by Glitter | Nov 3, 2016 | Fashion, OOTD
For those of you not familiar with 4th quarter hell, consider yourself lucky. Basically it’s in the later 3 months of the year that all the monsters come out of the closet and wreak havoc on your work, your sanity and your free time. This year I am fighting back armed with calendar “meetings” for yoga and copious amounts of the numbing agent- liquor.
Battle Stress with Comfort
While work is in full attack mode I kind of just want to feel like I am swaddled in a blanket, clutching onto the last bits of my sanity with comfort and warmth. Comfort is how I survive. So naturally I had a moment of sincere zen when I found this cable cutie. It is now my uniform of conference call endurance. My apron of meeting mayhem. My sheath of spreadsheet sorcery. It’s my comfort from the Q4 storm.
The jacket, a generous gift from the team at Eloquii, is equally magical. It just matches everything. I don’t have to think about it. It’s like a chameleon coat, bending it’s aesthetic to the pieces it is paired with. Plus it’s just comfortable. Comfort is key.
So what is it you actually do?
Lots of people ask – what the hell is it you actually do? Well, in short speak, I create the future. In less grand perspective speak- I am a product manager for a software company and I am in charge of re-imagining how brands engage with consumers with content at scale. In short, I spend my days thinking how brands can create better content, deliver it to you when it ismost meaningful, and how that can be meaningful for both you and the brand.
As part of job I work with a lot of amazing companies. It’s actually very likely that you are wearing something from, ate something today made by, or visited in the last month a brand that uses the technology I spend my days dreaming about. As amazing as that sounds it’s also a lot of pressure to make sure everything executes flawlessly- especially during the crazy holiday season. That means late nights at the office and even sometimes falling asleep at my computer. Lets just say this isn’t just a sweater dress, it’s often sweater pajamas.
Some days when the stress is at an all time high, the best thing I have to look forward to is playing dressing up in my closet. And this look always manages to make me happy. It’s my favorite color, its comfortable, and as schlepy as I may feel someone always stops to tell me how good it looks.
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If you want to rock cable and feel just plain fabulous in the most comfortable of all work survival uniforms, the links below will take you to each of the items.
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by Glitter | Nov 1, 2016 | Fashion, How To, OOTD
Wide striped sweater dresses have the tendency to read “I’m in high school and I want to wear a dress, but not really dress, so this striped sweater frock is my happy medium- worn with my rebellious and beat up jean jacket and my black chucks.” While that look is great for weekend exploration, it’s awkward and bizarre for an adult in her early 30s who needs to look super important and inspiring during her next business meeting.
So if the jean jacket and chucks look isn’t appropriate for your office, how do you dress up this collegiate staple? It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3- because people like things in 3s and so do search engines. I really want to start singing school house rock, but does anyone even remember school house rock anymore?
Add a Contrasting Pattern
Add a little sass to those stripes by pairing the dress with a fun patterned scarf. For this look I used a similar colored plaid scarf that I picked up from the dollar spot at Target. The dollar spot is my special fashion magic place. For some reason there is always something special nested in those little wire metal bins, and this scarf was definitely a mega steal.
Bust Out Those Heels
Or in my case wedges, because wedges are less of the foot devil than a stiletto… and more of a sex kitten surprise than a ballet flat. They are the middle ground of business shoes. They manage to capture both sex appeal and foot pain prevention in one sassy leather foot casing. Truthfully speaking, heels elevate the look and add a nice visual dissonance. The key fashion is to create contrast and to make to unexpected things work. A good pair of heels with an athletic striped dress is that little bit of contrast and intrigue that just works.
Rock Rosy Cheeks and Red Lips
Making this look sing really takes only a little bit of extra prep commitment. To show that this is not just another casual striped dress, top the dress with some bright lipstick. Be Bold. The addition of a little painted pucker is what makes this style. It’s like you approached the dress and never saw it as anything else than an adult, business lady, sexy yet work appropriate outfit. The lipstick wasn’t a need- it was a natural reaction to how boss lady fantastic you look.
