leggings and laundry basket in the background)?
Well, your Facebook feedback helped me make the right decision I think —- just look at how great it is with this acid pink frock!
Thanks for the good advice friends!!! ๐
How I Got The Look:
Acid pink swing dress from AdditionElle; Statement necklace from SexyPlus Clothing; Earrings from Ardene; Hosiery from Sonsee; Wool + Leather jacket from Reitmans; Shoes: NineWestย purple leopard peep-toed pumps; Torrid gold studded black suede sling-back heels
What are your thoughts on this loud acid pink dress? How would you style it for Fall and Winter? ย Tell me using the Comment section below…
I picked up this navy Jax Leatherette newsprint dress from SexyPlus Clothing last month at the Fall Preview Blogger Exclusive.
As you saw last week during my Fall Double Feature collaboration series, both Leather and Blue Hues are trending this season. ย This dress combines them both perfectly.
I’m loving the leather details on the shoulders and above the hems of both sides of this dress.
This Zebra clutch is my new favourite piece right now, I try to bring it along with me whenever I can ๐It was my birthday last week and I got to unveil this dress over that weekend.
Another year older – ย uggh – and not at all wiser. ย Or maybe not as wise as I hoped to be at this point. ย But in these pics I don’t look a day over 28 ๐
Must be magical camera tricks of LawrenceKerrPhotography – I’m loving the images from this shoot!
I’ve been having mixed emotions about turning older this year.
Not really being up to organizing & celebrating a non-milestone born-day, I took the day off instead and spent some quality time with me, myself and Irene ๐
The lovely Elmwood Spa – a true urban oasis – treated me for a birthday lunch, which I ate in my plush robe & slippers. ย After that I was rubbed down by a giant man, whom I’ve decided to remember as spectacularly handsome ;), for an 80-min Hot Stone Massage followed by Water Therapies which included pool, steam room and the hot tub. ย I was determine not to leave until I looked like a raisin!!
Lunching in fluffy robes and drinking in the afternoon ….Happy Birthday indeed!
In the evening a gf and I met up for dinner (tap pas and sangriasย at Carmen – delicious!), followed by tickets to see HEDWIG and the Angry Inch ย at the Lower Ossington Theatre where we were entertained byย talented rock bands, drinking and great singing by an interesting transsexual with lots of stories and rock songs. ย The performance was fantastic! ย Buuuuut the story, which I found sad, went over my head. ย I had to come home and google exactly what I just spend the last 90-mins sitting through.
I got a lovely birthday card that read:
In this world where things move so fast and change before our eyes, I take comfort in the precious and few things that are constant and true…your friendship is one thing I can count on; one thing I keep safe inside my heart. ย I celebrate you on your birthday and I honour the friendship we share day after day, year after year.
Between this card, invitations to dinners, brunches and drinks, and the numerous phone calls, voicemails, texts and the 101+ Facebook messages of Birthday Wishes – I felt pretty damn’d loved all day. ย I’m a very blessed and lucky girl! ๐
Overall, a pretty freakin’ fantastic birthday weekend!!!
And now, let the next 365 days of this new year in the life & times of Irene be awesome! ย Cheers!
How I Got The Look:
Blue suede platform shoes from Payless; Zebra clutch from AlterEgo Clothing; Newsprint Jax Dress from SexyPlus Clothing; Leaf earrings from …yikes, I don’t remember friends, they are super old.
How many times have you tried on a piece of clothing a size up from your ‘usual’ … and didn’t want to buy it simply because you didn’t like that the tag wasn’t what you wanted it to say?
On the flip side, have you ever cheered for joy in a change room upon finding your body being able to fit into an article of clothing that’s smaller than your ‘usual’ size?
I know I’m personally guilty of both of these reactions.
Society has us so obsessed with our SIZE. ย Why are we allowing a number on the back of a tag affect us so much? ย After all, YOU are so much more than just a number.
Sexy is a state of mind. Confidence is sexy. ย Body confidence does not come from trying to achieve the ‘perfect body, it comes from embracing the one you already got. ย It has taken me a long time to learn this lesson. ย I struggle with it from time to time – me and my body confidence are ย works-in-progress. ย And I have to say that blogging has been the major contributing factor to lifting myย sexy, confident spirit. ๐
Two years ago, I got an opportunity to reassess and really focus on me again.ย ย ย I began investing in higher quality fashionable pieces of clothing, shoes and accessories โ decorating my outside in an effort to uplift my inside.ย ย The more โgreyโ I felt, the more dressed up I would get, sticking to that old adage of โfake it โtil I make it’ – if I LOOKED happy and put-together then Iโd eventually FEEL that way too.ย ย And it totally worked!
