Stella & Dot – PPMeow!

Seafoam Nautical

A few weeks ago I pieced together an outfit on Instagram – follow me 😉 – for an upcoming date night outfit … with pieces in my current closet (as I’m totally broke a$$ since returning from my magical PPMeowAsianAdvenure)

Let me give you a run down of the items I selected.

How I Got The Look:

Seaform hi-low sheer top (Your Big Sister’s Closet) ; High-waisted stripped black n’ white pencil skirt (Winners); Peep-toed black pumps (Nine West); Multi-strand necklace (Stella & Dot); Anchor clutch (Aldo Accessories)

This sheer seafoam hi-low top I picked up last year from Your Big Sister’s Closet, it’s a piece that has worn well and continues to get tons of compliments and comments every time I don it.

First dates are always tricky when it comes to ‘the girls’ – you want to look alluring and highlight certain ‘assets’ without giving it all away. A difficult fine line when you’re a busty gal like moi.

This top works perfectly to give that allure … being sheer, giving you the illusion you can see everything….but having a high-enough neckline to let you have a sit-down dinner without having ‘the girls’ take over the meal.

Love the black lace detail down the front of this to too. Really just ties in all the other pieces of my outfit and helps dress-up this otherwise simple outfit.

It seems I’m a big fan of Nautical Inspired looks – click here, here, here and here to see what i mean 😉

What do you think of this as a first date outfit? Do you approve? What would you do differently? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Edgy Officewear

Finding office-appropriate outfits, that you actually like, for your plus-size bod can be a challenge.

If you’re like me, you want your clothing to feel and look fabulous, but also to stay within your office’s set dress code.

This sleeveless moto dress is new for Fall from Pennington’s. I picked it up with one of my birthday coupons on a customer appreciation night, and saved BIG!!!

Loving the edgy-chic style of this dress!

Faux-leather inserts, a full front zipper and front pockets. Pairing it with pumps and minimal jewellery helped me take it to the office.

But wearing it with studded booties and a statement necklace, I could totally take this dress elsewhere in the evening.And by wearing something long-sleeved underneath, I could take this dress into Winter while giving it a totally different look. Right?

I see this piece as making many appearances over the next few months my friends. 😉

What do you think of this look? Where would you wear it? As office wear….night-out wear….both…and how? Tell me your thoughts in the Comments section!

How I Got The Look:

Sleeveless Moto Dress from Penningtons (click here it’s currently on sale!); Jade earrings from Stelal & Dot; Kate Spade purse; Pink pumps from Nine West

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Fall Double Feature: Modern Monochrome

I hope you’ve been enjoying and following my Fall Double Feature series in collaboration with Cassie from Style Cassentials. We’re discussing fall trends all week long. If you missed any of my previous posts, you can check them out here and here.

Today we are talking about Black n’ White aka Modern Monochrome: The Classic Combo!
When you’re done reading my post, head on over to Style Cassentials or catch up with her on Facebook for all the details on how Cassie is styling the trends. 🙂

You really can’t go wrong when you rock a classic like black n’ white together. This is the first crop top I’ve ever been brave enough to wear. Waddya think?

I actually wore this exact look for New Year’s Eve this past year…minus the open-toed booties. Swapped them for black stockings and my rocker boots instead, to better suit winter weather.

How I Got The Look:

Skirt and crop top from Forever21+; open-toed booties and burgundy glossy clutch from Aldo; Odetta Cuff and Medina bib from Stella & Dot

For the monochrome skirt in other looks click here. For the crop top in other looks click here. For the open-toed booties in other looks click here.

What do you think about this look? How are you going to be rocking the classic black n’ white trend this Fall? Tell me in the comments section…

Looks like Cassie and I are pulling a twinsy-tuesday with the open-toed booties in both of our Modern Monochrome outfits 🙂 I adore all of Cassie’s jewellery and accessory choices in her look below, don’t you?

