I had been planning to do a Christmas kitsch look book for months, because I love a good theme. So as holiday themed bojangles, baubles and trappings started to appear, I snapped them up. In my mind I was going to create something gloriously over the top. But, then, things changed.
Nerding Out Over the Holidays
Some how as the themed garb piled up, the ice cold heart of mine melted. Instead of being obsessed with the theme of Christmas, I became fascinated with it. So instead of shopping for theme t-shirts, I began reading about it’s history. I wondered where today’s traditions came from, why we celebrated in all the weirdly beautiful ways we did. Well before the Yule tide, I found myself engrossed in Christmas.
A Visual Love Letter
So what was set to be a silly set of images that were set to obnoxiously scream Christmas, became more subtly themed and sentimental. They made me think of the snippets I read and all the wonderful new things I learned. Decorations from the Mayans, Pagans and Shaman. Traditions from the Turkish, Dutch and Germans. Christmas is this amazing amalgamation of cultures and religions and superstition; it’s a beautiful piece of artwork in the form of celebration.
Finding my Christmas Spirit
It’s weird that this year, of all years, my Christmas spirit is off the charts. This is the year I don’t even know if I will be celebrating with someone or if I will be alone. A lot has changed in my life and the airlines are a cruel master. So this Christmas I might find myself alone with my pup. The weirdest thing is, I am totally ok with it. Because this year, I finally get why everyone sees the lights, the trees, the reindeer, old st nick and nutcrackers and their heart sings out. Maybe this year the music is a just little bit more audible because there’s another loud, brassy and potentially annoying singer in the chorus.
Sometimes you are given the opportunity to do more than just shine, you’re given the ability to full on neon on sign glow. Today was one of those days. See, I saw this camouflage jacket and I could have been subtle. I could have paired it with a theme tee and jeans. But there on the rack, the little copper stunner spoke to me. It said, “Anna , be bold.” And I listened. When fashion speaks to me, I keep these ears piqued. I soak in all the free inspiration. And then next thing I new I was digging in my closet for my old faithful blue velvet booties. The result is a whole lot of look. But, can we take a second to marvel at how awesome that look is? I look like a plus size fly girl and if In Living Color was still a thing I would be shimming my way onto your regular evening programming. I feel like often fashion speaks to us and we refuse to listen, because it’s too loud, too bold, too unusual. Because the world tells us that being different and standing out are bad things. Blend, everybody blend. I decided some many moons ago that I was never going to blend well, so I might as well stick out like a sore thumb and just own it. So here I am metallic, sequined, and lifted on velvet raising one hand high in the air and dropping one booty low dancing it out to the joy that is being the weirdo you are and owning it. And dangit, I look good!
Shop This Look
You can find the items featured in this look by clicking the links below!
This week’s theme is sequins and what I learned from shooting in a little glitz and glam is that I- as hard as this might be to believe- need more sparkle in my life. There is something about a good row of sequins that makes everything brighter. They reflect and shine what’s around them, rather then selfishly sucking in the energy. I look up to sequins! Sequins are the type of people I want to be.
Reflect the Good
Excuse me for what might be a far fetched tangent here, but it seems like sequins are a great analogy for life. I love justifying my fashion obsession with philosophy, so hear me out. Sequins have a magical ability of shining brightly by bringing to life, reflecting and extending the light that surrounds them naturally. With out the light of others a sequin fails to be more than a bizarre plastic disc with a little lustre. However, with the help of a little external glow that sequin sparkles to life. It reflects the good of it’s surroundings, and in turn grows in beauty.
Fighting Our Culture
We largely live today in a society that acts very much counter the way a sequin does. We measure our worth by how much do I control, how much I do , how much credit I receive, how much I achieve. To think externally and about one’s community in counter to what we are taught. We are pressured into thinking from children that we are in some weird horse race, constantly battling to be the top. In this world of mes it’s hard to focus on the we.
Why The We Matters
The more we focus solely on ourselves the more restricted we are in our potential. Let me explain. I am one person, with only a certain amount of talents, a limited sense of perspective and a certain mental capacity. I, by definition, am limited in what I can do. I could focus all my energy in doing something by myself and still not have the right resources to do it. However, when my goals and ambitions extend to include my community- viewing them as co-patriots to success rather than competition- suddenly I have a pool of talents to resource from, a varying set of perspectives and many more chances to succeed.
It’s hard to wrap your head around, and I am certain I have not done the concept justice with these words. Simply put, if you work to develop your community, your community will work to develop you and you will both be better than you could be individually.
I was in New York just a few days and needed to take photos of my outfits for my look book pretty much as I wore them. However this particular outfit was… problematic. See I had absolutely fallen in love with Good American jeans, so I had a pair of their black denims rush delivered to my office in NYC. Specifically for this shoot. Specifically for this look. Specifically so I could come up with a reason to buy another paid of the pants I loved.