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Ready to throw away those varsity blues, step away from a where’s waldo costume gone bad, and join the ranks of ladies who rock dem rows like queens? Here’s where you can get the items featured in this look.
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by Glitter | Oct 31, 2016 | Fashion, OOTD
I fell in love with this plus size sweater dress the instant I saw it. Fair Isle, a traditional winter print, mixed with the attitude of a Brazilian carnival. That I can get behind. Watch me as I samba my way to the fire pit for some hot cocoa and a serving of body ody ody.
I paired this fun piece with a funky chain belt and this season’s must have- velvet booties. Of course, I could not resist a little bold lip highlighting the funky plum hues in this printed perfection. I had to. The result is a sassy Monday stunner that definitely crosses off my 3 must haves for a killer outfit- color, quirk, and comfort.
Look for color to brighten up a staple piece
Know your colors, girl. For me those colors are bright as hell with a side of flashy flashy, glossy glossy. Color can bring a piece to life and make it more than just another printed plus size sweater dress. For example, the bright jewel tones of this knitted knockout, flatter nearly every complexion. They brighten the skin visually and add subtle warmth to your glow. Not sure which jewel tones will make your face extra fab? This rundown from Oprah is pretty helpful.
Quirky variations of traditional styles stand out
Traditions are important, but how those traditions evolve and become individual expressed are just as important. As I am a bit of a self proclaimed weirdo, I love celebrating looks that take a twist on the traditional creating a new personal voice. This dress is a great example. Many of the patterned stripes are based off the colorful patterns created by the fair isle knitting technique invented in Scotland many many moons ago. However the color combination is decidedly modern. The result is a sheath that screams modern, while at the same time celebrating centuries old winter fashion staples.
Remember to that comfort is critical
A truly effortless plus size look is just that- effortless. Sure, I love the glam of a tight dress, covered in sequins, and short as hell. But it’s not practical. While I might feel like a sex goddess delivered from the sky, I can’t grocery shop like that. Hell, I can’t do much but look cute and collect numbers like that. So I am a big fan of anything that makes me feel like sensuous minx while at the same time still feeling like everything is effortless. This look is that for me. The heels are comfortable, the dress is soft and hugs my curves without riding up, and the belt adds just enough sparkle. Swoon, on ladies. Swoon on.
Shop this plus size sweater dress look:
Want to rock this look? Here is where I scored these lovely winter ready and oh so comfy pieces
by Glitter | Oct 29, 2016 | Fashion, How To
Look #1: Golden Gal
Looking rich is fun. Looking like a fashion bad ass that’s also rich is better. I like pushing the limits and pairing a bold tight with an other wise black and white outfit. This yellow pair worked perfect because they are a nice visual reference to the gold piping the bib of the dress. Topping this playful power combo with a luxe fur trimmed coat, really does give the impression you are a golden gal.
- White Ruffle Bib Detail Shift Dress http://bit.ly/2eDnetk
- Car Coat with Faux Fur Collar http://bit.ly/2eDp8Kg
- Yellow we love colors tights http://bit.ly/2fcO5ip
- Boots: No longer available, I like this alternative: http://bit.ly/2eIEwVQ
Look #2: Overall Eclectic and Electric
There’s something inspiring about the vim and vigor a little pattern can bring to your step. Put me in a pretty print and instantly their is a spring in my step and and smile on my face. This sassy button down brings to life one of this seasons most pervasive trends- a pinafore dress. Bring the outfit to life by introducing subtle nods to school fays long a go like playful brogues, bobby socks, and few pieces of flair.