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Photo credit: Lawrence Kerr of LawrenceKerrPhotography.com

Black Summer Prints

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?

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Choir! Choir! Choir!

I love to sing. I’m an off-key karaoke fiend, and often have broken into song on the streets whilst listening to my iPod. I’m not particularly good at it … except when I’m singing “Drunk In Love” in my shower – then I sound EXACTLY like Queen B 🙂

Singing makes me happy. And I’m determine to discover and DO more of those things – that make me happy. I’ve been told of social choirs outside of a ‘church type choir’ before, however many of the ones I’ve been looking at have strict rules and restrictions before one can become a member. Plus, most of these chapters are located in Whitby, Mississauga and Oakville. Not at all what this Downtown Toronto gal is looking for.

SIDE NOTE: Just recently found this BlogT.O. article: Karaoke Nights in Toronto – every night of the week?! I’m definitely gonna have to investigate this list and the different spots this summer FO SHO!!!

I often sing the praises (see what I did there…ya, I’m clever like that) of Toronto being the best city ever — and I’ve recently discovered yet another reason why this city is so great: Choir! Choir! Choir!

C! C! C! is a singing group based in Toronto. Since February of 2011, they have been throwing down and saving lives. www.choirchoirchoir.com

I’ve actually been a member of this Facebook group for a few months now. Always wanting to go to an event, but feeling shy and discouraged to go alone. Alas, my social circle’s avaliability has dwindled due to life, marriages and babies….. and of those who still remain, they are less than enthusiastic about singing loudly in public than I am 🙂

But when I received the invite to last week’s session – I was def gonna check it out not matter what!

Don’t You Want Me (Human League) and Tainted Love (Soft Cell) – Yup! Two classics. One glorious night!

Typically, C! C! C! meets at two different pubs on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in Toronto’s Little Italy (College/Shaw area) …

Daveed Goldman & Nobu Adilman are the musical leads/directors who kick off the evening with riffs and banter before corralling us all to stand tightly as close to the stage as possible, grouping those who sing “highs and mids” separate from “lows and base”.

With minimum practice, Daveed and Nobu were able to make us sound amazing in 3-hours of fun filled singing with beers! Don’t believe me – check out the SoundCloud clips … thrilled that MY voice will be among a few of these renditions now. Oooop Boop!

I really can’t describe how amazing it was to be surrounded by a bunch of strangers singing our hearts out in unison and harmony. The only way to capture that feeling is to show you friends. Check out this clip of C! C! C! singing Neil Diamond’s hit “Sweet Caroline”.… if you’re not smiling ear-to-ear by the end of it, then you are a robot.

Oh … here’s what I wore done collage-style (as I forgot to take pics of the actual outfit) – my #ootd was uber casual for pub singing with C! C! C!:

How I got the Look: Black tank maxi dress from H&M; Great back lace sweatshirt from Penningtons (click here and here for other posts featuring this one); Medina Bib from Stella & Dot; Purple patterned scarf and memory foam soled Sketcher — essential for all the STANDING required for 3+ hours of singing with C! C! C! 🙂

Can’t wait for the next sing-a-long event with this fantastic group of people! Just thinking about it makes my heart happy! Weeeeee!

Want more details about C! C! C!? – Read Here, New People 🙂

Tribal Kimono

Toronto got its first glimpse of summer weather this weekend friends! Happy to say I got to enjoy a patio or two …hope you did too.

Saturday I put together a real casual run-about-town-doing-nothing daytime look by giving a simple tank maxi dress a trendy tribal feel.

H&M – a store I typically never venture into…but signs for a One-Day-Sale lured me in. Y’all know I’m weak when it comes to sales. 😉 Discovered a selection of basics for fab prices…. I was happy to find that these maxi dresses in straight sizes (size L) fit me! And was only $10!!! Bonus – the length was perfect for a petite gal like me. Typically with maxi dresses I’ll have to wear sky-high platform sandals to avoid hemming the dress…..buuuuuut this maxi stopped well above my ankles, which meant I could do flats easily! With all of these benefits…I HAD to pickup this mauve one AND its twin, in black.