The Plus Size Jean Let Down
However upon arrival, I was sorely disappointed. The pants that had fit me like a glove in the lighter shade, were like a jig saw puzzle to put on in the new darker color. I literally had to lie down on my bed, suck in for all it was worth and say a long well thought out prayer to sweet baby Jesus to get these jeans on. I actually cut into my finger pulling the zipper up- it was that much of a struggle bus. They were easily two sizes smaller than the pair I had originally purchased… but they were marked the same.
Making It Work
I was in a make it work situation. I did not have anything else planned let alone packed to wear. I had put all my eggs in these jeans. Which obviously was dumb, because here I was watching those eggs drop through the leg holes and make a figurative yolky mess. But, I had to press on. So wearing the world’s tightest pants, I literally wobbled down the street to my office, praying that none of the seams split until after I got the photos I needed.
Human Denim Sausage
It bothers that I cant exactly explain just exactly what was so off with the fit. I climbed the stairs to the shoot with little to no problem. Normal walking was hard. Everything felt like I had been made into some gross human sausage that some one was aggressively squeezing so it would pop out of the casing dramatically. But yet to onlookers they looked banging, while internally I felt them mash my precious organs to tiny little bits.
Great Photos. Terrible Plus Size Jeans.
I got up there and I modeled through it. I got the shots. My ass looked fabulous. But while I love this look, I got to be real with you. These jeans sucked. They were terrible. And right after the camera stopped, I raced to rip these off my body to send them back to the hell they came from. And now I sit here thinking about how those Kardasians probably wont give me my money back. How I will probably be out $200 because their fit is inconstant between washes. How I was a sucker and I deserve exactly what I got. I still think the blue 02 wash is amazing, but seriously anything else be very very very wary of. Weep womp.
When I first indulged in this hot pink plus size faux fur jacket I remember I had to convince myself to buy it. It was such a debate. I mean did I really need to be clad in radioactive bubble gum furriness? That’s not adult attire. Luckily, drunk me did me a solid and finally pulled the trigger on this now epic purchase. However, it’s not just another silly investment made my drunk fingers, this jacket has taught me things. Here’s what I’ve learned from wearing a bold, out of this world jacket.
Standing Out Is Scary.
I remember the first night the nylon lining of the jacket slid over my arms for a night out. I was terrified. Everyone was going to be looking at me. I was going to be a spectacle. I remember that pit that sat heavily in my stomach as I approach the first bar. It was like an anvil pinning me to the car seat. And in that moment I had a choice, I could leave the coat in the car and have another normal night in normal clothes or I could experience a different, unpredictable night clad in trippy choif of magenta magic. And even me- a text book extrovert- debated my choice heavily and nervously before finally caving into the unknown.
Taking the Leap is a Conversation Starter.
When you wear a bold item, it serves two purposes. First, you look informed as if you are aware of trends that the rest of the world hasn’t caught onto. Second, you have this false halo of confidence. To wear something bold and fearless leads the world to think that you are just that- a bold mother trucker that don’t take no crap from anyone. But, drinks- oh you’ll take those. But there’s a rare third benefit that I think may only be the fruits of an investment in a statement fur- tactile introductions. I’ve met more people as a result of the them, petting, batting or flat out laying against my fur. It’s a drunk hello in the most splendid of ways. Everyone loves a good snuggle with hot pink fur.
Taking Risks Creates A New Kind Of Confidence.
It’s funny, there’s a rare nuance to confidence that is bred when you approach something anticipating failure and instead succeed wildly. There’s the warmth in facing your fears. There’s the pride- pride that you trusted your own judgement. Even if it was scary. Even though it was hard. Lastly, there’s the “damn I’m good” good vibes that only come from standing out in a crowded room of strangers. The longer I wear this crazy ass jacket, the more I find confirmation and peace in my opinion that I can wear anything. Sure it may not be my every day attire, but it’s there waiting for me when I need a little push to break my pattern, to trust myself and just let my confidence shine.
Risks aren’t just manifested in bizarre fur coats or other daring ensembles- they are everywhere. And I find when I feel stuck or too comfortable, that taking a chance on something new and scary is exactly what I need to keep moving forward and to remember myself in the process. It’s terrifying and sometimes you fail terribly, but at the very least you learn some amazing new things about yourself in the process.
Shop This Look
This outfit is composed of some of my favorite fashion essentials topped with an insanely bright, bonkers and beautiful bold faux fur jacket:
Shoes: These are from Sam & Libby’s Collaboration with Target. They are my go to kicks for a night out where my feet don’t ache. I love the little leather bows and how they add splash of girliness to a basic black flat
Tshirt: This is a plain black t shirt. I got mine from Old navy, but serious everywhere sells a black v neck.
Jacket: This faux fur pink parade is made by the Scottish brand, Isolated heroes. They are an inclusive brand offering small sizes all the way up to plus. They also will provide custom sizing upon request if your current size isn’t available. So finger snaps to them for being awesome.