Over the last few months of blogging, taking photos of myself all dolled up, researching new designers, writing about trends and ‘how-to’s’, reading and sharing body positive messages and surrounding myself with positive people who actively strive to challenge the status quo — to re-imagine diverse bodiesย challenging dominant beauty and body ideas…..has shifted and lifted my self image. ย And for the first time in my life I can confidently say: ย I’m hella sexy! ๐
I had the delight of meeting the lovely Miss Tierra Sedgemore, creator of Size Sexy earlier this month. ย And am thrilled to be one of the Bloggers she connected with to help spread this message of self-love, acceptance and body confidence.
Me and the lovely Tierra Sedgemore, creator of Size Sexy
For the leopard pencil skirtย in other looks click here. ย For the open-toed booties in other looks click here.
Show the world that you embrace and love every curve of your body because you are #sizesexy in one of these fabulous cotton/Lycra blend v-neck tees.
These shirts come in several colours: Black, Cobalt Blue, Soft Baby Pink and Red. ย At the moment they go up to XXL, but Tierra is working on expanding the sizing and colour options in 2015 ๐
Want your own Size Sexy tee? ย Click here or buy them from SexyPlus Clothingin Mississaugaย and become part of the movement!
“Don’t be defined by your size. Be size sexy.” – Tierra Sedgemore
In my short time blogging I’ve been very fortunate to have met some fantastic, inspiring new people. ย People who truly encourage and support the endeavours of bloggers within the plus size community, who operate with the true spirit of collaboration. ย Stefanie Augusteijn, Owner of SexyPlus Clothing embodies all of this – she talks the talk, and walks the walk. ย Earlier this week she threw a soiree… a Blogger Exclusive …to preview the fabulous Fall fashions her lovely boutique has to offer.
Dresses! ย Jackets! ย Boots! Jewellery! Wine and Cake!
ย Best. Wednesday Night. Ever!!!!
Ok let me introduce you to all who were in attendance —
CakeStar cake covered in social media – perfect for this Blogger Event!
We were lucky to have the creative, photographic talents ofย Rebecca Northcott,ย Rebecca Northcott Photographyย on hand to capture all the moments of the event. ย I’ve peppered my blogpost with a few of my favourites ๐
Naturally, I HAD to try on a few items of course…. any of these strike YOUR fancy for Fall friends? ย Special shoutouts to go the lovely shop-girls, McKina ย and Sabrina who were uber attentive and helpful, providing honest opinions and encouragement once youโre ready to emerge from the change rooms.
Fall fashions from Joseph RibkoffFall fashions from Joseph RibkoffI LOVED this Joseph Ribkoff jacket … as you can tell by the way I stepped out of the change room ๐Fall fashions from Joseph RibkoffI really loved this top….made in Canada by ArtexThis gorgeous Joseph Ribkoff black n’ leather fit me more like a dress than it did a jacket … ah yes, the pleasures of being petite.
ย
Overall, it was a fantastic night. ย Or in the words of Miss Stefanie:
It was a girl-power-curvy-positive-collaborative-fashion-princess-empowering-sizesexy kind of night.
Too funny…..us being drama queens … “It’s Too Hot!”
So … the big question – what did I go home with? ๐
1. ย A gorgeous statement necklace by Victorious Me, a Toronto-based retailer
2. ย A long slit dress, custom made for SexyPlus Clothing by Ralph C also made in Canada – $99…reduced to $25!!!! ย Crazytown score – hooray for me!
3. ย The newsprint dress: made in Canada by Artex, called the Jax dress, new Fall arrival priced at $89 — a steal and a half!!!
I even got my very own MEME out of the night … words to live by, I think ๐
So, waddya think of my Fall haul? ย See anything you like from SexyPlus Clothing‘s Fall Arrivals?
If you’re in the GTA and are planning on visiting this fab boutique to get your shopping on… I’ve got a few discount cards that I’d happily send YOUR way. ย Simply leave a comment below and let me know!