I picked up this sheer kimono from Marshall’s a few weeks ago with a gift card I nearly forgot I had.

Not only is this tribal print on trend, but the light sheer fabric is perfect for a comfortable coverup/outerwear layer to help you ‘closet swap’ whist we enjoy this in-between weather from Spring to Summer. Most of the kimonos in straight sizes fit me nicely – the one I’m wearing here is a size L.

I’m really loving the tribal patterns that seem to be going strong into the Summer, and even happier to have incorporated this trendy piece into my wardrobe with a gift card that was totally forgotten about in my wallet. Did you know that you can sell gift cards for cash at the price you choose? Raise Marketplace accepts gift cards and merchandise credit from any brand or restaurant, and you get paid when the gift card sells. Good to know, huh… 😉

Alternative to pairing this tribal kimono with this maxi, I think it would look lovely with a crop top and loose-fitting drawstring pants – for a more summertime easy-breazy look.

Waddya think? Would you rock a kimono or tribal prints this Spring/Summer season?

How I got the Look:

Sheer tribal kimono from Marshalls; Mauve maxi tank dress from H&M; black flat peep-toe with cutouts from Payless; Jade & gold drop earrings from Stella & Dot; Cat-eye sunnies from Public Butter Vintage

Statement Jewellery May Help You Network

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).

Multi-strand Pink & Coral Stones, Stella&Dot

Hello 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?

#Bopo.jpg — THE Medina Bib, Stella & Dot (pic links to post)

White & Gold Bib, Aldo Accessories (pic links to post)

steampunkearcuffs — Giant Pearls, Your Big Sister’s Closet; Ear-cuffs, Steam On Queen (pic links to post)

April Outerwear

If you’re a fellow Toronotonian….than you must be feeling the pain of the constant weather flux from +21 degrees one day to a chilly -4 the very next.

I personally refuse to wear a winter coat in April! However, a girl needs more than one piece of outerwear to make it through this fickle weather comfortably. So here’s how I’ve managed to come up with creative solutions based on the weather forecast.

Weather: High Teens (+18) (Monday, April 14 2014)

I managed to get to and from the office WITHOUT a proper coat. This little cobalt blue blazer (along with a ‘just incase’ silk scarf) was all I needed in terms of outerwear to the office yesterday! Plus, zero hosiery was required – so peep toed heels had to make an appearance too!

The Look: 3/4 Sleeved cobalt blue blazer, DressBarn; Purple leopard peep toed heels, NineWest; Berry bandage skirt, Forever21+; Lepoard peplum top, Reitmans; Bianca Tassel necklace, Stella & Dot; Gifted gold vintage earrings

Weather: Below Zero (-4) (Tuesday, April 15 2014)

I awoke to snow-covered rooftops, strong winds and heavy flurries this morning, as I walked my pup. So I was forced to pull out my wool Fall coat, pink pashmina and large brimmed hat (plus booties) to make it in into the office today. Seems my poor hat hasn’t been stored properly, but I think it still worked well regardless of the extra floppy one side 🙂

The Look: Black hat with leopard ribbon, Winners; Camel wool coat, Old Navy; Pink pashmina, Necessities; Purse, Guess; Black leather bow tie gloves, Danier

Weather: Single digits (+4) (Wednesday, April 16 2014)

Anticipating tomorrow’s weather, I think I’m gonna wear my shawl + hat combo to the office, making sure my under layers are warm enough to get me by (thinking a lightweight sweater and ankle length pants) … but who knows what my mood will lead me to outfit-wise when I wake friends 😉

The Look: Houndstooth shawl, Reitmans; Black belt, Lane Bryant; Hat from Vintage Clothing Show (forget which booth)

How have you been managing keeping your outerwear fashionable and functional while the weather decides if we’re finally going to let go of Winter and fully embrace Spring/Summer?