I don’t have time to really write a post today, but I’m proud of these pictures and want to share them. What’s a pus size fashion goddess to do? Compromise. You can’t have it all. So instead of witty banter you’re going to get 3 random facts about me with images of a look I love that has nothing to do with said facts. Deal?
I’m a High School Drop Out
I am a high school drop out. I did get my GED instead. It’s not something I am proud of, but I am proud of how I was able to find my way into college and eventually an ivy league master’s degree. When I think about it, it’s a great reminder that anything is possible with a little hard work and determination.
I Set my House on Fire
I once set my house of fire…. with my underwear. Imagine the moment of glee I experienced when the sexy fireman showed the cause of the blaze to be the charred remains of some of my fancy pants. Sigh. I am not sure why I just remembered this today, but it happened. It is and will forever be one of my best party stories. I mean just think of all the “hot pants” jokes I can incorporate when telling it. And I do. All of them.
I’m a drunk rapper
Get a few drinks in me and I think I’m underground MC champion. I say think, because likely it’s a selection of random words constructed into some gibberish sounds that kind of rhymes. Whatever a hot mess it is, I deliver it with the confidence of a rap legend. I own that stage or rather- dive bar. In my own head I’m amazing and will always be on the look out for someone to give me a beat, so I can spit a few lines, before gesturing a mic drop and awkwardly walking away.
Shop This Look
You can recreate this look using the tie on the Eloquii dress as belt through the cape.
Dress: Eloquii http://bit.ly/2fT2269
Cape: Asos last season, but I like this alternative http://bit.ly/2fyTJZq
Shoes: Jones boot co no longer available, but I like this alternative bit.ly/2eIEwVQ
Sometimes you are given the opportunity to do more than just shine, you’re given the ability to full on neon on sign glow. Today was one of those days. See, I saw this camouflage jacket and I could have been subtle. I could have paired it with a theme tee and jeans. But there on the rack, the little copper stunner spoke to me. It said, “Anna , be bold.”
And I listened. When fashion speaks to me, I keep these ears piqued. I soak in all the free inspiration. And then next thing I new I was digging in my closet for my old faithful blue velvet booties.
The result is a whole lot of look. But, can we take a second to marvel at how awesome that look is? I look like a plus size fly girl and if In Living Color was still a thing I would be shimming my way onto your regular evening programming. 
I feel like often fashion speaks to us and we refuse to listen, because it’s too loud, too bold, too unusual. Because the world tells us that being different and standing out are bad things. Blend, everybody blend.
I decided some many moons ago that I was never going to blend well, so I might as well stick out like a sore thumb and just own it. So here I am metallic, sequined, and lifted on velvet raising one hand high in the air and dropping one booty low dancing it out to the joy that is being the weirdo you are and owning it. And dangit, I look good!
I was in New York just a few days and needed to take photos of my outfits for my look book pretty much as I wore them. However this particular outfit was… problematic. See I had absolutely fallen in love with Good American jeans, so I had a pair of their black denims rush delivered to my office in NYC. Specifically for this shoot. Specifically for this look. Specifically so I could come up with a reason to buy another paid of the pants I loved.
However upon arrival, I was sorely disappointed. The pants that had fit me like a glove in the lighter shade, were like a jig saw puzzle to put on in the new darker color. I literally had to lie down on my bed, suck in for all it was worth and say a long well thought out prayer to sweet baby Jesus to get these jeans on. I actually cut into my finger pulling the zipper up- it was that much of a struggle bus. They were easily two sizes smaller than the pair I had originally purchased… but they were marked the same.
I was in a make it work situation. I did not have anything else planned let alone packed to wear. I had put all my eggs in these jeans. Which obviously was dumb, because here I was watching those eggs drop through the leg holes and make a figurative yolky mess. But, I had to press on. So wearing the world’s tightest pants, I literally wobbled down the street to my office, praying that none of the seams split until after I got the photos I needed.
It bothers that I cant exactly explain just exactly what was so off with the fit. I climbed the stairs to the shoot with little to no problem. Normal walking was hard. Everything felt like I had been made into some gross human sausage that some one was aggressively squeezing so it would pop out of the casing dramatically. But yet to onlookers they looked banging, while internally I felt them mash my precious organs to tiny little bits.
I got up there and I modeled through it. I got the shots. My ass looked fabulous. But while I love this look, I got to be real with you. These jeans sucked. They were terrible. And right after the camera stopped, I raced to rip these off my body to send them back to the hell they came from. And now I sit here thinking about how those Kardasians probably wont give me my money back. How I will probably be out $200 because their fit is inconstant between washes. How I was a sucker and I deserve exactly what I got. I still think the blue 02 wash is amazing, but seriously anything else be very very very wary of. Weep womp.
Outfit details:
