by Glitter | Jan 15, 2018 | Fashion, Inspiration, OOTD
Today I am partnering with Modcloth to share how wearing color can change your life. People always comment on how colorful I dress. Take for example, this bold, striped and pleated skirt from Modcloth. Even paired with a more subdued cream blouse, it’s still making a statement when I walk down the the street. I wear bright colors like this because I actually believe bright clothing means bright days. Science agrees. Recent studies have shown that looking at bright warm colors releases dopamine — known as the ‘feel-good hormone.” Increasing dopamine in our system can improve mood, increase our ability to focus and even boost our sex drive. Cool tones, can cause us to release oxytocin, as result making us feel calmer and refreshed.
Wearing Color Allows Me To Be Seen
Personally, I wear color because it feels rebellious. As a plus size woman, for years I’ve been told to hide- to avoid colors. “Dark clothing will slim your hips, darling.” Barf. As a result, the options that were available to me to be bold and bright were limited in my youth. Now as the tides have turned and brands like Modcloth are making colorful options in my size- I can’t help but indulge in all the hues. Colorful clothing helps me make a statement about my worthiness to be visually acknowledged. It says I am not hiding anymore. I want to be seen.
Color Can Be A Motivator
Wearing bright colors does more than give me empowered warm fuzzies. Color psychology is the scientific study of hues as a determinant of human behavior. It is shocking just how much color affects the decisions we make and opinions we form every day. Take the colors in this skirt. Reds can act as stimulants- giving you energy and a sense of power through out the day. Yellows can give you sense of confidence- increasing your likeliness to self-perceive as competent and happy. Blues carry an air of honesty and professionalism. That’s a lot of good vibes packed in one little skirt.
The Basics of Color Theory
Below is a high-level guide to Color Theory or essentially what different colors can evoke in us. Note: Color Theory is a very complex subject and saturations, tones and pairings can change how colors are perceived. I would suggest reading this three part series on color theory for designers for anyone really interested in learning more.
Add a Punch of Color to Your Look
Now that you know color can literally change your outlook each day, here are some ideas of how to add color to your day-to-day wardrobe. Clothing options are size inclusive (available from size xs to 4x) and are from Modcloth. Click the images to shop!
Thank you to Modcloth for sponsoring this post. I earn affiliate commisions off of some of the links included in this post.
by Glitter | Jan 12, 2018 | Fashion, OOTD
In high school there was nothing I wanted more than every pair of pants I owned to be in overall format. I am not sure why, but in the late 2000s, every fabric, every color, every style was best served with a bib and some over the shoulder closures. I suppose that’s why I am so ecstatic that overalls are making an “overall” comeback. As girl who’s pants generally have issues staying up- they also solve all my problems.
This year’s overalls have one major deviation from their predecessors- the fitted waist. Let’s sing all hallelujah to whomever had the critical thought, ” you know if we just added buttons on the side- we could have a fitted waited and an overall.” God bless them.
Today’s look is a celebration of one of my favorite pair of overalls on the market right now- this distressed pair from RWN. Paired with a simple cream turtle neck, yellow duck boots and a fun houndstooth coat (here’s an alternative as this one is sold out) the look is an ode to casual cool. The distressing, fitted waist and design decision to have a tie closure instead of metal clasps make these denim bibs more than just a another rehash of a previous trend. I’m in love.
I earn affiliate commissions on some of the above links
by Glitter | Jan 4, 2018 | Fashion, Inspiration, OOTD
Today I did my make up, I gussied up my face and donned my finest selection of berry hues. I was ready to tackle this stupid snow bomb Glitter style. Insert clip of Zoolander faces, neon spandex and sassy wham inspired dance moves. In full sequin Merlot colored sequin pants , a berry cold shoulder sweater, a crimson turtle neck, maroon flats and random sassy accessories from my closet- I was fighting the weather with fashion. Slaying the snow with sequins. Destroying this water dust with dapperness. Crushing these crystals with couture.
Sometimes I get these big ideas and when I try execute them, about 50% of the way in I realize they are and absolutely terrible idea. This is a great example of one such idea. Within seconds I had snow mashed into my shoes and pressed against my bare feet, snowflakes was matted to my sweater, my fingers turned a bright rosy pink and I was literally soaked by the time I came in. I was so cold. The photos were, meh. Yes, It was a very dumb idea, but I am not in the least upset I did it. Why? Because roughly 1 out of every 10 ideas we think are dumb are actually game changers.
Game changers are ideas that seem impossible or silly or a waste of time, but actually grow to shape us unexpectedly. Starting my Instagram was once a dumb idea. Who would want to see what I wore every day and listen to whatever mental soundtrack was playing in my brain? What a silly idea. How dumb. But yet here I am 2 and half years later and that one dumb idea I had the guts to take a chance on has completely transformed my life. Now I worry less about the dumb ideas I wasted time on and more about the ones I didn’t have the guts to try. I’ll never get the pleasure of knowing where they might have led me.
by Glitter | Jan 2, 2018 | Fashion, Inspiration, OOTD
It’s day two of the year that is new and I am oscillating between giddy optimism and terrified nervousness. January places so much pressure on each of us to be more than we were the year before, that you can’t help but feel the tension EVERYWHERE. Like this outfit. I loved this dress it when I styled it, but now I’m second guessing everything. Why did I put it with a coat no one can buy anymore? Berets are overplayed. Those earrings are like red snow man. Those flats again! I can do better. Why didn’t I do better?