Use the Comments section – tell me!

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Stella & Dot Giveaway + Top 10 Spring Must Haves (Part 2 of 3)

Hi friends!!!

It’s been officially three months since I began this wee curvy fashion & lifestyle blog. I’m thrilled at how much action and traction it has been getting. In fact, I’m nearly at the big 100 LIKES mark!!! Thank you so much for your support, for reading, liking, commenting and following me … it means a lot! ❤

And to celebrate —- once I’ve reached 100 followers, one lucky person is gonna WIN a fabulous piece of jewellery from Stella & Dot’s new Lookbook!!!

Now if you’re already been following, you’ve likely already read the previous Stella & Dot post (Part 1 of 3) and requested a fabulous Spring/Summer Lookbook from the stylish Amy Lazar Kleiman via all the built-in links from that post. If that’s the case, she already has your mailing address and it’ll be uber easy to send you your prize, if you happen to be the lucky winner 🙂

For those of you who missed that post, not to fear it’s not too late to get yourself your very own FREE LOOKBOOK!

To be entered to Win the Stella & Dot Giveaway Prize…

Follow Petite Plus, Meow!
LIKE this post
SHARE this post OR a previous post from the blog you enjoyed reading
Request a FREE Stella & Dot Lookbook (how else are we going to get your mailing address to send you your PRIZE?) 🙂

We’ve been alerted to some site interruptions. To be safe, email Amy your Lookbook request at: Amylazar@gmail.com

The lucky winner will be announced here and on Facebook (with the winner’s permission, of course)…once Petite Plus, Meow! has reached/surpassed 100 LIKES!

Of all the Stella & Dot pieces I personally own and wear, the one that constantly gets me compliments without fail is the Medina Bib. I’ve worn it in a few posts, as you can see from my photos below – this necklace is a fantastic statement piece dressing up just around any outfit you pair it with. Each of the images below are linked to the specific blog post about each outfit, if you’re interested 🙂

Amy & I have tons of thoughts on what fabulous piece should be given away … so many great things to choose from this season! Take a looksee at Amy’s Top 10 Spring Must Haves below.

Remember….LIKE, SHARE, and Request a Lookbook…..for your chance to WIN!

Trend Report by Stella & Dot Stylist Amy Lazar Kleiman

Can you say, Hello Yellow! I say, if spring is going to take its sweet time, then we should just wear some sunshine instead! Grab and wrap a bright yellow scarf around ya or put on a pair of yellow earrings – like you’ll find in the Norah collection – to perk you up after this dreary winter.

Really, adding colour to any outfit will do and that’s one thing about Stella & Dot, there’s lots of colour to choose from!

The stunning Spring 2014 collection debuted in January, and I’m already loving the Elodie necklace – which I wear with a simple black top and it looks like I’m super stylish! I have also fallen hard for the gorgeous green Linden necklace, which looks AMAZING over a hot new colour for spring – MINT!

One of my favourite things about Stella &Dot, and it’s why I was first attracted to this boutique line of jewelry when I was invited to a trunk show three years ago, is its versatility.

Most of the pieces can be worn more than one way and you’ll find many of the pieces can be worn layered to give you an entirely new look.

For example, the newly-released Rory necklace (similar look to the Elodie) can be layered with the Somervell necklace and you can finish the look with a pair of Nancy studs. Easy peasy and pretty too!

I know I’ve talked a lot of about our necklaces, but when you check out the entire line, you’ll see that there are bold and beautiful earrings and bracelets too!

If there’s one last trend I’m noticing for spring, it’s in the BAGS! Grab yourself a cute bag for spring – like the Avalon Tote in geranium! Treat yo’self, cause you know you’re going to need those emergency flip flops soon for a fresh summer-ready pedicure (I promise, any day now girls!).