- Studio Overall A Line Dress http://bit.ly/2dCR5zb
- Blouse: No Longer available but I like this alternative http://bit.ly/2eDinr3
- Mixed emotions club pin: http://bit.ly/2erwcO3
- Brogues not longer available, but i like these: http://bit.ly/2dFSeev
- Socks: http://bit.ly/2f4Zj9y
Look #3 Vintage Vixen
I love a good vintage floral, something that says “I’m almost your grandmas couch, if your grandma was really cool and into making couches out for awesome pant fabric.” I love pushing limits so it was a no brainer to punch up this ballsy floral with a pop of puckery perfect yellow. The yellow sock s tie the shirt into the look and the red shoes add a clever nod to the subtle crimson tones in the pants.
- Yellow Bow Neck Ruffle Detail Blouse http://bit.ly/2ezrTeJ
- Kady Fit Printed Crepe Pant In Floral http://bit.ly/2f8Gvp4
- Brogues no longer available but I like these http://bit.ly/2ekGXhB
- Socks We Love colors http://bit.ly/2fcO5ip
by Glitter | Oct 25, 2016 | Fashion, Life
If you told me that in my early 30s and wearing a confusing and non-standard sizing of any where from 18-22 on top to 20-26 on bottom that I would be a model, I would have laughed at you right in the face. But here I am. A super pear model for Eloquii’s Viola Fit. The viola fit is built for women with hips 1-2 sizes larger than their waist. Basically clothing designed for us big booty cuties- destroying pant gaps and social norms at the same time.
Our stylist, Tiffani Moore was absolutely lovely and made sure we were in things we felt comfortable in and loved. Which is evidenced by my now personal romantic relationship with this white dress. Also, it should be noted that Tiffani has some sweet sweet jams. This girl has a knack for fancy model dress up playtime mix tapes. Wait it’s 2016- playlists.
I never thought I would be a crazy cat lady (I’m more of a dog woman), but this look nearly converted me. I love the clash of cream and white in one happy combination that just makes me swoon. Also bows, bows all types of bows…..
While wearing this pink dress I kept announcing myself as the plus size Elle Woods and trying to steal one of the office dogs to pose with. As cute as I was, I suppose a large women lumbering at you with greedy eyes is not the way to get a small dog to nuzzle you affectionately in front of a camera. I should have brought chicken. They would have loved me for chicken.
Overall I had some much fun at the shoot and I am so proud to be part of something that is so needed in the plus size fashion world. I’ve often sat an wondered if I would ever find a brand that cuts clothing for my body type or whether I would be forced forever to make it work with a wardrobe made of separates, belts and other camouflaging techniques. I feel like I finally have a brand that understands me and the millions of other pear shaped plus sized girls’ struggle. And their doing something about it in a major way. Blouses? Bodycons? Pants? When has a brand offered more than a few pair of pants in a pear cut? Never before today. Super pears of the world rejoice.
by Glitter | Oct 20, 2016 | Fashion, OOTD
This Jordyn Woods for boo hoo plus size dress spoke to me from the pages of the internet. It screamed buy me. It gave my such strong 90s rocker babe vibes I couldn’t help but grab it and style the perfect plus size velvet look. The truth is with a dress like this, you don’t really need much. Just attitude, and a killer set of boots.
I am really excited about the back of this dress and it’s lacy lacy surprise. My only caveat is that it’s a literal struggle to figure out how to put the dress on as the straps are attached in this weird way that left me a bit confused on how to actually wear it. It looks super fantastic on, but super intimidating on the hanger. It’s like a fashion puzzle.
As for these rock and roll ready boots, I found these stunners at Target. The bright maroon bejeweled velvet heel and fake suede boots are basically magic in a shoe. You know me, if it’s sparkly I generally need it. The royally bedazzled heel is simply bananas. And it they don’t look cheap. They look like I shouldn’t be able to afford them, but shock and awe they’re super affordable.
I was thinking today about how sometimes you don’t need a lot to feel like a goddess. A well cut dress and an amazing set of heels and boom you’re done. I would like to say I had some amazing styling here, but really other than bring some Madonna vibes with some amazing silver necklaces from my archive… I the dress and shoes did most the work.