I feel it so much with blogging. This is a good look, but when you’re bombarded with everyone’s best of lists from 2017 and their extra invested new content for 2018, it’s hard to just appreciate…anything really. I feel plagued with constant evaluation. Am I doing enough new? Did I change my game enough? The a number has changed in the way I write the year in date and now I feel like EVERYTHING MUST BE BETTER. Bigger. Louder!!! Bolder!!!! But, what happens when it’s not. 
In fact, I very well might be less today then I was a week a go. What now? Have I failed 2018? Do I have to return to 2017 because I am being held back in the middle school of life? I think I echo many people’s sentiments when I say- Oh god please don’t make me redo that year. 
So I stopped. I took a deep breath. I let it all go. The reality is growth and development take time and there is no magical date where if I complete complex puzzle of goal setting mixed with alcohol all my problems sort themselves out. I did not fail 2017. I have not already failed 2018. Change isn’t just for New Years. Change is for when you’re ready. 
I share this today to remind you that if you are feeling overwhelmed right now and if you feel like a failure, you’re not alone. It’s hard in a sea of messages reminding us of the things we need to fix to not feel overwhelmed. It is normal at this time of year. it will pass. And don’t worry; the opportunity to do and be better will always be there regardless of the date. Change when you are ready. Grow when you can. 
I earn affiliate commission on some of the links used in this post.
by Glitter | Dec 26, 2017 | Fashion, OOTD
New Year’s Eve is sold to us as an event we must dress up for- a night that doesn’t demand glam, full make up and perfect hair; it requires it. I’ve always thought to myself, why? Look we all know the majority of people going anywhere for New Year’s are going to be giggly drunk by the time that shiny ball drops. They’re going to mess up their make up, they’re likely going to get their hair/dress/dignity caught on something, and we both know they will accidentally spill cheap champagne all over that fancy dress.
Why not just go casual for the night? Is this crazy talk? Somehow I just feel like I’m more likely to survive the night of nights in a track suit than a designer gown.
Here’s what I to wear to New Year’s- a sweatshirt (alternative), over leggings and a t-shirt dress (alternative) and finished with a pair of shoes that implied I tried when I obviously didn’t. Sure, I’d even throw in some big earrings. I’d pretend it’s a “bold alternative choice,” but it’s really just a comfort presented as a style win.
I might not be the most glamorous girlat the ball, but I wont have to worry about my dress creeping up, accidentally exposing my day of the week underwear. I wont have to fret about anything being unpredictably painful… or itchy… or just plain breaking. I wont have to topple around in crazy high stilettos. I’ll just set myself up for a great night, with a reduced chance of a casualty. That’s something pretty special if you ask me.
by Glitter | Dec 19, 2017 | Fashion, OOTD
I’d like to thank Macy’s for sponsoring today’s post. I have been giving some serious thoughts into the concept of investing in clothing. I’ve talked about it before, but plus size women have for years been taught to invest in ourselves “when we lose weight” or when “we earn it.” The truth is you don’t have to really earn anything, you are worthy of the same quality upscale items regardless of whether you lose or gain 10 pounds.
One of my favorite places to find a wide variety of quality plus clothing is Macy’s. As a busy woman, constantly on the go, I also adore the one stop shop aspect of it all. I can get all the things I need to wear, get my eyebrows waxed and finish my holiday shopping at my local store. Fresh coat of paint, presents and perfect arched brow? What’s not to love. Today, I wanted to show you two awesome holiday looks I pulled from their plus size section that are perfect for the festive season.
Day: Casual Holiday Cool
This look is perfect for brunches, lunches and gift exchanges- oh my! I took a super fun velvet embossed pair of William Rast jeans. Yes, I can finally have Justin Timberlake touching my butt- he designs these jeans! And yes, I’ve made that joke before, and I will continue to make it forever. I will never get over it. Never. The top is a super fun off the shoulder number from City Chic which I cannot get over. It has the most luscious goddess-like flowy sleeves and you know I am sucker for a big sleeve. I finished the look off with a cute pair of booties and fun metal earrings I scored from the Macy’s Accessories department.
Night: Festive Party Queen
If velvet were a person, I’d probably be in a semi-committed relationship with them. They’re comfortable, classy, and forgiving- basically everything I want in a partner… err, dress. This lovely Tommy Hilfiger velvet dress is what we call a “one and done”. It doesn’t need any extra fanfare to shine like the top of the Chrysler building. So, I kept it simple. I pulled a little faux fur stole on and a paired it was an adorable pair of flats I already had. Viola! Who’s ready to awkwardly explain to people you haven’t seen in years why you’re still single and wake up the next day to holiday cookies, screaming kids and a hangover? This girl.
Thank you, Macy’s, for sponsoring this post!