So, I hope this has inspired you to add some sparkle to your spring wardrobe – and a BIG thank you to Irene for her blog AND for inspiring all of us to take our fashion up a notch every day!

I’m happy to help with all of your styling needs – so don’t be afraid to reach out and visit my site: www.stelladot.com/amylazarkleiman

Stella & Dot: Spring/Summer Lookbook (Part 1 of 3)

Friends – about three weeks ago, as you can see from my Instagram pic below, I went to my mailbox and squeeled with delight to find the 2014 Spring/Summer Stella & Dot Lookbook had arrived!!! Even my pup, Bert seemed excited 🙂

I dunno about y’all … but I might love jewellery and accessories a little more than I love clothes. Why? Because they ALWAYS fit!!! If you’re like me, you’re used to going up and down in weight constantly. Which often means money spent on fab pieces of clothing only getting worn once or twice before it’s too big or too small to look “good” on you anymore. Buuuuut when you buy a lovely piece of jewellery or a fab pair of shoes or an amazing purse/scarf/hat…typically, no matter when you wear it again, it’s gonna look as fantastic on you, as the day you bought it!

Two years ago I got introduced to this fabulous line of jewellery and accessories through a girlfriend who hosted a Stella & Dot Party. Think Tupperware party meets the uber chic & fashionable. It is here that I met the lovely and stylish Amy Lazar Kleiman, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot. And we became fast friends!

I’ve come to own and love many Stella & Dot pieces over the last few years … many of which I’ve incorporated into outfit posts on this blog already [See Shades of Grey for Spring, #BOPO Art Installation, Cherry Bomb, Pretty in Pink, and Navy Polkadots] . Now, if you’re new to discovering your love for Stella & Dot, you may be taken aback at the price-points of their items. I was too at first. But what I’ve come to really appreicate is the uniqueness of the jewellery – you are NOT gonna to find everyone and their sister wearing these pieces when you’re out and about, like you will if you’re wearing cheap costume jewellery of the Reitmans, AdditionElle and Forever21’s out there. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m all over the “Buy 2 get 1 free” deals on the sale racks of these spots too, but Stella & Dot’s quality and selection really is far superior than anything you’d find at the mall.

The best part about purchasing any thing Stella & Dot is the hassle free return policy, the low flat shipping rate and the fact that they stand behind the quality of their goods. The Bianca Tassel was one of my first and still beloved pieces I purchased. It goes with basically everything and I wore it often. Sadly, I’ve had bad luck with loosing a bobble or two. I alerted Amy, my Stella & Dot Stylist, and she took care of everything! Within a week I had a BRAND NEW Bianca Tassel Necklace at my door to replace the broken one – easy peasy!

With Spring just around the corner …. Amy and I will be bringing the readers and followers of Petite Plus, Meow! some exciting opportunities and a contest in a 3-Part Blog Stella & Dot Post! Exciting!!!!

Part I: Getting YOU your very own Lookbook! Although the links I’ve provided within this post will take you to the Stella & Dot online catalogue, isn’t is always sooooo much better when you have an actual, tangible, touchable catalogue in your hands to doggie-ear pages of all the items you need and wish to make yours? Of course it is! 🙂

Want one? Click here and Amy will send one to you straight away….for FREE!

I’ve got a few ideas as to what we should Giveaway to one lucky winner – but I’d love to hear what ya’ll like the best from Stella & Dot’s Spring/Summer Collection. Use the Comments section below and let me know what you’d love to win (include the catelogue page# too so others can check out what might be on the short-list of prize to be won!!)

In the meantime…..

I just launched a Facebook Page to help spread the word about this blog – LIKE me. 🙂

AND….If you haven’t officially started following PetitePlus, Meow! on WordPress….START!

Stay tuned for Part II: Contest Giveaway from Stella & Dot ….. weeeeeeeee!